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“A Modest Proposal”. Jonathan Swift. What Do You Think?. A problem in the world that I would like to change is_______. I chose this problem because ____________. Three ideas on how to change or solve this problem is ________. “A Modest Proposal”.
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“A Modest Proposal” Jonathan Swift
What Do You Think? • A problem in the world that I would like to change is_______. I chose this problem because ____________. Three ideas on how to change or solve this problem is ________.
“A Modest Proposal” • Jonathan Swift is considered to be one of the greatest prose writers of the 18th century. • Born in Ireland in 1667 • Grew up in extreme poverty • “A Modest Proposal” springs from his concern for the poverty, unemployment, and hunger that plagued the nation
Background • Early 1700’s the people of Ireland faced terrible conditions. • At the time, Ireland was ruled by England. • English laws stated that Ireland could not trade with other countries. The Irish had to buy many products only from England. • English prices and taxes were high, which caused problems in Ireland. • Many people in Ireland were poor, many did not have jobs, and many died of hunger.
Purpose for reading • The title, “A Modest Proposal,” means a “gentle suggestion.” • The speaker in the essay offers a solution to the problems facing Ireland.
Literary Devices • Satire: author uses humor to point out a problem and criticize those who are causing it. The usual elements of satire are: • Irony: saying the opposite of what you mean in order to make a point. • Exaggeration: Saying something outrageous in order to attract attention. • Understatement: Saying that something is much smaller or less important than it really is.
Rational Appeals (logos) • Appeal to logical reasoning ability of readers • facts • case studies • statistics • experiments • logical reasoning • analogies • anecdotes • authority voices
Emotional Appeals (pathos) • appeal to beliefs and feelingshigher emotions • belief in fairness • love • pity • compassion • lower emotions • greed • lust • revenge • envy
Ethical Appeals (ethos) • sense you (author) gives as being competent/ fair/authority • trustworthiness • credibility • reliability • expert testimony • reliable sources • fairness Think of how one speaks to an opponent: For example on the floor of the Senate in heated debate the speaker would refer to "My honorable opponent." This is why one refers to the "manner of delivery.”