Notes: Ascher’s “On Compassion” Timed Write
• Range = 2.5-8
• Prompt: Analyze how Ascher uses resources of style to convey her attitude
toward her subject.
• What do you need to identify in thesis? Tell your table partner…go! Share out!
Effective or ineffective thesis? Why?
In the article “On Compassion” Barbara Ascher uses rhetorical devices to convey
her attitude toward the subject.
Understanding Ascher’s purpose/attitude/claim is key: compassion in not innate;
“it must be learned” through observation which leads to empathy.
• If you did not address her purpose/attitude in your essay (identification of
devices and evidence only), you did not receive over a 4. At this point, you
must achieve the “So what?” level of analysis!
Effective or ineffective? Why?
Within the article “On Compassion” by Barbara Ascher, the author employs
resources of style such as her selection of details, pathos, rhetorical questions,
and a serious, thoughtful tone to convey her reflective attitude in regards to
compassion and its significance as a moral value.
Thanks, Amarom!
Ascher utilizes specific details in her narration of her observations and a
repetition of questions in order to convey that people are obligated to aid the
homeless, but argues that it may not be acted with true compassion but by
other emotions.
Thanks, Tiffany!
Ascher incorporates resources of style such as figurative language and
fluctuating tone in her composition “On Compassion” to convey her attitude
that compassion must be learned and garnered over time.
Thanks, Ethan!
In her essay “On Compassion” Barbara Ascher employs multiple similes,
hypophora, a questioning, inquisitive tone, as well as an expository mode of
discourse to convey her attitude that compassion is the saving quality of
mankind.
Thanks, Kendra B.!
Stylistic choices with purpose example from body paragraph:
Ascher claims that “raw humanity offends our sensibilities” and “we want to
protect ourselves from an awareness of rags.” This satirical tone reflects
society’s ignorance and overall failure to make any sense regarding how to treat
other human beings.
Thanks, Mariah M.!
There is a distinct separation between the homeless and the rest of society,
highlighted by her concluding allusion to the Greek players: “Could it be that
this was the response of the mother who offered the dollar, the French woman
who gave the food? Could it be the homeless, like those ancients, are
reminding us of our common humanity? (Ascher). This anaphoric statement
exemplifies Ascher’s attitude in the piece by conveying a sense of guilt towards
the reader in what we see as objective acts of kindness.
Thanks, Tara!
Remember to “wrap up” body paragraphs with a CS/Concluding Sentence!
The homeless are a force that compels people to recognize the need for human
decency, a fact made clear in Ascher’s philosophical tone and open-ended
questions.
Thanks, Nick!
• Watch verb choices (e.g. shows, uses, etc.). Let’s look at more POWERFUL
options! Familiarize yourself with these to utilize in timed writes! NO MORE
SHOWS or USES!!
• Continue to review posted tone and diction terminology to specifically and
effectively identify these aspects.
• Remember to double space timed writes to accommodate comments.
Abbreviations:
RS = rhetorical strategies
CS = concluding sentence
TS = topic sentence
WC = word choice
UPT = use present tense
OK means you included info., but not as powerful as a star.
Adulation, candy, & a sticker…
A’s & B’s (88%) = Tara, Nick, Ethan, Ben S.,
Mariah M., Kendra B., Mariah W., & Tiffany.
Reflection
Read comments on essay, compose your Plus/Delta, and get it STAMPED.
See me for questions! Also, see student samples!