Your photography essay functioned as an objective, academic analysis. Your last essay will be much different; this one will be a subjective, personal essay in which you explore the general category of "lost and found." How you approach this theme will be completely up to you. Do you want to bring in personal experience? Do you want to avoid personal experience and instead focus on historical examples? Do you want to bring in psychology, criminal justice, or literature? These are all possibilities.
To get you started, read "Finding Good Topics" on pages 20-24 in our text "Telling True Stories." Then read the story "Aftershocks" about the recent earthquake in Nepal. For this blog post, answer one of those questions from the text.
For example, you could answer "Where is there ambiguity in a big story?" and then explain how and why Michael Edison Hayden uses ambiguity in his story.
The question I will answer is "Is there an untold background tale?" Hayden was exposed to the tragedies of a massive earthquake; he observed loss, grief, and an unimaginable degree of destruction. He went off a lead about an orphanage where the children were alone and unprotected. He found that, although the building was destroyed, many of the children had in-fact been placed in other living accommodations. Hayden had done some research on this orphanage, and found that two of the men who worked there were child molesters. This has nothing to do with the earthquake. These girls were traumatized repetitively; experiencing fear daily. Where was the outrage when this occurred? So, Hayden told a story within, yet unrelated to another story.
ReplyDeleteThe question I chose is "Do the characters experience epiphany?" Hayden was primarily in a state of shock when he first experienced the earthquake. He described the situation as confusing, and even called his wife to tell her that he had no idea what happened in Nepal. At the end of his story, he realizes the damage that the earthquake left on the people of Nepal. He learned this through his reports on orphaned children, and the abuse/hardship that they experience everyday. This experience convicted Hayden and he found the urge to give back within his conscience.
ReplyDeleteIs the place important, is the action important, or is the person important?
ReplyDeleteMichael Edison Hayden’s story is his reflection on the effects of the earthquake in Nepal. The horrific scene is an important element in Hayden’s story as it is what leads to the harsh living conditions the people are now left with. The scene and the people involved in Hayden’s story is important because it describes to readers the devastating reality of the destruction the earthquake has caused Nepal and what the people has to continue to endure.
The question I chose to answer from the text book is, “Is an ending really another beginning?” Yes, an ending is the beginning to something new, because just how Michael Hayden described in the article, that people from Kathmandu remained calm, cooperative and friendly described how they can’t do anything about the events that happened so they must focus on the new beginning they are facing. They did not complain because they understood that what they once had was gone and to make something negative into something positive, they had to get along and work together as a team on their new journey. An ending is another beginning because now a new way of living was to be unfolding, starting all over again from the bottom. Life before the earthquake was the ending, and life after the earthquake is their new beginning. Rebuilding homes and their personal lives is the new beginning and a new chapter that would be unfold. Besides that, Michael also witnessed how some of the kids were badly hurt, for instance the girls with broken faces, and the woman with her legs half torn off at the knee, sadly they will have to start a new beginning but thankful for being alive. This is completely off topic but for example, as a student once I graduate I will be ending that chapter of my life; of doing homework, studying, and so on, and I will begin a new chapter of life after graduating.
ReplyDeleteI chose the question “Is an ending really another beginning?” by Jan Winburn, because in Michael Edison Hayden’s story there was a horrifying earthquake that happened. Hayden says that he was amazed to see people talking, and being as humble as they can be. He feels that way, because he was complaining that his cell phone didn’t work when these people just had an earthquake. Its the little things in life that we complain about, while others have it worse. Hayden uses this question in his story, because even though something tragic happens people still keep moving forward. The ending is a new beginning, because in order for there to be some good there has to be some bad. You wouldn’t think that it’s this way, but reality is that it is this way. This is all a part of life, and we just need to deal with whatever comes our way. Even if that means starting from the bottom all over again, and work our way to the top. What Winburn means when she says that, “Endings mark the beginnings of new stories about to unfold,” is that the end is just the beginning of something great. The unfolding part is what we don’t know is going to happen, but it’s what’s in store for us.
