Answer:
In Jonathan Swift's essay "A Modest Proposal," he uses a satirical approach to criticize the British government's treatment of the Irish people during a time of economic hardship. While Swift's tone is often ironic and exaggerated, he does make some veiled appeals toward sympathy for the Irish and offers some legitimate suggestions for alleviating their predicament.
One example of Swift's appeal toward sympathy for the Irish can be seen in his description of their suffering. He writes, "I can think of no one objection that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it should be urged that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom. This I freely own, and 'twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will observe that I calculate my remedy for this one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth." Here, Swift is using exaggeration to highlight the dire situation facing the Irish people and to call attention to the urgent need for a solution.
Swift also offers some legitimate suggestions for improving the situation in Ireland, such as encouraging the growth of industry and trade, promoting education and skill development, and encouraging the use of Irish products over imported goods. He writes, "I can think of no other expedient to save this nation than that which the Governor of California proposes to his subjects, that they eat up the vermin which infest their country. In his favor, I take the liberty to add one more proposal, which is, that, in order to reduce the number of Catholics, all Papists should be put to death, which would be effectual to many purposes, as well as ours." While the suggestion of cannibalism is obviously not a serious proposal, Swift's other suggestions for economic and educational development do show his concern for the well-being of the Irish people.
One way to recognize Swift's seriousness in his appeals toward sympathy for the Irish is to look for moments where he drops his ironic and exaggerated tone. For example, when he writes, "I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion as to reject any offer proposed by wise men, which shall be found equally innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual," he is demonstrating a willingness to consider other solutions beyond his own satirical proposal. Additionally, when he acknowledges that his proposal may be considered "cruel, immoral, and impolitic," he is indicating that he is aware of the seriousness of the situation and the need for a genuine solution.
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