La notes on mode (sept 1)

L.A. Mode is a term used to indicate an authors attitude to or handling of his subject. 1) Comic mode is to entertain or to make one laugh. The author has selected and controlled his or her material so that the reader is amused and entertained. 2) Ironic mode a contrast or a difference between the way things seem and the way they really are. Irony can be gentle and amusing or cynical and bitter. There are three basic types of irony: 1. Verbal irony Ex. Sarcasm 2. Situational irony Ex: we expect something to happen but something different happens. 3. Dramatic irony remarks are words are said to someone but mean something different to a character or audience or when something is said to a character and the audience sees it different then the character takes it. 3. Tragic mode the concept of tragedy involves a hero of high estate who is brought to destruction because of a character flaw. The tragic mode also includes selections in which ordinary people are destroyed by the environment, which reveal a pessimistic view if life and which are dominated by doubt sadness despair or some other somber move. Ex: Romeo and Juliet. 4. Romantic writing is impressionistic rather than realistic. Expression of intense emotions such as hatred fear, love, and desire for revenge a tendency to exaggerate. The author sees everything as a little bit better then real. A strong contrast between the good and evil in life. Praise of the simple life. The author has a dislike of authority and discipline. Escapism. Concentration on subjects like heroism, honour, glory, truth, beauty, revenge, sacrifice, and triumph over adversity. 5. Expository explains interprets and analyzes. Ex:biographies, memoirs, criticism. 6. Philosophic works are thoughtful and speculative. Work sometimes challenge accepted ways of thinking. Works ask many questions about human existence and meaning but not always provide answers. Writers often disagree what popular assumptions and may suggest alternative ways of looking at life and society.