Question

Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich. I have no children, by which I can propose to get a single penny; the youngest being nine years old, and my wife past child-bearing. Which statement best describes how irony is used in this excerpt? Swift states that he is speaking from “the sincerity in [his] heart.” Swift states that he has an interest in “the publick good of [his] country.” Swift states that the youngest of his children is “nine years old.” Swift states that his “wife is past child-bearing” age.

Answer 1

Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flea the carcass; the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen.

The false premise in this excerpt is that
people would be willing to use the skin of children to make clothing

In "A Modest Proposal," why does Swift intentionally use false premises as a basis for his arguments?
to signal that he is actually writing a satire

Answer 2

The statement which best describes how irony is used in the above excerpt is:

Swift states that he has an interest in “the publick good of [his] country.” 

According to Swift, he has "not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work." An irony is a statement which has the meaning opposite to what is said literally. Through “A Modest Proposal” Swift wants to convey his thoughts on the issue that has been plaguing the country. He speaks about the poverty which has plagued the country. He rages on the people who in spite of reducing poverty has given their share in increasing it. He adds that the reason for poverty in Ireland is because of such greedy people.