"I think that we're all mentally ill; those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better--and maybe not all that much better, after all. We've all known people who talk to themselves, people who sometimes squinch their faces into horrible grimaces when they believe no one is watching, people who have some hysterical fear--of snakes, the dark, the tight place, the long drop... and, of course, those final worms and grubs that are waiting so patiently underground."
PARAPHRASE: I think that we all have some weird traits about us. Most are pretty good at hiding it, however some aren't, especially those who makes faces or talk to themselves.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
-Cumulative Sentences.
-Parallelism. (I suppose?)
-Death metaphor
Effect or Function: Introduction, simple thesis "I think that we're all mentally ill" presented, and elaborated on. Further, he is going to, in reference to the title, tell us "Why We Crave Horror Movies", or at least why he thinks that we do. Also sets up fear, perhaps of death or getting maimed and thrown into a freezer. (worms are icky.)Parallelism used, can perhaps drawn the line of the people inside the mental asylum, and the people outside, perhaps they are PARALLEL, and not too different from each other.
Side Note: I feel the phrase "not all that much better, after all." is a little awkward, maybe just because of how close together he uses the word 'all'. =/
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"When we pay our four or five bucks and seat ourselves at tenth-row center in a theater showing a horror movie, we are daring the nightmare."
PARAPHRASE: When we go to the movies, we are daring the nightmare. (Challenging your mind into bringing up a nightmare that night in your sleep...?)
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
-Periodic Sentence
-Metaphor
Effect or Function: Daring nightmares to come, as well as putting oneself into the nightmare.
Speeds up reading and switches the tense. Order of the sentence (syntax ;D) is progressive, beginning with going to the movie theater, paying the money, and ending up in bed/asleep perhaps within a nightmare.
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"Why? Some of the reasons are simple and obvious. To show that we can, that we are not afraid, that we can ride this roller coaster. Which is not to say that a really good horror movie may not surprise a scream out of us at some point, the way we may scream when the roller coaster twists through a complete 360° or plows through a lake at the bottom of the drop. And horror movies, like roller coasters, have always been the special province of the young; by the time one turns 40 or 50, one's appetite for double-twists or 360-degree loops may be considerably depleted."
PARAPHRASE: Why? Simply, we want to prove we aren't scared. It doesn't mean that there won't be scary parts in the movie. Horror movies have often been like more often by younger people. As one matures, the appetite for horror movies drops.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
-Cumulative Sentence.
-Some Parallelism.
-Roller-coaster metaphor
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"We also go to re-establish our feelings of essential normality..."
PARAPHRASE: We go to feel normal again. An ugly melting woman in some movie I've never heard of makes us happy that we will all never be that disgusting.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
-Allusions to movies and old personalities.
Effect or Function:
"And we go to have fun."
PARAPHRASE: And we go to have fun...
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
-Short sentence, somewhat periodic (If it had to be one of the two.)
Effect or Function: Quick switch in topic, train of thought. Transitions into next paragraph, which starts with a rhetorical question.
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"Ah, but this is where the ground starts to slope away, isn't it?"
PARAPHRASE: This is where it gets tricky. (Isn't it?) This fun is odd. The fun of seeing other people mutilated and killed. Football is combat, horror movies are public lynching.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
Effect or Function: Begins to go into the morbid side of the essay, detailing the odd desires of people to see others hacked and slain.
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"It is true that the mythic, "Fairytale" horror film intends to take away the shades of grey..."
PARAPHRASE: It is true that the movies put us in a different mindset. It puts aside the manners and allows us to return to a childlike personality. Seeing things more simply. Perhaps these movies provide mental relief because allowing to think this way is rarely seen in the real world. We are given the right to feel whatever emotion we choose.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
-Oxymoron: "Fairytale Horror"
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"If we are all insane, then sanity becomes a matter of degree..."
PARAPHRASE: If we are all insane, some are definitely more than others. If your insanity makes you a mass murderer, you go to prison. However, if you talk to yourself and pick your nose, people will leave you alone, but you'll have no friends.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"The potential lyncher is in almost all of us..."
PARAPHRASE: We're all psycho. (Except saints and what not.) Routinely, the psychotic side needs to come out. Emotions and fear become a muscle that must be exercised. We exercise them so we do not get overwhelmed for the civil emotions such as love, friendship, etc. are better.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"When we exhibit these emotions, society showers us with positive reinforcement..."
PARAPHRASE: When we're nice, society rewards us. We learn this at an early age, such as when we're nice to a sibling, the adults are happy and reward candy. But if we're mean, death ensues and spankings are handed out. Get it? Hand-ed? Sorry... :(
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"But anticivilization emotions don't go away, and the demand period exercise..."
PARAPHRASE: Bad emotions don't go away and they need to be released. Sick jokes are a part of our culture, even told by children. We still laugh at them even if we try to hide it. This confirms that if we share a brotherhood of man, we are also sharing an insanity. Not that it's a bad thing, but horror films are reactionary just like fairy tales.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"The mythic horror movie, like the sick joke, has a dirty job to do..."
