The idea of Poseidon teaching water aerobics is a ludicrous one, and Colin Nissan knows it. He approaches the topic with a good-natured humor, and makes the piece smart through the clever inclusion of little bits of Greek mythology. He also uses some pretty ridiculous imagery to get the readers laughing.
Syntax plays a large part in the humorous tone that the piece has. By using very stylized, elevated sentences, Nissan gives the impression that a somewhat overzealous Poseidon is giving instructions. For example, near the beginning of the article the god of the sea commands his students to "grab a flotation noodle from [his] chariot and hop into the pool." No one talks like that, except for a very out of place god trying to teach water aerobics to a bunch of old ladies. The resulting effect is most definitely a humorous one.
The clever details that Nissan works into the article make it more than just a funny read. This author definitely knows his mythology. He subtly includes that knowledge in a way that makes the article even funnier to those who share his understanding. At one point, Poseidon motivates his clients by saying that "a fitter you is well within your grasp. Not unlike a time when becoming the patron deity of Greece’s great capitol was within my grasp—were in not for Athena, that meddling wench." Anyone familiar with Greek mythology would know that Athena and Poseidon once had a competition over who would become the patron deity of Athens, which Poseidon proceeded to lose. This created a rivalry between the two that was revisited in other myths. However, even someone who didn't know much about mythology could get the general sense of the story and be amused by it.
The imagery that Nissan uses also adds to the humorous tone. Even the title gives you a pretty hysterical image to think about - the god of the sea teaching water aerobics is not a particularly mighty scene. The image that made me laugh the hardest, however, was definitely that of Poseidon in a speedo. Think about it. Poseidon, mighty god of the sea and tormenter of Greek heroes for ages, jumping up and down in a speedo and teaching water aerobics to a group of elderly women. It's pretty humorous, and Nissan knew it when he wrote the piece. By putting Poseidon in a situation that's both easy to picture and also completely ridiculous, he's completely flipped the awe-inspiring god into nothing more than a silly character.
Sorry, had to repost:
ReplyDeleteI like the topic that you had chosen, since it puts a funny picture into one’s head of this great Greek God teaching something like water aerobics. When you mention “stylized, elevated sentences” I agree with you since I think that whenever someone is writing something that anyone could read, the piece has to rely on the syntax. Another good point that you mentioned was the details, an important part when talking of Greek mythology. I think that the author has to find a way to put in these details carefully, as not to overwhelm someone who does not know Greek mythology which I like that you pointed out. The title being part of the imagery was a nice trick that the author did, and I did not catch that at first when I read your blog post. It is interesting to think that even the title can add to the humorous tone, and the title would definitely make me want to click on the article and give it a read. Overall, great analysis and I like that you put in details specific to the article. Great job!
Really funny topic! I think you did well covering syntax, detail and imagery, although I wish you would have included diction. I agree with what Ania said about Greek mythology. I know nothing about it so it's important that the author used details about it in a way where he didn't overwhelm others like myself. I love when articles can make you laugh! It's a nice break from all the tough elevated diction that most articles have. Good job including examples from the text to back up your argument and help guide me along. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ania for scaring me. Ah, the privileges of a procrastinator.
ReplyDeleteAnyways...
Hello Emma
Your essay is well organized, and the paragraphs have claims that are just as well supported. You do a good job of tying your evidence to reasons as to why they are relevant and support your claims. I also like how you use textual examples to create a stronger argument.
I am curious as to where this article is from, and what reason it was written. Okay, it probably was just for entertainment. But really, who spontaneously writes about the ancient Greek god of the ocean in a speedo and teaching water aerobatics?
Matthew--Most peer reviewers take the time to read the original articles, editorials, essays, etc. Surely you've noticed this from your peers' posts? Had you clicked the link at the top of the page, you'd know this satirical essay is from McSweeney's, the site I recommended for satirical essays and "adult ironic voice." As a side note, please don't use up half of the required word count of your peer review on matters unrelated to analysis of your peer's writing.
DeleteMatthew, Stacy, and Ania--Really? None of you are going to address the fact that the syntax paragraph has only one example and that example really doesn't support the claim it's being used to support?
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