A Modest Proposal by Dr. Jonathon Swift concerns the problem of poverty in Ireland. Dr. Swift suggests that the rich should eat children, as it is beneficial. He says that people will get more food this way, and will also need to spend less money.
This is wicked and cruel. Even if it is beneficial, humankind should never stoop so low as to eating their own kind! In his own writing, Dr. Swift says that he does not want to do this himself. If he himself does not want to follow up on his own idea, why should others? Also, the audience must take into account the author’s social status. If he is part of the upper class, then he would just be saying all this just to benefit his own class.
If the Irish eat all the children, they would be bringing down destruction on themselves. For example, if all of the young children were eaten, there would be no more young people to grow up and start a new generation, which, over time, means the extinction of the Irish.
Because of moral principles and possible extinction, Dr. Johnathon Swift’s “modest” proposal will not bring any long-lasting positive effects, and should not be attempted.