Satire in Swift's "A Modest Proposal"

Question 1

Which statement best describes Swift’s use of rhetorical devices in this passage?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C: Swift uses verbal irony when he calls his friend a “patriot”; a true patriot would not suggest using Ireland’s children for food.

Question 2

What false premise does Swift rely on to build his argument in this passage?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: The wealthy will be willing to buy and consume children.

Question 3

Whom is Swift criticizing in this passage?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: wealthy people who exploit the poor

Question 4

How does Swift use satire in this passage to criticize society?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D: He implies that the English care so little for the Irish people that they will not object to using Irish children for food.

Satire in Swift's "A Modest Proposal" Answers