3. Short-response prompt (15 points) Read the following passage from Jonathan Swift's essay "A Modest Proposal":
I can think of no one objection that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it . . . be . . . that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom. 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 household furniture, except what is of our own growth and manufacture: . . . Of curing the expensiveness of pride, vanity, idleness, and gaming in our women: Of introducing a vein of parsimony, prudence and temperance: Of learning to love our country . . . 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 point does Swift want to make in the passage, and does he use satire effectively to make that point? Write a short argument to answer these questions. Be careful to include a clear claim and to respond to at least one counterclaim. Develop your argument with specific details from the passage.