Suggestions for Writing

1. “A Modest Proposal” is remarkably consistent in its ironic voice throughout. There are, however, some places where Swift’s own voice intrudes. Write an essay showing how these breaks in tone reveal Swift’s own attitude toward his subject.

   Chapter 7 - A Modest Proposal - Suggestions for Writing: “A Modest Proposal” is remarkably consistent in its ironic voice throughout. There are, however, some places where Swift’s own voice intrudes. Write an essay showing how these breaks in tone reveal Swift’s own attitude toward his subject.
2. Read carefully paragraphs 20–26. Then write an essay explaining how Swift uses resources of language to develop his positions. Consider diction, voice, pacing, and other rhetorical features to support your position.

   Chapter 7 - A Modest Proposal - Suggestions for Writing: Read carefully paragraphs 20–26. Then write an essay explaining how Swift uses resources of language to develop his positions. Consider diction, voice, pacing, and other rhetorical features to support your position.
3. Write an essay explaining the influence of Swift on a contemporary example of satire. One example, by political commentator Christopher Buckley about mad cow disease, was published in the New Yorker (April 15, 1996) and titled “A Moodest Proposal.” Another example might be the satiric news program The Colbert Report.

   Chapter 7 - A Modest Proposal - Suggestions for Writing: Write an essay explaining the influence of Swift on a contemporary example of satire. One example, by political commentator Christopher Buckley about mad cow disease, was published in the New Yorker (April 15, 1996) and titled “A Moodest Proposal.” Another example might be the satiric news program The Colbert Report.
4. Write a response to Swift in the voice of an economist sympathetic to Swift’s views, or in the voice of someone who takes the proposal seriously, challenging Swift’s argument.

   Chapter 7 - A Modest Proposal - Suggestions for Writing: Write a response to Swift in the voice of an economist sympathetic to Swift’s views, or in the voice of someone who takes the proposal seriously, challenging Swift’s argument.
5. Write your own “modest proposal” about an economic condition in today’s society. Be sure to specify who your audience is—whether you intend your piece to be published in a national magazine, your local newspaper, or your school newspaper.

   Chapter 7 - A Modest Proposal - Suggestions for Writing: Write your own “modest proposal” about an economic condition in today’s society. Be sure to specify who your audience is—whether you intend your piece to be published in a national magazine, your local newspaper, or your school newspaper.