As this website’s epigram suggests, David Simon claims that “The Wire is dissent,” suggesting that the show is making an argument beyond just entertainment. The goal of the final essay is to analyze The Wire as a mode of rhetoric, a form of persuasion and argumentation, and compare it to the other modes we have studied: a novel (Clockers), an academic study (In Search of Respect), and narrative journalism (The Corner).
This essay of 1,700 – 2,200 words should choose one aspect about which The Wire presents an argument, analyze what the show is trying to say, and how it conveys that argument through the meadium of televised fiction. Then compare the way that the show conveys its argument to how two of the three books we read make their arguments. The topic you focus on might be a specific institution (e.g. the media, police, education), a social facet (e.g. gender, family, urban America), or a broader theme (e.g. loyalty, faith, progress). The goal is to be as specific as possible in detailing both what the show is arguing, and how it conveys those arguments.
In comparing The Wire to the books, you might choose a topic that is covered explicitly (like the drug war) or implicitly (like racial politics), or a topic that is not clearly addressed in the books (like labor unions) – regardless, the comparison should not be about what the books say, but rather how they say it. The essay should use the rhetorical comparison with books to make a claim as to how fictional television functions as a mode of argument – what are the strengths and limitations of a fictional show as a means of persuasion? Aspects you might consider include narrative, fiction, realism, subjectivity, evidence, emotional engagement, perspective, and believability.
Be as specific as possible in highlighting moments from the series and the books to back up your claims about The Wire‘s power of persuasion. The essay is due via email by noon on May 15 – graduating seniors are encouraged to submit the essay earlier if possible. Remember to include the honor code.
Post any questions about the assignment below. Good luck!