Choose one of the following topics for your post.
OPTION 1:
Both Sarah Vowell and Brad Manning, in "Arm Wrestling with My Father" and "Shooting Dad", describe their fathers. Examine the words Manning and Vowell use to convery their feelings of distance from their fathers and also their feelings of closeness. Use evidence from both essays to support your assertions.
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OPTION 2:
First, Do you find the Las Vegas wedding industry and its clients, as described by Didion, to be ridiculous, depressing, amusing, harmless, or something else? Explain your impression. Next, Describe another ritual or social custom (for example, a graduation, military induction, presidential inauguration, religious service). What does the conduct of this custom tell us about our attitudes toward it?
OPTION 2:
ReplyDeleteDidion describes the Las Vegas wedding industry in what seems to be an unbiased way with subtle undertones of judgment. "Marrying Absurd" invoked many different emotions in me. I found Las Vegas weddings to be somewhat ridiculous, corny, and superficial. In Las Vegas, weddings are almost like amusement parks: there are sign and ads "looming up from the moonscape of rattlesnakes and mesquite" (159). It is an outlandish city full of casinos, show girls, and gambling, certainly not the words one thinks of when they hear the word wedding. When Didion describes the "Candlelight with Your Ceremony, Honeymoon Accommodations, Free Transportation from Your Motel to Courthouse to Chapel and Return to Motel, ... Dressing Rooms, Flowers, Rings, Announcements, Witnesses Available, and Ample Parking", I think that it goes against the true meaning of marriage (160). Didion's descriptions make Las Vegas weddings seem superficial and materialistic; a wedding should be, however, about the union of two people that love each other. Another example would be when the hostess is offered a drink but "declines with a professional smile; she has already transferred her interest to the group waiting outside" (161). The hostess has no genuine care for the bride and groom. On a couple's wedding day, it is depressing and unjust that they were surrounded by people without real care. Didion also describes how "marriage, like craps, is a game to be played when the table seems hot" (161). Marriage, however, should not decision based on luxurious accommodations and superficial bliss. Marriage should be based on love! This does not mean I think that eloping is bad in general, but I feel that the Las Vegas wedding industry described by Didion is wary of the true meaning of marriage. Another social ritual we perform every day is the Pledge of Allegiance. In the difference classes I've been in, students stand around, eyes wandering around the classroom, and do not murmur a word. A few students mumble here and there, and a small number actually profess their allegiance to their country. In some classes, teachers are lucky to have a student with their right hand on their heart! The conduct of this customs tells us that society's patriotism, unity, and dedication to country are not viewed as important. Society recognizes that it should be important (that is why we still perform the ritual), but does not believe in the cause enough to believe and feel the words of this pledge. Like how Las Vegas weddings can lower the sacredness and meaning of marriage, our inability to participate in the Pledge shows how American's have less respect and concern for the country (which in my opinion is sad, and it can explain why the American Dream is not fully obtainable).
I completely agree with you on both subjects. The whole Vegas wedding scene demoralizes the purpose of a marraige. It should be based on love and union, not on luxury and materialistic things. Though some people may do it to save money, you do not have to do it in such a way to lower the standards of what marraige is. On the topic of the Pledge of Allegiance, I feel that if people are unwilling to do it properly why do it at all? We are the land of the free and we should be proud of that!
DeleteAn informative observation from “Marrying Absurd” is the superficiality and materialism of our society. A marriage is eternal and transcending. Therefore, why must the proper marriage contain an enumeration of recurring fetishes? Aren’t those who place excessive materialistic value on their weddings as culpable as the practitioners of the transient five-minute Las Vegas wedding? Consider the nearly axiomatic desire by many American couples for a diamond ring as a symbol of their marriage. A cursory examination of the appropriate religious texts will uncover no mention of this ritual, and the individual will inevitably discover the conclusion that the practice was in fact initiated decades ago by the legendary marketing genius of “A Diamond is Forever.” This desire for conformity to a nearly social standard questions the sanctity of modern ideals of marriage and exemplifies the effects of social change on any withstanding institution.
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ReplyDeleteManning’s and Vowell’s word choice in their descriptions help them to convey their purpose. Manning uses the word “physical” a lot to show the coldness in his relationship with his father. He writes, “His words were physical” (137). This use of diction shows how he and his father could not even have an affectionate conversation; everything was about sports and competition. “Competition” was another word that Manning used to convey his feelings. He could have used a word such as conflict or fight, but decided on competition instead. Because he chose this more mild version of word choice, Manning shows that he did love his father. Maybe these were simply competitions, and as the audience, we know that this was simply the only form of communication this father and son could use. When Manning writes, “How could I have learned so quickly how it would feel to have overpowered the arm that had protected and provided for me all my life?” (139). He shows that their competitions have turned into something more. It is symbolic of him taking control and responsibility of his own life, and accepting the fact that he may have to have the strength to hold up his father one day. The last hug with his father before Manning got on the plane, shows how far their relationship has come, and also how close he feels to his father for the first time.
ReplyDeleteVowell’s use of diction also conveys her relationship with her father as well. Like Manning, she and her father find a common place as well, and eventually find respect for the other’s views. When Vowell writes about the first time she shot a gun, she describes it as a nightmare. She does not fully recall the events because she decided from that moment on that guns were not for her. She says that she told the smoke from the gun, “Satan, I rebuke thee” (146). Because she relates her father directly to guns, this use of words show how much she loathed her father for making her shoot one. Because she could not stand the thought of guns, she pushed her father away. However, the way she talks about how she would scare her boyfriends and her knowledge of guns, makes me believe that she was proud of her father and his knowledge of guns. She, like Manning, matures and realizes she cannot be mad and hostile with her father forever. When she decides to go with him to shoot his cannon, it is a turning point in their relationship. Vowell writes, “I’ve given this a lot of thought—how to convey the giddiness I felt when the cannon shot off… It’s just really, really cool. My dad thought so, too” (148). Vowell shows that she and her father have found common ground and with this realization comes closeness in their relationship.
