9-14-12 Elbow Assignment

Greg Warman   

9-14-12

English 1510

Elbow Assignment

Before You read:

1)      I’ve constructed my identity on Facebook to closely resemble my real identity.  On Facebook, people can only look at parts of you and know things about you that you want them to know and see based on what you publish on your profile. On the contrary, when you’re at home or actually face to face with someone, they can see you as a whole instead of just a post or picture on your Facebook. Facebook acts as sort of a filter for one to hide things about themselves and instead, accentuate the things they do want people to see.

QDJ Answers:

1)      When reading, voice, is the sort of presence of the writer in what you are reading.  I have encountered different definitions of voice.  Some explain the literal meaning that voice is the small voice that narrates what you’re reading through out a book.  Elbow’s definition is different. He explains how voice is the representation of our true and real self in writing.

2)      Some things on the internet have a voice. After viewing some infographics in the past, they have common narrators, like Morgan Freeman.  Since then, infographics with the same information or agenda to them seem to be read aloud in my mind with the voice of Morgan Freeman.  I disagree with his statement.  The renown voice of Morgan Freeman not only is projected in my mind when I read certain things, but it’s also very helpful in comprehending and retaining whatever is being read in his voice.  For example,  http://www.savedbythebellhorn.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=11206

AEI Answer:

1)      Sincerity voice is the voice used in certain (believable) situations on a more personal basis. It’s an open voice of the writer that usually causes connections with the reader. Resonance voice is detected during little moments when the author’s voice changes due to irony, silliness, or metaphors.

Connecting to Other Readings:

2)      Voice is more applicable to Allen’s theory.  Voice is developed by a writer and is used to persuade how the reader hears the reading in their head.

Summary:

In the article “Voice in Writing” by Peter Elbow,  brings to light the two main contradicting thoughts about the role of voice by an author.  He explains that voice is determined by the author and how they portray their words in a personal way (voice). Elbow splits his article by the different opinions of voice.  He sets off these contradicting ideas in separate parts of this article with the headings “Reasons for attending voice in texts” and “Reasons for not attending voice in texts.” All in all, Elbow tries to clarify the fact that there are different thoughts about voice and he just sets apart the different opinions and explains each of them.

Synthesis:

                Elbow’s article is set off from some of the articles we’ve read up to now.  Most of the articles we’ve read have had a set in stone view and theory about a certain researched topic.  Elbow, in “Voice in Writing” doesn’t necessarily take a clear-cut stance about voice, it’s reasoning, and it’s use, but instead clearly defines and explains others’ opinions and theories about the use and development of voice by writers. Basically, Elbow explains different views about Voice instead of standing behind one.

Reflection:

                I thought that Elbow’s article was extremely boring and dry.  When thinking about voice, I think about a personal way someone writes.  Someone with a great voice in their writing will grab the readers’ attention and keep them drawn in.  A writer with a dull, bland voice will bore their readers.  I found it ironic how Elbow explains the importance of voice, but then lacks any personalization or creativity in his own voice.