Satire in Swift's "A Modest Proposal"

Question 1

Which characteristics of satire are evident in "A Modest Proposal"? Select three answer options.criticism of societyverbal ironymultiple points of viewhumor and ridiculeserious language

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: criticism of society; B: verbal irony; D: humor and ridicule

Question 2

How does the title, "A Modest Proposal," tell the reader that the piece is satirical?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

T: The author’s proposal is actually extreme and violent, not gentle as the title says.

Question 3

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

u: utter absurdity of his plan.

Question 4

best

Revolt · Accepted Answer

T: Thus the squire will learn to be a good landlord, and grow popular among his tenants, the mother will have eight shillings neat profit, and be fit for work till she produces another child.

Question 5

"a contradiction between what is said and what is really meant""the use of humor to emphasize the negative qualities of society""a description of something as being smaller or less than it really is""the use of an incorrect assumption that forms the basis of an argument"

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: "a contradiction between what is said and what is really meant"

Question 6

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: Swift uses irony when he says the person with whom he discussed his plan is “very worthy” and “a true lover of this country.”

Question 7

What issue is Swift addressing in a satirical manner in "A Modest Proposal"?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: widespread poverty throughout Ireland

Question 8

Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal."But, as to my self, having been wearied out for many years with offering vain, idle, visionary thoughts, and at length utterly despairing of success, I fortunately fell upon this proposal, which, as it is wholly new, so it hath something solid and real, of no expence and little trouble, full in our own power, and whereby we can incur no danger in disobliging England.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D: to remind readers that each human being is valuable

Question 9

What is the author’s purpose in writing "A Modest Proposal"?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

t: to draw attention to an issue that is plaguing his country

Question 10

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.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D: He states that sending children to the butcher would be as simple as “roasting pigs.”

Satire in Swift's "A Modest Proposal" Answers

More from this Course

TRY EDGENUITY HACKS