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Satire: A literary work that mixes social and/or political criticism with irony, humor, even absurdity in an effort to point out the failings of a particular political system or human nature. The satirist usually hopes the criticism will bring about some kind of change. Elements commonly found in a satire: -irony (sarcasm) -understatement -hyperbole -parody/mockery -humor/wit -double entendre Your assignment for this week is to write your own modest proposal using the elements listed above. Choose an issue that you have either experienced in school, work, general society, and propose a modest change. Your response should be well-developed, creative, and showcase your satirical charm. Remember: satire, though sometimes biting and harsh, does not need to be always. Due Sunday @midnight (technically Monday morning, 2/22) Read "A Modest Proposal" in your Patterns for College Writing textbook. Then choose one question from below to answer in the comments in depth. Finally, respond to someone else in a well-developed response. All of these questions require deep thought. Be sure that your paragraph response is well-developed enough. We are practicing analysis here. 1. How does Swift want the reader to view the speaker? What features best describe the “persona” he adopts? 2. Note Swift’s diction in the opening paragraphs. IDENTIFY examples of influential diction or charged/loaded words. EXPLAIN their purpose. 3. Swift’s speaker explains the anticipated results BEFORE revealing the actual proposal. Explain the rhetorical purpose of such a strategy. 4. For each of the classic appeals (ETHOS. LOGOS, PATHOS), indicate two examples from the first 4 paragraphs. Which one is the speaker’s primary appeal? WHY do you think this? 5. Taking careful note of the diction of paragraph 12, with words such as “dear” and “devoured,” explain the rhetorical strategy at work. 6. At the end of paragraphs 3 and 32 may be seen as breaks from Swift’s ironic voice. Explain how that may be the case, and IDENTIFY ONE other place where Swift’s voice breaks through that of his persona. 7. Read paragraphs 1-6 of Swift’s satire. Drawing from this section, write a paragraph in which you explain how Swift’s ironic persona uses rhetorical strategies to prepare the reader for his proposal. I know, I know--you are psyched to be home, as am I. But the show must go on because we have a lil' exam coming on May 14th. This should be painless. You were supposed to have part II of Nickel and Dimed read by today anyway, so let's dish about "Scrubbing in Maine." On your own, develop ten thought-provoking questions about part II (topics can include Barbara's persona, her writing style, the depiction of issues within different states, income inequality, stereotypes, or anything else you want to discuss). Ask one of these questions in the comments, then return to respond to someone else's question.
Reminders: pay attention to spelling and grammar, as you are graded on these posts as independent work on your writing and thoughtfulness. You may want to type in Microsoft Word or on a Google Doc, spell check and grammar check thoroughly, then post when you are confident it reflects your best work. Responses to one another should be well-developed. "Sup Bruh?," though indicative of your rad buddy-buddy friendship, just doesn't cut it. Pretend you are corresponding to impress. Bring your ten questions to class tomorrow. Thanks for being champions of the English Language. And hey, at least we can lounge in PJs while doing this. See you on the blog comments! Visit this website at the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality. Read through all of the images and their messages. Then, choose two images/graphs that you perceive to be the most important to note. In the comments section, express your rationale for why this image's message means the most to you. What does it explain? How does its message resonate with our current situation in America? What are we supposed to take away from this? When you have posted your response, you are not finished. Comment on one other person's response with either a question, a well thought out comment, or a further observation. Responses that are simple or just agree with the person you are conversing with will not earn you full credit. Due, as always, on Friday, February 13 at midnight.
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