Speech
Girls, young ladies, women. We're at risk. Gang rape is shockingly common, and yet young women like yourselves are not given sufficient information about the problem and advice on how to stay safe. It's so important that you know how to take care of yourselves and protect yourselves when you're out.
Commentary
The speech begins with a triplet of plural nouns, "girls", "young ladies" and "women". This is effective because it shows that the speech is specifically aimed at females. The present tense personal pronoun "we're" engages the audience and makes them relate with the speaker, the fact that it's present tense also shows that the issue is very current and ongoing.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Holly and Jessica - We'll Never Know Recast Task
Ian Huntley - True Crime
Ian Huntley. A boyfriend. A caretaker. A killer. Huntley was guilty from the first instance, as much as he wanted to invent other "reasonable explanations" and hope that his tears could get him out of it, he was doomed to be found out. The amount of damning evidence piling up against him was too much for him to worm his way out of, his disgusting crime was sure to be discovered.
He assured the court that he had simply been washing his dog on that fateful day, only stopping to speak to Holly and Jessica when they stopped by to ask how his girlfriend (one of their teachers) was doing. It was as if he was painting a perfect image of himself, making up a fairytale of the perfect sunny Sunday afternoon, but the grisly truth was all too different.
The court explained the mounting evidence (the fingerprints, the car tracks etc) and he became increasingly aggravated when he realised that perhaps he was destined to being found out. He snapped "You've already made up your mind", giving the impression that maybe he felt victimised. Maybe he felt that he really was innocent. Maybe he felt that he was being picked on and he was being falsely accused, as if they had some kind of vendetta against him.
They say that only 40 per cent of murderers actually recall the moment of the killing. Perhaps Huntley wants to be in that minority, he wants to be someone to have an excuse and almost pass off the responsibility of the crime.
Nobody will ever really know if Huntley knows what he did or if he actually believes the story he created. Some things will always be a secret.
Commentary
The short opening sentences capture the audiences attention and let the reader know what the article is going to be about, I think it is effective because the short sentences are powerful and dramatic. The powerful words like "grisly", "vendetta" and "disgusting" are dramatic and emotive, they show the strength of his crime and how horrible it is. The use of facts and extracts taken from the original text (Holly and Jessica - We'll Never Know) makes the link between the two texts and therefore achieves the aim of the text.
Ian Huntley. A boyfriend. A caretaker. A killer. Huntley was guilty from the first instance, as much as he wanted to invent other "reasonable explanations" and hope that his tears could get him out of it, he was doomed to be found out. The amount of damning evidence piling up against him was too much for him to worm his way out of, his disgusting crime was sure to be discovered.
He assured the court that he had simply been washing his dog on that fateful day, only stopping to speak to Holly and Jessica when they stopped by to ask how his girlfriend (one of their teachers) was doing. It was as if he was painting a perfect image of himself, making up a fairytale of the perfect sunny Sunday afternoon, but the grisly truth was all too different.
The court explained the mounting evidence (the fingerprints, the car tracks etc) and he became increasingly aggravated when he realised that perhaps he was destined to being found out. He snapped "You've already made up your mind", giving the impression that maybe he felt victimised. Maybe he felt that he really was innocent. Maybe he felt that he was being picked on and he was being falsely accused, as if they had some kind of vendetta against him.
They say that only 40 per cent of murderers actually recall the moment of the killing. Perhaps Huntley wants to be in that minority, he wants to be someone to have an excuse and almost pass off the responsibility of the crime.
Nobody will ever really know if Huntley knows what he did or if he actually believes the story he created. Some things will always be a secret.
Commentary
The short opening sentences capture the audiences attention and let the reader know what the article is going to be about, I think it is effective because the short sentences are powerful and dramatic. The powerful words like "grisly", "vendetta" and "disgusting" are dramatic and emotive, they show the strength of his crime and how horrible it is. The use of facts and extracts taken from the original text (Holly and Jessica - We'll Never Know) makes the link between the two texts and therefore achieves the aim of the text.
On the Murder of James Bulger Recast Task
Venables and Thompson: Monsters or Children?
In early 1993, a young boy was brutally murdered, his tiny body cruelly beaten and battered until he died. Who could do such a thing, you may ask yourself. Well, the answer may just shock you. The toddler, James Bulger, was murdered by two other children, two ten year old boys called Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. Is this what makes the story all the more chilling?
