The Problem of Describing Trees (1/12)

The argument of this poem by Robert Hass is that words can't always do what images can. Hass offers some rather pleasant descriptions of trees, but is unsatisfied with them. He says this explicitly: "There are limits to saying, in language, what the tree did," as well as implicitly, "And the tree danced. No. The tree capitalized. No." Here, the speaker of the poem is showing his struggles with finding the correct word to match the image he is trying to describe. However, he does not seem to think this is a bad thing. Though he struggles and ultimately fails to adequately describe the tree in question, he proposes that "it is good sometimes for poetry to disenchant us." Hass means that the failure of language to be adequate in description can in itself serve as an illustration, and remind us that not everything can be put into words- whether it's too beautiful or too horrible or simply indescribable.

"Dance with me, dancer. Oh, I will."

In this line, Hass meant to make an aside to the reader- a sort of wink and nudge to "play along." This relationship is usually implied in a poem- the poet makes a description in flowery language, and the reader nods her head and pretends to see exactly in her mind's eye what the poet is describing. Here, instead, Hass addresses his reader, imploring, "work with me here!" He can't describe the trees in quite the way he wants to, so he abandons the middle man of the language and just asks the reader for her understanding, anyway.

4 letter word video, final (?) draft

I edited my video in hopes of more clearly defining a path through the images. I think I succeeded and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out but I am open to suggestions!

4 letter word video, first draft

RIOT

4 letter word

My four-letter word is RIOT.
I find my word fascinating because of the political and social weight it carries. Riots are both historical and modern, and in a sense, universal. They can occur throughout the world and throughout history for countless different reasons. I like the idea that they can bring social justice.
I am arguing that this word is modern and relevant, and above all, effective. I don't think people necessarily associate riots with something that is happening presently in our own country, but it is important to understand that they are and why.

Responding to a Video

Responding to this video suggested by another student.

This video is a metaphor for society's relationship to technology! The more we progress, the more dependent we become on technology, almost to the point that something non-electronic, like a magazine, is a mystery to us. Children will grow up in a world wear they learn to use an iPad before they learn to turn the pages of a book.

Boys and Girls

BOYS
man
bro
guy
he
they
dude
lad
son
father
grandfather
uncle
dad
sir

girls
lady
woman
she
chick
bird
fox
bitch
lassie
mother
mom
aunt
grandmother
ma'am
madame
goodie

Is a picture worth a thousand words?

I think that whether a picture can make an argument as well as writing can is entirely dependent on what the argument is. I think, undoubtedly, making an argument visually has to be more difficult than making it in writing, but it can be that much more powerful, as well.

First Thoughts

I keep thinking about my project 3, and I'm pretty sure my next movie will be to restructure my paper so that the personal narrative I used is still subtle but is able to stand out and affect the reader. I think I have some good ideas for my paper, but I'm having trouble communicating them cohesively, since I am more accustomed to writing thesis driven papers or following a clear story arc. I have to establish my argument about how I feel about "my place" so that I can support it and make my paper effective.