NUMBER: 75TITLE: The Elements of Dramatism
AUTHOR: David Blakesley
STARTED: October 27, 2005
FINISHED: November 6, 2005
PAGES: 212
GENRE: Non-Fiction
FIRST SENTENCE: I studied physics, astronomy, and mathematics as an undergraduate student - not ver well, I admit.
SUMMARY: [From barnesandnoble.com] The Elements of Dramatism is the first pragmatic introduction to the work of Kenneth Burke for those interested in communication and language. This brief paperback focuses on the analytical methods Burke coined as dramatism, which has exerted an enormous influence for many years on people interested in the dynamics of human communication and symbol-use in many areas of study, particularly composition and speech communication. Each chapter includes discussions of key concepts in the context of dramatism and rhetoric, extended applications of these concepts to a variety of rhetorical problems and forms (including literature, photography, and film), and clear guidelines for applying these strategies. Longer applications and illustrations of key concepts are accompanied by readings that elaborate them or serve as sources of analysis. The book makes available some of Burke's most important and accessible discussions and applications of dramatism. For those interested in communication and language
REASON FOR READING: Assigned in MDIA 530: The Rhetoric of Propaganda
THOUGHTS: Blah. I struggled to keep my eyes open while reading this one. The only parts I found intriguing were when the author puts Burke's thoughts to use. I could understand and enjoy the book when the information was made relevant to a specific case. Aside for that, this was a dull read.
MISCELLANEOUS: My professor turned this into a powerpoint with mixed results.
KEEP/SHARE/CRINGE(?): Selling back.
RATING: 5/10 [I didn't particularly like it or dislike it; mixed review]
CR: Sweet Release by Pamela Clare
RN: Grendel by John Gardner
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