Problem
By now, you should have read the chapter on Neoclassicism and Romanticism, read the biography of Moliere, and should have read the play along with the preface and Moliere's three petitions to the King. I would also expect you to have read my lecture notes. Answer each of the following questions and submit your answers to the corresponding drop box. You must reference the lecture notes or the essay, using direct quotations in support of your arguments.
For this discussion activity, please respond to the following questions:
A. The proposal is based on the socio-economic philosophy that the wealth of a nation lies in its population. What does Swift specifically propose that would "make use" of the population? In other words, briefly summarize his satirical proposal.
B. Swift seems particularly critical of heartless English landlords as well as swindling Irish businessmen. He goes so far as to say that the English landlords have the best claim to the children of the Irish poor as they have "already devoured the parents." Consider other examples that illustrate Swift's criticism that the upper-class are being terrible stewards of the land and their tenants. Discuss at least two of these.
C. The proposal uses a lot of math. What is the effect of this type of argument? What is this type of persuasion designed to do? How is it Neoclassical in design?
D. Women claim a lot of attention in the essay. Based on what you learned in the proposal, what was life was like for the lower-class females in Swift's Dublin? How would the satiric proposal improve life for the poor women of Ireland? What does he suggest?
E. What does the proposal have planned for young boys who won't be saved for breeders?
F. Why won't the baby flesh be exported?
G. Swift gives specific reasons as to why there are no jobs in Ireland at the time. He is not joking here, but is being frank about these reasons. Name one and explain.
H. This question counts three times with weight of the: The final section of the proposal is where Swift outlines what he thinks would be real solutions for Ireland. He has moved beyond satire now and is being clear about changes that need to be made in their country and in England's treatment of the Irish. Name three of these and explain