Reflection Paper Purpose
The purpose of this reflection paper is to work to make sense of what you read based on A Modest Proposal and the different types of reader-response criticism.
Reflection Paper Instructions
For this Reading Journal, you want to work as a reader response critic. Review the different types of reader-response criticism and choose one to model when creating this discussion. Once you have chosen your style of reader response, write a paper that responds to the three different versions of Swift’s “A Modest Proposal.” How did your response change with each version? Which was your favorite? Why? You’ll want to work carefully to craft a paper that stays true to the kind of reader response you’ve chosen to practice here. Remember, you’re working as a Reader Response critic.
Reflection Paper Requirements
The Journal needs to be 500 or more words long, double spaced, with 12pt font. There is no heading required. Also, when quoting from course materials, be sure to use quotation marks. No sources from outside the course content are allowed for this assignment
////
The Goal
While you’ve read Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,” it may have less of an impact on us today for many reasons. One of those reasons is because we are used to having images accompany words. For the discussion post in this unit, you will be asked to work as a Reader Response critic. However, before you continue with the material presented here, be sure that you have thoroughly considered Swift’s original text. How do you react to it? Since the piece is meant to be satire, is it possible to find it funny? How seriously do you take Swift’s words and ideas? What does it mean to you? Again, you’re a Reader Response critic. What did you like and dislike about the piece? Did you have an emotional response? Be sure to review Writing about Readers: Applying Reader Response Theory.
After you’ve thoroughly understood Swift’s text as a Reader Response critic, continue to the following videos.
Here’s another link to “A Modest Proposal,” in case you want to re-read it.
Version 1
A MODEST PROPOSAL
For preventing the children of poor people in Ireland, from being a burden on their parents or country, and for making them beneficial to the publick.
by Dr. Jonathan Swift
-Could be found online for free-just search
Version 2
The following short film provides an interpretation of “A Modest Proposal.” As you watch the film, compare your reaction to the text to the reaction you’re having to the film. Are they similar? Different? Is there humor here? Be sure to take notes to reflect on your reactions and compare them when you complete the discussion assignment.
A Modest Proposal 2013 (Short Film) (12:23)

Version 3
The following short film provides yet another interpretation of “A Modest Proposal.” As you watch the film, compare your reaction to the text to the reaction you’re having to the film. And consider the reaction you’re having to this film versus the reaction you had to the previous film. Are they similar? Different? Is there humor here? What is the relationship between words and images in both videos? Be sure to take notes to reflect on your reactions and compare them when you complete the discussion assignment.
A Modest Proposal (6:57)

////
Types of reader response theory
– choose one for this paper
Experiential Reader Response
Textual Reader-Response Strategies
Psychological Reader Response
Social Reader Response
Cultural Reader Response