A Modest Proposal

Jonathan Swift’s classic essay A Modest Proposal is one of the most iconic essays ever written and is a perfect example of hyperbole and satire.

The Juvenalian satirical essay suggests that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to rich gentlemen and ladies. This satirical hyperbole mocked heartless attitudes towards the poor, who were predominantly Irish Catholic as well as British policy towards the Irish in general.