Question

Before writing your response to the prompt below, you might participate in a collaborative conversation to gather ideas. During this conversation, practice the skill of discussing explicit and implicit meanings. Explicit means “stated clearly and in detail,” and implicit means “implied but not stated directly.” Readers of literature need to be able to understand both explicit and implicit meanings in order to gain a deeper understanding of the text. Answers to questions about explicit meanings can be found directly in the text but answers to questions about implicit meanings require readers to consider text evidence and to make guesses based on what they already know. Such questions usually begin with the phrase “What do you think . . . .” Come to the discussion with one question about the explicit meanings and one question about the implicit meaning of the text. You might ask about

explicit, or clearly stated, dialogue that is used for satirical purposes
the author’s tone and how it affects the implicit meaning of what the characters say and think
ARGUMENTATIVE LITERARY ANALYSIS: How does Melville use satire to critique individuals and institutions? Identify at least two satirical critiques from the text and then explain if those critiques have any bearing in society today. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Answer 1

For the discussion, you should come prepared with one question about explicit meanings and one question about implicit meanings. Here are some examples:

1. Explicit meaning question: What is an example of dialogue in the text that is stated clearly and is used for satirical purposes? Look for dialogue that is intended to criticize or make fun of something or someone.

2. Implicit meaning question: How does the author's tone affect the implicit meaning of what the characters say and think? Consider how the author's attitude or feelings towards a subject influence the deeper meaning of the characters' words and thoughts.

Now let's move on to the essay prompt. It asks how the author, Melville, uses satire to critique individuals and institutions. Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock something. You need to identify at least two examples of satirical critiques from the text and explain if these critiques are relevant in today's society. To support your response, use evidence from the text.

To answer this prompt effectively, you should:

1. Identify two examples of satirical critiques in the text. Look for instances where Melville uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize individuals or institutions. These critiques may highlight flaws, hypocrisy, or absurdity.

2. Explain how these critiques are relevant in society today. Consider if the issues raised by Melville are still present in modern times. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Step-by-step explanation: