Closed Reading: "Messages Hidden in Notes"

"Messages Hidden in Notes"

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/10/arts/music/new-york-philharmonic-at-avery-fisher-hall-review.html?_r=1&ref=music

Music is diverse and can be thought of in both positive and negative ways. This article, written by James R. Oestreich, showcases the positive view of a performance by the New York Philharmonic. By using diction, details, and syntax, Oestreich helps readers to envision exactly what he is saying.

Oestreich’s use of strong diction gives the article a positive view of the New York Philharmonic. By using words such as “prominence”, “bright”, and “brilliant”, Oestreich makes readers feel that the New York Philharmonic is the best orchestra he has ever heard, and that the readers should feel this way as well. He also uses words such as “passion” and “commitment” to help support his beliefs.

By giving details about the actual performance, Oestreich is able to make readers feel that they too were at the performance, and that it was just as amazing as he makes it out to be, such as when Oestreich tells readers background details about the music that the New York Philharmonic played, similar to what a concert program does. By giving details about the performance itself, such as performance order or technicalities of the pieces, he rounds up his writing to make readers feel like they attended the amazing performance.

Similarly, Oestreich uses syntax to relate to a wide range of readers, making more readers feel similar to how he felt viewing this concert. The use of short simple sentences for the most part lets readers understand his point, but the insertion of the occasional complex sentence keeps the article at a more sophisticated level. Also, the use the names of the pieces helps Oestreich to sound more knowledgeable about the topic, and it also helps readers to understand what he is saying.

Through the use of diction, details, and syntax, Oestreich manages to create an interesting yet accessible article that creates a positive feel for the music of the New York Philharmonic.

Annotating can be...

Annotations really are the most important part of reading a book for AP Lit, aren’t they? During the past few days, we have been annotating Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko. Now, I can’t say I loved this book, but I can’t say I hated it either. There were parts of it that were a bit boring or disgusting, such as when Tayo constantly vomits. However, there were parts of the book that are extremely intriguing, such as all of the symbolism throughout the book (Colors, directions, etc). Although we didn’t get as much done as we liked (hence moving back the due date of the final annotations for Ceremony), we definitely had great discussions about it, and I quite enjoyed our class time! Just like discussing any other work of literature, it was very interesting to see other points of view about something that can be very opinionated.

Open Prompt 6

1984. Select a line or so of poetry, or a moment or scene in a novel, epic poem, or play that you find especially memorable. Write an essay in which you identify the line or the passage, explain its relationship to the work in which it is found, and analyze the reasons for its effectiveness.

Many times, certain scenes from a play can be very memorable. Take the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, for example. This scene can be described as both romantic and enjoyable, but more than that, it effectively creates a setup for the heartbreak later on in the play.

The balcony scene (Act II, Scene 2) of Romeo and Juliet is one that many remember for being a memorable moment in the play. Romantic and spontaneous, Romeo and Juliet confess their love for each other in a way that can only be copied by generations to come. However, the balcony scene later becomes remembered as one of the only romantic scenes before the tragic death of both title characters, and looking back at this scene makes readers wish that Romeo and Juliet could stay like that- forever.

This scene effectively makes readers feel remorse near the end of the plotline by using vivid and detailed language. The poetic feel, and even the metaphors used help to create the romantic setting and feel-good vibe, such as when Romeo says “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? / It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!” (Act II, Scene 2) , or when Juliet says “O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? / Deny thy father and refuse thy name; / Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, / And I'll no longer be a Capulet.” (Act II, Scene 2). With the powerful language used in this passage, readers can feel a strong emotional connection to the characters, so when tragedy strikes, the thought of the balcony scene can effectively bring tears to emotional readers.

Through strong and effective use of language, the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is not only remembered especially for the romantic and heartwarming vibe, but also for the tragic overtone to the play.