Question

3. Short-response prompt (15 points)

Read the following passage from Jonathan Swift's essay "A Modest Proposal":
I can think of no one objection that will possibly be raised against this proposal,
unless it ... be... that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in
the kingdom. This I freely own, and 'twas indeed one principal design in offering
it to the world. I desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this
one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or I think
ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of
taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor
household furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture:... Of
curing the expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our women: Of
introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance: Of learning to love
our country... Of teaching landlords to have at least one degree of mercy
towards their tenants. Lastly, of putting a spirit of honesty, industry, and skill into
our shop-keepers..
What point does Swift want to make in the passage, and does he use satire effectively to make that
point? Write a short argument to answer these questions. Be careful to include a clear claim and to
respond to at least one counterclaim. Develop your argument with specific details from the passage.

Answer 1

Claim: In the passage from Jonathan Swift's essay "A Modest Proposal," Swift uses satire to argue for a drastic solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland. He effectively highlights the absurdity of other proposed solutions, and by doing so, emphasizes the severity of the issue.

Counterclaim: Some might argue that Swift's proposal is too extreme and that it undermines the importance of human life.

Response: While Swift's proposal may seem extreme and even inhumane, it is important to note that his intention is not to seriously propose the consumption of children, but rather to draw attention to the severity of poverty in Ireland. By using satire, Swift effectively highlights the absurdity of other proposed solutions, such as taxing absentees or introducing a vein of parsimony, which he argues are insufficient to address the root cause of the problem. Swift's proposal is meant to shock and provoke a reaction, in order to spur action towards finding a real solution.

Swift argues that his proposal is specifically designed for Ireland and not applicable to any other country on Earth. He acknowledges that his proposal will reduce the population of Ireland, which he sees as a benefit rather than a drawback. He argues that the problem of poverty is so severe in Ireland that drastic measures must be taken to address it. By proposing the consumption of children, Swift effectively highlights the absurdity of the situation and the urgent need for a real solution.

In conclusion, Swift's use of satire is effective in drawing attention to the severity of poverty in Ireland and the inadequacy of other proposed solutions. While his proposal may seem extreme and inhumane, it is meant to provoke a reaction and spur action towards finding a real solution.