P. 175 Prompt

1. What is Heather Havrilesky's main insight about Mad Men? How can you tell? Point to specific passages that reflect this conclusion.

Havrilesky's main insight on Mad Men was that it promotes the "unattainable" American dream and what the people did in the series to try to attain it, sacrificing many things, but never finding the happiness they seek. I can tell because of her tone, which is critical and humorous and because of statements like these:
p.171 paragraph 3 -
"Somehow Mad Men captures this ultra-mediated, postmodern moment, underscoring the disconnect between the American dream and reality by distilling our deep-seated frustrations as a nation into painfully palpable vignettes."
 P.174 paragraph 2 (beginning sentence) -
"The ambition and conflicted desires of these characters in their pursuit of happiness is what makes Mad Men such a singular and resonate reflection of a particularly American puzzle."

2.How does Havrilesky's establish her authority to write about this show?

She has the authority because she is a television critic for Salon. She also shows through great detail and information that she knows much about the series. She gives a summary of each season and describes each character thoroughly.

3. How does she appeal to readers' emotions? Identify specific passages where she does so.

Havrilesky appeals to the readers' emotions by making the audeince aware of the American dissatisfaction (including them) with the world around them. It makes them feel selfish, and to consider their blessings that have been given to them.
P.170 paragraph 2 -
"Meanwhile, the American dream itself-a house, a job, a car, a family, a little lawn for the kids to frolic on - has expanded into something far broader and less attainable than ever."
P.171 paragraph 2 -
"...so millions of aspiring 3-year-old princesses hum "Someday my prince will come!" to themselves, turning their backs on the sweetness of the day at hand."

4. If you were familiar with Mad Men before you read this essay, is this accurate description of the show and of its impact on viewers? if you weren't familiar with it, do you now understand its basic premise-and has Havrilesky made you want to watch it? Explain.

I am not familiar with Mad Men, but because of Havrilesky's analysis of it I now understand it better. She explained the characters and their roles, the conflicts that happened and the un-realistic settings. I do want to watch it now, mainly because I want to see where Havrilesky is coming from.