PARAPHRASE: Horror movies work like sick jokes. Appeals to the 'wrong' emotions in us. It's morbid, letting us loose from social constraints. Liberals hate horror movies. I however love them the worst they are.
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"Why bother? Because it keeps them form getting out, man..."
PARAPHRASE:
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
Effect or Function:
---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---
"As long as you keep the gators fed."
PARAPHRASE: (Don't really need to, do I?)
Rhetorical Strategy or Style Element:
-Twist ending.
-Short abrupt sentence.
-Comical.
-Gators being a (very slightly) extended metaphor.
Effect or Function: Ends the essay, little joke to leave the reader off with the knowledge of needing to "keep the gators fed" as in regularly engage in 'anticivilization' emotions to satisfy the 'lyncher' inside.
Wednesday 29 August 2012
Monday 27 August 2012
Chapter (Numero Dos)
Cøøl Stuff
Close Reading - Close reading is the ability to locate the 'nutritional value' within a text so that you can read it multiple times without getting bored. This process involves understanding a text, finding the bigger picture/idea, writing about what you have read, and find examples to back up your interpretation.
Colloquialisms - A word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation. (Dude, like wassup?)
"Just as we pay attention to more than the spoken words during a conversation, when we read closely, we look beyond the words on the page."
Diction - Choice of words
Syntax - Arrangement of words
Trope - Artful diction, containing many literary devices. (Book lists tropes to use many metaphors, similes, personifications, and hyperboles.)
Scheme - Artful syntax, containing certain arrangements not often found in some works. (Book lists schemes to include, parallelisms, juxtapositions, and antitheses.)
Metaphor - A comparison of two objects, without using 'like' or 'as'.
Simile - A comparison of two objects, using the words 'like' or 'as'.
Personification - Giving an inanimate/lifeless objects human traits or characteristics to enhance description.
Hyperbole - An exaggeration that isn't meant to be taken literally.
Parallelism - The use of successive verbal constructions that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.
Juxtaposition - The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Antitheses - A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else/contrast/contradiction between two objects.
QUESTIONS ONE SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHEN ANALYZING DICTION:
- "Which of the important words in the passage (verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs) are general an abstract? Which are specific and concrete?"
- "Are the important words formal, informal, colloquial, or slang?"
- "Are some words nonliteral or figurative, creating figures of speech such as metaphors?"
QUESTIONS ONE SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHEN ANALYZING SYNTAX:
- "What is the order of the parts of the sentence? Is it the usual (subject-verb-object), or is it inverted?
- "Which part of speech is more prominent -- Nouns or verbs?"
- "What are the sentences like? Are they periodic (Moving toward something important at the end) or cumulative (adding details that support an important idea in the beginning of the sentence)?"
- "How does the sentence connect its words, phrases, and clauses?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Annotation - Reading through a text/book/whatever and marking it up. Circling words, highlighting important parts such as thesis statements. The book says to do this in post-it notes if we're not allowed to write in our books, but I don't think that's a problem for us. (Thanks Fielding.)
Oxymoron - Contrasting ideas put together purposely.
Zeugma - A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses (e.g., John and his license expired last week) or to two others of which it semantically suits only one (e.g., with weeping eyes and hearts)
Syllepsis - A figure of speech in which a word is applied to two others in different senses (e.g., caught the train and a bad cold) or to two others of which it grammatically suits only one (e.g., neither they nor it is working).
"Another great way to interact with a text is to keep a Dialectical Journal, or double-entry notebook!"
Awesome...
Graphic Organizer - Another way of organizing thoughts on a piece. This is done by breaking down each section and dividing it up for concise analysis.
Anaphora - Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines.
Hortative sentences - Language that urges or calls to action. <------
Antimetabole - Repetition of words in reverse order.
Archaic Diction - Old-fashioned, moldy, gross-smelling, outdated words typically found in writings of the past.
Asyndeton - The omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.
Imperative Sentence - Commanding, forceful sentences to initiate action.
Metonymy - Figure of speech that says on thing is another in order to explain by comparison.
Rhetorical question - A question that is employed for the effect of rhetoric and not for the purpose of actually getting an answer.
Close Reading - Close reading is the ability to locate the 'nutritional value' within a text so that you can read it multiple times without getting bored. This process involves understanding a text, finding the bigger picture/idea, writing about what you have read, and find examples to back up your interpretation.
Colloquialisms - A word or phrase that is not formal or literary, typically one used in ordinary or familiar conversation. (Dude, like wassup?)
"Just as we pay attention to more than the spoken words during a conversation, when we read closely, we look beyond the words on the page."
Diction - Choice of words
Syntax - Arrangement of words
Trope - Artful diction, containing many literary devices. (Book lists tropes to use many metaphors, similes, personifications, and hyperboles.)
