TOW #14: The Way to Rainy Mountain

In the essay, The Way to Rainy Mountain, N. Scott Momaday tells of the customs, history and practices of his people and ancestors, the Kiowas. Momaday is a well-known Native American Author and is very in touch with his culture. He appears to address the masses and I believe that this piece was really intended for anyone who is willing to read it. Through his use of imagery and figurative language, he is able to paint a vivid picture in the mind of the reader in order to educate them about his people's way of life. Momaday emphasizes the fact that the kiowa people are a plain tribe and he talks much about nature and their home. He says, "The grass turns brittle and brown and cracks beneath your feet.. Great green and yellow grasshoppers are everywhere in the tall grass, popping up like corn to sting the flesh…". This is just one instance that the author uses this incredibly descriptive and detailed language and really helps the reader get a true glimpse into the home area of the Kiowa tribe. Momaday also uses a lot of figurative language. One quote that really stuck out to me was, "The sun follows a longer course in the day, and the sky is immense beyond all comparison. The great billowing clouds that sail upon it are shadows that move upon the grain like water, dividing light." His strategic use of metaphor gives the audience a better understanding of what the sky really did and how he perceived it to be. Over all, I thought that Momaday did an excellent job in achieving his purpose. I felt as though I was standing there next to him, in the southern plains as he vividly described his people's home and way of life. I really enjoyed, The Way to Rainy Mountain, and have never read a text with such detail and description.

TOW #13: Frank Sinatra Has a Cold

In the essay, Frank Sinatra Has a Cold, Gay Talese profiles and describes one of the biggest icons of all time, Frank Sinatra. Talese, an reknown american author, helped to define literary journalism, which is undoubtedly shown in this particular piece. He wrote for both the New York Times and Esquire Magazine, two of the most popular journals in America, so he appears to be writing to the common people, who want a glimpse into what Sinatra is really like. In order to paint the true picture of the established singer/actor, he uses vivid imagery and anaphora to achieve his purpose. His use of imagery and detailed descriptions give the reader a holistic idea of Sinatra's world. Talese writes, " He had been silent during much of the evening, except now in this private club in Beverly Hills he seemed even more distant, staring out through the smoke and semidarkness into a large room beyond the bar where dozens of large couples sat huddled around small tables or twisted in the center of the floor to the clamorous clang of folk-rock music blaring from the stereo." This extremely detailed description is just one example of how Talese incorporates imagery in order to illustrate the typical scene of the singer. He also uses anaphora to add emphasis on important subjects. While describing how Sinatra is viewed by people, he says, "Or better still, he is what in traditional Sicily have long been called uomini rispettati -- men of respect: men who are both majestic and humble, men who are loved by all and are very generous by nature, men whose hands are kissed as they walk from village to village, men who would personally go out of their way to redress a wrong." He uses similar forms for multiple phrases to provide an in-depth example of how others view Frank. Overall, I believe that Talese wrote a truly excellent piece and helped me see the iconic singer in a very different way. Frank Sinatra Has a Cold has to be one of the best nonfiction pieces I have ever read, and it was thanks to Talese's extreme skill and detailed descriptions that gave me a glimpse into the life of one of my favorite singers.

TOW #12: The Omnivore's Dilemma #1

In the book, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, Michael Pollan discusses the impact of the food industry on America and how what we eat can majorly change our society. An published author, journalist, activist and Berkeley professor, Michael Pollan delves deep into the world of food and stresses how choosing what to eat is incredibly important. While addressing his large audience of American food consumers, he uses a second person point of view and complex diction to show that food problems are extremely widespread and to stress the importance of having knowledge regarding food consumption. His use of a second person point of view has a major impact on the text. He says, "Grab a beer for your beverage instead and you'd still be drinking corn. Read the ingredients on the label of any processed food and, provided you know the chemical names it travels under, corn is what you will find" (18). This strategic use of "you" makes the topic seem much more general and widespread. Pollan is speaking directly to his audience and essentially saying this applies to all of you, not just me. It not only makes the book more approachable and easy to visualize but it also makes his point stronger. He also uses very complex and specific diction to increase his credibility. He describes, " For modified or unmodified starch, for glucose syrup and maltodextrin, for crystalline fructose and ascorbic acid, for lecithin and dextrose, lactic acid and lysine, for maltose and HFCS, for MSG and for polyols, for the caramel color and xanthan gum, read: corn" (19). All of these big and scientific words increase Pollan's ethos by making him appear to be very educated about the topic of food. It adds a lot of weight to his argument. After reading much of the text, I do think that Pollan did an exceptional job at achieving his purpose. I feel much more educated about the modern food industry and I think that this book would be beneficial for everyone to read. Through his use of second person point of view and complex diction, Michael Pollan attempts to educate Americans of the importance of food and their choices regarding it. 