Is the fact that the cold-hearted killers are young and supposedly innocent children that we want to empathise more with them? Usually we hear about thugs and brutes, brought up in bad environments who lash out for attention or simply have a negative view of life. It's shocking to hear that a child could cause such harm to another child, it almost brings the issue closer to home because we feel we can relate to the issue and empathise. As humans, when we hear about killers and the horrible crimes they've committed, we instantly express our hatred for them and what disgusting human beings they are. However, to hear that children could do such a thing, we almost feel that we have to make excuses for them and that there must be a reason behind it, maybe they didn't understand what they were doing or maybe they're just poor misunderstood little tykes.
This story shocked the whole country and was widely covered in the media, the pictures of smiling Bulger pulled on the heartstrings of Britain. The whole country was still in this dilemma of whether or not to feel hatred towards the two boys for what they did, or if they should just see it as childish mistake. There is a lot to consider, a lot to understand and a lot to think about.
In this programme we'll investigate the motive behind the killings and what actually happened on that cold, February day.
Commentary
The opening sentence "In early 1993..." is effective as it sets the scene and engages the audience immediately as it goes straight into the story. The pre-modifiers "brutally", "tiny" and "cruelly" are used as emotive words to try and make the audience feel emotion and make the story more interesting and dramatic. The use of rhetorical questions is effective as, again, they engage the audience and keep them interested. The collective term "we" makes it seem that the narrator is talking with the audience as opposed to talking at them or to them. The final sentence "In this programme we'll investigate..." is effective because it is relevant to the purpose of the text, the use of the noun "programme" shows that the text is a voiceover for a documentary and works effectively as it explains what the documentary will be about.
In early 1993, a young boy was brutally murdered, his tiny body cruelly beaten and battered until he died. Who could do such a thing, you may ask yourself. Well, the answer may just shock you. The toddler, James Bulger, was murdered by two other children, two ten year old boys called Jon Venables and Robert Thompson. Is this what makes the story all the more chilling?
Is the fact that the cold-hearted killers are young and supposedly innocent children that we want to empathise more with them? Usually we hear about thugs and brutes, brought up in bad environments who lash out for attention or simply have a negative view of life. It's shocking to hear that a child could cause such harm to another child, it almost brings the issue closer to home because we feel we can relate to the issue and empathise. As humans, when we hear about killers and the horrible crimes they've committed, we instantly express our hatred for them and what disgusting human beings they are. However, to hear that children could do such a thing, we almost feel that we have to make excuses for them and that there must be a reason behind it, maybe they didn't understand what they were doing or maybe they're just poor misunderstood little tykes.
This story shocked the whole country and was widely covered in the media, the pictures of smiling Bulger pulled on the heartstrings of Britain. The whole country was still in this dilemma of whether or not to feel hatred towards the two boys for what they did, or if they should just see it as childish mistake. There is a lot to consider, a lot to understand and a lot to think about.
In this programme we'll investigate the motive behind the killings and what actually happened on that cold, February day.
Commentary
The opening sentence "In early 1993..." is effective as it sets the scene and engages the audience immediately as it goes straight into the story. The pre-modifiers "brutally", "tiny" and "cruelly" are used as emotive words to try and make the audience feel emotion and make the story more interesting and dramatic. The use of rhetorical questions is effective as, again, they engage the audience and keep them interested. The collective term "we" makes it seem that the narrator is talking with the audience as opposed to talking at them or to them. The final sentence "In this programme we'll investigate..." is effective because it is relevant to the purpose of the text, the use of the noun "programme" shows that the text is a voiceover for a documentary and works effectively as it explains what the documentary will be about.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
'Justice at Night'
Recasting Task
I feel awful this morning. I feel like a bad person. I watched an innocent man begging for survival, I watched him strung from a tree, I watched his body devoured by flames, and what did I do? Nothing.
I'm furious at myself now. Why didn't I do something? Why didn't I stand up for what I believe in? Maybe I thought they'd hang me along side him, or that they'd chase me out of town. I was scared.
Ha! Scared? I must be kidding! I wasn't half as scared as that poor innocent guy I watched them kill. I've never been as scared as he must have been. The fear in his eyes burnt brighter than any of the flames that embraced his limp body.
I watched them carry his struggling body and saw how small he became. He seemed like a child, completely powerless. This otherwise sleepy town was awoken with hatred, coming together for a violent meeting. It was as if they were possessed, that all they wanted was to harm and hurt. I've never seen anything like it. However, this was clearly normal to them. They all met up as if simply going out for lunch, like it was nothing more than a harmless day out. It did not seem to bother them that they were going to be taking a life. Not only that, but taking the life of an innocent man.
I wish we'd never gone. I would have preferred to spend the night being bothered by flies and bitten by mosquitos stranded on the side of the road in our leaf filled car. But still, even if we hadn't have gone, it doesn't mean that it wouldn't have happened. It simply means we would have been unaware, living a sheltered life. It's true what they say, ignorance is bliss.
