discourse observation analysis tags revision two

8/10/2019 Discourse Observation Analysis TAGS Revision Two

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Walker Ratchford

UWRT 1102

27 September 2014

Discourse Observation Analysis

The Andy Gri ff ith Show

Relevant Background Information:I will be observing the fictional town of Mayberry as portrayed on The Andy

Griffith Show. The show centers on Mayberrys sheriff Andy Taylor. Other maincharacters include Deputy Barney Fife, Andys son Opie and Aunt Bee, who lives with

Andy and Opie. Andys wife died when Opie was very young. This is hardly ever

mentioned on the show but is the reason that Aunt Bee lives with them and keeps the

house in order. The show follows the problems Andy faces as the sheriff and in hispersonal life. The colorful characters around him cause the situations Andy faces and he

is called upon to fix them. Andy Griffith once described the character he plays as, the

straight man. I'm playing straight to all these kooks around me. Andy playing it straightis evident in how he parents Opie. In the following scene Andy doesnt simply deny

Opies request for a higher allowance. Rather explains Andy allows Opie to express his

reasoning then Andy explains why Opie must continue to work for a lower amount. This

scene shows how Andy deals with problems and how the comedy in the show stems fromthe other cast members.

Leonard, Sheldon, and Danny Thomas, prods. "Opie and the Spoiled Kid." The Andy

Griffith Show. CBS. 18 Feb. 1963. Television.

Retrieved From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPMbo-WyiEM

Figured World- A society as a whole that has particular social norms. When some of


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these norms are violated there is a punishment because the norm is a rule or law.

However, some norms are just how peers generally expect each other to behave.

Communities of practice are apart of a larger figured world.

MayberryMayberry is a fictional small town in North Carolina. The purpose of the town is

its a place for people to live, do business, and socialize. Mayberry is a utopia removedfrom the tumultuous times of the 1960s. Therefore, while most aspects life occurs in thetown the tougher parts of life that cause suffering are not seen. The people who frequent

Mayberry are the citizens, farmers or mountain folk who come to town, various sorts of

travelers, along with the occasional fugitive. Since its a town events can and do occur

simultaneously.In Mayberry the rules for appropriate behavior include not drinking or making

moonshine, not stealing, riding your bike on the right side of the road, not riding your

bike on the side walk, no illegal U-turns, no jaywalking, and no parking in front of a fire

hydrant. The rules are not limited to just these but the point is the rules are the laws of thetown. The conventions are that people ought to be polite to one another, use yes mam/sir,

and children should listen and respect their elders. The acceptable forms ofcommunication are polite conversation whether in person or over the telephone.Examples of inappropriate behavior include Otis getting drunk, Ernest T. Bass throwing

rocks, Opie throwing a tantrum, and Barney telling everyone that Andy asked Helen to

marry him.Another set of unwritten rules amongst the citizens of Mayberry is the assignment

of gender roles. Women on the show fulfill jobs such as homemaker, schoolteacher, drug

store attendant, secretary, or telephone operator. While the men run the businesses,maintain law and order, and are typically the sole provider for the family. This is an

important distinction to keep in mind when observing the show because it can lead to

conflict when a man or woman is not fitting the mold of their assigned gender role.

Actors- People who complete a specific part in the community of practice. These are the

major players in this episode but not necessarily every one who appears on the show.

Andy-completes the role of protagonist on this show. Andy is the sheriffof Mayberry but his role in the town reaches far beyond simply enforcingthe laws. He truly wants the best outcome for all those he interacts with

and is usually able to solve their problems. Andy has a role of playing it

straight and fixing the messes caused by the eccentric people around him.

Barney- He is Andys deputy and is easily riled up. Barney wears his

emotions on his sleeves and is easily swayed by what happens to him. This

is the opposite of how Andy is.

Gomer-He works at Wallys Filling Station as a mechanic. He is a kindand polite man. However, he is also simple minded and this often bothers

people, especially Barney.

Otis- The town drunk who is allowed to turn himself in, lock his cell,sleep it off and leave the next morning. Andy and Barney are friendly and

forgiving of Otis. However, they do get agitated at Otis knack for

entering the courthouse at the wrong time. Otis serves to provide comedyand further complicate problems.


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Opie- He is Andys innocent, typically well-behaved son. Opie plays therole of innocent observer and commentator. Opie knows right form wrong

and even teaches Andy a lesson from time to time.

