Is the Proposal by Swift Inconceivable by Any Individual of Sound Mind - Essay Example

The proposal would have been modest, if he presents some reasonable and practical alternatives to the problems facing the poor, in a way that appeals to the relevant authorities to take some action to alleviate poverty. However, the title is a pure application of understatement as a rhetorical device, considering that it gives alternatives that are radical and akin forcing the authorities to take the necessary action to address the plight of the poor or otherwise engage in the inhumane acts of offering these children for “sale to the persons of quality and fortune through the kingdom”, to slaughter them and ensure “Infant’s flesh will be in season throughout the year” (Swift, 7).  

While addressing the grave issue of poor families, beggars, and the oppressed in the kingdom, he proposes very dubious means of addressing their plight. Swift applies understatement when he says that the children of beggars “either turn thieves for want of work” (Swift, 1). However, it is common knowledge that no individual would turn to steal just for the love of stealing as an occupation. In this statement, he is trying to underplay the magnitude of suffering and lack; that would push street children into stealing, just to get something to eat. He prefers to water down the severity of the problems and challenges that street children and the poor families face, eventually pushing them to engage in stealing, rather opting to present the whole scenario as a simple matter of choice, as opposed to the serious issue of lack of choice.   

Further, Swift refers to his opinion on how the plight of the poor and the less fortunate should be addressed, as “innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual” (Swift, 12). This is a clear application of understatement as a rhetorical device, considering that it is apparent that his proposals and opinions on how to end the suffering of the poor in the kingdom are neither innocent nor effectual. He is proposing a radical method of addressing the plight of the poor through selling their children, using others as breeders, and having the rest slaughtered for meals by the rich, which is, of course, a radical, extreme, and drastic way of alleviating the suffering, which is only applicable as the last of all options. In fact, the proposal by swift is, on its face value, inconceivable by any individual of sound mind. While referring to it as a modest proposal, it is indeed satirical, mocking, and provocative, thus presenting the highest condemnation possible, of the actions of the relevant authorities who have neglected the plight of the poor, denied them opportunities to earn an honest and decent living, and condemned them to a life of unjust suffering.