Kurt Vonnegut, in the letter “You Have Insulted Me: A Letter” (1973), asserts that the members of the Drake school board who burned his novel have not only insulted him, but also insulted the children in their school district and made a mockery of American values. Vonnegut supports his assertion by continually questioning the motives and intelligence of the board members, calling them “uneducated” and “un-American.” He writes an entire paragraph in which he references his own character, portraying himself as a father, a veteran, and a hard-worker- all of which are ideal characteristics of “true Americans.” Vonnegut’s purpose is to not only call into question the actions of the school district, but to defend all writers and their intent to educate with a wealth of perspectives. He does this not only to make them question their actions, but also so that they might feel guilty, remorseful, or even stupid for what they have done. He writes in a defensive and sarcastic tone to the school board members, perhaps keeping in mind that the letter could also educate the general public.
Due Friday, March 28, 2014- 8:00 AM