Vocabulary & Terms for A Modest Proposal

Word **ASSIGNMENT** Define Synonyms

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Animosities Of quitting our animosities and plural of animosity; a feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or hostility, opposition,
factions enmity that tends to display itself in action antagonism, hatred
Deference But with due deference to so respectful or courteous regard esteem, regard, honor
excellent a friend
Deplorable … is in the present causing or being a subject for regret or disapproval distressing, lamentable,
deplorable state of the kingdom pitiful, sad, sorry
Despondent persons of a desponding spirit are feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection, disheartened, downhearted,
in great concern discouragement, or gloom melancholy, blue.
Eminent an eminent French physician high in station, rank, or repute; prominent, distinguished celebrated, renowned,
illustrious, outstanding
Enumerate Many other advantages might be to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; relate, recite, reveal,
enumerated specify, as in a list proclaim, number
Expedient that this expedient was put into a means to an end Device, instrument
his head
Importuning Importuning every passenger for to beg for (something) urgently or persistently beseeching, entreating,
alms soliciting. pleading
Modest A Modest Proposal having regard for decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc. pure, virtuous, simple
Prodigious this prodigious number of extraordinary in size, amount, extent, degree, force, etc. enormous, immense, huge,
children in the arms gigantic, tremendous
Propagation the propagation of swine's flesh multiplication or increase, as by natural reproduction Breeding, proliferation,
reproduction
Rudiment they learn the rudiments the elements or first principles of a subject Fundamentals, basics,
Scrupulous some scrupulous people might be having scruples; having or showing a strict regard for what conscientious, cautious,
apt to censure such a practice one considers right; principled. careful
Sustenance To beg sustenance for their means of sustaining life; nourishment food, livelihood, provision
helpless infants
Literary Terms: the purpose of improving society. Satire Diminution: Reduces the size of something
uses exaggeration to force readers to see in order that it may be made to appear
Satire: A literary technique used to ridicule
something in a more critical light. Example: ridiculous or in order to be examined closely
ideas, customs, behaviors, or institutions for
Saturday Night Live and have its faults seen close up; Example:
“beggars” and then “breeders” are used
instead of parents.
Exaggeration: To enlarge, increase, or
represent something beyond normal bounds
so that it becomes ridiculous and its faults
can be seen. Example: Time is the best
teacher; unfortunately, it kills all of its
students
Parody : To imitate the techniques and/or
style of some person, place, or thing.
Example: Scary Movie, Austin Powers,
Young Frankenstein
Verbal Irony: occurs when what is said is
not exactly what is meant. Example: when
someone says “Nice day, isn’t it?” during a
rainstorm
Sarcasm: mocking, contemptuous, or ironic
language intended to convey scorn or insult.
Example: If I throw a stick, will you leave?
Black humor: comedy mingled with horror
or a sense of the morbid. Examples: Raising
Arizona, Bad Santa, Dr. Strangelove or:
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love
the Bomb
Elements of Classical Argument:
I. PROBLEM: A clearly-defined problem
II. SOLUTION: A proposal to solve the
problem
III. ARGUMENT: A convincing argument
supported by facts, examples, and opinions
of recognized authorities
IV. REBUTTAL: Recognition of opposing
viewpoints - anticipating objections and
allaying fears of the opposition Children Ages 1-12
Problem:
V. ADVANTAGES: Comparison of
proposed solution to alternatives
Solution:
VI. TONE: A self-controlled tone - rational,
specific, avoiding exaggerations, never
quarrelsome or antagonistic Benefits:
**ASSIGNMENT** A Modest Proposal
follows the structure of a classical argument.
As you read find the elements listed above Elderly, Maimed, Ill
in the text of the essay. Problem:
Make notations in the margins
1. to identify the elements Solution:
2. to identify appeals to
ethos (authority or justice) Benefits:
pathos (appeal to emotion)
logos (appeal to logic)
3. to identify use of statistics
**ASSIGNMENT** In the chart below
describe the problems, solution, and its
benefits the persona in “A Modest
Proposal” associates with each group listed.
Babies
Problem:
Solution:
Benefits: