Explicit+Direction

Brittany Sobush and Kelly Bertzyk

Definitions: Explicit- Explicit means fully and cleary expresssed or demonstrated. When something is explicit, it leaves nothing implied. Everything is clearly stated, and usually in great, clear detail. Direction- Direction is described as the act or an instance of directing. Directions are guidelines to follow. They are usual like a step by step formula. Explicit Direction- When the two are paired together in literature, this decribes directions that are very detailed and decribed thoroughly. This can be used in writing to make a point clear. If something is very important, by using explicit directions, the author is able to put emphasis on the importance of this event. If an author uses explicit direction, it is often to give the reader's the idea that this event is extremely important, and needs to be handled in a precise way.

Rabinowitz discusses how explicit examples, directions, etc. can be used to tell the audience where to direct it's attention. It helps to give greater importance to all the little things, and the importance of those, along with the big picture.

Examples from //The Plot Against America//: This shows how that if directions are not followed exactly certain goals will not be met.
 * Philip is spending time with Seldon after Seldon's father dies. Philip goes to use the bathroom and locks the door. At home he usually doesnt lock the door but he doesn't trust being in Seldon's house. When he's done washing his hands and goes to unlock the door, the lock wont budge. He calls out to Seldon and Seldon's mother and they give him "expicit directions" on how to open the door.

This example shows how directions can keep a person calm and safe. This is also an important use of explicit directions in the book because by using tehm, Roth was able to show the importance of teh event, and how it needed to be done just right.
 * After the Roth family hears of the riots in Kentucky, Mrs. Roth calls to check up on Seldon and his mother. Seldon tells Mrs. Roth that his mother is not home and that she's later coming home then usual. Mrs. Roth gives Seldon "explicit directions" on what to do. She tells Seldon to eat something and to leave a note telling his mother that she called.

media type="youtube" key="F6SHDc2S2bE&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425" This video is a good/funny example of Explicit Directions