Aunt Bee-She lives with Andy and Opie. Aunt Bee takes care ofeverything around the house and loves the work she does. She like every

character on the show can be wrong at times or get herself into trouble.However, for the most part Aunt Bee plays the role of reminding Andy

and Opie of the right thing to do. She cares deeply about others but alsowill point out when someone is breaking the social norms of Mayberry.

Ernst T Bass- Ernst T. Bass appears in a couple episodes and alwayscauses trouble when he comes to town. He is known for throwing rocks

through windows and is described by Barney as a nut. Andy is muchmore sympathetic with Ernst T. than Barney is. In every episode where

Ernst T. comes to town there is a reason for his arrival and it typically

involves a woman. Andy always tries to help Ernst T. with his romantic

issues while Barney doesnt see the use. Therefore, Ernst T. fulfills the

role of providing the problem that he, Andy, and Barney will try to fix. Woman Prisoner- She only appears in one episode but fulfills a key role.

She provides a serious problem to Andy and Barney. They are attracted tothe prisoner theyre supposed to guard which is a unique issue for the

lawmen to deal with.

Domain- The common activity or thing which members of a community of practiceshare. Members of a community all have a common concern, which they have spent time

thinking about or working on.

Keeping the peace in Mayberry- Many people share this interest in the hopes of

having happy, peaceful lives in Mayberry. Therefore, this does not just apply to

Andy and Barney enforcing laws. Andy also takes his duties a step further bytrying to help repeat offenders. Andy generally wants the best for everyone and

takes it upon himself to make this happen. He often conspires with others to helphim achieve his desired outcome.

Helping Barney- Barney is often incompetent, highly temperamental andstubborn. These qualities are always getting him in trouble or causing trouble for

those around him. Barneys saving grace is that he means well and those who areclose to him recognize his good intentions. As a result Barney still has people

who deeply care about him despite his negative qualities. Those who care about

Barney always have to come up with ways to get him out of jams and restore his

self-esteem.

Community/ies- A smaller group within a figured world that shares a particular area of

interest and learns more about this thing they do by interacting with one another.

People who care about Barneys well being- Andy, Aunt Bee and Gomer all tryto help Barney. They all act with Barneys best interest in mind.


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Those who help transform Ernst T. Bass into a gentleman- Andy, Aunt Bee,Opie, Barney and Ernst T all work together to help Ernst T. act civilized so he can

find a girlfriend.

Practices of the Community- The people in a community of practice do not merely

share an affinity for a common thing. Rather they all actually engage in the action relatedto the area of interest. Their shared experiences and proven best practices develop asource of knowledge for whole community. This can be done formally or informally.

Attempting to help Barney- Throughout the episode it becomes clear thatBarney is intent on proving his point and wont accept obvious assistance. This is

why Gomers plan was able to work because he knew Barney would get allworked up over a crime.

Helping Ernst T Bass find a girlfriend- Ernst T. Bass shows up causing troublein multiple episodes. It always stems from not being able to find a girl to marry.

Andy always wants to help Ernst T so that he will stop causing problems around

town. Based on their past dealings together Andy, Barney and Ernst T develop

ways of solving Ernst Ts problem. They started trying to fix it by giving Ernst Ta uniform. This didnt work so they taught him some manners. Ernst T got a

girlfriend as a result but eventually runs into trouble when she wants him to get aneducation. Again Andy, Barney and other characters are called on to help him.

Artifacts- A particular thought or thing that is important to a community of practice.

Barneys Pride- Barneys pride is what gets him into trouble. It is also

what those around him must learn to manipulate if they want to keep him

happy.

Foolishness- Throughout the observation Barney is attempting to not be

the one that looks foolish. This just gets him into more trouble by placing

it on such a high pedestal. The Golden Rule- The idea that One should treat others as one would

like others to treat oneself drives many of the characters actions on the

show. While it isnt referenced directly in any of the following episodeobservations it is in other episodes. Its the reason why Andy and others

try to help Barney despite his prideful tendencies. And why Andy and

Barney treat Otis well despite his drinking. These are just a couple ofexamples but they give a glimpse of how the golden rule is present in the

show. Characters do not always follow this rule perfectly, however when

they violate it they typically end up apologizing. When watching just

about any episode this idea is present in how characters treat each other.

Literacy practices- The particular ways a community communicates both verbally and

nonverbally.

In Person Conversation- This allows for both verbal and non-verbal

communication. It causes situations to escalate more because they are actually

there and have to face others.


