Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." What is Swift's purpose in listing other ways to solve
the issue of poverty?
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 ...
O to show that his plan to sell children is the most
reasonable plan that has been put forth
O to show that society is already asking too much of
wealthy individuals
to show that real reform is possible with reasonable
sacrifice
O to show that there are many other people who are
trying to bring about reform