TOW #11 - Taylor Strikes A Chord

In Taylor Strikes a Chord, Jack Dickey highlights the shocking success of the pop icon, Taylor Swift. Jack Dickey, a journalist for Time and Magazine, is known for his contributions regarding culture and music. Taylor Swift is one of the most successful musicians of this generations and Dickey not only portrays her as a role mode and symbol but as a successful performer. To Taylor's fans and just followers of the music industry in general, he emphasizes the mark that she has left on the world of music. Jack Dickey uses facts and statistics and quotes from various sources in order to illustrate Swift's success in the music industry. Her success in album sales has been a constant factor in her career. Dickey says, "… Swift was the nation's best-selling artist in 2008 and in 2010 and No. 2 in 2012, the last three years she released albums." His appeal to logos supports his attempt to prove Taylor Swift to be one of the most successful artists of the time. He also uses quotes from sources, including Swift, herself. She says, "I just struggle to find a woman in music who hasn’t been completely picked apart by the media, or scrutinized and criticized for aging, or criticized for fighting aging.. It just seems to be much more difficult to be a woman in music and to grow older. I just really hope I will choose to do it as gracefully as possible." His use of quotes from Taylor swift increases his credibility and helps support his argument. I believe that Jack Dickey definitely achieved his purpose. I am not a huge Taylor Swift, but after reading this article, I cannot deny the success she's had and her impact on modern music. Through his appeals to logos and ethos, Jack Dickey encourages all lovers of music to give Taylor a listen.

TOW #10: The Persistence of Memory

In the infamous painting, The Persistence of Memory, Salvador Dali illustrates a dream-like scene of distorted clocks and this piece is considered a vastly important surrealist piece. Dali, a renowned Spanish surrealist painter, is considered one of the most prominent artists of the 20th century and his deformed and crazy images left a significant mark on the world of art. He appears to address the masses by illustrating his views on time and memory. In the painting, he utilizes subdued colors, distorted images and symbols, and irony to argue his view of the inconsistency of time and memory in the modern world. The fact that he painted 4 clocks melting away in a lonely desert and he uses the word persistence in the title is incredibly ironic. Melting does not symbolize persistency and this use of irony implies his views of how neither time nor memory are constant. Also, one of the clocks is covered with ants as a symbol of decay and how time can, in fact, deteriorate. The subdued and natural colors used in the painting give the piece a realistic flare, yet the deformed clocks and figure on the ground contrast with that flare and give a dream-like sense. The figure on the ground also has their eyes closed, possibly indicating that they are in a dream as well, where time passes even faster than in everyday life. This strategic juxtaposition was important to many surrealist painters, especially Dali, as seen in many of his other paintings and his use of very different images and symbols to display a common theme.  I believe that Dali achieved his purpose of proving the inconsistency of time and memory. His strategic use of symbols and irony support his argument that neither of these facets are constant and that time passes very differently when in various states of mind, like dreaming. The Persistence of Memory is considered one of Dali's most famous works, and rightfully so, due to the fact that it poignantly emphasizes his own perceptions of time and memory.

IRB Introduction #2 - The Omnivore's Dilemma

For my second IRB, I have choosen The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan. Throughout the book, he discusses american eating habits and the vast aspects of food and its effect on culture. I find this particular topic so interesting and I cannot wait to start reading!

