How Does Morley Use Satire In On Laziness

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The essay, On Laziness, by Christopher Morley, portrays his argument of why laziness is often the key to being successful. In his opening sentence, he starts by explaining how he intended to write an essay but was simply too lazy to do do. The purpose is already being expressed through his use of satire. This helps the audience apprehend how he’s portraying his meaning through his own writing style, which includes theoretical irony, satire, and use of persuasion. The use of actual laziness used to write this essay made the readers ponder and question what he was trying to say. Being lazy can sometimes end up being the best choice, and this essay is a prime example of that. Morley used a great amount of irony throughout his essay. While he brought up multiple reasons that could persuade the reader, he didn't elaborate on any of them. This shows the …show more content…

Today’s world would describe laziness as not doing anything productive, whereas he saw lazy as being content with who you are and what you have. Being satisfied with yourself is incredibly important. Don't necessitate things that don’t involve you in the first place. In paragraph 8, Morley introduced an argument about the Germans. He claims “If the Germans had been as lazy, as indifferent, and as righteously laissez-fairish as their neighbors the world would have been spared a great deal.”. What he's saying is that had the Germans been lazier and content with not being involved, they wouldn't of cared enough to create certain weapons, hence, lives would’ve been saved. Overall, he's suggesting that instead of forcing yourself into situations, let them reach out to you. The most accomplished people found their success by letting it come to them. Morley described this in paragraph 4, saying “The man who is really, thoroughly, and philosophically slothful is the only thoroughly happy man. It is the happy man who benefits the world. The conclusion is