Hi, I'm doing an assignment which requires me to choose two of Mark Twain's quotes (from a certain page) and answer the following questions:

1. What is the essential cultural observation or situation being satirized? What clues lead you to this conclusion?
2. What rhetorical strategies does the writer use to achieve this satire? List them, and explain how each is used.
3. What is the social change for which the writer might be calling? Is this change achievable? Does the writer, through satire, imply any suggestions?

Here are the two quotes I have chosen:

"History may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme a lot."
(For this quote, I say throughout the three questions that Mark is saying how history will not repeat itself exactly the same as it has in the past, as the future is unpredictable and with new and different circumstances (people, places, etc.), new and different results will be obtained. I am unsure about rhetorical strategies and satire used in this sentence. Also, what I take from it, it seems as though Mark isn't exactly trying to tell anyone to change because change in this situation (I believe) is practically not possible. Past actions are prone to happen again, regardless of a numerous amount of variables as, at our core, humanity is still the same.)

"A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read.”
(People wish to obtain the knowledge that classics lend as they are intelligent, literary works and are well respected in society for their refreshing (for that period of time) themes and memorable characters. However, classics can be difficult to read and comprehend material that many can grasp, making their yearn to read the book wane. So, they somehow just want to be able to say they have read it, have all the knowledge in their minds already, but not have to put in any of the work of the reading experience. Again, unsure about rhetorical and satirical elements with this quote... but Twain might be calling out on people who refuse to put in the work to gain a desirable quality. The bluntness of his true words challenges people to, in this specific example, realize that in order to obtain treasured information, they must put in the work to receive it.)

I am struggling to find how to go further into detail with these questions. I'm normally fine with this stuff, but could someone maybe help me clarify further (especially on #2), perhaps give me a couple of simple examples, or tell me if I'm on the right path with what I have already? Thanks!!

on the first: consider "rhyme" means "similar" or "parallel"

on the second, you are on track, but often it is work. Everyone wants a salary, but fewer want the work. for classic, consider ballet, opera, symphonies... or even Jazz. We often want to attain the benefits of culture, without the dressing up that goes with it, or the time involved. Even classical education comes to my mind: A Harvard education is desirous, but an online college is so much easier.

Great, thank you so much, bobpursley!:)

You are on the right track with your analysis of the quotes. Let's break down the questions further and provide examples for you:

1. What is the essential cultural observation or situation being satirized? What clues lead you to this conclusion?

For the quote "History may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme a lot," Mark Twain is satirizing the idea that history repeats itself. He suggests that while history may have similarities or patterns, it is not an exact repetition. The clue here is the use of the word "rhyme." In poetry, rhyme implies similarity or connection between words or lines, but not exact repetition. Twain uses this metaphor to convey the idea that history does not unfold in the same way, but there are echoes or similarities that can be observed.

2. What rhetorical strategies does the writer use to achieve this satire? List them, and explain how each is used.

Rhetorical strategies are used by the writer to convey their message effectively. In this case, Twain employs the following strategies:

- Metaphor: Twain compares history to poetry by using the metaphor of rhyme. This metaphor highlights the idea of similarity without absolute repetition. By comparing history to something familiar like poetry, he engages the readers and makes the concept more accessible.

- Irony: There is a hint of irony in this quote. While Twain suggests that history does not repeat itself, he also acknowledges that it "rhymes a lot." This irony adds depth to the satire and emphasizes his point that although history is not a copy-paste repetition, it does have similarities.

3. What is the social change for which the writer might be calling? Is this change achievable? Does the writer, through satire, imply any suggestions?

For the quote "A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read,” Twain satirizes the societal desire to possess knowledge or appear well-read without putting in the effort to actually read the classics. He critiques the attitude of people wanting the prestige associated with having read important literary works, rather than valuing the experience and knowledge gained from the reading itself.

The social change Twain might be calling for is a greater appreciation for the effort required to truly engage with classic literature. He suggests that people should value the process of reading and the insights gained from it, rather than just seeking the status associated with having read certain books.

While achieving this change might be challenging, Twain uses satire to highlight the irony and criticize the shallow attitude towards classic literature. His blunt statement challenges readers to confront their own motivations and consider the importance of genuine engagement with literature.

To further illustrate rhetorical strategies and satire in the second quote, you can analyze the use of irony, hyperbole, and social criticism. Additionally, you can explore how Twain's direct and humorous language adds to the satirical effect.

For example, the hyperbole of "nobody wants to read" emphasizes the extreme disinterest people may have towards reading classics. Twain's word choice places emphasis on the divide between wanting the reputation of having read classics and the lack of motivation to put in the effort.

Overall, you are on the right path, and by analyzing the rhetorical strategies used and considering the social change implied, you will be able to provide a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of the quotes.

You're on the right track with your analysis of the quotes and their underlying messages. Let's break down the questions and explore how you can go into further detail, especially regarding the rhetorical strategies used.

1. What is the essential cultural observation or situation being satirized? What clues lead you to this conclusion?

For the first quote, "History may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme a lot," Twain is satirizing the notion that history simply repeats itself in a predictable manner. He suggests that while history doesn't repeat exactly, there are similarities and patterns that can be seen. The clues leading to this conclusion are the contrasting ideas of repetition and rhyming. By using the metaphor of rhyming, Twain suggests that historical events have similarities or resemblances, just like words in a rhyme. This observation satirizes the simplistic view of history as a precise repetition of the past.

2. What rhetorical strategies does the writer use to achieve this satire? List them, and explain how each is used.

In the first quote, Twain employs two rhetorical strategies: metaphor and contrast.

Metaphor: Twain uses the metaphor of rhyming to convey his point about history's patterns. By comparing history to poetry, he creates an imagery of familiarity and similarity. This metaphorical language makes the point more memorable and engaging.

Contrast: Twain contrasts the idea of history repeating itself with the idea of history rhyming. While repetition implies an exact duplication, rhyming suggests patterns and similarities while allowing room for differences. This contrast highlights the satirical observation that history is more complex than a mere repetition.

3. What is the social change for which the writer might be calling? Is this change achievable? Does the writer, through satire, imply any suggestions?

For the first quote, Twain doesn't explicitly call for social change. Instead, he highlights the unpredictability of history and challenges the simplistic notion of repetition. The change implied here is a shift in mindset, urging people to look beyond the assumption that history will repeat in the same predictable way. While this change in perspective is achievable, it is not a societal change that can be forced.

Moving to the second quote, "A classic is something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read," Twain satirizes the societal attitude towards classic literature and the desire for cultural knowledge without putting in the effort to engage with the actual material.

In terms of rhetorical strategies, Twain employs irony, paradox, and directness.

Irony: The irony lies in the contradiction between the desire to have read classics and the unwillingness to actually read them. He points out the discrepancy between the aspiration to be knowledgeable and the avoidance of the necessary effort.

Paradox: By stating that a classic is something "nobody wants to read," Twain paradoxically highlights the disinterest or reluctance that individuals may have towards engaging with challenging, yet culturally significant, works. He draws attention to the irony of the situation.

Directness: Twain's direct and straightforward statement enhances the satirical effect. Through his blunt words, he challenges readers to recognize their own tendencies to seek the status associated with classic literature without truly engaging with it.

As for the social change called for in this quote, Twain implies that individuals should put in the effort to immerse themselves in classic literature if they genuinely want to benefit from its knowledge. The change he suggests is an individual one, encouraging a personal commitment to reading and understanding these literary works.

Remember, these are interpretations and perceptions based on your analysis of the quotes. You can further support your points by referencing specific words, phrases, or literary techniques used by Twain.