Into the Fourth Genre we go

Historical Selves, Larger WorldIn Tell It Slant, the authors discuss “gathering the threads of history” or using an historical frame for a personal story

In “Fourth State of Matter” Jo Ann Beard does just this.

What events are happening in the essay?

Fourth State of MatterDog is dying

Husband is gone

Squirrels have taken over a room in her house

Narrator has a job editing a physics journal

Coworkers are murdered in a killing spree

So what connects these threads? Is one more important than the other? Hint: metaphor? Theme?

StructureThinking about Bascom’s “Visualizing the Personal Essay,” what shape does “Fourth State of Matter” seem to have?

The Devil’s Bait by Leslie JamisonObservations about structure. Is there a shape to the essay?

Scene

Dialogue

Reflection

Metaphor

What is this essay about?

Sourcing/reportage

Most important questionDid reading this essay make you feel itchy?

SITE SF CritiqueOnce groups are designated, you will sit and exchange pieces.

Decide on an order for critique

Sit and read (to yourselves) one piece at a time.

For example: If Andrew is the first in his group, then the whole group will sit and read Andrew’s piece, and then discuss it. When the discussion is finished, then move on to the second person in the group.

Critique:Description: Does the author describe the piece (as in: its name, its creator, what it is—is there any confusion for the reader? Does the description come in a good spot in the piece? (That doesn’t necessarily mean the beginning)Analysis: Is there information about the medium of the piece (video, painting, multimedia)Interpretation/reflection: Description alone isn’t enough. What is the author saying about the piece? Is the point clear? Are there competing ideas that perhaps should be more focused? Places in the text that could be more elaborated upon?Review/judgment: Not required, but if it’s in play, is the judgment clear, proven, persuasive?Interview: Not required, but if the writer undertook a more journalistic approach, is the information clear? Are there more questions you want answered?Writing: Does this piece start in the right place (lede); are there other suggestions you can make for the author’s revision?

CRITIQUE GROUPS/ arts piecesGroup 1:

Zoe, Ryan, Ana Stina, Johanna

Group 2

Marisa, No Shoes, Brantlee

Group 3

Maria, Cris, Charlie, Felicia

Group 4

Maggie, Deanna, Rosie, Andrew