Scheme - Artful syntax, containing certain arrangements not often found in some works. (Book lists schemes to include, parallelisms, juxtapositions, and antitheses.)
Metaphor - A comparison of two objects, without using 'like' or 'as'.
Simile - A comparison of two objects, using the words 'like' or 'as'.
Personification - Giving an inanimate/lifeless objects human traits or characteristics to enhance description.
Hyperbole - An exaggeration that isn't meant to be taken literally.
Parallelism - The use of successive verbal constructions that correspond in grammatical structure, sound, meter, meaning, etc.
Juxtaposition - The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
Antitheses - A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else/contrast/contradiction between two objects.
QUESTIONS ONE SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHEN ANALYZING DICTION:
- "Which of the important words in the passage (verbs, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs) are general an abstract? Which are specific and concrete?"
- "Are the important words formal, informal, colloquial, or slang?"
- "Are some words nonliteral or figurative, creating figures of speech such as metaphors?"
QUESTIONS ONE SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHEN ANALYZING SYNTAX:
- "What is the order of the parts of the sentence? Is it the usual (subject-verb-object), or is it inverted?
- "Which part of speech is more prominent -- Nouns or verbs?"
- "What are the sentences like? Are they periodic (Moving toward something important at the end) or cumulative (adding details that support an important idea in the beginning of the sentence)?"
- "How does the sentence connect its words, phrases, and clauses?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Annotation - Reading through a text/book/whatever and marking it up. Circling words, highlighting important parts such as thesis statements. The book says to do this in post-it notes if we're not allowed to write in our books, but I don't think that's a problem for us. (Thanks Fielding.)
Oxymoron - Contrasting ideas put together purposely.
Zeugma - A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses (e.g., John and his license expired last week) or to two others of which it semantically suits only one (e.g., with weeping eyes and hearts)
Syllepsis - A figure of speech in which a word is applied to two others in different senses (e.g., caught the train and a bad cold) or to two others of which it grammatically suits only one (e.g., neither they nor it is working).
"Another great way to interact with a text is to keep a Dialectical Journal, or double-entry notebook!"
Awesome...
Graphic Organizer - Another way of organizing thoughts on a piece. This is done by breaking down each section and dividing it up for concise analysis.
Anaphora - Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines.
Hortative sentences - Language that urges or calls to action. <------
Antimetabole - Repetition of words in reverse order.
Archaic Diction - Old-fashioned, moldy, gross-smelling, outdated words typically found in writings of the past.
Asyndeton - The omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.
Imperative Sentence - Commanding, forceful sentences to initiate action.
Metonymy - Figure of speech that says on thing is another in order to explain by comparison.
Rhetorical question - A question that is employed for the effect of rhetoric and not for the purpose of actually getting an answer.
Wednesday 22 August 2012
News Assignment ~ Norway
Norway Massacre Gunman gets a Prison Cell bigger than most New York Apartments
Sources: (Fox News, Sky News, & sjtrem.com)
Pictures (Along with Descriptions)
Article
Other Article (More Pictures)
At around July 22, 2011 Anders Breivik was arrested for killing 77 and injuring an estimated number of 209 people. (Sollid) (http://www.sjtrem.com/content/20/1/3)
"Those hoping Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik will spend the rest of his days in a cramped cell will be disappointed when he is sentenced on Friday." (Sky News)
Indeed, he will in fact live pretty comfortably in a three-room private cell secluded from other prisoners. However, it is said that there is computer access, television, a treadmill, daily newspapers, and a private study. He was transported to the Ila Prison outside of Oslo, the site of a Breivik car-bombing that killed 8 people and wounded several more, on Wednesday, August 22nd; awaiting his sentencing on Friday the 24th. Each part of his three-room cell measures roughly 86 square feet and is only temporary. According to Prison officials, they hope to reach a point where they can transport Breivik into the other section of the institution and let him interact with the other inmates. It is there where he can gain access to a school, teaching Kindergarten through high-school classes, and advanced college-level courses. In addition, he will have access to a gym, a library, and a job at a prison store.
That's the goal however, but experts are still trying to determine his mental stability, which may or may not lead to even more burdens for the prison system to handle. If deemed mentally insane, there will be an entire psychiatric ward built just for Breivik with up to seventeen staff members hired just to treat one man.
Granted this does not involve America, so my future tax-dollars and those of people I know and care for are not of concern. Nonetheless, I've never really been a proponent of allowing prisoners, especially mass-murderers, such amenities as overly-spacious living arrangements, let alone a computer and a treadmill. Children in less-fortunate parts of Norway would easily benefit from computers donated to the school systems, or exercise equipment to promote healthy lifestyles in Norwegian youth. To put it simply, the priorities appear to be in need of a rework. It needs to be straightened out, as Norwegian citizen Thomas Indreboe points out in the Sky News article, "To do that for just one person, when there are other things in Norway that need to be taken care of, like elderly care and roads and such things - The money could have been spent on other things."
