Analysis Questions for "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift

University:
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Course:
ENGL 300 | English Language Literature
Academic year:

2023
Views:

226

Pages:

1
Author:

Heather Harper

Name Period 1. Why does Jonathan Swift use terms such as breeders, males, and females when referring to the poor of Ireland in “A Modest Proposal”? Jonathan Swift uses terms such as breeders, males, and females when referring to the poor of Ireland in "A Modest Proposal" to dehumanize and objectify them, treating them as mere resources or commodities rather than as individuals. 2. According to “A Modest Proposal,” at what age does Swift suggest children be eaten? According to "A Modest Proposal," Swift suggests that children be eaten at the age of one year. 3. Which of these statements from “A Modest Proposal” is an example of understatement? A) “The number of souls in this kingdom usually reckoned one million and a half . . .” B) “The question therefore is, how this number shall be reared, and provided for.” C) “I can think of no one objection . . . against this proposal, unless it should be urged that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom.” D) “These mothers instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in strolling, to beg sustenance for their helpless infants.” 4. What is Swift’s main purpose in including so many statistics and in numbering his reasons to support his proposal?Swift's main purpose in including many statistics and numbering his reasons is to add a veneer of credibility and rationality to his outrageous proposal, thereby enhancing the satirical impact of his essay. 5. Which group would benefit most if “A Modest Proposal” were to become law? The group that would benefit most if "A Modest Proposal" were to become law is likely the wealthy landowners or ruling class, as they would gain financially and socially from the exploitation of the poor. 6. What evidence does Swift give to prove that he will not benefit from “A Modest Proposal”? A) His children are too old, and his wife is past child-bearing age. B) He is English and therefore cannot sell any of his children for profit. C) He will voluntarily avoid selling or buying any children for five years. D) He is a priest in the Church of England and has no children. 7. What is Swift’s main purpose in his essay “A Modest Proposal”? A) He wants people to consider his plan as a solution to poverty. B) He wants to force the government to help the poor of Ireland. C) He wants to demonstrate his skill in the new form of satire. D) He wants to encourage the poor to improve their living conditions.