Immediately upon reading the title of "Marrying Absurd," I began to read the piece with a subconscious judgment towards whatever wedding I was going to read about. When Didion describes the minimal requirements for being wed in Las Vegas and continues on to say, “Nothing else is required,” I began to ridicule the Las Vegas weddings as Didion does. The bias that Didion starts me off with seems to be a technique of descriptive writers, for she attempts to make me see the event or scenario as she sees it. As Ellie said, Didion makes the point that many of these couples are not getting married for the right reasons. She describes at one point how one hundred and seventy-one couples got married on the last day possible to improve their draft statuses. These couples are not getting married because of their burning love for each other, or at least Didion is claiming, but they are getting married to avoid serving their country. By participating in such an act, they are completely degrading the act of marriage. With the amount of people and religions that preach the everlasting bond created in marriage, it is aggravating to see a couple rush into the act and treat it as just another activity to engage in while in Las Vegas. These couples are blinded by the aura of Vegas; they cannot see the bigger picture. Didion described the feeling as “Las Vegas seems to exist only in the eye of the beholder” (160). The businesses luring couples in are as guilty as the couples participating. They advertise all the components of a real wedding, such as a chapel, flowers, rings, announcements, and even “honeymoon accommodations.” Yet Didion then shows her audience what these wedding chapels are really interested in, which is “one bride out, another in” or as “a game to be played when the table seems hot” (161). However, Didion also makes another curious point, as though she is confused by a few of the couples getting married. It is as though many of these couples simply have lower standards than other soon-to-be newlyweds and are willing to settle for less. Didion observes a bride crying because of how nice she thought her wedding was and how it was everything she “hoped and dreamed it would be” (161). The wedding even encompasses the clichés: the mother crying, the stepfather who feels awkward, and the father of the bride joking with his new son-in-law. While Didion ridicules the couples who do not respect the marriage process, she also seems bewildered by the love-struck couples who are actually content with their Las Vegas weddings.
ReplyDeleteAs Ellie and Winslow were discussing the Pledge of Allegiance, it made me want to think about the pledge with a different mindset. What exactly are we doing when we pledge our allegiance? When I say the pledge, it means to me that I am showing my support and love for my country, and also that I will do whatever it takes to protect the freedom and basic rights of America. However, I looked up the definition of “allegiance” and it was described as the loyalty of a subordinate to a superior. I realize that is not necessarily what the Pledge of Allegiance is saying, but the definition immediately brought 1984 to mind. The definition I found of "allegiance" shares eerie similarities to the subordination Big Brother forces upon the citizens of the nation. The daily act of pledging our allegiance, by that definition, makes it seem as though the government wants us to constantly remember what America stands for. That, in itself, is not a bad thing until the definition of "allegiance" is applied to the pledge. The fact that the government is our “superior” should not hold true, for the government should be equal to the people that it represents in order to better the well being of everyone. That definition of “allegiance” is not what I am pledging, and I do not think it is what the writers of the Pledge of Allegiance had in mind either, but it is disheartening to consider the possibility of that definition applied to the pledge that we say everyday.
I find the fact that Las Vegas is a center for marriage to be extremely absurd. I have grown up in a Catholic household, which is to say that I have been raised with an extremely strict view on many subjects, including marriage. I have always seen marriage as the ultimate expression of love one person has for another person- marriages made in haste or not taken seriously are anathema to me. As Didion describes in paragraph four, one wedding chapel has a sign that states "One moment please- Wedding" (161). The very fact that this sign exists fills me with disappointment and rage. Marriage is supposed to be a sacred institution; it is when a man and a woman commit themselves to spending their lives together. This sign makes a mockery of everything that is important about marriage and lowers it to the same level as "craps... a game to be played when the table is hot" (161). The Las Vegas wedding industry is a sad testament to the United States. Not all marriages in Las Vegas are bad; in fact, many people go to Las Vegas because they think it is romantic. I have no problem at all with marriages in Las Vegas- I do have a problem with those done on a whim. On the last day that a man's draft status could be improved in 1965, exactly 171 couples "were pronounced man and wife in the name of Clark County and the State of Nevada... sixty-seven of them by a single justice of the peace" (160). In addition, one bride actually let six other women borrow her veil for the ceremony. The terrible nature of the Vegas wedding industry was demonstrated on that night- marriage was used as a cowardly defense against getting drafted into the Vietnam War. A social custom that I am familiar with is Confirmation. Confirmation is a step in the Roman Catholic religion where the person who is to be confirmed goes through several months of letter-writing, petitioning, and preparing in faith for the ultimate step in becoming a Catholic. Originally, Confirmation must have been an experience where those about to be confirmed would become better prepared for their role as a Catholic through the intense requirements necessary for Confirmation. Today, however, Confirmation is not nearly the experience it should be. Many people take it as a joke, something to be done and never worried about again. In this way, it has regressed for some into the same category as a Las Vegas marriage- something that is not worth the effort and thought that it once was. Just like marriage, the attitude towards Confirmation has changed to something that does not affect people nearly as much as it used to.
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DeleteIs it more important to worry about the actual wedding or lifetime together without having to let war separate you? I personally agree with everything you have previously stated but it is just another thought that maybe giving up a huge wedding in hopes of a lifetime together may be better.
DeleteI do understand that, in certain cases, a wedding that is conducted on a whim is not to be frowned upon; in fact, if the situation is that a man must leave for war and the couple wishes to solidify their faithfulness to each other before separation, I support that decision. However, I think Jimmy is trying to relay the fact that these men and women got married to cheat the government. They got married solely to improve their draft status, and although there may have been some "love," I highly doubt it was of the "let's get married and grow old together" variety. War is a huge separation for a couple, but in this case, these men and women used it to their advantage to avoid serving their country dutifully and responsibly.
DeleteMarriage is much more serious than an escape from being drafted. It angers me to see that people would pledge to love someone else without even knowing them and relationships like these are usually the weak ones that lead to divorce shortly afterwards. Often I feel terrible for people who got married and found out that they were only being used for something like a green card or to get out of something and I can't stand the thought of having to live with someone who only needs you for their own personal gains. Also, women especially feel like their wedding day is the biggest day of their lives so why should she have to "lend her veil to six others" (160) and remove the feeling of this being HER day and nobody else’s just because of the fact that the man she is marrying wants to get out of getting drafted into the war. War would probably be a happier place than a house with a wife that doesn't love you or that you don't love.
ReplyDeleteThe characters of both authors of "Arm Wrestling with My Father" and "Shooting Dad", are used to show how affection plays a vital role during the early years of a child’s life and that it is sometimes misinterpreted Though Manning never won he always accepted his father’s challenge so that he could have the chance to prove himself and be accepted by his father. Comparatively "Shooting Dad" also describes relationships between children and their fathers and that their father’s passions can influence such as when her twin sister developed a passion for guns. Both have a similar message but in "Arm Wrestling with My Father" there seemed to be a deeper connection.
ReplyDeleteKevin, I agree with your analysis of both pieces; however, I would like to add something. While both are about proving oneself and finding something in common, it was also about maturing and interpreting things differently. I have learned recently that we must learn from our mistakes and take nothing for granted. While things may be in turmoil at present, you will learn great lessons from your mistakes and learn to move foward with more knowledge. In "Arm Wrestling with My Father," Manning shows that while he regrets his early years and failed attempts to understand his father, he understands now and fully appreciates it. Though sometimes we learn too late, we can try to make the future better. In "Shooting Dad" we see that once Vowell got past her personal prejudices and tried to understand her father, she was able to find things in common with him. She learned from her early years and was able to connect with her father finally.
