Creative Writing
Formal Critique
Reviewer’s Name: Angelica Salazar
Title of Piece: The Water Dancer                         Author’s Name: Ta-Nehisi Coates  Â
Plot:
What made you think of this plot?
Point of View:
I liked how the author explained the freedom the character felt as he was drowning, and how it was a sign of relief for him.
Setting & Context:
I liked the details that were included in the story all the details including how the main character saw his mother on the bridge dancing and describing her movement, as well as describing his experience with death. Coates was descriptive as to what the bridge meant.
Voice & Style:
I liked how the description of the characters emotions and thoughts were presented, they were poetic. Coates’ style of writing captured my attention I liked how the beginning started by giving us an image of the characters mother and what she meant to him.
Dialogue:
Would there be anything said to Maynard about taking life for granted? If possible
Characters:
I liked how Coates gave us details as to how the main character felt towards his mother, he missed her. I also liked how Coates gave us information as to how Maynard was on an everyday basis, he was not serious about anything.
Good evening Angelica,
I do believe the narrator does miss his mother, and all he has to remember her by is what other people tell him about her. I also think the narrator feels betrayed by Maynard because he watches him grow up, and he event protected Maynard.
Hi Angelica, Nice critique. I liked how you talked about the authors descriptions in the story. I agree with what you said about Coates’ learning about his mother from the people and missing her because he doesn’t remember much about his mother and how she was as a person.