Question

4054va v. english 12 sem a- a
satire in swifts \a modest proposal\
whereof only one fourth part to be males... that the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune, through the kingdom, always advising the mother to let them suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump, and fat for a good table. a child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends, and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt, will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.
i have reckoned upon a medium, that a child just born will weigh 12 pounds, and in a solar year, if tolerably nursed, encreaseth to 28 pounds.
i grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children....
what does swift suggest should be done with the impoverished children of ireland?
they should be used for food.
they should be put to work so they can earn money.
they should be sent to school.
they should be taught to cook for wealthy families.
submit
i have already computed the charge of nursing a beggar’s child (in which list i reckon all cottagers, labourers, and four - fifths of the farmers) to be about two shillings per annum, rags included; and i believe no gentleman would repine to give ten shillings for the carcass of a good fat child, which, as i have said, will make four dishes of excellent nutritive meat, when he hath only some particular friend, or his own family to dine with him. thus the squire will learn to be a good landlord, and grow popular among his tenants, the mother will have eight shillings neat profit, and be fit for work till she produces another child.
those who are more thrifty (as i must confess the times require) may flea the carcass, the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen.

Explanation:

In "A Modest Proposal", Swift's satirical text describes using impoverished Irish children as food (e.g., "a child will make two dishes at an entertainment", "the carcass... will make excellent nutritive meat"). The other options (work, school, cook for wealthy) don't match the text's satirical proposal.

Answer:

A. They should be used for food.