DeleteEven though Manning was never able to win, that doesn't mean that every match was equal. Don't you agree that his father had changed and they had much more compassion for each other. Also, I personally believe that "Shooting Dad" had a deeper connection since it had a larger transformation within the father and his daughter. It seems to me that a connection between fathers and daughters are closer than those of fathers with sons.
DeleteRahaf, I agree that the transformation of Vowell's relationship with her father was obvious, but I do not think that this means that the relationships of fathers and daughters are closer than the relationships of fathers and sons. Personally, I feel as though Manning's father did not change, but as Manning grew up he was able to understand why his father acted so strong and why the two lacked physical communication; this understanding in effect brought Manning closer to his father. As he matures, Manning is able to understand his father because in ways Manning is becoming similar to him. Vowell's and Manning's connections with their fathers are both very different- they communicate and interact differently in each relationship. Manning and his father share a deep father-son connection just as Vowell and her father do, though Manning does not make this connection as obvious.
DeleteOption 2:
ReplyDeleteI find the Las Vegas essay to be extremely depressing. It does not anger me, however, because I find the subjects - or perhaps, victims - of these marriages to be completely pitiful rather than sinful. Something has obviously gone wrong with our society to consider marriage as such a flippant institution rather than one that seriously and sincerely binds two souls into one. I feel that those who are married in such a fashion are victims of a skewed culture that has already established this "quick and easy" solution to what should be an honorable event. There are many symptoms of our culture's sickness (or, humanity) that can be related to the Las Vegas wedding industry. For example, I was refused communion in church today because upon being offered the body of Christ, I did not reply "Amen." In all my years of being silent during communion, I have never been refused. However, today my faith was verbally questioned and my person humiliated in an act that I consider shows a huge problem with the Christian culture - perhaps not the American culture, but a culture all the same. Such exclusiveness does not appear to me to be Christian at all, and I wonder how people such as the woman who refused me the body of Christ (whom I wonder if He would have done the same) can justify such malicious actions. I will also use another example mentioned previously. The Pledge of Allegiance is something that students are taught to repeat every morning day after day. I respect this tradition and do love my country, however, I have to disagree with the above conversation. While saying the Pledge is an act of loyalty, it should not be a mindless one. As students, we are often told not to question what we hear and learn, but I believe it is important to do so. I do not say the Pledge in the morning because I do not believe that this country truly gives "liberty and justice for all." Most students say the Pledge every morning without even thinking about their words - the short promise we say is simply one we have always said. I believe that this presents a problem. Children should never be taught something without being presented its true meaning, just as marriage should not be "quick and easy," but carefully thought through.
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DeleteI am sorry to hear that you believe liberty and justice do not exist for all. Coming from a military background, I know for a fact that the very men and women that fight to retain our natural rights fly under the radar day after day, whilst celebrities advocating, for example, the recent Kony 2012 campaign are glorified for aiding another country. Why, I ask, is it necessary to reach out to other countries when the United States struggles as is? But Heaven forbid when a military event that is deemed news-worthy is found!—it represents only a fraction of the true happenings of our armed forces. These men and women risk THEIR lives to attempt to keep the American Dream alive while it faces the threat of failure everyday, and they protect the Liberty and Justice that was established 236 years ago, something I feel like—and forgive me if I have misinterpreted—you take for granted, showing no respect to these soldiers or your country. The only thing that holds people back from the American Dream is themselves, not the lack of liberty or justice in our society. The most eminent threat to our right to think freely, an issue you strongly support, are those who threaten the stability of our protection. Without the justice and natural rights that are secured in our very own Declaration of Independence, that seemingly “do not exist,” the liberty to speak and think freely would be obliterated.
DeleteWe all agreed that unity is a tenet of the American Dream. If everyone actively and loyally participated in Pledge of Allegiance, which is meant to bring us unity and pride, maybe the other tenets of the dream (like liberty and justice) would be more obtainable for all.
DeleteThis whole discussion is practically a big circle effect. When Jessica chooses not to say the pledge, she is exploiting the liberty that Meredith claims that every American citizen has. If Jessica lived in a country that did not believe in a freedom of speech, her refusal to say the pledge would be completely unacceptable. Men and women who fight for our rights as Americans are fighting for our freedom of speech and freedom of choice. Jessica is within her rights to second guess the pledge, for the government is kept in line by those who are able to think past the fog that many laws and regulations create. However, it is also true that the freedom of speech she is practicing is in place because of those laws and regulations and because of the men and women willing to die to protect them.
DeleteSusan, I appreciate your objective perspective on this topic, and I certainly understand the logic. This is most definitely a cyclic subject--but what causes the cycle to collapse? And what happens as a result of a failed system? Is it more dangerous for people to stop thinking freely or if our right to think freely is threatened? Yes, the government is altered by those who are imaginative and innovative in response to oppression or other Bars of the Dream, and if these citizens did not step up to the plate, the American Dream could not, in fact, exist. But, what if these protestors did not even have the CHANCE to second-guess these regulations/laws? What if the freedom of speech and belief was taken away from American citizens? The men and women who protect our natural rights deserve some credit. I personally cannot fathom not supporting the soldiers who risk their lives to make ours better--we owe them. A lot. I know I would not be motivated to protect the rights of people who do not even respect me and what I do for my country, for THEM. In short, it seems that every cycle has its fault, and in this case the American Dream has failed us. There are unresolved tenets--issues--that bar individuals from the Dream and encourage them to speak out, but this liberty comes at a cost, a sacrifice. The American Dream cannot exist without the, as Ellie said, unity and pride that each individual must have in his/her country; without them, America is sure to crumble under the weight of criticism and disrespect.
DeleteFor those who are married under many of the humorous conditions described by Didion, marriage has lost its original connotations in favor of blatant abuse of the legal system. However, the institution from which these flawed marriage laws were passed is as much to blame as the individuals themselves. The legal neglect in this area has led to a makeshift economy based solely on an efficient and uncontested legal marriage, where any individual at or above the age of eighteen has the right to be wed for whatever reason they chose. As to why this flawed system is unchanged, a consideration of political pressure is more than sufficient. A politician who advocates terminating the source of the substantial cash flow to the city or infringing upon private businesses has no chance of election. Rather, one who maintains the status quo, and appeases the masses obtains the popular vote. In more modern times, Government Welfare follows a similar trend. For some, it is genuinely helpful for their daily survival, but in the case of many, it simply enables a lifestyle of sloth and dependence, where one’s income is founded solely on the work of others. Because the united benefactors of this system outnumber an objectively divided population, it too remains unchanged and abused.
