1. Eighteenth century would-be lovers often described their flirtations
in terms of artillery battering the defenses of their heart's desires (military
terms). Where is there such descriptive language used in "Christmas
Greens?"
2. It is through the words and details selected that an author evokes a
response and communicates abstract ideas to the reader. In
"Christmas Greens," Steele has selected the details with ironic intent to
reveal their abstract satiric point.
a) Examine the first sentence of paragraph 1 up to the semicolon.
What is incongruous
about the juxtaposition
of statements here?
b) Notice the clause "we have both been very constant in our devotions."
Their “devotions” to what? How is this a pun? Explain how it creates
an ironic effect.
c) In the first sentence of paragraph 2, what is the valid reason
Jenny provides for complaint? Explain the irony of her
statement.
d) In the final sentence before the close of the essay, what does
Jenny say she will have to do if the greenery is not removed from the church?
This response upsets our expectations and indicates the obvious irony
of the satire.
Explain the statement and its irony.
3. What is the satiric point Steele is making through
these ironic details?
4. In paragraph 2 "the word out of a bush" is a Biblical allusion to
Exodus 3:2 in the Bible when God speaks to Moses in the form of a burning
bush that does not burn itself out. What is the humor in this allusion?
With that reference in mind, look up the word "light" in its various meanings.
Explain the humorous pun
created by the use of the phrase "light fellow" for the churchgoer who made
that comment.
5. Look up the words "jenny" and "simper" in the dictionary, and explain
the humorous
purpose of such a name.
6. In this essay, Jenny Simper is a character whose letter is seen by an
"audience of readers.” Is Jenny aware of the incongruous
implications of what she says? Explain how both forms of dramatic
irony are used in this essay.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
FOR THURBER'S SATIRES
1. Why didn’t the wolf's disguise fool the little girl?
2. Why does the Princess like the jewel box the best?
3. Explain how each of these stories contains situational irony.
4. How do you think Thurber wants you to feel about the original fairy tale
heroines? Give an example of something Thurber does that indicates his
attitude.
5. How do you think Thurber wants you to feel about his heroines?
Give an example of something Thurber does that indicates his tone.
6. Do Thurber's morals strike you as true to life today? Explain your
opinion.