Phineas Gage: A Gruesome But True Story About Brain Science
Nonfiction Critique: Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science
John Fleischman’s book, Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science published by the Houghton Mifflin Company in Boston in 2002, is an intriguing retelling of the almost unbelievable event that literally changed the man named Phineas Gage. The author reconstructions for the reader the events that transpire before and after an iron spear-like object is rocketed through the head of Phineas Gage and how the man recovers, but also does not.
Fleischman expertly walks along the line of scientific fact and interest and gruesome detail. He uses the fascinating story of Phineas Gage to analyze and deconstruct a very detailed and complex science surrounding the human brain, and makes the material readable and accessible to a younger age bracket. The use of scientific terms paired with simplistic explanations and occasional parenthetical definitions aid in the understanding of the difficult content at hand. Sentence structure is not overly complicated, and the use of
…show more content…
The purpose of this was to deconstruct the content into manageable segments. Fleischman starts by relating the events of the Gage’s accident and giving the reader a little background on pre-accident Phineas. Then, following through with his recovery, or perhaps lack thereof, from the accident to demonstrate the point the author is trying to make. In the next section, the author guides the reader through the schools of thought related to the brain at the time of Gage’s accident and a little of where Gage’s accident helped to lead the theories of brain science. In the third segment, the author follows up with what is known about Phineas’ life after the accident and to his death eleven years later. Finally, the last portion focuses on a pair of doctors who team up to reconstruct and analyze Gage’s accident using modern technologies (p.
Dr Norman Doidge The Brain That Changes Itself Analysis
1371 Words | 6 PagesBrain science is hard to understand. Very hard. However, Dr. Norman Doidge describes the current understanding of brain plasticity by using relatable examples and comprehensible diction instead of arduous textbook style writing. In The Brain that Changes Itself, Doidge challenges the age-old belief that the brain's structure is concrete by providing countless experiments that prove the brain to be malleable. Doidge shines a light on traumatic injuries and brain illnesses by providing individual cases from patients around the world.
Phineas Gage Accident: Phineas Gage
265 Words | 2 PagesPhineas Gage was an American Construction worker known for surviving a fatal accident. This accident occurred when he was trying to pack explosives in a hole with a tampering iron. The powder exploding while he packing and proceeded to pierce through his entire head. Although he lost his left eye it seemed he had not lost all hope. He was fully conscious in a few minutes even performing normal functions.
A Rhetorical Analysis Of Simplicity By William Zinsser
323 Words | 2 PagesThe author of "Simplicity," William Zinsser has discovered that writing frequently deals with clutter. He makes it obvious in his essay that writing "fuzz" and clutter can annoy and weary a reader. Zinsser emphasizes that clutter in writing not only frustrates readers but also obscures the intended message. He argues that simplicity is key to effective communication, as it allows ideas to shine through and resonate with the audience. Zinsser provides examples of how "clutter" or “fuzz” is harmful to both the writer and his audience, as well as a resource for messy writing.
Similarities Between 'Red Badge Of Courage And The Scarlet Ibis'
665 Words | 3 PagesLimply, he fell backwards onto the earth. He had been bleeding from the mouth, and his neck and the front of his shirt were stained a brilliant red.” (Pathways 110) The narrator unknowingly killed his brother in his arrogance. Yet Flemings ended up realizing the true nature of
Shark Wars Book Report
809 Words | 4 PagesGeneral word choice; simple or repetitive sentence structure. Misused words; general / simple word choice; Weak sentence structure. Word choice and/ or sentence structure creates confusion. Organization Consistent use of a variety of transitional strategies which lead readers through the piece.
The Seventeen Second Miracle Analysis
412 Words | 2 PagesThe Seventeen Second Miracle’s opening sets a melancholy mood. “ Just a few feet away, in the shadow of a stack of unopened birthday gifts. Sparks knelt beside her lifeless sister.” The author presents the situation of Flick, Sparks, and Rex to catch the reader 's attention. It effectively does that when it portrays Flicks sudden death.
Examples Of Syntax In Superman And Me
434 Words | 2 PagesDorothy L Sayers once said, ‘Those who prefer their English sloppy have only themselves to thank if the advertisement writer uses his mastery of the vocabulary and syntax to mislead their weak minds.” Syntax is a set of rules in a language that dictates how words from different parts of speech are put together in order to convey a complete thought. In Superman and Me by Sherman Alexie, combines simple sentences and enumeration in order to initiate understanding of his difficult Native up bringing with his audience. In the essay, Superman and Me by Sherman Alexie, syntax is utilized to reflect his purpose by communicating meaning and keeping the reader's attention throughout his descriptions of struggle that he endured while learning to read.
Who Is Jarrett Krosoczka's Why Lunch Ladies Are Heroes?
