The Modest Proposal

Betty Morrill

Prof Glassford

English 151

14 October 2016

A Modest Proposal

     The poor people of Ireland had a very hard time in the 1700’s. the author of this book is Jonathan Swift, he also wrote Gulliver’s Travels. There is also a speaker telling the essay whose name is not mentioned. It is addressed as the great suffering that the Irish endured under the British rule. Many of the poor children left their home land, so not to be a burden to their parents or country.

     In the streets beggars were in doorways, streets, and pretty much everywhere. Most of these beggars were women with children. Most of these women were unable to work, because they had to take care of the little ones. Most of these children remain poor ever after they have grown. The sad part is, they have become thieves, or leave their country. They go to other countries to either fight or sell themselves.

     The speaker tells us the reader, what awful things some of these women had to do to somewhat survive. When they would have a baby she would nurse the child till a year old. With hardly any other nourishments. Then they sold their child for maybe 2 shillings or scraps for

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 which she would normally beg for. Needing the little bit of food for her other children, it doesn’t give them many options.

            The infant mainly boys, some girls, are sold to the butcher for a small price or scraps. A lot of the girls are not sold, for one day they can possibly breeders. This will also keep abortion down, or women killing their infant. “The number of souls in this kingdom being usually reckoned one million and a half, of these I calculate there may be about 200,000 couple whose wives are breeders.” (Jonathan Swift, paragraph 6). About 120,00 are born to breeders each year. In this poor economy how can these children be provided for. Children before twelve years old can barely find work, mostly twelve and over can usually find something and bring in a little more pounds or sterling.

     A child who is well nourished, healthy at the time of a year old, is considered a delicious food.  It can be roasted, stewed, baked or broiled, and can be served in pubs, restaurant’s or a ragout. About 20,000 of the 120,000 born are for breeding. Most children born to breeders are born approximately 12 pounds at birth, and when they are nourished good, they now weigh about 28 pounds. This is considered a good meal. It can make two nice dishes for a family and friends, or multiple meals for the family alone. During the time of pregnancy for the women that are married, and breeders, the husband treats them a lot better when not pregnant, in fear of a miscarriage. So they may bring the fattest child to the market.

     The speaker goes on to tell us, that other than children, which are now the called carcasses. “Carcasses in our exportation of barreled beef, the propagation of pig swine, and improvement in the art of making good bacon.” (Jonathan Swift paragraph 27)

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     For a well grown fat child, roasted whole, taste no comparison to a swing. In other parts of the country, they may sell for less. Many customers pay higher prices, when carcasses are being used for weddings, christenings, the mayors feast and other high government entertainment. In this time many babies are born right after March. During and before March, is considered lent for many Roman Catholics, so the markets are filled with fish. There is a big calling for the biggest year old child after this time. With a new dish being offered to all the fine gentlemen of the kingdom with fine tastes. While the less fortunate will sell anything to pay the landlords. (tax people).