Unit 6 Blog

 

The text, “Roads to Quoz”, is an extract from a narrative. This is identifiable from the use of the footer. This is utilized in order to explain things that would not make sense if explained in the story. For example, “Q” is used in the text but cannot explained so it is put in the footer to explain to the reader that it is a nickname for the authors wife.

The author speaks in the first person which adds to the text by giving it a more personal tone. Throughout the text, he brings up his own opinion which goes along with that. For example, “My fare in such”, makes the piece more personal since he adds his personal opinion. The writer does a very good job with his descriptive language and thoroughly explains the setting and actions. This positively effects the reader and gives them an image in their head. The author uses the analogy, ”None exceeds bread as…finished whole”. This quote, to me, is cleverly worded which makes the reader ponder what he had said. This leaves a positive effect on the reader and gives them a better understanding of how the author perceives the importance of the quality of bread. 

Another lexical choice he made were the use of the words “Zeppelin”, “Hoagie”, “Bomber”, and “Grinder”. This helps readers understand the text better since he brings up the different regional names for the item. This also adds to the overall setting of the story which takes place in the United States. These words also leave an effect on the audience since the author makes an attempt at trying to make the text more relatable. Another example of this happens when the writer also mentions specific locations such as “western Pennsylvania”.

 Another way he assists the reader’s understanding is through analogies. For example, “Franchise sub is to well-filled grinder…as shaken milk”. This quote helps the reader have a better understanding by comparing it to a more common item. In this case the author compares a franchise sub and grocery “grinder” to shaken milk and a milkshake.

The author used personification in order to give life to the river. “Old Man Susquehanna”, here the author personifies the river by describing him as an old man. He also says that the river left behind “mud and stink”. This effects the reader by giving the text a more somber mood. It also adds imagery which affects the reader by giving them a better understanding of the event.

The entire text is written in a series of paragraphs. This organizes the text and also separates the different actions and events he describes. He also chose to use an abundant amount of compound and complex sentences. For example, “Of all ingredients, none…vinegar”, this helps the author be more descriptive and helps make the text more understandable since he completes many different thoughts in one sentence instead of multiple sentences. This assists with leaving out unnecessary detail and information. 

The author uses dialogue in the the text which helps advance the plot of the story. For example, “‘Sarah’” , brings the daughter into the action. This adds to the overall detail and character’s of the text. Without the dialogue the extract would be worse. Since it is a story written in the first person there should be character interaction with dialogue.

The text is in chronological order starting from when he walked into the store and ending with an interaction he had within. This helps the reader understand the story by keeping it organized. Chronological order also makes the story flow better which makes it easier to read.