How do the structures of the excerpts from “Take the …

English Questions

Read the excerpts from “Take the Tortillas Out of Your Poetry” and “Speaking Arabic.” My friend had concluded that if he took his language and culture out of his poetry, he stood a better chance of receiving a fellowship. He took out his native language, the poetic patois of our reality, the rich mixture of Spanish, English, pachuco and street talk which we know so well. In other words, he took the tortillas out of his poetry, which is to say he took the soul out of his poetry. At a neighborhood fair in Texas, somewhere between the German Oom-pah Sausage Stand and the Mexican Gorditas booth, I overheard a young man say to his friend, “I wish I had a heritage. Sometimes I feel—so lonely for one.” And the tall American trees were dangling their thick branches right down over his head. Which best states how the structures of the excerpts differ? Anaya structures his excerpt as an anecdote, while Nye structures her excerpt as a rhetorical appeal. Anaya structures his excerpt as an analysis, while Nye structures her excerpt as an observation. Anaya structures his excerpt as an observation, while Nye structures her excerpt as an analysis. Anaya structures his excerpt as a rhetorical appeal, while Nye structures her excerpt as an anecdote.

Short Answer

The excerpts differ in structure, with Anaya’s focusing on analysis through endless thoughts and facts reflecting changing situations, while Nye’s is based on observation, presenting immediate sensory experiences and personal insights. Recognizing these structural differences enhances the understanding of each author’s narrative style.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Different Structures

To grasp how the excerpts differ, it’s crucial to identify their respective structures. One excerpt is structured as an analysis, while the other is framed as an observation. Recognizing these differences will help you appreciate how each author crafts their narrative and conveys their ideas.

Step 2: Analyze the Excerpt by Anaya

In Anaya’s excerpt, the structure consists of endless thoughts and facts that reflect changing situations. This analytical approach allows Anaya to weigh various story points, illustrating a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Aspects to note include:

  • Focus on analysis of themes
  • Emphasis on facts and evidence
  • Dynamic portrayal of evolving situations

Step 3: Examine the Excerpt by Nye

Nye’s excerpt, on the other hand, adopts a structure centered on observation. This means the author presents scenes and situations as they perceive them, showcasing a more subjective viewpoint. Key elements of this structure include:

  • Immediate sensory experiences
  • Personal insights and feelings
  • A direct representation of what is seen

Related Concepts

Structure

The arrangement and organization of content in a written piece, which influences how ideas are communicated and understood

Analysis

A method of examining and interpreting a written work by breaking it down into its components to understand its meaning and implications

Observation

A narrative technique that involves presenting personal perceptions and experiences, often emphasizing sensory details and subjective viewpoints.

Table Of Contents
  1. Read the excerpts from “Take the Tortillas Out of Your Poetry” and “Speaking Arabic.” My friend had concluded that if he took his language and culture out of his poetry, he stood a better chance of receiving a fellowship. He took out his native language, the poetic patois of our reality, the rich mixture of Spanish, English, pachuco and street talk which we know so well. In other words, he took the tortillas out of his poetry, which is to say he took the soul out of his poetry. At a neighborhood fair in Texas, somewhere between the German Oom-pah Sausage Stand and the Mexican Gorditas booth, I overheard a young man say to his friend, “I wish I had a heritage. Sometimes I feel—so lonely for one.” And the tall American trees were dangling their thick branches right down over his head. Which best states how the structures of the excerpts differ? Anaya structures his excerpt as an anecdote, while Nye structures her excerpt as a rhetorical appeal. Anaya structures his excerpt as an analysis, while Nye structures her excerpt as an observation. Anaya structures his excerpt as an observation, while Nye structures her excerpt as an analysis. Anaya structures his excerpt as a rhetorical appeal, while Nye structures her excerpt as an anecdote.
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