“A Modest Proposal” is the shortened title of a 1729 essay by satirist Jonathan Swift in which he
ironically proposes that the people of Ireland sell their children as food
. The phrase a modest proposal is now often used ironically to introduce an idea that is radical or outrageous.
What did A Modest Proposal accomplish?
Presented in the guise of an economic treatise, the essay proposes that
the country ameliorate poverty in Ireland by butchering the children of the Irish poor and selling them as food to wealthy English landlords
.
Did a modest proposal change anything?
Despite its power as a piece of rhetoric, A
Modest Proposal did not lead to any lasting changes for Ireland’s rural poor
; and just over a century later, thousands would perish in the Great Potato Famine.
Why is A Modest Proposal still famous today?
In his most
famous
piece of satire, “A
Modest Proposal
For preventing the Children of Poor People From being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For making them Beneficial to the Publick,” Swift called attention to the plight of the Irish by proposing an outlandish plan to help Ireland’s poor.
What is Swift’s purpose in writing A Modest Proposal What changes is he trying to bring about?
The purpose of Swift’s satirical essay is
to call attention to the problems that were being experienced by the people of Ireland
. He wanted the English (who ruled Ireland) to realize what they were doing and to put in place reforms that would solve the problems they had helped to cause.
What evidence does Swift give to prove that he himself will not benefit from his plan in A Modest Proposal?
What evidence does Swift give to prove that he will not benefit from “A Modest Proposal”?
His children are too old, and his wife is past child-bearing age
. He is English and therefore cannot sell any of his children for profit. He will voluntarily avoid selling or buying any children for five years.
What are the 6 advantages in A Modest Proposal?
What are the six principal advantages? According to the speaker, his plan would
(1) reduce the number of Catholics
, (2) give the poor a tangible asset, (3) aid the economy and introduce a new food, (4) decrease the time “breeders” have to raise children, (5) improve taverns’ business, and (6) encourage marriage.
What is the real thesis of A Modest Proposal?
A Modest Proposal: Thesis, Purpose, Audience, Essay. Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country,. and for Making Them Beneficial to the Public” is that
poor parents should raise as many children as possible and sell them for food
.
What is one way that A Modest Proposal is ironic?
What is one way that “A Modest Proposal” is ironic?
The narrator’s idea is ridiculous and immodest, not humble and acceptable
. … He provides practical ideas for recipies on cooking children in the kitchen. You just studied 10 terms!
What is the irony in A Modest Proposal?
The irony is that
the speaker seems to care
, but in actuality his suggestion shows that he does not see the poor as humans and really does not care about their plight, or he would not suggest selling their children to be eaten by the rich.
What is A Modest Proposal criticizing?
In A Modest Proposal, Swift vents his mounting aggravation at the ineptitude of Ireland’s politicians, the hypocrisy of the wealthy, the tyranny of the English, and
the squalor and degradation in which he sees so many Irish people living
.
Which best describes Swift’s purpose of writing A Modest Proposal?
Swift argues that his proposal would increase the circulation of money and strengthen England’s economy. Which best describes Swift’s purpose for writing “A Modest Proposal”?
To criticize England’s treatment of the Irish with the hope of bringing about societal change.
… To signal that he is actually writing a satire.
What is the rebuttal in A Modest Proposal?
The rebuttal in “A Modest Proposal” is
simply that eating the children of the poor will result in a population problem
: “the number of…
What types of evidence does the speaker use to support his argument in A Modest Proposal?
What types of evidence does the speaker use to support his argument? Swift uses
“experts”, statistics, “logical thinking”, and cost/benefit analysis
to bolster his argument.
What are the problems in A Modest Proposal?
The issue that the author is addressing is the
ever-growing problem of poverty, starvation, sanitation, overpopulation, and enslavement of the Irish people
and the fact that nobody, including the Irish themselves, are willing to do anything to fix the problem.
What are three of Swift’s reasons for his proposal?
- Fewer Catholics.
- Money-Irish can pay some rent.
- Improve Irelands economy.
- women don’t have to support children- can have jobs.
- new tasty meal to taverns.
- Men will honor wives and treat them kindly- improve family life.
