Discussion Questions for
"A Modest Proposal"
by Glen Draeger
What is the tone of the essay (by tone I mean is it angry, sad, dry, matter-of-fact, etc?) Why do you think Swift uses the tone he does?
Why do you think Swift calls his proposal a modest one?
We know that Swift wrote this essay, but is the speaker the historical Swift or is it a persona that he has created? Explain your answer.
Why does Swift propose something so outlandish?
Why does Swift use the terms "dam" and "breeders" in reference to mothers and women capable of childbearing? Later he likens the children to animals. Why does he do this?
Who is Swift parodying in this essay?
Do you think it would have been more effective for Swift to have explained in a straightforward manner how he thought the economic problems of Ireland could be solved? Explain your answer.
Why does Swift use the term "scheme" to describe this proposal?"
Why does the speaker refer to "an eminent French physician," "a very worthy person" and "a very knowing American?"
What is the implied message that Swift is really trying to get across to his readers?
Did Swift go too far in this satiric essay? Why or why not?
©2005-2012 Glen Draeger (all rights reserved)
Millstone Education: World Literature / http://www.millstoneeducation.com/worldLit |