so the ap test was today, and I think I did alright. I thought it was definitely alot tuffer than the practice test and I felt a little over confident. The multiple choice was not that bad and I felt like I had just the right amount of time to think through all of them. Overall, I think I did average.
But what a reflief it is to finally know that it is done! We've worked so hard for a whole year for one test and we all completed it together. I know for a fact that each and every one of us grew as a writer, reader, and maybe even a person! I know I did! This class made me question some of the hardest questions life gives us and I really appreciate that. I can't for when I go to college and I will actually know what the professors are talking about because Mrs. Clinch basically is a college professor!
So since this is my last blog ever, (thank god), I wanted to share my favorite memories about AP Lit/Comp. The funniest memory we had was reading Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead in class aloud. Nothing was funnier than Kevin as Alfred, but the great thing was that we actually got it, and we understood that it was funny! I don't think I could have gotten that if I read it alone, so I really appreciated us reading it aloud. A more serious, favorite memory I have were our Grapes of Wrath discussions because that was my favorite book that we read this whole year. I think we really dug through the book and tore it apart. I feel like I really know it and I even used it on the AP exam. Besides that, the book just taught we a lot about life in general and it made me think a lot about the events that are happening today. I think Steinbeck's words of change and revolution will always be with me.
Well this is my last blog, but I would just like to say that I've really enjoyed this class because it was a challenge for me and I succeeded. Even if I do not pass the AP exam, I feel achieved in my mind and I know I have a grown a whole lot throughout this year. Thank you Mrs. Clinch for helping me learn and understand literature better and better each day!:)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
it's getting closer and closer
to the ap exam! I don't think i'll actually believe it until i'm actually there taking it. This whole year has lead up to this one test and it's extremely overwhelming! However, I really think we're reading guys.
So I took the practice test over the weekend and I think it really went well. I felt sooo much better prepared and the timing was actually not that bad. If you divide the amount of passages you have by the amount of time you have, you'll have the time frame you'll have for each passage. I did that and it really helped! I had 20 minutes left for me to go back and check my work. And even though Mrs. Clinch doesn't admit it, her questions she gave us for practice were alot harder! I was almost surprised at how easy the questions were, but I do not want to jinx myself and get super hard questions (knock on wood...).
The part I felt most confident on were the essays. We had PLENTY of time and I even got to leave early:). But I really liked the open question, and I selected a work with ease. I even got to write a good three pages for it and it was the first 8 I ever recieved!
Over all, I think it was a great success and definitely gave me more insight into what the test will be like!
So I took the practice test over the weekend and I think it really went well. I felt sooo much better prepared and the timing was actually not that bad. If you divide the amount of passages you have by the amount of time you have, you'll have the time frame you'll have for each passage. I did that and it really helped! I had 20 minutes left for me to go back and check my work. And even though Mrs. Clinch doesn't admit it, her questions she gave us for practice were alot harder! I was almost surprised at how easy the questions were, but I do not want to jinx myself and get super hard questions (knock on wood...).
The part I felt most confident on were the essays. We had PLENTY of time and I even got to leave early:). But I really liked the open question, and I selected a work with ease. I even got to write a good three pages for it and it was the first 8 I ever recieved!
Over all, I think it was a great success and definitely gave me more insight into what the test will be like!
Monday, April 27, 2009
I make lists...
...a lot. About things I have to do, homework that is due, and important dates. I live my life by an agenda. If I didn't make these lists or organize my life by an agenda, I would be totally lost. Is this bad? Could my list-making possibly be the script to my life?
This reminded me of what we were talking about in class about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Is life just one big pre-determined list? Is everything we say apart of some huge script? It's so scary to think about. I would hate to know that my life is just a part of some bigger thing, where I am just a number. I want my life to be independent, different from others. So should I stop making lists? Should I put an end to my organization? Then what would happen? Would be life still be the same? "What is life all about?" I find myself asking this a lot. But like Mrs. Clinch said, there is no answer. No one will ever know until we die. So why do we fear death so much? We don't know what happens after, so what is there to fear? I think it is just human nature to fear the unknown. This play really got me thinking. Comment if you feel the same way...
This reminded me of what we were talking about in class about Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Is life just one big pre-determined list? Is everything we say apart of some huge script? It's so scary to think about. I would hate to know that my life is just a part of some bigger thing, where I am just a number. I want my life to be independent, different from others. So should I stop making lists? Should I put an end to my organization? Then what would happen? Would be life still be the same? "What is life all about?" I find myself asking this a lot. But like Mrs. Clinch said, there is no answer. No one will ever know until we die. So why do we fear death so much? We don't know what happens after, so what is there to fear? I think it is just human nature to fear the unknown. This play really got me thinking. Comment if you feel the same way...
ros and guil overall
So I just finished Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and to my surprise, I really liked it! It was so well but and the way Stoppard arranged the play was brilliant. I love how it goes along with Hamlet but it is still so different.
