What Is One Way That "a Modest Proposal" Is Ironic?

A Modest Proposal is ironic in that Swift proposes an outrageous solution to address the problem of poverty in Ireland, but his proposal is actually a scathing critique of the government's failure to address the issue.

Explanation:

A Modest Proposal, written by Jonathan Swift in 1729, is a satirical essay in which the author proposes a shocking solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland. One way that the essay is ironic is that Swift presents his proposal in a deadpan, serious tone, making it difficult for readers to discern whether he is serious or not. The essay is also ironic in that Swift's proposal, which involves selling and eating Irish children, is presented as a logical solution to a social problem. By using irony, Swift is able to criticize the British government's policies towards Ireland, and to expose the hypocrisy of those who claim to care about the poor.

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