A Modest Proposal - Jonathan Swift Essay

Question 1

What genre does the text belong to?

Answer 1

Satirical essay/Political pamphlet

The essay critiques English exploitation of the Irish.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of the essay?

Answer 2

Critiques English exploitation of the Irish
Chastise ineffectual government
Highlight absurdity
Mocks cold rationality of Enlightenment thinking

Question 3

Who is the intended audience of the essay?

Answer 3

Literate politically aware 18th-century audience
English/Irish Upper class (influence)
Political figures benefiting from system
General public

Question 4

What structural elements are present in the essay?

Answer 4

Logical, essay-like structure; numbered lists; build-up of absurdity.

Question 5

How does the conclusion of the essay contribute to its satirical tone?

Answer 5

Offers ‘reasonable’ tone to highlight satire.

Question 6

What type of lexis is used in the essay?

Answer 6

Formal lexis juxtaposed with grotesque imagery; euphemism and irony dominate.

Question 7

What grammatical features are prominent in the text?

Answer 7

Complex, periodic sentences; modal verbs for mock rational argumentation.

Question 8

What spoken features are present in the essay?

Answer 8

None – written satire.

Question 9

What is the tone and register of the essay?

Answer 9

Mock-serious, ironic, satirical (parodies academic discourse)

Question 10

What historical context is relevant to the essay?

Answer 10

1729 Ireland under British rule, economic conditions were devastating, many faced: poverty, overpopulation, few jobs, crop failure etc, Member of Anglo Irish ruling class so held allegiance to both countries, poverty exacerbated by trade restrictions imposed by England, Multiples appeals and proposals to Irish parliament but consistently ignored