1. Make the Reader Believe the Writer Is Trustworthy
A Modest Proposal
Satire and Argument
We will be reading the essay primarily as a work of satire, but we will also learn the elements of effective argumentation along the way. Remember, Swift will rely on tone and irony to carry his message that England has been inhuman in its treatment of Ireland. He will propose that exporting human flesh from the carcasses of babies as good public policy only as a way to point out the brutish behavior of England. He is not seriously proposing to eat babies!!
I. Making a persuasive argument relies on three forms of appeals: Ethos (ethical appeals), Pathos (emotional appeals), and Logos (logical appeals). Examples of each are provided below.
Ethos
1. Make the reader believe the writer is trustworthy.
2. Present a carefully crafted and edited argument.
3. Demonstrate the writer has researched the topic.
4. Demonstrate the writer knows his audience and respects them.
Pathos
1. Include a human-interest story.
2. Use sensory description.
3. Use emotionally charged words or examples.
4. Use figurative language.
Logos
1. Analyze cause and effect.
2. Quote research.
3. Use facts/statistics.
4. Provide testimony.
5. Argue from past actions (precedent).
6. Cite commonly held beliefs.
II. In the first section of most arguments, the writer will
- Describe the issue to be covered in the essay;
- Give relevant background information:
- Define any terms used in the essay.
1. In your own words, describe the problem of Ireland from Swift’s perspective ______
______
2. What background information about the problem does Swift give to give the unknowledgeable reader more information about the situation (use three quotations from the first two paragraphs).
Quotation 1: ______
______
Quotation 2: ______
______
Quotation 3: ______
______
3. Although Swift does not define any special terms in the first three paragraphs, he certainly does negatively characterize infants. Pick out three negative phrases about children and analyze the problems the children pose.
Negative PhrasesSocietal Problems
4. In paragraph 4, Swift attempts to convince his readers of the soundness of his argument by using Ethos and Logos. Using the chart at the top of page 1, provide examples for Swift’s use of both of the terms.
Ethos
Type Used: ______
Example from paragraph 4: ______
______
Type Used: ______
Example from paragraph 4: ______
______
Logos
Type Used: ______
Example from paragraph 4: ______
______
Type Used: ______
Example from paragraph 4: ______
______
In paragraph 5, Swift gives his first direct benefit of his proposal by citing a dramatic advantage. What is that advantage? ______.
How is this advantage couched in emotionally charged language? ______
______.
Swift uses a variety of testimonials—assurances from people he has consulted—that his plan will cure certain problems. List two beneficial facts from the people he has consulted.
Person ConsultedFact LearnedBenefit
1.
2.
Take a look at his word choice in describing the adults of Ireland. He uses “dam” and “breeder” repeatedly. What does his word choice reveal about his view of the English rulers? ______
______