TOW #13- Visual Text: Catching Fire Movie Poster

The Hunger Games: A national phenomenon of books-turned-movies centered around the female warrior Katniss, "Girl on Fire." Jennifer Lawrence's blunt personality if a perfect match for Katniss's ferocious temperament, as displayed by her vicious stare on the front of this poster, clutching her famous bow-and-arrow. The Hunger Games experienced rapid success, due to the book's strong fan base. Catching Fire did not disappoint audiences and raked in hundreds of millions at the box office opening weekend. This poster was used to advertise Catching Fire before its release. 

The top of the poster reads: "Remember who the enemy is" in the trademarked font used on all Hunger Games movie merchandise, futuristic and industrial-looking. This piece of advice placed a smidgen above Katniss's head implies that the audience is part of Katniss's world: Panem. This phrase invites audiences to submerge themselves into Panem and root for Katniss, as she knows who the real enemy is.

Those who have read The Hunger Games trilogy, are aware the mockingjay pin Katniss wears while in the Hunger Games becomes a symbol of rebellion throughout Panem. If looked at closely, it is realized that Katniss appears to be emerging from a fiery red mockingjay pin, grasping a bow-and-arrow: her weapon of choice. The bow-and-arrow, combined with flaming pin portray Katniss in a battle-ready state of mind. Her fierce gaze only helps to establish an intense and almost dangerous mood.

This poster strategically uses mainly black and different shades of red and orange. These colors, almost synonymous with Halloween, convey a dramatic tone and help to draw the viewer's eye to Katniss herself. Catching Fire was a runaway success and their sharp visuals used to promote this cinematic masterpiece deserve some credit.

TOW #12- IRB: "The Criminal Conversation Of Mrs Norton" by Diane Atkinson

The Criminal Conversation of Mrs. Norton by Diane Atkinson is a thrilling tale of gender equality in England. George Norton, the husband of Caroline Norton, is a powerful and corrupted gentleman that urges Caroline assist him in climbing the social latter of British politics. However, the Norton's courtship was spark without Caroline's consent. It is revealed that her mother pushed for their marriage. The scandal does not pick up until it Caroline's clever whit and charm allure Lord Melbourne, the Whig Prime Minister. Inevitably, George Norton uncovers the affair and sues Caroline for "Criminal Conversation," or for lack of a better term, adultery.
The author, Diane Atkinson writes in omniscient third person in order to provide information from every single person in the story. The events in this book took place in 19th century England, a time when most communicated by telegraph or letters. Atkinson's strategic omnipresent narration allows her to pull quotes from each individual involved in this scandal and trial. Mrs. Norton wrote over 1,500 letters about her experiences and Atkinson's narration lets for her to quote Caroline as well as Mrs. Norton's peers.  "The young man sent her poetry, which she thought was a 'little rough', so she suggested they correct the proofs when he was next in London: 'there is no doubt you will improve under my fostering care'."(Atkinson 115). The direct quotes from Norton provide an insight into her exact thoughts while she was going through this scandal. While Norton did not write and autobiography, Atkinson's style of writing flawlessly weaves Caroline Norton's thoughts into her writing, creating the illusion that the audience is reading a diary or tell-all book.

Diane Atkinson's writing, most specifically her choice of omnipresent third person narrator create a seamless flow of thoughts from the people that these events are based off of themselves.

