Did i grab your attention with that? Breasts! In school! This is why i love this class. I believe that Lit. just naturally attracts a plethora of diverse people and you get this wonderful amalgamation of ideas that can all be handled maturely (hopefully) by my fellow peers. For those who don't know, the person who read as Grandma said 'Breasts' presumably because of the sexual subtext rather than 'Beast'.
Now, onto the actual response.
DIDLS! This stuff is gold. The syntax worksheets did wonders, along with that packet over what exactly *was* syntax. It is the way the words are arranged and the choice of when to put the verbs, nouns and subjects, it actually makes sense! I actually feel competent with syntax now. Usually i try to shy away from the syntax and divert the attention to how awesome i can write on diction or detail but now, it feels like i'm on familiar grounds, maybe a little shaky ground, really, but I can atleast manage.
Along with DIDLS we along practiced the introductions and techniques, effect and meaning. Honestly, it makes sense. In my highs chool career, just separating DIDLS into two or three paragraphs and using enough good examples will get you and A but here, here is a more efficient and mature to handle writing about some literary work. By learning this, it opens up a whole new possibility for how to arrange my paper most efficiently.
Finally, The American Dream by Albee. I've never read of his plays. I rarely ever read plays outside of school because its just not my thing. But there is beauty in it. I mean, I'm sure we all caught the sexual subtext but reading that was like peeling an onion; there was just so many layers to it. Although it didn't make me cry, (there was a lack of emotional appeal to it) it did hit home on the topics of the American consumerism and such. There was just SO MUCH in that book that could be read into. Also, I like how short it as. And maybe Albee made it short to leave the play open ended and free for the reader to read into it. I guess thats what Ms. Holmes was talking about when she said that a Classic work should change as you change because it leaves holes open for interpretations by the reader.
Thats all. I hope to hear what other people think about The American Dream since we haven't discussed it. ;)
Goodnight ya'll.
I agree, syntax is just a strange concept to grasp but nonetheless vital to understanding any text. Do you usually outline your work? That can also be an effective tactic to conquering effect and meaning and how it supports DIDLS. It's challenging, I will admit. I struggle so much with setting my papers up.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you enjoyed The American Dream! I liked it as well, and all the symbolism that Albee incorporated into his work. I agree, it was easy and short but there was an abundant amount of analyzing that could be done. Did you enjoy the way it ended? Usually, I do not like open endings, it really bothers me. I hate finding my own interpretation to the end of any work, it leaves me confused.
I am glad that you feel like you have a better grasp of the syntax technique. It can be very useful, especially in poetry. Indeed, techniques, effects, and meaning are the core elements of a piece of literature, and after going over them during class, I too feel like I have a better understanding. Even though The American Dream was short, I am glad that it wasn't any longer, because it seemed like every line was significant in some way. Looking at the big picture helped me examine the books meaning as a whole. Were your interpretations significantly different that your classmates?
ReplyDeleteDo you think you will reform your consmerist ways? I have to say that I really did not enjoy The American Dream. The sexual undertones were uncomfortable. I also enjoyed the fact that the play was short. Although I never thought that it was to leave it open. That was a good thought.
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