Reading reflection journal：” A Modest Proposal”
World Literature , reading assignment : “A Modest Proposal” . write a 4-5 pages journal about it.
Setting: When and where does the story take place?
Characterization: Who are the main characters of the story? Who is/are the protagonist and antagonist? Are they static or dynamic characters? Does the author use direct exposition or indirect revelation to tell you what the characters are like? Do you see an example of how the character demonstrates a desire to seek “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”? Please explain your thoughts. (Even if your answer is no.)
Plot: What is the conflict in the story? What is the climax of the story? What is the resolution of the conflict?
Theme: What is/are the main idea(s) in the story? What do you learn from the story? How are the themes of the story observed in life and society today? （at least 1.5 pages long in this section)
NOTE: Please be sure to write your answers in complete sentences and answer ALL of the questions posed! but not all of the questions will be applicable in A Modest Proposal. Please answer all of them that you can. Don’t let them stress you. Do not just say that the questions do not apply to the story or piece of writing. Some of the pieces have more of a narrator or speaker than a main character, but you can discuss that person/persona in place of the questions there.
Swift uses satire to try to prove his point in this peace. Discuss your thoughts on Swift’s use of satire. What do you think it achieves? Do you think that it was beneficial for him in proving his point? Do you see the use of satire in our world today? If so, where, when, and by whom? If not, how do others argue their points today? Give examples and elaborate on your answers.
Please make sure you answer EACH question. NO outside sources are allowed. Trust your understanding of the stories. Students who use outside sources will not receive credit for the assignment. (Remember that taking information from another source and putting it in your own words is still considered plagiarism.)
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Setting
Swift’s story A Modest Proposalis set in England during the hard economic times experienced by the Irish peasantry working in English owned plantations under harsh conditions before the potato famine of the 1840’s. Their destitute situation is described in details and thus the need for the rather radical and ridiculous proposal.
Characterization
The following are the main characters in the story and their roles:
The Proposer:He is the protagonist of the story who methodically outlines the rather crazy proposal of eating young children…
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