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Jason Reynolds concludes with a powerful claim. Your life is dependent upon your relationship with words. Explain what you think he means by this assertion. How does he exemplify that belief in his writing?

User Nels
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Final answer:

Jason Reynolds believes that the relationship with words directly affects one's life, a concept emphasized by many writers through their focus on crafting meaningful narratives and their commitment to the refinement of language as both a personal and social tool.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jason Reynolds's assertion that 'your life is dependent upon your relationship with words' suggests the profound impact that language has on personal and societal interaction. He means that the ability to comprehend, use, and relate to words defines how one navigates the world, forms relationships, understands concepts, and expresses oneself. To exemplify this belief through his writing, Reynolds focuses on crafting narratives that resonate with readers' experiences, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives and the lives of others.

Throughout literature, authors like Coates, Pound, and Williams have discussed the importance of writing and revising, equating the process to physical exercise or skilled craftsmanship. Their reflections on the power of words align with Reynolds's view that managing one's relationship with language is pivotal. By perfecting their craft, they showcase both the personal significance of the word and its wider social impact.

Poets who live their literature, such as Percy Bysshe Shelley, exemplify the intertwining of life and language, embodying their art so deeply that their existence mirrors their written words. In a broader sense, writing becomes a form of shaping reality and instigating change, as suggested by DiYanni, who acknowledges the serious obligations of writing, especially in addressing major societal issues. This is seen in actions such as writing for social causes and campaigns to raise awareness or enact legislative changes.

User Rosebud
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