Which sentences correctly use quotations from “A Modest Proposal”? Check all that apply.
“It is a melancholy object to those, who walk through this great town, or travel in the country, when they see the streets, the roads and cabbin-doors crowded with beggars, states Swift.”
Swift asserts that whoever finds “a fair, cheap and easy method” for solving the overwhelming issue of poverty in England would deserve to have “his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.”
Swift claims that his proposal would be profitable because no wealthy gentleman would think twice about paying ten shillings for the carcass of a good fat child.
Swift explains that his proposal would bring relief to impoverished parents because they would “be rid of the charge of maintaining them after the first year.”
“This would be a great inducement to marriage, which all wise nations have either encouraged by rewards, or enforced by laws and penalties,” writes Swift about his proposal.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Sentences:
- Swift asserts that whoever finds “a fair, cheap and easy method” for solving the overwhelming issue of poverty in England would deserve to have “his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.”
- Swift explains that his proposal would bring relief to impoverished parents because they would “be rid of the charge of maintaining them after the first year.”
- “This would be a great inducement to marriage, which all wise nations have either encouraged by rewards, or enforced by laws and penalties,” writes Swift about his proposal.
Explanation:
These sentences correctly integrate quotations from A Modest Proposal while maintaining grammatical correctness and properly attributing ideas to Jonathan Swift. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. “It is a melancholy object…”
- Incorrect Usage: While this sentence includes a verbatim quotation from A Modest Proposal, the placement of “states Swift” at the end creates an awkward structure. The attribution should come before or after the quoted material in a way that flows naturally.
2. “Whoever finds ‘a fair, cheap and easy method’…”
- Correct Usage: This sentence integrates the quote seamlessly into the writer’s argument. It uses accurate quotation marks, preserves Swift’s meaning, and correctly attributes the idea to Swift.
3. “Swift claims that his proposal would be profitable…”
- Incorrect Usage: Although the sentence correctly paraphrases the idea, it does not include a direct quotation from the text. To claim direct quoting, specific words from Swift’s text should appear in quotation marks.
4. “Swift explains…‘be rid of the charge…’”
- Correct Usage: This sentence effectively incorporates a direct quotation while ensuring that it supports the surrounding argument. The phrase fits naturally and preserves Swift’s intended meaning.
5. “‘This would be a great inducement…’”
- Correct Usage: The quotation is introduced and attributed to Swift correctly, making it clear that the idea is his. The context is logical, and the sentence is both grammatically and contextually accurate.
These examples highlight the importance of proper attribution, accurate quoting, and fluid integration of source material in writing.