Final answer:
The satirical essay 'A Modest Proposal' that addresses poverty was written by 1. Jonathan Swift. It's a satire from 1729 that offers a grimly ironic solution to the poverty in Ireland, showcasing Swift's sharp wit in addressing social and political issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The satire that addresses poverty, 'A Modest Proposal,' was written by Jonathan Swift. This satirical essay was published in 1729 and suggested a highly ironic solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland.
It is an example of Swift's sharp wit and his ability to use irony and satire to critique social and political issues of his time.
Jonathan Swift was a master satirist who used his writings to make bold statements about society. Swift's proposal was intended to shock and provoke his readers to recognize the severity of the poverty in Ireland and the inhumanity of the policies that the English government implemented.
On the contrary, other authors mentioned, such as Mark Twain and Charles Dickens, tackled societal issues in their works at different times and contexts. Twain, for instance, wrote 'The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today' as a satire about corrupt politics of his time, while Dickens offered a more realistic portrayal of the lives of the poor in Victorian England.
Thus, in response to the student's question, the correct option is: Jonathan Swift.