TOW #11- Article: "Liberty, Without Torch" by Evgenia Peretz

Hollywood marriages are notorious for their short life-spans and juicy break-ups, occasionally drowned in scandal. Kirsten Stewart, best known for her role as Bella in the Twilight movies, was the subject of hot gossip in Hollywood when she attracted Rupert Sanders, the director for whom she was working. The tabloids focused on Sanders and Stewart. Stewart was at the time, in a relationship with co-star Robert Pattinson, and her cheating scandal remained on the covers of Us Weekly, People, and Style magazines for weeks. However, Sanders was not innocent, and the tabloids left one essential person out of their articles: Liberty Ross, the wife of Rupert Sanders. In this exclusive Vanity Fair interview, Liberty Ross recalls her experience of the scandal in her first public account of these horrid events.
Author of the article, Evgenia Peretz, crafts the story around personal anecdotes, recounted by Liberty Ross, and a friend, Atticus. Peretz begins the article by recalling the basics of the affair between Sanders and Stewart, then going into Ross's life in the present. Peretz describes her zen Malibu home, juxtaposed against the chaos of her divorce with Sanders. However, she soon lets Ross pratically take over the interview and the entire article becomes solely about Ross's life with Sanders. Blooming when Ross was just 18 years old, their love was deep. Ross describes their relationship as "a team," which later on in the essay is starkly juxtaposed against the tumultuous climax of their marriage, when Sanders revealed his affair 20 hours before tabloids would expose him. This display of betrayal by Sanders is emphasized when put next to the loving, passionate relationship that Ross came to know.
Evgenia Peretz utilizes this juxtaposition of Liberty's pure bliss during her marriage to Sanders against the harsh reality of Sanders' affair with Stewart to portray the utter hardship that Ross experienced.

TOW #10 - Article: "Why Jump When You Can Sip?" By Reid Wilson

The New York Times has been providing its readers with possible travel-destinations every day for almost 100 years. This particular Sunday, November 24, Reid Wilson, writer for the Travel section of the New York Times dives into New Zealand's Central Otago region in "Why Jump When You Can Sip?" Lucious wineries combined with adrenaline-pinching outdoor activities create the perfect vacation experience.Wilson recalls his time with the Kiwis, sampling hundreds of wines in over 18 vineyards.
The author's vivid imagery of the New Zealand landscape makes his audience long for a visit to this magical region.  Wilson describes his view from one specific winery: "overlooking the perfectly trimmed grass sloping away to the vineyard, the green grape vines contrasting with the arid mountains in the distance." This paints a beautiful picture of the lush scenery Wilson experienced while touring Central Otago, New Zealand. Wilson's audience has been narrowed down to those with a desire to travel, due to his writing being specifically featured in the Travel section of a newspaper. The authors aims to accurately portray the true beauty he has come across while traveling in New Zealand for approximately 3 months. Wilson utilizes imagery to do just that: describe in immense detail the natural charm of Central Otago for his audience.
Wilson describes personal anecdotes in order to accurately chronicle his time touring different New Zealand wineries and vineyards. He recalls his time with his tour guide, Jim, to show the hospitality of the people in New Zealand. Wilson includes the fact that he sampled hundreds of wines in 18 wineries, conveying the sheer mass and variety of wines in the Central Otago region. The stories of quaint, "mom and pop" wineries compared to the larger, formal ones, exemplify New Zealand's grand diversity in the wine industry.
Wilson's passion and enthusiasm for his New Zealand trip illustrate the visual beauty as well as the mental rest and relaxation the Central Otago region provides.

Independent Reading Book Introduction: "The Criminal Conversation of Mrs. Norton" by Diane Atkinson

I have selected to read The Criminal Conservation of Mrs. Norton by Diane Atkinson for my second marking period independent reading book. This is about a true story, taking place in Westminster, London, 1836, surrounding the court case of Caroline Sheridan Norton, the clever wife of a domineering lawyer. Her husband, George Norton sued Caroline over "criminal conversation," or adultery. Mrs Norton is immediately acquitted and uses her only resources after her then-husband cuts her off to campaign for women's rights. Her hard work has resulted in three legislations in England. I really enjoy learning about the history of women's rights and I hope to be inspired by Mrs Norton's actions as well as gain knowledge of her tactics as she became a figure in politics.

