Schneider had a definite opinion about things. This story he talks abut getting a new TV, normally that doesn't sound to interesting, but he uses so many literary techniques to make the whole article interesting to read. The diction that he uses, creates a friendly tone. By using words like "ho-hum" and "flickered" make him seem less professional, this type of tone makes the reader relate to Schneider more than normal, and you get the feeling that the author is talking to a friend, and just giving friendly advise, or telling a funny tory that happened.
The Syntax Schneider uses shows how excited he was to finally be one of the people in the neighborhood to get this huge flat screen TV. "Oct. 5 - the day before the do-or-die fifth, and final, game of the Tigers-Yankees divisional playoff series." This phrase helps the reader know and relate to the author. You now know that he likes baseball, and that he followed the Tigers/Yankees pretty religiously. The author then goes on to say "It was like Christmas Eve." This you can relate too, having that excitement building up about the next morning, knowing something good is about to happen. That is how excited the Author is about his new TV.
Schneider switches the subject to how human nature is what it is, which sort of reminded me of "the American Dream" in some ways, how Mommy and Daddy always talk about how things are the way they are. When Schneider talks about this nature, the language becomes a little bit more factual, but still remains friendly, which was goos technique on the authors part, because you take what he is saying about human nature seriously, but you still relate to him at the same time.
Your example for syntax was excellent, and I don't think that we discussed that type of syntax in the packet, but I completely agree that the structure of the sentence really puts the emphasis on the meaning of the sentence and makes Schneider's level of fanhood quite obvious. The words you pointed out for diction also created exactly the effect you described. If I could change anything I would have given more information for the Language part of DIDLS. Well done.
ReplyDeleteLaura, nice job with this one! By simply structuring the essay differently, your point was better conveyed. I loved how you related this to the American Dream. Your syntax example, while still very relevant to the meaning, wasn't exactly as detailed as it could be. If you added more about what this actually adds to the author's purpose, it would be a better example. Good job!
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PS I think you might be missing a few blogs from this month.
I like that this is a more detailed close reading than the last! However, I still think it could go into more depth. Your analysis of diction is very good, but I'm not convinced on your example of syntax--maybe more explanation, or just a different quote? Also, some more examples of language in your last paragraph could help. Good work though!
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