Jonathan Swift writes a disturbing, yet valid point of the condition in Ireland during the 18th century. Titled, "A Modest Proposal" Swift portrays his opinion on how the chaotic life of Ireland should be handled in order stabilize the society. The point Swift tries to make is a solid view of life, and it forces the reader to think of a less distressing way to handle the social order. Swift begins his case with: "It is a melancholy object to those who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads, and cabin doors crowded with beggars of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, and importuning every passenger for an alms." Swift puts the reader directly in the middle of the situation, pulling one's attention to the conditions in which an average person lives. Doing so, one becomes engulfed with the situation giving him/her an instant opinion of the scheme that follows. The proposal claims that baring children as a means of food and clothing may be necessary for the plethora of citizens cluttering the land. Though Swift's idea is radical, it gives the reader a vivid view of the life and challenges one to "walk in another's shoes." In turn, it causes the reader to compile his/her own idea on the unfortunate situation. Closing the argument, Swift makes a political statement claiming his views to be radical. No other opinions have been presented, making his opinion seem rational in comparison to the ideas of the withstanding government.
