Literature Analysis #3

The Last Lecture

1. Randy Pausch was a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He was married and had three children. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August of 2006. He knew the ods of him living were against him but he still had hope. He stayed positive and didnt let the cancer bring him down. He decided to give a last lecture to help guide the students. His wife wasnt too happy about this, but later changed her mind. His cancer went away temporarily, but came back on August 15, 2007. The cancer spread to his liver and came back stronger. He decided to take life day by day. He respects that his wife always supported him and had big expectations for his kids. He had a neew look on life now that he knew he would soon die. This book is very inspirational to people but he did die at the age of 47 on July 25, 2008.
2. I would have to sat that no matter what happens to always stay positive have hope ad live life to the fullest and to achieve your childhood dreams.
3. The authors tone is happiness and to achieve your goals and never quit.
"I was aware from an early age, that Nasa wouldnt want me. I had heard that astronauts couldnt have glassed. I was okay with that."
"I wont die the next day or the day after that, or the day after that. So today, right now,  well this is a wonderful day. And i want you to know how much Im enjoying it."
"After i die, i want themto take my kids for the weekends, here and there, and just do stuff. Anything fun they can think of."
4. Point of View: First person "I already had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but I was optimistic." Page 1
Imagery: "My romance with football started when my dad dragged me, kicking and screaming to join a league."
Symbols: The Last Lecture represents what Randy wanted people to know about him, and to give them a good lasting impression on how important goals are.
Conflict: Randy gets pancreatic cancer and he is going to die so he agrees to have a last lecture.
Setting: He lived in Pittsburgh before he was diagnosed with cancer.
Metaphor: "We can't change the hand we are dealt"
Flashback: Randy looks back to when he was a kid and achieved his childhood dreams
Anecdote: When Randy talks about being able to know what zero gravity feels like
Genre: Nonfiction true story about the authors life, childhood and happiness
Metaphor: Loyalty is a two way street
    Characterization
1. Direct: Randy Pausch himself because he talks about his childhood goals and how he is going to deal with the last lecture
Indirect: He talks about his wife and how she always supported him
Indirect: He talks about his children and what he expects for them after he's gone
Direct: Randy's dad was a World War 2 medic who served in Battle of the Bulge.
2. The way the story was written in a very relaxed/calm way and the diction and syntax don't really change
3. Randy is very dynamic because he changes to overcome obstacles and is a very round character.
4. Yes I feel like I met Randy Pausch and I am now even more thankful for what I have. I now want to be more positive because things could be worse.