The Call of the Candy Crush
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the-call-of-the-candy-crush
Shared experiences have a tendency to bond people together, even if they have never met. "We may never make eye contact, we may never touch beyond an absent brush, but we are united" says author Rodney Uhler. In his article The Call of the Candy Crush, Uhler connects to all those around him who are also fans of the game Candy Crush. By employing specific details, imagery, and figurative language, Uhler relates to a fellow crusher and their experience.
Detail is one of the techniques utilized by Uhler in this article, which is evident by the details specific to Candy Crush scattered throughout the article. Uhler connects the reader to the game by naming different worlds, including the Minty Meadows and Easter Bunny Hills. He sympathizes with the "pains of level 14, the trials of 38, and the misery of 61." The lengths a crusher will go to to win is shown through Uhler's detail "I made a bargain with the Gods to pass 79, and have given my first born at the success of completing 90." Lemon drops, chocolate bonbons, and gobstoppers all make appearances in the article, just as they do in the game. The "empty praise" of Candy Crush; "Devine!", "Delicious!", and "Sugar Crush"; also make an appearance when Uhler warns of the "heart, [that cries] over your depleted lives." By using details specific to the game, Uhler is able to relate the reader to a fellow crusher.
Besides detail, Uhler also uses figurative language to connect to a crusher's experiences. He begins his article off with alliteration, "Candy Crusher Commuter." Alliteration can be seen in other parts of the article in "Wafer Wharf Warriors" and "Peppermint Palace Pussies." Not only is the alliteration catching to the reader but it also relates people to different worlds in the game. "Pupils the color of chocolate bonbons" is a metaphor Uhler uses to describe the crusher, as is the similie, "determination as rock-hard as a gobstopper." By using these aspects of figurative language, Uhler draws the reader in but also is able to describe a crusher to his audience in an interesting, candy related, way.
Imagery is a key part of Uhler's article. Uhler relates to what the crusher is experiencing, reminiscing of "innocent memories" that were "tarnished by the path they forged to [a] godforsaken realm". He speaks of "tear-soaked screens" that "dark[en] the growing void in my soul". This imagery stirs the readers, almost creating sympathy for the player within in the audience. "Pastel colored talons" and "looking into the eyes of Satan" add a dramatic feel to his article, especially as these are related to a seemingly innocent and brokenhearted heart. In some of his last imagery, Uhler relates to people with the image of an "obnoxious public transportation user" and the sound of "jaunty, almost nightmare-like carnival music". Because of the Candy Crush music coming from the crusher, Uhler connects to them and no longer sees them as the annoying passenger. Uhler's use of imagery connects the reader to the crusher through emotion, dramatics, and common sights and sounds.
There are many people who have played the game Candy Crush and known its allure. Uhler is one of these people and even calls himself "a seasoned crusher", so he knows first hand what fellow crushers go through. By using the techniques of specific detail, figurative language, and imagery, Uhler is able to connect readers to crusher he sees in public and their experiences.
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really interesting article. I don’t play many games and I never thought of them are something serious or in the way Uhler thinks of Candy Crush. He does show though how a simple game is something that you can find in common with someone. You do a really good job of using quotes as evidence and then explaining them throughout your post. I typically struggle to pull out figurative language when I’m reading, but reading your post helped. Uhler definitely used a lot of alliteration throughout his article. The language Uhler uses also shows the importance of the game to him. It is also keeps the reader engaged in the article regardless of their actual interest in the subject. Other than a few minor grammatical mistakes, great job overall!
Dear Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteThis was a neat article! I like the aspects you chose to discuss. The first body paragraph, describing details, was packed with examples, but could have been explained better. You say the purpose is to connect with a fellow player, but you could have maybe gone further in making that connection. I think the details serve more to show how engrossing the game is. A player may become so submerged in it that the lingo can be used casually like that.
Same with the figurative language. You found great examples, but I recommend going deeper with the question of why. Why is the author doing this? I hope I'm not being too critical. I love the article and your examples are perfect! I just wish you'd analyze the reasons a bit more than just one quick sentence at the end of each paragraph.
Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, this article was awesome. I loved the cynical retelling of the various soul-crushing realities of the game I have wasted so much valuable time on.
As for your post, I thought that you included ample evidence to support your ideas, something that it seems that many people--including myself--sometimes have trouble with when writing close reading responses. Your paragraph on imagery was especially well done, with very good examples from the text to back up your assertions regarding the author's style. I also found it interesting that you chose to include figurative language as part of your analysis; I’m fairly sure you’re the first person I’ve seen this far to do so. I think many of us simply aren’t too familiarized with all of the definitions of the various parts of figurative language, something that I’m sure will change by the time we’re finished with this class.
As a side note, I truly enjoy your writing style; it’s quite engaging to read. Well done!