Midterm Exam - English 241 – Dr. McCrimmon – Fall 2015 ✓ Solved

Midterm Exam -- English 241 – Dr. McCrimmon – Fall 2015

Part One: Close Reading (60 pts.) You are being asked to perform a “close reading” of each passage below. First, take notes on each passage by carefully applying the following five analytical moves:

• suspend judgment (understand before you judge);
• define significant parts and how they’re related;
• look for patterns of repetition and contrast and anomaly;
• make the implicit explicit (convert to direct statement meanings that are suggested indirectly);
• keep reformulating questions and explanations.

Then consider another set of questions as you continue to study and write about each passage closely:

• The question of evidence, or "How do we know what we know?"
• The question of viewpoint in all its multiplicity, or "Who's speaking?"
• The search for connection and patterns, or "What causes what?"
• Supposition, or "How might things have been different?"
• Why any of it matters, or "Who cares?"

Return to the Reader’s Toolkit on the wiki for any other techniques that seem appropriate to the task of close reading.

After you have thoroughly annotated these passages to your satisfaction, convert your notes into a response that addresses both form (style, structure, genre, voice, attitude toward audience and subject, etc.) and content (what's actually being said; how the substance of the passage relates and fits into the text as a whole; also how the content of the passage and text fits into the larger historical and cultural context).

Your response will be assessed based on the extent to which you are able to sustain an interesting analysis of these passages in your own voice.

Each of the six close readings is worth 10 points, and the Part Two essay question is worth 40 points.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the realm of literature and communication, the ability to perform close readings of texts plays a crucial role in analyzing how writers convey their ideas and arguments. This paper will delve into close readings of the six provided passages by John Smith, Anne Bradstreet, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Judith Sargent Murray, and Angelina Grimke, applying the outlined analytical moves and questions to unearth deeper meanings and connections in their writings. Each of these works reflects significant historical and cultural contexts and remains relevant today, offering insights into persuasion, argumentation, and expression.

Close Reading: John Smith, “Description of New England”

John Smith's passage highlights the interplay between personal ambition and the broader implications for society. By asserting that those with "small means" can still contribute to society by "planting and building" for future generations, Smith emphasizes the notion of virtue and honor through industriousness. The analytical moves reveal the significant relationship between the concepts of merit and socio-economic position, as Smith suggests that one's virtues can lead to greater societal good, reflecting the values of his time. The repetitive use of the word “honor” underlines the importance of reputation and legacy, while contrasting the nobility of intention with the harsh realities of colonialism and exploitation. In applying questions of evidence and viewpoint, one could ask how Smith’s experiences shaped his views on colonization and its purported benefits.

Close Reading: Anne Bradstreet, “To Her Father with Some Verses”

Anne Bradstreet’s poem serves as a tribute to her father, exploring themes of familial obligation, debt, and the nature of artistic expression. The close reading moves reveal her humility and the struggle of creative expression within the constraints of gender. By admitting her “stock’s so small,” Bradstreet claims her small talent but simultaneously elevates the importance of heartfelt gratitude over material gifts. The contrast between her perceived poetic value and her father's status underscores the gender dynamics in the appreciation of art. Analyzing the implicit meanings leads followers to recognize the societal limitations placed upon women, as well as the emotional resonance of her work. The reflection on personal relationships and the implications of gender roles in literary authorship serves as an insight into 17th-century cultural contexts.

Close Reading: Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, Part II

In this passage, Franklin’s exploration of humility reveals a self-reflective approach to personal development. The close reading moves allow for a deeper understanding of how his values shifted over time. His decision to include “Humility” in his list of virtues marks a significant shift in perception towards pride and its manifestations. Through a series of rhetorical strategies, Franklin showcases the importance of personal growth and open-mindedness. The use of contrasting perspectives illustrates the dynamic nature of conversation, enhancing the sense of community through mutual respect. Franklin’s analysis reflects a commitment to self-improvement and contributes to the ongoing dialogue about ethics and personal responsibility inherent in Enlightenment thought.

Close Reading: Thomas Paine, “Common Sense”

Paine’s “Common Sense” ignites a clarion call for independence rooted in rational argumentation. The rhetorical strategies employed underline the necessity for change, challenging established norms with logical appeals. Through the metaphor of a child’s growth, Paine effectively dismantles the idea of historical precedent as a justification for continued allegiance to Britain, reinforcing his points with stark imagery. By considering the question of “Who cares?” one can understand the urgency and relevance of Paine’s arguments in his historical context, driving home the necessity for self-determination. The clarity and persuasive nature of his writing demonstrate effective rhetoric techniques that remain exemplary for modern arguments against tyranny.

Close Reading: Judith Sargent Murray, “On the Equality of the Sexes”

Murray’s work presents a powerful examination of gender inequality and its roots in societal conditioning. By questioning the reasoning behind supposed male superiority, she exposes how education and upbringing dictate perceived capacities of men and women alike. Analyzing her text reveals patterns of contrasting education that foster disparity, suggesting that the flaws in judgment stem from external limitations rather than inherent differences. Her passionate plea for equality revitalizes contemporary discussions on gender roles, making her arguments tragically relevant. The careful study of her rhetorical appeals exhibits a compelling blend of ethos and pathos that challenges societal norms and invites readers to reconsider long-held beliefs.

Close Reading: Angelina Grimke, “Appeal to Christian Women of the South”

Grimke’s appeal embodies a heartfelt call to action that intertwines moral obligation with social justice. Seeking to engage her audience on both spiritual and ethical grounds, she employs an empathetic tone that nurtures connection and galvanizes support. The analytical moves illustrate how her reference to shared faith fosters a sense of unity among women, even amidst ideological divisions. By addressing the distinctions of her audience’s experiences and encouraging introspection, Grimke successfully invokes an emotional response to the plight of enslaved individuals. Her ability to weave ethos and pathos together culminates in a profound argument for compassion and action, making her rhetoric an essential study in persuasive writing.

Conclusion

Throughout these close readings, it becomes evident that each author employs distinctive rhetorical techniques and stylistic choices to engage their readers effectively. By analyzing these passages, one not only uncovers the inherent complexities of each text but also gains insight into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped them. The lessons drawn from these analyses illuminate best practices in argumentation, underscoring the timeless relevance of persuasion. As readers and writers, honing these skills equips us to foster meaningful dialogues in contemporary society.

References

• Bradstreet, Anne. "To Her Father with Some Verses." In The Works of Anne Bradstreet.
• Franklin, Benjamin. "Autobiography." In The Works of Benjamin Franklin.
• Murray, Judith Sargent. "On the Equality of the Sexes." In The Selected Essays of Judith Sargent Murray.
• Grimke, Angelina. "Appeal to Christian Women of the South." In The Anti-Slavery Papers of Angelina Grimke.
• Paine, Thomas. "Common Sense."
• Smith, John. "Description of New England." In Works of John Smith.
• Rosenwasser, David, and Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically.
• Meier, Debbie. "Habits of Mind." Educational Leadership.
• Aristotle. Rhetoric. Translated by W. Rhys Roberts.
• Hook, Sidney. "Persuasion and Argument." Journal of Philosophy.