Commentary
The short sentence at the beginning of the piece captures the attention of the reader and engages them, making them want to read on. The use of the term "devoured" when talking about flames is interesting as it personifies the flames, making it seem like they have a life of their own. It also shows how powerful the flames are. The use of rhetorical questions throughout the piece engage the reader, again keeping them interested and making them feel involved as the piece progresses. The use of the simile "He seemed like a child" connotes helplessness, innocence and fear. This shows how helpless the victim was and that he was small and fragile compared to them. The image of the victim being small and childlike also gives the impression that the townspeople are large and boisterous, wanting to cause harm.
I feel awful this morning. I feel like a bad person. I watched an innocent man begging for survival, I watched him strung from a tree, I watched his body devoured by flames, and what did I do? Nothing.
I'm furious at myself now. Why didn't I do something? Why didn't I stand up for what I believe in? Maybe I thought they'd hang me along side him, or that they'd chase me out of town. I was scared.
Ha! Scared? I must be kidding! I wasn't half as scared as that poor innocent guy I watched them kill. I've never been as scared as he must have been. The fear in his eyes burnt brighter than any of the flames that embraced his limp body.
I watched them carry his struggling body and saw how small he became. He seemed like a child, completely powerless. This otherwise sleepy town was awoken with hatred, coming together for a violent meeting. It was as if they were possessed, that all they wanted was to harm and hurt. I've never seen anything like it. However, this was clearly normal to them. They all met up as if simply going out for lunch, like it was nothing more than a harmless day out. It did not seem to bother them that they were going to be taking a life. Not only that, but taking the life of an innocent man.
I wish we'd never gone. I would have preferred to spend the night being bothered by flies and bitten by mosquitos stranded on the side of the road in our leaf filled car. But still, even if we hadn't have gone, it doesn't mean that it wouldn't have happened. It simply means we would have been unaware, living a sheltered life. It's true what they say, ignorance is bliss.
Commentary
The short sentence at the beginning of the piece captures the attention of the reader and engages them, making them want to read on. The use of the term "devoured" when talking about flames is interesting as it personifies the flames, making it seem like they have a life of their own. It also shows how powerful the flames are. The use of rhetorical questions throughout the piece engage the reader, again keeping them interested and making them feel involved as the piece progresses. The use of the simile "He seemed like a child" connotes helplessness, innocence and fear. This shows how helpless the victim was and that he was small and fragile compared to them. The image of the victim being small and childlike also gives the impression that the townspeople are large and boisterous, wanting to cause harm.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Interview task
Interviewer : So do you feel that there is one side of your "double life" which you prefer?
Christina : I think that's a pretty difficult question for me to answer. (1.0) What kind of a mother would I be if I said I preferred my work to being a mother to my child?
Interviewer : So, you do prefer work?
Christina : The two things aren't comparable. I can't compare working to parenting, they're completely different. They both have good and bad qualities. (0.5) I probably have a slightly larger soft spot for my career simply because it's what I love to do and what I've done for years. It's my passion.
Interviewer : Don't you think that some people could see that as a shocking thing to say?
Christina : (2.0) What do you mean?
Interviewer : Well, do you understand the importance of being a parent? To a lot of people, being a parent is the most important thing in their life. So for you to insinuate that you prefer working to parenting seems quite shocking, does it not?
Christina : Maybe those people don't love their jobs as much as I do. I never ever said I don't love being a parent. (1.0) However, I also love my job very very much.
Interviewer : In your article, "My Double Life : Kalashnikovs and Cupcakes", published in the Sunday Times, you wrote that you cried when you found out that you were pregnant as you knew that you would miss the war in Yugoslavia. Do you feel that this is a bad reflection on you as a parent?
Christina : (1.0) If I felt that it was a bad reflection on me, why would I write it? I wasn't upset that I was pregnant, I was more upset that it was inconvenient at the time. (1.0) But the fact that I kept with the pregnancy, despite the fact that I was very career driven at the time, surely shows my dedication as a parent.
Christina : I think that's a pretty difficult question for me to answer. (1.0) What kind of a mother would I be if I said I preferred my work to being a mother to my child?
Interviewer : So, you do prefer work?
Christina : The two things aren't comparable. I can't compare working to parenting, they're completely different. They both have good and bad qualities. (0.5) I probably have a slightly larger soft spot for my career simply because it's what I love to do and what I've done for years. It's my passion.
Interviewer : Don't you think that some people could see that as a shocking thing to say?
Christina : (2.0) What do you mean?