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Telephone- People draw there own conclusions based on what was said over thephone. Andy and Barney assumed a real emergency but upon seeing Gomer its

obvious there isnt one.

Observation One

Tuesday September 9, 2014

The Andy Griffith Show: Citizens Arrest

*Note: Throughout my observations I will be using time stamps based on the time

elapsed since I began watching the episode.

Observation 1:0:35 seconds: Barney and Andy are in the courthouse looking through old records. After

looking at a 1931 arrest record, they begin to talk about the previous sheriffs of

Mayberry. Once Andy has recounted the order Barney asks what about Freeberger.Andy informs Barney that Freeberger was the sewer inspector. Barney then informs

Andy that Freeberger had arrested Barneys father for speeding. Andy, amused, tells

Barney that Freeberger just liked to wearing the uniform and that if his dad had looked alittle closer he wouldve seen a man hole cover in the center of the badge. On a roll,

Andy reminds Barney there couldve been extenuating circumstances. Barneys dad

couldve been speeding through a sewer.

2:00minutes: While still looking through the records Andy realizes its been 10 years

since he swore Barney in. Andy talks about how they shouldve had a party. Barney

down plays the importance of it. Andy continues to talk about how they shouldve.

Barney tries to not let on that he enjoys the attention and says the job is reward enough.Andy continues to compliment Barney about how he hasnt aged and his smile. Andy

ends his praise with how proud Barney should be of himself. This causes Barney to tear

up and at the same moment Opie enters. Barney says hello quickly and exits so he wontbe seen teary eyed. Opie asks, whats the matter with Barney paw? Andy explains that

Barney was feeling sick and didnt want Opie to catch it.

4:00minutes: Gomer gets in his truck, begins driving and makes a U-turn. Barney yells athim to stop from his squad car. Barney turns on the siren and pulls in front of Gomers

now idle truck. Barney exits the squad car with a stern look on his face. Gomer is

grinning, ignorant of his wrong doing, as Barney approaches the truck. Gomer greatsBarney warmly and Barney is not amused. As the two begin to discuss the ticket a crowd

of citizens gathers around them. Barney expects Gomer to know what he did wrong.

Barney gets Gomer to admit to making a U-turn. However, Gomer claims his truck is anemergency vehicle. Barney reaches across Gomer and grabs the postcard and magazine


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Gomer just bought. Since Gomer has been proven guilty Barney begins writing a ticket.

Despite breaking the traffic law, Gomer doesnt see why Barney would write him a

ticket, since they are friends. Barney responds to this by saying how he has not and willnot betray the public trust. Barney, now very full of himself, goes on and on about how

he must uphold the law. Gomer thinks hes found a way out of the ticket and offers just to

back up to where he started. This offends Barney that Gomer would take this matter solightly. Gomer persists that theyre pals so he shouldnt get a ticket. Gomer is now sadand confused at what he sees as a betrayal of friendship. Barney talks about his oath to

uphold the law and how if (his) own mother made a U-turn (hed) give her a ticket.

Gomer then mutters under his breath and Barney asks what he said. Gomer shouts aninsult. Barney is visibly fuming, but then settles down and tries to reason with Gomer.

Barney launches into another speech and concludes that if a common citizen witnesses a

misdemeanor they should make a citizens arrest. Barney looks confident as he heads back

to his squad car and disperses the crowd.

7:00minutes: Barney is driving away from the scene of issuing Gomer a ticket and makes

an illegal U-turn. Gomer sees him doing so and begins to exclaim Citizens arrest!Citizens arrest! Citizens arrest! Barney stops his car and Gomer runs up to it still saying

Citizens arrest! Barney wants to know what Gomer is yelling about. Gomer reminds

Barney of his words a few minutes earlier. The crowd has formed again and is clearly on

Gomers side. Barney tries toexplain himself, saying his squad car is a real emergencyvehicle. Gomer and the crowd arent buying his excuses. Barney and Gomer continue to

go back and forth while the crowd grows louder. Andy approaches the scene to see

whats going on. Barney explains the situation but refers to Gomer as a boob. Thiscause even more commotion. Andy reprimands Barney for the insult and then gets filled

in on the details on the situation. Andy pulls Barney aside and tells Barney to write

himself a ticket because thisthings blown up way out of proportion. Barney is upset

with Andy siding with Gomer and the crowd. Andy tries to reassure Barney that he hasBarneys best interest in mind. Barney eventually concedes but is clearly upset with this

blow to his pride.

