Close Reading: "Americans: Undecided About God?"

The controversy over what the holidays represent for certain individuals has been a debate for decades. In the article, Eric Weiner, discusses how he is conflicted when it comes to a subject of God, and describes how is a "None" who has no religion and how he is proud of it. Weiner uses diction, and syntax to further allow his readers to understand his disappointment in the concept of believing in God.

Weiner talks about how he thinks God is "for suckers" and that subject is only discussed in "mocking or derisive tones". He reflects his emotions through his diction. This allows the audience to understand where he stands on this subject matter, and how he may feel that the holidays are shameful because they celebrate religious beliefs. He also believes that "there is very good religion out there" because people feel obligated to feel pain or consequence when they commit a sin and God will always "smite them". These choice of words clearly represent that religion has a negative impact on people rather than a positive one. 

The syntax in this article uses shorter sentences to emphasis points. Such as when Weiner explains that "None are the undecided of the religion world", here the readers can understand that the Nones attitude is just "I don't know, but let's find out". This syntax makes the article more visually appealing and comprehensive. Although this may not necessarily display Weiner's disappointment in believers, the readers can see his perspective on why religion leads him to believe so, since he does not have one himself. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/opinion/sunday/americans-and-god.html?ref=opinion

Response to Course Material 12/10

Wow. It's hard to believe that we are nearly half way done with this class. I almost feel overwhelmed when I think to myself all the knowledge I have acquired in just nearly 3 months. I will admit, I have never read anything like Ceremony ever before, and it is a difficult read in my opinion. Thankfully, in class discussions, peer advice and a little bit of research is getting me through annotating this book. Native American Literature is a different world to explore, and I am glad that I am understanding the realms in which this world exists.
The eras presentation was a good topic to touch on, and prezi isn't all that bad. I was nervous when I first started using it, but it's compatible. Hopefully I will keep on improving on my essays, and will nail the next one ( I HOPE). 

Open Prompt: December 4th

2007. In many works of literature, past events can affect, positively or negatively, the present activities, attitudes, or values of a character. Choose a novel or play in which a character must contend with some aspect of the past, either personal or societal. Then write an essay in which you show how the character's relationship to the past contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

            Often times in literature, a character’s attitude is strongly influenced by their past and can be expressed likewise in their current attitude. In Arthur Miller’s Death of A Salesman, Willy’s confidence and actions are derived from his past. Arthur Miller uses Willy’s success as a salesman  in the past and his brother Ben’s words of wisdom to further present why Willy has such a high self esteem as a salesman  currently when he is failing in life.

            When Willy was young, he used to sleep with women who were receptionists to big businesses to allow for his business as a salesman to flourish. This was his tactic to making money, and boosting his self esteem as a character. As he ages over time, his appearance does also. Less women were willing to support his business, and his business also started to diminish. Willy’s thoughts and conscience is always focused on the past, so when he promotes his business in the current life, his motivation is his past success.

            Willy’s deceased brother Ben is a successful man who went into the “jungle”  and  became rich. Willy thus takes Ben’s advice and allows for himself to lead his life in such a manner that Ben would. In order to be successful in Willy’s eyes, one must adhere to examples and superiority to lead their own lives. Ben’s past conversation with Willy still run through Willy’s mind as if Ben were still alive. Not realizing that time has passed and it’s too late to go into the “jungle”, Willy still keeps hope.

            Willy’s attitude is not influenced by his failure, but rather his past. This allows for him to keep a positive outlook on life due to his past success as a salesman.