Columnist Blog Post

I chose to analyze the column "Something to Remember for Thanksgiving" by Mary Schmich.

1. How does the author want the reader to feel while reading the column?

I think that Schmich wants the readers to feel nostalgic. The author is talking about a happy moment that happened during her childhood. "The day was sticky hot, and somewhere outside came the bell of the ice cream man." Most people will be able to relate to a similar moment that happened to them in their childhood and she is trying to make them yearn to have that one moment and their childhood happen again.

2. What does the author want the reader to realize?

I think the author wants the reader to realize that how much money you have and can afford to spend is all based on your financial situation. What one person might think is poor another person might think is rich. Schmich also wants the reader to realize that the smallest things in life can make the biggest difference and it isn't all about money. A small action to a stranger might make all the difference in that persons day. She is trying to encourage the audience to do these small acts of kindness.

3. What is the purpose of the column?

The purpose of this column is to show the reader that each person will see a different value in different things based on their state of mind and that even the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference in someones life. This column is trying to encourage people to make those small gestures and be the difference in someones life.

4. How does the author use diction and syntax to convey the message?

The author uses simple and informal diction to so she can easily relate to the reader. She doesn't try to use over complicated diction to make the column sound elegant, she tries to make it start sound and feel natural to the reader. The way she tells the story makes it very easy for the reader to relate to.

5. What is the value of the column?

The value of this column is that it makes people look at the struggles that others less fortunate than the reader have to go through. It also makes people that are more fortunate grateful for what they have. It also shows the reader how they can be the change in someones life and how the smallest things can mean everything in the world to someone.