A Modest Proposal Trivia
"This quiz tests players' knowledge of Jonathan Swift's satirical essay "A Modest Proposal". Best of luck!"
- 1.
What is the full title of "A Modest Proposal"?
- A.
A Modest Proposal for Maximizing the Usefulness of the Poor Children of Ireland and for Providing a Means to Regulate the Economy
- B.
A Modest Proposal for Feeding the Hungry, Clothing the Needy, Sheltering the Homeless, and Enriching the Poor People of Ireland
- C.
A Modest Proposal for Improving the Living Standards in Ireland and for Relieving the Poor People in Ireland of Their Unwanted Children
- D.
A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Public
Correct Answer
D. A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the PublicExplanation
The full title of "A Modest Proposal" is "A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland from Being a Burden to Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Public." This title reflects the satirical nature of the essay, in which the author proposes a shocking solution to the poverty and overpopulation issues in Ireland. The title highlights the author's intention to address the problem of impoverished children and suggests that the proposal will benefit both the individuals and the society as a whole.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Of the following, which is not one of the common options chosen by the children of Ireland?
- A.
Become thieves
- B.
Sell themselves to the Barbadoes
- C.
Fight for the Pretender in Spain
- D.
Become factory workers
Correct Answer
D. Become factory workersExplanation
The given answer, "Become factory workers," is not one of the common options chosen by the children of Ireland. This suggests that becoming factory workers is not a common career path or choice for children in Ireland.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How old did Swift recommended children be before they became a modest proposal?
- A.
Two years
- B.
One year
- C.
Four years
- D.
Six months
Correct Answer
B. One yearExplanation
Swift did not recommend children to become a modest proposal at any age. "A Modest Proposal" is a satirical essay written by Jonathan Swift in which he suggests that poor Irish families should sell their children as food to the wealthy to solve poverty. The question is incorrect and does not make sense in the context of Swift's essay.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Of the 120,000 childen annually born in Dublin at the time, how many did Swift suggest should be used for the modest proposal?
- A.
100,000
- B.
10,000
- C.
120,000
- D.
5,000
Correct Answer
A. 100,000Explanation
Swift suggests that 100,000 children should be used for the modest proposal.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was the ethnicity of the person who told the narrator that a young, healthy child is a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food?
- A.
Spanish
- B.
American
- C.
Italian
- D.
English
Correct Answer
B. AmericanExplanation
The ethnicity of the person who told the narrator that a young, healthy child is a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome food is American.Rate this question:
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- 6.
During what time are the most Roman Catholic children born?
- A.
Nine months after Christmas
- B.
Nine months after the first day of autumn
- C.
Nine months after the first day of spring
- D.
Nine months after Lent
Correct Answer
D. Nine months after LentExplanation
The most Roman Catholic children are born nine months after Lent because Lent is a period of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and penance observed by Catholics. It typically falls in the springtime, leading up to Easter. During this time, Catholics may abstain from certain activities, including sexual intercourse, which could explain why there is a higher number of births nine months after Lent.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What did the narrator recommend as the spelling price for a beggar's child?
- A.
One hundred shillings
- B.
Ten shillings
- C.
Twenty shillings
- D.
Three shillings
Correct Answer
B. Ten shillingsExplanation
The narrator recommended ten shillings as the spelling price for a beggar's child.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What did the narrator acknowledge as the strongest objection to his proposal?
- A.
It would be too difficult to implement if it was run by the government.
- B.
It would create a more homogenous Ireland.
- C.
It was a little bordering on cruelty.
- D.
It would be looked down upon in other countries.
Correct Answer
C. It was a little bordering on cruelty.Explanation
The narrator acknowledged that the strongest objection to his proposal was that it was a little bordering on cruelty.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is listed as one of the benefits of the narrator's modest proposal?
- A.
People will not live in fear of being robbed.
- B.
The price of other foods in Ireland will go down.
- C.
The food will bring a great custom to taverns in Ireland.
- D.
Sanitation in Ireland will be improved.
Correct Answer
C. The food will bring a great custom to taverns in Ireland.Explanation
The narrator's modest proposal suggests that selling and eating infants will bring a great custom to taverns in Ireland. This means that the proposal will increase business and revenue for taverns, potentially boosting the economy.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Why did the narrator say that the modest proposal food should not bear exportation?
- A.
The people of Ireland could not afford the shipping costs.
- B.
The flesh is too tender to admit a long continuance of salt.
- C.
The smell of the food would be repulsive over a long journey.
- D.
The people of Ireland did not want other nation’s citizens eating their children.
Correct Answer
B. The flesh is too tender to admit a long continuance of salt.Explanation
The narrator said that the modest proposal food should not bear exportation because the flesh is too tender to admit a long continuance of salt. This implies that the food would not be able to withstand the preservation process required for long-distance transportation.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 24, 2011Quiz Created by
Sarithagames
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