A Modest Proposal is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift during the late seventeenth century. The essay was first published in a pamphlet anonymously, today is one of the most satirical poems known. Swift, was son of English parents, was born in Dublin Ireland in 1667. After Swift graduated from college, he moved to England to gain political affairs becoming a secretary of Sir William Temple where he later became a priest of the Anglican Church of Ireland. In 1699, Swift decided to go back to England and that's when he began his literacy career. His first poem published is "Ode to the Athenian Society" he later wrote other poems which were controversial during the classical times (Bloom). A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to their Parents or Country, and for Making them Beneficial to the Public, is the full title of Swift's pamphlet. The essay starts as a superficially dispassionate diagnosis of the extreme poverty during the eighteenth century in Ireland. Swift later introduces his main idea of his proposal;
Exactly at one year old that I propose to provide for them [children] in such a manner as instead of being a charge upon their parents or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall on the contrary contribute to the feeding, and partly to the clothing, of many thousands (Swift, 2,634).
Jonathan Swift emotionlessly describes the England's ruling towards Ireland by
Satire In A Modest Proposal
A Modest Proposal, an excellent example of a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift in the seventeenth century. This essay presents an issue of the poor people (mostly females and children's) begging every person on the streets of Ireland for an alms. To counter this issue, the author through the means of satire presents his own proposal in such a way that it would disgust and enrage the readers (specifically the merchants and landlords). He suggest that poor people might ease their problems by selling their fatten children for eight shillings, at the age of one, as a food to the rich landlords, who, as the author points out, "have already devoured most of the parents" anyway by achieving success at the expense of the lower class people. The author states that his proposal would solve the problem of overpopulation in the country, it would greatly lessen the number of papists, whom he addresses as their biggest enemies and it would also...show more content...
The author's main purpose of presenting his proposal with gruesome ideas was to draw the attention of the wealthy people of Ireland, who are capable of bringing the change in the society, but have done nothing to help the situation. The author's intent is to motivate these wealthy people to find a workable solution for these issues.
In this essay, the author addresses this issue of poor people and build on his proposal with the use of ethos, pathos, logos, and a strong and demanding voice. He establish his credibility in this essay by referring to his American friend in London and by possessing goodwill towards the people of Ireland and by convincing them that he
A Modest Proposal Sample
Just a reminder that our first practice is tomorrow at Rice School field from 5:30–6:30PM. The league requested that I ask all parents for clarification about kids' interests. It would be best to know which players would like to pitch and play catcher. I certainly do not want to have a child pitch or catch if he/she is not comfortable. Please let me know if your child has an interest in either position. If your child wants to catch, please ensure that he/she attends practice with a protective cup. Remember that Saturday is our parade day. Each child should be dropped at the "Industrial Park" at Honey Farms by 8:15 (at the latest). The entire parade begins moving by 8:30. I will be there by 8:00 to ensure our kids are chaperoned. Tomorrow
A Modest Proposal Rhetorical Devices
"The Rape of the Lock", written by Alexander Pope, and "A Modest Proposal", written by Jonathan Swift, are both pieces that are well–known for being satires. A satire is a piece of literature that uses irony and comical devices to get a point across to its audience. "The Rape of the Lock" and "A Modest Proposal" may both be satires, but they both have very different methods of delivery and execution. I believe that "A Modest Proposal" is more effective in its mode of attack. It is more vicious and scornful as opposed to "The Rape of the Lock". This vicious nature helps get the point across more easily, by stirring up the people. Also, Juvenalian Satire usually attacks a more serious matter, as this is the case when comparing "A Modest Proposal"...show more content...
