The paper will delve into the work of Jonathan Swift and will explore at length a major theme found in that work. In addition to explaining the major theme of the work, I will also explain how the theme impacts the work and relates to enlightenment thinking. Jonathan Swift published the essay in the year 1729. This was in the middle of the enlightenment period. During the enlightenment period, literature saw the rise of the novel as a genre and dry wit, sarcasm and satire became popular forms of political, social and religious criticism.
Jonathan Swift’s Essay, entitled A Modest Proposal for preventing the children of poor people in Ireland from being a burden to their parents or country and for making them beneficial to the public focuses on the ills that befell the society. The author uses satire to highlight the issues in the society and he proposes a radical solution. The thesis of …show more content…
When it comes to the second them of prejudice, according to Michael Cummings “At the time of the publication of "A Modest Proposal," many British Protestants disdained Roman Catholics--especially Irish Catholics--and enacted laws limiting their ability to thrive and prosper” (par.21).
Lastly, in as far as the third theme of Irish inaction is concerned, according to Michael Cummings “Swift's satirical language also chides the Irish themselves for not acting with firm resolve to improve their lot” (par.22). The implication of the above statement is that the Irish citizens appeared to be passive participants and in a way and had over time become helpless. Therefore, the author felt the need to chide them so that firm action can be taken against their
Jonathan Swift’s Essay, entitled A Modest Proposal for preventing the children of poor people in Ireland from being a burden to their parents or country and for making them beneficial to the public focuses on the ills that befell the society. The author uses satire to highlight the issues in the society and he proposes a radical solution. The thesis of …show more content…
When it comes to the second them of prejudice, according to Michael Cummings “At the time of the publication of "A Modest Proposal," many British Protestants disdained Roman Catholics--especially Irish Catholics--and enacted laws limiting their ability to thrive and prosper” (par.21).
Lastly, in as far as the third theme of Irish inaction is concerned, according to Michael Cummings “Swift's satirical language also chides the Irish themselves for not acting with firm resolve to improve their lot” (par.22). The implication of the above statement is that the Irish citizens appeared to be passive participants and in a way and had over time become helpless. Therefore, the author felt the need to chide them so that firm action can be taken against their