Have you ever felt in love? What did it entail? Love is seen as a necessity by today’s society. Life without love is seen as a miserable failure, since if a person is not loved or cannot love, then probably they hate everyone around them, and everyone hates them in return. People have emptiness and longings inside of them, and love often times becomes the most plausible way to satisfy those longings. In the essay, Against Love, by Laura Kipnis, love’s dark side is revealed, and appears to be quite ugly if anything. Kipnis makes two major claims, that love is entirely economic and does not always satisfy those who long for it.
Kipnis claims that love is more an economic matter than a personal matter. Kipnis makes valid claims that before the 18th century, families were arranged to be economic. Families arranged marriages between individuals such that the newly created family could sustain itself and hopefully the existing family. Kipnis goes on to say that love is all about meeting the expectations of the significant other. Too many needs and not enough catering towards needs are also described as the key destructor of any relationship as well. Meeting the other’s needs could make you seem like a lovable person, and that meeting their needs leads to the state of psychological maturity. As this is carried on, advanced intimacy begins to take over from there. This involves “opening up” which, as described, is basically sex. “Opening up” is said to make a person feel tied to the other, and even vulnerable without them. This can lead to complex negotiations and strict codes of conduct. Yet, this is not the case in every relationship. People do have needs, and in relationships, both partners strive to satisfy their own as well as each other’s needs. With everything taken care of, the two people get drawn to each other’s abilities of satisfying both sides, which leads to attraction and sexual matters. Kipnis then claims that after sex, couples get drawn to each other to the extent that they begin to create codes of conduct, which were almost described as military. Yet, these rules are created for the welfare of the relationship; they are to keep both partners involved with each other and their needs. If a rule is considered unfair by any partner in a relationship, they have the exclusive right to appeal to it. Of course, that is how love may seem on the outside. On the inside, it is a completely different story to be experienced when the time comes. That is how love may not entirely be an economic matter.
Kipnis makes a second claim, that love does not always have the capacity to satisfy any one person. The point is made that in relationships, there is always some give and take. Yet, when there is too much take and little give, or the other way around, love can get ugly. This is true in a way. People wish to be treated equally, so a rational distribution of helping and being helped could be the key to achieving equality. Everyone wants others to put time and attention into themselves, since they will feel invisible without it. Some people are better at carrying this out than others. In order for love to succeed, a person must be aware of their capabilities, and find someone who is in need of them, and whose needs are not too overwhelming. In that way, love could be the ideal way to satisfy a person.
Kipnis made two major claims, that love is entirely economic and does not always satisfy those who long for it. I personally see love as an abstract concept. There is no clear definition to it, making it open to interpretation by everyone. Some may see love as receiving a box of chocolates. Others may consider another’s presence in itself to be love. It all depends on a person’s surroundings and their own personal worldviews. If a person grew up being abused by their parents, they would have a very different idea of love apart from someone who was raised by their parents almost on a high pedestal. That is love, and how it may be interpreted.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
For Love
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Rhetoric Notes
An Example of Rhetoric from Literature
-Rhetoric is not limited to nonfiction
-Poetry, drama, and fiction may also be used as a means of persuasion
-Rhetoric is not limited to nonfiction
-Poetry, drama, and fiction may also be used as a means of persuasion
Arrangement
-Arrangement is the organization of a piece of writing
-The way a writer organizes their works depends on their intended purpose and effect.
*The Classical Model
-Arrangement is the organization of a piece of writing
-The way a writer organizes their works depends on their intended purpose and effect.
*The Classical Model
Introduction
-Draws readers to the text by attracting their interest, challenging them, or by getting their
attention using other methods.
-Ethos is usually established in introductions
-Draws readers to the text by attracting their interest, challenging them, or by getting their
attention using other methods.
