On Seeing England For the First Time (revised)

In “On Seeing England For the First Time” (1991) Jamaica Kincaid portrays the Carribean cultures becoming brainwashed by the English empire in not only their (the Carribean’s) education system, but also in news articles, and fashions set. The British trends, values, and habits overbear the Caribbean’s own unique culture- devaluing their rituals to make room for the British’s. By using her father’s hat as a symbol, Kincaid argues that it is outrageous to follow Britain’s example. Her father wears a felt hat that is not at all sensible for the climate or culture that they live in, but he will wear it and buy a new one when it falls apart because that is what he and his colleagues have been taught to do. Kincaid urges her fellow neighbors from all over Antigua and the rest of the Caribbean Islands to form their own way of life and not follow mindlessly in the footsteps of Britain. They should be proud of and follow their own culture, rituals, and trends.

On Seeing England For the First Time

In “On Seeing England For the First Time” (1991) Jamaica Kinclaid portrays the Carribean cultures becoming brainwashed by the English empire in their (the Carribean’s) education system. This devalues the people of the Caribbean because they are taught the British way of life instead of their own unique culture. Jamaica Kinclaid argues that it is ridiculous to follow Britain’s example by using her father’s hat as a symbol. Although the hat, like many British traditions, is not situated for the climate and culture of the Caribbean’s her Father will wear it and by a new one when it falls apart because that is what he and his colleagues have been taught to do. Kinclaid urges her fellow neighbors from all over Antigua to form their own way of life and not follow mindlessly in the footsteps of Britain, which is thousands of miles away, and should not be dictating their every decision.

Outline of chapter one The Language of Composition

An Introduction to Rhetoric Using the “Available Means”

·      “Rhetoric is a thoughtful reflective activity leading to effective communication”

Key elements of Rhetoric

·    Always has an occasion (context) and a purpose (goal)

·    Some purposes are: win agreement, persuade, evoke sympathy, cause laughter, inform, provoke, celebrate… etc…

·    Although rhetoric is often used with deception it can also serve as sincerity

·    It (your writing) should have a clear and focused statement

The Rhetorical Triangle

·      Writers first choose a subject

·      Then study it and evaluate what you know about said subject, what other’s know, and what evidence you will need to develop your position

·      Pick your persona and stick to it.

·      Your persona depends on the context, purpose, subject, and audience.

·      Before you speak think about your audience: how they will react, what they know about the subject, how do they feel about the subject, and how will you convince them to listen to you

Appeal to Ethos, Logos, and Pathos

·      Ethos-Ethical appeal- the credibility of the speaker “often emphasize shared values between the speaker and audience” . This gives the audience a reason to listen.

·      Logos-Logical appeal - the reasoning or logic in the speaker’s argument. Having a clear main idea helps a lot. Acknowledging a counterargument and refuting it strengthens your Logos.

·      Pathos- Emotional appeal- Emotion of the speech (not necessarily the speaker’s) don’t use to much emotion, or else it turns into propaganda.

Visual Rhetoric

·      Visual rhetoric (such as political cartoons) is often satirical or sarcastic and critical

·      Sometimes they don’t use sarcasm or criticism

·      Visual Rhetoric uses Ethos, Logos, and Pathos as well.

An Example of Rhetoric from Literature

·      Rhetoric is not limited to nonfiction.

Arrangement

·      When you write, consider how the essay and its individual paragraphs are arranged.

·      How the writing is structured depends upon the writers intended purpose and effect.

The Classical Model

·      The Introduction – piques the interest of the reader, Ethos is established

·      The Narration – factual information and background material on subject pathos is brought into play

·      The Confirmation – development of the proof needed This bolts the essay together. Appeal to Logos

·      The Refutation- addresses the counterargument. Continuation of Logos.

·      The Conclusion – wraps the text up. Ethos  and pathos are used. Your last words are those most likely to be remembered.

·       

Patterns of Development

Narration

·      Writers often use narration to start in on their topics. It provides a hook for the audience.

Description

·      Emphasizes the senses. It paints a vivid picture. It is used to establish mood.

Process Analysis

·      This explains how something works. It is clear, simple, and precise.

Exemplification

·      Provides examples. This turns a general idea into a concrete one.

Comparison and Contrast

·      We have been doing this since second grade.

·      Juxtaposing two subjects to define their similarities and differences

Classification and Division

·      It is important to be able to classify and sort material

·      This way you can group documents together and explain why

·      You place the essays into your own personal categories (ie political,  vs. religious)

Definition

·      Used to clarify a term

·      It is often one of the first steps in the debate process

·      Sometimes writers will use an excerpt to define something, or their entire essay

Cause and Effect

·      Cause and effect uses Logos (or crystal clear logic)

·      It is often a result of the question: why?

The Ugly Truth About Beauty by Dave Barry

In the beginning of the sixth paragraph Dave Barry’s “ The Ugly Truth About Beauty” the thesis of the entire essay is one simple quote. “Why do women have such a low self-esteem” Dave believes that women spend long time primping and prepping themselves because of their low self esteem.

Personally I believe that most women in general have a lower self esteem than men, but not as exaggerated as Barry makes it out to be. Women will wear makeup and put effort into their looks so that they can feel good, but also so that they will be taken seriously in a world that used to be predominantly male controlled.