Friday, March 12, 2010
Description
Hampl's reason for writing about description, is really quite simple. she is trying to prove that when writing a personal story, describing things is the most important aspect. Not only do you have to describe what you are talking about, but you have to go in depth so that it can help to tell the story. If you put enough detail into something, then it could possibly tell its own story, like the tea cup that Hampl talks about. It is easier for the reader to understand something, if they can create a vivid image in their head. She also manages to be very descriptive in her writing about description. The last couple paragraphs were important to her story, because it was a prime example of the art of description. She could have simply told us that this kid came to her office to ask about his paper. But she included the fact that is was snowing like hell outside and everything was closed. This helps to make the circumstances seem all the more intense and important. The student even went through the snow to find out that he should just write about growing up in a boring place like Friedley. This draws the reader in, because many of us have felt like, at points in our life, that we have done nothing interesting.
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When I first started to write essays I just wrote about something and finished as fast as I could. I only wrote down the main points and what I thought only needed to be proven. Now I try to add in as much detail as possinle to help enhance my better and make it sound better. However, after reading this short story, I have realized that there can be a different approach. Like you said early in your response, if you add in too much detail, then it could possibly tell its own story, and may condradict what I am trying to tell the reader. The last few paragraphs that you have analyzed made me think differntly. I saw it as a way of the author trying to tell the reader to be more independant it oneself and follow your own path in life. But you have addressed the point where the teacher told the kid to write about his boring childhood and then elaborated on how it actually ties into the reader. I didnt really adress my response to myself because I was too focused on finding her argument of the story. After reading your input it seems true that input, support and outside aid is essential to academic writing. Just by reading your response, I have seen a different side to her essay and her arguments that suport it.
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