Interviewer : Well, do you understand the importance of being a parent? To a lot of people, being a parent is the most important thing in their life. So for you to insinuate that you prefer working to parenting seems quite shocking, does it not?
Christina : Maybe those people don't love their jobs as much as I do. I never ever said I don't love being a parent. (1.0) However, I also love my job very very much.
Interviewer : In your article, "My Double Life : Kalashnikovs and Cupcakes", published in the Sunday Times, you wrote that you cried when you found out that you were pregnant as you knew that you would miss the war in Yugoslavia. Do you feel that this is a bad reflection on you as a parent?
Christina : (1.0) If I felt that it was a bad reflection on me, why would I write it? I wasn't upset that I was pregnant, I was more upset that it was inconvenient at the time. (1.0) But the fact that I kept with the pregnancy, despite the fact that I was very career driven at the time, surely shows my dedication as a parent.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
The Feminine Mystique
How is sex used in horror films?
Sex is often used to distinguish which characters are going to die first. For example, sexually promiscuous characters are often killed off first, almost as if being punished for their ways.
Is it true that virginal female characters are more likely to survive in a slasher flick?
This generally seems to be true, as virginal characters are considered "innocent" and therefore seem to have no reason to die.
Some writers have identified many horror film tropes as relating to men's fear of women. Can you think of any horror film standards that make the feminine monstrous?
In the film "Jennifer's Body", the main female character is possessed by a demon, characterising her as an evil, murderous person.
Focus on the paragraph starting at the bottom of p.193 "The horror subtext is the lawyer's developing dread..."
What is effective about the language in this extract?
The language in this extract is effective because Kael uses such powerful words. She's carefully chosen every adjective to emphasise her opinions on the issue.
How does Kael use lexis and semantics to create an impression of aspects of the film?
Kael uses a lexical set of horror terms to talk about the film. Words like "witch", "monster" and "terrorizes" all connote horror and fear or something threatening, This gives the impression that Kael believes women are made out to be terrifying and horrible in such films.
How does Kael use rhetorical features to support her argument?
How is syntax effective in this extract?
Kael structures her sentences effectively, bringing the focus towards the powerful words she uses to emphasise her point.
Sex is often used to distinguish which characters are going to die first. For example, sexually promiscuous characters are often killed off first, almost as if being punished for their ways.
Is it true that virginal female characters are more likely to survive in a slasher flick?
This generally seems to be true, as virginal characters are considered "innocent" and therefore seem to have no reason to die.
Some writers have identified many horror film tropes as relating to men's fear of women. Can you think of any horror film standards that make the feminine monstrous?
In the film "Jennifer's Body", the main female character is possessed by a demon, characterising her as an evil, murderous person.
Focus on the paragraph starting at the bottom of p.193 "The horror subtext is the lawyer's developing dread..."
What is effective about the language in this extract?
The language in this extract is effective because Kael uses such powerful words. She's carefully chosen every adjective to emphasise her opinions on the issue.
How does Kael use lexis and semantics to create an impression of aspects of the film?
Kael uses a lexical set of horror terms to talk about the film. Words like "witch", "monster" and "terrorizes" all connote horror and fear or something threatening, This gives the impression that Kael believes women are made out to be terrifying and horrible in such films.
How does Kael use rhetorical features to support her argument?
How is syntax effective in this extract?
Kael structures her sentences effectively, bringing the focus towards the powerful words she uses to emphasise her point.
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Rosie and Mahnoor work on women in horror films
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3zLybNBmtY
We chose to use this clip as an example as it shows the stereotype of the "helpless woman" in horror films, especially with young women as cheerleaders etc. She questions the killer of the protocol of what she is supposed to do when he's attacking her, leaving him confused. This shows that there is a clear "routine" in teen horror films. The girl is a flirty, promiscuous cheerleader which confirms the belief that women like this are normally killed off in horror films.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTR1vN0scKA
We chose this clip as this film is an example of women being targeted in films. The main female character is targeted as soon as her husband leaves her home alone. However, it is surprising as the first person to signify something is going to go wrong is a young girl.
We chose to use this clip as an example as it shows the stereotype of the "helpless woman" in horror films, especially with young women as cheerleaders etc. She questions the killer of the protocol of what she is supposed to do when he's attacking her, leaving him confused. This shows that there is a clear "routine" in teen horror films. The girl is a flirty, promiscuous cheerleader which confirms the belief that women like this are normally killed off in horror films.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTR1vN0scKA
We chose this clip as this film is an example of women being targeted in films. The main female character is targeted as soon as her husband leaves her home alone. However, it is surprising as the first person to signify something is going to go wrong is a young girl.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
"The Post-feminist Woman"
What do you think feminising our society would involve?