Sources: (Fox News, Sky News, & sjtrem.com)
Pictures (Along with Descriptions)
Article
Other Article (More Pictures)
 |
| Anders Breivik on the right |
At around July 22, 2011 Anders Breivik was arrested for killing 77 and injuring an estimated number of 209 people. (Sollid) (http://www.sjtrem.com/content/20/1/3)
"Those hoping Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik will spend the rest of his days in a cramped cell will be disappointed when he is sentenced on Friday." (Sky News)
Indeed, he will in fact live pretty comfortably in a three-room private cell secluded from other prisoners. However, it is said that there is computer access, television, a treadmill, daily newspapers, and a private study. He was transported to the Ila Prison outside of Oslo, the site of a Breivik car-bombing that killed 8 people and wounded several more, on Wednesday, August 22nd; awaiting his sentencing on Friday the 24th. Each part of his three-room cell measures roughly 86 square feet and is only temporary. According to Prison officials, they hope to reach a point where they can transport Breivik into the other section of the institution and let him interact with the other inmates. It is there where he can gain access to a school, teaching Kindergarten through high-school classes, and advanced college-level courses. In addition, he will have access to a gym, a library, and a job at a prison store.
That's the goal however, but experts are still trying to determine his mental stability, which may or may not lead to even more burdens for the prison system to handle. If deemed mentally insane, there will be an entire psychiatric ward built just for Breivik with up to seventeen staff members hired just to treat one man.
Granted this does not involve America, so my future tax-dollars and those of people I know and care for are not of concern. Nonetheless, I've never really been a proponent of allowing prisoners, especially mass-murderers, such amenities as overly-spacious living arrangements, let alone a computer and a treadmill. Children in less-fortunate parts of Norway would easily benefit from computers donated to the school systems, or exercise equipment to promote healthy lifestyles in Norwegian youth. To put it simply, the priorities appear to be in need of a rework. It needs to be straightened out, as Norwegian citizen Thomas Indreboe points out in the Sky News article, "To do that for just one person, when there are other things in Norway that need to be taken care of, like elderly care and roads and such things - The money could have been spent on other things."
Jamaica Kincaid Question
Throughout the essay, Kincaid presents concrete objects as having larger symbolic significance--her father's felt hat, to name one of many examples. Find as many of these as you can; then, choose several that you think are particularly important to analyze in detail. What does this technique contribute to the overall meaning of the essay.
- Father's Hat
- Map of England
- England-style breakfast
- History
- Silverware
- Weather
- Streets + People they're named after
- Monuments
- White Cliffs of Dover
I feel the England-style breakfast that the Antiguans eat every morning can be a symbol pointing towards the overtaking or invasion (not the best of words) of the country. The Antiguans are not normally used to eating such a large amount of food first thing in the morning, they prefer to eat small portions, if at all. This keeps them from getting tired, yet big breakfasts associated with England, nods towards the imperialistic nature of the world superpower. England is 'hungry' and consumes all of its territories of resources and lifestyles of the original inhabitants.
The History of England that Jamaica is taught/forced to memorize is a symbol of the English pride. The pride they feel in their history and their way of doing things puts them on a pedestal above all others. They feel inundated with power and much like Manifest Destiny, they feel to have been 'chosen' to revitalize the places and territories they 'capture' by introducing their way of thinking, their customs, and making the local people royal subjects. Next, the children lose the history of their people are taught the English's history and their view, what Kincaid noted as "the forceful view" (6).
- Monuments can also have a much similar symbolism in the essay, as they are literally more symbolic in purpose. However they come to be better used as benches or places where students eat their lunches, which becomes the whole attitude of the Empire. A new civilization, a new island conquered and ready to become one with the country of England, yet shortly after the people are treated poorly and cultivated into people they were never meant to be and viewed by European English (as opposed to "Antiguan English") as nothing more than slaves/others/consumers/who cares?
The Weather is something that Kincaid explores humourously with some sarcasm. She tells that the sky is always grey and depressing, rain is always pouring down, and at night "wonderful things happen" such as people running mad desperately trying to escape the rain. It seems like she is taking the words that have been told to her by those who praise England and/or those taught to praise England and satirically repeating them with the true vision of England tacked on behind. Can come to symbolize the dark, depressed status that the Empire has in store for further colonization of these communities; a bleak outlook of the future.
- Father's Hat
- Map of England
- England-style breakfast
- History
- Silverware
- Weather
- Streets + People they're named after
- Monuments
- White Cliffs of Dover
I feel the England-style breakfast that the Antiguans eat every morning can be a symbol pointing towards the overtaking or invasion (not the best of words) of the country. The Antiguans are not normally used to eating such a large amount of food first thing in the morning, they prefer to eat small portions, if at all. This keeps them from getting tired, yet big breakfasts associated with England, nods towards the imperialistic nature of the world superpower. England is 'hungry' and consumes all of its territories of resources and lifestyles of the original inhabitants.
