Discussion Forum: Analyzing Creative Nonfiction (CNF)

Now it's your turn to practice analyzing a work of creative nonfiction, just as Manny did. Please read carefully and follow the instructions below: 

STEP ONE: CLOSE, CRITICAL READING 

Read this narrative by an anonymous author titled, "Coronavirus Lockdown is a Living Hell." After reading, review, annotate, and breakdown the "moves," the elements CNF, in the piece. You may, if you like, look ahead to "Step Two" to deter

Coronavirus Lockdown Is a Living Hell - Reading Piece -HW- Eng120.pdf Download Coronavirus Lockdown Is a Living Hell - Reading Piece -HW- Eng120.pdf

Here is the published website version of this narrative essay. 
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/03/03/809965742/personal-essay-from-wuhan-living-in-hell Links to an external site.

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STEP TWO: SUMMARY & ANALYTICAL WRITING (50 points) Post/due no later than 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 9. 

Quick Canvas Review: How to Participate in a Discussion Forum Links to an external site.

Now that you have spent some quality time with  "Coronavirus Lockdown is a Living Hell,"  it is time to actively participate in a conversation. First, write a 2-paragraph critical response to ONE of the creative nonfiction (I suggest you write it in a document and then paste it into the discussion forum). You may choose Sarah Kay's "Flowers Slipped into Shattered Glass" or the anonymous writer's "Coronavirus Lockdown Is a Living Hell." After writing both paragraphs and posting them on the discussion forum, you will have the opportunity to reply to your peers' ideas. 

In the first paragraph, introduce the creative nonfiction essay with an academic meaty sentence then summarize it. Here is a new, quick review of the academic meaty sentence: THE ACADEMIC MEATY SENTENCE.pdf  Download THE ACADEMIC MEATY SENTENCE.pdf 

In the second paragraph, choose ONE of the following elements to analyze and provide at least two examples from the text to support/illustrate your discussion (be sure to create a strong topic sentence that introduces the element you are analyzing):

a) How does the author develop and organize their ideas to "capture the moment" and keep the reader engaged? Yes, authors use paragraphs, but in CNF, writers often create scenes to bring their experience to life for the reader.

b) How does the author use figurative language, metaphors and/or similies, to affect the reader? Be specific.

c) How does the author use concrete images to evoke the reader's senses (smell, touch, taste, sight, hearing), and what effect do they have on the reader?

d) A theme, as discussed by Manny, suggests the meaning of a text, but officially it is a universal statement about humankind; however, not all authors of creative nonfiction use a theme; some have a thesis, an argument they are trying to make. Discuss whether the CNF you selected has more of a theme or thesis (argument) and share your opinion on it.

STEP THREE: REPLY TO YOUR PEERS (20 points) Post/due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 12. 

Before you post a reply, review this PowerPoint: Digital Citizenship & Netiquette .pdf Download Digital Citizenship & Netiquette .pdf

Choose two of your peer's responses, and write a response paragraph (at least 5-7 sentences) for each one (10 points each to total 20). Replies that begin with "I like..." rarely, as Manny tells us, "elevate the conversation," so work to say something significant.  With that said, it is always a good idea to say "hello" and something positive before providing constructive feedback. (Writers, you may edit your post based on your peers, Manny, or my feedback, as we'll jump in too!) Here are some possible ways to approach your feedback:

• in general, point out what the author has done best and one thing they could make stronger 
• if they selected the same element, compare your analysis to their analysis 
• if the author does not have two examples/quotes  to support/illustrate their discussion, suggest one 
• if they do not understand the academic meaty sentence or are off in their summary, provide some feedback
• come up with something of your own--but remember, be kind to each other!