Identify an example of hyperbole in the lyrics and explain how it emphasizes the song’s criticism of war.
“Be the first one on your block..." exaggerates the idea that ppl should be proud of war, "blown em all to.." kill EVERYONE to get peace
"Whoopee! We’re all gonna die" is repeated a lot in the song. What techniques (aside from repetition) are being used, and why?
Colloquial language / hyperbole. He is being sarcastic - how wonderful that we all get to die! Hyperbole emphasises the harsh reality of war - a lot of ppl die!
What technique could be used to describe the use of the following words - 'mothers', 'boys', 'fathers', 'sons'. How does this technique support the main idea in the song?
Diction! Remember diction is word choice. This kind of personal and inclusive language is reminding the listener that the ppl that go to war are family members
'Put down your books and pick up a gun' is an example of juxtaposition (or contrast). What do books and guns symbolise? And how are these contrasting ideas?
Books = education and thought. They also suggest the person is a student and young. Guns - violence, an immediate solution, a symbol of war. War = stupid
what technique is being used in the line 'tools of the trade'? How does it emphasise the writer's message?
Idiom/euphemism. Euphemism - the tools of war are weapons. He is sarcastically describing weapons as just a tool. Idiom-adds casual, informal tone-sarcasm
Find two examples of colloquial language. How does this choice affect the audience’s understanding and emotional reaction to the message?
don't give ****, whoppee, plenty good money - relatable, the audience hear the frustration 4rm the 'everyman' singer. ****=swear ,colloquial highlights sarcasm
How do repetition and rhetorical question work together in this song? Why message is the singer trying to send by doing this?
What are we fighting for? - to emphasise that this is not their war (fighting an idea, not a people), and the repetition sinks the message in, badgers us
Uncle Sam is a symbol (man, beard, hat, stars and stripes) who personifies the Govt/country. This symbol has been around since WW1. What technique is being used when referencing him in the song?
Allusion - all American's will understand who Uncle Sam is and that he represents patriotism. Uncle Sam needs your help again means your country needs you!
Go to war! Sign up now! Save your country! Enlist today! What technique is being used here?
Imperative (or command). An imperative instructs you to do something. In war this might be to guilt you into signing up, or to challenge you to oppose it.
What is litotes, and how might litotes and sarcasm be similar?
Litotes is a deliberate understatement. It might be similar to sarcasm (not always) because you are saying the opposite of what you literally mean
