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What is ironic in Swift's use of the word "modest" to describe his proposal? In what sense is he using the word "modest"?

Why does the speaker express the hope that his plan "will not be liable to the least objection" just before he introduces it?

A. "Modest" refers to the grandeur of the proposal. The speaker hopes for acceptance due to its simplicity.
B. "Modest" refers to the proposal's size. The speaker hopes for minimal pushback to the proposal.
C. "Modest" refers to the proposal's humility. The speaker hopes for acknowledgment of its righteousness.
D. "Modest" refers to the proposal's ambition. The speaker hopes for cautious optimism.

Answer :

Final answer:

The speaker's use of the word 'modest' in describing his proposal is ironic because it is actually a grand and ambitious plan. He expresses the hope that his plan will not be met with objections because he wants it to be seen as a simple and humble solution, thus the correct option is B.

Explanation:

Swift's use of the word 'modest' is ironic because it suggests that his proposal is unassuming and humble, when in reality it is a grand and ambitious plan to solve a serious problem. He uses this word to create a sense of false modesty and to downplay the enormity of his proposal. This is evident in the speaker's description of his plan as a 'modest proposal,' when in fact it involves outrageous and shocking measures.

Moreover, the speaker's use of the word 'modest' also highlights the absurdity of his proposal. By using such a humble word to describe a proposal that involves cannibalism and the exploitation of the poor, the speaker is highlighting the ridiculousness of the situation.

In conclusion, the speaker's use of the word 'modest' is ironic in the sense that it actually refers to the grandeur and audacity of his proposal. The speaker's hope that his plan will not be met with any objections is a manipulative tactic to downplay any opposition and to further emphasize the absurdity of his proposal. Overall, Swift masterfully uses irony to highlight the flaws and injustices in his society in a satirical and thought-provoking manner, thus the correct option is B.

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