Find at least two examples of understatement in the essay. (This is when the speaker makes a serious problem seem inconsequential). What effect does this technique have on the essay? What purpose do these examples serve?

One example of understatement can be found in the the title..... Swift's proposal is anything but modest.

A second example is Swifts claim that, "After all, I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion as to reject any other proposed by wise men, which shall be found equally innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual". This understatement is easily read as Swift's proposal is in no way innocent, cheap, or easy.