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The main idea of "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is satirical social criticism of the British upper class and their treatment of the Irish poor. Swift suggests that the poor Irish should sell their infants as food to the wealthy in order to alleviate poverty and overpopulation. By proposing this extreme solution, Swift aims to expose the heartless attitudes of the ruling class towards the less fortunate.

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Q: What is the main idea of a modest proposal by Jonathan Swift?
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What is a motif in a modest proposal?

A motif in "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is the idea of using logic and reasoning to justify extreme or absurd actions. Swift uses this motif to satirize the cold-hearted and dehumanizing attitudes of those who view people as mere commodities.


Jonathan Swift a modest proposal main idea?

Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" suggests a satirical solution to poverty and overpopulation in Ireland by proposing that poor Irish families should sell their children as food to the wealthy. The main idea is to criticize the heartless attitudes of the ruling class towards the poor and to highlight the absurdity of the economic policies that Swift believed were exacerbating the suffering of the Irish people.


Where swift uses ambiguity in the modest proposal?

Jonathan Swift uses ambiguity in "A Modest Proposal" by presenting the outrageous suggestion of selling children as a solution to poverty in Ireland. By presenting this idea in a serious and rational manner, Swift creates a satirical work that criticizes the British treatment of the Irish. The ambiguity lies in the ironic tone and extreme nature of the proposal, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.


What is the main idea in Swift's A Modest Proposal?

The main idea in Swift's "A Modest Proposal" is his satirical suggestion that the impoverished Irish population could alleviate their economic struggles by selling their children as food for the wealthy. Through this extreme proposal, Swift critiques British economic exploitation and social indifference towards the Irish people.


What is the irony in modest proposal?

The irony in "A Modest Proposal" is that the author, Jonathan Swift, presents a solution to poverty in Ireland by suggesting that poor families should sell their children as food to the wealthy. By proposing such a shocking and absurd idea, Swift is actually criticizing the British government's oppressive policies towards the Irish people and highlighting the dehumanizing effects of poverty.

Related questions

What is a motif in a modest proposal?

A motif in "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is the idea of using logic and reasoning to justify extreme or absurd actions. Swift uses this motif to satirize the cold-hearted and dehumanizing attitudes of those who view people as mere commodities.


Jonathan Swift a modest proposal main idea?

Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" suggests a satirical solution to poverty and overpopulation in Ireland by proposing that poor Irish families should sell their children as food to the wealthy. The main idea is to criticize the heartless attitudes of the ruling class towards the poor and to highlight the absurdity of the economic policies that Swift believed were exacerbating the suffering of the Irish people.


What is the symbol in a modest proposal by johnathan swift?

The symbol in "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift is the idea of eating babies as a satirical commentary on the British oppression of the Irish. Swift uses this extreme proposal to highlight the harsh economic conditions in Ireland and the dehumanizing effects of colonial rule.


Where swift uses ambiguity in the modest proposal?

Jonathan Swift uses ambiguity in "A Modest Proposal" by presenting the outrageous suggestion of selling children as a solution to poverty in Ireland. By presenting this idea in a serious and rational manner, Swift creates a satirical work that criticizes the British treatment of the Irish. The ambiguity lies in the ironic tone and extreme nature of the proposal, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.


What is the main idea in Swift's A Modest Proposal?

The main idea in Swift's "A Modest Proposal" is his satirical suggestion that the impoverished Irish population could alleviate their economic struggles by selling their children as food for the wealthy. Through this extreme proposal, Swift critiques British economic exploitation and social indifference towards the Irish people.


What is the irony in modest proposal?

The irony in "A Modest Proposal" is that the author, Jonathan Swift, presents a solution to poverty in Ireland by suggesting that poor families should sell their children as food to the wealthy. By proposing such a shocking and absurd idea, Swift is actually criticizing the British government's oppressive policies towards the Irish people and highlighting the dehumanizing effects of poverty.


What is the tone of each author's writing and is the tone effective in conveying the main idea in a Modest Proposal?

Jonathan Swift's tone in "A Modest Proposal" is satirical, using irony and exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of the situation. The biting sarcasm and deadpan delivery serve to emphasize the severity of the socio-political issues at hand. This tone is effective in provoking thought and critiquing the mistreatment of the Irish poor by suggesting cannibalism as a solution.


Swift a traditionalist was often skeptical of new ideas. In what way does a modest proposal reflect this attitude?

"A Modest Proposal" satirically criticizes societal issues like poverty and overpopulation by proposing a controversial solution of cannibalism. This reflects Swift's skepticism of traditional solutions and his willingness to challenge conventional thinking by presenting an extreme and absurd idea to highlight the flaws in society.


Why did Swift title his work A Modest Proposal?

Its irony helps the reader understand that such an idea is not acceptable and isn't meant to be taken seriously.


Why will Swift's proposal reduce the number of Catholics in a modest proposal?

Swift's proposal suggests that poor Irish families should sell their children as food to wealthy individuals. This idea is meant to highlight the cold-hearted attitudes of the wealthy towards the poor, not actually decrease the number of Catholics. The proposal is satirical and aims to critique the injustices faced by the Irish under British rule.


In what paragraph did he offer his most modest proposal?

He offered his most modest proposal in the fourth paragraph of his speech. In this paragraph, he presented his idea for a step-by-step plan to address the issue at hand in a practical and realistic manner.


What is the persona of a modest proposal?

In "A Modest Proposal," the persona is a rational and detached speaker who suggests using infants for food as a solution to poverty in Ireland. The persona presents the idea with logical arguments and a serious tone, maintaining a satirical distance from the horrifying proposal.