1.
Form
Analyzed
I decided to look at
language, particularly the use of dialogue in my section and how it affects the
overall message of the passage.
2.
Passage
Analyzed
I analyzed the section from
Alma 8 to Alma 15:2, particularly the section where Zeezrom questions Amulek.
3.
Annotated
Text
4.
Breakdown /
Listing of things found:
As seen by the underlined
portion of my annotations, almost the entire section is back and forth between
Zeezrom and Amulek. It is set up as a traditional conversation with the
dialogue.
5.
Interpretation:
The layout and the quotation
marks in particular make the book read like a novel. It puts into place a new
perspective on the Book of Mormon and it is easier to understand the back and
forth nature of conversations. It allows the reader to connect more with the characters
and they become real people instead of just words on a page.
6.
Connections
/ Questions:
Conversation is one of the
main forms of communication. By putting spoken conversation into the form of
dialogue on the page it changes the perspective of the reader. Is this a common
occurrence throughout the entire book, or is it limited to different sections?
It is interesting how the quotations make the Book of Mormon read more like a novel. I know that there was no time to add much punctuation during the translation of the plates, but what if they had gone through during the many reprintings and added these in? Would it have made it more casual and not as highly esteemed or sacred? On the other hand, would it make it easier for investigators to read and be converted to Christ?
ReplyDeleteWhat I have discovered in annotating text and reading particular sections is that a lot of prophets recap conversations between people and very few quotations are used. However, I have noticed a great significance in the quotations. It must mean that those particular words are VERY important. Declaring that God is the Eternal Father has great significance. Thank you for pointing out to me just how important the words in dialogue are.
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