Brian Ziman :
English 302 N01 :
Sense of Audience 3
Assignment:
There might be some examples of narrative storytelling and character
development in the Pluto readings. What parts of the writing are
dramatized? Are there main characters? Who? (or what?) What is
the "plot"? What about conflict? How do these two Pluto dramas turn out?
The CNN article uses narrative story telling to describe the history of
Pluto and the circumstances surrounding the "controversy". The IAU
press release rather dryly explains that no such controversy exists and
that the status of Pluto is not being questioned (at least by the IAU).
The writing could be interpreted to have "characters" in the form of the
several planets and their hypothetical inhabitants, along with the various
members of the astronomy community engaged in the debate.
One could draw an analogy between the CNN story about Pluto and a potential
story regarding the fate of an old house, or a teenager who discovers she
is adopted.
The "story" is about members of the community questioning the status of
Pluto, based on modern observations that it could just be one of many
"TNOs" that do not merit the status of full planet. This group is in
conflict with a group of traditionalists who do not want to see the planet's
status reduced.
In the end, however, the IAU states rather clearly that such a drama does
not really exist, and that despite the academic debate, the status of
Pluto is quite safe.
Brian Ziman
5 February, 2003