-Ethos is usually established in introductions
Narration
-Provides factual information and background material in the subject
-Provides factual information and background material in the subject
-This begins developmental paragraphs or may establish why the subject is being addressed
-Narration appeals to pathos since the writer is trying to evoke an emotional response about the topic at hand
-Narration appeals to pathos since the writer is trying to evoke an emotional response about the topic at hand
Confirmation
-Usually the largest part of the average text, confirmation is concerned with supporting
the views held by the author
-Confirmation generally appeals to logos
Refutation
-Refutation addresses the counter-argument,and is considered to be a bridge between
the writer's proof and conclusion
-For opposing views that are well known or respected by the audience, a writer will
-For opposing views that are well known or respected by the audience, a writer will
usually present the opposing argument first
-Refutation appeals to logos
Conclusion
-The conclusion brings things to a close.
-Here, writers typically appeal to pathos, to appeal to the ethos established earlier
-Refutation appeals to logos
Conclusion
-The conclusion brings things to a close.
-Here, writers typically appeal to pathos, to appeal to the ethos established earlier
Patterns of Development
-Another way to arrange an argument is based on its purpose
*Narration
-Narration refers to telling a story or recounting a series of events
-Chronology often times governs a narration, which includes concrete detail, a point of view,
and sometimes other elements such as dialogue
-Narration is commonly used as a way to introduce topics
*Description
-Description is much like narration in how it includes specific details, but is different in how it
is aimed at the senses of the audience
-Description is often times used to establish a mood or atmosphere
-When readers can see and feel what the writer sees and feels, it is easier for the audience to
empathize with the writer, the subject, or argument
*Process Analysis
-Process analysis explains how something works, how to do something, or how something
was done
-The key to successful process analysis is clarity, since explaining things is best done
logically, with transitions marking the sequence of major steps, stages, or phases of a process
*Exemplification
-Providing a series of examples can turn a general idea into a concrete one, since it it made
clearer and is thus more persuasive
-Aristotle taught that examples are a type of logical proof called induction, that is to say that
a series of specific examples leads to a general conclusion
*Comparison and Contrast
-Compare and contrast is the juxtaposing of two things to highlight their similarities and
differences
-Writers use this to analyze information carefully, which often reveals insights into the
nature of the information being analyzed
*Classification and Division
-It is useful for readers and writers to know how to categorize information into major
categories
-The question, "What goes together and why?" can help to relate differing things with each
other
-Categories may be ready-made, or will have to be determined by oneself
-Writers often develop their own categories to find a distinctive way of breaking down a
larger idea or concept
*Definition
-Most essays rely on definition for clarification
-Definition seeks to lay a foundation to establish a common ground or identifying areas of
conflict between the writers and audience
-Defining something often starts debates of disagreements
*Narration
-Narration refers to telling a story or recounting a series of events
-Chronology often times governs a narration, which includes concrete detail, a point of view,
and sometimes other elements such as dialogue
-Narration is commonly used as a way to introduce topics
*Description
-Description is much like narration in how it includes specific details, but is different in how it
is aimed at the senses of the audience
-Description is often times used to establish a mood or atmosphere
-When readers can see and feel what the writer sees and feels, it is easier for the audience to
empathize with the writer, the subject, or argument
*Process Analysis
-Process analysis explains how something works, how to do something, or how something
was done
-The key to successful process analysis is clarity, since explaining things is best done
logically, with transitions marking the sequence of major steps, stages, or phases of a process
*Exemplification
-Providing a series of examples can turn a general idea into a concrete one, since it it made
clearer and is thus more persuasive
-Aristotle taught that examples are a type of logical proof called induction, that is to say that
a series of specific examples leads to a general conclusion
*Comparison and Contrast
-Compare and contrast is the juxtaposing of two things to highlight their similarities and
differences
-Writers use this to analyze information carefully, which often reveals insights into the
nature of the information being analyzed
*Classification and Division
-It is useful for readers and writers to know how to categorize information into major
categories
-The question, "What goes together and why?" can help to relate differing things with each
other
-Categories may be ready-made, or will have to be determined by oneself
-Writers often develop their own categories to find a distinctive way of breaking down a
larger idea or concept
*Definition
-Most essays rely on definition for clarification
