In his 2004 book, Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton argues that the chief aim of humorists is not merely to entertain
but “to convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” Because society
allows humorists to say things that other people cannot or will not say, de Botton sees humorists as serving a vital
function in society.
Think about the implications of de Botton’s view of the role of humorists (cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical
writers, hosts of television programs, etc.). Then rewrite my essay while keeping the original language and argumen to be an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies de Botton’s
claim about the vital role of humorists. Use specific, appropriate evidence to develop your position. Make sure to use all the evidence from the essay as well.
Additional Criteria:
Responds to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.
Responds to the prompt rather than restate or rephrase the prompt, and
the thesis clearly takes a position rather than just stating that there are
pros/cons.
EVIDENCE:
Provides specific
evidence to support
all claims in a line of
reasoning.
AND
COMMENTARY:
Consistently explains how
the evidence supports a
line of reasoning.
Uniformly offer
evidence to support
claims.
• Focus on the
importance of specific
details to build an
argument.
• Organize and support
an argument as a
line of reasoning
composed of multiple
supporting claims,
each with adequate
evidence that is clearly
explained.
Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the
rhetorical situation.
1. Crafting a nuanced argument by consistently identifying and exploring
complexities or tensions.
2. Articulating the implications or limitations of an argument (either the
student’s argument or an argument related to the prompt) by situating it
within a broader context.
3. Making effective rhetorical choices that consistently strengthen the force
and impact of the student’s argument.
4. Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.
Essay:
In his book Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton argues that humorists play a crucial role in society by conveying messages that might be challenging or impossible to state directly. While humor may not always take center stage in world events, de Botton argues that humorists possess the power to bring about significant changes. This perspective highlights the vital role of humorists as messengers of society. The significance of humor has been demonstrated across various forms of media, including political cartoons, newspapers, and literary works.

Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, skillfully used satire to expose the hypocrisy prevalent in the Southern society of its time. By criticizing the institution of slavery and the denial of rights to African Americans, the book tackled two significant issues that were prominent during its publication. In the American South, advocating for the rights of African Americans was not only unthinkable but also potentially dangerous. The voices of those who dared to speak up or address these matters often went unnoticed, as freed slaves held no value in society. However, with the publication of Mark Twain's satirical masterpiece, a catalyst for social change emerged.

De Botton's assertion resonates with Herman Melville's Moby Dick since the portrayal of nature can be seen as a satirical commentary on transcendentalist philosophy. Transcendentalists often celebrated nature as a benevolent force, but Melville's depiction of the relentless and destructive nature embodied in the white whale challenges this optimistic view. The humor in Melville's work lies in the undermining of conventional transcendentalist ideals, exposing the potentially dangerous consequences of blindly embracing such philosophies. In this way, Melville, like humorists, employs satire to convey a critical message that might have been considered controversial in his time. 

Even in the present day, humorists continue to have a significant impact on our world through mediums such as political cartoons (such as the Trump cartoons in The New York Times) and satirical television programs. These forms of expression play a crucial role in prompting us to critically examine our society and the challenges it faces, all while using humor as a tool. By encouraging us to question and reflect on these issues, they contribute to the process of addressing and resolving them in our everyday lives. As such, De Botton's perspective on humorists as societal messengers for expressing unconventional or controversial ideas has resonance in both historical and contemporary works of satire. The ability of humorists to convey messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly remains a vital function in society, prompting reflection and fostering change.