Comp 1000

Katherine-Grace Powell
January 9, 2018
N01849238

QUESTIONS FOR READING ACTIVELY

1. What purpose or purposes do you think Goldberg had in mind while writing?
Specify any one thing in the reading that helps you to identify her purpose.

I think the purpose Goldberg had in mind while writing was to open-mindedly convey the
art of writing and critical thinking, not only from her perspective, but also from that of
one of her students; and the basic facts she had obtained through research. I believe she
tried to express the different points of view and the obstacles people face when writing by
using her student as an example. She said, “Let go of everything when you write, and try
at a simple beginning with simple words to express what you have inside”. Here, she was
able to provide her student, who was unable to match his feelings to that of what he
wanted to make into words, with possible solutions that may help not only him but other
readers experiencing the same block become more relaxed and intuitive.

2. What audience do you think she had in mind while writing? What other audiences
might benefit from reading this? What audiences might not benefit?

The type of audience I think she had in mind while writing were individuals who wished
to pursue writing beyond that of just using simple words to form sentences. She targeted
an audience that may have had a barrier such as not being able to put their emotions into
words, or simply not being able to express themselves effectively through their work. She
aimed at helping them overcome these difficulties that they had been facing. Other
audiences that might benefit from reading this are persons who would like to use writing
to help them face personal matters, such as writing in a diary for one’s own personal
refection; and students, like myself, who have just started reading and writing at a higher
level and are looking for inspiration and guidelines that may help us present good quality
work to our professors. Audiences that might not benefit from this are individuals who
are not interested in writing.

3. What is her subject? Be as specific as you can in describing it. What is her attitude
toward her subject?

I think Goldberg’s subject is the reader. I say this because the experiences and the points
of view she emphasizes is aimed at that of the reader. She seems to be talking directly to
her readers; giving them solutions and examples of how to overcome whatever obstacle
they may be facing when writing. I believe Goldberg’s attitude towards her subject was
informal. I say this because it seems as though she is holding a conversation with her
reader, and she addresses herself and her readers in first and second-person points of
view.
 QUESTIONS FOR THINKING CRITICALLY

1. Goldberg, a Zen Buddhist, claims in paragraph 3 that she believes “writing is

religious.” How does she define and understand “religious,” and what specific
qualities of writing make it a “religious” activity or experience? Do you agree with
her definition of “religious”? Compare your own definition of a “religious” activity
or mindset with Goldberg’s.

Goldberg defines and understands religious as an adjective used to describe one’s

openness with him or herself; feeling extremely comfortable and capable of being
vulnerable in expressing themselves through writing, as one may have done by praying or
going to church. As she stated, the specific qualities of writing that make it a “religious”
activity or experience is its ability to use simple words to express what you have inside,
to strip yourself and expose your life – something one would not normally do - and it
splits you open and softens your heart toward the homely world. I agree with her
definition of “religious” because at times when I am feeling down, I like to put how I feel
on paper rather than talk to a friend; and this comforts me and eases a burden off my
shoulder. This is much similar to the way a person is usually vulnerable, depending on
their religion, to their God.

2. Athletes often describe their feeling at peak performance as being “in the flow.”
Goldberg describes something similar about the process of inspiration. Describe a
time when you felt like you were “in the flow” of an activity (physical, artistic, or
intellectual). How did you get “in the flow”? Is there a specific strategy or ritual that
you use to help you get “in the flow”?

A time I felt like I was “in the flow” was when I was singing at a school fundraising
concert. I remember being nervous and so unsettled before my performance. But when I
went on stage and started singing, watching everyone in the audience cheering me on and
moving in a rhythmic sequence to my voice was when I felt most comfortable, and at my
best. I think this is because I could see first-hand that people were actually enjoying my
music. I get “in the flow” by first practicing hard before a performance and then trying to
connect with my audience so they can feel and appreciate my music the way I do. Once
that happens, I know I’m “in the flow”
 QUESTION FOR WRITING THOUGHTFULLY

1. Goldberg uses an amusing metaphor to describe what writing is not. Do you agree
with her metaphor? Create other metaphors that describe your feeling about
writing (especially academic writing).

I agree with Goldberg’s metaphor “Writing is not a McDonald’s burger” because it is true
that writing takes time and involves a series of processes that need to be done before you
can present it as good quality work.
Other metaphors that describe my feeling about writing include:
 Writing is a never-ending sea of fishes.
 Writing is a lion to be conquered.
 Writing is a shelter from pain.
 Writing is a gear towards improving my grades.
 Writing is a storm and a rainbow.