How Dungeons And Dragons Changed My Life Analysis

In “How ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ Changed My Life”, Ethan Gilsdorf compares the differences in nerd culture today and when he was a young adult. The purpose of this article is to analyse how Dungeons and Dragons and, by extention, games in general have changed over the years. He writes to other old D&D players and newer players, showing how the game has and hasn’t changed over the years. The genre is part narrative, part analysis, switching between the two to better explain his point. Gilsdorf has uses his personal experience to help the reader understand the differences in D&D from over twenty years ago and the game now. The author’s perspective is one of someone who has intimate knowledge of the beginning of role-playing games, and now is trying to reinsert himself into that culture. He says in his article, “I stopped playing D&D… there was shame in thar imaginary hills” (79). He left the game, humiliated by the negative aspects of the game he once loved. This perspective is shared with his audience, of whom come from a similar background. However,

He uses slang in his writing, such as the statement, “Boy, was I wrong” (79). It helps his article appeal to younger generations. Also, he uses dialogue to advance the article, either between himself the reader or between himself and an imaginary “Dungeon Master”(79). It helps him draw his reader even further into his rhetoric. He references different parts of pop culture, with statements like “local youths can’t tell or write a story longer than 140 characters” (79) and “strapping on my headset and playing ‘Halo’ or ‘Gears of War’” (83). These references to social media and popular games tells the audience that he understands what this generation talks about. He uses slang when referencing different generations, like “Gen-X” (79) and “Generation Y” (83). These references help him connect with younger generations, and add to his