Irony in A Modest Proposal

Irony Examples in A Modest Proposal:

A Modest Proposal by Dr. Jonathan Swift

"humbly propose..." See in text (A Modest Proposal by Dr. Jonathan Swift)

Prior to proposing his solution, Swift does two things with this line. As the projector, he is sincerely hoping no one will object to his proposal. However, Swift is also clearly being ironic, because he knows that everyone will object. Perhaps the most powerfully ironic aspect of this essay is how this proposal is anything but modest.

Wesley, Owl Eyes Editor

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