Process Analysis: "How to Tell a Mother Her Child Is Dead"

Thursday 5 January 2017 for Periods 5 & 6 and Friday 6 January 2017 for Periods 1, 2, & 7

Quiz:  "How to tell a Mother Her Child Is Dead"

Mr. Stone read through Naomi Rosenberg's New York Times opinion piece titled "How to Tell a Mother Her Child Is Dead."

Mr. Stone introduced students to the acronym PIE to help them think about essay and paragraph construction:  point, illustration, and explanation.  As they read through the essay, he or students identified when Rosenberg was making a point, providing an illustration, or providing explanation.  He also drew their attention to Rosenberg's choices of when to leave out illustrations/explanations.

Mr. Stone asked the class whether they thought Rosenberg was familiar with the process she was describing?  What parts of the essay make that clear to its readers?

He asked the class to consider as they reread the piece, what was its purpose.  He noted that it was published in the opinion section of the New York Times.

Rosenberg clearly shows her readers what to do. ("I will show you:") She clearly divides the process into steps (note her paragraphing) and substeps (consider the breakdown in some paragraphs as needed).

Note the chronological order of her steps.

Rosenberg anticipates readers questions ("How loudly?" and provides troubleshooting advice ("If it takes you fewer than five tries you are rushing it, and will not do it right.")

Mr. Stone pointed out Rosenberg's use of active voice ("get your coat," "use the mother's name," do nothing before you before you go to her," etc.).

Rosenberg's essay is written in the subjunctive mood.  She does not use the imperative mood that is typical of simple instructions.

Mr. Stone noted the emphatic tone of Rosenberg's piece.  Instructions are usually written in a user-friendly or supportive tone.  Rosenberg is clearly authoritative.  Some might even say bossy.  The class examined Rosenberg's use of grammatical parallelism, paragraphing, sentence length, and repetition to emphasize her points.  Why does she feel so strongly about this topic?

The class discussed how this essay could be viewed both as simple instructions (using process analysis to explain) and as a political piece (using process analysis to make a point).  Mr. Stone noted how the instructive nature of the piece was explicit and the persuasive nature of the piece was implied.

Mr. Stone noted how well Rosenberg made her piece flow.  Her instructions were complete.  Her explanations not excessive.

Students shared what they thought the implied meanings of Rosenberg's essay are.

Homework:  Complete a rough draft of your instructions on how to make your favorite sandwich.