A Modest Proposal — Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift
A brief introduction
Swift adopts the voice of a supposedly practical reformer to expose the cruelty of treating people as economic problems. This deliberately shocking satirical essay rewards careful reading: its outrageous proposal is an attack on inhumanity, not a sincere recommendation.
Why read it today?
Explore satire, human dignity, critical thinking through the choices, conflicts and relationships in this classic. Use the question below as a starting point for your own reading.
Ideas to reflect on
Satire · Human dignity · Critical thinking
How does exaggeration expose an attitude we might otherwise overlook?
Reading guidance
Older teenagers with context and adults; disturbing satire involving children.
Read the book
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