1. Analyzing the Rhetoric of Satire

2. Jon Stewart’s Daily Show: Indecision 2012: My Two Bads

3. Claims Are the claims believable? Exaggerated?
In “A Modest Proposal,” Jonathan Swift advocates eating the young as a solution to hunger problems caused by poverty.

4. Evidence
Is the evidence biased*? Does it have a “spin” to it? Is it even credible?
*bias- particular tendency or inclination; prejudice

5. Diction
Look for loaded diction—words with heavily positive or negative connotations that are clearly intended to persuade.

6. Syntax Depending on the speaker/piece:
Short sentence structures can make the speaker appear thoughtless or simple-minded. OR
Short sentence structures can make the speaker seem straightforward and truthful.
Same with lengthy sentences. Depending on the speaker/piece:
Can make the speaker seem thoughtful and considerate
Can be confusing, overly academic, and pompous

7. Imagery and Details
Does the speaker attempt to evoke pathos through sensory details and description?
Is the imagery humorous or exaggerated (hyperbole)?
Swift’s idea of eating babies is definitely exaggerated and is meant to evoke pathos.

8. Rhetorical Appeals
Satire is basically a logical argument, because we are supposed to disagree with the ridiculousness of the idea under scrutiny.

9. Jargon and Technical Language
Is there a heavy use of highly specific terminology?
Terminology can be a clue as to who or what is the target—think “who uses these terms in reality?”

10. Persona Determine whether or not the speaker is taking on a persona
Satirists often assume the personality and viewpoint opposite their own.
Stephen Colbert takes the role of a highly conservative journalist to ridicule biased journalism, particularly right-wing biased journalism.
Swift certainly does not support eating children.

11. Look For Symbolic Representations
FROM THE INTRO TO The Simpsons:
Bart writing on the blackboard: Public education
Bart on his skateboard: The riddles of childhood
Homer leaving and driving home from work: Plight of the working man
Marge at the supermarket checkout: Consumerism (Note: Maggie costs $847.63)
Lisa playing the saxophone: Restrictions of public education and free thought
The family racing for the couch in front of the television: Impact of television on the modern family

12. Rick Santorum: Obama is a snob

13. Tone What is the tone of the piece?
Use a tone word list for help (it’s on my website)
Satire is usually critical in some way—look for tone words that indicate this.

14. Finally… Decide who/what is being mocked/ridiculed
A person, type of person, and/or idea or viewpoint is the target
Specify who or what is being targeted and for what reasons.
Link the previous elements (diction, etc. ) to the argument—how does the satirist (speaker or writer) create the humor and ridicule?
Ex. “Using satire, Jon Stewart demonstrates the bias he has towards Rick Santorum. Stewart uses exaggerated claims, such as the ‘drive-through abortion clinics’ at liberal arts colleges, in order to evoke pathos. Furthermore, Stewart’s biting diction contributes to his overall cynical tone.

15. Practice Time!