I think that feminising our society would involve women becoming a great deal more involved in every day life. For example, women taking on roles and jobs that are more traditionally associated with men. It would make women seem a lot more capable than they already do seem, giving them the professional power as well as power in the home.
What effects do you think the women's movement has had?
I believe that the women's movement has helped women become a lot more equal in society than they once were. Suffragettes fought very hard for equal rights for women and I feel that their fight has been carried on into more modern years, with women not giving up the fight for equal rights.
In which areas do you think things have changed since 1984 and in what ways do you think things are the same?
Since 1984, women have continued to become even more independent and women have a great deal more freedom now than they did then. In the article, Jong writes "Women still earn about 60 cents for each dollar men earn" which shows that although women are now accepted in the work place, they are not considered totally equal and are not financially superior to men. Now however, most women earn the same amount as men as they are not considered less important.
Do you agree that having to be the main carer for children is what oppresses women?
No, I do not feel that this is the case as I believe that most women have a maternal instinct and choose to have children. Nowadays, a lot of men decide to stay at home to look after children as opposed to the women leaving work to look after children. Caring for children is no longer a chore for women and it is not something they are obliged to do.
I think that feminising our society would involve women becoming a great deal more involved in every day life. For example, women taking on roles and jobs that are more traditionally associated with men. It would make women seem a lot more capable than they already do seem, giving them the professional power as well as power in the home.
What effects do you think the women's movement has had?
I believe that the women's movement has helped women become a lot more equal in society than they once were. Suffragettes fought very hard for equal rights for women and I feel that their fight has been carried on into more modern years, with women not giving up the fight for equal rights.
In which areas do you think things have changed since 1984 and in what ways do you think things are the same?
Since 1984, women have continued to become even more independent and women have a great deal more freedom now than they did then. In the article, Jong writes "Women still earn about 60 cents for each dollar men earn" which shows that although women are now accepted in the work place, they are not considered totally equal and are not financially superior to men. Now however, most women earn the same amount as men as they are not considered less important.
Do you agree that having to be the main carer for children is what oppresses women?
No, I do not feel that this is the case as I believe that most women have a maternal instinct and choose to have children. Nowadays, a lot of men decide to stay at home to look after children as opposed to the women leaving work to look after children. Caring for children is no longer a chore for women and it is not something they are obliged to do.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Radio play script
Radio Script
Characters
Fiona, Rochelle, Betty
Three friends are on a hen night party in a bar
SFX : Background noise in a bar
Betty : Are you excited then, love?
Rochelle : That's one word for it!
Fiona : Can't believe you're getting married! Are you ready to be a wife? It'll be weird won't it?
Rochelle : Eugh, don't use the word wife! It makes me sound so old! Like the old ball and chain or something (laughs)
Betty : What d'ya mean?
Rochelle : Well y'know! Settling down, it seems so (pauses) middle aged.
Betty : But you love him!
Fiona : Yeah, you love him don't ya?
Rochelle : Of course I do, but I dunno if I'm ready to cook him dinner every night and wash his bloody socks all the time! (they all laugh)
Betty : Aw come on, you know it won't be like that.
Rochelle : That's not what he thinks. He's sure I'll be the perfect little housewife, cooking his meals, rubbing his feet, washing his clothes and all that! Sounds like it's the good life from now on for me, ladies!
Fiona : I'm sure you'll eventually get used to the role though.
Betty : Yeah, you'll probably end up being a right little housewife!
Rochelle : Desperate Housewives more like! (they all laugh)
Betty : Nah, I bet you'll love it!
Rochelle : I'm telling you, I'm not gonna end up like that! I can't even imagine how dull it'd be, to give up my job and all just to take care of him as if he's a king or something. The same thing, day in day out. I'd go mad.
Fiona : Yeah, but then I guess some people must love it.
Betty : Yeah, the husbands! (they all laugh)
Commentary
I initially started of listing the setting and the SFX's as this is very important in radio production. Because there is nothing to see, sound is very important and it must be made clear where the production is set so that the audience can gain a mental picture of the production.
I used a lot of colloquial language and contractions to make the conversation seem friendly and informal. I realised that the audience would not be able to see that the three characters were friends so the way they spoke would have to reflect this. I also used a lot of SFX to show the friendship between the girls, using laughter to show that they're joking around together and having a good time.
I tried to draw from the text, 'Why I want a wife', when writing my script. I tried to show the attitudes of the women and how they feel about their "responsibilities" in comparison to how the men see it. I feel I achieved this reasonably well but possibly could have drawn from the text even more.
