Shock in Swift\'s Modest Proposal

Jonathan Swift's "A Modest proposal" is a satirical work that draws the reader in, defining and describing a social problem of poor families with children they are unable to feed. The surprise is not revealed at the end, but part the way through the work, where the suggestion of cannibalism is made. Swift suggests that a solution which will help alleviate poverty and the strain placed on families to feed growing children and to create a scenario in which poor children can become economically beneficial (Swift, 1729). The idea was to sell children at the age of one year, to provide food for the wealthy. The age of one year was chosen as the cost of feeding a child in the first twelve months was estimated at being very low, and Swift also states he was assured that at the age of one year a child would be "most delicious nourishing and wholesome food" (Swift, 1729).

The suggestion is a shock; the problem addressed is very real, it is true that there were many people living in poverty who have a large number of children. The introduction does not indicate what the shocking solution would be, but even after it is revealed, the tone of the article remains the same and there is the application of logic to the suggestion, demonstrating how and why it is a good idea and may be seen as providing a solution to a problem.

The suggestion is not presented as a general solution; the argument becomes persuasive in the way logic is applied to the issue. The cost of raising the child is considered, and the time taken until they will be able to create an economic return is used to show that children are uneconomic. During their first year of life it is argued their cost is low, and as such they may be supported during that period (Swift, 1729). Indeed, the more they feed and the fatter they get, the greater the potential benefit if they are used for food, indicating that they will provide more meat (Swift, 1729). The use of babies in this way will ensure that they are creating economic value, their bodies will fetch a price, and there will not be the need to feed the children used in this way. Swift argues that the cost of raising the child would be approximately 2 shillings, including rags, but that 10 shillings may be gained for a good carcass (Swift, 1729). It is even suggested that the skin may be used for gloves or boots, which would increase the value of the caucus (Swift, 1729).

The viability of the argument is demonstrated with some arithmetic, assessing the number of children that are born each year, and how many of those will be born to families that cannot afford to raise them. A deduction is made to ensure that breeding can continue.

Swift appears to look at some alternatives, which includes using older children between 12 and 14 years in the same way, but this is dismissed as the flesh of the male children is reported as being tough, and the female children would be near to breeding age (Swift, 1729). The arguments are also supported with further anecdotal evidences from people regarding other countries.

Overall, there is a logical argument and many of the elements required for a persuasive argument are present; there is an outlining of the problem, with the appearance of sufficient detail to support the final proposed solution (Diehl, 2012). The argument is presented in an objective manner, with the use of some facts and figures, as well as supporting evidence, and consideration of alternatives.