Dear All,
Per usual, answer ONE of these two questions in a response of 300-450 words, using ample citations from the texts to bolster your clear and innovative discussion!
1. In class, we talked about how overuse or misplaced use of taboo words and topics can impede meaningful conversation. They can be used too often and therefore bore us. They can be used in the wrong situation and offend people. However, in Rabelais' Gargantua stories, A. R. Ammons' poem, the trickster narrative, and (I'll propose) the song "Sex with Ducks" by Garfunkle and Oates, billingsgate language can be considered art. Choose one of the pieces and discuss the artfulness of the piece. How can potentially offensive language become something beautiful and/or powerful?
2. One topic that came up in class was that reactions to billingsgate will differ depending on cultural surroundings. Choose one of the pieces and discuss how the words reveal what kind of audience was intended for it. What would their assumptions, values, or attitudes toward the world have to be in order to find that piece laughable?
Good luck,
Jennifer
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