The tone employed is very particular, being political on one hand, and humoristic on the other. The tone is one of the elements Swift practices in his essay that amplifies the satire. When we first read “A Modest Proposal”, we briefly stand back and ask ourselves if this document is true. For example, if we were to read this essay not knowing who the author is, we would probably wonder which deranged human being could have written something this cruel. However, once we recognize Swift as the author, we soon understand this essay is mocking Ireland’s people. Swift creates this tone by using words that build a sense of honesty between the reader and him.
For instance, Swift humbly proposes his own thoughts (1114), where, in this case, the word “humbly” gives the reader a protective feeling when evaluating his proposal. Nevertheless, Swift’s humble thoughts are not enough to convince even the poorest Irishman or woman. Another aspect of the tone that lures the reader in believing this ridiculous suggestion is how Swift constantly justifies his ideas. The facts and reasons that strengthen his plan are used as pillars in the satirical tone. Swift mentions six true, yet irrational reasons on why his proposal could help Ireland. For examples, he claims that “it would greatly lessen the number of Papists” and that “the poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own” (1116-1117). Swift also brings into play extremely foolish facts about the breeders who will save money on raising children (1117). Everything Swift says in this essay seems and, in fact, is true, but the idea he proposes is much too insane. Although the tone is serious, the remarks made are awfully irrational and this sincerity is what emphasizes the satire. However, in some instances, not even the serious tone can cover Swift’s satirical point of view.
Swift’s essay is flourished with illogical reasons on why the Irish should eat their children. One passage even explains how to eat them: “a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled” (1114-1115). Even though the whole essay sounds factual, this part of the essay is clearly too humoristic to be taken seriously. A little further in the essay, Swift no longer identifies his subjects as “children”, he now labels them as “food” (1115). This twist in names is another way for Swift to mock not only the poor men and women living in this country, but also their children, who, if they are lucky, will live to be older, because if we look into “A Modest Proposal”, we understand that only twenty thousand children out of one hundred and twenty thousand will remain alive for future breeding (1115). In other words one hundred thousand children would be sold as food, but as Swift sincerely declares he cannot be part of this proposal, because he has no children to spare, and his wife is past childbearing (1119). This very last sentence at the end of the essay is the final dash of satire we feel when reading, however it is the most powerful, since throughout his proposal, Swift had no intention in joining this movement.
When we look deeper in this essay’s satire we recognize that Swift is mocking Ireland’s horrific conditions. Swift’s satire is created by the sincerity in his tone and humor in his reasoning. Even though a thorough reading of this proposal can push some readers in believing in such monstrosities, it is only Swift’s unique satire that tricks gullible minds.
Works Cited
The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 7th Edition. 2001; New York:
W.W. Norton & Company.
Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus. Deluxe Edition. 2004; U.S.A.: Nichols.
Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus (2004) p.547