1. In A modest proposal, lines 59-60 (I shall now ... least objection), the speaker's tone can best described as? A. Hopeful B. Sarcastic C. Serious D. Formal

2. What verbal irony does swift use in lines 59-60? A. The plan is meant to arouse condescension and suspicion

B. The plan is meant to arouse intrigue and curiosity

C. The plan is meant to arouse objections and horror

D. The plan is meant to encourage questioning and indifference.

Question

Emmalee Oconnor

English

20 June, 06:14

1. In A modest proposal, lines 59-60 (I shall now ... least objection), the speaker's tone can best described as? A. Hopeful B. Sarcastic C. Serious D. Formal

2. What verbal irony does swift use in lines 59-60? A. The plan is meant to arouse condescension and suspicion

B. The plan is meant to arouse intrigue and curiosity

C. The plan is meant to arouse objections and horror

D. The plan is meant to encourage questioning and indifference.

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Answers (1)

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Troy Benjamin · Answer 1

' I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.'

1. B. Sarcastic

Swift understands the gamble he is taking by proposing this 'plan', so the heightened and formal language, 'hoping' that no one will object to it is sarcasm because he does not actually mean what he is saying.

2. C. The plan is meant to arouse objections and horror

Swift knows that the initial reaction to this piece will be one of outrage and horror, and that many people will object to the 'plan'. When he uses the phrase "I hope will not be liable to the least objection' it is clear irony because he knows how objectionable his plan actually is.