“True North” and “Top of the World” by Collins Lauren

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

The impact of the text, its clarity and the quality of arguments are strongly dependent on the organization of ideas and the use rhetoric and stylistic devices. The analysis of these techniques is extremely beneficial as it helps to acquire the vital skills of convincing the audience, leading them to certain conclusions or prompting them to some actions. It also helps to avoid such common mistakes as verbosity, ambiguity, banality etc. The text, which is to be discussed, can be classified as journalistic writing, though it has many elements of fiction or bélles-léttres. This combination eventually produces a more powerful effect on the reader and compels him or her to share the authors standpoint and become more concerned with the subject matter, the life of Barbara Hillary.

Discussion

In her article Lauren Collins describes the struggles of a person to achieve her long-cherished dream, namely to reach the North Pole. Although she does not explicitly air her views, the overarching theme is fortitude and determination of this woman who in spite of all difficulties succeeded in attaining her goal. The journalists ideas are presented in chronological order. In this way she intends to describe all those obstacles which Barbara Hillary encountered on her path to the victory over incredulity and pessimism of others. It should be pointed out that Lauren Collins has written two articles, dedicated to this courageous traveler. The first one is called True North, where the author mostly narrates personal story of Barbara Hillary, her motives for this trip, the source of her inspiration and the efforts that she took in order to make this journey feasible. The following piece Top of the World gives a detailed account of the polar expedition and Barbaras experience, her feelings of doubt, hope, incredulity, and joy. This presentation of facts and events makes the text more convincing and emotionally appealing to the reader.

Lauren Collins is disinclined to use standard transition words like furthermore, in addition, however or any other, probably because she does not want her writing to sound too formal or even too tedious. Yet, the connection between the paragraphs is quite clear and the reader can easily follow the writers line of reasoning. She employs several strategies to establish the links between different parts of the text. For instance, in True North the opening sentences of the second, third and fourth paragraphs start with the name of this woman “Hillary” (Collins, 1). In this way Collins wants to attract the readers attention to this particular person. Constant repetition of this name signals that her life, hopes and struggle are the primary subjects of the article. Moreover, it helps the audience to trace of the storyline and the order of events.

Secondly, it should be noted that the final sentence of each paragraph contains a reference to the information, presented in the next part of the article. For example, the second passage mostly deals with Barbaras biographical data like her family, the place where she was born. Yet, the writer also mentions her keen interest in travelling and “endurance under extreme circumstances” (Collins, 1). This passage only sets the stage for the main topic which is developed throughout the text.

Parts of this article are closely intertwined with one another; each of them serves to convey the authors message that fortitude, patience and optimism can overcome practically every hurdle, which may arouse in the course of a persons life. Most importantly, they can reify into existence almost unbelievable dreams such as reaching the North Pole. Lauren Collins prefers to substantiate her points by going into specific details. In True North, particularly, in the fourth paragraph, the writer enumerates different forms of training that Barbara Hillary underwent such as treadmill sessions, skiing, rigorous dieting, and even boxing lessons (Collins, para. 4). This underlines the resolution of this woman, her determination to work on herself and her fearlessness. Apart from that, this paragraph shows that a goal-seeking individual always keeps one way and remains impervious of hypothetical risks of failure. He or she is rather unlikely to be intimidated by possible hardships or injuries, and Barbara Hillary is a striking example of such individual. This thesis permeates this article.

This idea is elaborated in the fifth section of the text, which describes financial aspects of her undertaking. At the very outset, it is stated that she was not particularly rich therefore the price of twenty-two thousand dollars was not easily affordable for her. While speaking about money, Lauren Collins uses the phrasal verb “cobble together” which indicates that this sum was virtually insurmountable for this woman (Collins, para. 5). Besides, the journalist depicts her appeals to various public agencies for financial assistance. Despite these barriers, Barbara is able to maintain presence of mind, determination and cheerfulness. It is not openly said, but we can deduce that the future traveler had to cope with incomprehension and indifference of others, especially the officials. It can be observed in the following quotation, “Mister, dont you get it? If Im going to the North Pole, why the hell do I need a senior center” (Collins, para. 5). This struggle was not limited only to the shortage of money or physical training; it was also aimed against the stereotypes, deep-rooted in the society. Naturally, Lauren Collins does not want to concentrate on this point. Yet, this paragraph eloquently proves that Barbara Hillary had to fight against insuperable odds to become a member of an expedition to the North Pole.

Lauren Collins concludes this piece in such a manner so that to write a possible continuation of this story. The ending paragraph has note of reassurance and optimism as if it anticipates Barbaras forthcoming success. The journalist deliberately quotes her words verbatim “Id like to go to the South Pole and give em the one-two punch” (Collins, para 1). This phrase may appear to be colloquial or even slang but it renders the fighting spirit of Barbara Hillary; her desire to fulfill her potential and show to the rest of the world that there is nothing impossible if the person does not surrender to the external forces.

Conclusion

The article North Pole is a good sample of journalistic writing, which comprises narrative, descriptive, and argumentative characters elements. Lauren Collins has chosen a fiction style in an attempt to engage the reader and arouse empathy for Barbara Hillary. The use of semi-colloquial verbs and phrases produces humorous impact on the audience and makes the article more vivid. The author carefully avoids formal clichés, standard transitions because she wants to incorporate personal story in the text and make it more touching. On the whole, this peace of writing achieves its purpose and evokes genuine concern for Barbara Hillary and her struggle.

Works Cited

Collins Lauren. “True North”. The New-Yorker. 2007.

Collins Lauren. “Top of the World” The New-Yorker. 2007.

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“True North” and “Top of the World” by Collins Lauren

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