AUSLEY, APLC
YOUR NAME: ___________________________________________ 1A 3A 27 October 2016
QUESTIONS FOR “A MODEST PROPOSAL” (SWIFT)
1. How does Swift want the reader to view the speaker? What features best describe the “persona”
the speaker adopts?
2. Look, in particular, at instances in which Swift’s persona proposes shocking things. How does the
style of the “Modest Proposal” affect its content?
3. Verbal irony consists of saying one thing and meaning another. At what point in this essay do you
begin to suspect that Swift is using irony? What additional evidence of irony can you find?
4. Note Swift’s diction in the opening paragraphs. Identify examples of quantification and
dehumanization. Explain their purpose.
5. List the ways in which the proposal is presented that make it appear rational.
6. Take careful notes of diction in paragraph 12, with words such as “dear” and “devoured,” – what
strategy do you think is behind these appeals?
7. What is the real point Swift is arguing, and how does it relate to the apparent point the speaker
makes?
8. Write a modest proposal of your own in the manner of Swift to remedy a real problem; that is,
propose an outrageous remedy in a reasonable voice.
9. If Swift were to buy three children from a breeder (he was giving a dinner party) at 10 shillings and 4
pence apiece, how much profit would be made by the breeder; if it costs 2 shillings per year to feed
and clothe the child? (1 pound=20 shillings; 1 shilling=12 pence; 1 crown=5 shillings)