Whom or What Is Swift Criticizing In His Satire?

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So, who is being criticized in Jonathan Swift’s Satire? Swift uses the satire "A Modest Proposal" to criticize the government of Britain and affluent people for neglecting underprivileged individuals in Ireland.

The author feels that poverty-stricken people such as street children, poor children and parents, and other disadvantaged individuals from the Irish Population beg on the street despite being in their own country. He highlights that the government and the private sector can do something to address poverty and its impacts.

How the Author Criticizes the Government

It is common to see authors using their written accounts to illustrate the themes related to social ills and politics. In Swift’s works, the government and the rich are blamed for failing to take care of impoverished people. In most countries, the gap between the poor and wealthy classes continues to widen due to higher unemployment, poor government policies, corruption, income disparity, education differentials, tax hikes, and lack of enough resources for development and economic activities.

For instance, governments that keep changing their policies create an unstable environment for investments and business projects. Due to reduced investments, employment opportunities lessen, and so is the productive workforce. The government’s negligence and failure to respond to such social problems exacerbate the situation, increasing people’s vulnerability to exploitation, inability to afford basic items, and poor quality of life.

Stylistic and Literary Devices Used by the Author

Irony: Swift uses Irony to create a clear picture of people’s sufferings. Although it is paradoxical in nature, Irony relays meanings that contradict real ones. This device is intended to underscore the absurdities and injustices affecting society.

In the satire, the author ironically suggests that the impoverished Irish might alleviate their economic grapples by selling their infants to the rich for consumption. The government system is criticized for being unfair to the poor, while affluent individuals have heartless attitudes towards the poor.

Exaggeration: The satirist also uses exaggeration to make and relay his claims clearly. So, what does Swift claim is the solution to overpopulation? The answer is selling babies to the rich. By recommending selling Irish children to address overpopulation and economic issues, the author demonstrates that British policies are highly vicious and require immediate attention.

The government’s inaction makes matters worse. By exaggerating the situation, Swift captures the attention of his audience, showing a bigger picture of the Irish people’s sufferings. Appealing to the reader’s emotions is meant to call for the development and implementation of genuine, compassionate solutions.

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