Journal Entry 5

Even without a journalistic eye, correlations between the subject, and the writing style subliminally penetrate us as readers. In Gay Talese’s piece “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold”, he characterizes the writing to match Frank Sinatra’s persona: rich, flowing, yet cold and terse when appropriate. I was particularly weary of this writing tactic when reading Malcolm Galdwell’s “Six Degrees of Lois Weisberg.” The differences between the two pieces are vast. However, Gladwell also makes various links between the structure of his article and Lois Weisberg’s overall cadence. In the beginning, we understand that Gladwell’s title has cleverly incorporating the common phrase “Six Degrees of Separation” and Lois Weisberg. Gladwell does not explain his title, because he is able to use the example of Lois getting Helen a job as an explanation. This scenario sets the precedent for the rest of the article. It is later revealed, that Lois has been just about every circle, and knows just about everybody. This sporadic, yet all-encompassing socializing is exemplified through the ways in which Lois conducts conversation: “Lois has a habit of telling stories that appear to be tangential and digressive, but, on reflection appear to be parables of sorts.” Gladwell represents the digressive parable through his structure. For example, he initiates various chapters, or sections of his article with tangents, all either relating back to Lois Weisberg, or her six degrees of separation. Furthermore, he tries to understand the concept of six degrees of separation through both recreational and academic lenses. Theoretically, he looks at the study done by the Harvard social psychologist. He juxtaposes this comparison, to that of “the popular parlor game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.” (p. 71) Even through the analysis of the popular phrase, Gladwell is delving into the personality of Lois Weisberg through his structure.

Gladwell displays a microcosm through Lois Weisberg’s socializing. This is most evidently seen through her participation of helping poor kids mingle with artists. She states that: “I don’t believe poor kids can advance in any way by being lumped together with other poor kids.” (p. 77) Gladwell depicts this microcosm climactically. It would have been easy for him to say; “Lois had a large effect on her community” yet, as we know that would have inappropriately represented Lois. Instead, he starts off section 5 like this: “On a sunny day not long ago, Lois went to a little café just off the Magnificent Mile, in downtown Chicago, to have breakfast with Mayor Daley.” (p. 76) Upon reading those first two lines it is very clear, that this is day is going to be unordinary. However, I believe that Gladwell realizes the triteness of this tactic, which is why he includes Mayor Daley in the opening sentence. By now we understand that Lois has a large influence on her community, and realize that something big is on its way.Gladwell summarizes (without literally summarizing of course) Lois’ six degrees of separation, by explaining how her connections allowed her to meet her second husband, Bernie Weisberg. I found this ending to be light and refreshing. And although, Lois’ connections run very deep, she goes about socializing in a very light manner. She succeeds through the approval of others, through a way that is undeniably genuine. This genuine nature is characterized perfectly by Gladwell’s conclusion: “And in the middle, nearly hidden by the commotion, was Lois, clutching her white bag, tiny and large-eyed, at the moment the happiest person in the room.” Gladwell’s conclusion surely complements the body of his extremely well crafted piece. Lois’ final description illustrates how Gladwell has depicted a wonderfully in depth portrait of her social power.