I was a little nervous when we started learning DIDLS and how to close-read. I wasn't sure I'd actually be able to apply it. But when we analyzed "The Century Quilt" in class, I was surprised and pleased to find that I actually had things to say. I couldn't at first glance point out any effects, but I did pick up on a few trends and words that caught my attention, which on a second read deepened my understanding of the poem. And, also surprisingly, I actually really enjoyed the poem once I had a better understanding of what it's about. I'm not as nervous for analysis anymore now that a. I can analyze poetry and b. I can (maybe) analyze the essay prompt. Despite this, I frequently think to myself, "well, I couldn't analyze non-poetry."
But, actually, that's not quite true. In my analysis of an online article, I actually did analyze "non-poetry." It wasn't quite the same--not all the words painted images across my imagination, but it was still the same process. Pick out key words or strange syntax, find images, analyze their purpose. I'm actually not sure how successful I was at it, but I definitely did it, and can hope to continue to grow as the year progresses.
It was really helpful to me to do the peer review blogs. It helped me not only to look at writing with a critical eye but to be able to see faults in my own writing (something I'm generally pretty awful at). While looking at other people's open prompt responses, I noted how creative they were. I often get stuck in a kind of literary rut, thinking that I can only write about certain things in a certain way, but the peer reviews helped me see open prompts in an entirely different way.
We had our second test since the first response to course material, on chapter 2 and 3. I'll admit that I didn't do all that well on the test. It was confusing as to what would be on it, because I'd heard that there was no close reading. I also heard (through a hideous misunderstanding) thirdhand that there would be no vocabulary, so I only studied Jago's advice on how to close-read. What did I learn from this? 1. Study EVERYTHING possible. 2. Never believe it if you haven't heard it yourself.
I found the allusions presentations really interesting. I didn't know some of the stories, and I look forward to recognizing them in the future. I probably could have done more with my presentation. I'm pretty sure I was glued to my paper, which is probably the reason why I didn't do fantastically on that either.
Overall, I think AP English is helping me to grow, especially as a reader. I can't say I'm excited to try to apply what we've learned to The American Dream yet, but I hope I can say that when I do go at it, I'll be surprised once again.
I hope you've been surprised by the analysis of The American Dream!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this- you have a very strong voice and it comes through very clearly. Keep that up- with an assignment like this, not much will change from student to student, so voice makes all the difference. Personal reaction beyond "we learned ___" is also important, which you did well.