Analyzing the Rhetoric of Satire Jon Stewarts Daily

Analyzing the Rhetoric of Satire

Jon Stewart’s Daily Show: Indecision 2012: My Two Bads http: //www. thedailyshow. com/watch/mon-february -27 -2012/indecision-2012 ---my-two-bads

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.

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

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

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 • • OR Can be confusing, overly academic, and pompous

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.

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

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? ”

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.

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

Rick Santorum: Obama is a snob http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Nkjb. JOSwq 3 A

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.

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 ‘drivethrough abortion clinics’ at liberal arts colleges, in order to evoke pathos. Furthermore, Stewart’s biting diction contributes to his overall cynical tone.

Practice Time! http: //www. thedailyshow. com/watch/thu-june-28 - 2007/immigrant-disease http: //www. colbertnation. com/the-colbert-reportvideos/397492/september-20 -2011/the-word--death-and-taxes http: //www. thedailyshow. com/watch/thu-august-18 -2011/world-of-class-warfare---the-poor-s-free-rideis-over