TOW #9- Visual Text: Aerie 20% Off Advertisement

Aerie, a branch of the clothing company popular with tweens and teens, American Eagle, specializes in intimate apparel and loungewear. This particular advertisement for Aerie would most likely be found in magazines or in a customer's bag after a purchase at one of the Aerie stores. The front of this ad features a girl, appearing to be in her late teens or early 20's carelessly lying on a fluffy white bed wearing an Aerie bra and silk Aerie pajama pants. Her face, lit up with a huge smile, looks just as good as her professionally-photoshopped abdominals. The model is swinging her arm over her hair, making her look effortlessly beautiful. Her ambiguous carmel skin tone appeals to girls of all races, a medium skin color can be related to by girls of every color. The text on this picture reads: "Sparkle while you sleep" in bold, feminine letters in the left top corner. On the top right corner, the simple "Aerie" written in lowercase cursive. Aerie is clearly associated with solely the female community and persists to prove this evident by featuring a "modest" lingerie model wearing comfortable pajama pants. The word "sparkle" carries a heavy girly connotation. What girl wouldn't want to sparkle while they sleep?
The backside of the ad jumps out in hot pink lettering, urging customers to "TAKE 20% OFF." The rest of the text is in a light gray. Just above the discount, in italics, is written: "Rest up. You have some serious shopping to do!" This implies that the audience is going to shop at Aerie in the near future. The continue the sleeping theme from the front side of the ad by suggesting the audience "Rest up" because they have so much shopping to do at Aerie. The 20% off given to audience members is just the cherry on top. Sparkling while you sleep now costs 20% less.
 

TOW #8 - IRB: "Wild" By Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed is a moving memoir of love and loss. Her 1,100 mile trek is recalled, while simultaneously flashing back to life before her mother's death: the tragedy that spawned her journey in the Californian wilderness. Strayed articulately crafts her book, using subtle metaphors and adapting a humorous tone to tell an amazing story. This memoir was written after successfully hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. Again, this incredible journey happened due to the tragic loss of the author's mother as well as her crumbling marriage. Strayed liberated her mind on the Pacific Crest Trail and Wild shares with the world her emotional and physical journey. This book is extremely uplifting.
The metaphor, a simple rhetorical device, is used by the author to portray her backpack on the hike through California. She nicknames the backpack "Monster", a demon weighing on her back. Throughout the book she attempts to display the metaphor that "Monster" is. "Monster" represents the weight Strayed carries on her shoulders throughout her journey, more emotional than physical. This, of course, resulting from the death of her mother and her failed marriage. When she first packs Monster before she begins hiking, Strayed is unable to move the bag, attempting to show that she has so far to go before she is able to feel weight off of her shoulders. However, Strayed hunches over and succeeds in getting a backpack that is more than half her weight on her shoulders. The emotional strength exemplified by Strayed when she does not quit or give up solely because her backpack would not move is inspiring, and shows her determination to not fail.
Strayed adapts a humorous tone when she recalls what she prayed for during the memoir. These prayers may be abnormal in the sense that they are, in the beginning of the book, heavily sprinkled, perhaps even doused, in profanity.
Cheryl Strayed perfectly exemplifies her time on the Pacific Crest Train in Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.

TOW #7- Visual Text: "Haunted House" by Mark Ulriksen (The New Yorker cover - 10/21/13)

The New Yorker, a world-renowned magazine, featured the capitol building as a haunted house with the ghosts of John Boehner and Ted Cruz looming over the roof on its October 21, 2013 cover. Mark Ulriksen has drawn tombstones on the front lawn labeled: Healthcare, Gun Control and Immigration. This was drawn during the recent government shutdown, hence the ghosts of Boehner and Cruz: Two prominent GOP figures that were helping to prevent the shutdown from ending. 

The color scheme utilized by Ulriksen on the capital - a spooky blue/gray combination - gives the capitol building a haunted and more importantly, deserted vibe. The tombstones, also a blue-gray, suggest a theory as to why the government has shut down, and represent the obstacles that are in the way of getting the government back up and running. 

Ulriksen has adapted an obvious Halloween-centered theme, appropriate with a cover only ten days away from the holiday. The bright-orange moon in the top-center of the cover with a bat flying through it makes the audience clear of the time-of-year the artist is depicting. His timing is no coincidence as the capitol building is portrayed as an actually haunted house, Boehner and Cruz looming in the left top corner of the cover. Ulriksen displays the capitol building covered in spider webs with the only sign of life: a superstitious black cat guarding the lawn. 

