For my close reading, I read a piece entitled "Burt Reynolds Lives Like a Princess", by Lancio at The Onion. For those unfamiliar with The Onion, the paper is filled with satirical articles about entertainment, news, politics, etc. In this article, Lancio describes his experience of visiting Reynold's "ocean front mansion". By using an extended metaphor and effective imagery, Lancio succeeds in his purpose of the piece: to make the reader laugh.
Lancio begins with a simile right there in the title before the reader even begins the article. The figurative language in the article is carried throughout, creating the extended metaphor of Reynolds to a princes. He wraps up the conclusion with an allusion to the well known story "The Princess and the Pea". The figurative language is not only unexpected which creates more humor, but is exaggerated to the point of absurdity. For instance when Reynods allows Lancio "to kiss his hand before he sinks into slumber".
Consistent choice of effective diction creates phrases that flow well together and a great voice for the author. Lancio uses phrases like "bejeweled hand", "blooming roses", and "a cool garden breeze that caress my skin". This choice of diction creates a very elegant, almost pompous tone, which is very funny for the reader considering the circumstances.
Through Lancio's imagery, the reader is taken on a tour of Reynold's mansion right alongside him. We "sit in the shade of a spreading magnolia", and "sip peppermint tea, [as the] cool garden breezes caress [our] skin." This use of imagery appeals to the reader's senses and enhances the reading experience.
The literary techniques used in the article all contribute to Lancio's intended reaction of his audience. He effectively applies these techniques to bring out the humor and entertain the reader.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/burt-reynolds-lives-like-a-princess,11035/?ref=auto
You did a good job explaining how Lancio succeeds his purpose, I thought this was your strongest point. When you were discussing the literary techniques he uses throughout his piece I think you could have been more specific. When I was reading the end of your blog post I felt like something was missing from those last paragraphs. I can't exactly pin it, but it seems incomplete.
ReplyDeleteYou did a pretty good job of getting your point across about each technique that is being used in the article. However I think that in the last paragraphs the thing that is missing is that you are just stating what is there and not elaborating on the details. I think you need more detail about how it makes the reader feel and what it conveys to the reader. I think you do a really good job of this in the third paragraph where you say "creates a very elegant, almost pompous tone, which is very funny for the reader considering the circumstances." I think this relates back to the reader very well. Overall it was a really good essay that explains the purpose of the author I just think you need some more opinions. Good Job Roz :)
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job showing the effect of each literary technique present and applied DIDLS effectively but didn't exactly relate anything to the meaning of this piece of literature as a whole. I was left somewhat confused as to what the article you read was about. I agree that the figurative language you described is very comical and the formlessness made the article sound like it may have been mocking something. You said that "This choice of diction creates a very elegant, almost pompous tone, which is very funny for the reader considering the circumstances." You didn't say what the circumstances were so it left me very confused as to what was funny. Perhaps you could have shared your thoughts on this a little further as the reader of your essay has most likely never read this article. In general however you did a good job analyzing the article.
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