A Modest Proposal Irony

Dr. Jonathan Swift’s use of irony, hyperbole, and invective causes the piece “A Modest Proposal” to succeed. The title is an example of irony because this piece is not really modest at all. The proposal to use children as a food source is outrageous. Another example of irony in the piece is,”I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for the landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.” The wealthy landlords have already crushed the poor’s dreams, so could the be best for the children. Also, Swift uses the literary device hyperbole throughout the proposal. For instance, when he writes,”I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing hot from