Ulriksen accurately addresses the juvenile behavior exhibited by GOP members, especially Boehner and Cruz, through portraying them the child-like environment of a haunted house. The eeriness of its vacancy combined with the ghosts of Cruz and Boehner add satire to an otherwise frustrating topic. The artist is clearly frustrated with the government shutdown and has successfully conveyed that through combining whimsical Halloween fun with the grim topic of the government shutdown. 

TOW #6 - Article: "What I Love: Deepak Chopra" by Joanne Kaufman

In "What I Love: Deepak Chopra" by Joanne Kaufman, the life of Deepak Chopra, the most famous new-age guru, is examined. His life on the 69th floor of a Mid-town west condominium in Manhattan contrasts against the "Inner Stillness" he claims he can find anywhere, even on the subway.  Chopra recently relocated his primary residence from the sunny southern coast of California to bustling New York. Chopra's urban residence is describes as shrine-like, with statues of Ganesh, Vishnu, dancing Krishna, and the goddess Lakshmi scattered throughout the spacious apartment. Rainbow spices sit in tins about his kitchen. Sharing this building with A-list celebrities such as P. Diddy, Deepak Chopra's elevator rides have been filled with queries about yoga and meditation, even making house-calls to help out his fellow building-mates. Kaufman artfully juxtaposes the serenity of Chopra's life to the chaotic scene that is Midtown Manhattan. However, Chopra states that he needs this stimulus, that the energy the city provides, he has been absorbed. "The apartment is my extended body, and when I look out the window and see the steel and concrete - that's my exo-skeleton." Adding another level of juxtaposition, Kaufman contrasts Chopra's home in Manhattan. His coastal home in California provides the Deepak with an incredible view of the ocean, with access to the beach, 24/7. However, Deepak Chopra states that he only travels to Cali in order to teach at his center for yoga and meditation. Chopra is aware that his home in California is irreplaceable, but mentions the lack of difference between his personality and the area. New York adds energy to the Deepak, while California enables his energy to plateau. He is able to feed off of Manhattan because of its bustling nature. The city that never sleeps is leaving Deepak Chopra well-rested.

TOW #5 - Article: "The Culture Paradox" by Gina Bellafante

New York Times journalist Gina Bellafante examines the shifting importance of the arts in Manhattan in the article, "The Culture Paradox of 21st-Century New York." Bellafante covers the changes passing through New York's boroughs of Manhattan, once the cultural apex of the US, now inhabited by the 1%, contrasted against Brooklyn, a haven for the arts in the 21st century. Immediately,  Bellafante alludes to an essay written by singer-songwriter David Byrne, criticizing modern day New York for succumbing to Wall Street and dampening creativity through its over-expensive culture. Byrne reminisces the 70's, when New York sustained young, striving artists with no money and in turn produced masterpieces. Bellafante then brings light to the culturally blossoming borough, Brooklyn. The author provides evidence of Mayor Bloomberg's commitment to the arts through donating 10's of millions of dollars to the arts in New York. The author then establishes a counter-argument to Byrne's essay: Brooklyn is the new Manhattan. Culturally, Brooklyn has been thriving. The BRIC House, a large gallery building with space for readings, screenings and lectures, has sprouted in the midst of Brooklyn. With inexpensive ticket prices, the BRIC House provides a space for new artists to flourish and display their work. The mention of this cultural sanctuary is a metaphor of New York in the 70's, a place where young artists moved to "make it" in the art world. Classes are offered at dance centers for young children and visual media in Brooklyn for nothing or little to nothing. Thus attempting to prove her the author's purpose that the center for culture in New York has shifted boroughs: Manhattan to Brooklyn. Even though the New York of the 70's remains, the same type of "Urban Chaos," as stated by Bellafante, remains in the boroughs.

