Elbow

Before You Read

When constructing an identity on my Facebook profile, I try to make it so that when people view it, they are seeing me for who I am. For instance, they can see the kind of things that I like, my interests, my friends, etc. My facebook identity versus my identity at home are very much alike. I don't try to make myself out to be someone I'm not.

Summary

In Elbow's article, "Voice in Writing Again, Embracing Contraries", he talks about both sides of using voice, the advantages and disadvantages. He also explains when and when not to use voice, and how authors use voice in their writings. He explains that when scientists are conducting research and have to write a paper documenting and analyzing their results, that they try to use as little voice as possible in order to get their message across and to prevent bias. He also explains how students should know when to use voice, because it is what makes writing interesting to read and understand.

Synthesis

After reading Elbow's article, I immediately thought of Kleine and how he suggested that student's use their own ideas and information when writing a research paper, instead of copying and transferring. I feel that both authors have a similar standpoint on the issue of using voice and being a original when writing. Both suggest that the student should write to connect with the audience that they are trying to speak to. However, they both suggest situations in which the student should cut to the chase to get the message across.

Questions for Discussion

1.) When I think of voice, I think of someone putting their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and emotions into their writing in order to connect with the audience. Adding voice also adds flavor and style to your writing, which can prevent it from being dry and uninteresting. I don't really believe there are many other definitions of voice, just different interpretations of the word. Elbow stresses that if a writer is confident and persuasive in his/her writing, that it will stand out amongst others.

4.) Elbow intentionally leaves the argument of voice up for interpretation for the reader. He tries to be as fair as possible, to prevent from becoming bias. I feel that this is very important, because he isn't trying to persuade the reader to seeing the way he believes is right. He wants the reader to choose which side, he/she believes is the most effective way to write, in order to become a stronger and well-rounded writer. He also mentions towards the end, that often times it depends on what the student is writing to determine how much voice he/she should put into the paper.

Applying and Exploring Ideas

2.) Personally, I prefer to read a passage quietly to myself, mainly because when I read aloud, I am more focused on speaking what is being read instead of actually comprehending it. However, if I am having a hard time trying to understand what the author is trying to say, I will read it out loud to try and get an idea of how it might be spoken. For example, it will help me understand if the author is trying to use a different inflection or tone. I feel like listening to what you're reading or writing can help give you a different perspective.

Connecting on Other Readings

I believe that Allen does fight against the concept of voice. She tries to get her readers and students to understand that writing is not difficult, but that they just need to be original and to just let their thoughts and ideas flow. It's very similar to what Kleine suggests that students do. That they should use their own ideas, instead of transferring facts onto a piece of paper.

Meta Moment

I feel that if you are trying to argue for a specific point, or that you are trying to explain something to a specific audience, that you need to address the opposing side, or people who may not agree with your thinking. I believe you should do this so that you can use the opposing sides reasons against them (when arguing). Elbow explains that you should be confident and use your natural voice when writing, which in turn will make you persuasive to readers and ultimately a better writer.

Thoughts

I felt that the majority of Elbow's article was her rambling and citing authors that I wasn't exactly familiar with. Although the information was helpful, I just felt that it was "overdone" and became boring at times.