<em>A Modest Proposal was written by Jonathan Swift in 1729</em>, it is a satirical essay that talks about the overpopulation Ireland was facing exposed by a humorous tone, to create awareness to the problem.
Irony is a literary device in which the intended meaning is different from the words used, it often uses sarcasm. In dramatic irony the audience knows the mistake the character is making long before the character realizes it.
<em>One example of irony in the essay is the ridiculous suggestion of eating babies. The readers know what bad idea it is, but the character doesn't know, creating dramatic irony. </em>
<em>And butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs.</em>
Anaphora is the repetition of words at the beginning of successive sentences to create an impact, it is often used in political speeches and music. <em>Jonathan Swift uses anaphora to emphasize a change of tone making a serious proposal for readers. </em>
<em>Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound. Of using neither clothes, nor household furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture. Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury. Of curing the expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our women. Of introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance. Of learning to love our country, wherein we differ even from Laplanders, and the inhabitants of Topinamboo. Of quitting our animosities and factions, nor acting any longer like the Jews, who were murdering one another at the very moment their city was taken. Of being a little cautious not to sell our country and consciences for nothing. Of teaching landlords to have at least one degree of mercy towards their tenants.</em>
