In the article, “Who Was She? A DNA Test Only Opened New Mysteries”, the author, Libby Copeland, uses repetition, tone, diction and structure to inform readers of the impacts one's ancestry has on a person's identity. She begins by telling the story of a woman, Alice Collins Plebuch, and her journey with DNA testing. Plebuch’s story is significant because it shows a more exaggerated example of what can be expected when taking a DNA test. Copeland often states that Plebuch’s experience, “ … posed a fundamental mystery about her very identity” (Copeland). This shows that Copeland finds it important to share Plebuch’s journey to help people better understand what is ahead of them if they proceed with DNA testing. Copeland often uses the word
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When doing this it leaves the readers with a feeling of curiosity and grabs their attention until the very end. Copeland takes you on Plebuch’s journey and makes you feel connected as if you are related to her and are going on this journey together. There are ups and downs about DNA testing and Plebuch and the other women's stories give a face and bring emotion to the story. By weaving in their stories together, the audience stays interested throughout. The text is mainly in chronological order. It goes through the series of events that are happening to Alice,while weaving in information about DNA testing into different corresponding paragraphs.The story then moves on to Laurie Pratt. Pratt is in a similar situation as Alice Plebuch, but the difference is how the other reacted to their results. In Pratt’s case, she reached out to her estranged father, but never received a response. They move on to Gaye Tannenbaum’s story. Her story differs with the length of her process. Tannenbaum didn’t have all the access of DNA testing previously, so other strangers reached out to help her solve her …show more content…
She uses the word “mystery” to emphasize the extraordinary circumstances each person has. The three women in the stories all thought they knew who they were, until they each of them got unexpected DNA results. The entire article uses the three stories as a more critical example to show just how serious DNA testing can impact a person's life. Many people also think that different outcomes would not be possible because they assume that no secrets are being kept from them about their family. Copeland also stated, “After the initial shock of her test results, Plebuch wondered if her mother might have had an affair” (Copeland). This shows how searching for the answers to the 100 year old mystery took a toll on Plebuch. Copeland also uses words such as, “alter” and “ surprise” to convey a more exaggerated sense to each of the story. Each story is intriguing and unique, but Copeland’s use of diction gives the piece a more intriguing and mysterious
When doing this it leaves the readers with a feeling of curiosity and grabs their attention until the very end. Copeland takes you on Plebuch’s journey and makes you feel connected as if you are related to her and are going on this journey together. There are ups and downs about DNA testing and Plebuch and the other women's stories give a face and bring emotion to the story. By weaving in their stories together, the audience stays interested throughout. The text is mainly in chronological order. It goes through the series of events that are happening to Alice,while weaving in information about DNA testing into different corresponding paragraphs.The story then moves on to Laurie Pratt. Pratt is in a similar situation as Alice Plebuch, but the difference is how the other reacted to their results. In Pratt’s case, she reached out to her estranged father, but never received a response. They move on to Gaye Tannenbaum’s story. Her story differs with the length of her process. Tannenbaum didn’t have all the access of DNA testing previously, so other strangers reached out to help her solve her …show more content…
She uses the word “mystery” to emphasize the extraordinary circumstances each person has. The three women in the stories all thought they knew who they were, until they each of them got unexpected DNA results. The entire article uses the three stories as a more critical example to show just how serious DNA testing can impact a person's life. Many people also think that different outcomes would not be possible because they assume that no secrets are being kept from them about their family. Copeland also stated, “After the initial shock of her test results, Plebuch wondered if her mother might have had an affair” (Copeland). This shows how searching for the answers to the 100 year old mystery took a toll on Plebuch. Copeland also uses words such as, “alter” and “ surprise” to convey a more exaggerated sense to each of the story. Each story is intriguing and unique, but Copeland’s use of diction gives the piece a more intriguing and mysterious