10:00minutes: Back at the courthouse Barney is upset with Andy for humiliating him in

front of all those people. Andy tries to reason with Barney that it was just for diplomacy

and public relations. Andy also tries to rebuild Barneys confidence by telling him hesstill a big man in the eyes of the public. Barney is not buying it and states, Im a boob.

At this Andy tries to settle Barney down by offering to pay his ticket for him. Barney

makes it clear that neither of them will be paying the five dollars. Rather Barney elects to

refuse the fine and spend five days in jail. Andy tries to reason with Barney and tells himhes making a fool out of himself. Barney thinks that by being in jail hes making Andy

look foolish.

12:00minutes: Andy enters the courthouse later that night to Barney smoking a cigarette.Andy is pleasant with Barney but Barney is playing the convict now. Barney asks if he

came by for a bed check and proceeds to show that there are no weapons under his

mattress. Andy asks if Barney is really going to stay there all night. Barney replies,Where else would I go? You want to send me to solitary or transfer me to the state


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prison? Andy is done trying to convince him. Barney takes a long drag of his cig then

starts to cough. Right then, Otis walks in drunk and singing. Otis eventually notices that

theres another prisoner and then realizes its Barney. Otis gets confused as to whos in thecell and whos outside of the cell. After this period of confusion Otis comprehends the

situation. Otis goes in his cell and continues singing. Barney and Otis go back and forth

arguing after Barney tells Otis to be quiet. Otis then starts chanting Barneys in Jailmockingly over and over. Andy eventually stops the yelling match but the two resumesafter Andy leaves for the night.

16:00minutes: Aunt Bee comes by the courthouse with Andy the next morning to bringBarney breakfast. Barney politely refuses the meal and says hed like to see Andy make

him eat breakfast. Aunt Bee doesnt persist but leaves the basket with Andy and tells him

to make sure Barney eats. After Aunt Bee exits, Barney unlocks the cell and comes over

to Andy. Barney hands Andy his resignation letter. Barney has an angry look on his facebut Andy just says ok and accepts the letter. Andy says hell take it over to town hall later

and then exits the courthouse. When he leaves Barney looks worried, upset that Andy

didnt try to stop him.

18:00minutes: Opie rides his bike up to the filling station to put air in his tires. While

doing so he talks to Gomer. Gomer says he hasnt seen Andy or Barney recently. Gomer

is genuine in his desire to see them and the ticket incident doesnt even cross his mind tillOpie brings it up. Once Opie tells Gomer what he heard his Dad tell Aunt Bee and says

it allstarted with that citizens arrest. Gomer is surprised and concerned that Barney

quit.

19:00minutes: The phone starts ringing at the courthouse and wakes a hung-over Otis.

Andy isnt there and Barney doesnt get up to get it so Otis heads over to the phone. Otis

gets news that theres been a hold up at Wallysfilling station. Otis starts scramblingaround the courthouse trying to figure out what to do. Eventually he runs out the door

screaming help.

21:00minutes: Andy quickly approaches the filling station in his squad car then exits the

car quickly. He rushes over to Gomer asking what did they get? Instead of answering the

question Gomer replies didnt Barney come with you? Andy says no and returns toquestioning Gomer about the holdup. Gomer is obviously not interested in answering

Andys questions. Instead Gomer says, Funny Barney didnt come with you. This was a

job that called for teamwork. Andy tells him to forget about Barney and tell him about

the holdup. Gomer explains his plan was to try to get Andy and Barney back togethersince he broke them apart. Andy still plays it straight with him and is upset when Gomer

admits he faked it. Gomer apologizes, not for a fake emergency call, but that it didnt

work. Right then Barney comes running up shouting, Andy, Andy, Andy! Barney

explains that he heard about the hold up and figured Andy would need cover. Barneyfrantically begins to question Gomer. Gomer can barely begin to answer before Barney

asks another question. Gomer has big grin on his face because he's happy that his plan

has worked. Once Barney pauses Andy informs him that Gomer has made a false report.Barney lectures Gomer and writes him a couple tickets. Gomer is again displeased with


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the citations. Barney doesnt stick around to talk about it but marches to the squad car.

Andy smiles slightly and gets in the car with him. Barney drives off, again making a U-

turn. He keeps driving as Gomer yells Citizens Arrest!

