Jonathan Swift: A Modest Proposal

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This activity contains 3 questions.

Throughout “A Modest Proposal,” Swift uses language that dehumanizes the Irish people. Point out examples of such language, and explain their effect both in terms of Swift’s satire and his underlying purpose.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Though Swift never fully drops his mask, he does make a number of veiled appeals toward sympathy for the Irish and legitimate suggestions for alleviating their predicament. Citing the text, examine when and where he does so. How can you recognize his seriousness?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Write a “modest proposal” of your own in which you offer an outrageous solution to alleviate some social problem. Make sure that readers understand that your proposal is satirical and that they recognize your real purpose in writing.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

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