Party like its 1999

Dumb AP tests ;(

Pre-Write

·         Show how McCarthy’s techniques convey the impact of the experience on the character

·         Diction-imagery, tone-setting, direct characterization-indirect characterization/them

1.       Cradled, the yapping coyotes emphasizes his mournful thoughts, describes the wolf when its happily running in the fields.  The reader can feel the joy the two partners shared, uses the word stiff when talking about the wolf which creates an image of a life less animal,

2.       Calm but sad, starts out at the bottom of cliff with broken rocks. Not a very exciting or happy setting, is not in a hurry but is rather spending time to think about the wolf near a small fire,

3.       Foreshadowing with blood, ind. Wants to bury the fox. The wolf has emotional value for him,  

McCarthy’s is able to combine many literary techniques to create an experience that his main character is deeply troubled by. The reader is able to understand the emotional relationship the main character had with the wolf even though there’s no back story. The character is mournful but does not express signs of distress yet the audience is still able to understand the character’s pain.

The character has invested in this animal emotionally and McCarthy is able to convey this bond certain diction and imagery. The main character does not simply hold the dead wolf but “cradles” it. This is a sign of gentle care and the image the reader receives from the use of this word is man rocking a baby in his arms. The reader gets a clear sign of friendship when the main character flashbacks to a time when the wolf is a live.  McCarthy creates a heaven like image of the wolf playing happily. Because this main character remembers the wolf in this way the audience can infer that the two characters shared a joyful relationship. The use of “stiff” when describing the dead animal contrast between the image of the wolf happily running and a bloody animal that has no sense of life in it. The main character is clearly saddened by the death of his friend and is disturbed by the lack of movement in such a lively wild animal.

The setting of the passage relates to the emotional distress of the main character and adds to a mournful tone. The passage takes place at the bottom of a cliff with broken rocks. The main character’s emotions are shattered all over his soul and his spirit is very low. Yet the main character continues to maintain a calm appearance and lacks any sign of distress. McCarthy creates this calm tone with the camp fire and still movement.  The main character is resting near a fire and while he rests he thinks about his lost friend. He does not cry and he’s not enraged.  The main character can   be indirectly characterized as mournful because of his desire to bury the animal. McCarthy does not say the main character respected the wolf but his action proves that he does. And a friend will mourn for his respected partner. The wet rain adds to the sad and gloomy spirit of the character.  He is alone and cold. McCarthy’s setting is intentionally made to create a solemn gloomy tone.

McCarthy is able to convey the saddening impact of this experience on the main character through certain uses of literary techniques. Even though the main character never says he cared for the wolf the tone of the passage, the setting, and the main characters actions all convey an experience that had deeply disturbed the main character.

Pre-Write

·         Crime and Punishment

·         1. Guilt 2.Justification

·         Thesis, Character is plagued by guilt yet has convinced himself his actions are justified

The power of guilt can drive a man mad but the amount of confusion created when this man thinks his actions are justified is immeasurable. The main character in Crime and Punishment is pulled throughout the story between guilt and self-justification. Confusion results from this tug of war and ultimately the theme of humility are created.

Guilt and self-justification impacted the main character greatly and ultimately broke him because he was unwilling to accept anyone’s help. Throughout the novel the main character is tormented by guilt. He is so tortured by it that he becomes ill. A fever takes over his body because he made himself weak by extreme stress. The author made the character ill to show the audience how powerful guilt can break a man. He describes it in detail to create an image. After the fever the main character is indirectly characterized by his terrified reaction when he awakes. He is afraid someone has found him out and the guilt in him comes back to life. He doesn’t seek help however and actually refuses it. Pride is not directly expressed by the author but the audience can infer that through the character’s actions. Even though the character is full of guilt he is confused. His actions may be wrong but aren’t they justified? The author creates this idea with internal monologue of the character. Destiny is repeated by the character before he commits his crime.  He thinks because certain events have taken place that it’s a sign he was meant to commit this crime. Almost like his divine right. The author conveys this by letting the reader listen in to the character’s thoughts. The character also finds justification in his actions because he believes he can do good works with the money he steals. Overall these two forces create confusion within the character but his pride prevents him from seeking advice or help. The main character had many opportunities to save himself from this crime but he was unable to humble himself and ask for help. As a result these two forces broke him apart until he finally gave in and confessed to the police.

Guilt is a powerful force against a man’s soul and confusion induced by self-justification of these guilty actions tears a man apart. Because the author ended the novel with a broken character the theme of humility was able to be conveyed.