TOW #9 - Coatesville by John Jay Chapman

In his address, Coatesville, John Jay Chapman discusses the importance of human morality and the need for equality throughout America. Very disturbed by the lynching of a black man that took place in the town of Coatesville, PA in 1911, Chapman travels to the town in 1912 to recognize and remember the tragic event by holding a prayer meeting. Although only two people attended, he speaks to the entire population of the town and America and addresses the serious issue that this event highlighted. In his address, Coatesville, John Jay Chapman uses personal anecdotes and metaphor in order to emphasize his beliefs on what America needs in order to become a better place, where these awful crimes do not occur. His use of personal anecdotes have a major effect on the entire piece. He says, "I will tell you why I am here; I will tell you what happened to me. When I read in the newspapers of August 14, a year ago, about the burning alive of a human being, and of how a few desperate, fiend-minded men had been permitted to torture a man… I seemed to get a glimpse into the unconscious soul of this country…I seemed to be looking into the heart of the criminal - a cold thing, an awful thing" (72). This recounting of how he learned of the situation explains how he realized the flaws of the American people and what was needed for change to ensue. He thus continues to explain how he believed that the issue was deeply rooted with the slave trade and that the only solution was new life, life in which the human disposition in hearts and souls will change. His strategic use of metaphors also plays a significant role. He says, "The people stood like blighted things, like ghosts about Acheron, waiting for someone or something to determine their destiny for them" (72). This quote paints a very vivid and horrifying picture of the lack of action that the bystanders took while watching the lynching. He explains that one of the central issues was not only the lynching, but the fact that there were hundreds of witnesses and that no one even attempted to stop it. I believe that Chapman definitely achieved his purpose. The personal anecdotes and metaphors made the address extremely powerful and I felt that it was a very important and revolutionary text of the time. In Coatesville, John Jay Chapman attempts to address the needs of America and highlights racial issues in an extremely revolutionary way.

TOW #8 - Blink TOW #2

In his bestseller, Blink, Malcom Gladwell digs deep into the human conscience and discovers the true reasoning for why we think the way we do. In his 2nd nonfiction book regarding psychology, he discusses the quick judgments that people make and why they occur. In response to his first novel, The Tipping Point, many people have wondered why the sociological changes in everyday life happen, and he addresses these people and enlightens them with facts, stories and questions to think about, dealing with human intuition and its effect on the world. He then wants his audience to act in response to their judgments, whether it be a change in mindset or a change in perspective. In order to educate his audience about "the power of thinking without thinking", Gladwell uses anecdotes and quotes from credible sources throughout the entire text. The anecdotes really made the entire book quite intriguing and he talks of a variety of different things, including marriage counseling, food tasters, and the seemingly never-ending Coca-cola vs. Pepsi battle. One towards the end of the book talked of gender equality in symphonies and how in the past, conductors believed that men just sounded better than women. He says, " Musicians were identified not by name but by number. Screens were erected between the committee and the auditioner… and as these new rules were put in place around the country, an extraordinary thing happened: orchestras began to hire women" (250). This is a prime example of how the snap judgments of others have a major effect on society, one of Gladwell's central arguments. He quotes various sources, thus appealing to ethos. Regarding the symphony anecdote, he uses quotes from established musicians, quoting, " 'The very first time the new rules for auditions were used, we were looking for four new violinists,' remembers Herb Weksleblatt, a tuba player for the Metropolitan Opera in New York… 'And all of the winners were women. That would simply never have happened before. ' " By using quotes from those with firsthand experience, he establishes his credibility and appeals to ethos throughout the entire text. I found this entire book very interesting, and I do believe Gladwell achieved his purpose. His countless examples made it easier for the reader to relate and I found myself reconsidering my intuition and snap judgments. Throughout Blink, Malcolm Gladwell encourages readers to consider their mindsets and discusses the importance of acting if a change needs to be made.

Tow #7 - "Meet Joko Widodo"

In the profile piece of Joko Widodo, Hannah Beech introduces the new leader. The recently elected 7th president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo or Mr. Jokowi for short, will be sworn into office on October 20th, 2014 and in this piece, is described in great detail. Hannah Beech, an established journalist and the Southeast Asia Bureau Chief for Time Magazine, appears to be introducing Mr. Jokowi to the entire world, in order for everyone to become familiar with the new leader and his practices. She uses direct quotes from the president himself and other credible sources in order to establish credibility and intense diction to emphasize the seriousness of the role that he is taking on. She uses these strategies to present the new president to the world. One important quote from the president was his description of his life with his family. Beech quotes, " 'My family, we worked very hard for basic human needs, like food, education, health care,' He says. 'That’s why I know from my experience that democracy must deliver a better life to the people.' " In this direct quote from the president, Beech illustrates his willingness to work hard and how he really understands what many of his citizens are going through, only increasing his want to help them and proving him to be a man of the people. She also quotes other sources, like Ernest Bower,   chairman for the southeast Asia studies at the center for strategic and international studies (CSIS). He said, " ' My gut tells me history is going to call on Jokowi to provide leadership and he will fulfill it.' " This powerful quote emphasizes the belief that Jokowi will be successful as president and displays the faith that many people have in him and his practices. Beech also uses very strong words, which constantly changes the tone of the piece. When describing many of the problems in Indonesia, she used words like, flustered, issues, challenges, aggressively, and vulnerable, giving that section a very tense and serious tone. These are just a few examples of her intense diction which affects the entire tone of the profile. I think that Beech definitely achieved her purpose. After reading, I felt much more educated not only about Jokowi, but about the entire archipelago of Indonesia and its economy and culture. This profile effectively introduced the new leader to the world and the world looks forward to seeing what he will achieve as the President of Indonesia.