ReplyDeleteThe question I would like to answer is “Is the place important, is the action important, or is the person important?”. After reading the article “Aftershocks” by Michael Edison Hayden, there is no doubt that the reader has developed some sort of feeling for Nepal. The earthquake has destructed many homes and lives of this country. Many people are blind to what tragedies are happening around the world. We will never experience the hurt and damage that the earthquake had caused in Nepal. With this article, Hayden uncovers the truth and reality of the Nepal earthquake. Also, Hayden unravels more of what happens in this foreign country with his last story of the orphanage. Two men who were accused of rape are workers of this orphanage. Hayden is an important person to this story because he has experienced and witnessed the tragedies of Nepal. He sends out a message through this story for people like us to realize and help this country. I believe that through this story, people will appreciate more of what they have.
ReplyDeleteHow does a writer decide whether a news story is worthy of narrative?
ReplyDeleteAccording to "Telling True Stories" the author states two points in order to answer the above question. The first point is the narrative has to have a "unfolding action." In the article "Aftershock" the unfolding action is the Nepal earthquake and consequent events. Hayden is in Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquake. He experiences a small aftershock himself putting him in a similar situation as the people who experienced the full on earthquake. The second point is the writer must gain access. Hayden makes it his mission to have a story from someone who experienced the earthquake. He visits injured victims and an orphanage who provide a first hand experience.
Is the ending really another beginning?
ReplyDeleteIn this story, Michael Edison Hayden reflects on his experience with the Nepal earthquake. He describes the dreary state and condition of the city and other nearby towns that were affected by the earthquake. He reported both the horrors and the acts of courage that he had witnessed. In this specific article, he mentions two children: Ronisa and Sagar. He describes their losses, struggles, and the experience sin which he had with them. At the end of this article, the writer mentions that he struggles with the guilt that he has for leaving behind Sagar and even mentions making amends. The end of this article is not an ending for this story. This is not the ending for Nepal, Ronisa, Sagar, and the writer, but the beginning of a new journey for all of these characters.
Do the characters experience epiphany?
ReplyDeleteYes, Michael Edison Hayden, the author of "Aftershocks", expressed realizations of an altered sense of purpose after returning from covering the earthquakes in Nepal. Hayden initially set out to tell the world a story of the happenings in Nepal, but over the course of his trip he felt as though perhaps the most meaningful change would come not from his article, but through his actions. For example, Hayden wonders if he acted correctly by heeding the call of professionalism and not helping those he saw. Even in his home over a thousand miles away, Hayden seeks forgiveness, he feels the presence of those he neglected to help.
Do I want to tell the story around one scene or five minutes or a whole day, or perhaps follow someone over a period of time?
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of Michael Edison Hayden’s story, “Aftershocks” Hayden experiences the difficulties and frustrations when he arrives at the airport. He starts to tell his problems from the beginning of the trip: first his phone didn’t work, second no Nepali money, ATMs were not working, third he didn’t have a ride and lastly he had no destination to go to. When he was able to get a cab, he only knew one hotel to go to. When he arrives, the hotel was not taking any reservations. Then he witnesses the aftershocks of the earthquake at another hotel in which many people were residing in. People were sleeping on the floors. When he finally gets a hold of a phone from someone at the hotel, Hayden comes to the realization that he has no idea what was going on. He realized that majority of his story was based around his experience upon arrival at the airport.
"Is the place important, is the action important, or is the person important?"
ReplyDeleteIn "Aftershocks," Michael Edison Hayden describes to the reader the tragedies that have taken place in Nepal. The place, the action, and the people in the article are all important and are all connected to each other. Although the earthquake that took place in Nepal was almost catastrophic, there are some people around the world that may be unaware how bad the earthquake was or how much damage the earthquake caused. Hayden's article gives readers the chance to hear how important the place, action, and people are in Nepal. Hayden describes how an important event led to something happening to an important place that affected important people.