This form of satire is more mild in nature, and is often used to arouse amusement in people. In this piece, Pope uses a story about a woman who gets a lock of her hair chopped off to ridicule social pretension and vanity. Although this form of satire is not as harsh as Juvenalian satire, it is much easier to interpret, and not to be taken so seriously. This however, can make the point seem less serious, as it will be addressed in a comical way. However, this poem is effective in its own way at getting its point across. One of the important elements that speaks in the poem is the speech made by the character Clarissa. In her speech, she questions why a society that places emphasis on beauty in women cannot emphasise good humor. This speech is often interpreted at the main moral of the story, that people often react too much to silly things, like losing a lock of hair. For this type of topic, this form of satire works very well, as harsh ridicule is not needed to point out
Analysis on a Modest Proposal
English Commentary – Digression
" A modest proposal" by Jonathan Swift is a rhetoric piece that satirizes the dismal political, social and economic conditions in 18th century Ireland. As a solution, the preposterous proposal suggests that the Irish eat their own babies; as it is logically viable, and economically profitable: a condition adhering to the rational mentality of the age of reason. Swift develops his argument on two levels: A seemingly intellectual persona, caricaturized on a stereotypical upper class Englishman who promotes cannibalism through the use of subtle euphemisms. And the other, as himself, cleverly veiled in the caustic undertones of the pamphlet who is appalled at the plight of the Irish. Swift uses this dual...show more content...
The trustworthiness of the persona is further questioned, as he justifies himself by Psalmanazar (another authority), who is known to be a fraud.
The persona uses the form of a ceremonial speech to dress his proposal, disgracing the condition of the Irish, in light of his visionary idea. The features of a speech as such would include strategic procatalepsis'[1] (some scrupulous people might be apt to censure such a practice, although very unjustly indeed) adopted by the persona, to disillusion the reader into believing he has taken into consideration all possible objections; reflective of him being both well researched and reasonable. To an extent the sophistry[2] achieved in this extract through double negatives, "It is not improbable" confuses the reader into agreement with the persona. This is further complemented by his tone of matter–of–fact seriousness, veiling the actual absurdity of the proposal. On a literal level, these persuasive tactics establish him as credible. However, Swift's deriding undertones expose them as an obvious hoax to sway the audience.
It is at this point the audience realizes that the proposal is a satire, as the persona confidently refers to then–current events of known unreliability to assure his credence. Swift uses this irony to reveal the persona as a sham, and hence awaken the audience to the reality, that the proposal is not meant to be taken seriously.
The proposal
In A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift, a solution to a problem that Ireland had in the late 1720s was explored. Jonathan Swift did not hold back on his use of verbal irony and satire language. Swift proposed that in order to fix the years of poor harvests Ireland faced in the 1720s, children should be seen on the same level as the animals and plants consumed at this time. A Modest Proposal would shock any individual if one did not recognize the irony in Swift's writing. I will admit, I was greatly taken back on the idea of a man uttering about children turning in to food to eat, but soon detected the wit in this article. Jonathan Swift had a lot of courage to release his outlook on this topic, however, for the reason that there may have been a substantial amount of people who thought him to be a deranged human after reading his proposal....show more content...
Though I could identify the irony, Swift did a great job of not making it apparent. I appreciated Swift's comical, yet disturbing, phrases such as: "...a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked or boiled...". Swift was sure to not hide behind his irony, he made it prevalent, which caused for a different tone than most articles I have read about solutions to hunger issues. Swift also included, "...although I recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs.". Comparing children to animals on this level made me a little iffy on if this guy was truly
A Modest Proposal Essay
In Jonathan Swift's satire, "A Modest Proposal", Swift writes about the starving people of Ireland in the early 1700's. He makes a wild and absurd proposal to help remedy the problems of overpopulation and poverty. Swift wants to make a political statement by using the "children" as satire to grasp the attention of the audience – the English people, the Irish politicians and the rich – and make them aware of the political, moral, and social problems. In "A Modest Proposal", Swift's arguments are presented effectively by using pathos (emotional appeal), ethos (ethics and values), and logos (logic reasoning and facts).
Swift begins his argument by stating his view on the situation and displaying his annoyance. He states, "It is a...show more content...
