http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the-ultimate-hunger-games
Syntax- From start to finish, the piece relies on short, choppy sentences to convey the absurd seriousness of the author's Thanksgiving-survival plan. For example, the first sentence of the piece "I wake up in a cold sweat" as well the final "VICTOR" show readers that the author means business. Even longer sentences are broken down into easily digestible pieces which forces readers to understand the severity of the author's message . The sentence of "when, by the end, I'll be yelling out in horror...." as well as "that's why it only happens once a year: Thanksgiving..." use two different punctuation marks, comas and colons, although both are for the purpose of breaking the sentences down. Therefore, the choppy syntax functions in a way that allows readers to understand the seriousness of the author's battle to survive Thanksgiving dinner.
Language- The language of the piece follows an organized, anecdotal pattern providing a humorously serious atmosphere. Almost every paragraph begins with the word "I" indicating a first person narrator. These topic sentences which include "I sprint to the kitchen" and "I enter the dining room" suggest that the body of the paragraphs will detail the narrator's subsequent actions, similar to an anecdote. Additionally, the fact that the action of the piece occurs in present tense indicates the seriousness of the action. For example, the line "she leaves in a rush, the smell of loss, burning flesh and meat juice trailing behind her" demonstrates the profound seriousness of the matter that is enhanced through use of the present tense. Through this, the author allows readers themselves to feel a part of the author's Thanksgiving Dinner.
Diction- The diction of the work also demonstrate just how seriously the author takes Thanksgiving. The diction, reminiscent of that of a sports announcer, reveals the narrator's competitive drive. Throughout the piece the author repeats "NOOOOOO" as a new disaster arrives at the Thanksgiving dinner. Reaping the benefits of her family members' failures, the following line always contains the words "down" and the number of family members left "to go". In addition, the last line of "VICTOR" illustrates the author's aggressive attitude towards surviving Thanksgiving.
You did a nice job of pointing out three different literary techniques and how they are utilized by the author in his piece of writing. In order to practice for responses to closed reading prompts on the AP exam, I would recommend writing these blog posts in an essay format with two or more paragraphs devoted to detailing the literary techniques utilized by the author of the excerpt. I also feel that you may want to explain the purpose of using these literary techniques. What is the meaning that the author is trying to convey? How do these literary techniques enhance support for his meaning?
ReplyDeleteThat was barbaric.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the seriousness of the action created by the present tense, but it does feel more immediate. This makes sense when we add in all of the war-related diction. The author is fighting a "war" with her relatives. Metaphorically.
I agree with your ideas about the repetition. The author is keeping the score of her pseudo-violent half game half fight Thanksgiving.
Keeping score might have something to do with thanksgiving football, I'm not sure.