Quiroga 1

Mateo Quiroga
Ms. Thompson
AP Language, Block 2, Skinny A
15 May 2015
A Modest Proposal Publish Ready

In A Modest Proposal, Jonathan Swift employs several rhetorical strategies,

alongside his ironic persona, to deliver a proposal to the landlords of the
commonwealth with a strong conviction. Through his strategies, the proposal seems
plausible and reasonable; even though it is wicked and highly immoral.
The first component of the proposal centers on his usage of logos, or his
logical appeal. Swift constructs his argument with logic to influence the reader to
believe in his cause. His first logical appealing statement is found in paragraph two,
when he remarks that his proposal is aimed to mak[e] these children sound and
useful members. The reader would agree with Swift in composing a method to
make these kids useful because it is logical for society to want every member to
contribute. The second example is evident in paragraph five, when Swift discusses
the logic of placing kids to better use to avoid costly abortions. Lastly, Swifts third
examples of logos in the first section of the proposal is seen in paragraph four,
when Swift states that they ought to contribute to society, by contributing to the
feeding. This appeals to the readers logical, as it is logical for society to put
useless people to work.
In his argument, Swift, nonetheless, remains ironic throughout. His first
example of irony is when he states these children would be crafted to be sound
and useful members of society. This is ironic because after the consumption of the

Quiroga 2
children, the children would no longer be useful members of society, but simply a
past meal. Lastly, his ironic persona is evident in his statement that he solely wishes
to provide for the beggars by giving them a better alternative that would save them
money and generate profits.
To conclude, Swift utilizes pathos in his argument by invoking emotions
among the readers. The first example of such is seen in the first sentence when he
states it is melacho[lic] to see beggars on the streets with rag-wearing children.
Additionally, Swift invokes emotion in paragraph five, when Swift tries to invoke pity
among the readers by asking them to help avoid the abortions that lead to shame,
tears, and pity.
Rhetorical devices helped Swift craft a proposal that spark approval within
the readers. His usage of logos, irony, and pathos lead the reader to believe in his
satirical wicked proposal of using children as livestock. The effect after reading the
first few paragraphs in letting the reader feeling emotional, but approving of his
plan, as the readers end up believing in the logical aspect of the proposal. They
believe that it would provide more revenue and allow the children to serve a mere
meaningful purpose in life.