Swift obviously wants the readers to realize that he has studied the problem for a very long time. He even confides from a commendable person about the proposal, thus stating, "A very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem, was lately pleased in discoursing on this matter to offer a refinement upon my scheme" (Swift 3). By referencing experiences of friends and acquaintances, Swift asserts that his proposal is indeed feasible and can be applied to remedy Ireland's economy and social ills. He writes, "But with due deference to so excellent a friend... my American acquaintance assured me, from frequent experience..." (Swift 3). Another one, "But in order to justify my friend, he confessed that this expedient was put into his head by the famous Psalmanazar... who came from thence to London above twenty years ago... that in his country when any young person happened to be put to death, the executioner sold the carcass to persons of quality as a prime dainty" (Swift 3). Likewise, from a grave author, an eminent French physician, who says that infant's flesh are more plentiful in March because there are more children born in Roman Catholic countries due to the fish diet that they eat during Lenten season (Swift 2). Swift undoubtedly uses ethos to show the readers that he actually gathered facts from people
Examples Of Hyperbole In A Modest Proposal
Jonathan Swift wrote a modest proposal to parliament. He addressed the problem of over population and famine in Ireland. The solution was presented in a satire manner and rightfully so. He proposed to eat babies to make them beneficial to the public. Swift used hyperbole and sarcasm to justify his argument. Swift Uses a hyperbole in paragraph ten "...a child just born will weigh twelve pounds..." in a tie when everybody is starving and poor it is almost impossible for most babies to be even close to 12 pounds. He does this to try and give justifications of eating babies after they grow for a year. Then he goes as far to say "...buying the children alive..." in paragraph 14, just so then can save more money by preparing and killing the baby
Examples Of Satire In Modest Proposal
Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is an example of satirical writing. Satire means using humour to attack an idea or behaviour, ridiculing people or institution to effect change. Modest Proposal was written in 1729 in order to shock English society to be more aware of the unjust of politics towards the Irish community. Swift talks about the poverty–stricken Irish parents who cannot find close to decent jobs to support their kids, but they have to spend their time begging at passer–by for something to be able to feed their kids, whom eventually grow up to become thieves or emigrants. His solution to the extreme poverty is to render the children of Ireland from the poorer families and offer them to the richer families as food. By offering their...show more content...
He only used the baby's analogy to explain the impossible burdens that the Irish Catholics have from the Protestants and, making their life hard. The essay describes the aggravation at the ineptitude of Ireland's politicians, the hypocrisy of the wealthy people the English people's tyranny and the degradation of the state of which so many Irish people live in. poverty seems to be a known struggle for most people in Ireland. So many parents cannot manage to get a decent job in order to support themselves and their kids. They spend their days begging at passers–by for more or food. Now the poverty drives the youth into a life of crime and slavery. When they are young, their parents struggle to get food on the table for them, and when they grow up, they repay their parents by getting into trouble with the law. With that, their standards of living don't improve even when the children grow up the cycle starts again. The modest proposal is an ironic attempt to 'find a fair, cheap and easy method for trying to help with the situation of the starting families into a more 'useful member of the commonwealth'. Swift comes with a solution and argues that the best way to get Ireland out of their degradation of poverty is to sell the children of the poor to a meat market at the late age of one, because converting adolescents to food would not work because their flesh is considered tough and lean. By selling these children they combine the problems of overpopulation and unemployment by sparing families the expense of having to feed another mouth, with the little money. But with one less mouth to feed and more money they will be able to have enough to help them for a few days. He then argues with statistics by stating that 120 000 infants are born every year in Ireland, 100 000 of those infants would be sold
A Modest Proposal Thesis
In this composition," A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift who was an Anglican priest and a writer , has talked about the worst condition under which people are living in Ireland. He uses this writing as a means of communication to convey his message across the whole world for people to be aware of what is happening to the citizens of Ireland. How the landowners are maltreating the poor families whose spouse are dead, and their government too is not doing anything to assist them. Although he has made ironical statement, and also uses a lot of sarcasm does not make this writing to lose its value, it is still carrying its subject and message across. This kind of evil deeds does not happen in only Ireland, it is all over the world now....show more content...
In this quotation, I believe he was referring to the children as ingredients for making good foods that should be sold out to people without the care from their parents or the government. He is using this writing to make a mockery of the landowners and the government of Ireland, it is because of their inability to take care of the poor women and their children that made the mothers to take their children to the market and sold as food. We all know it is not possible to use your own children to make food. It is very frustrating to see this child be put on the market for sale. I, therefore conclude that Swift had used this piece of writing to persuade his readers to be aware of the type of leaders that are governing our nation this modern day. Even though he has talked mostly about the England's government, does not mean the message is limited to them alone. The writing is carrying a very strong message which is very important for everyone to learn from, especially our leaders. As a reader, I am satisfied with his use of irony, sarcasm, and metaphor to make this writing a
A Modest Proposal Summary
1. The implied thesis of Swift's "A Modest Proposal" is that 18th century Ireland would be in a better situation if the Irish society and monarchy actually treated problems such as overpopulation and poverty, While the overt thesis is that Irish people should consider eating their children and selling them to rich Englishmen to solve the issue of poverty and overpopulation in the country. They differ form one another as one focuses on eating children, while the other focuses on giving commentary through the essay itself.
