Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal." This I freely own, and 'twas indeed one principal design in offering it to the world. I desire the reader will observe, that I calculate my remedy for this one individual Kingdom of Ireland, and for no other that ever was, is, or, I think, ever can be upon Earth. Therefore let no man talk to me of other expedients: Of taxing our absentees at five shillings a pound: Of using neither cloaths, nor houshold furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: Of utterly rejecting the materials and instruments that promote foreign luxury: . . . Of teaching landlords to have at least one degree of mercy towards their tenants. Lastly, of putting a spirit of honesty, industry, and skill into our shop-keepers . . . What is most likely the purpose of this excerpt?
Answer
A
to show that other solutions to Ireland’s poverty are not as effective as the plan Swift puts forth in the proposal
B
to shame those who are trapped in Ireland’s cycle of poverty for refusing to work harder for better lives
C
to show that the wealthy members of society have tried to remedy Ireland’s poverty in many different ways
D
to shame the greedy people who have contributed to Ireland’s poverty instead of trying to help eradicate it
Explanation
Swift lists practical ways Ireland’s poverty could be addressed, including taxing absentee landlords, supporting Irish-made goods, and treating tenants with mercy. These suggestions imply that people with power and wealth have failed to take such steps. The passage therefore shames those who contribute to Ireland’s poverty rather than helping solve it; it does not show that these remedies were already tried.
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