AP Language and Composition Hobbs/Wilson

AP Language and Composition Hobbs/Wilson

Part 1: Watch this Satirical Example Twitter Frenzy from The Daily Show http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-march-2-2009/twitter-frenzy What is satire? How is humor created? What is the purpose of satire?

Part 2: Satire Notes

To err is human Comedy, tragedy and satire all point out failings in human society, but Comedy is kindly tolerant of these shortcomings Tragedy is sympathetic Satire mocks these shortcomings Satire hold up follies (minor flaws) and vices (evils) to ridicule.

Satire Satire seeks change by ridiculing the failing of institutions under attack. Targets of Satire Society and its institutions (law, medicine, education, public policy, etc.) A type of person An individual A place

Two Types of Satire HORATIAN Horatian satire is gentle, urbane, smiling it aims to correct with broadly sympathetic laughter. vices and follies are not destructive they reflect the foolishness of people, the superficiality and meaninglessness of their lives, and barrenness of their values JUVENALIAN Juvenalian satire is biting, bitter, and angry it points out the corruption of human beings and institutions with contempt, using saeva indignation, a savage outrage Sometimes perceived as enraged, sees the vices and follies in the world as intolerable. Juvenalian satirists use large doses of sarcasm and irony.

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Wit intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights A witty statement is humorous, while suggesting the speaker's verbal power in creating ingenious and perceptive remarks. Wit usually uses terse language that makes a pointed statement.

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Irony The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is really meant the difference between what appears to be and what actually is true. Irony is used for many reasons, but frequently, it's used to create poignancy or humor.

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Hyperbole deliberate exaggeration or overstatement. Hyperboles sometimes have a comic effect; however, a serious effect is also possible. Hyperbole often produces irony at the same time. Understatement deliberately representing something as much less than it really is The ironic minimizing of fact, understatement presents something as less significant than it is. The effect can frequently be humorous and emphatic. Understatement is the opposite of hyperbole.

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Sarcasm apparent praise that actually criticizes, demeans, attacks involves bitter, caustic language that is meant to hurt or ridicule someone or something. It may use irony as a device, but not all ironic statements are sarcastic. When well done, sarcasm can be witty and insightful; when poorly done, it's simply cruel.

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Caricature A representation, especially pictorial or literary, in which the subject's distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect. Sometimes caricature can be so exaggerated that it becomes a grotesque imitation or misrepresentation. Related terms include burlesque, parody, travesty, lampoon. Burlesque treating a trivial subject in a serious manner or treating a serious subject in a comic manner Parody imitation of another writer s or artist s style for comic effect Lampoon full-length verbal portrait ridiculing a person

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Invective direct denunciation or name-calling Diatribe prolonged invective; bitter or abusive Unction exaggerated earnestness or concern

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Allusion A direct or indirect reference to something that is presumably commonly know, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art. Allusions can be historical, literary, religious, or mythical. A work may simultaneously use multiple layers of allusion. Juxtaposition Placing dissimilar items, descriptions, or ideas close together or side by side, especially for comparison or contrast.

Rhetorical strategies of a satirist Reality-based sounds believable or achievable by using allusions to current events, studies, persons, ideas Persona: sometimes the satirist assumes an artificial persona or mask that often represents the opposite of the writer s/speaker s true nature and feelings

Satire and Rhetorical Analysis If you do receive a piece of satire to discuss in your rhetorical analysis essay topics, be aware of the rhetorical devices of the satirist and use them to your advantage. What choices does the writer make? Why make these choices? What is the effect on the audience or subject?

Part 3: Watch the Satirical Clip CSI: Crimea Scene Investigation from The Daily Show http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/gtb1g6/csi--crimeascene-investigation Complete a brief rhetorical analysis: What is the writer s purpose? What choices does the writer make? Why make these choices? What is the effect on the audience of subject?

Herblock Read me what it says, Dad Herb Block, who signed his work Herblock, was a longtime editorial cartoonist for The Washington Post. This Cartoon was published in 1977. 1. What does the cartoonist s attitude seem to be toward the subject? 2. Consider the written text in concert with the drawing. What might be the intended effects of the cartoon? 3. What aspect of contemporary society does the cartoonist address? Consider the following: the institution, the failing, the method of ridicule, and the hope-for change.