<p> The Least You Need To Know: SATIRE</p><p>Directions: Read both pieces of satire. As you read “A Modest Proposal,” do a text translation of each paragraph. After reading, please answer the initial four questions for both “When May I Shoot a Student?” and “A Modest Proposal.” Then, turn the paper over and answer the remaining questions. Make sure that all responses are clear and thoughtful. </p><p>SATIRE CONTENT:</p><p>Satire is a specific genre, style, or tone that reveals a critical attitude toward some element of life— usually in order to prompt a correction. The term may describe an entire work, a passage, or simply a tone. All satiric works do four things: (1) compare a target to an ideal (2) describe the target’s folly or vice in great detail (3) intend to punish or cure the folly/vice and (4) evoke amusement and contempt for the target.</p><p>To figure out the underlying message in a piece of satire, ask yourself these questions: </p><p>1) What (or whom) is the target of the author/artist’s disdain? In the author/artist’s eyes, why does the target deserve to be criticized or mocked? </p><p>2) According to the author/artist, what is the ideal against which the target is compared? </p><p>3) How does the piece of satire attempt to punish/cure the target? </p><p>4) How does the piece of satire encourage the audience to feel amusement and/or contempt for the target? (Style question… see below for more detail on this aspect.) </p><p>SATIRE STYLE: </p><p>In a satirical work, various forms of humorous elements are often (though not always) used to get the point across. Remember, a satirical work doesn’t always have to be funny. And sometimes, these elements are present without satire. (Just because an author uses hyperbole doesn’t mean he/she is writing satire.) On the flip side, sometimes a satirical piece will use devices that aren’t on this list to make a point. That’s okay. This is just a place to get started. </p><p>Now that you’ve heard the disclaimer, consider that many of these items often are present in a satirical piece, and look for them when possible: absurdity caricature hyperbole parody self-deprecation clichés irony (all kinds) personification seriousness allusions contradictions juxtaposition playing the expert spoofing current events lampooning pop culture stereotypes aside derogatory metaphor puns put-downs trivialities assumption comments mocking sarcasm understatement belittling society black humor</p><p>“A Modest Proposal” Questions</p><p>Directions: Your responses should recycle vocabulary from the original question. Write in complete sentences. Use embedded, cited evidence to respond. Be thorough! </p><p>1. How does Swift want the reader to view the speaker? What features best describe the “persona” he adopts?</p><p>2. Note Swift’s diction in the opening paragraphs. Identify examples of quantification and dehumanization. Explain their purpose.</p><p>3. Swift’s speaker explains the anticipated results before revealing the actual proposal. Explain the rhetorical purpose of such a strategy.</p><p>4. What are some assumptions underlying paragraph 7?</p><p>5. For each of the classic appeals (ethos, logos, and pathos), indicate two examples from the first eight paragraphs. Which one is the speaker’s primary appeal? </p><p>6. Read paragraph 9 carefully. Explain the purpose and effect of the qualifiers included there.</p><p>7. Taking careful note of the diction in paragraph 12, with words such as “dear and “devoured,” explain the rhetorical strategy at work. </p><p>8. Indicate Swift’s motivational appeals, specifically those to thrift, economy, and patriotism. Explain the rhetorical strategy behind such appeals.</p><p>9. Consider the additional proposal mentioned in paragraph 17. Explain the rhetorical strategy at work in that paragraph.</p><p>10. Identify a counterargument that the speaker anticipates in paragraph 19.</p><p>11. Explain what Swift suggests as “expedients” in paragraphs 29-31, and explain the rhetorical strategy at work. </p><p>12. The very end of paragraphs 31 and 32 may be seen as breaks from Swift’s ironic voice. Explain how that may be the case, and identify one other place where Swift’s voice breaks through that of his persona. </p><p>Imagery Tone Theme Diction</p><p>2 3 1 6 8 5 4 9 12 12 7 11</p>