My favorite things about the play were the characters. Ros and Guil can be viewed as one character. The fact that they are so lost kind of makes them seem stupid, but they really aren't. They're actually a lot like regular people. Because, if you think about it, we're all in some way lost. I have no idea what could happen in a year, in a week, or even tomorrow for that matter. So maybe we aren't as lost as Ros and Guil, but I think this is what Stoppard was trying to get at it. Is life just one big stage and we are all actors? Is God the playwright, or just the audience? Or are we all in control of our own destiny? Can we be in charge of what happens tomorrow? These are a lot of hard questions that I have found myself asking about life, and that is why I liked this play so much. It forced me to rethink these questions and in a way, Stoppard almost forces readers to reconnect with God by writing about a lack of God. That is basically the idea of the absurdist movement. I find this very interesting and I would love to read more books like this!
My favorite things about the play were the characters. Ros and Guil can be viewed as one character. The fact that they are so lost kind of makes them seem stupid, but they really aren't. They're actually a lot like regular people. Because, if you think about it, we're all in some way lost. I have no idea what could happen in a year, in a week, or even tomorrow for that matter. So maybe we aren't as lost as Ros and Guil, but I think this is what Stoppard was trying to get at it. Is life just one big stage and we are all actors? Is God the playwright, or just the audience? Or are we all in control of our own destiny? Can we be in charge of what happens tomorrow? These are a lot of hard questions that I have found myself asking about life, and that is why I liked this play so much. It forced me to rethink these questions and in a way, Stoppard almost forces readers to reconnect with God by writing about a lack of God. That is basically the idea of the absurdist movement. I find this very interesting and I would love to read more books like this!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
R&G
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is getting better and better! I love the humor and the characters. Even though we know they are lost, it seems so funny and is even making us laugh out loud in class.
The thing that gets me is its many layers. I have been indexing as we go and I am surprised at how much stuff is packed into this tiny little book! The fact that there's a play within a play within a play is just mind boggling! Sometimes it's a little confusing but it really makes me think. I can't stop asking myself the question that keeps come up, "what does it all mean??" But there's no answer!! It's so frustrating to know that there's not even an answer. I like that it's up to me to determine my own interpretation, but still! I'm so used to being given the right answer like in math or history. But this is totally different and I kind of like it.
I really like this absurdist period, and I think it suits me best. I often find myself asking the same questions as guild and ros, like "where am I going?" or "how did I get here?" or "where is this all going?" These are some really tuff questions, but that is what life is all about.
The thing that gets me is its many layers. I have been indexing as we go and I am surprised at how much stuff is packed into this tiny little book! The fact that there's a play within a play within a play is just mind boggling! Sometimes it's a little confusing but it really makes me think. I can't stop asking myself the question that keeps come up, "what does it all mean??" But there's no answer!! It's so frustrating to know that there's not even an answer. I like that it's up to me to determine my own interpretation, but still! I'm so used to being given the right answer like in math or history. But this is totally different and I kind of like it.
I really like this absurdist period, and I think it suits me best. I often find myself asking the same questions as guild and ros, like "where am I going?" or "how did I get here?" or "where is this all going?" These are some really tuff questions, but that is what life is all about.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
timed writing reflections
I think the assignment we did on our timed writings really helped alot. It fored me to notice what I am strong in and what I am weak in. I have discovered alot about myself as a writer!
My biggest problem is analyzing and explaining. I always find these great quotes and examples, but then I do not know what to do with them. Whenever I do try to explain them, they aren't deep enough and I am only skimming the surface. I also have problems with finding the right words when explaining things. I always know what I'm talking about but I can't find the right word to explain it. It's very frustrating.
My biggest strength is my organizational skills and topic sentence. Keeping my essays structured and in order helps me keep on track and I have found when I really keep organized, I get a better grade. I think making an outline or some sort of question to start from also helps before starting an essay, instead of going into an essay blind.
I am getting more and more anxious about the ap exam. Our whole year has lead up to this one test and it is a lot of pressure! I know we'll make it through though!
My biggest problem is analyzing and explaining. I always find these great quotes and examples, but then I do not know what to do with them. Whenever I do try to explain them, they aren't deep enough and I am only skimming the surface. I also have problems with finding the right words when explaining things. I always know what I'm talking about but I can't find the right word to explain it. It's very frustrating.