2. The primary aim for the narrator is to suggest a reflection on how the Irish are treating the problems happening within their country through satirical writing. The narrator states that, "Infant's flesh will be in...show more content...
4. The "very knowing American" is added to further drive the point that this work is satirical. At the time this was written America was going through very difficult time while under British control, and talk of a revolution had started to begin. America in some aspects was in a similar position Ireland was at the time – so by saying "I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old the most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food." (Swift) This boosts the satirical nature, as you should never take advice about getting out of a situation from someone still going through the same exact situation.
5. The appropriate response to this essay would be the reader reflecting on the point of the essay, but instead of reflection, it more than likely received massive disapproval. The ides themselves are not only morally and ethically wrong, but nonsensical. The concept of eating another human would destroy what separates us from wild animals. So, it would make sense that the Irish may have been mad. Due to the
Essay on A Modest Proposal: Satire at Its Best
A Modest Proposal: Satire at Its Best
Jonathan Swift's 1729 essay, A Modest Proposal, was a true example of satire at its best. Many readers at the time rejected the essay because they failed to understand the irony. It is presently one of the most well known works of satire and is a classic example of the technique most commonly used today. The entire essay from the title down to the last sentence were meant to be taken ironically, which is a rare form, but very effective when trying getting a point across. This essay will explain why the text was meant to be taken ironically and why Swift used irony instead of straightforward statements.
Starting with the title, "A Modest Proposal For Preventing the Children of Poor People in...show more content...
Swift is outraged by the savage, inhuman acts of the Irish people and blames the British oppression. The proposal itself is a symbol of the British oppression. The mere fact that anyone would fatten up human beings like livestock and devour them is preposterous, yet the British oppression devours and consumes the Irish people in a different kind of way.
Swift uses irony instead of straight forward remarks to express his anger toward the British and how their oppression on his people is destroying the economy. Swifts anger has become so great he states that much of the population would have been better off dead, which may be exaggerated but not ironic. Instead of coming straight out and writing a rational proposal he uses satire to mock the British but at the same time get a valuable point across. All satire is ultimately driven by anger at some level. Its purpose is to not only entertain but to drive change. A Modest Proposal is a reminder of these roots.
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift was obviously meant to be taken ironically but at the same time get a valuable point across. As a passionate supporter of Irish human rights Swift was looking for change and felt the best way to achieve it was through this proposal. Whether he succeeded in that task or not he left us with a valuable piece of literature that will be studied for centuries to come.
Works Cited
Swift, Jonathan. A Modest Proposal For Preventing the Children of Poor People in
A Modest Proposal Rhetorical Analysis
Baby Back Ribs! Just Kidding.
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift was an innovator of the writing style called Satire. Jonathan Swift used an extreme example to make his point. In A Modest Proposal Swift uses the example of cooking, eating and selling the children of poverty stricken families to help make income for the people of Ireland. This extreme example got many people's attention after all Swift suggested cannibalism of young children. That is what Satire is, the use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticize other peoples vices or stupidity to make a point.
A Modest Proposal was a sarcastic piece that Swift hoped would get the attention of common English folk and statesmen alike so that they might help the people in his home country. However did it bring upon the end that Swift wanted it to? Did...show more content...
Those children doomed to grow up as thieves or leave for Spain or even become pirates. Swift then goes on to say that it should be the goal of everyone to find a way to make these children useful. He then states that he wishes not only to help the beggars but everyone else too. He gives estimates on how many mothers that are giving birth and how many of their children will be born and how many will die. He then goes on to how much a year old would weigh and how much money the cost would be for the meat. The next part is the shocker of this essay. He states that he hears from an American that a child at one year old is delicious regardless of how it is cooked. Swift then proposes that children at one year old should be taken and fed to the hungry. Swift then goes on to say that doing this will create a new market that will help both the poor and the rich. The rich will get a new food and will learn to feel more compassion for the poor, and the poor will have a new way to make
A Modest Proposal Analysis Essay
A Modest Proposal
Literary Analysis
By J––– –––––––––––
J––– –––––––––––
Mr. H–––––
Period 6
2 May 2011
Jonathan Swift's Use of Satire and Exaggeration Satire is a form of literature in which an author tries to demonstrate his or her point of view by ridiculing. The author uses heavy irony and sarcasm in order to criticize a social issue. A perfect example of a work of satire is Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal. In this satirical essay, Jonathan Swift attacks on the issue of the Irish poverty in the 1700s. The essay sarcastically suggests that Ireland's social and economic problems would be quickly solved by putting the children of impoverished Irish families on the food market. Through heavy exaggeration, Jonathan...show more content...
