A Modest Proposal

Front

What large scale societal problem does Swift plan to resolve?

Back

Overpopulation and suffering of the Irish

Front

Why does Swift use terms such as breeders, creatures, and carcasses when referring to the poor of Ireland in “A Modest Proposal”?

Back

to imply that they are considered less than human

Front

Which statement from “A Modest Proposal” is an example of understatement? The number of souls in this kingdom being usually reckoned one million and a half . . ., 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., 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. . . .

Back

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.

Front

Which term best describes this statement from “A Modest Proposal”? . . . the poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own . . . and help to pay their landlord’s rent, their corn and cattle being already seized, and money a thing unknown.

Back

sarcasm

Front

What evidence does Swift give to prove that he will not benefit from “A Modest Proposal”?

Back

His children are too old, and his wife is past child-bearing age.

Front

What is Swift’s main purpose in his essay “A Modest Proposal”?

Back

He wants to force the government to help the poor of Ireland.

Front

In “A Modest Proposal,” what does Swift propose doing to solve the problem of poverty in Ireland?

Back

slaughter children of the poor for food

Front

According to “A Modest Proposal,” how long does Swift propose that mothers keep their children?

Back

until they are one year old

Front

Swift titled his essay “A Modest Proposal.” Which term best describes his use of the word modest?

Back

understatement

Front

Swift includes many facts and statistics in “A Modest Proposal.” What seems to be his purpose in including this information?

Back

to make his proposal appear logical