Swift and Satire

A Modest Proposal satirizes

• Irish bankers

• problems caused by overpopulation

• English policy in Ireland

• people who do not pay rent

The narrator of A Modest Proposal assumes the character of an

• American giving advice to politicians in England

• political planner devising strategies to conquer Ireland

• economic planner acting for the benefit of England and Ireland

• Irish Catholic who criticizes in the inefficiency of the British

The narrator claims to have no personal motive behind his proposal because he

• does not have a wife

• has all the money he could want

• does not own a tavern

• does not have any children to sell

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

What does Swift offer as a serious solution to Ireland's problems?

• The establishment of a revolutionary government

• The overthrow of the king

• Mass emigration to America

• Buying clothes and furniture made only in Ireland

Swift compares poor women to ___, whose only purpose is to have children.

• employees

• breeders

• lawyers

Swift states that young children might make a tasty ___, or meal.

• ornament

• dish

• plate

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

In verbal irony

• what is meant is the opposite of what is said

• there is almost always a tone of hostility or sarcasm

• the characters do not know what is coming, but the reader does

• what happens is the opposite of what is expected

Swift uses irony to satirize people who

• offer proposals that are not likely to be accepted

• have a cold-blooded attitude toward human suffering

• believe that the problem of poverty in Ireland can be solved

• dislike children

Why does Swift not have to come up with a solution for dealing with the old and diseased?

• The government has already used the solution of poor healthcare

• This population is dying on its own because of the conditions in Ireland

• He actually has compassion for this group of people

• There are very few old and diseased in the country

What is the BEST reason for why "A Modest Proposal" is still interesting as a satire?

• Swift's solution is still shocking and relevant

• Most people are familiar with the history of Ireland

• There is still trouble between Protestants and Catholics

• Satire is still a valid form of protest.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7