|
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." A very worthy person, a true lover of his country, and whose virtues I highly esteem, was lately pleased, in discoursing on this matter, to offer a refinement upon my scheme. He said, that many gentlemen of this kingdom, having of late destroyed their deer, he conceived that the want of venison might be well supply’d by the bodies of young lads and maidens, not exceeding fourteen years of age, nor under twelve; so great a number of both sexes in every country being now ready to starve for want of work and service. Which statement best describes Swift’s use of rhetorical devices in this excerpt? |
Swift uses irony when he says the person with whom he discussed his plan is "very worthy" and "a true lover of this country." |
|
Verbal irony is best defined as |
a contradiction between what is said and what is really meant |
|
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the cloathing of many thousands. . . . Which false premise does the author rely on in this excerpt? |
that parents would rather sell their children than be responsible for them |
|
How does the title, "A Modest Proposal," tell the reader that the piece is satirical? |
The author’s proposal is actually extreme and violent, not gentle as the title says. |
|
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." This I freely own, and ’twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor houshold furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury . . . What is Swift’s purpose in listing other ways to solve the issue of poverty? |
to show that real reform is possible with reasonable sacrifice |
|
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." This I freely own, and ’twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor houshold furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury: . . . Of teaching landlords to have at least one degree of mercy towards their tenants. Lastly, of putting a spirit of honesty, industry, and skill into our shop-keepers . . . What is most likely the purpose of this excerpt? |
to shame the greedy people who have contributed to Ireland’s poverty instead of trying to help eradicate it |
|
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust. Why did Swift most likely deliver his proposal in a casual manner? |
to grab the reader’s attention by using understatement to talk about brutal acts |
|
Which characteristics of satire are evident in "A Modest Proposal"? Check all that apply. |
criticism of society verbal irony humor and ridicule |
|
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." As to our City of Dublin, shambles may be appointed for this purpose, in the most convenient parts of it, and butchers we may be assured will not be wanting; although I rather recommend buying the children alive, and dressing them hot from the knife, as we do roasting pigs. Which statement best describes Swift’s use of understatement in this excerpt? |
He states that sending children to the butcher would be as simple as "roasting pigs." |
|
Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flea the carcass; the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen. The author is using satire in this excerpt to emphasize the |
utter absurdity of his plan. |
Share This
Flashcard