Tow #6: "Asphaltisation" - visual text

In this powerful advertisement, titled "Asphaltisation", SAMU social displays the biggest struggle that homeless people face, trying to get off of the streets, in a very literal way. This French humanitarian emergency service company is active in cities all over France and the rest of the world, providing care and supplies to homeless people or those who are in "social distress". Through this advertisement, they address those who may be at risk of becoming homeless and those who have the potential to help people who are in living on the streets. SAMU social appeals to pathos and dark coloring in an attempt to illustrate the severity and the struggles of living life on the streets and to inspire people to lend help to these less fortunate people. Pictured in the ad are an old man and a dog, both embedded in the cement of a sidewalk, looking very depressed and tired. In the corner, it says in French, " The longer you live on the streets, the harder it is to get off it.", thus explaining why they are pictured, enveloped in the concrete. Both elderly people and dogs are groups that people tend to feel emotional towards and to see them struggling is very sad to look at. The elderly man is not wearing proper shoes and appears to be struggling to keep his eyes open. The image of them sinking into the soil is very powerful and quickly grasps people's attention. This strategic use of pathos is an attempt to evoke sympathy in those who see the ad and it makes them want to help the unfortunate man and dog. They also use very dark colors, giving the advertisement a gloomy and dark vibe. Both of these strategies used in the ad help SAMU social's attempt to achieve their purpose, by grasping the attention of their audience and by giving the entire ad a sad feeling. I think that the service company definitely achieved their purpose. When I saw this ad, I immediately felt bad for both the man and the dog and I wanted to help them, no matter what. In Asphaltisation, SAMU social effectively depicts a major struggle of the homeless and inspires people to lend help to those on the streets.

Tow #5 - Now Arriving - The Deadly Ebola Virus Lands in America

In Now Arriving - The Deadly Ebola Virus Lands in America, David Von Drehle highlights the frightening fact that Ebola has finally come to the United States. A successful author and journalist for Time Magazine, Drehle explains the outbreak story in vivid detail and its potential impact on the rest of the country. Addressing American citizens, he writes in an attempt to educate them about the deadly virus and its side effects, and to explain how it found its way to the U.S. In this piece, David Von Drehle appeals to logos and ethos and uses figurative language in order to achieve his purpose. Throughout the article, he appeals to logos and uses various facts and statistics, explaining the significance of the virus. He says, "With more than 3,300 people dead in the growing West African epidemic, the arrival of Ebola in the U.S. is indeed unnerving news". This number illustrates the effect of Ebola on people in other countries and how it has the potential to majorly affect the U.S. He also gives basic facts about Ebola, including, " Patients are contagious only when they are suffering symptoms: fever, muscle aches, vomiting and so on." By stating basic side effects, he attempts to educate his audience about what cases of Ebola may look like and what they should look for. He also appeals to ethos, by using many quotes, from very credible sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Governor, Rick Perry and even President Obama. These pieces of information used by Drehle, help him establish his credibility and trustworthiness to his readers, giving his argument more weight. He also uses figurative language, including metaphors, in an attempt to achieve his purpose. When talking of containing the case, he says, "It can be tedious work, though, and it is only as good as the front-line caregivers who are the point of the spear". The author seemingly compares the containment of Ebola with fighting a tough battle, with "the front line caregivers", being doctors acting as soldiers fighting the virus, and "the front of the spear", being the direct attack of the issue. This metaphor helps illustrate the importance of Ebola and the difficulty it will take to extinguish it from the United States. I think that Drehle achieved his purpose during this piece. Before reading, I did not have a great idea of what kind of virus Ebola is and what its side effects are. Now, I am much more educated on the subject and I know what to look for, in the case that Ebola spreads throughout the country. In this Global Health Article, David Von Drehle effectively describes Ebola to American citizens, and discusses the importance of the problem it proposes.

