Figurative Languauge

Why do authors use figurative language? Some people don't really like figurative language because it can be hard to understand but it definitely serves a purpose in writing. In the book I’m reading, The Musician’s Daughter, Susan Dunlap uses a lot of figurative language. The main character Theresa it trying to figure out the mystery of her father’s death so the author uses a metaphor to express Theresa’s thoughts. It says, “No, Schnabl could not be the missing piece of the puzzle.” (Dunlap 235). This is a common comparison between a mystery and a puzzle but regardless, it helps the reader visualize the story better. Another example of figurative language is a hyperbole. A hyperbole is just an extreme exaggeration. Dunlap uses hyperboles a lot throughout the book because they help get the point across and make the situations seem direr. This is especially good since this book is a mystery. An example of a hyperbole in this book is when it says, “But I was tired to my bones…” (Dunlap 233). This is an exaggeration because we know it isn’t possible to be “tired to the bones” but it helps show the exhaustion Theresa is going through.

            I like how there are a lot of metaphors, hyperboles, and personifications in this book. I feel like it really clears up any confusion and it helps create a clearer image in your head. Also I like how some of the metaphors are very common (as you saw above), but some of them are very creative and open you up to new ideas. Occasionally there will be a comparison and I will have an ah-ha moment because I never thought of something that way before.

Krista Ramsey Column

Colum Assignment Part 1  

Column Assignment Part 2:

  I read a column by Krista Ramsey called Locking into the Magic of Legos. This column was about how some of the most sacred life lessons can be taught through Legos and these lessons don't need adults to facilitate them.

     The line I think was best written in this column is when she says, "They're in a world beyond learning objectives and select soccer, safely out of reach of arranged play dates and online language programs. Legos let them claim the two things adults don't even realize they need: space and silence." I think this quote really good because in the first sentence it says how Legos keep daily activities "safely out of reach." I think this part demonstrates the author's opinion very clearly because it shows these activities almost as a threat to childhood. Also, I like when she explains the two things children need. The way she uses the colon and then states the two things, space and silence, I think it emphasizes their importance by separating them from the rest of the sentence.

     Krista Ramsey's writing style varies a little from column to column. In all of them, h\she writes pretty casual but she has a strong opinion. 
 Her columns aren't usually humorous; they typically are a people and society although in the column Super Bowl QBs Score Points for Great Style she uses a little sarcasm to create humor. An example is when she says, "Probably half the population sees this as a problem and the other half, a blessing. The problem is both halves show up at the same events." She is talking about people's attire in this quote but she is sarcastically making fun of people's difference at the same time. Also the title itself it is a little humorous. She also writes about children a lot because both this column and the other column we read, For better vision, kids need time outdoors, are about kids as seen in the titles.

If I could ask Krista Ramsey three questions, I would ask her:

1. What inspires you to write about certain topics over others?
2. Do you get writers block and if so, how do you over come it?
3. How do you create your voice when writing?

Honor English Post 2

     Recently I've been reading The Musician's Daughter by Susan Dunlap. My favorite part of book is the plot in general. It's really interesting and when you just read a summary it sounds really good. It definitely engages the reader. Unfortunately I think the author explains things too much and it causes the reader to get bored with the book. This is especially present in the middle of the book because the narrator just explains her thoughts and all her theories to her father's murder instead of continuing with the plot. I like how Dunlap set up the order of events because the beginning of the book just jumps right in and it gets you attention. During the middle I wish Dunlap would have added more plot twists because it starts to get boring when you are just listening to thoughts but then it starts to pick up and get better.

     I also really like this book because it uses rich vocabulary. One sentence i love in this book is, "Mirela took the medallion in her hand and gazed at it as if she were trying to read the future in her palm." (163).  I feel like a lot of book uses similar language but this book has used a lot of new words to me. It also uses a lot of figurative language which does enhance the writing but sometimes it feel like there is too much and the book needs to be more straight to the point.

     I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery but has a pretty good comprehension level because at time this book get confusing. This is because of all the figuartive language and description. So far I would give it 3/5 stars because I liked the plot but it just gets draggeed on too long. Overall it's a pretty good book and I think most people would enjoy it.