I chose the quote: "Is the place important, is the action important, or is the person important?"
ReplyDeleteIn the article "Aftershocks" by Michael Hayden, it is evident that each of these aspects are important. The place, Nepal, is depicted to us as a beautiful place that once had ancient buildings standing before disaster struck. We feel the importance of history lost as the people sort through the rubble. The action is also seen as important due to the fact that it is the reason for the whole article The action, being the earthquake, is what caused all of the uprooting throughout the community. And the person, or people rather, are clearly important in the article as he shows the readers the tragedy they are facing and how they are pulling together as a community in order to help one another get back on their feet.
The question I chose to answer is, “Is an ending really another beginning?”. I wouldn’t consider an ending to truly be the end, and an ending presenting a new beginning. I believe as one chapter comes to a close, a new chapter begins. Michael Hayden depicts his account after closely witnessing the aftermath of the earthquake in Nepal. In his article, he mentions two children: Ronisa and Sagar. He comes from a place of heavy emotion, even describing himself coming to tears. As his account in the article came to a close and he was now back home with his wife and family, he would still feel the touch of a child’s fingers on his forearm. This shows the impact a situation can have on a person’s present and future.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: “Where would it be worth going deeper? Where is the close-up on a story? Where does mystery remain?”
ReplyDeleteIn the story, “Aftershocks,” Michael Hayden recalls his recent travel to Nepal as a reporter. Although Hayden visited Nepal for professional reasons, his experience with the country, which is currently suffering from the effects of a tragic earthquake, left him emotionally distraught. Hayden focuses on encounters he had with two young children in Kathmandu, Ronisa and Sagar, both who were alone and searching for aid during the time he met them. He gives a close-up of his sad interaction with Sagar, and further explains how Sagar’s memory has stayed with him even after returning back to his home in Mumbai. He feels a sense of guilt for not helping Sagar, and plans to send him a care package. The story comes to an end, and the mystery of what unfolds next in Sagar and Hayden’s relationship remains. Does Hayden get in contact of Sagar? Is he able to forgive himself?
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ReplyDeleteIs the place important, is the action important, or is the person important?
ReplyDeleteIn the article "Aftershocks", by Michael Edison Hayden he described the action as important. It was the action of the earthquake that caused many problems as described by Hayden. All his stories he told were relevant to what the earthquake had caused. For example the the buildings now lay scattered and crumbled due to the earthquake. Also the boys from the orphanage were now homless because the action of the earthquake destroyed their home. The action is important because it is a cause and effect. The place and people are also an important aspect to the story but without the action there would not be a story.
The question I chose to answer from the text book is, “Is an ending really another beginning?”
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this, Michael Hayden had been through a traumatic even but even though he had witnessed a horrific earthquake , he managed to start new. By going back to his family he had a greater appreciation for the smaller things in life such as his son touching his forearm and just having a greater appreciation for it. For Ronsia and Sagar, they have been through worse than most people could imagine but even though this terrible book ending there will be a new chapter in a new book for them and their lives, same as Nepal as a city and they will become a stronger people even through this and create something better out of something horrible.
"Is the place important, is the action important, or is the person important?"
ReplyDeleteIn Hayden's story, I would say the place is important. The person who adventured in this place and did said actions at this place MADE the story, but without the place, none of the others would follow. Hayden depicts a calm, sorrow outlook on the turmoil he saw in Nepal. The earthquake made the scene that much more memorable. Had the earthquake not occurred when Hayden was there in Nepal, he would have arrived and done a story and left. But he leaves us with a hanging memory of a boy who he couldn't let go. The author would not have had this opportunity to be touched, yet scarred by this little boy had there been no earthquake. However the author builds the entire story, the entire place of his trip, up to this little boy who he leaves behind. To me, that definitely makes the place of utmost significance.
The question I will answer is "Do the characters experience epiphany?"
