Discuss as many questions as you can in the time you have.

Everyone will write his/her

own journal regarding 3 of these questions after your discussion with your group. Write
one paragraph addressing all 3, or answer all 3 separately with at least 2
sentences/question.
1. Regarding its tone, this piece would be classified as (literary term): __________________. Explain how
you know.

2. Discuss three rhetorical appeals and/or literary devices Swift uses to make his point (you cannot use
“tone” or the answer to #1).

3. What is the essay’s main argument from the viewpoint of the speaker?

4. What is the difference between the speaker’s and the author’s views on this subject? What kind of
social commentary is Swift making through this essay? Whom is he calling out, and whom is he
defending?

5. Explain the humor/irony behind the speaker’s hope that his suggestion “will not be liable to the least
objection.”

6. Discuss the people the speaker refers to who are not Irish or English. Why are these references to other
nationalities significant?

7. What is a “collateral advantage” to the speaker’s proposed policy? Who are these “Papists” he refers
to? (Consider the background information and how this adds to Swift’s social commentary.)

8. What will the babies’ skin be used for? How does Swift heighten the meaning behind his purpose here?

9. Explain the disagreement the speaker has with the patriot who argued that the meat of teenage Irish
lads and lasses could be used as a replacement for venison. What does the speaker think will make
more economic sense?

10. In the next paragraph, the speaker tells the tale of Psalmanazar in the island of Formosa. Why does
Swift include this?

11. Why doesn’t the speaker think it’s necessary to seek a cure for the problem of the sick and elderly in
Ireland?

12. One of the advantages Swift lists involves marriage. How will this innovative new policy improve
marriage? (I’ll be sure to take note of this for future reference…)

13. Where is the tone shift? What ulterior solutions does the speaker propose?

14. In the last paragraph, why does the speaker end by emphasizing the age of his own children and his
own wife? How does this connect with his mock ethos?

15. Why do you suppose Swift wanted the essay to end on that note? Does it provide a sense of closure?
Why or why not?

16. Why do you think Swift felt that he needed to make this essay so graphic, and what does that tell you
about the political climate at the time?