ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the classical form of the essay; the ethical proof; the use of the two major rhetorical devices, diminution and refining; and the less frequently used devices. Jonathan Swift's best and most popular ironical essay, "A Modest Proposal," reveals Swift at once as master ironist and master classical rhetorician. The narration contains the statement of the proposal, with some further preparation for the proof. A revolutionary new proposal is insinuated in a traditional, respected form. The steady reiteration of man-to-animal diminution tends to establish it in the reader's consciousness as a norm, and thus the rhetorical device becomes one of the means of establishing the ironic norm of the essay. The rhetorical device is, however, usually meant to name an extended set piece of description. "A Modest Proposal" is a brilliant example of the use of non-argumentative devices of rhetorical persuasion.
