Exploring the Text

1. How does the opening paragraph set the tone for the entire essay? Note details such as the form and progression of sentences, the use of capitalization, and the qualifying phrases.

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: How does the opening paragraph set the tone for the entire essay? Note details such as the form and progression of sentences, the use of capitalization, and the qualifying phrases.
2. What is the effect of Judy Brady repeating the sentence (or clause) “I want a wife” again and again? What is the effect of Brady’s use of pronouns in referring to herself and “her” wife?

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: What is the effect of Judy Brady repeating the sentence (or clause) “I want a wife” again and again? What is the effect of Brady’s use of pronouns in referring to herself and “her” wife?
3. What is the overall structure of her argument? Consider breaking this essay into a straightforward syllogism or analyzing it using the Toulmin model presented in Chapter 3.

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: What is the overall structure of her argument? Consider breaking this essay into a straightforward syllogism or analyzing it using the Toulmin model presented in Chapter 3.
4. How would you describe the progression of the paragraphs? Does Brady go from most to least or from least to most, or does she follow another organizational principle? Why is her choice effective?

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: How would you describe the progression of the paragraphs? Does Brady go from most to least or from least to most, or does she follow another organizational principle? Why is her choice effective?
5. What elements of satire does Brady use? How does she, for instance, use hyperbole? Understatement? Humor? Irony? Others?

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: What elements of satire does Brady use? How does she, for instance, use hyperbole? Understatement? Humor? Irony? Others?
6. Although Brady never uses the term sexism (or feminism), what gender inequities does she catalog in this essay?

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: Although Brady never uses the term sexism (or feminism), what gender inequities does she catalog in this essay?
7. Even though this essay was published in 1971, when the feminist movement was a strong political force, it has remained popular for decades. Why? Some of the details seem dated, such as the references to a typewriter and ashtrays. Do you think that the situation Brady describes is still relevant? Or is the essay mainly a historical document that is a reminder of times past?

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: Even though this essay was published in 1971, when the feminist movement was a strong political force, it has remained popular for decades. Why? Some of the details seem dated, such as the references to a typewriter and ashtrays. Do you think that the situation Brady describes is still relevant? Or is the essay mainly a historical document that is a reminder of times past?
8. How might you apply the same rhetorical strategies that Brady uses in this essay to another one entitled “I Want a Husband”?

   Chapter 8 - I Want a Wife - Exploring the Text: How might you apply the same rhetorical strategies that Brady uses in this essay to another one entitled “I Want a Husband”?