Reverse Outline
Reverse Outline ¶ 1 Topic Sentence: In examining Kurt Vonnengut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, we can illuminate the faults in Weisenburger’s theory of satire dichotomy, as well as illuminate the nature of the satirical qualities of Slaughterhouse-Five itself. Function: This is the thesis of Gil Henkin’s essay “Steven Weisenburger and the Big Scary Normative Value: An Exercise in Postmodern Posturing.” Its function is to provide the main idea which the author will argue thorough the essay. ¶2 Topic Sentence: Weisenburger rejects the concept of the dichotomy between a “good” and a “bad” example, yet in rejecting this moral polarization, he presents degenerative as good as opposed to inherently evil generative. Function: This paragraph serves to illustrate Weisenburger’s ideas. The author talks about Weisenburger’s view on generative and degenerative literature and why he thinks there is no middle ground between these two forms of satire. This paragraph also functions as a foundation for using Slaughterhouse-Five to strengthen author’s arguments. ¶3 Topic Sentence: The novel itself offers no normative values within its pages Function: The author uses this paragraph to show what moral position Vonnegut provides in his novel. Gil makes clear that Slaughterhouse-Five doesn’t offer author’s moral positioning. This paragraph functions as an insight into Vonnegut’s ideas and creates a contrast with previous paragraph where Weisenburger was mentioned. ¶4 Topic Sentence: Again in this, Vonnegut is showcasing one of the main tenants of Weisenburgian contemporary satire. Function: The author brings an observation form Vonnegut’s novel and connects it with one if Weisenburger’s main ideas. This paragraph illustrates the connection between Wonnegut’s and Weisenburger’s ideas. He also illustrates how Weisenburger uses grotesque as one of his main tools. ¶5 Topic Sentence: Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, as intimated by the title, also dabbles in the