Age of Earthquakes

Age of Earthquakes utilizes different text types as a way to convey its message about the Internet. It uses photos, text bubbles, definitions, and many other text types. By utilizing these different types it is able to dictate the feeling the reader has throughout the novel. If it wants to portray loneliness then it will show a nearly blank page, and if it wants to portray hopelessness it will utilize pictures without color. By creating these feeling in the reader, the novel is able to get the reader to become immersed in its message. By creating this immersion throughout the novel the novel is able to deliver a more powerful message. This is in comparison to a blunt statement or generic novel. Especially on issues many view as nonexistent, such as the obsession with the Internet. However, one issue with the novel is its inability to be focused. It appears to jump to different topics frequently, sometimes with no resolution to the previous statement. By utilizing these variations in text types an author is able to draw a reader in, however, the issue that is brought along with this is that if the novel isn’t focused then the immersion disappears. This loses the reader, and ultimately the meaning the novel is trying to portray is lost to the reader as well. Age of Earthquakes is a unique novel that certainly brings out new ways to convey a message. However, in order for this method to be used properly it must remain focused. When the novel wants to be focused and immerse the reader it does a very good job. However, when it jumps around topics every other page the novel loses all meaning. This as a result makes the novel lackluster, and despite some persuasive arguments, not convincing.

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