One example is when he states "that a child just born will weigh twelve pounds, and in a solar year, if tolerably nursed, will increase to twenty–eight pounds" (804). By giving infants a set of instructions and guidelines, in analogy to livestock, Swift tries to make it seem as if he has no emotional attachment to the Irish children. When Swift is describing the use of children as commodities, it is ironic because his intentions are to actually explain that the English view the whole Irish population as commodities. The English landlords are the ones responsible for Ireland's poverty. The essay shows, through sarcasm, that the English have purposely took everything from the Irish because they view them as commodities. One example of sarcasm used to portray that idea is that the utilization of infants will be "proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children" (804). It is very apparent that Swift blames the English for Ireland's problems. He also blames the Irish Catholics that allowed English policy to break down Ireland. The essay illustrates that the greed–filled English have taken away everything from the Irish. This includes their material things such as their money, their
A Modest Proposal Analysis
"A Modest Proposal" A Modest Proposal was written by Jonathan Swift in 1729 to shed the light to the weak and poor Ireland. He used satire and over exaggeration to boast and show the world what is the reality of their country. It is a proposal to mend and save the fallen country. In "A Modest Proposal", Swift described the condition of Ireland's poor economy and lifestyle by giving it a macabre and grim aspect.
A Modest Proposal Rhetorical Analysis
In Jonathan Swift's essay, A Modest Proposal (1729), Swift puts forth a proposal that would over "fix" Ireland's issue of poor children and women at the time. His proposal was to start eating kids when they were born, so they would not wind up on the streets. Throughout his essay, he uses statistical data, appeal to marriage, and use of repetition to persuade his audience that his proposal will be a good idea. Swift's proposal happened during the time where the British were in control of Ireland. The Irish were treated like crap, especially if they were Jewish. There were lots of poor children and women, stealing and picking pockets just find enough to eat dinner that day. He then proposed to them that eating the children when mothers give
Examples Of Irony In A Modest Proposal
Identify and close–read three examples of irony in "A Modest Proposal".
How does each instance criticize social perceptions of the poor? In 'A Modest Proposal' the author, Jonathan Swift utilizes techniques such as satire, sarcasm, and irony to create a bigger picture to the reader. Within the poem, Swift not only presents a humorous approach to social and economic issues but does so in a well–constructed and carefully composed manner. A closer reading of the text reveals a deeper critical analysis of the social perceptions of the poor at the time. Through Swifts' use of irony, he creates a proposal that is so extremely absurd that some may believe the piece to be genuine. By taking an issue and providing a corrupt and merciless solution, the writer uses a unique approach to catch the attention of the people of Ireland and presents them a proposal they cannot ignore. Through the use of irony, Swift creates a poem that not only criticizes social perceptions of the poor but also remarks upon the issue without directly addressing the reader.
Beginning with an examination of the subtitle, the stance of the narrator and his views of the poor are evident immediately. "...For Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland, from being a Burden to their Parents or Country; and for making them beneficial to the Public." (Swift Para.1). This example is a distinct instance of irony; in which Swift uses such long, elaborate sentence to summarize his main proposition. By referring to
Social Issues In A Modest Proposal
"As a result Ireland was desperately poor country, overpopulation, full, as swift said, of beggars, wracked periodically by famine, heavily taxed, and with no say at all in its own affairs" by David Cody introduced in an introduction to A Modest Proposal. For the senior project I will be introducing the topic of poverty and class issue during A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift. In 1729, Ireland was poverty–stricken and well under the impression that there wasn't people who were able to provide for themselves. The writer portrays a sense of sympathy and the need for a solution during the 18th century. As a result, Jonathan Swift wrote A Modest Proposal claiming an indication that in order for families in Ireland to live a standard, comfortable life style they would have to kill the children of the poor and feed them to Ireland's rich land–owners. This idea was brought up to view the fear of overpopulation, limiting rights of the Irish and the effect of penal laws during the 18th century and in A Modest Proposal.
