Voice Lesson #6

Detail

Facts, observations and incidents used to develop a topic, shaping and seasoning voice.

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Alberto Álvaro Ríos is the author of ten books and chapbooks of poetry, three collections of short stories, and a memoir. In August 2013, Rios was named Arizona's first state poet laureate, a position he holds until 2015.  For mature readers, Iguana Killer is a collection of graphic stories about Hispanics facing problems reaching maturity.

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Consider This!

• An old man, Don Tomasito, the baker, played the tuba. When he blew into the huge mouthpiece, his face would turn purple and his thousand wrinkles would disappear as his skin filled out.

-Alberto Alvoar Rioss, “The Iguana Killer”

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• 1) The first sentence is a general statement. How does the second sentence enrich and intensify the first?

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• 2) Contrast the second sentence with the following:

When he blew the tuba, his face turned purple and his cheeks puffed out.

Which sentence more effectively expresses an attitude toward Tomasito? What is that attitude, and how is it communicated.

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Apply

• Describe someone jumping over a puddle. Your first sentence should be general, stating the action simply. Your second sentence should clarify and intensify the action through detail. Be prepared to share your work.

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• As is often the case, my son ran with alacrity towards the muddy puddle. When he arrived, he cut short his leap to clear the quagmire and with impassioned purpose pounced upon the boggy, miniature pool, dousing his shoes and attire in muck and stagnant stench.