Name:
A MODEST PROPOSAL – Jonathan Swift
Satirical Essay: mocks an individual, group or institution with the
purpose of provoking reform.
1. (a) What is Swift’s chief satirical target in “A Modest Proposal”?
(b) What changes in this target might Swift hope to produce?
2. (a) Why do you think Swift only gradually reveals the real nature of his “proposal” in the essay? (b) What is ironic, or
even misleading in the author’s use of the word “modest” to describe his proposal?
3. In the italicized passage toward the end of the essay, Swift lists a number of “other expedients” for dealing with
Ireland’s woes. Why do you think he abruptly dismisses all these suggestions in favor of his “modest proposal”?
4. Use the chart below to list four examples of Swift’s style— word choice, imagery, figurative language, and tone. Then,
indicate the way these examples contribute to the satire.
Examples
Word choice:
Imagery:
Figurative language:
Tone:
Contributions to the Satire
5. Who is blamed for the problems of the Irish? Do they deserve any blame? Explain.
I EAT BABIES.
6. Why do you think Swift uses economic and mathematical terms
such as calculate, commodity, subtract, and computed with such frequency?
7. At the end of his essay, Swift excludes both himself and his wife from
participating in his own proposal. (a) How does this strategy add to the satire?
(b) Did you find this ending humorous? Why or why not?
8. Does the inclusion of realistic alternatives, printed in italics, help or hinder Swift’s purpose, in your opinion? Explain
your response.
9. Big Question: How does Satire (specifically, such as this) get the reader to examine not only what is being written, but
their own values (lens?) through which they interpret what they read?