A Modest Proposal Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary References

  • Francois Rabelais, Gargantua and Pantagruel (13)
  • George Psalmanazar, Historical and Geographical Description of Formosa (18)

Historical References

  • James Francis Edward Stuart (the Pretender), son of James II who was deposed from throne over Catholicism (1)
  • Barbados, where Irish immigrated due to poverty (1)
  • Roman Emperor Titus, who invaded and captured a divided Jerusalem in 70 BCE (28)