The Spreading “You Know”
James Thurber
James Thurbor’s essay appeared in the December 31, 1960, issue of The New Yorker. à
Satire is a type of humour which uses devices such as sarcasm or irony to ridicule a specific social custom, vice, habit, or human weakness. It may be directed at an individual, a group, or the whole human race.
Points for discussion
· This essay was published in 1960. Is “you know” still with us?
· Make a list of new words or phrases have come into the language?
· What old words or sayings have changed or gone out of style?
· What does this say about us as people?
Questions for further thought
1. What is Thurber’s thesis? Is it implied or stated? If stated, identify the specific sentence(s). (1)
2. Identify the tone of the essay. Provide direct evidence to support your explanation. (2)
3. Explain the mood of the essay. Note: How is this different than the tone? (2)
4. Identify the following device: “…I tremble at its increasing garbling of meaning, ruining of rhythm, and drumming upon my hapless ears.” (1)
5. Find an example of a simile and an analogy. Explain the effectiveness of each. (4)
6. Explain the irony found in the last sentence of this piece. (2)
7. Why read this essay on the first day of Grade 11 University English? How might the message of this piece apply to our study of English? (4)