modest proposal as a satirical text

Modest Proposal is a satirical text, with full of satirical devices. The writer uses satire to show and criticize the problems in society with verbal irony. In this case, the writer talks about the evilness of the English rich and the hopeless situation that Irish’s poor people in. Even the title is sarcastic because the writer's proposal is not a modest one. The proposal that suggests eating the children of Irish labor class is a sarcastic proposal, more like criticizing the cruel attitude of the rich landlords, English colonizers. The writer uses sarcasm to illustrate the predatory approach of the upper classes. The idea that babies could serve as a meal is ironic. The writer's suggestion about the way children can be cooked, and mentioning that roasting them like pigs is juxtaposition, the writer compares babies with animals. The women are mentioned as breeders and this is also a juxtaposition with animals. Writer use hyperbole when he said ”A year old, a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food”. With dehumanizing humans, satire is created. There are lots of satirical devices that help text to be more ironic and sarcastic, and with the help of these elements, texts influence the reader effectively.