TOW #4- Independent Reading Book: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed follows a young woman, newly orphaned after mother subdued to cancer, on a quest to self discovery. Strayed writes about her impulse decision to hike the California section of the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as the unfortunate series of events that lead her to this conclusion. Strayed's major in English from the University of Minnesota help her to write a life-defining memoir. Beginning with the news of her mother's impending death, Strayed writes substantially about their relationship and how she spent every last moment of her mother's life by her hospital bed. In a collapsing marriage, once Strayed's mother died, the author felt she needed to do something "wild", that would help her find herself: hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Strayed shows that through the difficulty and accomplishments of physical feats, healed her after her mother's death and divorce. Parallel to this purpose, Strayed aims to reach audiences wishing to be healed or going through situations similar to that of the author's past. Through using imagery, Strayed connects with audience on an empathetic level to achieve her purpose. "Amazed to be free of it's(backpack) weight, I strolled around and accidentally brushed up against one of the Joshua trees and was bayoneted by it's sharp spikes. Blood instantly spurted out of three stab wounds in my arm. The wind blew so fiercely that when I removed my first-ad kit from my backpack and opened it up, all of my band-aids flew away" (Strayed 57). Strayed's perceptive use of imagery allows us to see her struggle on her journey and see what she had to go through in order to achieve self-actualization. The audience is able to connect with her struggles and hardships to better understand Strayed's predicament.

TOW #3 - Article: "Jhumpa Lahiri comes up short in 'The Lowland'" by Porochista Khakpour

Porochista Khakpour reviews The Lowland, the most recent novel by critically acclaimed author, Jhumpa Lahiri. Lahiri has written two separate collections of short stories as well as one other novel; Interpreter of Maladies, Unaccustomed Earth, The Namesake. The author of this article, Khakpour, writes for The Los Angeles Times and will have two published novels by this winter. He is writing this as a book review for the newspaper. After having loved Interpreter of Maladies and Unaccustomed Earth, Khakpour knew Lahiri had mastered the art of the short story, but was skeptical as to her prowess towards the novel following his unsatisfactory review of The Namesake. Khakpour does not tread lightly while dissing Lahiri on the lack of exciting writing in The Lowland. Livid that Lahiri chose a characterless wife to be the main character rather than the subversive children, Khakpour states:  "It seems exactly the wrong choice for this book, as if she's invested in telling this story as tepidly as possible. This threatens to collapse the entire narrative in her endgame: Every story line is tiresomely followed until dead end, and the final third of the book is all downwind resolution, overwrought and exhausted, as if in complete misunderstanding of the novel form." Khakpour is ripping this novel left and right, even at one point eluding to the opinion that Americans are so infatuated with Lahiri's work because it is a non-threatening, "watercolor" depiction of Indian-American life. Similies like this give the author's audience a clearer picture of how Lahiri writes by comparing it to something that is commonly known. However, Khakpour found Lahiri's short stories impeccable, making him beg the question: Why does Jhumpa Lahiri need to master both the novel and the short story? His answer: She does not, and most certainly has not. Slipping in his thoughts on her other novel, The Namesake, he refers to it as "clumsy and laborious." This allusion allows the audience to more accurately gauge their attitude towards Lahiri's writing and decipher wether or not The Lowland would appeal to them. Khakpour has certainly put his two cents in on his views of The Lowland and done his best to discourage others from reading this "overwrought and exhausted" novel. 

TOW #2 - Visual Text/Media: GEICO Hump Day Camel Commercial

Wednesday's will never be the same. GEICO is known for their humorous commercials with the gecko and the iconic caveman. This particular commercial follows a camel in a generic office setting prancing around, gleaming with joy, asking worn-out, impatient co-workers what day it is. The camel's question remains unrequited until one blank-faced woman replies "It's Humpday." The camel hollers with excitement and trots around the office with pride. 

The author's ethos is not established until the end of the commercial when it is stated that the advertisement is for GEICO. This allows the audience to connect through the commercial's humors appeal to pathos. However, the author understands that in order to establish credibility, he must demonstrate who the speaker is. That is why only at the end of the commercial do the two singing men reveal the speaker is GEICO.