Characters
Fiona, Rochelle, Betty
Three friends are on a hen night party in a bar
SFX : Background noise in a bar
Betty : Are you excited then, love?
Rochelle : That's one word for it!
Fiona : Can't believe you're getting married! Are you ready to be a wife? It'll be weird won't it?
Rochelle : Eugh, don't use the word wife! It makes me sound so old! Like the old ball and chain or something (laughs)
Betty : What d'ya mean?
Rochelle : Well y'know! Settling down, it seems so (pauses) middle aged.
Betty : But you love him!
Fiona : Yeah, you love him don't ya?
Rochelle : Of course I do, but I dunno if I'm ready to cook him dinner every night and wash his bloody socks all the time! (they all laugh)
Betty : Aw come on, you know it won't be like that.
Rochelle : That's not what he thinks. He's sure I'll be the perfect little housewife, cooking his meals, rubbing his feet, washing his clothes and all that! Sounds like it's the good life from now on for me, ladies!
Fiona : I'm sure you'll eventually get used to the role though.
Betty : Yeah, you'll probably end up being a right little housewife!
Rochelle : Desperate Housewives more like! (they all laugh)
Betty : Nah, I bet you'll love it!
Rochelle : I'm telling you, I'm not gonna end up like that! I can't even imagine how dull it'd be, to give up my job and all just to take care of him as if he's a king or something. The same thing, day in day out. I'd go mad.
Fiona : Yeah, but then I guess some people must love it.
Betty : Yeah, the husbands! (they all laugh)
Commentary
I initially started of listing the setting and the SFX's as this is very important in radio production. Because there is nothing to see, sound is very important and it must be made clear where the production is set so that the audience can gain a mental picture of the production.
I used a lot of colloquial language and contractions to make the conversation seem friendly and informal. I realised that the audience would not be able to see that the three characters were friends so the way they spoke would have to reflect this. I also used a lot of SFX to show the friendship between the girls, using laughter to show that they're joking around together and having a good time.
I tried to draw from the text, 'Why I want a wife', when writing my script. I tried to show the attitudes of the women and how they feel about their "responsibilities" in comparison to how the men see it. I feel I achieved this reasonably well but possibly could have drawn from the text even more.
How satire is use in 'Why I want a wife'
Satire is the use of ridicule or sarcasm to deliberately mock something. 'Why I want a wife' is a satirical piece of writing, mocking the contextual stereotype of wives at the time.
At the beginning of the text, the author, Judy Syfers, uses satire to poke fun at the idea of the apparently dreary lives that wives at that time led. Syfer writes "As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening". This is clearly untrue and used for satirical effect. The present tense verb 'ironing' connotes the almost never ending amount of housework done by the wives at the time.
The use of satire is very important in this text as it shows Syfers attitude towards the stereotype and her strong disagreement with the idea that as soon as a woman marries, she must give up everything to fit in with the conventional way of life.
At the beginning of the text, the author, Judy Syfers, uses satire to poke fun at the idea of the apparently dreary lives that wives at that time led. Syfer writes "As I thought about him while I was ironing one evening". This is clearly untrue and used for satirical effect. The present tense verb 'ironing' connotes the almost never ending amount of housework done by the wives at the time.
The use of satire is very important in this text as it shows Syfers attitude towards the stereotype and her strong disagreement with the idea that as soon as a woman marries, she must give up everything to fit in with the conventional way of life.
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Novel extract
Novel
Bitch. The (slang) term is defined as a malicious, unpleasant, selfish woman. It's a shock when you find out that that is how people see you and think of you. It's difficult to accept. It's a word that rings in your ears after the first time you hear it. People didn't seem to want to like me.
It's worse to hear something like that when it's not said to your face. When it's said candidly. When it's muttered, whispered or hissed behind your back. Some people may say they'd rather have it said behind their back but they're lying. It's worse to know that there's so much more that they've probably said. That's how I feel. It plays on my mind all the time. I have to smile and pretend as if I didn't hear anything, as if I don't know what they really think of me.
Even if they knew that I knew, what could I do? I can hardly condemn people for their opinions, choosing to dislike them simply because they don't like me. Part of me thinks of playing up to the part, showing them what a bitch really is.
Is it something to be embraced? Is it something to be reveled in? How is one supposed to enjoy being a bitch? I don't quite understand how it's a positive thing. I've tried my best to try and be ok with it but it makes everything more difficult. I'm always paranoid at work that everyone is judging my personality, talking about me behind my back.
