Blog Post #2: Writing about Literature

                This reading selection from the textbook gave me deeper insight into the purpose behind writing about literature and how it should be done. While many aspects of the reading already seemed obvious to me, other parts shed light on subjects I had always wondered about. The textbook also did a good job of formulating concepts I was already aware of into words.

                First off, the textbook’s explanation as to why people write about literature was great preparation for me as a student beginning AP Literature, because now my vision and understanding of the class is much clearer. It was also important to me that I’d learn the difference between the type of writing I will be doing in this class versus the rhetorical analysis assignments I did last year in AP Language and Composition. After reading the text I learned that writing about literature focuses on analysis of the work itself, while rhetorical analysis concentrates on how the author uses language to convey a message.

                This reading also gave me a new awareness of my audience when I am writing. In general, I tend to use my voice very well because I am confident and direct, but prior to reading this text I had not given much thought as to who my readers are. To make myself a better writer, I should pay attention to my readers’ backgrounds and the voice they are expecting to hear from me when I write. If I utilize a more sensitive voice I can establish a closer relationship with my audience.

                Before reading about proper citations, I was relatively comfortable with documentation, but the text provided more specific rules I can reference to make my writing clearer and more accurate. I am accustomed to using quotations in my writing because I have done it frequently in the past, so rules on proper citation should not be hard to remember for me. Providing proper evidence and introductions to my sources is also something that tends to come easy to me. Previously I have struggled with pulling quotes that are too lengthy, but the text provided me with instruction on ways to make use of shorter quotations as well as ways to format lengthier quotes in a more concise manner when needed.

                As I delve into writing about literature, I am apprehensive about utilizing citations that require the author, edition number, editor, publication information, etc. Citations such as these are very tedious and are not one of my strong suits. I also need to learn to be more aware of whether or not things are obvious to the reader. Oftentimes when I write, I forget that the thoughts in my head are not always apparent to my audience.

                So far the reading from the textbook has provided me with ample instruction to improve as a writer so that I can better persuade my readers of my viewpoint on literature and I look forward to utilizing the tools this book gives me to enable me to get a better understanding of literature for both myself and my audience.