The purpose however comes at the end of the commercial, where two guys are standing, playing guitar and relay the message that those who switch to GEICO insurance are happier than a camel on a Wednesday. The context of this commercial is and advertisement for a famous insurance company with a reputation for comical commercials. Used to please all TV watchers, the commercial caters to a broad audience of anyone watching TV, but more specifically to those 18 or older and in the market to buy insurance. Personification is used as a device to give the camel the ability to speak as well appeal to ethos by connecting with the audience through humor. 

Their purpose is clearly to get people to buy GEICO's services through making their audience laugh. In saying that, this commercial is extremely funny and certainly grasps people's attention. However, whether it effectively acquires more customers to the GEICO product is debatable. Humor may attract people but it can also give off the impression that GEICO does not take their service seriously. GEICO has undoubtably achieved the purpose of making their audience laugh and spread the popularity of the GEICO brand by playing the commercial on various national networks.  

Independent Reading Book Introduction: "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed

For my IRB the first marking period, I have selected to read Wild by Cheryl Strayed. In this memoir, Strayed writes about her journey to find herself while hiking 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave dessert to Washington State. I selected this book because I myself, love to hike and the idea of finding one's self while hiking really appealed to me because I can easily connect to this. I hope to gain inspiration from reading this book. I wish to be able to connect with Strayed over her hardships before and during her trip, and learn from her mistakes and translate these lessons into my everyday life.

TOW #1 - Article: "A Wiseguy, Retooled for Police Work"

In the article, "A Wiseguy, Retooled for Police Work", Dave Itzkoff writes about Andy Samburg's transition from the late night sketch comedy show, "Saturday Night Live", to starring in a prime-time comedy series, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" on the FOX network, in this week's issue of The New York Times. Dave Itzkoff has been a culture reporter for The New York Times since 2006. Itzkoff is a published author of two memoirs. Andy Samburg left "Saturday Night Live"at the end of last year's season, in 2012. While dabbling in different types of film, such as Indie Flicks and music videos for The Lonely Island, his comedic musical group, Samburg had trouble deciding what his next move would be. After watching SNL alum Amy Poehler transition smoothly into a starring sitcom role on "Parks and Recreation", he came to the conclusion that he would take the starring role on the new FOX show, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."
In this article, Itzkoff achieves his purpose through his effective use of rhetoric. The author effectively uses juxtaposition to bring forward the different types of work Samburg has accomplished and compare them to demonstrate his professional timeline, as well as maturation. "By comparison, Mr. Samburg said, he felt he could easily navigate the responsibilities of being the star and a producer of 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'." This allows the reader to understand the pressure Samburg faced while at SNL by concluding that starring in and producing a prime-time show on a national network could be "easily navigated."
Dave Itzkoff adapts a tone of admiration while writing about Samburg that give the audience a sense of admiration for his professional accomplishments. SNL digital shorts, such as the infamous clip featuring Justin Timberlake about surprising items in a box, are highlighted in this article to exemplify Samburg's success at "Saturday Night Live." The author reached the audience by bringing highly popular work that Samburg has accomplished, to the foreground, in order for the audience to connect to the article as well as Samburg.
The impeccable use of rhetoric in this article undoubtably helps the author achieve his clear purpose and at the same time allowing the audience to connect to the article.

"Outlaw" by Antonia Vargas

Jose Antonio Vargas writes about his struggle to obtain legal citizenship in the United States after living on the West Coast since he was sent to live with his grandparent when he was twelve. Vargas was smuggled into the states, oblivious to his alien status. He only realized the seriousness of his predicament after a DMV worker deemed his green card invalid and turned him away from getting his permit. Vargas was sixteen. He has worked extremely hard and graduated from high school and college. He discovered his passion for journalism and obtained an internship at the local newspaper during high school, Vargas later went on to write for the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Washington Post. However, he has had to pass up several amazing positions at world-renowned newspapers because they require valid paperwork, which Vargas does not have. The context of this essay shows how hard it is to be an alien in the United States. Even though it was not Vargas' choice to (illegally) immigrate to the United States when he is a child, he has to deal with the missed opportunities and disadvantages of being an illegal immigrant. The author's purpose is to inform his audience that illegal immigrants are contributing members of society that need a pathway to proper citizenship. The audience is written for illegal immigrants, or those who wish to help illegal immigrants. Vargas uses Ethos to show his morality is the reason why he has chosen to tell his story in order to achieve his purpose. "So I've decided to come forward, own up to what I've done and tell my story to the best of my recollection... I am working with legal counsel to review my options. I don't know what the consequences will be of telling my story" (Vargas 272). He shows his selflessness though admitting his uncertainty in his future. Therefore, Vargas is achieving his purpose by putting all of his contributions to society in jeopardy in order to create a pathway for legal citizenship.

