Essay Evaluation - Now that my blog is working again!

So here are the evaluations from the set of three out-of-class essay readings; I didn't put them up before because my blog wasn't working. ENJOY!

1) "Silent Dancing"

Through out this piece I noted strong imagery - '...sofa and chairs are square and hard-looking, upholstered in bright colors (blue and yellow in this instance...).' It was clear that the author used similes and metaphors to stress keys points, rather than another method of distinction. I feel like though all of these essays seem to tell a story, this particular piece did NOT have a clear plot line, or a prominant direction. The focus shifted between several main ideas - assimilation, sexual roles/prejudices, and racial discrimination - but never 'landed' on anything. I did notice, however, that the author provided a great deal of useful background information, as well as following up most of her ideas with explanations and examples. One thing that I didn't understand, after reading the essay, was the title: Why was this piece called 'Silent Dancing'?

2) "The Stunt Pilot"

I noted that the grammar and format of this essage seemed to be more 'proper' than either of the others - a definition that set it apart, in my eyes. There also seemed to be a captivating, yet completely clear and well explained story-line (a little melancholy in my opinion). Every idea and aspect was well thought-out and covered, something that I feel was missing in the first reading. The imagery and word choice in this piece was phenomenal - 'Robed in his airplane, he was as featureless as a priest.' Over all, this was my most favored of the essays.

3) "Ali in Havana"

My first opinion of this essay - before I started reading it, was that it was about a girl; this little misunderstanding had a great deal to do with how I saw the essay initially. The topic of this essay I saw as risky and controversial, but very well attempted, and overall incredibly successful. Beginning background gives a good idea of the theme and mood of the essay, but it did make me wonder the following: What would I have thought if I hadn't read it? Did it influense my opinion of the essay at all - perhaps prevent me from forming some of my own conclusions? The imagery in this piece too, was very well styled and articulate, however, it was not as ornate nor as entertaining as that of "The Stunt Pilot."

There they are - over and out!