Close Reading Response to: Ask Jeeves

          In the article, “Ask Jeeves”, Alex Soojung-Kim Pang reports on the introduction of a robot-butler, named Botlr, to Silicon Valley’s Aloft Hotel, and comments on how the introduction of human-interface robotics has not had the expected influence on society. The use of diction, figurative language, and syntax in the article evidently help express Pang’s argument that it is almost impossible to imitate or manufacture the complexities of occupational interaction.

          An example of diction that can be found in the article is in a sentence that is used to describe the appearance of Botlr, “Its painted white shirt and bow tie, its measured pace, and the high-pitched ‘beep boop’ noises it makes when interacting with guests remind one equally of P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wall-E’s Eve.” The reference to the name, Jeeves, brings cultural baggage to the reader in the form of connotation. Jeeves, a well-known character from the short novels of P.G. Wodehouse, is iconic for his formal speech and personality, which is commonly associated with the nature of a valet or butler. The author uses this reference to help describe the demeanor of Botlr, which is similar to that of Jeeves.

          Pang also uses figurative speech to emphasize how complex and difficult the daily job of a butler can be. “Butlers understand themselves to be like stage managers or producers, doing all the hard, sometimes frantic behind-the-curtain work that’s necessary to put on a good show.” The type of figurative speech used in this sentence is a simile; its purpose being to help the reader associate the type of atmosphere that a butler works in with the work atmosphere that accompanies show business.

          Toward the end of the article the author uses syntax to explain how machines made to accomplish simple tasks, such as a supermarket self-checkout, are not effective in everyday life. “It looks simple. Yet entering the wrong produce code, not putting something in the bagging area quickly enough, putting it in too quickly, taking something out of the bag, moving things around in the bag, even brushing against the bagging area, triggers a call for a supervisor.” The sentence, “It looks simple.” is short in contrast with the lengthy sentences in rest of the paragraph, bringing attention to the statement while screaming to the reader, this next part is REALLY important! In addition, the use of a period at the end of, “It looks simple.” rather than a comma, is another interesting example of syntax. The author used a period to put voice into the statement. “It looks simple. [extra-long pause for effect] Yet…” The use of syntax in this particular section of the piece expresses the author’s personality by adding voice, and helps the reader focus on the important information that is being pointed out.

          These examples of the author’s use of rhetoric, are used in the article to create effects and meanings for the reader to recognize. They also help convey the purpose of the article, which is to inform the public of how today’s technological engineers lack the ability to effectively manufacture robots with the purpose of carrying out tasks, from the simplicity of bagging groceries to the art of setting out Great-Grandma’s fine china.

To access the article, click HERE