Close Reading 12/16

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/opinion/the-gun-challenge-reason-for-hope.html?hp&_r=0

America has been through tragedy after tragedy. Recently, there was a shooting of an elementary school and 20 children were shot and killed. This article is based off of this event and it is making the point that America needs to change and adjust with regards to gun control laws. There needs to be some sort of adjustment made in America to overcome these tragic events because America has become so modern and the use of guns needs to be reduced. the use of detail, diction, and language assists the idea and voice being portrayed.

The detail in this piece contains examples of tragedies in America's history and how we have over come them. For example, the author said that we are a "country that recoiled in horror at the Triangle shirtwaist factory and took steps to protect the lives of factory workers". This is showing the efforts out forth to change the way America was running; it's time to change gun laws. What about discrimination? This country went to great measures to create equality for all. All of this detail describing American adds to the idea of gun control needing more regulation.

This editorial also contains superb diction. For instance, the phrase "find hope in the determination" is used to create a major effect that was brought upon an innocent elementary school. Even "Democrats with 'A' ratings" are discussing the change that is in sight due to gun violence. The phrase above is great diction because it describes the Democrats as very highly ranked, and this is used as evidence that a change is needed.It is important to include such strong words because it helps create the strong voice of the piece.

The voice would not be as strong without the use of language. When one hears the words "murders of 20 children", there is a sort of cringing, twist of the stomach emotion that is evoked. It is such an unbelievable event that the right language helps to persuade the audience of the importance of gun control. The author even criticizes Obama's failure to do anything about the gun control laws. By using the phrase "mass killing during his tenure, people are drawn away from the Obama administration's doings because nobody is pleased by the words "mass killing". Emotion is strongly evoked throughout the language of the piece.

The fact that America needs to take a stand against gun violence is constructed here, and the voice of the piece is enhanced by the use of detail, diction, and language.

Open Prompt 12/9

1970 Also. Choose a work of recognized literary merit in which a specific inanimate object (e.g., a seashell, a handkerchief, a painting) is important, and write an essay in which you show how two or three of the purposes the object serves are related to one another.

"The Great Gatsby" is a novel of great literary merit, and it has been used time and time again as a representation of America's history. Not only does the novel itself contain examples into the past of America, but it also creates symbols that are used to portray these ideas. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock showcases the many thoughts of Jay Gatsby and more importantly America.

As Jay Gatsby looks across the water from his own land, he admires the green light that comes from the end of Daisy's dock. Gatsby and Daisy have a history between them, which Gatsby cannot seem to get off of his mind. As he looks into the glow of the light he reminisces on his past, and he remains hopeful for the future. All of his hopes and dreams for the future are presented through this one, important symbol. His love for Daisy is prominent throughout the entire novel. The green light is only a symbol of his adoration.

The American Dream seems to be a major theme throughout the novel, as well. Gatsby's longing for the unattainable (Daisy), is symbolic of the way America has been. For instance, many American's look forward to the picture perfect lifestyle; a family, stable job, and money. However, for many American's this is a difficult goal to reach. Because the green light symbolizes Gatsby's goals for the future that are unlikely, it is clear that the American Dream is portrayed through the light, too.

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is such a simple roadmap that guides us through the novel's ideas. Nevertheless, it is quite important to the understanding of the story. The green light is entirely basic, but it creates great themes and meanings throughout the play, and portrays America and a man's hopes for the future. 

Death of a Salesman Analysis 12/3

Author: Arthur Miller

• From New York City
• Studied at University of Michigan

Tone: kind, yet honest

• Takes the sensitive scenes into a kind, tender way
• Ensures that it is still honest

Symbols:

• Stockings-Linda versus Woman, main issue in the affair
• Rubber Hose-Willy is planning on committing suicide
• Diamonds-represents the materialistic view point in America

Setting: 

• 1940s with daydreams into Willy's past
• Loman Household
• Brooklyn, New York
• Trips to Boston

Plot:

Willy Loman is a salesman in New York, and he has two aspiring sons. One of his sons Biff, has been Willy's "favorite"and Willy has the greatest expectations for Biff. However, Biff doesn't always agree with his father, and therefore they argue a lot. Willy has many daydreams to his past, and the way he ideally thought life was going to go for him; he was caught in a dream. Biff discovers his father having an affair and loses trust. The book is centralized around materialism and the effects of materials on society. 

Significant Characters:

• Willy: salesman, father, husband, caught in a dream, suicidal
• Biff: son of Willy, trying to be independent, wants to be on his own, tries to get his point across to Willy

Quotes:

"Why is he crying"-Willy Loman

• He says this while Biff breaks down and cries to him because of the life he has lived, and he is trying to help Willy to see reality. Willy takes meaning to Biff's crying and feels almost complete and important to his son's life.

"Diamond is hard and rough to the touch."-Willy Loman

• A diamond is a symbol for money and the materials yearned for in society. There is difficult to reaching a diamond, as it is to earn money.

Theme: The American Dream

• "Well-liked", "attractive" people are successful. You can't get anywhere with out good looks and personality.
• Materialism is prominent in the dream. Money is yearned for, and items are prized.
• Hard work=success
• Willy's Dream vs. His own life

Course Material 12/2

Let's see, where should I begin? Well, "Death of a Salesman" turned out to have similar meanings to "The American Dream", and that must be one of the reasons why we studied it! Making connections. That seems to be what this class is primarily about. I've seen a connection throughout all of the assignments and readings. DIDLS is always around during and outside of class. It has actually been quite useful. It was part of the terms test; it was part of the textbook readings. Annotations revolve around DIDLS, and the in class activities improve our understanding of it. Last "Course Material" blog, I was critiqued (by Matthew Hammerly) that I did not make connections in that blog. However, it made me realize that I need to think about that more and respond to it more deeply. (Thanks, Matthew:)) Anyway, you know what I don't like? Peer responses. I appreciate the feedback, but I don't really like get feedback from my peers; sometimes there seems to be a little bit of competitive edge. However, I suppose it is helpful, and it gives me the opportunity to improve.
We are just starting "Hamlet", and I just don't understand a word of it. That is all. Wish me luck!