- Monuments can also have a much similar symbolism in the essay, as they are literally more symbolic in purpose. However they come to be better used as benches or places where students eat their lunches, which becomes the whole attitude of the Empire. A new civilization, a new island conquered and ready to become one with the country of England, yet shortly after the people are treated poorly and cultivated into people they were never meant to be and viewed by European English (as opposed to "Antiguan English") as nothing more than slaves/others/consumers/who cares?
The Weather is something that Kincaid explores humourously with some sarcasm. She tells that the sky is always grey and depressing, rain is always pouring down, and at night "wonderful things happen" such as people running mad desperately trying to escape the rain. It seems like she is taking the words that have been told to her by those who praise England and/or those taught to praise England and satirically repeating them with the true vision of England tacked on behind. Can come to symbolize the dark, depressed status that the Empire has in store for further colonization of these communities; a bleak outlook of the future.
On Seeing England for the First Time...
In the essay, "On Seeing England For The First Time" (1991) author Jamaica Kincaid subtly hints that the colonization of Carribbean cultures by the English empire devalues the people, metaphorically brainwashing them into deifying the British way of life. Kincaid brings up events from her past, such as her father's hat wearing habits where he "must have seen and admired a picture of an Englishman wearing such a hat in England, and this picture that he saw must have been so compelling that it caused him to wear the wrong hat for a hot climate most of his long life." (2). She regales the reader with her tales of her youth; often about her father's hat, her mother's desire for her to eat properly, and the entire family's morning ritual of engulfing a large breakfast, in order to depict the colonial effect on the population while providing a counterargument from her young persona. Kincaid addresses a large portion of her homeland Antigua, as well as other settlements in the region, to not exalt the English way of life and realize the industrialization of an environment and assimilation of a culture, with an increasingly-hostile, yet underlying "wake-up" message.
Précis Writing Assignment
In the essay I Want A Wife, (1972), Judy Brady claims that everyone should want a wife because the numerous duties they fulfill are seemingly endless. Brady emphasises this by listing off a bunch of stereotypical responsibilities of what wives are supposed to contribute to the home such as making sure "the children eat properly and are kept clean" (Paragraph 2) and "cook the meals" (Paragraph 3). She employs long lists addressing the numerous duties of a common wife in order to express how the expectations of them to be unrealistic and unfair. In doing so, Brady hopes that the audience can see the fault in society, and using humourous tone, perhaps change their views.
^^^
Group Précis
Individual One:
In Judy Brady's essay I Want A Wife, published in 1972, the assertion is made that having a wife would be the ultimate benefit as they fulfill many needs, ranging from mundane to the absurd; "...I want a wife who will type my papers for me when I have written them." (5). Brady puts further emphasis on the lifestyle of a wife by epitomizing them to man-of-the-era's desired specifications, while stereotypical, the satire employed makes it a strong essay. High expectations and detailed obligations such as keeping "my clothes clean, ironed,
mended, replaced when need be, and who will see to it that my personal
things are kept in their proper place so that I can find what I need the
minute I need it." (4) are used in order to point out a flaw in logic within society that degrades women down to the role of a servant. In doing so, Brady hopes that both men and women can view the error of their ways and make educated opinions on the true role of a wife, making apparent the discrimination with the aid of satiric writing in an effort to encourage a difference.
Tuesday 21 August 2012
Some Nice Vocabulary
Brazen - (adj.) Without shame, or made of brass.
"His brazen attitude was evidenced by him streaking at the football game last week."
Malaise - (n.) A condition of bodily weakness usually before a disease.
"The malaise of Old Man Wilson made his grandchildren sad because he could no longer play baseball in the backyard any longer."
Malodor - (n.) An unpleasant, stinky, smelly, foul odor.
"Citizens complained numerous times about the malodor rising from the downtown sewers!"
Poltroon - (n.) A coward.
"Jimmy ran from his class like a poltroon and was mocked incessantly the next day."
Conundrum - (n.) The Nun's Drum! A Problem, anything that puzzles one's mind/life.
"Airk's hamburger got stolen and although he was sad, he was determined to get to the bottom of this conundrum and bring justice upon those responsible!"
Baleful - (adj.) Full of contempt, influence by hatred and malice.
"The baleful style in which Manny stabbed his Top Ramen caused it to fly about the room and drench the entire tablecloth in noodle-juice."
Purblind - (adj.) Nearly blind, or lacking skills, deficient/obsolete.
"She didn't receive a call back from the employer as she was purblind and not well-suited for the workplace."
Maladroit - (adj.) Unskillful, awkward, and lacking common sense/qualities.
"The other elephants mocked Dumbo for his maladroit antics and his floppy ears, yet he is still revolutionized circuses everywhere."
Fusillade - (n.) A simultaneous discharge or mass firing of multiple guns or firearms.
"An argument in Congress is often compared to fusillade, with just as deadly results."
Paradigm - (n.) An example, a model, a standard for all others to be held up to.
"Scott was supposed to be the paradigm towards his younger siblings, and his father beat him mercilessly whenever his grades faltered."
