Question

\a modest proposal\
by jonathan swift
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 of the female sex, followed by three, four, or six children, all in rags, and importuning every passenger for an alms. these mothers instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in stroling to beg sustenance for their helpless infants who, as they grow up, either turn thieves for want of work, or leave their dear native country, to fight for the pretender in spain, or sell themselves to the barbadoes.
i think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.
but my intention is very far from being confined to provide only for the children of professed beggars: it is of a much greater extent, and shall take in the whole number of infants at a certain age, who are born of parents in effect as little able to support them, as those who demand our charity in the streets.
as to my own part, having turned my thoughts
how does the title, \a modest proposal,\ tell the reader that the piece is satirical?
the author’s proposal is actually extreme and violent, not gentle as the title says.
the title shows that the author does not understand the truth about his proposal.
the title shows that the author believes people will accept and understand his proposal.
the author’s proposal is gentle and acceptable, just as the title indicates.

Explanation:

In "A Modest Proposal", the title's use of "modest" (implying something gentle, reasonable) is ironic. The actual proposal (e.g., using children as a commodity) is extreme and violent, creating a contrast that signals satire. The other options are incorrect: the author is aware of the satire (so second option is wrong), the title's irony doesn't imply people will accept it (third is wrong), and the proposal is not gentle as the title claims (fourth is wrong).

Answer:

The first option (The author’s proposal is actually extreme and violent, not gentle as the title says.)