Question

In "Top of the Food Chain," T.C. Boyle uses satire to develop the theme that logic can be disastrous. Explain how the author's use of satire contributes to this theme. Be sure to use specific details from the text in your response and introduce your topic, develop your topic, use transitions, and provide a concluding statement

Answer 1

In the short story "Top of the Food Chain", T. C. Boyle describes the efforts made by a company to eradicate malaria in Borneo, which is similar to the actions taken by the WHO around the 50's. In a satirical tone Boyle describes in first person the development of the actions taken and how they had a side effect creating a new problem to the population over and over again. Using this tone Boyle allows the reader to understand that the project is a failure since the beginning, they decided to use DDT to kill mosquitoes, even though it had been already banned in many other countries, the narrator, who is giving a report, explains it was an action taken because the WHO, and the government had asked for, "practically begged us", therefore, he does not feel guilty to have used such methods. Mosquitoes died, so as many more insects did, such as wasps (who ate caterpillars). Then comes the problem of caterpillars that were feeding on the roofs of the villagers homes, this could depict the collapse of the houses and ecosystem as well. Next, they replaced the palm roofs for tin roofs. Consequently, there was a fly problem, that was corrected with the use of chemicals, then the geckos ate the dead flies and died as well, moreover the geckos were a feast to cats who ended up dying too. The villagers were sad, but then the rats infested the village and the crops. The last action was to send 14,000 cats from other countries, which were parachuted to the ground, unfortunately, due to the loss of crops many of them served as food. The narrator continues telling that the company's mistakes were accidents that could lead to positive aid programs in the future, Boyle states "to every cloud a silver lining" . We are able to understand that Boyle satirical tone could refer to communicate political criticism. His humor is attacking real programs who are not approved by him and many more people, it could be seen as a persuasive text, who leads the reader to think and analyse, as well as an entertaining text.