Two Words- Reader Response Theory

"Two Words" by Isabel Allende can be evaluated through reader response theory. This story creates a lot of suspence by not tellnig the audience what the "Two Words" are. The reader assumes that they will be revealed at the end of the story, and reads on looking for the author to tell them what they are. The author not telling the reader what the words are is an important aspect of reader response theory. As the theory states, the readers opinion and thoughts are an important part of the story. It is up to the reader to determine for themselves what the ending will be. I think this is particularily effective here, because I am not sure that there would have been two words that would have fully satisfied the audience. These are supposed to be magical words, and keeping them a secret allows them to keep there magic qualities. This story has left me pondering it for a lot longer then if the author had simply handed me the answer. One of the great things about reader response, is that everyone has their own theory and can get something different from the story. I had never thought that the two words could have been the characters name until it was suggested. The idea makes sense though, and I think it is a good option. The reader has the ability to create their own part in the story, and I think this creative control might lead to more people enjoying the story. I wonder if the author herself had the answer. I would love to know what she thinks. Maybe the two words were her characters name, and the author felt it was obvious or maybe she was simply leaving it up to the reader to decide. I enjoyed this story, and the mystery it created.

The Shining Houses- Marxist Literary Criticism

"The Shining Houses" by Alice Munro has many elements of Marxist Literary Criticism. The whole idea of class is very evident. The majority of the characters are from the same middle class. They have similar ideals, and opinions, and are so eager to conform that almost everything about their lives are the same. Difference, any kind at all, is not accepted. There neighbourhood is a good example of their need to conform. Every house looks the same, everything is kept well and neat. All the men work on weekends to make their landscaping look nice. The neighbourhood has a large sense of community, and yet this community only includes those who share their ideas. Any one who is an outsider, such as Mrs. Fullerton, is not included. This is a neighbourhood made up of, with the exception of Mrs. Fullerton, one socio-economic class. They are very concerned with what people think of them and how society will view them. They all hope to one day be even further up in class, and when that day comes, I doubt they will have anything to do with their old neighbours. Mrs. Fullerton is certainely an outsider. I'm not sure it bothers her though. She seems lonely, but somewhat content. Well the community came up with several reasons why it is in their best interests to get her house knocked over, I don't think the house is their real problem. Mrs. Fullerton is not one to immediately conform, and I think the community would really like to get rid of her, not just the house. Mary, by the end of the story has managed to isolate herself from any type of group. She is not concidered to be in the same group as Mrs. Fuller, but she is also seen as different from the rest of the community. Her differing oppinion forces the group to make fun of her, so taht their own wisdom is not jeprodized. No idea opposing the ideals of the society is okay, or even to be considered. The community is almost being persuaded by mob mantality. They all egg each other on and justify it because, everyone else agrees, so it must be right. I think Mary is the real victim. She didn't stand up strong enough to make any kind of change. She didn't present her idea as a good one, but very passively agressively with no real thought. She almost seemed passive. I would also suggest that the community is a victim. They are so consumed with the ideals they think are their own that they have stopped even thinking for themselves. I feel the author present s Mrs. Fuller as the victim, as she portrayes her as being an inicent women, who has bad things happen to her.

Ode to a Nightingale

Why?
Keats had a very troubled life. His whole family was very sick, and he spent his short life looking after them. Keats would have been looking to find something beautiful in his life. I think Keats used his poetry to paint images that were beautiful to him. These images were simple, everyday things, that he managed to make extraordinary. I am amazed that someone who had very little to be thankful for, could write such a beautiful, expressive poem.

How?
Keats has clearly had a lot of experience with death. This comes across in his writing when he says things such as, "I have been half in love with easefull Death," and "Thou wast not born for death, immortal Bird!" Keats uses several poetic devices such as alliteration, "self-same song" and allusion, alluding to Ruth. These devices add colour to a poem that might otherwise be consumed in darkness. Keats describes the pain of death by writing "To cease upon the midnight with no pain.". The "pain" that Keats is referring to is perhaps not meant to describe death it's self but the pain leading up to it. Death, Keats is saying would be a welcome to the pain of sickness and the pain of ones family when their loved ones are sick. In the two stanzas that I chose Keats seems to almost be giving up, he is at least considering it. If we look at the pattern of the "journey" he has almost finished what he wants to get across to the reader and is preparing to finish his story and tell the reader his conclusions. Keats is a genious at portraying exactly what he feels to the reader.

Persuasion Parapraph

Food irradiation has several positive applications. Firstly, irradiation of food can be used to kill harmful organisms and bacteria on the food. By interfering in the organic process, irradiation can prevent food decay. This process breaks down bacteria, yeasts, and moulds and kills insects as well as their eggs and larvae. Irradiation can be preferred to other chemical treatments because there is no residue left on the food. Food irradiation can be an important tool in keeping our food clean and safe to eat. Secondly, food irradiation can help to extend the shelf life of several foods. The use of irradiation to extend shelf life is comparatively much less expensive then other chemical methods. The use of irradiation will also retain more of the foods texture, flavour and nutrient value then alternative methods. In conclusion the irradiation of food has many positive uses both with killing harmful bacteria on food and by helping to safety expand the shelf life.

Argument Paragraph

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Nadya Suleman’s doctor should not have allowed her to have six embryos implanted through invitro. Firstly, Nadya already had six kids under the age of seven. Three of these children have disabilities. I can not imagine how Nadya felt she had enough time for all her children then! She is a single parent and could not afford outside help. Fertility doctors exist to help people who desperately want a child. Nadya was lucky. She had six kids; she didn’t need more, certainly not at that time. Secondly, there was no reason for six embryos to be implanted. Guidelines recommend implanting no more than two into women under 35, such as Nadya. Nadya’s doctor knew her success with her past pregnancies, and should not have been concerned that the procedure would not work. The doctor was also aware that Nadya was against selective reduction, should it be an issue. Thirdly, the mother of 14 is currently unemployed. She has not been working for sometime and is living with her children at her parent’s house. Her mother declared bankruptcy last year. The family receives food stamps each month. Clearly, this is not a family who could have afforded even one more child.

Cause and Effect Paragraph

There are many reasons why people imigrate to Canada. Firstly, lots of people come to Canada to escape religious prosecution. Canadian's recieve the luxury of practising what ever religion they want, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. This would be a welcome gift for sure to those who have their life threatened because of their religion back home. Secondly, people may come to Canada so that their children can receive a proper education. Free, quality public schools is a luxury that not all countries have. Children who go to school will also learn english, which many people feel is vital for success in the world today. Immigrants can come to Canada and be sure that their children recieve a great education so that they can grow up to do whatever they want. Thirdly, people may wish to come to Canada to live near family. Families may want to live closer to their relatives who live in Canada. Often, when people visit Canada they are amazed by its beauty, and people may be persuaded by those who they know that live here that Canada is a great place to live. There are many reasons why people chose to move to Canada.