Analysis #4 In this short story, Ozick the American author uses specific techniques when defining words. Instead of using similar words and phrases to define the words she chose to use different methods. These techniques are unique but still prove to be very applicable. As an author, using the most common kinds of procedures are not always most effective. Using what you know to be best for you is what you should ultimately choose to use.
Instead of using common techniques, Ozick chose to compare two different things in order to define the word excellence. She chose to compare both her perfectionistic lifestyle and her mother’s hectic way of life. Her mother just tried to accomplish as much as possible without necessarily paying to detail. She would get a lot done, but it wouldn’t always be quality work. Ozick mentioned that her mother’s work would look good from afar, but visually there was always some kind of defect to her work. On the contrary, Ozick was a perfectionist and had to have everything perfect without flaw. Both lifestyles conflicted with each other.
Based upon their lifestyles, you can depict that both individuals had contradicting definitions of the word excellence. Both had dissimilar lifestyles, and different views of what good quality work is. Excellence to Ozick was perfect un-flawed work; and her mother’s definition was the most accomplished work the better. Ozick preferred quality, and her mother favored quantity.
In order to define terms you also could use the Greek and Latin word stems. You could go back through the history of the word or words. Knowing the Greek and Latin definitions you could learn about the words.
If Ozick had only used one word to define the meaning of her points she wouldn’t get her point across as well. The way she went about defining her points was very beneficial because she used broad explanations. She showed