Satirical Analysis GRASPS Goal Role Audience Situation To analyze a piece of satire to determine the authors purpose or goal.

A citizen who can be influenced by others opinions (you!). Other citizens who can learn from your experience (your peers!). Satire appears in our society in a variety of forms. Each time it shows up, you are subject to being influenced by the author/writer/speakers message. As an active citizen, it is important to be aware of the messages you are receiving (this doesnt apply solely to satire, though satire will be our focus for this assignment). Before you let yourself be influenced, consider what is actually being said. You will select a piece of satire that shows up in YOUR world. This can be a Simpsons episode, a sketch on SNL, an article in a paper, an essay you find, a political cartoon-the possibilities are plenty, just find something that interests you. FIRST, you must explain WHY the piece is satirical (approximately page). What is being mocked? What is the message/point the author is trying to make? SECOND, you must analyze the piece to determine how the author is using satire to send a message, and articulate what the authors intended purpose or message (approximately 1 page). This should be in Says/Does/Because style format. A 1.5-2 page typed, double spaced essay using SAYS/DOES/BECAUSE style analysis to support your conclusions.

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Do not just answer the questions! Write this as an essay! Use your introduction to describe why the piece is satirical with a thesis statement indicating the authors message. Then, spend the rest of the paper supporting your thesis. Dont forget a solid conclusion!
Standards 1.5-2 pages, typed, double-spaced essay Times New Roman or Arial Font AT LEAST 3 direct text references with citations (MLA format) DO NOT use first/second person pronouns (I, you, me, we, our, your) Use PRESENT TENSE when talking about literature/writing (Beowulf is not Beowulf was) Submitted to Turnitin.com.

Satire GRASPS Outline

If you would like an outline or breakdown for your essay, follow the guidelines below.

1. In your introduction a. Define satire in your own words. b. Introduce the piece you read. c. Write your thesis statement (what is the authors purpose for using satire?) 2. Paragraph 2: Summarize the essay literally and satirically. a. On the surface, what is the authors point? (What is being mocked?) b. What is the authors underlying point? (What is their message?) 3. Paragraph 3: Analyze and critique the authors use of satire. a. Explain where the author uses satire. b. Critique the effectiveness of their use of satire. (How did the author want you to react to the essay? Was s/he successful? Why or why not?) c. Cite evidence (at least three examples) that the author is being satirical. This is where you engage SAYS/DOES/BECAUSE style analysis. 4. Paragraph 5: Conclude a. Restate the authors purpose (your thesis statement). b. Explain why the author might have chosen to use satire. c. Leave the reader on a thoughtful note.