Palestine Statehood
The conflict between Israel and Palestine continues, creating strong opinions on the best course of action. The author of this article is no exception. Through use of diction the author seems to almost be begging you to view his or her view as informed and knowledgeable. The words “ruinous”, “acute”, and “pursue” replace more common, and certainly less scholarly, words. Oddly, the author slips into more common phrases and idioms as the article continues, making the previous diction choices seem forced and stilted. Having an extensive vocabulary and naturally using obscure words would be more convincing if seen throughout the entire piece. By the inconsistency the author then appears to be faking intellectualism. Throughout the article the author calls to mind images of a lazy, almost apathetic U.S. America’s role in peacekeeping is described as a “listless effort”. Contrasting images of American stupor, the author creates images of a restless and volatile situation in the Middle East. The hostility between Turkey and Egypt is phrased as “alarming tensions flared”, calling up images of destructive and untamable wildfire. As the article winds down, there is a tangible shift in the language of the author’s phrases. Originally accusatory (“used any excuse to thwart peace negotiations”), they mellow into a plan of action, such as the suggestion to return to the 1967 Israel-Palestine borders. This makes the author seem more credible, instead of just a rant the author attempts to inspire a course of action.
The point you made over the author's choice of diction is very interesting. It's something as a reader I hadn't originally caught until after reading your response. The other effect you addressed was imagery the author created; something you could have described a little more, maybe through use of more textual examples. Very good closing statement though, a stance most people view (the author seems more credible) but possibly wouldn't consciously notice.
ReplyDeleteWhew, that was fast. It felt like a list more than anything else. I could really use some more examples or explanations of intricacies to beef this thing up and break it up. Also you need some more meaning in this post. I got technique and effect but not the "so what?" that you would have to address in an essay and that is part of this assignment as well.
ReplyDeleteWay to go for the editorial, I like you're style. This story is definitely opinionated and has an almost forceful voice...yet I would agree with you it has come off a bit fake. The author is going for straight news with opinion and it just doesn't work. Good job picking up DIDLS, it helped analyze the author.
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