Reflect on your reading of ‘The Things They Carried’ by Tim O’Brien (Chapters 1-8) and ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Pay close attention to the rhetorical devices employed by the authors. In your journal entry, consider the following:
Narrative Voice and Point of View: Both texts are narrated by specific characters (O’Brien and Nick Carraway) who have unique perspectives on the events they describe. How does the choice of narrator and point of view affect the reader’s understanding of the story and characters? Are there moments where the narrator’s subjectivity or reliability come into question?
Symbolism and Imagery: Explore the use of symbolism and imagery in both novels. What objects, places, or recurring symbols carry significant meaning in the narratives? How do these symbols contribute to the themes and atmosphere of the stories?
Characterization and Character Development: Analyze how the authors develop their characters through their use of language and description. How do O’Brien and Fitzgerald use rhetoric to make their characters come alive? How do these characters change (or not) throughout the course of the story?
Tone and Mood: Consider the tone and mood of the texts. How do O’Brien and Fitzgerald use language to create certain emotional atmospheres within their narratives? Can you identify specific passages where the tone shifts and why?
Irony and Satire: Investigate instances of irony and satire in ‘The Things They Carried’ and ‘The Great Gatsby.’ How do these devices contribute to the social commentary and themes in the novels? Are there moments where the authors use irony to highlight contradictions or reveal deeper truths?
Rhetorical Appeals (Ethos, Pathos, Logos): Identify examples of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical appeal) in the texts. How do these appeals persuade or engage the reader? Are there instances where the authors use one appeal more prominently than others?
Author’s Purpose: Reflect on the authors’ overall purpose in writing these novels. What themes, messages, or critiques do you believe they are conveying through their rhetorical choices?
Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast the use of rhetorical devices in the two novels. Are there commonalities or differences in their approaches to storytelling and rhetoric? How do these differences contribute to the overall impact of each work?
- Minimum Word/Page Count: Your journal entry should be a minimum of 500 words, which is approximately 2 pages when double-spaced.
In your journal entry, provide specific examples from both ‘The Things They Carried’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’ to support your analysis. Consider how the rhetorical choices made by the authors enhance your understanding of the texts and the themes they explore.
