We began the year by discussing various perspectives that are used to analyze a text. We learned to use the acronym DIDLS to remember the elements of diction, imagery, details, language (figurative), and syntax. In previous years, my English teachers didn't discuss these things in depth, so I enjoyed that we talked about each part in detail. For example, we discussed some aspects of diction, such as elevation, colloquialism, informality, abstract or concreteness, connotation and denotation, and repetition. Understanding that the term "diction" can involve all of these has helped me to comprehend literature on a different level.
After diction, we brushed over a few of the other items and then delved into syntax. Like with diction, none of my other teachers really explained what syntax is and how it affects a piece. Reading and working through the adapted passage from "Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style" by Virginia Tufte was enormously helpful because not only did it explain certain types of sentence structure and how they influence a piece, it gave examples in context. Simply reading about syntax can be dry and hard to understand, but the format of Tufte's description makes it easier to follow.
I found the form follows function method in syntax especially interesting. I never realized how much the placement of words and punctuation can influence the pace and emotion of a sentence. Although the use of varying syntax made the passage a little clunky, the story that Virginia Tufte chose did a great job of illustrating how to utilize syntax.
This past week, we started (and finished) reading the single act play, The American Dream. We were also to read and annotate "Theatre of the Absurd" by Jerome P. Crabb and "Existentialism 101" in order to understand better the context of the play. I really enjoyed the article about existentialism because when I was in American Lit, I wanted to know more about that movement. The two passages we read definitely provided a small look into what The American Dream is about, but after the first read I'm still pretty lost. I'm looking forward to discussing the play in class in order to gain a different perspective on it.
Hi Alex, I agreed with your statement that this was the first English class where I've actually fully gotten lectured on DIDLS, which is very helpful because I too liked the amount of detail that there was in the lessons about diction, same with syntax. What did you think about the absurdism in The American Dream? I liked your views on existentialism, and I'm intrigued by the movement too. Did you ever gain a different perspective about the play after you wrote this post like you said you had wanted to? I'm glad you enjoyed the articles though since I did too. Great job on the post! (Also, you should disable the captcha, I don't feel like proving I'm a human over and over)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input, Zeke! I thought I disabled captcha before, but I guess I didn't save the settings. Thanks for giving me a heads up!
ReplyDeleteYo, nice post.
ReplyDeleteSo I pretty much agree with most of the DIDLS stuff but in my experience, I got some practice with diction and imagery before I got to this class, so it wasn't that revolutionary for me. The syntax stuff was pretty helpful though so I get what you are saying there. We don't really talk about it in any other classes besides for like "put a semicolon here and a comma there" purposes.
I think our whole class is with you in the whole "I'm lost" feeling when it comes to The American Dream. I don't really get it very much, but like you said, maybe we can get somewhere in class?
Its interesting what you said about Existentialism in other classes because in my Brit Lit class we actually went over it, so I guess our different experiences with that affects how we look at the play on a first read.
Would you say you are interested in existentialism because it appeals to you or just because you want to know more?
Hey Alex,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of what you have posted. I really found DIDLS to be an incredible tool as well, and I can't wait to see what AP Lit hands us next! I like how Holmes gave us a good run through of DIDLS and the practice she handed us, I feel like that really helped drive it home for me.
The American Dream took some time for me to get used to, but I do enjoy it now as well as the absurdist play type. I did get your feedback, and I do appreciate it and I will reread the packets Holmes gave us because I am clearly misunderstanding something. Do you still feel as lost after our days of discussion in the class? I'm still somewhat shocked by that small tidbit Holmes gave us a few days ago, and I think it will be very interesting to reread the play with that information in mind.