916 Words | 4 PagesIn this example, the sentence structure was medium but more on the short side. The author does a significant job with having smooth transitions throughout the course of the speech. The author also has considerable amount of punctuation in expressing his gratitude to helping lunch ladies. Although, his sentence structure was impressive, his choice of words were also
Brain On Fire Essay
1701 Words | 7 PagesSince a person’s brain is so fragile, considering how important it is becomes even more daunting. After all, the brain, is the body’s ultimate controller, taking charge of even a person’s own desires and actions once it is compromised by injury, illness, or other ailment (Cahalan, 2012, pg.87). As much as the human race wants to believe they are in control, the truth is one event could drastically change
Summary Of Cathy Crimmin's 'Where Is My Mango Princess'
880 Words | 4 PagesAlan’s therapist, Crystal Mangir, also said “If Alan were in a wheelchair, or had a cast on his leg, people would understand that something happened… but no one can see a broken brain” (Crimmins 199). This mentality would show why after Alan regained his ability of movement, the insurance companies decided not to pay for Alan’s rehab therapy since he was no longer in need of therapy. After a traumatic brain injury it is very important to relearn the daily bases activity and in most cases physical therapy is the final step to complete physical recovery. This misunderstanding of brain injury was what Cathy Crimmins hoped to shed light on throughout this
Mike Lupica Hero Character Analysis
802 Words | 4 PagesI am reading Hero by Mike Lupica and I am on page 124. The book is about Zach, whose father died in a deadly plane crash. Zach is looking to find out what he thinks happened to his father: The plane crash was not an accident. While still coping with the loss of his father, and while looking for what happened to his father, Zach meets a man, Mr. Herbert, who gives Zach superpowers. In this journal I will be predicting and questioning.
Summary: Another Bullshit Night In Suck City
1141 Words | 5 PagesThis sentence style shows the author’s thinking process at the moment, rather than tells a story. Besides fragmented sentences, sections are also unchronological and seem irrelative to each other, attracting readers to read
Destiny Of The Republic Summary
747 Words | 3 PagesThe drama of what happened subsequently is a powerful story of a nation in turmoil. The unhinged assassin 's half-delivered strike shattered the fragile national mood of a country so recently fractured by civil war and left the wounded president as the object of a bitter behind the scenes struggle for power over his administration, over the nation 's future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care. A team of physicians administered shockingly archaic treatments, to disastrous effect. As his condition worsened, Garfield received help by Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, worked around the clock to invent a new device capable of finding the bullet. Meticulously researched, epic in scope, and pulsating with an intimate human focus and high-velocity narrative drive, The Destiny of the Republic will stand alongside The Devil in the White City and The Professor and the Madman as a classic of narrative
Analysis Of Startling Finds On Teenage Brains By Paul Thompson
140 Words | 1 PagesIn Paul Thompson’s article “Startling Finds on Teenage Brains” the author talks about how that teenagers who committed crimes should not be treated as adults in the legal system. Thompson also talked about how statistically teenage brains are still developing throughout their teenage years. The author Paul Thompson is more credible because not only he provided heavy words and having an expansive vocabulary he also provided examples from facts and his own research as well. Specifically, in the article and on paragraph 6 the author uses examples from his research and resides it with the current topic and to his own opinions, in the paragraph he mixed both ethos and logos to try in luring readers. The technique that Thompson uses is very unique,
Derek Parfit's Theory Of Personal Identity
1354 Words | 6 PagesEach hemisphere of the man’s brain is then separately transplanted into the two waiting bodies. The aim of this case for Parfit is to establish whether or not the man survives. It has been proven
More about Phineas Gage: A Gruesome But True Story About Brain Science
Dr Norman Doidge The Brain That Changes Itself Analysis
1371 Words | 6 PagesPhineas Gage Accident: Phineas Gage
265 Words | 2 PagesA Rhetorical Analysis Of Simplicity By William Zinsser
323 Words | 2 PagesSimilarities Between 'Red Badge Of Courage And The Scarlet Ibis'
665 Words | 3 PagesShark Wars Book Report
809 Words | 4 PagesThe Seventeen Second Miracle Analysis
412 Words | 2 PagesExamples Of Syntax In Superman And Me
434 Words | 2 PagesWho Is Jarrett Krosoczka's Why Lunch Ladies Are Heroes?
916 Words | 4 PagesBrain On Fire Essay
1701 Words | 7 PagesSummary Of Cathy Crimmin's 'Where Is My Mango Princess'
880 Words | 4 PagesMike Lupica Hero Character Analysis
802 Words | 4 PagesSummary: Another Bullshit Night In Suck City
1141 Words | 5 PagesDestiny Of The Republic Summary
747 Words | 3 PagesAnalysis Of Startling Finds On Teenage Brains By Paul Thompson
140 Words | 1 PagesDerek Parfit's Theory Of Personal Identity
1354 Words | 6 Pages