A Modest Proposal and Other Satires

List the ways in which the proposal is presented that make it appear rational

A Modest Proposal

Asked by
Last updated by judy t #197809
Answers 1
Add Yours

He uses the format of a logical argument by proposing a problem and then giving a solution to the problem.  He lists specifics (have the babies drink mother's milk for a certain number of years for example), and he then makes the situation seem perfectly reasonable by using a kind of syllogistic logic.  He has false premises for his argument, but even with those false premises, he seems to make perfect sense.  Because of this use of a syllogism, the satire is even more harsh and bitter.;