Analysis of structure and impact on satire in A Modest Proposal

Main structural elements: Are four main parts of the speaker’s appeal: INTRODUCTION THESIS/DETAILS BENEFITS/ADVANTAGES CONCLUSION

Encompasses Para. 1-7: Introduces the speaker/persona introduction Encompasses Para. 1-7: Introduces the speaker/persona Provides key background about the reasons for the proposal, general overview of conditions in England, problem of the poor Irish, history of other attempts to solve/address the problem Outlines the general benefits of the proposer’s solution – in purely economic terms

Encompasses Paras. 8 – 9 (Thesis) and Paras. 10-20 (Details): Thesis/details Encompasses Paras. 8 – 9 (Thesis) and Paras. 10-20 (Details): Signals a shift in content – first indication that the proposal is suggesting cannibalism First use of ASIDE to suggest the idea came from a ‘very knowing American’ Paras. 10-20 give specific details about how the proposal would be carried out Nourishment of children ‘growing season’ – more plentiful in March Cost of nourishing How to prepare skins, set-up for slaughter Which children to select and why Supporting evidence of the proposal’s merit Dismissal of concerns about poor b/c they will be eager to die

Signaled by cue phrase – too long digressed Benefits/advantages Encompasses Paras. 20-28: Signaled by cue phrase – too long digressed Lists 6 main benefits of the proposal ›Will decrease number of Papists ›Poor Irish will have something of their own to help pay rent ›Will increase the nation’s (England’s) stock per year (benefits the wealthy) ›Poor Irish will be rid of the burden of caring for their children ›Food will bring great custom to taverns (increase business) ›Create great incentive to marry among poor Irish (increase fondness for and better treatment of women by men)

Paragraph 33 – Thoughtful ‘Leave Behind’ Comment: conclusion Encompasses Paras. 29-32: Signaled by cue phrase – ‘can think of no one objection’ Lists other proposed solutions – reflect humanistic approach, more common sense, actual ideas – which never were implemented Comments on need for hearty and sincere attempt to implement – discourages others from criticizing proposal Offers yet another reason for not questioning the proposal – can’t possibly be done (or tolerated) anywhere but England Paragraph 33 – Thoughtful ‘Leave Behind’ Comment: Example of Horatian satire – speaker attempts to distance himself from content, reinforce his ‘neutral’ position on the issue

How does the structure of the appeal support the satiric purpose of the piece?