23:00- Barney and Andy are back at the courthouse. Barney timid at first admits he was

foolish and apologizes. Andy forgives him. Then Barney asks about the resignation letter.Andy standing next to the file cabinet responds that hell file i t with the rest of them.Barney has gone from smiling to puzzled. Andy pulls out a file and begins reading

Barneys previous resignation letters. Barney looks embarrassed.

Observation 2

Sunday September 14, 2014

The Andy Griffith Show: My Fair Ernst T. Bass

From:http://jolly-rogers-colors.blogspot.com/2011/11/earnest-t-bass-arrested.html

This image encapsulates a few key elements of Ernst T. Basspersona. He is a raggedman who lives alone in the hills. He also has a rock is hand which he is know for
http://jolly-rogers-colors.blogspot.com/2011/11/earnest-t-bass-arrested.htmlhttp://jolly-rogers-colors.blogspot.com/2011/11/earnest-t-bass-arrested.htmlhttp://jolly-rogers-colors.blogspot.com/2011/11/earnest-t-bass-arrested.htmlhttp://jolly-rogers-colors.blogspot.com/2011/11/earnest-t-bass-arrested.html


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throwing through windows. He plays a key role in the following observation where Andy

attempts to turn him into a gentleman.

Observation 2:00:30 seconds: Its dark out and Ernst T. Bass throws a rock through a window. Then hesmiles and proceeds to run around cackling.

00:40 seconds: Mrs. Wiley is recounting the story to Andy and Barney. She tells themhow a man threw a rock through the window, then burst into the house. He was behaving

in a peculiar manner. He stuck his hand in the punch bowl then soaked napkins in the

punch and threw them at the ceiling. Andy asks if anyone tried to stop him. Mrs. Wiley

says they did but the intruder giggled and ran off. Barney confirms with her that she hasnever seen this man before. The man didnt steal anything he just demanded to meet a

woman then lost control of himself when he was asked to leave. When there is a pause in

the conversation Ramona brings out the rock that he threw through the window. When itis revealed that a bunch of people have handled the rock Barney goes into a speech about

how they shouldnt have. Barney tells them that this will, make it tough on us and the

boys at the lab. Andy whispersto Barney, what boys at the lab? Undeterred, Barney

continues about all the high-tech analysis theyll do of the crime scene. Andy lets him goon for a minute then informs him that theyre looking for Ernst T. Bass. Itsobvious to

Andy and anyone whose witnessed Ernst T. before. Andy explains his reasoning and

starts to leave. Barney starts to save face by launching into another longwinded thankyou. Andy cuts him short again and they leave. Barney forgets the rock and goes back to

retrieve it, dropping it in the process.

3:20 minutes: Andy and Barney are frustrated that they havent found Ernst T yet. Theytalk about how Ernst T. is always on their most wanted list whenever he comes into town.

Andy wishes they could straighten him out. Barney rebuffs the idea using a medley of

mispronounced and misused psychological terms as his reasoning. Andy replies, Youvebeen reading again, aint ya? Barney tells him about the book hes got. Andy still wishes

there was some way they could help him.

4:30 minutes: Andy and Barney enter the courthouse. They turn to see that Ernst T has

locked himself in a cell. Andy and Barney scold him over the incident at Mrs. Wileys

house. Ernst T explains that he just wanted a girl. Andy reminds Ernst T that theyve tried

to help him with this problem before (In an earlier episode they gave Ernst T one ofBarneys old uniforms because Ernst thought that a uniform would get him a girl). Ernst

T explains that the uniform didnt work. Andy is sympathetic of his struggles until Ernst

T explains he tied a love letter to a rock and hit the girl he was courting when he threw it

at her window. Ernst Ts crush then proceeded to marry the taxidermist that sowed up herhead. Ernst T goes on to talk about becoming a hermit. Andy wants to try to help him

even though Barney isnt on board with the idea.


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7:20 minutes: Ernst T is at the dinner table in Andys home with Andy, Opie and Aunt

Bee. Opie asks Ernst T to pass him the bread. Ernst T throws the bread to Opie and is

scolded by Andy and Aunt Bee. They tell him the correct way even though Ernst Tdoesnt like all these rules. Andy then gives Ernst T another chance by asking for a

potato. Ernst T grabs a single potato with his bare hand and hands it to Andy. Andy

explains that he needs to pass the whole thing. Ernst T tries again this time grabbing allthe potatoes in his bare hands.

8:15 minutes: Andy and Barney are sitting in Andys living room discussing the Ernst T.

