A Modest Proposal—Analysis Questions
Paragraphs 1-7
1.
2.
3.
4.
Swift hooks the reader by referencing a common sight. What is it?
In the third paragraph, Swift mentions the subject of his proposal. What is it?
What two practices does Swift speak out against in paragraph 5?
In the first sentence of paragraph 6, what term does Swift use to refer to women, and
what comparison is he beginning to establish—the poor as what?
5. Through paragraph 7, what kind of support does the author use to increase the
credibility of his argument?
6. What are Swift’s comments on the value of children to the society?
Paragraphs 8-19
7. According to Swift, what are some advantages of his modest proposal in terms of value
and availability?
8. In paragraph 18, Swift recounts a tradition in Formosa and muses that it might be
applied to certain young Irish girls. Why?
9. Why isn’t Swift concerned about the aged, diseased, and maimed?
Paragraphs 20-28
10. Swift enumerates various benefits from his proposal. Summarize the benefits to the
rich, the aristocracy, the poor, the institution of marriage, wives, and Irish exports.
Paragraphs 29-33
11. The italicized section indicates Swift’s sincere, rather than satiric, proposals. Paying
attention to the verbs, enumerate these ideas.
12. In paragraph 32, Swift says that politicians who don’t like his proposal should ask
someone a question. Who, and what is the question?
13. How does he rationalize the idea that he has no personal interest in the proposal?