Monday we will read Jonathan Swift's classic essay in class. As you read, your task is to keep track of examples of Swift's effective use of irony in his essay.
In partners, answer the Questions on pages 709-710: "Questions on Meaning" and "Questions on Writing Strategy" and "Questions on Language."
On Tuesday, you will analyze your examples of irony. For each example:
1. Decide whether the irony depends on UNDERSTATING (the presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.), OVERSTATING (hyperbole, exaggeration), or saying the opposite of what is meant.
2. How do they improve on literal statements?
3. Ultimately, what is the value of irony in argument?
A contemporary imitation of Swift's essay by Stephen Colbert: A Modest Porpoisal
No comments:
Post a Comment