satricical devices in a modest proposal
...be glutted after Lent, “ and, “ absence of so many good Protestants, “ shows how irony is used to understand the subject of religion. Irony was used in this instance because as most people would see, true religious do-gooders do not treat each others in such fashions by using derogatory terms and using the end of Lent as an excuse for sexual acts. Along with that, it can be ironic because most religious people, according to the Ten Commandments, if appropriately followed, would disagree greatly with the murder of children. Furthermore, Swift used the satirical technique of understatement in order to express the different subjects discussed in the pamphlet. Politically, Swift wants the reader to see more then is at first apparent by using instances such as, “the Irish and pigs and cows, “also, “the children are just an additional grievance,” and,” there cannot be so many under the present distress of the kingdom.” It would seem as if Swift in fact does not want the reader to see eating babies as a solution to the over population, but that there is need for a practical solution which only the English government may supply. By saying the Irish are being treated like pigs and cows is more however showing how the Irish are being treated sub humanly thus calling for a new cause, other then the English enjoying the spoils of the Irish. This is considered understatement in politics because politically Swift wants to shed a new political standing on the reader. Additionally, Swift uses the technique of parody to also explain his overall plan. He uses the technique of parody through the subject of institution. The institution in question is the institution of class. With examples such as, “I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child, well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food….” as well as, “…I could name a country which would be glad to eat up our whole nation without it,” and finally, “It is a melancholy object to those who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads, and cabin-doors crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, ad importuning every passenger for an alms,” it is seen that there is a strong idea of the classes in Irela...