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Society's indifference to poverty

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Why do you think that people who read A Modest Proposal in Swift's era misinterpreted his intentions in writing it?

Because of the audience he was targeting in the Eighteenth century, his satire was overlooked. Since his writing was a 'proposal', many took it for a serious issue. The people he was making fun of mostly did not even know that he was making fun of them.


What are the overt and implied thesis statements in a modest proposal?

The obvious thesis of "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift, is that 18th century Ireland will be much better off if the poor parents sell their year old child to rich Englishmen for money. However, if the reader takes into account the satirical element of Swift's writing as evident by his other works and ironic writing style, the reader can see that there are multiple theses that tie together. They are; England is oppressive to the Irish -to the point that they would consider selling and eating their own children for money, that there is significant religious disdain and prejudice of the English Protestants to the Irish Catholics, and that the Irish are inactive in making their own lives better.


What is the real thesis for A Modest Proposal?

What your answer is is more like the theme of the essay. The thesis would be what Swift actually proposes. His thesis starts in the title: A Modest Proposal: For Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Publick. Swift's thesis is that if the poor simply ate their babies, the above would be accomplished.


Why does Swift use false premises as the basis for his arguments in A Modest Proposal?

Swift uses false premises in "A Modest Proposal" to satirize and critique the heartless economic policies of the English towards the Irish. By presenting exaggerated solutions to poverty and overpopulation, Swift highlights the absurdity of the situation and forces readers to reflect on the real issues at hand. The false premises serve to shock and provoke readers into considering the inhumane conditions faced by the Irish.


What statement from a modest proposal is an example of sarcasm?

"Whoever could find out a fair, cheap, and easy method of making these children sound, useful members of the commonwealth would deserve so well of the public as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation." This statement is an example of sarcasm as it suggests a horrific solution—using children for food—while pretending to praise those who could come up with a more humane alternative.

Related Questions

Modest proposal What satirical point is swift making in his reference to landlords?

The tone shifts


In A Modest Proposal why do the landlords have the best title to the children?

In "A Modest Proposal," the landlords are described as the best title holders to the children because by owning the children, they can monetize them as a commodity, making a profit off their sale and consumption. This satirical suggestion serves to criticize the exploitation and dehumanization of the Irish people by the wealthy ruling class.


These best describes A Modest Proposal?

"A Modest Proposal" is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift in 1729. The essay suggests an outlandish solution to poverty in Ireland by proposing that impoverished families should sell their children as food to wealthy individuals. The proposal highlights the callousness of British policy towards Irish poverty and serves as a critique of political and economic exploitation.


What is the structure of swifts essay a modest proposal?

Jonathan Swift's essay "A Modest Proposal" is structured as a satirical pamphlet presenting a seemingly rational solution to poverty and overpopulation in Ireland. It begins with an introduction to the dire situation faced by the Irish, followed by a detailed proposal that suggests the poor sell their children as food to the wealthy. Swift employs a logical tone and meticulous reasoning throughout, culminating in a conclusion that underscores the absurdity of his suggestion, revealing his critique of British policy and societal indifference. The essay's structure effectively combines irony and social commentary, making a powerful statement about the exploitation of the poor.


Why do you think that people who read A Modest Proposal in Swift's era misinterpreted his intentions in writing it?

Because of the audience he was targeting in the Eighteenth century, his satire was overlooked. Since his writing was a 'proposal', many took it for a serious issue. The people he was making fun of mostly did not even know that he was making fun of them.


Why does the speaker of a modest proposal think the food he proposes is very proper for landlords'?

The speaker of "A Modest Proposal" suggests that the food he proposes—cooked children—is very proper for landlords because it reflects their exploitative and dehumanizing treatment of the poor. By turning the impoverished into a commodity, he highlights the grotesque nature of the landlords' indifference to the suffering of their tenants. The proposal serves as a satirical critique of societal and economic structures that prioritize profit over human dignity, making the shocking suggestion seem almost logical in the context of their greed.


What are the overt and implied thesis statements in a modest proposal?

The obvious thesis of "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift, is that 18th century Ireland will be much better off if the poor parents sell their year old child to rich Englishmen for money. However, if the reader takes into account the satirical element of Swift's writing as evident by his other works and ironic writing style, the reader can see that there are multiple theses that tie together. They are; England is oppressive to the Irish -to the point that they would consider selling and eating their own children for money, that there is significant religious disdain and prejudice of the English Protestants to the Irish Catholics, and that the Irish are inactive in making their own lives better.


What is the real thesis for A Modest Proposal?

What your answer is is more like the theme of the essay. The thesis would be what Swift actually proposes. His thesis starts in the title: A Modest Proposal: For Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Publick. Swift's thesis is that if the poor simply ate their babies, the above would be accomplished.


According to the narrator of A Modest Proposal at what age is a child best suited to serve as the solution to the problem he identifies?

The narrator of "A Modest Proposal" suggests that children should be used as a solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland starting from the age of one year because they are plump and healthy at that age, making them suitable for consumption.


Why is swift not serious about his proposal?

Jonathan Swift's proposal in "A Modest Proposal" is not meant to be taken seriously as a solution to poverty in Ireland; rather, it serves as a satirical critique of the British government's neglect and the inhumane attitudes towards the impoverished Irish population. By suggesting the absurd idea of selling and consuming children, Swift highlights the extreme measures that society might consider if left unchecked. His exaggerated suggestion forces readers to confront the moral implications of their indifference and the dire situation faced by the poor, making it clear that his true intent is to provoke thought and inspire change rather than to propose a genuine solution.


Why does Swift use false premises as the basis for his arguments in A Modest Proposal?

Swift uses false premises in "A Modest Proposal" to satirize and critique the heartless economic policies of the English towards the Irish. By presenting exaggerated solutions to poverty and overpopulation, Swift highlights the absurdity of the situation and forces readers to reflect on the real issues at hand. The false premises serve to shock and provoke readers into considering the inhumane conditions faced by the Irish.


What statement from a modest proposal is an example of sarcasm?

"Whoever could find out a fair, cheap, and easy method of making these children sound, useful members of the commonwealth would deserve so well of the public as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation." This statement is an example of sarcasm as it suggests a horrific solution—using children for food—while pretending to praise those who could come up with a more humane alternative.