ReplyDeleteIn this story the author learns something about himself. He learns that what he saw as "important" when he arrived at Kathmandu such as not having cell service and internet service were no where near as important as he thought. He saw how the people of Kathmandu, even though they had lost everything, were interacting and helping each other with the best attitudes possible. He found compassion within himself also, crying when he visited the hospital and wrote the story about the girl that lost all her family and was in critical condition herself. But most importantly he learned humbleness from the people, and found it within himself.
Where does mystery remain?
ReplyDeleteI feel that the writer left sagar in a bad place. That child that left the mark on the writers hand was just left without saying anything to. Hayden should have went deeper into what happened to the child, like a follow up. He should have explained how he is getting the clothes to him, if he lives in some garage. The writer left nothing for sagar, not even giving him his own shirt, did he leave sagar with just a memory of a foreigner that had come to just write a story about him and then leave. The writer left alot of mystery with the sagar topic as well as other topics.
Where does the mystery remain
ReplyDeleteI think the mystery remains in the ambiguity of the author's expressions of his feelings as Sagar clutched to his hands. He never said how he felt while he walked the 15 yards with him attached to his arm. He never expressed sympathy or pitty, he just returned home and now the memory haunts the author. Also, we will not know what become of the child after that moment.
The question I chose is "Is an ending really another beginning?" After Michael Edison Hayden experienced the affect of the Nepale earthquake, he describes how the citizens in Kathmandu are living their life. For example, the eleven year old boy, who is name, Sagar reacts towards Hayden in a way that he is fall in a desperate situation. The ending of this tragic is another beginning because the citizens will need to get adopted into a new way of living their lives. In fact, this also applies to Hayden since he experienced the desperation that Sagar is facing. Hayden feels that the ending of his report is another beginning because he left home knowing how the citizens were affect by quake
ReplyDeleteDo the characters experience epiphany? Michael Edison Hayden was changed after he saw and experienced the destruction in Nepal. The devastation around him changed his ideas of being a journalist. As a journalist, observing and reporting is the most important aspect; not after seeing Nepal. Mr. Hayden wanted to help people with money and save people from their misery. The boy he meets at the orphanage, who will not let go of him, follow his thoughts in future days. The writer would have helped him if he could have. It was even hard for him to get out of Nepal. . Now, the ghost of the young boy and the nightmares of the devastation will haunt him forever.
ReplyDeleteThe question I chose is "How does a writer decide whether a news story is worthy of narrative?"
ReplyDeleteIn order for the story to be considered a narrative, the writer must create an "unfolding action" and he must also "gain access" to his story. In the "Aftershocks" article, Hayden uses the recent Nepal earthquake as his unfolding action. We can relate to his story since it was an event that occurred less than a month ago and has received worldwide attention. Many people like Hayden went oversees, some to cover the story and others to help during the earthquake. He adds to the story's scenery by providing detailed descriptions of the buildings and the Nepali people after the earthquake occurred. He then encounters an aftershock ad is surrounded by alarming people, putting himself in the position of the people there. Hayden gained access to his story by putting himself into the story. As a reporter, he went to Nepal to find a story that was suited for him to tell. He struggled in the beginning, but he was able to find many stories that were worth telling by wondering around the ruins and the orphanage.
"Is the ending really another beginning?"
ReplyDeleteMy automatic response is yes. The first time I read the article I felt like I had read nothing. There is no story. Nothing happens. But as I retread it, I realized the story is -the emotions the author felt as he was intimidated by the despair around him.
My initial reaction was to google the earthquake. I felt a desire to learn as much as possible. To find out what has been rebuilt or repaired since. I wanted to find a way to help.
But as I reread the assignment and the story and found myself questioning the author's motive. I feel as though he was evoking emotion into his audience through his terrifying ordeal in order to create empathy. Maybe he wanted his audience to research and learn for themselves the entire situation. But one thing is clear. This was both the ending and the beginning. It left the reader wanting more. We want to learn how he got out of the hotel. We want to know how long the aftershocks lasted. We want to know if there has been rebuilding since. But most importantly we want to know how we can help. It is a brilliant, emotional article.