Question

5. Lines 54–62: What generalization about the poor in Ireland can you infer from these lines? How does Swift use this view to make a further point about the conditions in Ireland?

Answer 1

Hello. You did not submit the text to which this question refers, which makes it impossible for it to be answered. However, in the context of the question, it is possible to see that you are referring to "A Modest Proposal" by Johnathan Swift.

In this case, the generalization that Swift makes about the Irish is that they are all poor and lazy, with many children to support and that they like to cause problems for the British population. He uses this comment to reinforce the way the British see the Irish and are prejudiced, generating intense social problems, but acting as if Ireland was to blame for it, even if these problems are caused by England's heavy exploitation of the Irish territory.

"A Modest Proposal" is a satire where Swift mocks the domination of England over the British and points out the hypocrisy of the rich and religious.