Analyzing Argument and Rhetorical Analysis Annotation Day

First half of class...With a partner...(25 minutes) The beginning of chapter 10 has a debate between Dimmesdale and Chillingsworth.  

1)Summarize the argument of each in a paragraph containing two short embedded quotes.

2)Below your summary of each argument write one quote longer quote which you think contains the strongest part of their respective arguments. 

3)Finally, who, in your opinion, creates the stronger argument? Explain why.

Second half of class...

From Dodson AP page (with minor edits by Mr. Wesley)

Style involves the author’s choice and arrangement of words in sentences (diction and syntax), the use of sensory and/or figurative language, the tone, and the mood.  Look for such things as the length and complexity of the sentences; the use of words that are obscure, and occasionally, archaic; his allusions; the balanced, often parallel syntax; the occasional metaphors; the excessive—by modern standards—punctuation; and the tone of friendly formality.

As you read, think of adjectives that describe Hawthorne’s style.  Think “outside the bubble”, too: How was this style created, and what is its effect on the reader?

The Scarlet Letter is considered to be the world’s first truly symbolic novel.  Below are some examples of symbols to watch for that carry through and change throughout the novel, though I’ll leave their interpretations up to you:

• The scarlet letter itself/ the letter A
• The names of Pearl, Dimmesdale, Chillingworth
• The forest
• The scaffold
• The prison
• Sunlight
• The absence and presence of light
• Colors and absence of color
• The rose

Rhetorical Devices to achieve purpose

Watch for the following as you read.  When you find prominent examples of each, actively consider why he used it and how he used it.  What is his purpose, and how does using rhetorical devices help him convey his purpose to the reader?

• Contrasts/juxtaposition (ie. Good/evil, dark/light, forest/town, color/absence of color, supernatural/ reality, etc.)
•  Ambiguity
• Allegory
• Figurative Language (esp. extended metaphors and Homeric (long) similes)
• Symbolism
• Description (imagery, selection of details
•  Word Choice (diction)
• Connotations (especially with names); aka characternym (a name that symbolizes or stands for some aspect of the character’s personality)
• Contradiction/ Irony

I will count you off by fives.  Tonight, I want you to respond to the question that corresponds to your number. Either examining the chapter as a whole or by examining a specific passage or two in that chapter, fill up a page or a page and a half with observations about how Hawthorn employs some (you don't necessarily have to address all that are mentioned) of the mentioned rhetorical elements in order to achieve a particular effect/purpose.  You can write it in paragaraphs or in longer bullet-points.  Make sure you use direct textual passages and then explain them.  You can cut and past the passages from the numerous sites which contain the full text of The Scarlet Letter.  This is practice. Don't worry about being perfect.  I want you to develop your awareness of how writers use language.

Please print your typed page (12 point font, Times New Roman, double-spaced).  Bring a hard copy and submit a digital copy to turnitin.com (Scarlet Letter Rhetorical Analysis Exercise 1) (10 points for satisfactory completion)

Below are examples of questions for Chapter 5 that will provoke discussion with attention to specific language devices:

1)        How does Hawthorne depict Hester’s inner turmoil? 

o       Diction, figurative language, syntax, irony, tone

o       Ex. Chapter 5, paragraph 3—“I might be,… martyrdom.”

2)     How does Hawthorne use clothing to reveal Hester’s self-perception, the attitude of her neighbors, and the nature of her daughter’s conception?    

o       Again: diction, imagery, selection of detail, characterization, syntax, irony, tone

o       Ex. Chap. 5, paragraph 7—“Hester sought not,… wrong, beneath.”

The following two questions require close attention to allusion, irony, imagery, syntax, organization of details, and more:

3)      What is Hawthorne’s attitude toward Hester? (Chap. 2, paragraph 11—“The young woman…by herself.”)

·          4) What is Hawthorne’s attitude toward the man standing by the Indian in Chapter 3?

o       Paragraphs 1 and 2—“From this intense…his lips.”

This one delves deeper into the use of language to develop characterization:

5) How does Hawthorne use setting, allusion, metaphor, irony, diction, and tone to reveal Chillingworth’s character in Chapter 9, “The Leech”?