In determining how infant flesh will be distributed among the wealthy, Swift states: “I admit that this food will be rather dear, and therefore very appropriate to the landowners, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, they seem to have the best title over their children” (3). It is very difficult for poor families to pay for the necessities of life and one of the largest expenses for a family is rent. A commonly used phrase today referring to anything that appears to cost too much is “costs an arm and a leg.” This is very similar language to what Swift uses in his proposal when he says that the parents have been “devoured.” When readers who are struggling to earn enough to care for their families see this saying, they may become indignant that they are no longer considered people. Those who are not poor may have mixed reactions to the dehumanization of poor parents; they either fall in line and view the poor as nothing more than meat, or they believe that all people should be treated equally regardless of their income. Readers realize that parents aren't literally being eaten by the owners, but it puts into perspective how much they have to give to receive a place to live. Swift uses these emotional appeals from the beginning of her essay to encourage readers to make a difference and add a personal touch to her essay.