Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” is often anthologized as an example of a persuasive essay. Analyze the essay’s classical argumentative structure. o How and why does the projector use emotional appeal in his opening paragraph? o In what paragraph does the projector present his thesis? Why does he use a delayed thesis structure rather than giving the thesis in the opening paragraph? o What logical appeal does the projector offer to support his thesis? How does he use statistics? o Later in the essay, the projector presents a list of logical reasons to convince his audience to accept his proposal. List the reasons. Are they convincing? o The projector addresses possible objections—what possible counter-arguments does he anticipate? o Who is the intended audience for the projector’s proposal? ( MEG 102 ) ( JONATHAN SWIFT )

In "A Modest Proposal," Swift uses a classical argumentative structure to present his proposal for solving the poverty problem in Ireland. The structure of his argument can be analyzed as follows:

In the opening paragraph, the projector uses emotional appeal to capture the reader's attention and sympathy. He describes the suffering of the poor people in Ireland and appeals to the reader's compassion to create a sense of urgency about the need for a solution.

The projector presents his thesis in paragraph 9, after he has established the problem and the need for a solution. He uses a delayed thesis structure to build suspense and create a sense of anticipation in the reader. By delaying the thesis, he also makes the proposal seem more shocking and unexpected when it is finally revealed.

The projector uses logical appeal to support his thesis by presenting statistical evidence and economic arguments. He argues that his proposal will reduce the number of poor people in Ireland and stimulate the economy by creating a new industry. He uses statistics to show the number of children who could be saved from poverty and the amount of money that could be generated by the sale of their flesh.

Later in the essay, the projector presents a list of logical reasons to convince his audience to accept his proposal. He argues that it will reduce the population, improve the economy, and solve the problem of poverty. However, his reasons are not convincing because they are based on false assumptions and flawed logic.

The projector addresses possible objections by anticipating and refuting them. He acknowledges that some people may object on moral grounds, but he argues that his proposal is no more immoral than the current situation in Ireland. He also addresses practical objections by discussing the logistics of his proposal.

The intended audience for the projector's proposal is the wealthy and powerful people of Ireland, who he believes have the power and resources to implement it. He uses flattery and appeals to their self-interest to persuade them to support his proposal.

Overall, Swift's argumentative structure is designed to shock and provoke the reader into considering the problem of poverty in a new way. By using a combination of emotional, logical, and rhetorical appeals, he creates a persuasive argument that challenges the reader's assumptions and values.