Bass experiment. Barney is still not convinced its possible. Andy reveals hes going to tryto pass Ernst T. off at a party the Wileys are hosting. Barney cant wait to see that

spectacle. Theyre interrupted as Ernst T. runs down the stairs, hops over the bannister

and then jumps into the recliner. Barney scoffs and Andy tells Ernst T that he cant enter

a room like that. Ernst T wants to know if he was too slow. Andy asks Barney todemonstrate for Ernst T. Barney doesnt want to at first but Andy starts to talk about how

Barney has a rough exterior but is a sophisticated gentleman. Ernst T interjects that

Barney ought to be mighty proud of himself. With his ego sufficiently built up Barneybegins to take the task seriously, asking Andy what type of function is he entering. As

Barney continues to question, Andy pokes fun at him and Barney finally quiets down.

Barney goes out the front door then reenters miming his entrance. Once Barney

approaches Ernst T to greet him Ernst T complains that he cant hear what Barneyssaying. This fires Barney up and the two begin shouting at each other.

11:30 minutes: Ernst T. Bass is repeating the phrase, How do you do Mrs. Wiley. Hispronunciation is very robotic and his voice is nasally, with a southern drawl. Andy is

coaching him. Andy remarks that Ernst T. seems to be speaking through his nose. Ernst

T. informs Andy that he does this so he can talk while he eats.

12:00 minutes: Ernst T. Bass walks slowly down the stairs inside Andys house. He is

transformed and wearing a nice suit. Ernst T. lifts his hat and greets Aunt Bee saying,

How do you do Mrs. Wiley. Andy and Aunt Bee congratulate him. Barney enters anddoesnt recognize Ernst T. Ernst T greets Barney with the same phrase he used with Aunt

Bee. It becomes apparent that Ernst T. has a limited assortment of appropriate sayings.

Nonetheless, Barney is impressed and decides hell go to the party as well.

14:00 minutes: Andy introduces Ernst T as his cousin to Mrs. Wiley. She doesnt

recognize Ernst T. and wants to get acquainted with him. The two go sit together. Mrs.

Wiley asks Ernst T. a couple questions and Ernst T. replies with the phrases hed beentaught. After a couple odd answers Mrs. Wiley hears something in Ernst Ts response that

catches her interest. She has him repeat himself then remarks that something funny is

going on.

16:00 minutes: Barney arrives to the party. He approaches Andy and asks how things are

going. Andy informs him all is well. Barney makes a joke about how itll be tough for

Ernst T to meet a girl at this party because of the poor selection. Theyre laughing witheach other as Mrs. Wiley approaches. Tension builds as she asks Andy if he thought he


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could fool her? It quickly dissipates as Mrs. Wiley informs them that she could tell

Andys cousin was from Boston. Once she leaves Andy and Barney laugh. Ernst T.

approaches them and Andy tells him hes doing a great job. He then sends Ernst T over toRamona to ask her to dance. She accepts his offer and the two begin to awkwardly dance

across the room. It becomes clear neither one of them is socially adept at conversation.

Eventually they make their way outside to the porch. Ramona, trying as best she can to besocial, talks about the weather. Ernst T states that hed rather talk about himself so hequickly rambles about how well mannered and strong he is. He showcases his strength by

picking up Ramona. She enjoys being lifted.

20:00 minutes: Ernst T and Ramona are dancing inside the house now as Mrs. Wiley

announces a tag dance. Soon after Ernst T is tagged by a man and he begins dancing with

Ramona. Ernst T marches over to Andy and he explains to Ernst T how the dance works.

So Ernst T walks back and tags the man who is now dancing with Ramona. The manglances at Ernst T. and continues dancing. Ernst T. is visibly angry when he returns to

Andy. Andy tells Ernst T to be firm when he tags the man. Ernst T goes back over to the

man dancing with Ramona and begins to tap his shoulder. After several taps with noresponse Ernst T. grabs a nearby vase and breaks it over the man's head. He then

declares, cutting in! ErnstT. then grabs Ramona around the waist and lifts her up. The

other guests are astonished at the scene. Andy and Barney rush over the Ernst T. Mrs.