As Swift is satirically writing, he introduces an idea that brings up a religious aspect as well as a fear of over population in Ireland. Immediately, Jonathan Swift conveys a plain argument that is supposed to help the people of Ireland; with the intention of killing the Irish's children so that they can benefit the rest of the world. Furthermore, the writer speaks upon the matter at hand "there are more children born in Roman Catholic countries about...show more content...
The main problem being the deplorable economic hardships and social class behavior of the Irish, preventing the parents from providing good care towards their children. Although Ireland was a poor country it wasn't all their fault because England ruled over them and had a lot of power. Jonathan Swift used many examples in a modest proposal and gave many examples in which Ireland was slowly falling apart, so to
A Modest Proposal Rhetorical Analysis
Jonathan Swift, a writer, satirist, and clergyman during the period of Irish Catholic economic oppression in 18th century Ireland, used his platform to create the essay "A Modest Proposal", which took advantage of manufactured ethical and strong emotional appeals, to spark political reform and rectify his broken country. After the initial shock of reading Swift's essay, the intent behind it is clear; it is a work of satire. The most prevalent technique Swift employs in this work is his authoritative tone, brought on by his use of a dialect, known as "king's english", and his immense vocabulary. An example from the text shows this clearly as he states, "Whereas the Maintainance of an hundred thousand Children, from two Years old, and upwards,...show more content...
The second application can be applied to anyone with a conscience, not just mothers, and is prevalent throughout the essay as Swift writes about the benefits of the slaughter of babies, with an example being "Many other advantages might be enumerated: For Instance, the addition of some thousand Carcases in our exportation of Barreled Beef. The Propagation of Swines Flesh, and Improvement in the Art of making good Bacon, so much wanted among us by the great destruction of Pigs, too frequent at our Tables, which are no way comparable in Taste, or Magnificence to a well grown, fat Yearling Child, which Roasted whole will make a considerable Figure at a Lord Mayor's Feast, or any other Publick Entertainment. But this, and many others I omit being studious of Brevity.". This appeal is essentially a backwards attempt at gaining a sort of "moral high ground" on the killing of children, which of course the author knows is wrong, but purposefully employs for the purpose of once again trying to create unrest and reform, as well as shock the audience that anyone could reason this inhumane solution as
Mekayla Hartsfield
Dr. Brandi Leonard
ENGL–2320–J01
2 May 2016
Literary works often have profound influence. The period in which the literature is written has a profound influence on the work itself. Past literature is often found to adequately embody many ageless ideas and situations while the themes also remain relevant to the present. First, Jonathan Swift's pamphlet, A Modest Proposal, holds a theme of exposing atrocities. In addition, Emily Dickinson's poem, Because I could not stop for Death, possesses a theme of death. Finally, Franz Kafka's novella, Metamorphosis, maintains a theme of psychological unease. First, Jonathan Swift uses his writing in A Modest Proposal to expose social, political, religious, and economical atrocities,...show more content...
Gregor Samsa may be considered a dynamic protagonist whose mental stability has become irrational due to prolonged stresses caused by his family and occupation as a travelling salesman. Gregor's psychological unease begins when he wakes up one morning to find himself drastically changed into vermin. According to an article, there is sufficient evidence to support the claim that chronic stress can increase the probability for acquiring probable psychological disorders (Gregoire). This is relevant to present stress issues. Both concepts of work and family are significant indicators and factors in present stress concerns. Like–minded, an article published by the University of California, Berkley, suggests that chronic stress may alter the brain, which potentially explains the lack of psychological permanency and mood conditions in people in later stages of life (Sanders). Gregor experiences stress from work, as illustrated in the novella, by consistently travelling, keeping track of train schedules, and seeming fed–up with his occupation by expressing frustration (Kafka). In addition, he has the sole responsibility to provide his family with significant income, and his sister, Grete, is referenced as being materialistic (Kafka). It is possible that chronic stress became too large of a burden for Gregor, and this may have led to his psychotic symptoms. In an article by