ABSTRACT
Describing a message and its context is the foundation of good critical practice. Describing the qualities of a message objectively and fair-mindedly is difficult, but well worth the effort. Chapter 4 explains the process and provides tools to help you do it correctly. Chapter 4 also provides a useful catalog of message/context relationships that help you answer the questions: why this message, to this audience, at this time, in this way? You will be tempted skip description because you already “understand” the message you are analyzing. Chapter 4 is intended to help you commit to the process because of the benefits of critical insight, clarity, and creativity that description affords.