ReplyDeletemanning and vowell both use language detailed to convey their distance and colseness to their fathers. some example are in vowell's selection she states, "Our house was partitioned off into territories. While the kitchen and the living room were well within the DMZ,’ the respective work spaces governed by my father and me were jealously guarded totalitarian states in which each of us declared ourselves dictator." this shows that vowell felt she and her father could not get along so they had to divide their house. even though they have tension they still respect each others space. "Not long ago, my dad finished his most elaborate tool of death yet. A cannon. He built a nineteenth-century cannon. From scratch. It took two years."-this quote shows that vowell actual cares about a gun that her father made. her feeling are changing and she is becoming closer to her father. In mannings selection he explains how he becomes close to his father through worlds like , "softness". "His embrace was otter, longer than before. remember how it surprised me and how I gave an embarrassed laugh as it to apologize to anyone watching." manning also portrays how him and his father were not close when he states, "But Dad would always win; I always had to lose. “Want to try it again?” he would ask, grinning. He would see my downcast eyes, my reddened, sweating face, and sense my intensity. And with squinting eyes he would laugh at me, a high laugh, through his perfect white teeth."- manning states "perfect" he is showing his dad in a light that mad manning feel like he was nothing like his dad. also when he said "i always had to lose."- he felt hopeless, like he would never measure up to his dads strength. these two selections describe a child who feels completely different from their father. and in the end they realize that they are closer to their father than they thought.
ReplyDeleteManning and Vowell both felt unconnected with their fathers as children. The relationships between them were there, but it wasn’t a strong relationship. Manning repeatedly acknowledges that he and his father’s relationship was solely “physical.” His father’s actions were physical and his words were physical. Vowell felt like her twin sister had a better relationship with their father because she took interest in his hobby, which was gun making. Vowell also explained that during Election Day the house was divided. Vowell and her father had different views towards the government but could agree on the Constitution, although “she was partially for the First Amendment and her father favoring the Second Amendment (144).” Vowell and her father always had their set of differences. Manning and his father’s relationship was not based on feelings like his mother showed him, but through actions. His father would try to help him with lacrosse, although he didn’t know anything about the sport. Manning states “how hard he was trying to communicate, to help me, to show the love had for me, the love I could only assume was there (137).” His father may not have been able to show his love for Manning, but Manning felt like his father was “protection.” His father’s arms were the symbol of his protection for his family and his mother’s words provided the love. It wasn’t until Manning got older that he finally saw the love his father had for him. He realized when he and his father arm wrestled again how much time had passed and how much their relationship has changed. Manning first describes his father’s hugs as suffocating and uncomfortable, which is why they always shook hands. At the end, Manning says, “Once our arms were wrapped around each other, however, I sensed a different message. His embrace was softer, longer than before (139).” As the years had gone by his father changed the way he expressed his love and Manning found it hard to accept. His father’s hug had always been powerful. Manning never understood that it was also his father’s way of saying “I love you” until he actually expressed in words. He finally understood how much his father loved him, and that he expressed his love in a different way. Vowell and her father didn’t agree on the use of guns. It made her feel small. She had decided that after the only time she used a gun that she would never use one again. That connection of guns between her and her father was out the window. The other possible connection was the cannon, and she loved it. It was similar to her “shotgun” mike which with the use of her recorder could also record the same loud booming sound as the cannon produced. She calls herself his “accomplice” because what they do are exactly the same except for the use of different objects. The noise makes her feel powerful as the same for her father. “Power” explains both Manning and Vowell’s relationships with their fathers. That source of power is what brought them together creating those relationships between each father and child.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the source of power is what revived Manning's relationship with his father. Both men are at fault for their troublesome relationship. Manning spent time trying to figure out why his father's demeanor was so cold and physical. Instead of enjoying the little moments, such as arm wrestling with him, Manning pushed his father away, wasting the limited time they have together. His father was stubborn in the way that he would not show any of his emotions; if given enough perseverance, I believe his father could have been somewhat softer. Manning and his father did not see that they were so much alike; Manning was unable to express his discontent to his dad and his dad could not express his love to his own son. This tug-of-war wore Manning out. He stopped waiting for his father's approval, seeing his dad in the eyes of an adult rather than a young boy. He saw the need for his dad, a man of courage and strength. His father saw Manning differently too. I believe his dad was jealous of his son's new stigma; Manning was strong mentally and physically, a trait his father could not attain. Manning has the ability to show emotion. The power of love and care possessed his father into finally showing Manning how much he loves him. Both men overcome their fears by the power of family.
DeleteManning describes his father-son relationship as a "physical relationship... one determined by athleticism and strength" (136). As a teenager, Manning assumes that his father does accept him for who he is, that there is always room for improvement. Manning feels this strain, eventually giving up trying to impress his father. He does not feel pressure to compete with him anymore because of his growing maturity into manhood. The father-son competition grows old and Manning no longer waits for his father's approval. Instead, Manning grows into a strong, confident man, attributes his father is responsible for. His father always made Manning feel that there was room for improvement, no matter what the case may be. When his dad hugged him for the last time, Manning hopes that his dad tries to tell him what he is holding inside. Both of them suddenly feel close to each other because they realize not only do they have to work on themselves, but also on their relationship. The physical wall between them shatters; slowly they learn how to love each other and communicate with affection. Manning and his father arm wrestle to see who is better, when in reality they are both weak from fighting to out stand one another.
ReplyDeleteIn comparison to Manning's upbringing, Vowell's childhood revolved around appearance; looking perfect was most important, failure or appearing as weak was never acceptable. I think Vowell's relationship is more vocal than Manning's because she is a female and is capable of expressing her emotions. Vowell's father urges her to be more like him. Her twin, Amy, likes guns just like her father, but Sarah does not see the enjoyment in them until her adulthood. "Shooting Dad" takes the typical approach to a strained father-daughter relationship; Vowell and her father bicker, but the division between them is amicable. I agree with Kevin, "Arm Wrestling with My Father" has a deeper meaning. It is more relatable, because I think with every relationship, there is always competition to be the stronger person.
Option 2:
ReplyDeleteRather than being angered by Didion's description of Las Vegas weddings, I found the superficiality of these weddings to be both ridiculous and amusing. For the price of five dollars, two people can so easily enter a bond that for years has been considered sacred and special, not to be "played when the table seems hot" (161). As Didion tells of a young bride, months pregnant, sobbing that her Las Vegas wedding was "Just as nice...as I hoped and dreamed it would be" (161), the low level at which marriage is appreciated can be seen. As Jimmy mentioned earlier, Confirmation is another example of a ritual that over many years has lost its meaning and importance. To many in society today, church is seen as something that an individual must attend, not necessarily because the person wants to attend it. Meaninglessly and mindlessly church is so often attended, yet not completely understood. In the Catholic church, Confirmation marks the final step in fully becoming a member of the church. However, through the years, Confirmation has lost it's value and meaning. Today, many teenagers wish to get Confirmation over with as quickly as possible, never looking back or taking the time to understand it's real meaning. Like the Las Vegas weddings described by Didion, Confirmation has become something easily attained but not completely appreciated.
