A Modest Proposal 1. How does Swift want the reader to

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A Modest Proposal
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• 1. How does Swift want the reader to view the
  speaker? What features best describe the
  persona he adopts?

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Group 1

• Note Swifts diction in the opening paragraphs.
  Identify examples of quantification and
  dehumanization. Explain their purpose.

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Group 2

• Swifts speaker explains the anticipated results
  before revealing the actual proposal. Explain the
  rhetorical purpose of such a strategy.

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Group 3

• What are some assumptions underlying paragraph 7?
• For each of the classic appeals (ethos, logos,
  and pathos), indicate two examples from the first
  eight paragraphs. Which one is the speakers
  primary appeal?

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Group 4

• Read paragraph 9 carefully. Explain the purpose
  and effect of the qualifiers included there.
• Taking careful note of the diction of paragraph
  12, with words such as dear and devoured,
  explain the rhetorical strategy at work.

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Group 5

• Indicate Swifts motivational appeals,
  specifically those to thrift, economy, and
  patriotism. Explain the rhetorical strategy
  behind such appeals.

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Group 6

• Consider the additional proposal mentioned in
  paragraph 17. Explain the rhetorical strategy at
  work in that paragraph.

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Group 7

• Identify the counterargument that the speaker
  anticipates in paragraph 19.
• Explain what Swift suggests as expedients in
  paragraphs 29-31, and explain the rhetorical
  strategy at work.

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Group 8

• The very end of the paragraphs 31 and 32 may be
  seen as breaks from Swifts ironic voice. Explain
  how that may be the case, and identify one other
  place where Swifts voice breaks through that of
  his persona.

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Satire Writing Assignment

• (600-800 words) In the spirit of Jonathan
  Swifts A Modest Proposal, you will be writing
  your own modest proposal that criticizes a
  social problem. If necessary, consult local
  newspapers or national magazines for inspiration.
  Next, consider your own solution. Like that
  proposed by Swift, your solution should be
  preposterous enough to demonstrate its absurdity
  and point out the serious nature of the problem.
  Your essay should utilize satirical strategies
  such as hyperbole, understatement, and irony.