My biggest strength is my organizational skills and topic sentence. Keeping my essays structured and in order helps me keep on track and I have found when I really keep organized, I get a better grade. I think making an outline or some sort of question to start from also helps before starting an essay, instead of going into an essay blind.
I am getting more and more anxious about the ap exam. Our whole year has lead up to this one test and it is a lot of pressure! I know we'll make it through though!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
pride and prejudice
I have started my outside reading book and I must say I am really liking it so far. I love the language (similar to Frankenstein) and just the aire about it. It is very high class society these people are living in and it is interesting to read about. I'm not sure if I would like living in a society like that because it seems so up tight! The fact that the girls are getting married at 19 is disturbing. It's like it is expected of them. It even says Mrs. Bennet's "business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news" (Austen 3). If that's all my mom worried about then nothing would get done! I don't think I could take all the balls and all the people gossiping at the balls. It seems like a bad teenage party; but no doubt, it's really interesting to read about.
So far I really like the character of Elizabeth. Her father favors her while her mother favors Jane. "Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good-humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference" says Mrs. Bennet, then Mr. Bennet replies with "They have none of them much to recommend them, they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters" (Austen 3). From there, I knew I'd like Elizabeth because I like quickness in a character. And she proved to be just that. I like her sense of humor, which is quick and sarcastic. She's also a flirt, which I like.
There's something about Mr. Darcy that I like but I don't really know what it is. He is a huge jerk but the fact that he likes Elizabeth is so unlike him. They seem like complete opposites. Darcy is opposite from everyone in fact. Especially his friend Mr. Bingley who is all the rage in Jane's world. It said that Darcy was better looking than Bingley but Bingley had a far better personality which made him, overall, more attractive. But now Elizabeth had coerced with Mr. Wickham and is drooling all over him. But something makes me think that Mr. Darcy is still in the back of Elizabeth's mind. "Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of everything in Mr. Darcy's looks and behavior" (Austen 75). Solely because of this, I think Elizabeth and Darcy might have a chance. I can't wait to find out what happens next! Oh the 19th century drama!
So far I really like the character of Elizabeth. Her father favors her while her mother favors Jane. "Lizzy is not a bit better than the others; I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so good-humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference" says Mrs. Bennet, then Mr. Bennet replies with "They have none of them much to recommend them, they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters" (Austen 3). From there, I knew I'd like Elizabeth because I like quickness in a character. And she proved to be just that. I like her sense of humor, which is quick and sarcastic. She's also a flirt, which I like.
There's something about Mr. Darcy that I like but I don't really know what it is. He is a huge jerk but the fact that he likes Elizabeth is so unlike him. They seem like complete opposites. Darcy is opposite from everyone in fact. Especially his friend Mr. Bingley who is all the rage in Jane's world. It said that Darcy was better looking than Bingley but Bingley had a far better personality which made him, overall, more attractive. But now Elizabeth had coerced with Mr. Wickham and is drooling all over him. But something makes me think that Mr. Darcy is still in the back of Elizabeth's mind. "Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of everything in Mr. Darcy's looks and behavior" (Austen 75). Solely because of this, I think Elizabeth and Darcy might have a chance. I can't wait to find out what happens next! Oh the 19th century drama!
Monday, April 13, 2009
rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead
So far, I cannot help myself but think that Ros and Guild are definitely on something. And I'm not even trying to be funny. I don't know if they're supposed to be dumb and that is what is so funny (like a dumb and dumber kind of thing) or what. The fact that Ros keeps tossing heads 89 times is a bit surprising! Is the coin fixed? It couldn't be because it says that Guild kept getting coins out of his pocket. So if Ros really that lucky? I wouldn't exactly call them dumb because the language is rather elequated, especially in Guild's long philosophical tangents, which I have, again, no idea what he is talking about. So I'm not sure whether they are dumb, or maybe they are just drunk! Guild keeps asking Ros what he remembers, like what was the first thing he remembered that day. They couldn't even remember that! They know they were sent to do something, but they got a little side tracked with the coin flipping. I'm thinking that it had something to do with Hamlet and the ghost. I can't wait to see what happens when Hamlet starts his drama and Ros and Guild are left with orders. It seems pretty funny so far!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
the end of tfa...