Confirmation is an interesting subject to discuss, for at my church I witnessed something very strange when my class was preparing for the sacrament. While there were many of us trying to reach confirmation by doing the least amount possible, it was not just the students of the class cutting corners; the priests and class leaders were also trying to get us confirmed as quickly as possible. Yes, they made sure that we all realized how big of a step we were taking. However, when a student was either too lazy or just unable to complete over half of the required service hours or other steps to reaching confirmation, they were confirmed along with the rest of the class that had spent grueling hours preparing. While the priests and class leaders told us all how important it was to prepare ourselves for confirmation, it became hard to believe when we saw our negligent classmates being confirmed just as we had. Like the weddings, it is important to look at the people actually participating in the marriages and confirmations; however, it is also important to look at the people allowing it.
DeleteAfter reading Didion's essay about marriage in Las Vegas, I was forced to question today's government's priorities in the realm of marriage. Why is it that the state of Nevada allows for quick, often meaningless marriage between two people who may be complete strangers without any question, but does not allow for people of the same gender to marry one another? Somehow, people are repulsed by the idea that two men or two women can fall in love. People are repulsed to the point that they commit hate crimes, protest soldiers' funerals, and kill - all because homosexuality exists. This sexual orientation will always exist. Whether or not homosexuality is a choice is irrelevant; if two people love each other, they should be allowed to be married. After all, who are we to judge others? We are all people with all of our own desires. It is not our place to dictate what is right and what is wrong for other people when their decision affects nobody but themselves. So, how come the people are okay with a man and a women marrying each other for wealth and property, but they are not okay with a man and a man marrying for love? To me, I found the conditions- or lack there of- for marriage in Las Vegas to be absolutely ridiculous. An eight dollar marriage, though quick and inexpensive, is often a marriage of impulse or a drunken decision. To others, those conditions are not absurd in any way, but the idea of two men or two women falling in love is absolutely disgusting. Society is not moving forward in its thinking; it is moving backwards. After reading this essay on marriage, I feel ashamed to be a part of today's hypocritical society, where two addicts of gambling and alcohol can walk into a chapel and get married on a whim, but two people are barely allowed to publicize their love, let alone get married for that very purpose.
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ReplyDeleteAfter reading Didion's description of the Las Vegas wedding environment, I had the impression that the ritual of weddings in Las Vegas have an aspect of ridiculousness and depression. Ridiculousness in the sense that the price of a wedding is so low; it only costs five dollars to obtain a license. However, while the weddings seem to be ridiculous, they also contain a hint of a depressing nature. The wedding Didion describes at the end of his essay is perfect example of such depression, as it is obvious that the marriage has only taken place because of the bride getting pregnant and not because of actual love between a bride and groom.
A social custom I am familiar with is a religious ervice at church. Whenever I attend church and the pastor begins his 20-30 minute sermon, I take a moment to look around the sanctuary and see who is actually paying attention to the pastor's speech; usually about half are paying attention. It always depresses me to see people not paying attention during a service because what is being said is important and is worth hearing, but some people just choose to shrug it off as if church does not really matter and they just want to leave. This depressing sight make me think about the Las Vegas weddings and how the sanctity of marriage has downgraded in the same fashion as church service interest.
The lack of focus in a church service is a very interesting fact to bring up because it brings up the hypocrisy of many groups of people. So many people who preach their dedication to their faith are the same people who are showing the least amount of morale consideration for others. They are the ones who are sure to let everyone know that they will be at church every Sunday, but they arrive and then sleep through the service and pay no attention to what is going on. Those people make such an effort to go to church every week, but they do not think about why they are going. Aren't they going to church to be present for the service? Or are they going to show others that they are at church? I'm not saying I'm perfect, for some homilies have a way of putting me to sleep. But it is a strange attribution of some people who display how religious they are and then pay no attention to the practice of the religion itself.
DeleteFrom Didion’s description, I find the Las Vegas wedding industry inadequate. Weddings are advertised among the highway like fast food restaurants, treated as mere tourist attractions for the corrupted city of Las Vegas; the marriage charge is increased “on Sundays and holidays, [to] fifteen dollars” (159) in contrast to the usual five dollar fee, endorsing the fact that a typical “Vegas marriage” is at MOST a simple business transaction that funds those that keep this sacrilegious event a common occurrence. Not only that, but the allegedly certified pastors—if they can be given such a title, taking into account their support for unsentimental and meaningless marriage—that conduct these ceremonies claim that they have gotten “down from five to three minutes” (160). In regards to this “feat,” the pastor, Mr. James A. Brennan, still exclaimed that “people expect more when they get married” (160): they do, Mr. Hypocrite? Then they deserve more than three minutes, more than a common law marriage, and more than a marriage ceremony conducted in shambles. Vegas gives people the “sense that what happens there has no connection with ‘real’ life” (161), and the same feeling translates to the “Holy” matrimony that takes place there every day. The unfaithful and simplistic events only enforce the belief of the younger generation that sexual relationships should not be taken seriously, that they can just be conducted on a whim and forgotten just as a trip to an amusement park—another source of both entertainment and tourism. And our society wonders why our divorce rate continues to rise? “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (Ephesians 5:33 NIV). Without this mutual love and respect—and the creation of one in a highly religious and sacred event—described by this passage, our society knows nothing of what a successful relationship entails, nothing of promise, faithfulness, and fulfillment. We are taught, exactly by this example in Las Vegas, that in anything that we do, we do not have to complete; we do not have to respect and do not have to care about anyone but OURSELVES.
ReplyDeleteI find myself talking about the military frequently, and I assume that it is because the armed forces have been a large part of my life and have shaped me into the, honestly, overly-patriotic soul that I am. My father has been in the military since I was born—he retired two years ago after his service of 30 years—and as a result, I have been to several military events including Changes of Command, welcoming ceremonies, and, evidently, a retirement banquet. At each event, though, there was a common theme: respect. It was always quiet when a speaker was orating, always silent in moments of sincerity, and always meaningful in purpose. I have witnessed grown men choke up over their service for the Land of the Free and have experienced many reclaiming their soil here in their Home of the Brave. Having been through many unique occasions, I have seen the elite of our society. They consist of the men and women who have served the United States diligently and faithfully and have given their all to retain the rights of every citizen, all to ensure “Liberty and Justice for all.” So every morning, as has been previously mentioned, I stand proudly, FULLY believing in these manifestations, to respectfully recite our Pledge of Allegiance. This duty, respect, and faithfulness is what is needed in every other aspect of society: including marriage.
