1. Analysis of structure and impact on satire
in A Modest Proposal

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

3. 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

4. Encompasses Paras. 8 – 9 (Thesis) and Paras. 10-20 (Details):
Thesis/details
Encompasses Paras. 8 – 9 (Thesis) and Paras (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 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

5. Signaled by cue phrase – too long digressed
Benefits/advantages
Encompasses Paras :
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)

6. Paragraph 33 – Thoughtful ‘Leave Behind’ Comment:
conclusion
Encompasses Paras :
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

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