Vocabulary & Terms for A Modest Proposal
Word
Animosities
**ASSIGNMENT**
Circle vocab. words in Text
Define
Synonyms
Of quitting our animosities and
factions
But with due deference to so
excellent a friend
plural of animosity; a feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or
enmity that tends to display itself in action
respectful or courteous regard
hostility, opposition,
antagonism, hatred
esteem, regard, honor
… is in the present
deplorable state of the kingdom
persons of a desponding spirit are
in great concern
causing or being a subject for regret or disapproval
distressing, lamentable,
pitiful, sad, sorry
disheartened, downhearted,
melancholy, blue.
Eminent
an eminent French physician
high in station, rank, or repute; prominent, distinguished
Enumerate
Many other advantages might be
enumerated
that this expedient was put into
his head
Importuning every passenger for
alms
A Modest Proposal
this prodigious number of
children in the arms
the propagation of swine's flesh
to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one;
specify, as in a list
a means to an end
Rudiment
Scrupulous
they learn the rudiments
some scrupulous people might be
apt to censure such a practice
the elements or first principles of a subject
having scruples; having or showing a strict regard for what
one considers right; principled.
Fundamentals, basics,
conscientious, cautious,
careful
Sustenance
To beg sustenance for their
helpless infants
means of sustaining life; nourishment
food, livelihood, provision
Deference
Deplorable
Despondent
Expedient
Importuning
Modest
Prodigious
Propagation
feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection,
discouragement, or gloom
to beg for (something) urgently or persistently
having regard for decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
extraordinary in size, amount, extent, degree, force, etc.
multiplication or increase, as by natural reproduction
celebrated, renowned,
illustrious, outstanding
relate, recite, reveal,
proclaim, number
Device, instrument
beseeching, entreating,
soliciting. pleading
pure, virtuous, simple
enormous, immense, huge,
gigantic, tremendous
Breeding, proliferation,
reproduction
Literary Terms:
Satire: A literary technique used to ridicule
ideas, customs, behaviors, or institutions for
the purpose of improving society. Satire
uses exaggeration to force readers to see
something in a more critical light. Example:
Saturday Night Live
Diminution: Reduces the size of something
in order that it may be made to appear
ridiculous or in order to be examined closely
and have its faults seen close up; Example:
“beggars” and then “breeders” are used
instead of parents.
Exaggeration: To enlarge, increase, or
represent something beyond normal bounds
so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults
can be seen. Example: Time is the best
teacher; unfortunately, it kills all of its
students
Parody : To imitate the techniques and/or
style of some person, place, or thing.
Example: Scary Movie, Austin Powers,
Young Frankenstein
Verbal Irony: occurs when what is said is
not exactly what is meant. Example: when
someone says “Nice day, isn’t it?” during a
rainstorm
Sarcasm: mocking, contemptuous, or ironic
language intended to convey scorn or insult.
Example: If I throw a stick, will you leave?
Black humor: comedy mingled with horror
or a sense of the morbid. Examples: Raising
Arizona, Bad Santa, Dr. Strangelove or:
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love
the Bomb
Elements of Classical Argument:
I. PROBLEM: A clearly-defined problem
II. SOLUTION: A proposal to solve the
problem
III. ARGUMENT: A convincing argument
supported by facts, examples, and opinions
of recognized authorities
IV. REBUTTAL: Recognition of opposing
viewpoints - anticipating objections and
allaying fears of the opposition
V. ADVANTAGES: Comparison of
proposed solution to alternatives
VI. TONE: A self-controlled tone - rational,
specific, avoiding exaggerations, never
quarrelsome or antagonistic
**ASSIGNMENT** In the chart below
describe the problems, solution, and its
benefits the persona in “A Modest
Proposal” associates with each group listed.
Babies
Problem:
Solution:
Benefits:
Children Ages 1-12
Problem:
Solution:
Benefits:
**ASSIGNMENT** A Modest Proposal
follows the structure of a classical argument.
As you read, find the elements listed above
in the text of the essay.
Elderly, Maimed, Ill
Problem:
Make notations in the margins
Solution:
Benefits: