ON THE PRETENSE THEORY OF IRONY IN JONATHAN SWIFT’S “A MODEST PROPOSAL”

Abstract

The present paper is an attempt to analyze “A Modest Proposal” by J. Swift in the light of the Pretense Theory of Irony suggested by H. P. Grice. In his pamphlet Swift uses irony and satire to raise alarming problems concerning the low class people in Ireland in the 18th century and the indifference of British political system. The paper is aimed at analyzing what kind of means and techniques the author applies in reaching his goal. The Pretense Theory of Irony perfectly describes why Swift turns to the use of irony to raise some neglected problems of the time.