Group Activity on “A Modest Proposal”



Group Activity on “A Modest Proposal”

A. Elements of Satire

Complete the chart below which illustrates how a Satirist makes use of these devices.

|1. Irony |How is this remark about stealing ironic? |

|“They can seldom pick up a livelihood by stealing until they arrive at six | |

|years old… “ | |

| | |

|What is Swift saying about how the English have stereotyped the Irish? |

| |

|2. Understatement |How is this an example of understatement? |

|“I am assured by our merchants, that a boy or girl, before twelve years old, | |

|is no saleable commodity…” | |

| | |

|Purpose of the understatement: |

| |

| |

|3. History |What does this reveal about the attitudes of the time? |

|“I have been assured by a very knowing American…that a young healthy child | |

|is…a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food…” | |

|How is this suggestion by the speaker ironic or hypocritical? |

| |

| |

|4. Pun (words spelled the same but possess different meanings) |What is the literal meaning of devoured? |

|“this food will be…proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured | |

|most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.” | |

|Purpose of Pun: |

| |

| |

B. Questions for Review

1. What is Swift’s purpose in writing this essay?

2. Why is the narrator unconcerned about old people suffering from sickness?

3. About midway through the pamphlet the narrator lists the advantages of his proposal. What are the six principal advantages?

4. Why does the narrator say he has no personal motive behind his proposal?

5. How do the mathematical and statistical references enhance the irony of essay?

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