“Roger Ebert: The Essential Man” by Chris Jones Voice Analysis

“Roger Ebert: The Essential Man” by Chris Jones

“Roger Ebert: The Essential Man” is an article written by Chris Jones about a man who has lost his lower jaw and ability to speak. Jones provides a voice in his article for Ebert similar to the way authors provide a voice for their characters in a novel. Jones provides a voice for Ebert in his article about him even though Ebert is unable to speak. Jones depictions of Ebert in his article enable Jones in defining Ebert’s character in a stronger way. Jones is able to highlight all of the important moments of Ebert’s career and the obstacles Ebert has had to face losing his ability to speak.

Voice determines the differences between characters in a story. Developing a characters voice is what later will end up defining that character to the reader. Jones is able to differentiate his voice from Ebert’s to the reader through his use of tone throughout the article. Ebert’s tone shifts from Jones because Ebert is portrayed as nostalgic having been a victim of cancer and losing his lower jaw. However Jones article did not come off as depressing, Jones’s tone came off as rather insightful and optimistic.

Voice develops individuality between characters. Voice can also set the tone of a character. Jones is able to make Ebert’s character present in the article showing all of the ways Ebert is able to make his voice known not through sound but through his writing ability. Ebert is able to maintain voice through his notebook, post-it notes, and macbook. Though Ebert lacks his spoken voice the tone of the article remains optimistic because Ebert is able to maintain his written voice. Ebert has even been able to develop sign language.

Jones also goes in depth in describing Ebert’s struggles from his cancer, which is why the piece is insightful to me because I do not know much about Ebert’s condition. Thanks to Jones depictions I was able to learn all about Ebert’s condition in a way that I could relate more to Ebert’s character.