Midterm Writing test: Part A

Part A: Writer's Craft

Figurative Devices:

1.The ''new food'' is a metaphore, because we associate this type of food with the astronaut, which is synonym of technology. Also, there is a parallel to do with the obsession of man to simplify everything, even things that souldn't be.

2.a) ''Bread'' is the link between the situations given by the author and it is defined differently for each of these situations. Imagery is important, because it lets imagine and identify yourself with the main action.

b) I found the famine imagery really powerful, because it makes us realize how lucky we are to have everything we need. It makes you see throught the eyes of a poor person beeing confronted to a difficult choice.

4.a) The first time the author uses this metaphor, it's right before the old man dies; ''Night is a black sheet.''. It is repeated at the end of the story when the the old woman lies down; '' black sheet of night.''.

b) For me, the first time it appears, the metaphor involves the death of the old man, because the following sentence says that he passes away.

c) When the metaphor is repeated at the end of the story, we can conclude that she fell asleep, or that she also died. It depends on the readers imagination.

Rhythm:

1. ''Old Habits Die Hard'' uses a rhythmical language.

2. Bedbug. Bedridden. Bedlam. Bedpan. Bedraggled. Bedfast.

Level of Language:

1. ''The New Food''

2. ''Bread''

3. ''The New Food''

Syntax:

1. '' Old Habits Die Hard''

2. First, it is mentionned that the old man can't talk and can't remember most of his memories. Using a short form of sentence, involves the fact that the old man is tired and doesn't have the energy to formulate complete thoughts.

3. We can deduce that the old woman was the old man's wife and that she was taking care of him.

4.a) It's a quite long sentence that uses repetition of words in each preceding sentences.

b) There are two question marks in the last sentence, probably to impose an introspection from the reader. It finishes with the word ''imagine'', which introduced most of the paragraphs.

Tone:

1.'' The new Food''

2. It dramatises the the saddening effect of the invention.

3. Sadness: ''Bread''
Uneasiness: ''Old Habits Die Hard''

Attitude:

1. '' Bread''

2. The author wants to influence a refexion from the reader, since she uses strong imagery and vocabulary to denounce sad situations.