A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School English, ideally 11th or 12th grade.

Subject: Literature

Time Allotment: Two class periods (approximately 1.5 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will be able to analyze the use of satire and irony in "A Modest Proposal."
  • Students will be able to identify the social and economic problems Swift critiques in 18th century Ireland.
  • Students will be able to discuss the effectiveness of satire as a tool for social commentary.
  • Students will be able to consider the ongoing relevance of the themes explored in the essay.

Materials:

  • Copies of "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift (annotated version with explanations of historical references is helpful)
  • Whiteboard or projector
  • Markers or pens
  • Graphic organizer for satire analysis (optional)
  • Historical background information on the Irish Potato Famine (optional)

Lesson Procedure:

Day 1: Introduction and Satirical Techniques

  1. Introduction (10 minutes):
  • Briefly introduce Jonathan Swift and his background as an Anglo-Irish writer.
  • Mention the concept of satire as a form of social commentary that uses irony, exaggeration, and wit to expose flaws and injustices.
  1. Reading and Annotations (20 minutes):
  • Distribute copies of "A Modest Proposal" (annotated version preferred).
  • Have students read the essay silently, taking notes on any elements that seem unusual, exaggerated, or ironic.
  1. Satirical Techniques Analysis (20 minutes):
  • Introduce key elements of satire (e.g., irony, exaggeration, understatement).
  • Utilize a graphic organizer (optional) to help students identify specific examples of satire in the text:

✵ How does Swift use irony to criticize the attitudes of the English ruling class towards the Irish poor?

✵ What are some examples of exaggeration in the essay's "solution" to poverty?

✵ Are there any instances of understatement that contribute to the satirical effect?

  1. Historical Context (10 minutes):
  • Briefly discuss the historical context of Ireland in the 18th century, particularly the hardships faced by the Irish people (optional: provide information on the Irish Potato Famine).
  • How might this context have influenced Swift's writing?

Day 2: Social Critique and Relevance

  1. Review (5 minutes):
  • Briefly review the previous day's discussion on satirical techniques and historical context.
  1. Social and Economic Critique (25 minutes):
  • Lead a class discussion based on the analysis of satirical elements:

✵ What are the social and economic problems Swift critiques in his essay? Consider poverty, hunger, and the treatment of the Irish people.

✵ How effective is his satire in exposing these issues?

✵ How does the essay challenge the reader's assumptions and encourage reflection?

  1. Effectiveness of Satire (20 minutes):
  • Discuss the effectiveness of satire as a tool for social commentary.

✵ What are the advantages and disadvantages of using satire?

✵ Can satire be both humorous and disturbing at the same time?

  1. Enduring Relevance (15 minutes):
  • Consider the ongoing relevance of the themes explored in "A Modest Proposal."

✵ Does the essay raise any issues that are still relevant today (e.g., poverty, hunger, social inequality)?

✵ How can understanding satire help us become more critical readers of information and social problems?

Differentiation:

  • Provide scaffolding for reading comprehension by offering a glossary of unfamiliar terms or summarizing key sections of the essay.
  • Offer different options for the graphic organizer (e.g., creating a chart comparing Swift's proposal to real-world solutions for poverty).
  • Allow students to choose a specific satirical element (e.g., irony, exaggeration) to focus on and analyze throughout the essay.

Extension Activities:

  • Students can research the history of satire and other famous satirists.
  • Have students write their own short satirical piece addressing a current social issue.
  • Compare and contrast "A Modest Proposal" with another satirical work that critiques social problems.

Assessment:

  • Participation in class discussions and group activities.
  • Completed graphic organizer for satire analysis (if used).
  • Short essay analyzing the use of satire in "A Modest Proposal" and its effectiveness in critiquing social and economic problems.
  • Optionally, a creative writing piece where students develop a satirical solution to a modern-day problem.