The afternoon walks of Violet Kong: A collection of satirical works and: Polishing the spoof: Using rhetorical genre theory to build a problem-solving PLR method, and its application in the context of Menippean satire
Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
School
School of Arts and Humanities
First Supervisor
Kayt Davies
Second Supervisor
Debbie Rodan
Abstract
This study attempts the creation of a problem-solving research method for use with creative practice. A literature review of the field, often termed practice-led research (PLR), builds on a persistent strand of the literature that I interpret as a call for the traditions of academic research to be applied to PLR. Because problem-solving methods are rare in PLR my study seeks to create an innovative alternative method.
The study theorises communications using a rhetorical approach to genre building on Miller’s ground-breaking “Genre as Social Action” (1984/1994) and Bakhtin’s “The Problem of Speech Genres” (1979/1986). I reason that because genre is a required aspect of all communications my method may be adaptable for use with a broad range of communications practices.
I use Miller’s concept of exigence to define the obscure but viable genre of Menippean satire based on the social need such satires seek to meet, rather than focusing solely on their formal qualities. My research method uses writing exercises designed to develop my technique as a Menippean satirist by manipulating the opinions, statements and actions of characters and by manipulating my use of parody.
My success in creating a problem-solving method was mixed. Nevertheless, sufficient evidence exists (in the form of both complete satirical texts and accounts and analysis of the results of writing exercises) to support a conclusion that problem-solving PLR methods are viable and may be valuable to research and practice on a range of communication genres.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 10th August 2024.
Recommended Citation
Salmon, S. L. (2022). The afternoon walks of Violet Kong: A collection of satirical works and: Polishing the spoof: Using rhetorical genre theory to build a problem-solving PLR method, and its application in the context of Menippean satire. Edith Cowan University. Retrieved from https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2568