Tentative Thesis Paragraph

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_Modest_Proposal_1729_Cover.jpg: Jonathan Swift

This week's blog post is to prepare an introductory paragraph and a thesis statement for our second essay.

The essay "A Modest Proposal"composed by Jonathan Swift in 1729, is being written to help understand rhetoric and satire. Jonathan Swift is one of the number one prose satirist in the English language. Jonathan Swift wrote this proposal to help the poverty stricken Irish achieve independence from their parents and country. Jonathan explains that the Irish were being controlled by the British. He uses satire to make the society realize the situation that has transpired. Through satire he is able to reveal the problem to society. Swift is able to effectively persuade and address his audience using logos and pathos.      

"A Modest Proposal"

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jonathan_Swift_by_Charles_Jervas_detail.jpg Image:Charles Jervas 

1. What is the problem that Swift identifies in his society?  What does he want to do about it?
Swift  explains that children of the poor are becoming a burden to their parents and country. Swift suggests that poor Irish fix their economic troubles by beefing up their children and serving them to rich men and women. 

2.  Is his suggestion serious?  If not, what is the purpose?  What is he making fun of?
Swift's suggestion is not serious or realistic. Swift's purpose was to try to change the Irish government by using a satire. 

3.  Is his solution logical?  What kind of evidence does he give to support his position?
Swift is trying to be humorous therefore his solution is not logical. In the end of Swift's Essay he sates that his only motive behind his essay is the public good of his country. Swift just wants children to grow up in homes where the children can be supported.


 

Rhetorical Analysis

     When I first stumbled across this campaign ad for Independent Party nominee Ron Paul, I was left speechless.  Every aspect of this ad grabs the viewers attention and keeps them locked in for approximately one minute and three-seconds. From the theatrical introduction to the dynamic music that thunders and moves you. Most importantly the chilling facts that are incorporated into the message being delivered. This is by far one of the most affective advertisements I have ever seen. This particular ad targets and relates to a huge demographic. Every American citizen from the age of 18 and up ( i.e. the legal voting age and above).  It brings back to life facts from the past 40 years and brings up a lot of issues faced by millions of American citizens. This strategy helps to bring back some lost or dormant emotions (pathos) that tend to fire some of us up and make us crave the "Restore" of America that he promises.  I find this ad very affective because it is short, sweet and straight to the point. It brings up all of the issues that has America falling from the graces and then poses a solution, Ron Paul. This campaign ad is close to spellbinding.

Summary v. Analysis

Introductory Video

"Good Readers and Good Writers"

 "Good Readers and Good Writers"

Nabakov

What does Nabokov think makes a good reader? Do you agree? What do you believe are the characteristics of a good reader? Do you consider yourself a good reader?

Nabokov uses a wide variety of characteristics to identify a good reader. Nabokov believes that you should have a wild imagination to run away with while reading. He also believes that in order to be a good reader you must have a good memory. Without a good memory it may be difficult to recall what you have read, therefore not understanding most of the book. Nabokov finds it very important to have a dictionary with you while reading. When you come across a term you can't quite figure out you will have a quick reference beside you. Nabokov claims that being a a person who rereads a book will take the story much farther. Instead of quickly skimming the pages from left to right the first time around you can have a deeper understanding of the book the second time around. A good reader must also be patient. Reading is not a race against time. Reading is meant for learning, enjoyment, and relaxation. When racing through a book you can miss little but important details that could change the whole meaning.

I would have to say that Nabokov has a good reader pinpointed. I agree that a good reader entails having a good memory, being patient, artistic, and having a wild imagination. According to my opinions and Nobokov's I would consider myself a pretty decent reader. Except for the fact that I choose to skip over words I don't understand instead of taking the time to look them up. Therefore, I end up missing very vital details within the story and missing out.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nabokov%27s_grave.JPG