One of the things we looked at throughout this project was stereotypes, and different perspectives through "lenses." These lenses tied into us looking into stereotypes as we looked at the: Critical Race Theory, Psychoanalytic lens, Marxist lens, Gender/Queer Theory/lens, Feminism lens, and Reader Response lens. Eventually, we ended up doing a small project called the Unfair Project. For this project, we took pictures of our faces and drew words, phrases, and descriptors with which we identified with, or others had used to describe us. It was an interesting and thoughtful exercises that further prepared us for writing our In Cold Blood essays.
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In order to write our essays, we had the read the actual book first; which we did. The novel, written by the illustrious, and troubled Truman Capote, is about the grizzly murder of a family who lived in Holcomb, Kansas. The story follows the past of the family before they are killed, as well as other characters which helps to build a cohesive story plot. In addition, one of the more prominent literary devices Capote uses throughout the book is descriptive writing. Thus, readers can find themselves fully immersed in whatever setting he chose to write about.
We also applied the lenses detailed earlier to our reading of the book. Both in order to take notes in preparation for writing out essays, and to practice "close reading" (carefully analyzing the text). Having done this for the majority of this semester, having read ICB and outside of class for another class assignment, I can definitely say that I'll continue to look at books in a different manner. It may take a little longer to read them, but they'll also become more defined. |
From the creators of This American Life, Serial is a weekly podcast which follows the investigation of a 1999 murder case involving a man named Adnan who believes he is innocent. Narrated by Sarah Koenig-who also is the investigative reporter looking at Adnan's murder case-the podcast highlights flaws in the criminal justice system, and brings into question how you can definitely define someone as guilty or innocent. Not only does this apply to listeners, but Koenig herself questions her options consistently throughout the podcasts.
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