From the example that you offer in your explanation, it
looks as if you are missing analysis in your writing. What this means is that you need
to support your statement with specific details. In writing that "consonance" in a quote
"emphasizes Macbeth's worries about what he was told," you have simply identified that
consonance is present and that it might be important. What your teacher wants to see
from you is how that sound effect (consonance) relates to Macbeth's specific worries.
For example, does the repetition of those specific sounds in the quote mirror the
repetition of Macbeth's concerns that he has been duped?
It
might be more helpful to think of "why" an author uses a specific device instead of just
"how." Additionally, avoid using general phrases such as "to emphasize the author's
point," "to get the audience's attention," or "to get his point across." Those types of
phrases say nothing. Your teacher (and AP readers) want to see you analyze why
an author specifically chooses to use a particular
metaphor (Does it connect to a theme in the work; if so, how? Does is reveal something
about a character; if so, how and what?)
If you can
remember that you need to support all of your claims--which is what
your statement about consonance is--with specific support, you will answer your
teacher's questions. Please do not get discouraged with your writing. Once you have
mastered identifying literary or rhetorical strategies in an author's work, you just
need to begin building your confidence in writing about the specific purpose of those
strategies. This is the part of writing and close reading that my students find to be
most difficult, but with practice, they improve, as you will.
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