Question

Read the excerpt from "A Modest Proposal."

I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the cloathing of many thousands. . . .

Which false premise does the author rely on in this excerpt?

that parents would choose to disown their children instead of caring for them
that parents would value their children over an improved economy
that parents would rather sell their children than be responsible for them
that parents would prefer to provide for their children instead of selling them

Answer 1

The false premise that the author relies on in this excerpt is **that parents would rather sell their children than be responsible for them**. The excerpt suggests that instead of being a burden, the children could be turned into a commodity that would contribute to the economy, assuming that parents would prioritize financial gain over the well-being of their children. This is a satirical and exaggerated premise used to highlight the dire economic situation and critique societal attitudes toward poverty and responsibility.