As my peer review, I would like to comment on a specific quote Dalton brought up about "Shooting Dad." Dalton mentioned "if I decided that I didn't want my father's little death sticks to kick me to the ground again, that was fine with me." This seems to be the epitome of the "immature" reaction in "Shooting Dad." As the short story progresses, Vowell obviously transitions between immature and mature. I find it interesting however, that there are discrepancies between the types of immature reactions Vowell seems to have. Some quotes, including the one mentioned above, are made from an almost childish standpoint, with relatively informal diction to complement the author's reference to her own immaturity. Other quotes, including "we were incapable of having a conversation that didn't end in an argument" from paragraph six, seem to have a more isolated feeling. Vowell reflects on her immaturity in a thoughtful, detached way as opposed to her previous quote which seemed to reflect her emotions at the time rather than looking on her immaturity in a mature way.
ReplyDeleteI think that the inability to see things from other people's viewpoints is a childish characteristic, though I do agree that Vowell alternates between informal and serious diction. These tonal difference may result from Vowell's ultimate struggle to define her relationship with her father. One on side she acts like a normal teenager: she disagrees with her parent. The informal arguments may stem from this cause because Vowell recognizes that sometimes children don't agree with their parent. The serious tones, on the other hand, can stem from Vowell's isolation. Lots of times children missing a parents often fill like they have a void in their life that must be filled. Although Vowell had two parents, because her father was so drastically different from her she felt this emptiness and loneliness. Vowell's serious tones are more effective in my opinion because they reveal how important family connections are and how detrimental, painful, and sad the lack of love (or the feelings of lack of love/unity) can be.
DeleteSomething that was said during class that really struck with me was when either Jimmy or Kevin mentioned the quote "Our had always been a physical relationship, I suppose, one determined by athleticism and strength" from "Arm Wrestling" (136). This quote really struck a chord with me because it made me think about my relationship with my father. My father and I have never had the kind of relationship where we talk and have meaningful conversations; our relationship, like that of the author of "Arm Wrestling and his father, is more physical. Plus the fact that both of us are extremely competitive. Just like the father in the story, my Dad has never let me win any contest he and I have competed in. But, that was just one quote that really stuck with me and helped me relate my own life to a story that we read.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you here, Dalton. My father and I have the same sort of relationship you have just described. That quote also stuck with me, for the same reason. My dad and I have always gotten along, but we don't have the sort of relationship where we speak about feelings and other sentimental things. Our relationship isn't exactly physical but we don't talk about feelings or anything else meaningful, either. We have exactly the same taste in music, so that is how we bond. For Christmas one year, he bought me Boston's first album on vinyl, so that we could listen to it together. Very seldom do we exchange "I love you"s, mainly because we don't feel we need to any longer. Neither of us are articulate about our feelings, so like Manning and his father, we talk without speaking. Manning and his father had competition; my father and I have music.
DeleteThe first two selections, "Arm Wrestling with My Father" and "Shooting Dad", both share a similar central theme: understanding and respect for one's parents. Both Manning and Vowell initially act in a typical rebellious teenage fashion, wanting to overpower or separate themselves from their fathers in order to assert their own individuality. As they approach adulthood, they feel pressured to become independent and distinguishable from those who raised them. As a result, Manning seeks to best his father in a test of strength, while Vowell barricades herself within a world of art and music, completely rejecting her father's affinity for firearms. What many teenagers fail to realize is that, in the process of discovering their passions and gaining autonomy from their parents, they tend to discard their loved ones, generally the parents themselves. In their place,they usually amass a number of peers (the more, the better) as their friends, which they, perhaps due to similarity in age or common interests, deem as more understanding than their own parents.Somehow, it has become socially unacceptable for a teenager to show any emotional attachment to their parents. Manning initially struggles to recognize the love of his father, a love that he "could only assume was there", and avoids emotional conversations, preferring a "physical relationship" (137). Vowell also avoids sharing her emotions with her father, as she assumes that the differences between them prevent them from understanding one another.It is only until Manning and Vowell work up enough courage to transgress the societal conventions of adolescence that they are able to understand and grow closer to their fathers. Manning's father is no longer an invincible powerhouse and Vowell's father's gun obsession is no longer weird. This courage portrayed in both stories is truly inspirational, and send a particularly strong message to our age group: We should not assume that our parents, who know us perhaps even better than we know ourselves, are ignorant of our wishes and desires. We should not assume that our parents, who have dutifully raised us and protected us from the day of our birth,do not feel compelled to fully understand us and accept us for who we are. And we should not assume that our parents, who will continue to advise us in times of need and support each decision we make that promotes our happiness and welfare, do not thoroughly love us, despite our weaknesses, differences, and ignorance.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to bring up something Rajaf mentioned in class about how we don't want our parents around now but as we age we cherish the moments we spend with them. I can relate just as many others can and it reminded me of my parents and how I resent their presence sometimes. Also armrestling with my dad also connected with me because my dad and I are very competitive and rarely verbally show signs of affection, and looking at some more recent post it seems that competitiveness is more of a guy thing than with girls, so I can see how many of the guys in class can relate to "Arm Wrestling with My Father" because it reminds us of our childhood memories and how it is very similar to the experience described in "Arm Wrestling with My Father"
ReplyDeleteI think it's really interesting how you brought up the differences between the relationships that guys tend to have with their fathers and that girls tend to have with their fathers. (Of course, these generalizations do not always hold true.) As I now think about it, I believe the presentation of a story with a father-daughter relationship in partner with a father-son relationship really allows us to compare the two. "Arm Wrestling with My Father" shows us the physical manifestation of care and love, and in the end the son appreciates all that his father had done for him. However, he has realized that it is his turn to take his father's place--to "man-up" and be the protector. "Shooting Dad" on the other hand, shows us the father-daugther vibe, and no aspect of love is evident at the beginning. The daughter is very analytical, and at the end when she realizes that they actually DO have something in common, the realization also dawns on her that her Dad, in his own way, has always tried to reach out to her. Where the son takes on his father's example, the daughter accepts her father and embraces his individuality; this distinct difference certainly shows us the contrast between relationships based on the simplest thing as gender.
DeleteI agree about what Rajaf stated in the class about the times when we don't want or need our parents. This is a true statement because at times I say I don't want my parents around when I may feel bothered by them.I realize how much I still need them though. My parents make my life easier and less burdensome.
