Read, “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift. Play close attention to metaphors, imagery and satire. For each question, write a few sentences with evidence to back up your opinions.
1.In what sense does the essay make literal the metaphor that the English are devouring the Irish? What is the relationship between the metaphoric devouring and the literal starvation of the Irish people?
2.Discuss the brutality of the imagery (for example, “dressing them hot from the knife”). To what extent is this effective? Why?
3.Why is the comparison between the economic state of Ireland and the cannibalism of infants appropriate?
4.What is the moral purpose of Swift’s satire?
5.Are there modern parallels for which the satire would be applicable?