Commentary
I started my extract with a one-word sentence in order to gain the audiences attention. The fact that I started it off with the term "bitch" then leaves the audience wondering what the extract will be about, as the term has numerous meanings. I think it's important to start writing with something that will attract attention and make people want to keep reading.
I used a lot of rhetorical questions throughout my writing to engage the audience, making them feel involved and interested in what they are reading. I also used repetition of terms to reinforce points and emphasise my opinions.
I used powerful past tense verbs like "muttered", "whispered" and "hissed" to connote gossiping and being two faced.
Bitch. The (slang) term is defined as a malicious, unpleasant, selfish woman. It's a shock when you find out that that is how people see you and think of you. It's difficult to accept. It's a word that rings in your ears after the first time you hear it. People didn't seem to want to like me.
It's worse to hear something like that when it's not said to your face. When it's said candidly. When it's muttered, whispered or hissed behind your back. Some people may say they'd rather have it said behind their back but they're lying. It's worse to know that there's so much more that they've probably said. That's how I feel. It plays on my mind all the time. I have to smile and pretend as if I didn't hear anything, as if I don't know what they really think of me.
Even if they knew that I knew, what could I do? I can hardly condemn people for their opinions, choosing to dislike them simply because they don't like me. Part of me thinks of playing up to the part, showing them what a bitch really is.
Is it something to be embraced? Is it something to be reveled in? How is one supposed to enjoy being a bitch? I don't quite understand how it's a positive thing. I've tried my best to try and be ok with it but it makes everything more difficult. I'm always paranoid at work that everyone is judging my personality, talking about me behind my back.
Commentary
I started my extract with a one-word sentence in order to gain the audiences attention. The fact that I started it off with the term "bitch" then leaves the audience wondering what the extract will be about, as the term has numerous meanings. I think it's important to start writing with something that will attract attention and make people want to keep reading.
I used a lot of rhetorical questions throughout my writing to engage the audience, making them feel involved and interested in what they are reading. I also used repetition of terms to reinforce points and emphasise my opinions.
I used powerful past tense verbs like "muttered", "whispered" and "hissed" to connote gossiping and being two faced.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Article
Article
Should married women work? Is the sky blue? These questions do not need answers, they are plainly obvious. It seems trivial for anyone to question if a married woman should work. Why is a married woman any different from an unmarried woman, and more importantly why is any woman at all different from a man?
Our society is crumbling. Less and less people are working, relying on the government to pay for their lives. What happened to Britains 'get up and go' attitude, getting through whatever troubles and working no matter what? Now people want any excuse to avoid having to do the slightest bit of work. Surely this pathetic attitude towards work and society should be motivation enough for any man or woman to want to work.
I would like to marry and become a mother as much as the next woman but this aspiration in no way means that I will suddenly want to become dependant on my husband when I settle down. If I was to bring a life into the world, I believe it would be more my responsibility than anyone elses to provide for that life. Granted, I would want a good few months after giving birth to stay off work, put my feet up and watch daytime television, but this in no way means I would want to give up work for good! I feel I am too much of an independent person to suddenly give everything up and dedicate my life to cooking, cleaning and mothering. This is not to say that I would never cook, clean or be an active mother, but I feel that every lifestyle needs a healthy balance and if you eliminate all of something from your life in favour of something else, it is not a decent balance.
It seems futile for women to have fought so hard for the vote and equal rights for so long, if no women want to be equal!§
Commentary
I started my essay with a rhetorical question to engage my audience and make them want to continue reading. I structured my writing featuring a short introduction in which I asked questions and simply introduced what I'd be talking about, I tried not to give too much of my opinion away too quickly.
I started my second paragraph with a short, shocking statement. I feel that this keeps the reader interested as it's such a shocking statement therefore meaning they would want to read on and read further evidence to back this point up.
In my third paragraph, I drew from personal experience in order to give a personal, more involved approach to my writing. I believe that the audience will agree with an opinion more if it is backed up and the writer has personal experience in the issue.
Should married women work? Is the sky blue? These questions do not need answers, they are plainly obvious. It seems trivial for anyone to question if a married woman should work. Why is a married woman any different from an unmarried woman, and more importantly why is any woman at all different from a man?
Our society is crumbling. Less and less people are working, relying on the government to pay for their lives. What happened to Britains 'get up and go' attitude, getting through whatever troubles and working no matter what? Now people want any excuse to avoid having to do the slightest bit of work. Surely this pathetic attitude towards work and society should be motivation enough for any man or woman to want to work.
