final essay 62

It should be 7 – 8 pages long (double-spaced;

12-point font). The pages must be STAPLED. Concentrate on creating a real argument, not just listing

observations about the works (I should be able to disagree with your paper, while still thinking it’s

good work).

Many of the works we have read so far have posited a connection between power and the two

following topics:

1. MORALITY

2. ANONYMITY

Choose one of these two topics, and show how it is relevant to satire. Examples of specific questions

you might pursue: For “morality”: Is satire stronger/more effective when it is explicitly a moral work

(that is, aiming for moral improvement in the reader)? Or does morality interfere with certain forms of

satire (logical, political, etc.). Is morality more relevant for earlier forms of satire? Are their modern,

visual or digital works of satire that you consider moral, and why is this important? For “anonymity”:

What difference does anonymity make in a satire? Is satire more effective when it is anonymous? Is

modern mass-media satire more or less “anonymous” than early, print satire, and why might this

matter?

You should focus on at least three works, at least two of which should be from the syllabus. At least

one work can be one of your own choosing, not covered in class.

As with your short paper, end your opening paragraph with a question; answer that question in the

conclusion.