Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." This I freely own, and 'twas indeed one principal
design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will
observe, that I calculate my remedy for this one
individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that
ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth.
Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of
taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using
neither cloaths, nor houshold furniture, except what is
of our own growth and manufacture: Of utterly
rejecting the materials and instruments that promote
foreign luxury ...
What is Swift's purpose in listing other ways to solve
the issue of poverty?
to show that his plan to sell children is the most
reasonable plan that has been put forth
to show that society is already asking too much of
wealthy individuals
to show that real reform is possible with reasonable
sacrifice
to show that there are many other people who are
trying to bring about reform