A Modest Proposal - Restoration Module

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

A Modest Proposal

Objectives

• Understand the content of Swift's "A Modest Proposal"
• Identify the problem-solution essay structure in the text
• Explain why the text is a satire
• Recognise satirical devices in text and be able to explain these

Content: essay

"A Modest Proposal" is written in the structure of a problem-solution essay:

• it identifies the problem and its causes
• proposes a solution to the problem
• provides support for the proposed solution 
• notes other possible solutions

Read line 1-19
What is the problem discussed in the essay?

Read line 20-100
What solution is offered to the problem discussed in the essay?

Read line 101 - 122
What is an additional solution (linked to the first)?

Which problem & solution is discussed in "A Modest Proposal"?

Read line 149 - 184
What support is offered to support the solution?

Satire

"The use of humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues."

In the Restoration period:

• Attack on the upper class
• To expose human behaviour

Based on what you know, why is "A Modest Proposal" a satirical text?

Read the background information

Which satirical devices can be found in "A Modest Proposal"?

Hyperbole

- An overstatement or an extreme exaggeration

Invective

- An attack or insult aimed at a person or thing through the use of abusive language and tone

Inversion

- A reversal of order or form

- Opposite of what is expected

Irony

-  Contradictory statements or situations that are the opposite of what is actually meant

Sarcasm

- Saying the opposite of what you actually mean in a harsh way

- To show your disapproval

Understatement

-  To make a situation less important than it is

Assignment

Find one example from "A Modest Proposal" for each satirical device. You are allowed to work in pairs or threes.

Make sure you have an example for the following devices (check the notes in the document as well): inversion, hyperbole, understatement, invective, sarcasm, irony.

UNDERSTATEMENT

INVERSION

IRONY

SARCASM

INVECTIVE

HYPERBOLE

Check Restoration

• Historical context Restoration (presentation)
• Important terms (presentation)
• Understand the content of Swift's "A Modest Proposal"
• Satire
• Recognise satirical devices in text and be able to explain these