2. Think about what you want to say / your purpose. (i.e. to draw attention to the ridiculousness of the laws' impact in society and suggest its removal)
3. think about how you want to present your argument (style) (i.e. create an absurd picture to show that the law is not effective - a parody of the actual law conversation between police officer and teen)
Suggestions for how to start or frame your piece
4. Analyze your piece see 8 questions on Satire Essay Assignment
A N A LY S I S of your own writing
Create a 1- 2 page analysis of your satire. You should include: (you need to think through these
questions before you start writing)
a
The target of your satire (What problem do you address?);
b
The earnest argument you want to make (What is your real opinion on this issue?);
c
The inspiration / evidence you may have to support your argument (You will need evidence to
support the argument – how is this is a real problem and not just your opinion? (Colbert uses
blatant examples of Ford’s vulgarity & rudeness, Jon Stewart uses Obama’s contradicting
words, the ignorant actions of the administration) Discuss the real world examples you are
drawing upon.
d
The satirical argument your satire will make (What satirical argument masks your true
argument?);
Rob Ford is talking again – let’s listen to him – maybe he will have something intelligent to say.
e
the rhetorical devices you employ to make your argument and why did you choose these to
affect your audience ; (provide examples from your paper)
f
Where is your thesis? Why?
g
The authorial persona you inhabit in your satire (For example, if you are writing a story, what is
the narrator like? Or, if you are writing a newspaper editorial, what personality will the author
have? A right-wing pundit like Colbert? Or an absurd leftist perspective?);
h
purpose: what do you want your audience to understand or do as a result of reading this piece
i
The audience of your satire (What kind of person would “get” your satire and what kind would
not?); relationship: what are you inviting your audience to do? How do you want them to react?