"His brazen attitude was evidenced by him streaking at the football game last week."
Malaise - (n.) A condition of bodily weakness usually before a disease.
"The malaise of Old Man Wilson made his grandchildren sad because he could no longer play baseball in the backyard any longer."
Malodor - (n.) An unpleasant, stinky, smelly, foul odor.
"Citizens complained numerous times about the malodor rising from the downtown sewers!"
Poltroon - (n.) A coward.
"Jimmy ran from his class like a poltroon and was mocked incessantly the next day."
Conundrum - (n.) The Nun's Drum! A Problem, anything that puzzles one's mind/life.
"Airk's hamburger got stolen and although he was sad, he was determined to get to the bottom of this conundrum and bring justice upon those responsible!"
Baleful - (adj.) Full of contempt, influence by hatred and malice.
"The baleful style in which Manny stabbed his Top Ramen caused it to fly about the room and drench the entire tablecloth in noodle-juice."
Purblind - (adj.) Nearly blind, or lacking skills, deficient/obsolete.
"She didn't receive a call back from the employer as she was purblind and not well-suited for the workplace."
Maladroit - (adj.) Unskillful, awkward, and lacking common sense/qualities.
"The other elephants mocked Dumbo for his maladroit antics and his floppy ears, yet he is still revolutionized circuses everywhere."
Fusillade - (n.) A simultaneous discharge or mass firing of multiple guns or firearms.
"An argument in Congress is often compared to fusillade, with just as deadly results."
Paradigm - (n.) An example, a model, a standard for all others to be held up to.
"Scott was supposed to be the paradigm towards his younger siblings, and his father beat him mercilessly whenever his grades faltered."
Monday 20 August 2012
Notes on Chapter One
Blogger, You Disappoint Me! (This is my 4th time writing this... GRRRR!)
^^^^ The Rhetorical Triangle (Aristotle)
What in the World is Rhetoric???
Well, according to the book, rhetoric is "a thoughtful, reflective activity leading to effective communication, including rational exchange of opposing viewpoints." This to me sounds like the act of opening your mouth and conversing, or perhaps, debating with someone.
KEY ELEMENTS:
-Context
The context is the occasion that the essay/speech was given. This can be somewhat like the setting of a story, and by knowing this, you can properly assess who the intended audience is and whether or not the context increases the effectivity of the piece.
-Purpose
The goal that the speaker/writer/author wanted to achieve. This coincides with the context and allows the writer to choose the best possible audience in which to present the piece.
-Thesis/claim/assertion
This could be the
-Subject
What the piece is about, the topic, y'know... so the author should have a very good grasp on what he/she/it wants to talk about in order to express the ideas/comments thoroughly and with as much consistency as possible.
Ethos:
Ethos is the character of the writer or the speaker. Good ethos is when the writer presents his/her/itself as a classy individual while also coming off as "credible and trustworthy". Allowing the audience to connect with the author is something that really helps push the point across and deliver the best results for giving a great speech/rhetoric.
Logos:
Logos is the appeal to logic/reason, by offering the audience clear and easy-ro-understand ideas that make as much sense as possible, while remaining rational. Presenting a main idea in a concise manner, showing another side/counterargument, credible statistics and facts, and/or expert testimony. (See "Things Fielding told us to include in Persuasive Essays.")
Pathos:
Pathos is the appeal to emotion. While this isn't something that should be emphasized as it can come off as propaganda which is not what you want. Appealing to the emotions means using vivid word choice that can easily stimulate the readers' thoughts and using the first-person perspective.
The Classical Arrangement of Rhetoric:
1. Introduction (exordium)
-Brings the reader into the discussion, emerging them into the world of rhetoric. Introductions can be a couple short sentences, or several lengthy paragraphs (pages...!). Drawing the reader in is important (hook) and presenting the main idea (thesis statement) and stating the order of development. Normally, this is where the author would establish ethos.
2. Narration (narratio)
-Factual information is presented and background information give the reader that much more insight into the subject. This is typically when you would begin to appeal to logos, yet it is smart to consider appealing to pathos as you are inclined to evoke an emotional response form the reader so that they can firmly decide on your opinion with the facts and statements you present.
3. Confirmation (confirmatio)
-A large portion of the writing that sets up the proof of your argument and why the audience should agree. The details in this section should be strong and thorough, while making the biggest appeal to logos in this section.
4. Refutation (refutatio)
-This part of the writing takes a look at the other side of the topic, the counterargument, if you want to call it that. Used as a "bridge between the writer's proof and conclusion" but also as appeal to ethos, as the audience can see that you are passionate enough about your subject that you chose to research both sides to get as informed as possible.
5. Conclusion (peroratio)
-Closing the essay, appealing to pathos one final time as well as connecting with ethos set up in the beginning of the piece. Instead of repeating what has already been said (guilty of this on several occasions... :l ), the writer's ideas should all get compacted into one and "answers the question, so what?" The last words are usually the ones that the audience is going to remember, so make them count. Throw it all out on the table and sum up the essay with as much intelligence as possible!
