answer the following questions based on the memoir The Devil in the White City* by Eric Larson
questions: Title:
Author:
Publisher and copyright date:
Total number of pages:
Divide the total number of pages by three and complete the charts below for each part of your book. Select quotations that will allow you to discuss style and significance. You must include at least four quotations for each section; a total of 12 for the entire book.
Part One: Page ____ through ____
Quote Page number Explanation of Context
Personal response
Author’s style
Observations
Revelations
Questions
Reactions
Sample: “We had an inexplicable confidence in German culture and humanism…We kept telling ourselves that this was, after all, a civilized people, that we must not give credence to exaggerated rumors about an army’s behavior.”
27
This quotation is part of the background information needed to understand the story that Elie Weisel is going to tell. Weisel answers the question that many have asked about the holocaust right at the beginning of his memoir to allow his readers to deal with questions about why the victims didn’t flee when they heard the rumors of the death camps. By explaining early on, that most of those who stayed in harm’s way did so out of faith in human nature, he is able to move on to the parts of the story he most wants to relate. It is important for the reader to understand the mindset of the people so they do not blame them for becoming victims and can open their mind to trust the feelings and emotions portrayed in the story from this point onward.
This quote is important to establishing a style and tone that is straightforward and not overly emotional. By using this style, he is able to describe the horrors of his experience in a believable account rather than focusing on the emotional connections. The stark honesty of this statement lends credence to his account of the entire story. It is difficult for anyone to read about the holocaust without trying to apply current knowledge of what happened to the past. This style plainly portrays the innocence of the victims who did not have the gift of hindsight. Because of this up front approach, I am ready to believe his account and do not expect exaggerations. This quote also tells me how the horror of the Holocaust happened…people couldn’t believe it was possible.
Part Two: Page ____ through ____
Quote Page number Explanation of Context
Personal response
Author’s style
Observations
Revelations
Questions
Reactions
Part Three: Page ____ through ____
Quote Page number Explanation of Context
Personal response
Author’s style
Observations
Revelations
Questions
Reactions
Part Four: Analysis and Reflection
Write a 6-10 sentence paragraph in which you reflect on the author’s style. Specifically discuss your overall observations about word choice, sentence structure, and use of figurative language. How does the author’s style contribute to his or her rhetorical purpose? Do you think the author’s style is effective? Why or why not?
