Irony and Satire: The most prominent "syntax" is Swift's masterful use of irony and satire. He presents his proposal with a serious tone and logical structure, even including seemingly practical details like cost calculations and recipes. This apparent seriousness, juxtaposed with the horrific and absurd nature of the proposal, creates a powerful satirical effect.
Logical Fallacies: Swift utilizes logical fallacies like the "false dilemma" (presenting only two options when more exist) and the "appeal to emotion" (evoking pity for the poor while ignoring other solutions) to further emphasize the absurdity of his proposal.
Formal Diction and Structure: The essay employs a formal tone and structure, mimicking the style of serious political and economic treatises of the time. This reinforces the illusion that the proposal is a genuine solution, making the satire even more potent.
Direct Address and Rhetorical Questions: Swift uses direct address ("I have been assured by a very knowing American..."), engaging the reader directly. He also employs rhetorical questions ("Is this a nation of beggars?") to emphasize his points and engage the audience emotionally.
Statistical Evidence and "Facts": Swift uses statistics and pseudo-factual data to lend his argument a veneer of credibility, even though the numbers are often made up or exaggerated. This underscores the absurdity of the proposal while making it seem more plausible to the reader initially.
Humorous Wordplay: Throughout the essay, Swift employs subtle wordplay and puns, adding a layer of humor to his critique. For example, he mentions the "carriages" for the children, referring both to transportation and the fact that they are effectively being "carried" away by the wealthy.
These stylistic choices and rhetorical devices combine to create a unique "syntax" in "A Modest Proposal." The essay's effectiveness lies in its ability to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of society through a seemingly logical, yet utterly absurd, proposal.