750: Devil’s Dictionary

Step 1 (same as always): Read & annotate the text. Make sure to bring your annotated copy to class.

Step 2: Write your 750 on the following prompts.

Process-Writing (this section is mandatory):

This classic text is widely recognized as satire—but why? What makes it satirical? Note the characteristics & techniques of satire at play here, and use textual evidence to back up your claims.

Select your favorite definition, one that you think is sharp, important, and clearly fits your definition of satire. Answer the following questions for your selected definition:

-What does it say?  Paraphrase/explain in own words.
-What does it mean?—or—describe the phenomenon he’s ridiculing.  What about it is he ridiculing?
-Is comedy culturally meaningful and valuable? In what ways?  Use your selected definition as evidence to support your answer.

Devils’ Dictionary 2011: Take a shot at crafting your own devilish definition. Here’s mine: Liberal Arts University: A place where the nicest cars are in the student lot.

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Bigger Questions (this section is optional)

How has your understanding of satire evolved since you first put together your working definition? What have you learned since then?

How’s it going with your project? Are you on track?

What challenges are you running into with your project? How will you attempt to overcome these challenges?

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