My Writing

I think that as of right now my research paper is my strongest. I feel like I wanted to write the research paper more than any of the others because it was about something that interested me. My sources were also a lot stronger than I think any of the ones in my previous papers were.

My worst paper thus far has got to be my personal analysis essay. I had absolutely no clue what to write about. My life is not interesting at all. I feel like I ended up wasting a lot of words bashing on rap music instead of talking about my own life. That's what I want to fix. I want the paper to focus more about me and less about the music.

McCandless Alive Again?

If Chris had walked out of the woods instead of passing away I feel that his life would have been a lot different than it was before he left on his adventure. Before he passed he wrote some things in his diary that leads us to believe he needed strong relationships and bonds in his life to be able to live it to the fullest. I feel that he would have visited the people that he met on his way such as his boss in North Dakota before he did anything else. Once he has satisfied the need to reconnect with his acquaintances I think he would have went home and tried to salvage relationships with his parents. I think he would tell them that he realized how distant he had been and that he was sorry and that he wanted to be more of the family type son. Then I think he would have went back to school or got a job where he felt safe and comfortable, nothing too overwhelming.

McCandless: hero or fool?

The fact that McCandless didnt carry a map only reinforces the notion that he was a fool. Maps are not "modern equipment" and have been around to help sailors and explorers for a long time. I will admit he had some qualities that some of us should look up to. His love for nature and acceptance of most people are traits too few have. But he was a fool for venturing into the woods the way he did. There is a big difference between challenging yourslef and being prepared. Krakauer's own story proves that even though one is prepared for a journey it can still be challenging. Although his death is tragic it is no ones fault other than his own. McCandless should have prepared himself for the difficulties he was to face. A man as smart as him should have known what his end would be.

Description

The purpose of The Dark Art of Description is to help readers understand how easy it is to describe things. Often times as writers we stress too much over word choice and how to describe something particular in our writing. It becomes a process that we dread. Did I use the right word? Does this sound right? Question after question ringing in the back of our minds. Hampl makes it clear that we as writers need to relax and let the writing come out of us instead of forcing it out. Word choice is less of a choice and more of a feeling, so let it flow.

The last few paragraphs are there so that she can show the reader how easy "the dark art of description" can be. There are no big fancy words or superflous explanations. Just simple yet eloquent descriptions. It is her way of easing the reader into the idea that it isn't as hard as it seems. Just go with the flow and write what you know.

Bring It On

I think that the use of the chapters about Walt and himself were effective in supporting Krakauer's argument that Chris was not just some crazy kid who wandered into the Alaskan wilderness. These chapters show why Chris separated himself from people and that he is not the only one to put his life in severe danger at a young age. In this sense it was effective.

These chapters however did not change my opinion that Chris should not have lived the life that he did. OK, his father was a messed up guy but that does not give Chris the right to avoid all people. And as for Krakauer, I don't care what he did. He knew what he was getting himself into. Although he did go alone which wasn't smart, but it does not effect how I see Chris.

Rhetorical Media

Personally I find that a video is the most effective way to present an aspect of rhetoric. I find that it is effective because you have so many different mediums to use to your advantage. In a video you have body language, music, words, writing, pictures, and setting all to help you convey rhetoric. By choosing other ways one limits themselves to only a few of these.

I would not choose another way to present my rhetoric. Not only do I feel it is the best way to get my message across, i also had a lot of fun doing the project. There are some pretty funny outtakes on my computer. Doing something creative and different is always fun.

Private Malone

The song I chose is "Riding with Private Malone" by David Ball. This song is important to me, although it is not by my favorite artist, because it reminds me how lucky I am to have my grandpa in my life. The lyrics that hit closest to home read "He said,"My name is Private Andrew Malone"
"If you're reading this,then I didn't make it home." These lyrics are important because when my grandpa was in the NAVY his ship was blown up by a torpedo. I am very thankful that he did not die because I would not be here if it were not for him. Not only that but my "Papa Larry" is my role model. He is the greatest man in my life. When I grow up if I become half the man he is today I will feel good about myself. He is getting old now but I cherish every moment I have with him. Every time I hear this song I think of him and all the times he has been there for me. Thank God he came home, unlike Private Malone...