Assignment: Analyzing Satire
In the chart below describe the problems the author of “A Modest Proposal” associates with
each group listed.
Next, explain the author’s solution to the problem and in the final column,
describe the supposed “benefits” which will result from the implementation of this “modest
proposal.”
Babies
Problem:
Solution:
Benefits:
Swift describes babies as “being a
Charge upon their Parents, or the
Parish.” He thinks they are a burden to
their families and contribute nothing
to the society.
He proposes to feed babies and make
them healthy until the age of one, so
they can be sold to the rich of Ireland
to be eaten. He calculates that
newborn babies only need breast milk
and two shillings to survive, which is
not a difficult sum to obtain by the
family.
By practicing this solution, Swift
believes abortions and infanticides will
be reduced and unwanted children
will not bring shame to their mothers.
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- Fall '13
- EvanDarling
- English, Poverty, Satire, Ode, A Modest Proposal