I would like to marry and become a mother as much as the next woman but this aspiration in no way means that I will suddenly want to become dependant on my husband when I settle down. If I was to bring a life into the world, I believe it would be more my responsibility than anyone elses to provide for that life. Granted, I would want a good few months after giving birth to stay off work, put my feet up and watch daytime television, but this in no way means I would want to give up work for good! I feel I am too much of an independent person to suddenly give everything up and dedicate my life to cooking, cleaning and mothering. This is not to say that I would never cook, clean or be an active mother, but I feel that every lifestyle needs a healthy balance and if you eliminate all of something from your life in favour of something else, it is not a decent balance.
It seems futile for women to have fought so hard for the vote and equal rights for so long, if no women want to be equal!§
Commentary
I started my essay with a rhetorical question to engage my audience and make them want to continue reading. I structured my writing featuring a short introduction in which I asked questions and simply introduced what I'd be talking about, I tried not to give too much of my opinion away too quickly.
I started my second paragraph with a short, shocking statement. I feel that this keeps the reader interested as it's such a shocking statement therefore meaning they would want to read on and read further evidence to back this point up.
In my third paragraph, I drew from personal experience in order to give a personal, more involved approach to my writing. I believe that the audience will agree with an opinion more if it is backed up and the writer has personal experience in the issue.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Interview with a Suffragette
"Feminism. What does it mean? Has the suffragette movement made changes for how women are treated? Today we'll explore this issue in further detail and even speak in depth with a woman directly involved with the movement. Was the fight worth it? Let's hear from Emily, a feminist very much involved in fighting for womens rights and equality for women. Emily, why do you feel so strongly on the subject?"
"I believe that there is no reason for women to be treated any differently to men. There is no evidence that women are any less capable of anything than me. Understandably, some women prefer to be treated differently to men as they consider this the traditional approach but the opinions of this minority should not be enforced on every woman."
"You may say there's no evidence to show that women are unequal to men but do you ever consider that the fact that women have been in that position for millions of years is evidence enough to back up this point?"
"No, of course it is not evidence. Everything changes, and principles are no exception to this. If we were supposed to believe that nothing should change, that completely contradicts all scientific evidence of evolution."
"But then it reinforces the religious belief. Are you saying that every person to believe in religion is wrong and is not believing the truth?"
"No, people are free to believe whatever they please. However, if one can be allowed to disbelieve scientific research and evidence than there is no reason that I, and other feminists, cannot be allowed to disbelieve the religious aspects."
Commentary
I started the interview with a short sentence to capture the audiences attention. The short, snappy sentence pulls in the interest of the audience, making them want to listen on. I followed this with a rhetorical question, to capture the audiences attention as well but also to make them feel involved in what they're listening to. When writing as the presenter of the radio show, I wasn't particularly careful about using proper English as in modern English, a lot of words are contracted and informal and it's acceptable. However, when writing as the Suffragette, I tried to use proper English and no contractions. I tried to put across both sides of the argument but using strong opinions. I didn't want to seem biased by putting across my own opinions on the subject too strongly.
"Feminism. What does it mean? Has the suffragette movement made changes for how women are treated? Today we'll explore this issue in further detail and even speak in depth with a woman directly involved with the movement. Was the fight worth it? Let's hear from Emily, a feminist very much involved in fighting for womens rights and equality for women. Emily, why do you feel so strongly on the subject?"
"I believe that there is no reason for women to be treated any differently to men. There is no evidence that women are any less capable of anything than me. Understandably, some women prefer to be treated differently to men as they consider this the traditional approach but the opinions of this minority should not be enforced on every woman."
"You may say there's no evidence to show that women are unequal to men but do you ever consider that the fact that women have been in that position for millions of years is evidence enough to back up this point?"
"No, of course it is not evidence. Everything changes, and principles are no exception to this. If we were supposed to believe that nothing should change, that completely contradicts all scientific evidence of evolution."
"But then it reinforces the religious belief. Are you saying that every person to believe in religion is wrong and is not believing the truth?"
"No, people are free to believe whatever they please. However, if one can be allowed to disbelieve scientific research and evidence than there is no reason that I, and other feminists, cannot be allowed to disbelieve the religious aspects."
Commentary
I started the interview with a short sentence to capture the audiences attention. The short, snappy sentence pulls in the interest of the audience, making them want to listen on. I followed this with a rhetorical question, to capture the audiences attention as well but also to make them feel involved in what they're listening to. When writing as the presenter of the radio show, I wasn't particularly careful about using proper English as in modern English, a lot of words are contracted and informal and it's acceptable. However, when writing as the Suffragette, I tried to use proper English and no contractions. I tried to put across both sides of the argument but using strong opinions. I didn't want to seem biased by putting across my own opinions on the subject too strongly.
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