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- Copies of "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift (annotated version with explanations of historical references is helpful)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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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
- Review (5 minutes):
- Briefly review the previous day's discussion on satirical techniques and historical context.
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.