The Speaker In A Modest Proposal States That Poor People Can Make Money By Selling Their Children As:A. Human Sacrifices B. Clerks C. Farmers D. Food E. Slaves

Feb 26, 2025 by ADMIN 168 views

Introduction

Jonathan Swift's satirical essay, "A Modest Proposal," is a thought-provoking piece that critiques the treatment of the poor in Ireland during the 18th century. The essay's speaker presents a series of absurd and disturbing suggestions for how the poor can improve their economic situation. One of the most infamous proposals is the idea that poor people can make money by selling their children. But what exactly does the speaker suggest that the poor sell their children as?

The Correct Answer: E. Slaves

The speaker in "A Modest Proposal" suggests that poor people can make money by selling their children as slaves. This proposal is a clear commentary on the treatment of the poor and the exploitation of children during this time period. The speaker argues that by selling their children as slaves, the poor can alleviate their economic burdens and improve their standard of living.

Analysis of the Proposal

The proposal to sell children as slaves is a scathing critique of the societal norms and economic systems of the time. The speaker highlights the inhumanity and exploitation of the poor, who are forced to live in poverty and desperation. By suggesting that children can be sold as slaves, the speaker is pointing out the commodification of human life and the dehumanization of the poor.

Comparison with Other Options

The other options presented in the question are not supported by the text of "A Modest Proposal." The speaker does not suggest that children can be sold as human sacrifices, clerks, or farmers. While the idea of selling children as food is a disturbing one, it is not the proposal presented in the essay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the speaker in "A Modest Proposal" suggests that poor people can make money by selling their children as slaves. This proposal is a commentary on the treatment of the poor and the exploitation of children during this time period. The essay is a powerful critique of societal norms and economic systems, and its themes and ideas continue to resonate with readers today.

Historical Context

"A Modest Proposal" was written in 1729, during a time of great economic hardship in Ireland. The country was experiencing a period of famine and poverty, and the poor were struggling to survive. The essay is a response to this crisis, and its proposals are meant to be taken as a satire of the treatment of the poor.

Literary Significance

"A Modest Proposal" is considered a classic of satire and a masterpiece of literary criticism. The essay's use of irony, sarcasm, and ridicule has made it a favorite among readers and scholars alike. The essay's themes and ideas have been interpreted and analyzed in countless ways, and its influence can be seen in literature and art to this day.

Impact on Society

The impact of "A Modest Proposal" on society has been significant. The essay's critique of societal norms and economic systems has influenced the way people think about poverty, exploitation, and the treatment of the poor. The essay's themes and ideas have been used to critique and challenge societal norms and economic systems, and its influence can be seen in social justice movements and human rights campaigns around the world.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts

"A Modest Proposal" is a powerful and thought-provoking essay that continues to challenge and inspire readers today. The essay's themes and ideas are relevant to contemporary issues and concerns, and its influence can be seen in literature, art, and social justice movements around the world.

Introduction

Jonathan Swift's satirical essay, "A Modest Proposal," is a thought-provoking piece that critiques the treatment of the poor in Ireland during the 18th century. The essay's speaker presents a series of absurd and disturbing suggestions for how the poor can improve their economic situation. In this Q&A article, we'll explore some of the most frequently asked questions about "A Modest Proposal" and provide answers to help you better understand this classic work of literature.

Q: What is the main theme of "A Modest Proposal"?

A: The main theme of "A Modest Proposal" is the critique of societal norms and economic systems that perpetuate poverty and exploitation. The essay's speaker argues that the poor can improve their economic situation by selling their children as food, but this proposal is meant to be a satire of the treatment of the poor and the exploitation of children.

Q: Who is the target audience of "A Modest Proposal"?

A: The target audience of "A Modest Proposal" is the wealthy and powerful in Ireland, who are responsible for the poverty and exploitation of the poor. The essay's speaker argues that the wealthy are responsible for the suffering of the poor and that they must take action to address this issue.

Q: What is the tone of "A Modest Proposal"?

A: The tone of "A Modest Proposal" is satirical, ironic, and sarcastic. The essay's speaker presents a series of absurd and disturbing suggestions for how the poor can improve their economic situation, but these proposals are meant to be a critique of the treatment of the poor and the exploitation of children.

Q: What is the historical context of "A Modest Proposal"?

A: "A Modest Proposal" was written in 1729, during a time of great economic hardship in Ireland. The country was experiencing a period of famine and poverty, and the poor were struggling to survive. The essay is a response to this crisis, and its proposals are meant to be a satire of the treatment of the poor.

Q: What is the literary significance of "A Modest Proposal"?

