Genre—that is, the different categories that a piece of literature can be placed in based on shared stylistic and thematic characteristics—is an important aspect to consider when looking at any text. In Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” this notion is especially true. By using the genre of satire as the backbone of his social commentary, Swift ultimately prompts his audience to look critically at the sociopolitical culture of Ireland during the eighteenth century.

At its core, the genre of satire—especially as Swift utilizes it—is rooted in exaggeration. In the case of “A Modest Proposal,” this exaggeration comes to life in Swift’s proposed solution to the increasing number of beggars throughout Ireland, which is to combat both hunger and poverty by selling the young children of poor families as food.

There is no doubt that this outrageous idea evokes feelings of shock and confusion, especially given that the essay begins with a very sensible introduction. In a logical tone, Swift explains that the growing number of impoverished children in Ireland serves as an additional grievance to the “present deplorable state of the kingdom,” a statement that is both rational and understandable. It is surprising, then, that Swift proposes such an outrageous solution to this problem.

That being said, it is because of this shocking proposal that the essay has amused audiences to this day. By positioning his arguments on such a shocking claim, Swift situates his writing in the genre of satire, shaping how his readers are forced to approach the literal and metaphorical meaning of his writing.

To achieve the true impact of the satire genre, Swift employs an overwhelmingly methodical and thoughtful tone when describing his argument; he needs the audience to believe that he is entirely serious in order for them to understand the absurdity of his argument and the commentary it makes. To achieve this specific tone and sincerity, Swift relies heavily on the rhetorical appeals of pathos, ethos, and logos.

Pathos is Swift’s way of appealing to his audience’s emotions. He does so by continuously weaving in descriptions of the unfortunate state of Ireland, as well as how this situation places hardship on the people. When directing his frustration at those who might disagree with him, Swift begs them to consider the melancholy and despair that people—especially parents—feel when they cannot properly support themselves or their families:

Ask the parents of these mortals, whether they would not at this day think it a great happiness to have been sold for food at a year old…and thereby have avoided such a perpetual scene of misfortunes…and the most inevitable prospect of entailing the like, or greater miseries, upon their breed forever.

In this way, Swift attempts to gain his audience’s support through their emotional connection and sympathy for the situation at hand, a rhetorical tactic that works to underscore the persuasiveness of his argument.

In a similar vein, Swift also utilizes the rhetorical appeals of logos and ethos, often employing the two in tandem. For instance, Swift incorporates many mentions of outside sources that confirm the validity of his proposal. In making allusions to a “very knowing American acquaintance” and a “very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem,” Swift hints that other people have shown support for his proposal, thus underlining his own credibility and the logical grounds of his argument.

Likewise, Swift also includes a number of calculations at the beginning of his essay. This quantitative data appeals to his audience’s logical understanding of the proposal, and thus, encourages them to understand where Swift is coming from.

Finally, Swift’s repeated claims of sincerity—best seen in the concluding paragraph regarding his lack of young children and a child-bearing wife—serve as a final attempt to appear removed from any personal ties to his argument, thus emphasizing his credibility. After all, Swift assures his readers that he simply “fell upon this proposal,” rather than conspiring to use it for personal gain.

Overall, when considering how “A Modest Proposal” utilizes the appeals of pathos, ethos, and logos, it becomes apparent how much effort Swift put into writing a persuasive and convincing essay, which is especially interesting considering the satirical nature of the essay’s actual content. In this sense, the dichotomy between Swift’s hyperbolic proposal and his serious tone succeeds in making a mockery of the overarching sociopolitical atmosphere that inspired Swift to write this essay in the first place.

The unempathetic attitudes of the wealthy toward the poor, the corruption of landlords, politicians, and elite society members, and the inability of Ireland’s government to provide any reasonable solution are all issues Swift criticizes in his satirical—or modest—proposal. In doing so, he subsequently prompts his audience to reevaluate their outlook on the social problems of the time.