-Definition seeks to lay a foundation to establish a common ground or identifying areas of
conflict between the writers and audience
-Defining something often starts debates of disagreements
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Ethos, Logos, and Pathos in Pride and Prejudice
Ethos; "I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success. Towards him i have been kinder that towards myself." (170)
Logos; "And this... is your opinions of me! This is the estimation in which you hold me! I thank you for explaining it so fully. My faults are heavy indeed! But perhaps... these offenses might have been overlooked, had not your pride been hurt by my honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented my forming any serious design." (171)
Pathos; "As she pronounced these words, Mr. Darcy changed color; but the emotion was short, and he listened without attempting to interrupt her while she continued." (170)
Logos; "And this... is your opinions of me! This is the estimation in which you hold me! I thank you for explaining it so fully. My faults are heavy indeed! But perhaps... these offenses might have been overlooked, had not your pride been hurt by my honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented my forming any serious design." (171)
Pathos; "As she pronounced these words, Mr. Darcy changed color; but the emotion was short, and he listened without attempting to interrupt her while she continued." (170)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Examples of Ethos, Logos, and Pathos
In class, we have studied rhetorics. Rhetorics are thoughtful, reflective activities leading to effective communication, including a rational exchange of opposing view points. When one carries out such actions, there are many other things that are subconsciously kept on mind. One of such things would be context, which is the time and place something happens, or the occasion at which something happens. Purpose is what it is, which is the main goal the speaker wishes to achieve. More unfamiliar may be persona, which is the character created when a person speaks. They may be speaking of someone else or the "character" part could appeal to the actual speaker. After taking note of such things, there are three other things to which the speaker must appeal to. Those three concepts are called ethos, logos, and pathos.
Ethos is a word that means "character." When a speaker is trying to provoke a positive response from the audience, they usually want to make themselves appear to be credible and trustworthy, often times by emphasizing shared values between the speaker and the audience. Sometimes, the speaker's reputation will establish ethos. An example of what ethos is really about can be seen in your average McDonald's commercial. As discussed in Fast Food Nation, the common theme for their commercials is that they are the viewer's "trusted friend," while stressing such things as the high caliber of their food and other such things that consumers would like to see in about their products. In that way, that is ethos, as McDonald's wishes for those seeing their commercials to view them a certain way.
Logos is a word that means "embodied thought." When a speaker is trying to say anything, they must have at least and idea of what they are saying. Logos is concerned with that very notion. Logos is all about having clear, logical theses and ideas in mind. In order for one to carry this out most effectively, they should bear in mind any counterarguments, or possible opposing arguments. To beat out the counterarguments, the best way to do that would be to agree with opposing views within your argument, but then clean it up a bit by providing logical information that refutes the opposing argument. Currently, much logos can be seen in the primaries. As Barack Obama and John McCain duel with each other over the White House and the role as president, they are constantly going back and addressing the promises that the other candidate has made. They often times point out how such ideas may be beneficial at the same time. Yet, after that, they begin to sling mud at each other, by promising otherwise, and by supporting their views with logical information.
Pathos is in other words, emotion. Whenever a speaker is trying to gain the support of an audience, they must attempt to appeal to their emotions. That is to say that the speaker is charged with making the audience think a certain way about themselves. Often times, the best way to go about this is by using descriptive and figurative language, as such things can get the imaginations of the audience stirring, and ultimately could get them to imaging what they are hoping to imagine. Props can also help to appeal to pathos, as props can give a more realistic look at what is being argued. A concrete example of pathos can be found in most movies, typically tragedies. Throughout the course of the movie, the developers are usually telling the story of a character, who may be real or fictional. As the film progresses, the spectators begin to think a certain way about the characters in the film, based on their composure or the portrayed experiences of that character. When pathos really comes in is when something, especially something with a negative connotation, happens. Say the main character gets eaten alive by a warthog at a zoo. If the audience liked the character from what they learned about them from the film, they may begin to sympathize with them, since they may have been a good person, who did not deserve to fall victim to such a fate.
