A Modest Proposal and Other Satires Lesson Plan

Why do you think Swift chose to open his essay with a description of poverty in Ireland?

Students should observe that by beginning his essay with a discussion of fact, Swift builds the credibility of his author's perspective. Most readers would instantly agree with the author's contention that poverty and famine this extreme is a problem that should be addressed, both for the good of the people in question and for the good of society as a whole. Even if students do not yet know the satirical twist of the essay's 'solution,' they should recognize that the author's description of poverty predisposes the reader to listen to and consider his plan for ending the suffering of so...