Response to Course Material #1

     These first few weeks we have learned a great deal of things. Right from the start we delved into the idea of first reads and DIDLS. DIDLS stands for diction, images, details, language, and syntax. This was a way of reading that I had never thought about using before. Before learning about DIDLS I typically would just read through fast and I now know how to dig deep into the text. Reading the text "Immigrants" and "The New Colossus" helped me to work on my new two new ways of reading. Two of the DIDLS terms that we looked into closely are diction and syntax. I was never really aware of what these two words meant. I learned that diction is the choice of words and syntax is how sentences are written. This helped me further understand how to use the DIDLS effectively.

     This past week we read The American Dream play. We also read text to educate us on Theater of the Absurd and Existentialism. These ideas were two I had never heard of before. The American Dream was an interesting and unique read. But, after reading the informational pieces I understood why this writing is the way it is. Theater of the Absurd is a different type of writing that will take some time for me to get used to. This type of writing has hidden meaning deep below the surface that takes some digging to figure out. Existentialism is also an odd view that believes that men should be able to make all their own choices and not have to follow rules and laws. Personally, I do not believe this type of living would ever be possible, it is a very abstract idea. I have enjoyed the start of this class and am looking forward for what is to come!

Close Reading: The Giver Movie Review

In this article, John Defore takes a closer look at the movie, The Giver. Defore uses diction, language, and syntax to throughly review the recent movie The Giver based on Lois Lowry's 1993 young-adult fiction novel read by thousands of middle schoolers including those of us that went to Chippewa.

From the introduction, the writer uses impeccable diction. He states, "topped with the kind of magic-transformative baloney that passes for an ending in too many otherwise-fine Hollywood adventures." Defore effectively describes the movie by writing, "teenage fantasies set in restrictive futuristic worlds." His word choice draws in the reader and tantalizes the mind to read further. 

Defore also includes purposeful use of language. His figurative language consists of metaphors such as, "sand edges off a tale." He also includes similes like, "An atrium-like library." Including these writing techniques add voice and color. If these were absent, this article would not be as interesting to read. Metaphors and smilies enhance the review, making readers want to view the movie. 

Lastly, there is apparent use of syntax to structure this piece. The author has a definite structure he follows. He begins with the setting, then discusses the plot, and lastly the characters. His long sentences are packed full with details and description of images from the movie. This review has a light-hearted critique as its tone, with humorous comments added such as, "old enough to make tween viewers swoon."

Examining this article causes readers to go more in depth in their studying of literature. The author includes several examples of rhetoric in his piece. He uses these skillfully in this article to review the movie The Giver.