... was surprising! I never even thought that Okonkwo would have killed himself. That just seems so low to do, even for his tribe! I thought for sure there would be a rule against it, and there was! The fact that he actually went through with it means alot. I just don't think he could deal with the change, he wasn't made for it. And for once, he actually deliberately went against his own tribe. "It is against our custom" and "It is an abomination for a man to take his own life. It is an offense against the Earth..." (Achebe 207) said Obierka. Even though I think it is very wrong for a person to take their own life, I think Okonkwo made the right decision. He just couldn't understand change and it hurt him too much to watch it. If he stayed around he would have caused even more trouble and even more hate. I think he knew his time had come and that he didn't really have a purpose anymore. What really got me though, was what Obierka said at the very end, "That man was one of the greatest men in Umoufia. You drove him to kill himself, and now he will be buried like a dog...' He could not say any more. His voice trembled and choked his words" (Achebe 208). I feel like even though Okonkwo got on my nerves alot, I respect him because he stuck to his beliefs and didn't sell out like the rest of the people, and that is strength to me. I hate that Okonkwo couldn't even have a nice burial because he deserved it. I feel like since Okonkwo broke a rule, the tribe could have broken a rule too and buried own of their own even though he killed himself, it only seems fair.
I actually ended up liking this book more than what I thought I would. It's not one of my favorites, but it most definitely made me think. I'm still wondering what Achebe wanted us to get from this book. Is change good? Or bad? Was the new religion totally out of line or did it have to happen? I hope I can find this out soon and discuss it with my group!
I actually ended up liking this book more than what I thought I would. It's not one of my favorites, but it most definitely made me think. I'm still wondering what Achebe wanted us to get from this book. Is change good? Or bad? Was the new religion totally out of line or did it have to happen? I hope I can find this out soon and discuss it with my group!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Could it be?
It is obvious to even us kids that our country is in a recession and is in great turmoil. I am taking an econ class right now and it has open my eyes to the economy, something I never knew much about. While talking about our situation right now, I wondered, could this be as bad as the Great Depression? Could we be reliving the problems faced in The Grapes of Wrath? The idea won't leave my mind because I am reminded of how alike our problems are. Think about it. The great deal of unemplyoment, the banks taking houses, the lack of optimism, they are so much alike. I then went on to wonder, if Steinbeck were alive, what would he tell us? Would he criticize the banks again, comparing them to monsters and us to slaves? Would he tell us to fight because that is the only thing we can do? But what is there to fight? I'm starting to understand how the Joad's felt in that they had no idea about who to rebel against. Seeing this comparison has made me realize that history only repeats itself. I just hope we are able to pull through like the Joad's! Comment if you see any other comparisons!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
lit circles
I think our lit circle groups have been going really well. It helps a lot to hear other people's opinions to get a well rounded view of the book. I know that when I first started reading Things Fall Apart, I absolutely hated it but once I've talked it over with my group, I am beginning to appreciate it a lot more. I think that's how it is with all books, at least with me. For some reason, books are so much better when you discuss them and get different views and ideas onto the table.
So far in the book, our group has predicted that the new English colonizers are going to break up the Ibo tribe. We think Nwoye is kind of what started the spark and will cause a domino effect, leading things to fall apart. I couldn't help but wonder during our discussion what Achebe wanted us to get out of this book. What is he trying to say? Is he criticizing Christianity? Or is he saying that it is a good thing? Mrs. Clinch was telling us today that he made Okonkwo look like a jerk on purpose to criticize him. If Okonkwo is so much the representative of the Ibo tribe, then is he criticizing them? I think I will know the answer to this once we have finished the book. More to come!
So far in the book, our group has predicted that the new English colonizers are going to break up the Ibo tribe. We think Nwoye is kind of what started the spark and will cause a domino effect, leading things to fall apart. I couldn't help but wonder during our discussion what Achebe wanted us to get out of this book. What is he trying to say? Is he criticizing Christianity? Or is he saying that it is a good thing? Mrs. Clinch was telling us today that he made Okonkwo look like a jerk on purpose to criticize him. If Okonkwo is so much the representative of the Ibo tribe, then is he criticizing them? I think I will know the answer to this once we have finished the book. More to come!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
sitting, waiting, wondering
As I'm sitting at my desk, waiting for words or any sort of idea to come to my head and travel down to my fingers, I look up and notice something. I keep all of my books that we have read this semester on my desk and I noticed that it is beginning to create a bit of a pile. I just then realized how many books I read this semester, which actually makes me kind of proud. Think about it. In one semester, we read eleven books and we still have more to go. Ok, to some of you this might be nothing, but to me this is absolutely amazing. When I first started this class, I viewed myself as a slow reader, but now I have noticed myself beginning to pick up the speed, which I could really use in college. I now feel like I have an arsenal of books that I could at any time take out and use on the AP test (ok maybe not an arsenal but you get the point). I guess this blog's point is to just remind all of you that no matter how bad you're failing mrs. clinch's class, or how far behind you are on blogs, or even how AP lit makes you want to rip your hair out, you still read eleven books, and to me my friends, that is the epitome of amazing.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
grapes of wrath discussions
I think our discussions on the Grapes of Wrath have been going really well! I feel like we don't even need Ms. Clinch anymore watching over us anymore. I love that we are digging deeper and deeper with each discussion and really tearing the book apart.
