Close Reading- Septmeber 9

A Day That Stands Alone

Diction - 10 years ago today, a horrific terrorist attack occurred that shook the faith of the entire American nation.  Whether you directly lost loved ones or not, everyone was affected by this tragedy.  Even though I was only in the second grade and barely could comprehend the events of the day, I understand the pain that millions suffered.  This article helps people truly feel the emotion and grief surrounding today’s 10th anniversary memorial.  It is easy to relate to the survivors or those grieving because the author of the article, Robert D. McFadden, uses the genuine voices of real people speaking from their hearts about their losses.  One man McFadden quoted said, “It was real inspirational to come here after all these years and finally see his name.”  The quote is by no means grammatically correct, but the diction of the article has an impact. It’s real: real people; real emotions. Nothing scripted or corrected about it. The diction provides a natural, genuine and intimate tone to the article.

Imagery- McFadden seems like a genius when it comes to using imagery.  The way he wrote the article gives you such a strong mental picture that makes you feel as if you are part of the memorial.  He amplifies all of your senses with his powerful descriptions. Sound – “Bells tolled,” and “They played the bagpipes again and recited the names of the dead like poetry.” Sight- McFadden describes where the ceremonies are taking place, carefully noting colors and textures.  Phrases like “gathered in a parklike structure of white oaks and emerald lawns” and “surrounded by a gouged wasteland” draw the reader into the scenery. Touch – “Many families bent low over the parapets to touch or kiss the names, and to weep.” The strong imagery and descriptive language makes the reader feel like a participant in the memorial ceremony, standing right beside thousands of other people experiencing similar emotions. Discriptions like “the parapets were soon thick with colors and with red and yellow roses “or “the twin towers smoking and disintegrating” make the article come alive.

Details- “The day’s centerpiece unfolded at ground zero, where more that 10,000 members of the victims’ families gathered.” Can you even picture what a crowd of 10,000 people in one place looks like? Probably a sea of movement, and a soundtrack of noise.  McFadden adds in very specific details like the number of people attending to put into perspective the number of people this event affected. He even notes the specific color and sizes of the Ground Zero site, “Precisely spaced trees rising from a five acre granite floor.” and  the “bronze parapets.” Detail is an important element to include when the author is writing about something that many of the readers have never experienced.  The specific information gives authority and depth to the subject. 

Article:

A Day That Stands Alone

~ Dana Page