Chapter 13 - Comparison and Contrast Exercise

Chapter 13 - Comparison and Contrast - Exercise

Reading for Better Writing: A Fear Born of Sorrow - Exercise Pages 189-190

1. Review the title and explain how it does or does not forecast the essay’s main idea.
I believe the title A Fear Born of Sorrow is fitting for this essay. The author of this essay mentions a few tragedies of America as well as worldwide tragedies, but the author is mainly focused on the events of September 11th, 2001. I think her title is fitting for the words she uses to express that day in her essay.

2. The writer compares and contrasts the September 11 attack with the Oklahoma City and Pearl Harbor attacks. What does she conclude from each comparison? Explain why you do or do not agree with her.
When the author compares the September 11th attack to the Oklahoma City bombing and the attack on Pearl Harbor, she comes to the conclusion that America felt more fear and more sorrow about the 9/11 attack. The Oklahoma City bombing was more of an internal American issue. And like the author said in her essay, the person who committed this crime was arrested, tried and punished. And the Pearl Harbor attack was committed during a war and was happened on a U.S. Territory, not the mainland. I do agree with the author. September 11th happened with no warning and it was an attack on The World Trade Center, which was a huge American symbol. I agree with the author of this essay when she says, this attack forced fear upon Americans.

3. Review the essay’s final paragraph and explain why it is or is not an effective closing.
I do feel the author’s final paragraph was an effective closing. In the essay she speaks of how since 9/11 Americans feel fear and have vulnerability instead of feeling confident and invulnerable. So in her final paragraph when she speaks of this nation mourning the lives lost, but also the way of life we Americans have lost, I find it fitting.