Political cartoon.This cartoonist uses hyperbole hyperbole (hīpûr`bəlē), a figure of speech in which exceptional exaggeration is deliberately used for emphasis rather than deception. (hy-PUR-buh-lee) to comment on the recent exploration of Mars The exploration of Mars has been an important part of the space exploration programs of the Soviet Union (later Russia), the United States, Europe, and Japan. Dozens of robotic spacecraft, including orbiters, landers, and rovers, have been launched toward Mars since the 1960s. by the NASA NASA: see National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA in full National Aeronautics and Space Administration Independent U.S. robotic ro·bot·ic adj. Relating to, characteristic of, or employing robots. probe Spirit. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses obvious exaggeration Exaggeration Bunyon, Paul legendary giant, hero of tall tales of the logging camps. [Am. Folklore: The Wonderful Adventures of Paul Bunyon] Jenkins’ ear trivial cause of a great quarrel. [Br. Hist. , often for a comic effect. Study the cartoon, and answer the questions. 1. What is the example of hyperbole in this drawing?-- 2. Study the caption. Why are NASA scientists excited to see billboards on the Martian surface?-- 3. What goals might the U.S. pursue in its exploration of Mars?-- 4. What concerns does the cartoonist seem to have about human exploration of Mars?-- 5. Do you agree with the cartoonist's attitude? Explain your answer.-- ANSWERS 1. The example of hyperbole is the placement of a commercial billboard on Mars. 2. NASA scientists are excited because the billboard would be proof of life on Mars Scientists have long speculated about the possibility of life on Mars owing to the planet's proximity and similarity to Earth. It remains an open question whether life exists on Mars now, or existed there in the past. , Another interpretation could be that NASA scientists are excited by the possibility of commercial development on Mars. Other interpretations are possible. 3. Scientists are hoping to learn more about Mars, specifically whether water once existed on the planet. In general, a successful exploration of Mars would be a significant achievement for NASA and the nation's scientific community. 4. Since the cartoonist includes a billboard on the Martian surface, he may be implying that the scientific achievement of the Mars mission could be overshadowed by the possibility of commercial development and profit. 5. Answers will vary. |
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