A Modest Proposal

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

• Buy and make goods only in Ireland

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

• Swift's solution is still shocking

• Most people are familiar with the history of Ireland

• There is still trouble between Protestants and Catholics

What is Swift's claim or thesis?

• The English need to be treated better or they will start to eat children.
• The Irish need to handle their money better or they will have to sell children.
• The English should sell their children into Irish slavery to help their economy.
• The Irish should eat and sell their babies as a delicacy.

Does Swift expect his readers to seriously consider his proposal?  Why?

• No. He is trying to raise awareness about an issue.
• Yes. He is trying to create a new part of the meat industry.
• No. He is trying to help the Irish win the war with England.
• Yes. He is trying to help the English win the war with Ireland.

One main purpose of A Modest Proposal is to satirize...

• mistreatment of the poor in Ireland

• Irish bankers

• Tenants who don't pay rent

• love and divorce

The title of the essay, “ A Modest Proposal,” is an example of

• understatement

• overstatement

• juxtaposition

• humor

What two aspects of Swift's writing clearly indicate Swift's purpose?

• his attention to detail and honesty
• his imagery and statistics
• his irony and understatement
• his grammar and organization

What large scale societal problem does Swift plan to resolve?

• Overpopulation of Ireland
• Spreading religion to Ireland
• Poverty in Ireland

• Ease political tensions in Ireland

What satirical technique is being used in the following passage: “I can think of no one objection that will probably be raised against this proposal...”

• ridicule

• juxtaposition

• humor

• Understatement

What do the children of the begging mothers do when they grow up?

• find employment to support themselves

• borrow money to support themselves

• steal, be a traitor and fight for Spain, or sell themselves

• steal, fight for France, or sell themselves