“Merely one or two minor hints,” said the Old Politician. “If the photographers want to take your picture teaching your baby to walk, let them do it; the public loves the home life of its leader. Always be affable to the reporters, but never state your views explicitly, or you may find them embarrassing at some later date. Stick to generalities. I think that's all.”

“Thank you again,” said the Young Politician, putting out his hand. “You are very good. You're—” An idea seemed to seize his mind, and his bearing perceptibly altered. “You, sir, are a good American. I'm always delighted to have an evening with a man who is absolutely one-hundred-per-cent. patriotic American to the core.”

“Good night,” said the Old Politician. “You're getting it very nicely. I think you'll do well.”

SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS

  1. What advantage is gained by presenting the thought through the medium of dialogue?
  2. What is the character of the Old Politician?
  3. Explain the writer's satire of the use of “Americanism.”
  4. What are the Old Politician's principles concerning denunciation?
  5. What are the writer's principles?
  6. In what ways does the writer satirize the American public?
  7. How does the writer satirize political campaigns?
  8. How does the writer satirize hypocrisy in political life?
  9. How would the writer have a political campaign conducted?
  10. How would the writer have an office holder act?

SUBJECTS FOR WRITTEN IMITATION

1. The Good American11. The Right Kind of Leader
2. Campaign Speaking12. Testing Political Speeches
3. Political Beliefs13. Good Citizens
4. Honesty in Public Life14. How to Vote Conscientiously
5. A Worthy Office Holder15. A Genuine Statesman
6. Political Methods16. Patriotic Speeches
7. Denunciation17. Soap-box Orators
8. A Political Campaign18. Diverting Attention
9. Sincerity19. Public Servants
10. Deceiving the Public20. The American People

DIRECTIONS FOR WRITING

Think of a series of principles in which you strongly believe. Imagine two people who will represent definite attitudes toward the principles that you have in mind. Write a dialogue between the two people, presenting your real thought in the disguise of satire. Let your work represent both the beginning and the ending of the conversation. As in all other writing, make the ending effective.

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