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A Modest Proposal Figurative Language

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Johnathan Swift, an Irish author, writes to poverty stricken people in Ireland about methods they care pursue to relieve the burden of their children in their financial state. Swift aims to assist poor people in Ireland with finding a solution to poverty. In his cynical argument Swift carefully structures his argument, provides rational reasons to support his argument, utilizes figurative language, and cautiously organizes his proposal to create a sense of trustworthiness between the audience to create a satirical piece in order to deliver his solution to prevent poverty in Ireland. The structure of Swift's proposal harbors great significance in the effectiveness of the argument. Swift eases his audience into his ideas by first illustrating the situation for readers. When Swift allows the reader to visualize the terrible conditions in …show more content…

Swift titles his piece A Modest Proposal, but truly his proposal is extreme, and ridiculous. Swift reinstates his point of irony by stating "I shall therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection". This is one of Swift's main examples of figurative language because Swift positions the claim before proposing his solution. Swift genuinely desires for people to accept his solution. But ironically Swift is aware of the absurdity of his argument, therefore knowing it would receive many objections. Swift also includes multiple metaphors in his writing. The English Protestants treated the Irish like animals and Swift makes this comparison when he cites "20,000 may be reserved for breed", Swift refers to the children as if they are animals. Further into the text Swift is still comparing the Irish to animals, stating " Men would become as fond of their wives during the time of their pregnancy as they are now of their mares in foal". Within this entire piece Swift compares the Irish to cows, horses, pigs, and

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