TOW #4 - Humanities, All Too Humanities!

In his piece, Humanities, All Too Humanities, Joel Stein humorously emphasizes the importance of liberal arts majors. An established columnist for Time Magazine, Stein describes how the humanities are experiencing a fall out, due to the admission process of colleges around the country and the increasing popularity of sciences and technology majors. The subtitle of his column states, "Incoming college freshmen should study great books rather than come up with great apps", indicating that he is addressing students who are applying or entering college. He also addresses college admission offices in general, pointing out the exact types of students they have been accepting (and not accepting). Joel Stein appeals to ethos and logos and uses humor in an attempt to achieve his purpose of giving important advice to colleges and college students. At the beginning of this piece, he states that he majored in English and he gives a personal example and says that he went out to lunch with a fellow Stanford graduate, indicating that he graduated from that school, one of the best colleges in the country. In both of these examples, Stein appeals to ethos, indicating he has a lot of knowledge on the topics of liberal arts majors, and that he attended one of the most prestigious schools in the country. He also uses logos to help achieve his purpose and gives data and statistics. He states, "In 2010, 7% of U.S. graduates majored in one of the liberal arts, compared with 14% in 1966…". Stein gives these facts in order to illustrate the decrease in popularity of the humanities, in an attempt to achieve his purpose. His humorous tone also helps him to educate his audience. When discussing why he majored in English and not another topic, he says, "I didn’t choose not to physics. Physics chose not to have me major in it, by make absolutely no sense at all". By providing information in this humorous way, Stein captivates his audience and makes his topic more intriguing. As a rising college student, I thought that Joel Stein did an excellent job and achieved his purpose. He not only made me laugh, but provided some important points to consider and I learned some new things about college admissions. In this column, the author, Joel Stein, effectively discusses the importance of college majors and attempts to educate his audience while doing so.

TOW #3: "Crest Dice ad" - Visual Text

In this advertisement, a toothpaste company, Crest, discusses how risks should not be taken, regarding cavities and dental health. Crest, one of the world's biggest dental hygiene businesses, has been incredibly successful, selling various products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash. In this advertisement, they appear to be speaking to potential customers, particularly those who have suffered from cavities before, stating that second chances for healthy teeth are not given to those who take the chance of not properly caring for their teeth. Crest uses many rhetorical devices, in an attempt to achieve their purpose, including analogy. They compare oral hygiene with gambling, picturing two teeth with various holes, similar to those of dice, and state "There are some things you just can't afford to gamble with". This comparison serves to describe to the audience that taking a chance, similar to gambling, with their teeth's well-being is not a smart decision. With this analogy, they also appeal to pathos, working to convince their audience of how big of a risk it is not to use their products. They appeal to ethos when they state that Crest is "The dentist's choice for fighting cavities", meaning that dental experts highly recommend their products.  They also  establish their credibility, when they state that "Crest has prevented 523 million cavities since its introduction in 1955", displaying that they have been in business for a very long time and they appeal to logos, by providing data about the number of cavities their products have prevented. With the strategic use of all of these devices, Crest achieves their purpose of convincing consumers to purchase their products. The first time I saw this ad, I felt convinced that Crest would achieve its ultimate goal of enhancing dental health, and I thought that I should maybe start to purchase their products. In this powerful advertisement, Crest effectively promises to help prevent cavities and to stop people from risking their oral hygiene.  

IRB TOW #1: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

In his number 1 national bestseller, Blink, Malcolm Gladwell discusses "the power of thinking without thinking" and provides the reasoning for rapid decision making. A renown nonfiction writer and journalist, Gladwell has completed multiple works, many of which are concerned with sociology and psychology. His first novel, The Tipping Point, discusses sociological changes that occur in everyday life and in Blink, he explains why these changes occur. Throughout history, many have wondered why quick decisions and judgments arise and Gladwell speaks to these people, answering their questions with facts, stories and personal opinions. Throughout the text so far, he has strategically used many rhetorical devices like anecdotes and hypophora. In the introduction, he tells the story of a kouros, an ancient Greek sculpture of a nude male youth, and the J. Paul Getty Museum. In this anecdote, the Getty Museum wants to purchase this statue but many experts advise them against it, denying its authenticity, despite scientific evidence of its age. It's in this story that he introduces the central topic of Blink, quick decisions and judgments. He says, "What did Harrison see? She didn't know. In the very first moment, when Houghton swished off the cloth, all Harrison had was a hunch, an instinctive sense that something was amiss" (5). Gladwell's use of this anecdote helps him to introduce his topic and provide a strong example its applicability. In order to educate his readers in a coherent way, Gladwell also uses hypophora. When talking of marriage analysis, he says, "If couples aren't aware of how they sound, how much value can there be in asking them direct questions? Not much, and this is way Gottman has couples talk about something involving their marriage…" (39). By asking a question at the beginning of a paragraph and then providing an answer, Gladwell uses hypophora to answer questions and to easily transition from one topic to another. He uses these strategies in order to educate, stir questions and to provide facts of decision making. Based on the information I have read so far, Gladwell has already achieved this purpose. Although I am still reading, I have learned more about psychology and the reasoning behind various decisions. In Blink, Malcolm Gladwell informs his audience of many aspects of cognition and effectively writes to leave an impression of the influence that decisions have on our everyday lives.

