Introduction to “Ladies and Gentlemen” Joyce Carol Oates Introduction to “Ladies and Gentlemen”

Background Born in 1938 and grew up in upstate New York While a student at Syracuse University, she won the coveted Mademoiselle fiction contest. She began teaching at the University of Windsor. She teaches creative writing at Princeton University.

Oates Credentials Her novel, Them, set in racially volatile 1960s Detroit, won the 1970 National Book Award. Because It Is Bitter, and Because It Is My Heart focused on an interracial teenage romance. Oates is a Pulitzer Prize nominee and a National Book Award Finalist.

“Ladies and Gentlemen” A short story written by Oates Involves: Metaphor Satire Symbolism Cultural Criticism

Metaphor A direct comparison of two unlike things. Think of some examples from the readings thus far. What can metaphors do for the reading and readers? Give the reader a mental picture. Something that we know.

Satire Satire is usually witty, and often very funny. The primary purpose of satire is not primarily humor but criticism of an event, an individual or a group in a witty manner.

Example of Satire

Symbolism When something represents or stands for something else. Example: Storm Scarlet Ibis Tree .

Cultural Criticism As a culture, we often criticize what is happening in our world. Think about things that we criticize. List three in your notes.

Intro to “Ladies and Gentlemen” A group of senior citizens are given a relaxing trip on a cruise…or so they thought. This story is a metaphor for how we treat others and what we think of the elderly generation.