Contributing Members: The cartoon shows that illegal immigrants contribute to society daily and are knowingly and unknowingly being employed by the government.
Picture Source: http://blog.chron.com/txpotomac/2010/05/political-cartoons-of-the-week-arizona-cracks-down-on-illegal-immigration/

"Killing My Body to Save My Mind" By Lauren Slater

Lauren Slater recalls her battle in the decision to take anti-depressants that cause weight gain versus a horrific depression in, "Killing My Body to Save My Mind." The conflict between being physically healthy or mentally healthy is the main focus of this essay. The context of this essay is a middle-aged woman examining the life choice she has made to take Zyprexa, a powerful anti-depressant, that causes the patient to gain an excessive amount of weight, in return for mental stability. Slater's purpose is to inform her audience that a person's mental health is the most important aspect of his/her's life. The audience for whom the essay was written for is or people who have life-threatening health issues, or those close with these people. Slater uses Pathos, or appeal to emotion, to connect with her audience and achieve her purpose through showing the reader what it is like to be in her situation. "Zyprexa, or the experience of taking Zyprexa, moves one out of the twenty-first century and back to the age of reason. It makes clear to the patient taking it that she must choose between her mind and her flesh" (Slater 260). She shows that any person could at some point have to make the decision to take Zyprexa, and that Zyprexa will ruin a the patient's body. However, she goes on to say that that is the answer: mind over body. Hence, achieving her purpose. An allusion is used to draw reference to the 17th century philosopher, Descartes' theory of dualism: the separate realms of the mind and body. She uses this as a metaphor to achieve her purpose by showing that Descartes theorized that the body is a "delusion created by an evil spirit." Therefore, the body succumbs to the mind, achieving Slater's purpose that mental health is the most important aspect of a person's life.

Mind Over Matter: In a more extreme version of Slater's story, Hawking is without many of the basic skills Slater has, yet still is one of the smartest people in the world. Unlike Slater, he does not have the choice between mind or body. 

Source: http://www.hawking.org.uk/about-stephen.html

"Objects of Affection" by Ewa Hryniewicz-Yarbrough

In the essay Objects of Affection, Ewa Hryniewicz-Yarbrough writes about the importance to not undermine the sentimental value that certain objects carry. The author grew up in Krakow, Poland, during a communist era. Toys, books, and clothes were scarce. This lead Hryniewicz-Yarbrough to develop a sincere affection for her single doll. She was extremely possessive of her books, as good books were a rarity in Marxist Poland. Ewa Hryniewicz-Yarbrough moved to the United States as a young adult and was immediately stunned by the surplus of food and other necessities. She soon discovered her reluctance to part with objects that could even possibly be fixed, and that this trait had been derived from her grandmother. The context of the essay is to compare how people in two very different cultures, communist Poland and the United States, have completely different attitudes surrounding the sentimental value of objects. The author's purpose is to inform audiences to keep and or create objects of sentimental value so future generations are able to connect to the past through an object. This essay was written for audiences whom feel connected to the past through objects. Pathos is used to appeal to the emotions of readers of all ages that objects are important. "They hadn't yet learned that objects help us exorcise some of our fears, that they are stronger than we are, perfect and independent, that they give us a semblance of permanence and grant a stay against chaos, darkness, and oblivion" (Hryniewicz-Yarbrough 175). The author explains that objects that may seem worthless to one person, represent the entire world to another. This allows audiences to connect this back to their life and receive the author's purpose that it is important to have objects of sentimental value. Hryniewicz-Yarbrough also uses foil to contrast the differences between herself and her grandmother. Her grandmother kept no objects of sentimental value and was quite content with this. The authors contrasts her grandmother greatly when the grandmother dies and she is given a paperweight as something to remember her grandmother die. This completely achieves the the author's purpose by showing the need to have objects with sentimental value for future generations.

