Read the first two essays linked below, and either the Dave Barry essay or the David Sedaris essay. For each essay, use the list of varieties of humor covered in class to identify and classify three or four of the qualities that make the piece funny. The pieces are arranged in order of declining political relevance. The first is quite political, the second tangentially so, and the third pieces, not at all. Enjoy the reading!
George Saunders, "My Gal"
The Onion, "Aliens Demand More Positive Portrayal in the Media"
Dave Barry, "Taking the Zip out of Zippy" or Dave Sedaris, "Big Boy"
In addition, you will write a rhetorical analysis of your independent reading book. You will have to relate your author's rhetorical strategies to his or her purpose. Be mindful of the broad rhetorical categories as they relate to your book (ethos, logos, pathos, SOAPSTone, DIDLS). You may use your book while writing the essay, but you should not have to rely on it. If you plan on using your book, you should have two or three parts identified for handy use while writing the essay.
