tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8692381608294018617.post5497716880894397427..comments2023-11-05T07:27:43.837-05:00Comments on Narrative and Technology: Final Project- analyzing quotes in House of LeavesAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8692381608294018617.post-40448332382737575502008-04-10T16:19:00.000-04:002008-04-10T16:19:00.000-04:00Good points from Erika.This is a compelling quote,...Good points from Erika.<BR/><BR/>This is a compelling quote, and even your opening discussion of it shows that it could easily sustain an entire paper. Most of what you have so far is simply an explanation of the quote, I think, or a contextualization of it, both of which are absolutely necessary.<BR/><BR/>In order to generate a clear thesis, it would help to ask questions about the quote, even push back against it a little bit. Some examples:<BR/><BR/>1) Who is Becker? Is the quote legitimate? How does an understanding of who Becker is help put the quote into further context?<BR/><BR/>2) Is the quote right, either in an abstract, big-picture sense or in the context of the book? Is it true, for instance, that animals "live in a world without time"?<BR/><BR/>3) How is Danielewski presenting himself in relationship to Becker? Keep in mind the fascinating fact that Navidson's pictures _always_ feature people - there is a disconnect from "nature," particularly from animals, here.<BR/><BR/>4) What do you think of the fact that the cats disappear after Z's death? Does that make sense to you?<BR/><BR/>I do like your beginning, and I very much like the quote you picked. I'm trying to provide examples of how you can push harder, to really discover something _new_ to say about the book.Adam Johnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11588769281227456640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8692381608294018617.post-78756952060890810322008-04-10T12:47:00.000-04:002008-04-10T12:47:00.000-04:00I think some of the signifigance of the animal's i...I think some of the signifigance of the animal's inability to wander through the hallways of the house links directly to the quote that you cite- anyone who walks thru those hallways needs to have "symbolic identity and the self-consciousness that goes with it." The house responds and reacts to the human occupants because they possess those traits. At least I think you can make that argument. Or maybe I should say that that is the argument that Johnny is attempting to make- since he is the one who chose the quote to begin with... <BR/><BR/>Interesting stuff- lots of material to choose from. I look forward to reading more...erika mcclintockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05250809438419461830noreply@blogger.com