Ethos is a word that means "character." When a speaker is trying to provoke a positive response from the audience, they usually want to make themselves appear to be credible and trustworthy, often times by emphasizing shared values between the speaker and the audience. Sometimes, the speaker's reputation will establish ethos. An example of what ethos is really about can be seen in your average McDonald's commercial. As discussed in Fast Food Nation, the common theme for their commercials is that they are the viewer's "trusted friend," while stressing such things as the high caliber of their food and other such things that consumers would like to see in about their products. In that way, that is ethos, as McDonald's wishes for those seeing their commercials to view them a certain way.
Logos is a word that means "embodied thought." When a speaker is trying to say anything, they must have at least and idea of what they are saying. Logos is concerned with that very notion. Logos is all about having clear, logical theses and ideas in mind. In order for one to carry this out most effectively, they should bear in mind any counterarguments, or possible opposing arguments. To beat out the counterarguments, the best way to do that would be to agree with opposing views within your argument, but then clean it up a bit by providing logical information that refutes the opposing argument. Currently, much logos can be seen in the primaries. As Barack Obama and John McCain duel with each other over the White House and the role as president, they are constantly going back and addressing the promises that the other candidate has made. They often times point out how such ideas may be beneficial at the same time. Yet, after that, they begin to sling mud at each other, by promising otherwise, and by supporting their views with logical information.
Pathos is in other words, emotion. Whenever a speaker is trying to gain the support of an audience, they must attempt to appeal to their emotions. That is to say that the speaker is charged with making the audience think a certain way about themselves. Often times, the best way to go about this is by using descriptive and figurative language, as such things can get the imaginations of the audience stirring, and ultimately could get them to imaging what they are hoping to imagine. Props can also help to appeal to pathos, as props can give a more realistic look at what is being argued. A concrete example of pathos can be found in most movies, typically tragedies. Throughout the course of the movie, the developers are usually telling the story of a character, who may be real or fictional. As the film progresses, the spectators begin to think a certain way about the characters in the film, based on their composure or the portrayed experiences of that character. When pathos really comes in is when something, especially something with a negative connotation, happens. Say the main character gets eaten alive by a warthog at a zoo. If the audience liked the character from what they learned about them from the film, they may begin to sympathize with them, since they may have been a good person, who did not deserve to fall victim to such a fate.
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Great Gatsby and Fast Food Nation
There are many subtle similarities between the books Fast Food Nation and The Great Gatsby. First of all, they are both pieces of American literature. Both books were written by American authors, and discussed very American issues. Fast Food Nation was more concerned with fast food, a large part of the diet of many Americans, while The Great Gatsby pointed out the flaws of the American dream. On further note, the diction in both books appears as very descriptive in both books. In Fast Food Nation, I remembered reading the book, feeling a hollow emptiness in my stomach as some of the glaring facts of the fast food industry were revealed. Likewise, in the Great Gatsby, the writing style of F. Scott Fitzgerald made it very simple to create mental pictures of what was happening within the book due to its sheer descriptiveness of the narration within. Probably the last of the most noticeable similarities would be the ways in which the ideals of each book were conveyed. They were bold, brash, and in your face. In Fast Food Nation, that was easy to see, as Eric Schlosser conveyed the dark, lingering truths of how the fast food industry was dominating diets and landscape, as well as grimacing revelations on the cleanliness of the actual food. In The Great Gatsby, some may have found Daisy's affair with Gatsby to have been shocking, but even more so would have to be his funeral. Gatsby threw house parties often, and was affiliated with many well-to-do people. Following his death, at his funeral, only his friend Nick Carraway and a single drunk man showed up. One would have expected far more out of someone who appeared to be loved by all. Those are some of the similarities between the books, Fast Food Nation and The Great Gatsby.
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