Question for November 18: A Modest Proposal (pp. 2462-68)

In "A Modest Proposal," Jonathan Swift assumes a persona (false personal voice as a writer) and suggests an outrageous course of action.  In most of the essay, he does not mean what he says.  The proposal is morally abhorrant to the real Swift.  Why do you think he writes his "Modest Proposal" rather than saying directly what he believes?  What are the advantages (and/or disadvantages) of saying the opposite of what he thinks?  Find evidence in the essay that Swift does not want us to take him seriously.

Question for November 16: The Way of the World, Act 5

As we finish the play, let's think about and comment upon the following:  Is anyone harmed by the plots of the various characters in The Way of The World, and if so, do they deserve to be?

Question for November 14: Acts 3-4, The Way of the World

Blog members had a lively discussion on Acts 1 and 2 of The Way of the World, arguing persuasively (and unanimously!) that Mirabell is not a hero, certainly not in the usual sense.  Let's continue the dialogue on that topic.  If Mirabell isn't a hero, what is he?  How does he compare to the other characters in the play (Fainall, for instance)?  Are Mirabell and Fainall moral equals?  If so, why?  If not, why not?

Question for November 11: The Way of the World, Acts 1 and 2

The hero of "The Way of the World" is Mirabell.  He is a character whose "heroism" made perfect sense to 18th century audiences, but modern audiences tend to have trouble, at first, viewing him as the hero of the story.  Examine the character of Mirabell as he is presented in Acts 1 and 2 (pp. 2228-48).  The last three paragraphs of the introduction, pages 2227-28, will be helpful in explaining the characters and their relationships.  What relationships with women has Mirabell had in the past?  Whom does he want to marry?  What admirable (or disturbing) actions has he done in the past?  Discuss Mirabell actions and passions and decide whether or not you find him heroic thus far.

Question for November 7: Paradise Lost, Book 9

Consider either Satan, Adam and Eve.  How does this character rationalize his or her behavior in Book 9?

Question for November 4: Paradise Lost, Book 4

Look at the opening pages of Book 4 of Paradise Lost, pages 1887-90.  Here Satan lands on earth and the beautiful sight makes him doubt his previous actions and consider repenting them. Trace Satan's line of thought in these pages.  What are some of the reasons that he wants to repent?  Why do you think he decides, by page 1890, that he will never repent?

Question for November 2: Paradise Lost, Book 1

In John Milton's Paradise Lost, readers are introduced to Satan in the form of a fully developed character, with human (and superhuman) qualities.  Book 1 of the poem is set in Hell, immediately after God has thrown Satan and his followers out of Heaven.  Look at the major speeches made by Satan in this book.  You'll find them in lines 84-124, 157-91, 242-70, and 622-62.  (The poem begins on page 1831.)  Set aside, for the moment, any preconceptions you might have about someone named "Satan," and try to describe this character based on what he says in the above speeches.  Especially, notice whether or not Milton's Satan has any qualities a modern audience might consider admirable.