Up From Ugliness
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/opinion/sunday/douthat-up-from-ugliness.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
The passing of Steve Jobs, the contraversial visionary or phony, has prompted many to reflect on his life and accomplishments. So soon after his death, the glowing sides of his career are discussed and admired. The author of this article is no exception, crediting Jobs with something of a aesthetic renaissance.
A contemplative and thoughtful mood is sustained through most of the article, interesting in that the author seems to take pains not to present an overly glorified view of Jobs. Although the Jobs' gadgets are described as "exquisite" they are also referred to as a "mirror to our vanity" conserning the lack of strides made in medicine in comparison. The diction of this article walks the fine line between educated and snobbery. While the author choices many words of above average education ("utilitarian", "curvaceous", "solipsism"), the author is not above describing architechture as "blah". This creates a sense of trust, the author is not putting on airs of education, but happens to be educated and genuinely use impressive vocabulary in normal conversation. The diction choices help maintain a somewhat soleum tone to the article.
One of the most convincing supports of the author's crediting Jobs with bringing back elegance is the lush use of imagery. The architecture of the 80's involves bulldozing, "buried heart of pine floors under shag carpeting" and "raw cement". In contrast when talking about Jobs creations, flowing and dream imagery accompanies. There is a nod to Steam-punk imagination and suave choices of grace and beauty. This helps the author's message that Jobs should not be hailed for creating a market for electronic trinkets, but that his real contribution is a legacy of aesthetic perfection.
I liked your analysis of this piece. I thought you did an excellent job with your examples of diction, as well as all the imagery examples. The difference between "blah" and the more highly elevated words is an interesting one, but I think you make a good point about it. The author may seem to be snobby, but it seems far more likely that he really is just using their everyday language in this piece, it just so happens that his language is rather educated. I also like to see that you talked about more than just the elements of DIDLS and got into more of the meaning aspect of the article.
ReplyDeleteThis post is very clear and well done! Through your description and choice of techniques I was able to get a feel for what mood the author was trying to create. My only suggestion is in the opening paragraph mention how the author uses contradictory opinions (snobby vs. educated) throughout the article. Otherwise, if only reading the introduction, I would have a wrong view on the piece and I think this will allow your post to tie together even more effectively.
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