Quote 61
[…] and therefore, whoever could find out a fair, cheap, and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the commonwealth would deserve so well of the public as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation. (2)
Swift is mocking the British approach to public policy, which emphasizes economy first. Absolutely everything has to serve a purpose.
Quote 62
As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years upon this imports subject and maturely weighted the several schemes of other projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in their computations. (4)
This is the cue for the narrator to start throwing out wild estimates of the number of people in Ireland.
Quote 63
The question therefore is how this number shall be reared and provided for, which, as I have already said, under the present state of affairs is utterly impossible by the methods hitherto proposed. (7)
So far, the narrator hasn't actually stated which methods have failed. There's a lot of political posturing going on, which Swift knows is essential for any kind of political tract—satirical or not.
Quote 64
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for the landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title for the children. (12)
Swift hated the idea of political greed. Many of his political arguments were actually moral ones, arguing for charity toward the Irish.
Quote 65
Sixthly, this would be a great inducement to marriage, which all wise nations have either encouraged by rewards or enforced by laws and penalties. (25)
In Swift's dystopian Ireland, even marriage is viewed as a means of producing goods for sale. Chilling.
Quote 66
Therefore, let no man talk to me of other expedients: […] of being a little cautious not to sell our country and consciences for nothing. (28)
Swift not only provides his own (true) suggestions for improving Ireland, but scolds political mercenaries without principles.
Quote 67
But as to myself, having been wearied out for many years with offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal, which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real. (30)
Swift isn't just upset by political greed. He wants to start a discussion about solutions.
Quote 68
After all, I am not so violently bent upon my own opinion as to reject any offer, proposed by wise men, which shall be found equally innocent, cheap, easy, and effectual. (31)
In other words, wise men aren't so easy to come by.
Quote 69
But before something of that kind shall be advanced in contradiction of that scheme, and offering a better, I desire the author or authors will be pleased maturely to consider two points. (31)
If there's anything Swift liked, it was a good political argument. He heads his opponents off at the pass by anticipating their counterpoints.
Quote 70
I desire those politicians who dislike my overture, and perhaps be so bold to attempt an answer, that they will first ask the parents of these mortals. (34)
Swift loved to be one step ahead at all times. He wrote Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift, a poem anticipating public reaction to his death, in 1739.
Quote 71
For we [...] neither build houses (I mean in the country) nor cultivate land. (7)
Although the narrator alludes to having a privileged background in the first paragraph, his use of the word "we" firmly places him as a poor Irish tenant.
Quote 72
That the remaining hundred thousand may at a year old be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune through the kingdom. (11)
Being able to buy a child is one more way that the wealthy consolidate power.
Quote 73
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for the landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children. (12)
The narrator implies that the landlords already have ownership over the children, by merit of their wealth.
Quote 74
He said that, many gentlemen of this kingdom having of late destroyed their deer, he concluded that the want of venison might be well supplied by the bodies of young lads and maidens (17)
Deer were a precious commodity in 18th-century Ireland. If you were eating venison for dinner, you were probably doing pretty well for yourself.
Quote 75
[…] and that in his time the body of a plump girl of fifteen, who was crucified for an attempt to poison the emperor, was sold to his Imperial Majesty's Prime Minister of State and other great Mandarins of the court, in joints from the gibbet (18)
Swift lifted this gory little story from George Psalmanazar, a French explorer whose accounts were later exposed as lies.
Quote 76
Secondly, the poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own, which by law may be made liable to distress and help to pay their landlord's rent, their, corn and cattle being already seized, and money a thing unknown. (21)
The narrator suggests that his plan would give the poorer tenants power in the form of leverage for rent and food. Everybody's a winner in A Modest Proposal.
Quote 77
Fifthly, this food would likewise bring great customs to taverns, where the great vintners will […] consequently have their houses frequented by all the fine gentlemen who justly value themselves upon their knowledge in good eating. (24)
The tavern is an epicenter of power where wealthy people congregate. On the other hand, the poor don't seem to be centrally located in A Modest Proposal. They're scattered across the streets and roads. What does this say about the nature of power?
Quote 78
[…] a well-grown, fat yearling child […] will make a considerable figure at a Lord Mayor's feast or any other public entertainment. (26)
A poor child is only worthwhile as a spectacle of entertainment, the narrator suggests.
Quote 79
I profess in the sincerity of my heart that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the public good of my country […] and giving some pleasure to the rich. (35)
The narrator equates the public good of the country with pleasing the rich. What is wrong with this picture?
Quote 80
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children. (12)
Swift alludes to an all-encompassing greed that includes both people and resources. In fact, people are viewed as resources in this context.