ReplyDelete"Shooting Dad" reminded me of the relationship I have with my mother. We are constantly bumping heads, but it's only because we have the same personalities. No matter how hard I try to not be like her, I end up showing more and more of her personality through me. I'm learning to embrace it instead of fighting it because it's a lot easier to accept instead of working too hard to avoid it or prevent it from happening. I think both stories can also be seen with a mother/daughter point of view or even mother/son or father/daughter relationship, not just one category of a certain parent/child relationship.
Every story we read has given me a better understanding of descriptive stories. Details are important, but they way you present them is essential. It is not effective to just list trivial details. An effective descriptive story eases these details into the story. Upon first reading each story, it didn't seem like there were too many apparent details, but the stories were vividly painted in my head. However, our class discussions and reexaminations proved how full of details these stories were! Instead of being obvious, these details were subtle and woven into the plot. This is an effective strategy because the reader does not feel like they were being superficially tricked into a vicarious situation. A reader wants an authentic and realistic story, not a list of details. By easing them into the plot, it appears more realistic. Another factor that contributes to an effective descriptive essay is a message. Every story we read had a life lesson, like how Didion addresses the issue of superficial Vegas weddings and how Manning and Vowell addressed the relationship between maturity and love. Another story I think should be addressed is Lahiri's "Indian Takeout". I love how Lahiri uses the different spices and foods and the chest to represent a whole culture her family left behind. The details and attention she put in the food reveal the differences between America and India. The "stainless steel dishes" of America contrast the "fresh" foods of India. The foods the family eats even represent their feelings towards their homeland, like how they eat a quick, simple meal after returning (represents the melancholy feeling). I thought this story is a really effective story demonstrating how details and descriptions can explain emotions. Now I would like to comment on my overall feelings towards my peers' comments. I found it interesting how we all drew similar conclusions regarding Vegas weddings. This goes to prove how good Didion is as a writer because she drew such strong reactions from us! I can only hope that my descriptive essay lures as much passion and emotion in my readers as her story did for our class. As for the father stories, they serve as an example on how to use specific situations and stories (with sufficient details of course) to present a main point. Arm wrestling embodies the a father's love and protection. Guns embody a division that can turn into a connection. I can use these strategies in my own descriptive story. Our discussions in class have also prepared me because they got my thinking about all the actions, emotions, and objects associated with different traditions. A good descriptive story presents all of these actions, emotions, and objects. These stories I've read and our class discussions and adequately prepared me to write my descriptive essay!
ReplyDeleteDescription is known as “writing with your senses” (127). It helps the author convey his/her feelings and thoughts to the reader as well as give a “dominant impression.” Description strengthens arguments, adds to the effectiveness of compare/contrast, and enlivens narration. Two of the authors we studied used subjective descriptions and conveyed their emotions. In “Arm Wrestling,” Manning uses description to show how hurt and disappointed he was as a child, and to show how through maturation, he grew and con fully understand and appreciate his father’s love for him now. Sarah Vowell uses description in the same way to describe her relationship with her father and their differences. She finds she has more in common with her father than she had ever known. Different from the others, Lahiri is somewhat more objective, wanting to show how things change overtime and some things become forgotten. “Marrying Absurd” brings out so many opinions and emotions, as we see in our above conversations. It brings us to question rituals such as marriage, and examine what is truly important about our holidays and traditions. Descriptions help us to describe the world we live in and our experiences. All modes of writing would be very boring and objective if we did not have description to enliven it.
ReplyDeleteOur class discussion this week was pretty straightforward for me; that is, until we reached the posters and idea boards on traditions. I was confused as to how traditions were relevant to the themes of our short stories that seemed to revolve around love and maturity, change, and superficial concepts. However, as I began to ponder, I realized that underneath the main message, each descriptive piece encompasses a theme or concept that is embodied in some sort of holiday, reunion, or celebration that we targeted. In “Marrying Absurd,” evidently marriage was the issue at hand; the principles that we decided were a large part in matrimony all coincided in one area, more deftly showing which ideas Vegas managed to incorporate in such a unifying event and the other topics that eloping or marrying on a whim left out. In “Shooting Dad,” “Arm Wrestling My Father,” and “Indian Takeout,” family is a main theme, just like it is in many holidays and traditions. “Shooting Dad” and “Arm Wrestling My Father” thoroughly analyzed the growing relationships between parent and child and the overall evolution that a single person experiences through their lifetime. Both stories encompass the family aspect that is necessary, in my opinion, in any occasion; holidays are times that families join to rejoice together, family is present to help each other through difficult times such as death, and family is also always available in times when one is beginning a new chapter in life, experiencing major changes (marriage, graduation). Every tradition that goes along with an event can be reflected in the family time that is spent together, and “Arm Wrestling” and “Shooting Dad” are great examples of how to describe just a single event or tradition in an entire lifetime. Targeting a sole event makes the entire happening a bigger issue than it probably was, but it makes for more description and success in conveying the feelings and relationships that a family experiences through time. Furthermore, “Indian Takeout” certainly does an excellent job in describing the reoccurring trips to India for foods and spices in order to retain a heritage that is so important to this single family. As Ellie said, it is effective in that the food represents the emotions and atmosphere of the family at each time period, and this description not only shows the closeness of the family but also the importance of family bonding time (and we have seen the results of inadequate family time from the children—now grown—in “Arm Wrestling” and “Shooting Dad”). All in all, a descriptive story seems to focus on a certain time period in one’s life, usually a reoccurring event or tradition. The memories that were brought back to us in discussion were great fodder for an interesting story, and for me, the best descriptions come from things I love or feel strongly about, which certainly encompass the many things my family and I do time and time again. I definitely have many stories to vividly share after realizing the best ideas to use for a descriptive essay.
ReplyDeleteDuring our discussion for descriptive essays this past week, I have discovered what a useful tool description can be. Description does not have to only be used to paint an image; it can be what conveys the story's message. Description evokes emotion, creates a sense of reality in a story, and allows a reader or listener to relate to the story, which is what ultimately allows a person to be receptive to its message. In "Arm Wrestling My Father" and "Shooting Dad" details are used to display a transition of the way in which the narrator views their father. "Marrying Absurd" uses its details as a tool to more or less convince the audience of societal and marital principles which need to go under some revision. Also, though counterintuitive, smaller events which may seem insignificant can be written in a way that makes that single minute event and transforms it into something with several layers, something interesting, and something meaningful.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion of the descriptive mode really clarified things up. That description is used to paint a picture for the audience, and yet give a story such a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface. Also the stories we read all had some sort of message to convey, such as unity in Shooting Dads and arm wrestling with my father. I have learned that transitions are important and rich descriptions are important. A message may be true at one point and not at another so descriptions help distinguish which message the author is trying to convey. The Descriptive mode is very important in how we as students write today so it is vital that we learn how to utilize it well.
