A Modern Proposal

Base XP: 45

Learning Target(s):


  • Evaluate how literary elements, techniques, and devices enhance and shape meaning and impact

  • Think critically, creatively, and reflectively to analyze ideas within, between, and beyond texts


This quest builds upon the concepts covered in the Satire quest.

Task:

For this assignment, you will read a historical essay, "A Modest Proposal" by Johathan Swift, and demonstrate your understanding of satire and satirical techniques by "translating" a paragraph (or more) from the essay, into contemporary language. Use a colloquial or common language, like the way you would speak with your friends. This is an opportunity to show not only your understanding of the essay but also an exercise that demonstrates the differences between how Swift spoke (or wrote) in his time and how the current generation (that would be you) does now.

Read A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift and choose a paragraph to "translate".

In your submission you must include:

  • Swift's original paragraph

  • Your "translation"

  • A reflective paragraph about the process of changing the essay into contemporary language and how you accomplished the task.

Satire is a blend of humor and wit that aims to improve weakness in human character and behavior by exposing them to sarcasm and ridicule. Jules Feiffer, a contemporary humorist, referred to satire as “creating a logical argument that followed to its end, is absurd.”

A writer may use satire as a means of expressing his/her outrage and dismay which surprises readers by producing laughter. Writers will use satire to ridicule the follies of humanity. In this example, Swift is satirizing Ireland’s government’s response to the plight of its population.

Submit your completed assignment in the dropbox when it's ready, and please let me know if you require additional XP.