A: "A Modest Proposal" is considered a classic of satire and a masterpiece of literary criticism. The essay's use of irony, sarcasm, and ridicule has made it a favorite among readers and scholars alike. The essay's themes and ideas have been interpreted and analyzed in countless ways, and its influence can be seen in literature and art to this day.

Q: What is the impact of "A Modest Proposal" on society?

A: The impact of "A Modest Proposal" on society has been significant. The essay's critique of societal norms and economic systems has influenced the way people think about poverty, exploitation, and the treatment of the poor. The essay's themes and ideas have been used to critique and challenge societal norms and economic systems, and its influence can be seen in social justice movements and human rights campaigns around the world.

Q: What are some of the key quotes from "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key quotes from "A Modest Proposal" include:

"I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled."
"I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they are known, never spare any expense in the support of their family but live like princes."
"I have already computed the charge of nursing a beggar's child from the age of one year to eighteen, and find it amount to two hundred pounds, besides the regular expense of an apprenticeship."

Q: What are some of the key themes of "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key themes of "A Modest Proposal" include:

The critique of societal norms and economic systems that perpetuate poverty and exploitation
The exploitation of children and the poor
The role of the wealthy and powerful in perpetuating poverty and exploitation
The need for social justice and human rights

Q: What are some of the key literary devices used in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key literary devices used in "A Modest Proposal" include:

Satire: The essay uses satire to critique societal norms and economic systems.
Irony: The essay uses irony to highlight the absurdity of the proposals presented.
Sarcasm: The essay uses sarcasm to critique the treatment of the poor and the exploitation of children.
Rhetorical questions: The essay uses rhetorical questions to engage the reader and highlight the absurdity of the proposals presented.

Q: What are some of the key historical references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key historical references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The Great Famine of 1740-1741, which devastated Ireland and led to widespread poverty and starvation.
The Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852, which led to the deaths of over a million people and the emigration of millions more.
The English colonization of Ireland, which led to the exploitation and oppression of the Irish people.

Q: What are some of the key cultural references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key cultural references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The cultural norms and values of 18th-century Ireland, which emphasized the importance of family, community, and social hierarchy.
The cultural practices and traditions of the Irish people, which emphasized the importance of storytelling, music, and dance.
The cultural influences of the English and other European cultures on Irish society and culture.

Q: What are some of the key philosophical references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key philosophical references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The philosophical ideas of John Locke, who argued that individuals have inherent rights and freedoms.
The philosophical ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who argued that individuals are born free and equal.
The philosophical ideas of Immanuel Kant, who argued that individuals have a moral duty to treat others with respect and dignity.

Q: What are some of the key psychological references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key psychological references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The psychological effects of poverty and exploitation on individuals and communities.
The psychological effects of trauma and stress on individuals and communities.
The psychological effects of social isolation and loneliness on individuals and communities.

Q: What are some of the key educational references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key educational references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The educational system of 18th-century Ireland, which emphasized the importance of classical education and the study of Latin and Greek.
The educational system of 18th-century England, which emphasized the importance of classical education and the study of Latin and Greek.
The educational system of modern-day Ireland and England, which emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Q: What are some of the key economic references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key economic references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The economic systems of 18th-century Ireland and England, which emphasized the importance of trade, commerce, and industry.
The economic systems of modern-day Ireland and England, which emphasize the importance of free market capitalism and globalization.
The economic effects of poverty and exploitation on individuals and communities.

Q: What are some of the key social references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key social references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The social norms and values of 18th-century Ireland and England, which emphasized the importance of social hierarchy and class.
The social practices and traditions of the Irish and English people, which emphasized the importance of family, community, and social relationships.
The social effects of poverty and exploitation on individuals and communities.

Q: What are some of the key political references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key political references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The political systems of 18th-century Ireland and England, which emphasized the importance of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy.
The political systems of modern-day Ireland and England, which emphasize the importance of democracy, human rights, and social justice.
The political effects of poverty and exploitation on individuals and communities.

Q: What are some of the key environmental references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key environmental references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The environmental effects of poverty and exploitation on individuals and communities.
The environmental effects of industrialization and globalization on the natural world.
The environmental effects of climate change on the natural world.

Q: What are some of the key technological references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key technological references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The technological advancements of 18th-century Ireland and England, which emphasized the importance of industrialization and innovation.
The technological advancements of modern-day Ireland and England, which emphasize the importance of information technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
The technological effects of poverty and exploitation on individuals and communities.

Q: What are some of the key scientific references in "A Modest Proposal"?

A: Some of the key scientific references in "A Modest Proposal" include:

The scientific discoveries of 18th-century Ireland and England, which emphasized the importance of natural philosophy and the study of the natural world.
The scientific discoveries of modern-day Ireland and England, which emphasize the importance of physics, chemistry, and biology.
The scientific effects of poverty and exploitation on individuals and communities