Luis 0 Ramirez

I believe Raymond Carver’s concept of “commonplace but precise language” is a great example of how you don’t need complex vocabulary to communicate clearly. Sometimes, the message gets lost because we focus too much on sounding sophisticated with “big words.” A story that reflects this idea well is The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara. She writes from the perspective of her younger self, which makes the language easier to follow. For example, she says, “So we heading down the street and she’s boring us silly about what things cost and what our parents make and how much goes for rent” (Bambara). Even though the writing has a Southern tone, the language stays simple and straightforward. Bambara gets her point across while making it feel like a child is narrating the story. We often try too hard to sound smart by using dictionary-level words, but simple language can be just as powerful.

I believe fairy tales are beneficial for children because they encourage creativity and imagination. Through magical storytelling, young children are able to picture and fantasize about different worlds and characters, helping them develop a vivid imagination. In List A, “The Positive Impacts of Fairy Tales for Children” by Leilani VisikoKnox-Johnson from the University of Hawaii, the author explains that therapists often use fairy tales when working with children. This allows them to observe the child’s emotional responses in a safe, non-threatening way. As VisikoKnox-Johnson puts it, “This provides a great way of accessing children’s imagination by exploring memories of fairy tales and using them to address painful or unsettling issues in a nonthreatening, playful manner.” Another source, Why Fairytales Matter, discusses how author L. Frank Baum used fairy tales not just to expose false magic, but to highlight “the magic of language, the power to with words.” I found this idea especially powerful because it shows how imagination and storytelling shape the way we express ourselves and understand the world. Together, these sources show that fairy tales not only spark creativity but also help children process emotions and develop their own unique way of thinking.

In my opinion I think offensive language in literature should remain unchanged because it provides an honest reflection of the time period, capturing the historical realities, social norms, and ideologies that were present. Although such language can be deeply uncomfortable to read, it plays a vital role in portraying how people communicated and thought during that era. It can also help modern readers recognize that, unfortunately, some of those beliefs still exist today.By censoring this type of language, we risk dulling the story’s emotional and historical impact, and we lose valuable insight into the characters their values, attitudes, and behaviors. However, I also believe that authors need to be thoughtful about how and when they use such language. Context matters. There’s a difference between using offensive words to reflect historical truth or character development and using them in ways that feel unnecessary or offensive without purpose. Authors should ensure that their use of language is meaningful and not simply provocative or disrespectful.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve noticed an improvement in my ability to read and interpret poetry. Although poetry still poses challenges, I’ve found that taking time to reflect helps me uncover deeper meanings. This skill is particularly useful when reading plays like Oedipus the King, as both poetry and drama often communicate through hidden messages that require thoughtful analysis. One poem we’ve studied, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, parallels the themes found in Oedipus the King. In Frost’s poem, the speaker pauses in the quiet beauty of the woods but ultimately acknowledges he has responsibilities that compel him onward. Similarly, Oedipus is on a relentless journey, driven forward despite his desire to pause or escape. Both Frost’s speaker and Oedipus grapple with the tension between personal desires and obligations, illustrating how fate and duty profoundly influence human lives. Oedipus the King is Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” In Frost’s poem, the narrator feels drawn to the peaceful solitude of the dark woods yet ultimately decides to continue onward. This parallels Oedipus’ journey, as he too encounters the temptation of staying in ignorance remaining metaphorically in the dark—but instead pushes forward to uncover the painful truth of his past, despite knowing it may destroy him.

My essay was a valuable learning experience, and I gained important insights into writing. I discovered numerous ways to enhance my work, including the importance of closely following instructions and staying focused on the main topic. One key takeaway was the necessity of being specific and incorporating quotations correctly. I also realized how crucial vocabulary and grammar are, especially when transitioning between ideas to maintain clarity and flow. Based on the feedback I received, I’ve realized several areas where I can improve my writing. One major issue was my introduction—it did not properly introduce the title and author of the story and article, which is essential for clarity. Additionally, I need to ensure that I fully understand and respond to the assignment prompt. Instead of addressing the task correctly, I misrepresented the argument of the Rader article, which shows that I need to analyze sources more carefully before writing about them. Another key area for improvement is clarity and specificity in my language. My feedback contained vague statements that did not clearly explain my points. Moving forward, I will be more precise by identifying specific background information and evidence rather than making broad, unclear statements. Formatting is another aspect I need to work on. I overlooked discussing the student’s formatting and also need to review MLA style for my own work. This will help ensure my citations and overall structure meet academic standards. while my essay had some strengths, I recognize that I need to refine my thesis, improve my clarity, and pay closer attention to both content and formatting. I will use this feedback to strengthen my future writing and produce more polished, well-structured essays. I put in my best effort, but I also acknowledge that there is always room for improvement. Moving forward, I will apply what I […]

The prewriting assignment in Week 1, Activity 10 requires us to write a thesis-driven essay, meaning the entire essay must be structured around a central claim that is supported with evidence and analysis. This assignment focuses on Dean Rader’s “Overview of ‘The Most Handsomest Drowned Man’” and one of the ideas he presents about Gabriel García Márquez’s short story, “The Most Handsome Drowned Man in the World.” Our task is to engage with Rader’s interpretation, critically analyze his perspective, and develop our own argument in response. The prewriting project allows us to organize our thoughts, construct a solid argument, and receive feedback before producing a final piece. By going through this process, we may revise our argument, increase our supporting evidence, and improve the overall clarity of our writing. Prewriting also allows us to uncover flaws, such as unclear reasoning or structural faults, that we might not have spotted on our own. This process enables us to rewrite and create a more polished and powerful essay. It also motivates us to arrange and structure our ideas more efficiently, resulting in a well-organized and persuasive final document. Finally, prewriting helps us become more confident and competent writers by allowing us to revise and improve our work through feedback.