Wiley the exclaims, Ohno! Its that animal! That Creature! Ernst T. offended at beingcalled a creature, lunges at Mrs. Wiley, but is restrained by Andy and Barney. Mrs. Wiley

screams and runs off to another room. Andy and Barney drag Ernst T out the front door

as Ernst T flails his legs and arms. This continues until they get him outside, down theporch stairs and to the sidewalk. Once to the sidewalk Ernst T frantically complains that

the man wouldnt give back his chosen woman. He continues about how this aint

fair and then grows angrier as he recounts how she called (him) a creature. Ernst T

then continues his struggle to free himself but it is a futile effort because Andy is larger.Barney then begins to lecture. Barney, frustrated, exclaims how he was right about Ernst

T. Barney is taken aback when Ernst T. fires right back at him. Barney has a fearful look

as Ernst T. tries to free himself again. Barney panics as to what to do and eventuallymakes fists, ready to fight. However, Ernst T gives up. Defeated, he thanks Andy for

trying and offers to pay for the clothes Andy gave him. Andy just says lets go and they

begin walking away. Ernst T. laments that the bachelor life isnt too bad and how helljust give up. Then Ramona yells after them to wait. She runs over to them and is upset

that Ernst T. is leaving. Ramona tells Ernst T. that she enjoyed their time together as she

giggles and smiles at him. Ernst T. is surprised but that quickly turns to excitement. He

picks her up and walks off with her. After he puts her down the two run through yards,laughing and jumping around. Andy states, Well I guess its true. There is a woman for

every man.

24:00 minutes: Andy and Barney are in the courthouse talking. Barney is confused as tohow a quiet girl like Ramona could suddenly go ape. He states that she comes from a

respectable family. Andy then informs Barney that hes getting close to the answer.Andy

continues to tell Barney about how Ramonasgranddad came down from the hills in 1870


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and burnt the town down. He then went into the charcoal business for which Ramonas

family is known. Andy and Barney then begin to laugh.

Observation 3

Sunday September 14, 2014The Andy Griffith Show:Prisoner of Love

00:30 seconds: Its the early evening. Andy and Barney are sitting out in front of the

courthouse, relaxing after a long day of work. Barney states, You know what Im gonnado tonight? Im gonna go home, change, drop by Thelma Lous, and watch a movie. He

then repeats himself. Andy talks about going to a choir meeting and explains the vote

theyre going to have to Barney. Barney replies, You know what I might do? As hes

about to repeat himself yet again Andy does it for him. Barney looks puzzled and replies,yeah. Then the phone rings. Andy gets up and goes inside to answer. Once hes already

inside, Barney still sitting outside says hell get it.

2:15 minutes: Andy informs Barney that the call was from the state police and they want

to house a prisoner in Mayberry for the night. One of them is going to have to stay at the

courthouse for the night. Barney states that theyll want the sheriff to sign documents.

Andy reminds Barney how this would be a good chance for a deputy to learn and howBarney is always so eager to learn. Barney realizes what Andys getting at but Andy tells

him to go ahead and leave. Barney smiles but then turns serious and tells Andy if he

really wants him to stay he will. Andy rebuffs him but Barney continues, statingbusiness before pleasure. Andy starts to reconsider and Barney quickly reminds him

that Thelma Lou is expecting him. Andy smiles and says hes just going to go get a

magazine for the night then hell beback.

3:15 minutes: The state police enter as Barney is preparing the cell. The officer tells

Barney hell need his signature. As Barney turns to sign, he notices the other officer has

entered with the prisoner. The prisoner is a young, attractive blonde woman. Barneyswiden and he is stunned. Barney continues to stare at her as the officer escorts her to the

cell. When Barney finally goes to sign the document he is still starring and forgets to grab

the pen. He refocuses and signs. The state police leave. The prisoner says hello toBarney. He is still visibly surprised and the two make small talk. She flatters him and he

continues to stumble over his words. She asks him for a light for her cigarette. Barney

still stunned, doesnt comprehend at first, but then dashes away to find a match.

6:45 minutes: Andy returns as Barney is trying to find an ashtray. Barney has changed his

tune and is adamant that he doesnt mind staying. Andy still hasnt seen the prisoner and

tells Barney to go on. Barney is stammering as Andy walks him to the door. Andy then

returns to his desk and sits. He is facing the cell for the first time. As he begins to read hismagazine he slowly lowers it to do a double take. Andy looks confused and glances at her

again. He then walks over to the bulletin board and looks over at the cell yet another

time. Eventually he makes his way over to the cell and says good evening. He clarifiesthat shes the prisoner. They talk and Andy explains he just wasnt expecting a female.


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10:00 minutes: Barney returns to the courthouse and explains that hed seen the movie he

was planning on watching already. He tells Andy hell relieve him. Andy reminds Barneythat he did promise to stay and a deal is a deal. Barney explains the deal doesnt count

because they didnt shake on it. They go back and forth till the prisoner interrupts.

