Dear Mrs. Cline,
This class has been quite the roller coaster for me. The biggest challenge that I have had so far is figuring out how to put my point of view into the analysis of these pieces. I know that they are analysis' and the whole point of them is to stay unbiased but how I write my paper, and how you have asked us to, is to formulate our own point of view. So, putting that into my paper but still sounding unbiased in my text is what has been the biggest challenge so far. My biggest success is that I have actually had to plan these essays. Before this class, I would just wing it, and not have any plan. However, with the type of papers we are writing I really have to study the text and formulate my thesis around the text and not based of my own intuition completely.
The readings in this class have definitely affected me. They have caused me to think about what it would have been like during the time that they were wrote but also how they would relate to this day and age. Even though I don't agree with the last one we read, "The Modest Proposal", that doesn't change the fact that it was revolutionary during that time and still can be considered that.
Literary analysis is different from the other types of writing I have done in college in that I have to look at the text for answers, its not just my own knowledge of what I can gather from the story. I have to analyze (go figure!) the text to find out what it is talking about rather than the whole picture.
My goals for the second half is to continue to enhance my writing up to par. I hope to improve in my use of words and grammar and eloquence. I want to be able to use my words to create images, even in a literary analysis.
I am excited for what the rest of this semester holds and how it is going to challenge and grow my writing abilities and ways of thinking about literature.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth London
I agree that you can't just wing one of these essay's. I have to sit and think as well. That's an issue I've had. I have a hard time finding the right words to use. Good luck with the rest of the semester and your papers!
ReplyDeleteThe essays require me to do a lot of thinking and preparation before writing, it's not something I can just pump out in one night. The readings have effected me to as well as the writing assignments that go along with them because it's not something I am familiar with. But, good look with the rest of the semester and I believe you'll be able to reach your goals!
ReplyDeleteI have always disliked writing essays and trying to write one about "The Modest Proposal" by Swift was really hard. I had to get past the shock value and try to figure out what he was really trying to say. Once I did that the essay went fast. Good luck on the rest of the semester.
ReplyDeleteI agree coming up with a thesis is not an easy task. For me though it was much easier to write a paper supporting my own thesis. Bartleby was super difficult to understand and then writing a paper supporting a thesis I didn't write, made it even more difficult. I felt more at peace while writing my Swift essay because I had an all around better grasp of the whole thing. Good luck with the rest of the semester I have no doubt White Noise is going to be a challenge but we have been learning along the way and hopefully are ready for it.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI've also had a struggle with our topics. Writting has never been my forte, and I always second guess myself about everything. I have been having some fun with this class and I think we all have learned a lot. I too am exhited about our second half of the session, for know lets enjoy our spring break!