Before Reading
Make a Chart
Read about irony in Literary Tools on page 634 of your textbook. The use of irony was common during the Enlightenment. Voltaire uses irony in this selection to satirize certain ideas and aspects of society. As you read, look for examples of verbal irony. Set up a chart like the one on page 634 to record examples you find.
During Reading
Fill in Your Chart
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first paragraph of the selection aloud. Listen for examples of irony. Record these examples in your chart, first writing down what was said and then writing down what was meant.
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep recording examples of irony as you read. Think about what Voltaire is satirizing through this use of irony.
Fix-Up Idea: Reread
Some of the sentences in this selection are quite long. If you have trouble following one of these long sentences, stop and reread the sentence in parts. Semicolons mark the ends of complete thoughts, so stop each time you reach a semicolon, and think about what you read. Then move on to the next part of the sentence.
After Reading
Discuss What You Wrote
With two or three of your classmates, compare the examples you wrote in your chart. Discuss what criticisms Voltaire is making through the use of irony.