Why do I need techniques? (1 Viewer)

[QZP]

An essay argues a thesis. Textual evidence supports the thesis by showing that X thesis is evident in Y text. So what do techniques do?

e.g.
This notion is seen in Victor Frankenstein who is initially “imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature.”
vs.
This notion is seen in a metaphor as Victor Frankenstein is initially “imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature.”

Please help me understand techniques so I can improve

 

[Queenroot]

inb4strawberrye

 

[Randox]

I have no idea...just do it lol

 

[QZP]

Techniques are tools used by composers to convey meaning. By including them in your essay, it further supports your thesis by showing that X thesis is evident in the composer's Z intentions, not only Y textual evidence.

 

[Sammy Robinson]

Ideas and the ways in which different contexts impact on these ideas and the values associated with them are definitely the most important parts for this Module BUT some discussion of techniques lets the marker know that you can see more than just the story line, and that you understand that the composers deliberately use particular language features etc to shape their narratives and audience responses. For example, in "Frankenstein", the techniques of having narratives from various perspectives allows the reader to gain a deeper perspective on the characters of Frankenstein and the Creature and allows us to have greater sympathy for one or the other. The visual techniques in "Blade Runner' are incredibly important in drawing us into Scott's future world with its decaying buildings, pollution and sense of stagnation-all evidence to support his idea that scientists need to take greater responsibility for their creations and that if we keep on putting profits before people, this is what could happen to our world. Cheers.

 

[Mdyeow]

inb4strawberrye

lol

Techniques are tools used by composers to convey meaning. By including them in your essay, it further supports your thesis by showing that X thesis is evident in the composer's Z intentions, not only Y textual evidence.

To extend on what QZP says, techniques are basically "shorthand" for complex devices that storytellers use. So "metaphor" can be said instead of "one thing being described as being another". When you use techniques, you demonstrate that you understand how a text is operating on a detailed level - that is, you know how particular literary devices work. Then, you can link them to the points and arguments that you are presenting.

I would be very careful talking about authorial intentions as justification for your points though. Look up "pathetic fallacy" online.

 

[strawberrye]

Hi QZP, I think it is good you are asking these questions because it is showing you are engaging with English content more closely, however, in reference to the example you had in your post,
This notion is seen in a metaphor as Victor Frankenstein is initially “imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature.”

Metaphor is not the best technique to extract from the quote, furthermore, when you state a technique is a metaphor, you actually should be highlighting what the metaphor is and the effect of the use of the technique, ultimately techniques are important because they are the vital tools by which composers brings us to the attention of the thematic concerns they are exploring. Metaphor is saying one thing is another thing, but what exactly is the metaphor in your quote?. You need to be making sure you are extracting valid techniques to validate your support for your thesis points. If you are doing Frankenstein/Blade Runner, make sure you are relating the quotes back to the contextual values of the Romantic and Regan Era respectively. Hope this helps a bit

 

[rumbleroar]

From my perspective, techniques are just technical names/terms for your evidence. Generally, with techniques, you want to subtly integrate the technical term of the technique into your analysis, explain how it creates meaning, link it back to your argument. or TEE:
- technique
- explain
- effect