Generations: A family heirloom has the ability to connect one generation to the next.

Picture Source: http://childrenscarseatshq.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/wrinkled-old-hand-holding-baby-hand-400px.jpg

"The Good Short Life" by Dudley Clendinen

In "The Good Short Life", Dudley Clendinen reflects on his life while having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Clendinen reveals that he will end his own life rather than have his family and friends watch him die a slow, painful death. His experience as a recovering alcoholic has lead him to be an extremely resilient person. Clendinen had watched his mother pass away from a terminal illness. She was unable to bathe herself, change herself, or even go to the bathroom. This is what guided Clendinen to the conclusion that he would be the one to decide when his life would end. His daughter, Whitney, would only remember her father the way he wanted to be remembered; not slowly becoming a vegetable. The context of this essay is to explain to his audience why he chose to not seek the most advanced medical treatments, be hooked up to machines until he died, but rather die with grace. Clendinen's purpose is to inform readers as to the reason of his decision to only live while he is vital and content. The audience for whom the essay was written is people that are facing death, rather it be themselves or a loved one, the essay aims to reach those that need comfort and logic surrounding death. Clendinen does just that by explaining to lead a happy life until the day he can not. The author's most outstanding rhetorical device is diction. His diction is not ominous, but rather reassuring and at-peace. This allowed him to successfully convey his purpose because he showed that his unfortunate fate will not negatively affect his present. Pathos, appeal to emotion, is used to connect with the audience when Clendinen writes about everyday activities that he loves, which one day, he will no longer be able to do: walk the dog, talk with his daughter, and tell a funny story. "I have found the way. Not a gun. A way that's quiet and calm. Knowing that comforts me" (Clendinen 66). He clearly states that he is absolutely comfortable ending his life. By doing that, he has achieved his purpose of informing his audience that he is content in dying.

Vitality: Dudley Clendinen made the decision to live until he could not do the things he loved anymore. He did not want to be a vegetable in a hospital bed until he died. 

Source: http://arizonastatehospitalabuse.blogspot.com/2012/06/illicit-tobacco-sales-and-use-staff-at.html

"You Owe Me" by Miah Arnold

          Miah Arnold highlights the most significant moments in her career while working with child cancer patients in "You Owe Me", published in the Michigan Quarterly Review.  Arnold, who has worked at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas for over a decade, reflects on the traumatizing, yet deeply rewarding experience she has had teaching a writing class to a rotating cycle of child cancer patients, many of which succumb to to their disease. The context of this essay is a memoir about Arnold's time in the classroom and the emotional maturity she has acquired from this harsh setting. Miah Arnold's purpose in writing this essay is inform the audience of the short, incredible lives these children have lead and their ability to touch other's lives. Arnold's purpose is to share the joy and lessons of the frugalness of life, that the children have given her, with the world. The audience for whom the essay is written is vast. She aims to reach those who have taken life for granted. The rhetorical devices used in this essay are plentiful. The most frequent however, is the anecdote. Through the essay, she writes brief stories of the children that have most impacted her life. Pathos, or emotional appeal, is used all throughout the essay in order for Arnold to connect to her audience; "If you were a teacher, and you loved a boy who died, you might quit because you always knew you couldn't keep going after the death" (Arnold 34). The author strategically puts the reader in her place, to show the hardships that she has been through and the strength she must have to go back to work everyday. By allowing the reader to step into her shoes and absorb what she does everyday, proves the author has accomplished her purpose. She has successfully informed her audience of the near-magical lives of the children she has taught through pathos and strong anecdotes.

The Happy Life: The children Arnold worked with did not let their cancer slow them down. 

Picture Source:http://rakstagemom.wordpress.com/tag/pediatric-cancer/