Patterns of Development:
Authors can change their arrangement by writing in order of purpose. Each method of writing purposefully has its own way of organizing thoughts and piecing together all the little eccentricities neatly and professionally.
Types of Essays We'll Be Writing:
Narration: Tells a story and recounts tales of slaying dragons and mystical creatures. Not really, but narration is typically a recollection of previous events, usually chronologically, or as a means to enter into the main idea of an essay.
Description: Much like narration and just as detailed (if not, more so), but the details focus more on the sensory responses from the readers. These include, the ways things taste, the sounds around the writer, textures and feelings, sights, colours, setting up an atmosphere for the piece. The descriptive language is a way to help make thoughts more approachable to the readers and helps in being more persuasive.
Process Analysis: An explanation. A how-to. The steps on how to achieve something or engage in a process. These can best be found in (according to the book) self-help books. Because these are going to help the way someone lives or acts, you must be as clear as possible in the instruction with smooth, flowing transitions as to not miss a step or confuse anyone.
Exemplification: Hopefully, this is readable... Facts, examples, testimonies are all ways to make an idea complete. With complete ideas, come more acceptable readers and easier persuasion.
Comparison and Contrast: Highlighting similarities and differences in an organized fashion allows clear presentation of points that can be easy to digest for the audience. With careful analytics, the author can find interesting tidbits of information that could open up ideas to readers that otherwise couldn't be achieved, as well as highlighting both sides of an argument or multiple angles of a topic.
Classification and Division: Sorting information into how topics go together and why. Connections can be made between things that are seemingly unrelated and thus, like Comparison and Contrast, can reveal difference aspects to the reader that otherwise were unknown.
Definition: Defining something can allow more points to come through and allow "meaningful conversation". Example: (See what I'm doing here?) Let's talk about how awesome alligators are. But before we do this, we must DEFINE what counts as "awesome". Perhaps a dictionary definition.
Cause and Effect: Causes and Effects. Self explanitory... "The effects that result from a cause is a powerful foundation for argument." Seems legit.
What in the World is Rhetoric???
Well, according to the book, rhetoric is "a thoughtful, reflective activity leading to effective communication, including rational exchange of opposing viewpoints." This to me sounds like the act of opening your mouth and conversing, or perhaps, debating with someone.
KEY ELEMENTS:
-Context
The context is the occasion that the essay/speech was given. This can be somewhat like the setting of a story, and by knowing this, you can properly assess who the intended audience is and whether or not the context increases the effectivity of the piece.
-Purpose
The goal that the speaker/writer/author wanted to achieve. This coincides with the context and allows the writer to choose the best possible audience in which to present the piece.
-Thesis/claim/assertion
This could be the
-Subject
What the piece is about, the topic, y'know... so the author should have a very good grasp on what he/she/it wants to talk about in order to express the ideas/comments thoroughly and with as much consistency as possible.
Ethos:
Ethos is the character of the writer or the speaker. Good ethos is when the writer presents his/her/itself as a classy individual while also coming off as "credible and trustworthy". Allowing the audience to connect with the author is something that really helps push the point across and deliver the best results for giving a great speech/rhetoric.
Logos:
Logos is the appeal to logic/reason, by offering the audience clear and easy-ro-understand ideas that make as much sense as possible, while remaining rational. Presenting a main idea in a concise manner, showing another side/counterargument, credible statistics and facts, and/or expert testimony. (See "Things Fielding told us to include in Persuasive Essays.")
Pathos:
Pathos is the appeal to emotion. While this isn't something that should be emphasized as it can come off as propaganda which is not what you want. Appealing to the emotions means using vivid word choice that can easily stimulate the readers' thoughts and using the first-person perspective.
The Classical Arrangement of Rhetoric:
1. Introduction (exordium)
-Brings the reader into the discussion, emerging them into the world of rhetoric. Introductions can be a couple short sentences, or several lengthy paragraphs (pages...!). Drawing the reader in is important (hook) and presenting the main idea (thesis statement) and stating the order of development. Normally, this is where the author would establish ethos.
2. Narration (narratio)
-Factual information is presented and background information give the reader that much more insight into the subject. This is typically when you would begin to appeal to logos, yet it is smart to consider appealing to pathos as you are inclined to evoke an emotional response form the reader so that they can firmly decide on your opinion with the facts and statements you present.
3. Confirmation (confirmatio)
-A large portion of the writing that sets up the proof of your argument and why the audience should agree. The details in this section should be strong and thorough, while making the biggest appeal to logos in this section.
4. Refutation (refutatio)
-This part of the writing takes a look at the other side of the topic, the counterargument, if you want to call it that. Used as a "bridge between the writer's proof and conclusion" but also as appeal to ethos, as the audience can see that you are passionate enough about your subject that you chose to research both sides to get as informed as possible.