IRB Introduction: Blink By Malcolm Gladwell

For my first IRB, I chose Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. In this book, the author discusses various aspects of psychology and human behavior and gives an array of examples to further the readers understanding. I chose this text because I have heard a lot of great things about this book and it was reccomended to me by a friend, who enjoyed not only this book, but some other books written by Gladwell. As someone who has always been interested in anthropology, I hope to have a better understanding of human behavior and natural human instincts after reading and I am so excited to read Blink by Malcom Gladwell!

TOW #1: How to Say Nothing in 500 Words

In How to Say Nothing in 500 Words, Paul Roberts provides readers with vital advice in order to achieve writing success. An established author of various writing textbooks, including Patterns of English and Understanding English, Paul Roberts seemingly breaks down the artistry of the English language into a science of writing and composition. In this piece, he appears to be speaking to English students, by giving a particular scenario of what a student goes through while writing a paper, and using a second - person point of view, constantly using the word, you, thus, giving the sense that he is directly addressing them. Throughout the text, Roberts offers tips and pointers on how to write effectively and what students should and should not do, to improve their composition skills. The author uses many important rhetorical devices, including an informal, humorous tone and personification. In the excerpt, his informal, humorous tone helps his audience relate to his statements about writing. For example, when talking of the differences of writing in 19th and 20th centuries, he claims that more people today prefer less dramatic literature, stating, " Some people like that sort of thing, but most modern readers would say, 'Good grief,' and turn on the television" (65). In this humorous line, he makes his topic more intriguing for his audience, helping them grasp a better understand of what he saying. He also uses personification when talking about many aspects of composition. For example, he states, "Some pat expressions stand like a wall between the writer and thought" (64). Through his use of personification, he emphatically points out the effects of various writing skills, educating his audience in an interesting way. By using these rhetorical strategies, Roberts informs his audience of how to write effectively and gives many important pieces of advice, hoping to improve their writing skills. I felt that these devices helped him achieve his purpose because there were certain aspects discussed in this essay that I could use in my composition skills and after reading, I had some new writing techniques under my belt. In How to Say Nothing in 500 Words, Paul Roberts effectively writes to his readers, teaching them valuable writing skills and giving important pointers, to help them succeed in the science of composition.

Analysis of Bop (Langston Hughes)

In Bop, Langston Hughes highlights prominent cultural issues through a straightforward dialogue between two characters. Discussing the music, “be - bop”, one character, Simple explains its origins and purpose to a nameless narrator, who is oblivious to the current trend. In Bop, written in 1949, the author, Langston Hughes, emphasizes a controversial issue of the time, racial inequality. His work and influence during the Harlem Renaissance protested black suppression and his poetry expressed his feelings toward the problem and his pride of his culture. In the essay, he writes to illustrate common prejudices and their influence on aspects of culture, including music. Intending the audience to be those unaware of black discrimination and its cultural effect, Hughes strategically uses colloquialism and allusions. His use of colloquialism is evident when Simple uses informal jargon and slang, at one point, stating, “‘That’s why so many white folks don’t dig Bop’” (191). Simple’s broken language helps the narrator and reader easily grasp the significant issue. Hughes uses allusions, which is clear when Simple explains that the origin of the music is from the police. He describes that the sounds used in the music come from white police officers hitting black people on the head. He says, “‘White folks do not get their heads beat just for being white. But me - a cop is liable to grab me almost any time and beat my head - just for being colored’” (191). This is not only a direct statement from Simple, regarding the racial issues of his area, but just one example, alluding to the greater problem of racial inequality and how prejudices and personal bias are affecting the justice of black - american citizens. These strategies helped Langston Hughes to achieve his purpose. After reading, I had gathered a better understanding of the prevalence of racial inequality and how it truly stirred black americans. In Bop, Langston Hughes provides readers with a glimpse of a controversial time in history, and how society significantly shapes cultures all over the world.

