essay help please?? i dont want you to write it for me...?

Question

im just a little confused about what my teacher is asking. the prompt is

"Read paragraphs 1-6 of Swift’s satire. Drawing from this section, write an essay in which you explain how Swift’s ironic persona uses rhetorical strategies to prepare the reader for his proposal."

and im wondering what its asking? i know what irony is and what rhetorical strategies are but how does irony use rhetorical strategies?? maybe im over analyzing it but any ideas would be greatly appreciated

this is over "A Modest Proposal" by Johnathan Swift if you were wondering

Answer 1

I'm not that familiar with Swift's work but it seems to me that the term "ironic persona" may be what's throwing you off.

If I had to write this essay, first I'd identify the proposal that's in those paragraphs. Then I'd go through those six paragraphs and identify all the places where there's rhetoric--asking a question, but not really expecting an answer. Then I'd analyze how those uses of rhetoric help prepare the reader for that proposal. After all that, then I'd look at where rhetoric was used and see if there's anything ironic about it.
(You probably wouldn't organize your paper in the above order. It's just supposed to help get clear and focus your essay on what the teacher's wanting.)

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Well, I'm guessing the teacher gave you a reading, and you have to write about how ironic persona uses rhetorical strategies to prepare the reader for his proposal...I haven't read it, but I'm guessing you have to write an essay about how the ironic persona uses rhetorical strategies to prepare the reader for whatever it is the guy has to say...

I know, this probably didn't clear it up a lot, but I hope it helped somewhat, good luck! =)

Answer 3

It is the "Ironic persona" who is doing the rhetorical strategising. Is there a character who is main, that illustrates an upcoming dilemma - preparing the reader for whatever whatever. ..

You only have 6 paragraphs for reading?
'
It might help if you said what book or essay you are reading.

I am glad that there are people who think as deeply as you do. I agree, the prompt is vague and uses language that is confusing. Good writing is easier to understand: "Tell how the author prepares the readers to believe what appears unbelievable" - that makes sense, but is not entirely what your teacher is asking.

Answer 4

I think ironic persona refers to the author and it is not that irony is using strategy. In running a search on this topic i found the following link:
http://www.freeessays.cc/db/18/edo109.shtml

Hope it helps!