5. Conclusion (peroratio)
-Closing the essay, appealing to pathos one final time as well as connecting with ethos set up in the beginning of the piece. Instead of repeating what has already been said (guilty of this on several occasions... :l ), the writer's ideas should all get compacted into one and "answers the question, so what?" The last words are usually the ones that the audience is going to remember, so make them count. Throw it all out on the table and sum up the essay with as much intelligence as possible!
Patterns of Development:
Authors can change their arrangement by writing in order of purpose. Each method of writing purposefully has its own way of organizing thoughts and piecing together all the little eccentricities neatly and professionally.
Types of Essays We'll Be Writing:
Narration: Tells a story and recounts tales of slaying dragons and mystical creatures. Not really, but narration is typically a recollection of previous events, usually chronologically, or as a means to enter into the main idea of an essay.
Description: Much like narration and just as detailed (if not, more so), but the details focus more on the sensory responses from the readers. These include, the ways things taste, the sounds around the writer, textures and feelings, sights, colours, setting up an atmosphere for the piece. The descriptive language is a way to help make thoughts more approachable to the readers and helps in being more persuasive.
Process Analysis: An explanation. A how-to. The steps on how to achieve something or engage in a process. These can best be found in (according to the book) self-help books. Because these are going to help the way someone lives or acts, you must be as clear as possible in the instruction with smooth, flowing transitions as to not miss a step or confuse anyone.
Exemplification: Hopefully, this is readable... Facts, examples, testimonies are all ways to make an idea complete. With complete ideas, come more acceptable readers and easier persuasion.
Comparison and Contrast: Highlighting similarities and differences in an organized fashion allows clear presentation of points that can be easy to digest for the audience. With careful analytics, the author can find interesting tidbits of information that could open up ideas to readers that otherwise couldn't be achieved, as well as highlighting both sides of an argument or multiple angles of a topic.
Classification and Division: Sorting information into how topics go together and why. Connections can be made between things that are seemingly unrelated and thus, like Comparison and Contrast, can reveal difference aspects to the reader that otherwise were unknown.
Definition: Defining something can allow more points to come through and allow "meaningful conversation". Example: (See what I'm doing here?) Let's talk about how awesome alligators are. But before we do this, we must DEFINE what counts as "awesome". Perhaps a dictionary definition.
Cause and Effect: Causes and Effects. Self explanitory... "The effects that result from a cause is a powerful foundation for argument." Seems legit.
Thursday 16 August 2012
The Ugly Troof About Beauty.
Read "The Ugly Truth About Beauty"
By Dave Barry
-Write two paragraphs
1.) Discuss thesis, point of view, audience, and Purpose.
2.) Response to the essay.
- Thesis, or the central idea of this article, seems to be that women are never satisfied with their outward appearance. This could be for a number of different reasons, in which Barry suggests could be societal factors such as media/celebrity status hyping up what the worlds deems "beautiful", as well as early-onset psychological factors as growing up, playing with Barbie who is the perfect woman.
Dave Barry is the writer of this and tells his opinion/thoughts from a first-person standpoint.
The audience is the general public, or in this case, the community of Miami (most likely Florida) circa 1998. The main purpose of the document is to entertain and explain reasoning in a humourous fashion, which is helpful that it was printed inside of a newspaper to reach such an audience so they can all enjoy it! :)
- I personally thought this was pretty funny, yet it was pretty short. It was the first day of school when this was assigned and I'm more than thankful that we were asked to read a dictionary, but I would've enjoyed a little more content. I'm pleased that Barry mentioned the character "Buzz-Off" because I seem to remember to have an action figure of him. After quick searching in Google, it showed the bumblebee-esque dude that I remember. I don't remember doing much with him, perhaps I threw him at a wall or had him fight Captain America a few times.
By Dave Barry
-Write two paragraphs
1.) Discuss thesis, point of view, audience, and Purpose.
2.) Response to the essay.
- Thesis, or the central idea of this article, seems to be that women are never satisfied with their outward appearance. This could be for a number of different reasons, in which Barry suggests could be societal factors such as media/celebrity status hyping up what the worlds deems "beautiful", as well as early-onset psychological factors as growing up, playing with Barbie who is the perfect woman.
Dave Barry is the writer of this and tells his opinion/thoughts from a first-person standpoint.
The audience is the general public, or in this case, the community of Miami (most likely Florida) circa 1998. The main purpose of the document is to entertain and explain reasoning in a humourous fashion, which is helpful that it was printed inside of a newspaper to reach such an audience so they can all enjoy it! :)
- I personally thought this was pretty funny, yet it was pretty short. It was the first day of school when this was assigned and I'm more than thankful that we were asked to read a dictionary, but I would've enjoyed a little more content. I'm pleased that Barry mentioned the character "Buzz-Off" because I seem to remember to have an action figure of him. After quick searching in Google, it showed the bumblebee-esque dude that I remember. I don't remember doing much with him, perhaps I threw him at a wall or had him fight Captain America a few times.
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