Nancy Pelosi was harshly criticized by the media

Nancy Pelosi was harshly criticized by the media

Nancy Pelosi was harshly criticized by the media and lawmakers alike for failing to release funds for America’s s small business industry that is rapidly dying due to the Corona Virus pandemic. She then proceeded to display a stockpile of her gourmet ice cream. Congress has been trying to pass a bill that would replenish the almost depleted Paycheck Protection Program. Pelosi blocked this attempt calling it a “stunt” and alleges that there is no evidence to prove its necessity. She later appeared in the Late Late Show on CBC, standing in front of an expensive freezer that was filled to the brim with gelato and ice cream.

The cartoon related to this issue is a perfect example of the Discourse concerning the Original and Progress of Satire by John Dryden. It can be compared to the work of Homer, who wrote a heroic poem. Dryden states that according to the master of philosophy, Aristotle, the work of satire is confined by the rules of the place, time, and action. In Homer’s poem, although his work is limited to Troy, the time extends to a period of forty-eight natural days while the action of the epic is more extensive.

Similarly, the parameters that govern the satire in this cartoon are effective in creating satire. The place is America, and the time is limited to several natural days, between the meeting with Congress and Monday when she appeared on the show. Finally, the action is represented in two episodes. Blocking the funds and display of her ice cream collection. Both are displayed in the illustration through the to-do list and the icicle in her hand, and her ironic statement, “Let them eat gourmet ice cream.” According to Dryden, the extra time evokes the pleasure of the reader, and the episodes accord it more variety and ornament.