Sample thesis & body paragraph:
Prompt: Analyze how Horace Miner uses diction and imagery to
express his attitude toward the Nacirema.
Thesis:
Horace Miner feels condescending with the Nacirema, as seen
through his use of diction and imagery.
Body Paragraph:
Horace Miner reveals his arrogance when he introduces the
Nacirema’s daily lives as if the Nacirema were like animals or a
primitive species. For example, he describes their market economy
as having “evolved in a rich natural habitat.” He uses the phrase
“natural habitat,” which is one that is normally used to described an
animal’s ecosystem, not human economies. By saying that their
economy has “evolved” from this “natural habitat”, it also implies
that they have made use of their environment, much like animals do.
“Evolved” also implies Darwin’s idea of evolution, but he places the
Nacirema at the bottom of the evolutionary scale by noting their
dependence on their “habitat.” He also focuses on the “ceremonial
aspects” their “ritual activity,” which tends to imply that their
religions are not as sophisticated as modern day humans. Miner
clearly views the Nacirema as a primeval human species.
Notes from text:
- appearance and health…loom as a dominant concern in the
ethos of the people
- rituals are “ceremonial aspects and associated philosophy are
unique”
- concerned about “ritual activity”
- focus of this activity is the human body
- “market economy…has evolved in a rich natural habitat”