Use Of Satire In The Modest Proposal By Jonathan Swift

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In “the Modest Proposal,” Dr. Jonathan Swift uses mockery as an element of satire to describe his plan to put all the useless kids of Ireland to good use, by raising them as food for wealthy citizens. This is much like the artist Jaron and the Long Road Home who ridicules his ex- girlfriend in the song “Pray for You” in a mocking manner. The two works also mock religion. Although they have both have this in common, there is a distinctive difference in the two: “the Modest Proposal” is dark and horrific, while “Pray for You” is light and humorous.
Swift uses satire throughout his passage, using mockery on some occasions. Here Swift mocks and ridicules Americans, suggesting that they are barbaric: “I am assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London; that a young healthy child, well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food; whether stewed, roasted, baked or boiled, and I make no doubt, that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or ragout.” (Swift 2) Jaron does something similar in his song when ridiculing his ex-girlfriend, whom he really seems to hate: “I pray your brakes go out at 110”/ “I pray all your dreams never come true.” He’s wishing bad things upon her, while mocking religion, all in a humorous manner. Swift …show more content…

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