What was the purpose of Jonathan Swift's satirical piece "A Modest Proposal"? Explicitly state what Swift is proposing and whose minds he tries to influence. Include at least 1 quote from, "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift.
The purpose of Jonathan Swift's satirical piece "A Modest Proposal" is to critique and mock the indifference of the English ruling class towards the impoverished Irish during the 18th century. Swift proposes that Ireland's economic and social issues be resolved by the government encouraging the poor Irish to sell their children as food to the wealthy English elites. This grotesque suggestion aims to shock and provoke a response from the readers, highlighting the absurdity of the prevailing socio-economic conditions.
The minds that Swift tries to influence are the English ruling class as well as the general public, in order to expose their apathy towards the suffering of the Irish and prompt a change in their attitudes and policies.
One quote from "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is:
"I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child, well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout."
This quote exemplifies the shocking and satirical nature of Swift's proposal, as it presents the notion of consuming children with absurdly detailed descriptions of different ways to prepare them as food.