An Oblivious Trend-Setter 
By beating black citizens, white policemen unknowingly inspired the music “Be - bop”. Source: Detriots-great-rebellion.com

Analysis of The Crack-Up (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

In The Crack - Up, F. Scott Fitzgerald gives insights on his personal journey through a mental crisis or “crack - up”. During his breakdown, Fitzgerald analyzes his mentality and character, and feels empty, regarding countless aspects of his life. This essay, written in 1936, also discusses society, and its influence, including during the great depression. To escape this dreary time, many found refuge in movies, drifting from novels. Fitzgerald’s earlier work, including his novels, This Side of Paradise and The Great Gatsby were left behind. During the essay, he gives details of his insanity, and informs those who may be subject to breakdowns of what may occur. By providing personal examples, he explains, to those close to him and to those who enjoy his work, his actions and what ensued during this troubled time. Fitzgerald’s use of analogy and dramatic undertones provide an accurate understanding of his emotions. He compares himself to a cracked plate, explaining, “...the cracked plate has to be retained in the pantry... It can never again be warmed on the stove nor shuffled with the other plates in the dishpan..” (144). In this example, he claims that the cracked plate has to be isolated, affecting its character. Similar to the plate, he also is damaged, changing his nature. This powerful analogy illustrates Fitzgerald’s newfound isolation, and how he is changed, like the plate. He also gives the piece a dramatic undertone. While asking advice from a doctor, he describes, “I might have asked some of it from her, neatly wrapped and ready for home cooking and digestion, but I could never have got it - not if I’d waited around for a thousand hours with the tin cup of self - pity” (143). In this example, he emphasizes his emotions and by using these strategies, achieved his purpose. After further researching Fitzgerald, I noticed how his feelings described in the essay were directly applicable to his actions and I felt sympathetic towards his struggle. In The Crack - Up, F. Scott Fitzgerald exposes his vulnerable and wavering character yet manages to find solace by pulling into himself and his writing.

Caution: Fragile! 
Fitzgerald compares his wavering mentality with a broken plate: delicate and weak. Source: Finedininglovers.com

Analysis of Pamplona in July (Ernest Hemingway)

In Pamplona in July, Ernest Hemingway recounts his summer visit to the town, Pamplona, in Northern Spain, renown for hosting a bullfighting festival every July (98). Throughout the piece, Hemingway vividly narrates his experiences and describes the traditions, people and culture of the town, and the riveting bullfights he attended. The essay, published in 1923, was not the first of Hemingway’s successes. While writing as a journalist, he also published many short pieces and two books featuring his works. This trip was the first of many to the festival, which served as inspiration for his first novel, The Sun Also Rises. During the piece, Hemingway not only informs the reader of what occurred on his trip, but brings the reader on a journey into the little town with him. He writes to paint a descriptive picture of his experience around Pamplona and at the bullfights themselves. To those who enjoy unique adventures and who may be interested in attending the festival, he tells his story, using strong diction, straightforward phrases and asyndeton, giving a descriptive glimpse of his experience. He gives the piece a candid tone, using strong diction and straightforward phrases. With short, descriptive phrases, he pulls the reader into the loud arena with him. He states, “Then the bull charges and bags another man. The crowd roars with delight” (102). His strong diction and short phrases help him inform the reader and give an honest recount of what occurs. To provide a better understanding of the context, he emphatically uses asyndeton. While talking of a skillful bullfighter, he says,  “He handled them all. Did it all. Cape play easy, graceful, confident” (105). By excluding conjunctions, he highlights the ease of the man’s actions, giving an exciting, wondrous mood to the piece. With his interesting craft, Hemingway achieved his goal. I felt like I was sitting alongside the Hemingways in the roaring arena, and after reading, I knew much more about bullfighting and the festival. Ernest Hemingway’s essay, Pamplona in July, illustrates his journey through another culture, and gives a direct glimpse into this exquisite world.

Terri - bull Safety
 The bulls run freely through the streets and crowds of Pamplona to the arena, where the fighting takes place.
Source: PBS.org