Barney rushes over to see what she needs. Andy, aware of Barneys motives asks, Yallknow each other? Barney defensively states, I wouldnt know her from Adam. Andyjokes, howd you get to be a deputy with eyesight like that? The situation is resolved

when Barney gets her the extra pillow she asks for.

12:00 minutes: Andy and Barney have hung a sheet in front of the prisoners cell. Shes

going to sleep so they cut off the lights. However, she doesnt cut the lamp off in her cell.

At first they look down then they slowly raise their eyes to catch a glimpse of her

shadow. However, their eyes meet as theyre looking up and they quickly return tostaring at the floor.

13:30 minutes: Otis enters the courthouse drunk. He thinks hes blind because the lightsare out. He walks to his cell and notices there is nothing in there except the bed frame.

Otis is upset so Andy and Barney try to quiet him. Otis grows louder when they inform

him he cant stay in his cell tonight. They force him out of the courthouse. Otis is making

a ruckus outside so they decide on of them will have to take him home. They flip a coin.Barney loses and Andy pushes him out the door into Otis.

15:30 minutes: The commotion has died down but the prisoner is now awake. She asksAndy to pull up a chair and talk to her. He tells her entertaining stories about the town

people. When he finishes she thanks him for the stories and not questioning her about her

arrest. Andy returns to work. The prisoner acts frustrated about her suitcase not opening.

Andy enters her cell to help her. As hes trying to help her, their eyes meet. She toucheshis shoulder. Their moment is interrupted by a horn honk as Barney pulls up to the

courthouse. Andy slowly exits the cell.

19:00 minutes: Andy agrees to leave and have Barney take over. Barney asks if shes

getting to Andy. Andy says hes just tired and leaves. Once Andy has left Barney begins

adjusting his tie. The prisoner notices.

20:00 minutes: Andy is at home with Aunt Bee. She asks if anything is the matter

because he is restless. Andy sits down and Aunt Bee notices he smells like perfume.

Andy says its just aftershave. Aunt Bee eventually goes to bed. Sitting alone, Andysmells the perfume on his collar.

21:00 minutes: Barney is frantically trying to unlock the prisoners cell. He is having

trouble with the lock. The prisoner is holding a suitcase which Barney is going to helpher open once he unlocks the cell.

21:45 minutes: Andy has decided to return to the courthouse. He pauses at the door andreconsiders. He decides to open the door and bumps into the prisoner walking out. She


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calmly says, You cant blame a girl for trying. Andy escorts her back inside the

courthouse where Barney is locked inside the cell, still trying to open the broken suitcase.

Barney turns to see them entering and hangs his head in defeat. Andy lets Barney out andreturns the prisoner to her cell. He doesnt give Barney a hard time because he had fallen

for her act too.

23:00 minutes: The state police are back the next morning to pick up the prisoner. Thestate police borrow the courthouse phone to make a call. Andy and Barney glance over at

the prisoner. Andy goes to let her out of the cell. She apologizes to him and tells him hes

a nice guy. Another state police officer comes to escort the prisoner to the car. Sheimmediately starts charming him and tells him about the trouble shes had with her

suitcase lock. Andy and Barney are standing together; fully aware of how she had

manipulated them. Andy composedly says, You cant blame a girls for trying.

Interview

I chose to interview my mom for this section of the assignment. I picked her because she

has seen every episode of The Andy Griffith Show and I knew she would have thoughtful

comments on the show. She provided a slightly different perspective of the show. Heranswers caused me to pay more attention to how characters treated Otis and to how the

Golden Rule was threaded throughout the show.

1. Explain how The Andy Griffith Showhas remained so popular for so many years.

(It has remained popular) because it is about human nature and the funny things

about (human nature). This makes (the show) timeless.

2. Give me an example from an episode of The Andy Griffith Showimpacting your

life.

The example of how they treat Otis even though hes a drunk. They treat him like

hes worth something.

3. The Andy Griffith Show depicts life in a small North Carolina town during the

1960s. How did life in a small town like Mayberry compare to small mill townsin North Carolina? Compare it to life in Charlotte now.

Fairly portray them (in terms of) the innocence, the pace was slow, and no big

crimes. It is interesting that the show didnt ever involve anything with racerelations given the time.

4. Explain the unstated expectations residents of Mayberry have for how peopleshould act.


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discourse observation analysis tags revision two

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