ReplyDeleteFrom our class discussion this week I have learned that there is much more to description than I at first thought. The vivid detail placed by the author is well thought out and aids the author in conveying the purpose of the passage to the reader. Description is not merely illustration of an object or event. Through precise details and appeals to senses and emotion, the audience is able to relate the underlying themes of the story to his or her own life. An effective description is so vivid and real that it evokes emotion and feeling in the readers. In my opinion, "Arm Wrestling My Father" in particular is an example of an effective description. As the narrator describes the sadness he feels as he leaves his father at the airport, I experienced the sadness alongside the narrator. On the other hand, the author of "Shooting Dad" uses detail to humorously illustrate the transformation of her relationship with her father. If executed correctly, small, precise details ultimately create a larger underlying theme in the story and in effect makes the story come to life. Each detail in an effective description adds up to create the author's intended message.
ReplyDeleteOur class discussion this week has exaggerated the definition of description. Description makes the text come alive, not only providing imagery, but a distinctive tone. Manning brought us through his phases of hate, disapproval and acceptance in "Arm Wrestling My Father." The story's message would have been dull and unnoticeable if it were not for his heartfelt diction. He provided a picture of his father-son relationship, and we felt the strain for him. This and the two other essays provoke me to think outside of the box, perhaps making me have a new outlook on the subject such as in "Marrying Absurd." Description brings light to the smaller elements within the texts by immense detail, sparking a special connection with the story.
ReplyDeleteIn all of the pieces we have read so far nothing seems more important than being able to see a transformation in the main character or the people around the main character. Most of the time the simple use of details show the biggest change and effect the readers the most. By simply using all five senses to describe the situation and events occurring the reader can much better understand the event and can even emagine themselves as te main character living through the situation being described. In "Arm Wrestling my Father" by simply describing that his fathers hand were different and softer we can see the change in the father or in "Marrying Absurd" we see how the importance of a special wedding disappeared with the personal greed of avoiding being drafted into the war. Whether they changed for better or for worse the details are what lead us to understand by enhancing the readers experience.
ReplyDeleteWhen we arm wrestled in class and used only specific quotes from the pieces to rebut one another, I realized how much description is present in all of these pieces. I did not register how detailed they are until we were able to completely tell the whole story of each piece using only the descriptions already provided by the authors. There is so much detail that we do not have to add in our own words to better convey the message, for the author has already said all that is needed plus more. For example, in "Arm Wrestling with My Father" when Manning describes his feelings of bitterness towards his dad's enthusiasm upon beating him at arm wrestling, Manning's inability to find the situation humorous struck home to me. We have all been in a situation similar to Manning's at some point, so the key to writing a descriptive piece is being able to bring that specific personal experience back into the mind of your audience, therefore making your story more relatable and intriguing. When Manning discusses how his dad always tries to teach him something new, even if he really knows nothing about it, the description of Manning's circumstance reminded me of my relationship with my own dad. It is in the repetitive descriptions of Manning's father and their complex relationship that allows me to better understood his father and relate to the story. Since I am now thinking of my own father, I can continue reading with more interest in the matter. It was a similar experience when reading "Shooting Dad." Vowell continuously writes examples of her relationship with her father until it is almost redundant, for when she finally decides to get to know her father better, we as audience members are familiar with all of her emotions and struggles concerning getting closer to her father. In "Indian Takeout" Lahiri constantly describes how important the food from Calcutta is to her family, so when they finally stop bringing food home, we realize just how significant of an act that is. Didion seems to take a different approach in "Marrying Absurd." Rather than adding detail upon detail leading up to her point, the whole piece seems to be her point. She makes an assertion early on in the piece, and she continues on to add vast amounts of description to back up her assertion. No matter the different organizational structures or varying subjects of each of these pieces, it is obvious why they are grouped together. They each present so much description about their subject-matters that it is practically impossible to not feel as the author wanted the audience to feel. We are engulfed in the stories whether we would like to be or not, and once we are hooked the author then has only the simple task of conveying the purpose.
ReplyDeleteFrom the discussions we have had in class, I feel like I really have a grasp of over what goes into crafting a compelling description piece. When I first thought of a description, I thought we would be talking about just describing something that we see or hear with imagery to supplement the description of whatever we chose. But after reading pieces like Arm Wrestling and Indian Takeout, I gained a new understanding about what a description piece can accomplish. Instead of describing an object, descriptions can describe a relationship, like Arm Wrestling, or homesickness, like in Indian Takeout. Because of the interesting works we have read in class, I think I am more prepared to write a description piece and to help me write essay that challenge the concept of what a specific mode can be.
ReplyDeleteFrom reading the posts of my classmates, I have been able to create a much more inclusive mental image of the description mode. After my first perusal of the descriptive readings, I had quite a bit of difficulty separating the descriptive and the narrative modes. They seemed to be almost the exact same thing. However, after reading through the passages again and reading all of the posts above, I believe I have started to be able to see the difference between the two. The narrative mode is just that- a way to tell a story in a way that other people can understand and associate with. The descriptive mode encompasses a wider range of topics- it can be an individual story, or it can be a series of events that characterize a specific emotion or ideal. In "Shooting Dad" and "Arm Wrestling" I feel as though the authors employ the second approach, detailing specific incidences to portray an overall feel. "Marrying Absurd" took another approach, explaining in vivid detail the Las Vegas wedding industry as an example of the declining status marriage has in the United States. I feel as though the descriptive mode is an excellent medium to convey a thought or emotion that otherwise would have been extremely difficult to portray.
ReplyDeleteInstead of explicitly stating a complex idea or emotion, the Descriptive Mode finds the inherent ability to convey its meaning through meticulous accounts of circumstance. In contrast with a Narrative, its use of figurative language is generally more subtle, as evidenced by this week’s varying selections. In “Shooting Dad,” we become cognizant of the author’s complex relationship with her father through her contrast of their differing interests as well as her noted desire for a more loving relationship. We find this same recurring pattern in the other pieces in that, instead of placing heavy emphasis on dialogue, Descriptive Pieces seem to focus on the thoughts and inferences of their authors. When reading, we are slowly influenced by emotion and description, while being led to an ultimate conclusion.
ReplyDeleteFrom our class discussions, I have been able to understand what goes into a descriptive mode. In a work of writing, a descriptive mode is used to help understand the purpose of the piece with certain words and phrases or, a certain topic. The difference between a narrative and a descriptive is a narrative is used to help someone understand a story to a point that they may be able to feel the same emotions (using their five senses) or picture what the narrator experienced. Both narrative modes and describe modes compare because the authors have a message or underlying meaning that can be easily identified through a good narrative or descriptive writing.
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