Mod C

Question 1

Dreams Introduction

Answer 1

The primary inspiration for my discursive writing piece was the effect of dreams on both the personal and collective. As I explored the subjective experience of a dream, I suggested the possibility of it being something more than “just a dream”. I aimed to evoke thought and challenge my audience to consider if they invalidate the information that can be drawn away from the experience of a dream. My writing style was influenced by Margaret Atwood’s discursive piece, ‘Spotty Handed Villainesses’ and Colum McCann’s creative piece, ‘What Time is it Now Where you are?’, as I incorporated many of their stylistic features and techniques to portray my purpose.

Question 2

Dreams Rhetorical Questioning

Answer 2

I chose to incorporate Atwood’s technique of rhetorical questioning to encourage my reader to engage with the text and provoke their own questions based on my writing. The technique is used consistently throughout my piece such as: “Why do we reduce the impact that a dream can have on us? ”.

The immediate effect on the reader is to stir thoughts and ideas, gaining interest. This allows my reader to come up with their own interpretation of this idea and urges them to consider the possibility of dreams being a valid source of information about the subconscious.

Question 3

Dreams Colloquial Language

Answer 3

McCann’s stylistic use of colloquial language allowed his text to become more engaging and relatable to his reader as the barrier between author and reader is torn down. I used this feature in my own writing: “some sort of chemical concoction”.

This creates a connection between the writer and the audience, allowing for a conversational tone to evolve. By engaging my reader, I allow for an environment for thought and ideas to emerge, as the reader feels as though their thoughts are valid and contribute to the conversation.

Question 4

Dreams Humour

Answer 4

Humour is an important aspect of human conversation. As I wanted my discursive piece to feel like a conversation between reader and writer, I incorporated this technique, influenced by Margaret Atwood’s work. By using lines such as, “You may have heard of this quite unfamous book, The Bible”,

I am creating a sort of connection between the reader and me as I create an environment within the text free to further engage with my text. This technique allowed me to effectively achieve my purpose to evoke thought within the reader about the experience of a dream.

Question 5

Main Ideas of Dreams piece

Answer 5

• invalidate and reduce
• freedom
• emotion but limitless
• novel
• dreaming now
• 5 senses
• over rationalise
• missing something
• collective
• Materialistic and missing something
• bible
• joseph
• conclusion

Question 6

Quote in dreams

Answer 6

Bertrand Russell - I do not believe that I am now dreaming, but I cannot prove that I am not. I am, however, quite certain that I am having certain experiences, whether they be those of a dream or those of waking life.