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!
Hi Hunter,
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting you said that it was hard that Theater of the Absurd plays don't really have a definite meaning because we are so used to looking for one. I am frustrated with that too. I guess, in a way, we have to accept there is meaning in the "no meaning." For example, in The American Dream, there's multiple interpretations but no definite meaning. In some ways I like that because there's no wrong answer. However, I personally like it better when authors are more straightforward. I think it makes everyone's life a little bit easier. Also,I think the whole "well it's not supposed to make complete sense" can also give authors an easy way out. That's not to say, however, that extremely talented authors can't make that work.
I also didn't know about DIDLS before starting this class. I was the same as you--I read through everything rather quickly without stopping to think about it. Now that I have learned about DIDLS, reading is a lot more interesting and I can get more out of the text. I definitely agree with you that The American Dream was unique. I had never read any absurdist literature before that play, and my initial reaction was definitely "what on earth am I reading". I think that that's the point of Theater of the Absurd, though, to create an initial shock factor and then, upon closer examination, reveal the true meaning. For this reason, I disagree with you when you say that Theater of the Absurd has no real meaning. It does, it is just hard to find at first.
ReplyDeleteHey Hunter,
ReplyDeleteDIDLS was a good learning experience. I also have never learned it before. Its making analyzing literature a whole lot easier. I also had that same problem with Theatre of the Absurd. I can’t imagine literature without a meaning. It’s really hard to interpret. But after reading the critics on The American Dream last week, has your opinion changed? I now think that The American Dream did have some sort of slight purpose. I now think that the story was trying to show us the difference between new and old America. What is your opinion on this? I am also looking forward with you to see what this year has in store for us.