Performatives
In How to Do Things With Words (1975), J. L. Austin defines a performative statement as one that occurs when “The uttering of a sentence is, or is part of, an action” (5)—that is, when you you do something by saying it. For example, I do, I promise, I apologize.
- In groups: List as many other performatives as you can. Try for at least ten.
- Quick Write: Summarize your first essay, using at least three of the “expositive” verbs that Austin lists near the end of How to Do Things (167–68).
Moves/Performatives in Rewriting
- Coming to Terms
- Forwarding
- Countering
- Taking an Approach
To Do
- Thurs, 4/09, class: Read Chapter 1 of Rewriting (13–33). Be ready to write a ¶ coming to terms with the primary text you will discuss in Essay Two.
- Mon, 4/13, 11:00 am: Post your proposal for Essay Two to your Dropbox folder.