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Name
Date
A Modest Proposal (page 611)
Literary Analysis SkillBuilder
Irony
Irony is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually does
happen. Verbal irony is a kind of irony in which what is said is not what is meant.
Find two examples of verbal irony in “A Modest Proposal” and record them on the
chart below. Then analyze each ironic statement by describing the truth that it reveals
about conditions in Ireland in the 1720s.
Ironic Statement
3.
Truth Revealed
1. Irish children are not seen as human beings
but as worthless objects.
Truth Revealed
3.
Ironic Statement
2. “This food will be . . . very proper for the
landlords, who, as they have already devoured most
of the parents, seem to have the best title to the
children.” (p. 615)
Ironic Statement
4.
Truth Revealed
2.
50 UNIT THREE THE RESTORATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT
Truth Revealed
4.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.
1. “I am assured by our merchants that a boy
or girl before twelve years old is no salable
commodity.” (p. 615)
Ironic Statement