Question

Read this passage from "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift:

I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I
hope will not be liable to the least objection.
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my
acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is
at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food,
whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt
that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.
How does including this passage in the middle of the essay most clearly contribute
to the satire's impact?
A. Swift wants to leave his audience with a sense of shock and horror.
OB. Swift lets his readers know that the essay isn't serious, so they can enjoy
it.
O C. Swift is able to lure readers into his satire by holding back the most
shocking part.
D. Swift makes a proposal so ridiculous that readers will know his essay is
a satire.

Answer 1

The inclusion of this passage contributes to the satire's impact by presenting a ridiculous proposal to highlight the absurdity of the social and economic problems being critiqued.

Step-by-step explanation:

The inclusion of this passage in the middle of the essay most clearly contributes to the satire's impact by D. Swift makes a proposal so ridiculous that readers will know his essay is a satire. By suggesting that young healthy children can be a delicious food, Swift is intentionally presenting a grotesque and outrageous idea. This extreme proposal highlights the absurdity of the social and economic problems he is critiquing, and serves as a device to shock and provoke readers into questioning societal norms.

Learn more about satire in literature