In Bret Lott's Fathers, Sons, and Brothers, the element of sound is used quite often. There could be many reasons as to why he writes this way; perhaps it's to add more detail, or to make the reader feel as though they are right there with him. I believe that Bret Lott uses sound to convey to the reader a certain feeling and to develop a certain mood. In each instance, it may be a completely different mood or feeling from another, but each one helps to make the situation more real.
There is an entire section titled Sound, but there is one part in particular within it where Lott’s use of sound is very apparent. “But most times I only lay awake, waiting for what could happen next, that sound passing through me and swallowing me whole, me that much alone in the world” (22). Lott is talking about the sound of blood rushing through his head, but to him, at this age it is something much more than that. It’s something he looks forward to every day after his paper route. It’s almost as if he feels as though this sound is proof of a job well done. With this description of sound, Lott expresses a mood of accomplishment and contentment.
In another instance, when a hurricane is approaching, Lott uses sound to describe the intensity of the situation. “I opened the door, not certain what I would find, and the sound suddenly increased, now loud in all its quietness, a whisper shouted” (124). The oxymoron’s used in this passage are what illustrate how intense the wind outside this door was. Lott uses these contradictory words to help set the mood, a mood that is somewhat worrisome but also in awe of what is about to occur.
The sections about the hurricane and after his paper route wouldn’t be as memorable if Lott wouldn’t have described the sounds he encountered in such depth and clarity. This proves how much his use of sound, adds to his writing, and also how much it benefits the reader. The descriptions used in the book, do not make his stories confusing which happens in other books, because what he uses to describe is something we all understand, sound. This aspect of his writing not only makes the writing more enjoyable but it also conveys and develops certain, strong moods and feelings which have may have great impact on his readers.
1. I think that this is a really strong start. i like your thesis "I believe that Bret Lott uses sound to convey to the reader a certain feeling and to develop a certain mood." but i would take out the "i believe that" part so that it is strong and you are telling us that he uses sounds to develop a feeling or mood. I really like that you caught this in his writing, and i think that it is true, but at the end you say that the sounds make the description "memorable", but that isn't really in your thesis, so I would stay with one or the other. it either makes it memorable, or it sets a mood.
ReplyDelete1b. yes, the name of the author and book are clearly and immediately stated
2. The support that you use is really strong. When i read your thesis, I was thinking about how he tried to explain that feeling of the blood rushing in your head. I think for your 900 word essay, I would add a little bit more explanation with both of the examples to better prove your point. Also, since this is a more argumentative thesis, I would add another example to back up your thought. This is a strong point, so I'm sure you wont have a problem backing it up!
last thing, with your quotes, instead of just quoting them right off the bat, maybe have an introduction such as "Lott writes..." or something along those lines.
3. The only places I saw summary was after the quotes, but it works because some quotes are really long and its better just to explain where it came from. I don't feel like you are summarizing too much.
4. Your thesis is argumentative because the sound could just be help to visualize the surroundings, but you open it up more and say that it is helping us feel like mood he is feeling. Like I said, just stay on the same track with your thesis.
5. I didn't find any grammatical errors.
6. With your thesis, just cut out the I believe part so it doesn't look like it is just your opinion being used as fact. Be direct about it like you know this is why he does it and these arguments are your proof that you are right.
This is a really strong foundation and a wonderful thesis! Great job!
1. Good clear thesis, sound conveys emotion...
ReplyDelete1b. Yes
2. All application from the text to the thesis applies directly, good job.
3. Well written essay any summary that was there was necessary.
4. Can't think of any
5."In each instance, it may be a completely different mood or feeling from another," A little unclear..This proves how much his use of sound, adds to his writing, and also how much it benefits the reader....Might want to reword this something like,"This proves how much Lott's use of sound is beneficial to the reader and his writing.....The descriptions used in the book, do not make his stories confusing which happens in other books, because what he uses to describe is something we all understand, sound....doesn't flow like the rest of the essay does.........which have may have
6. Yes
7. No
1. Your thesis is clearly stated at the beginning
ReplyDelete1b. you clearly state the author and title
2. you use good information and quotes to support your thesis.
3. You used some summary, but i think it was necessary in order to help get your point across.
4. i think it is argumentative simply because some people could say they don't agree with you.
5. No grammatical errors stuck out.
6. you do use your opinion , but it is backed up by your supporting details.
7. You stick to the topic well and offer support the backs up your thesis.
Good start I'm looking forward to reading your longer post.