My favorite discussion so far was the one about the biblical allusions. I thought it was so cool how Steinbeck put all those allusions in the book, and I was actually surprised that I knew some of them. I think the allusions added to the novel as a whole and gave it depth, but it also made me confused about Steinbeck himself. What kind of man was he? Was he really religious? Christian? Or did he make his own religion? If he did make his own religion, then why did he add all those biblical allusions? I can't see him being a really Christian kind of guy because he seems so transcendental with the whole idea of the oversoul and the idea of constant change and revolution. I think that is why I liked this book so much because it talked about change and how we must keep moving on in order to not become stagnated.
Anyways, I hope our discussions keep going well and I hope mine does too tomorrow!
My favorite discussion so far was the one about the biblical allusions. I thought it was so cool how Steinbeck put all those allusions in the book, and I was actually surprised that I knew some of them. I think the allusions added to the novel as a whole and gave it depth, but it also made me confused about Steinbeck himself. What kind of man was he? Was he really religious? Christian? Or did he make his own religion? If he did make his own religion, then why did he add all those biblical allusions? I can't see him being a really Christian kind of guy because he seems so transcendental with the whole idea of the oversoul and the idea of constant change and revolution. I think that is why I liked this book so much because it talked about change and how we must keep moving on in order to not become stagnated.
Anyways, I hope our discussions keep going well and I hope mine does too tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
things fall apart response 1
So far, there are several elements of this book that I do not like. I especially do not like the character of Okonkwo. I find him very stubborn and arrogant. Achebe describes Okonkwo as “not a man of thought but of action” (69) and he thought “To show affection was a sign of weakness” (28). I totally disagree with this type of character because I was brought up to ‘think before you speak’ and I believe thinking is a lot more important than acting before thinking about it I think this is one of Okonkwo’s main flaws and is the reason why he feels so bad for killing Ikemefuna. If he had thought about it before he acted, I think he would have realized that he was making a huge decision. I also think showing emotions is important or else you will not be a happy person. Maybe this is why Okonkwo has such a bad temper.
I also don’t like Okonkwo’s attitude towards women. He regards them as weak and lower to men. Chapter seven even states “No matter how prosperous a man was, if he was unable to rule his women and his children (and especially his women) he was not really a man” (Achebe 53). He has three wives and treats them equally badly. The fact that he beats them and he shot at one of them disgusts me. To me, that shows weakness because he cannot simply talk to his wife, but he rather resort to violence, which does not solve anything.
I feel bad for Okonkwo’s son, Nwoye, who became very close to Ikemefuna. I feel like there are several differences between Nwoye and his father. Nwoye is more logical and still “prefer[s] the stories that his mother tells” (Achebe 53). However, “Okonkwo encouraged the boys to sit with him… and he told them stories of the land- masculine stories of violence and bloodshed” (Achebe 53). Okonkwo, on the other hand, is more physical and only concerned with how many people a man has killed. I predict that Nwoye will soon grow apart from Okonkwo because of their differences, just like Okonkwo and his father did.
I hope the book gets better soon because right now it is a little slow and I am not getting the whole picture. I hope it picks up!
I also don’t like Okonkwo’s attitude towards women. He regards them as weak and lower to men. Chapter seven even states “No matter how prosperous a man was, if he was unable to rule his women and his children (and especially his women) he was not really a man” (Achebe 53). He has three wives and treats them equally badly. The fact that he beats them and he shot at one of them disgusts me. To me, that shows weakness because he cannot simply talk to his wife, but he rather resort to violence, which does not solve anything.
I feel bad for Okonkwo’s son, Nwoye, who became very close to Ikemefuna. I feel like there are several differences between Nwoye and his father. Nwoye is more logical and still “prefer[s] the stories that his mother tells” (Achebe 53). However, “Okonkwo encouraged the boys to sit with him… and he told them stories of the land- masculine stories of violence and bloodshed” (Achebe 53). Okonkwo, on the other hand, is more physical and only concerned with how many people a man has killed. I predict that Nwoye will soon grow apart from Okonkwo because of their differences, just like Okonkwo and his father did.
I hope the book gets better soon because right now it is a little slow and I am not getting the whole picture. I hope it picks up!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
glass
I've started reading a book outside of class that has come to my attention.
It is extremely different from the books we have been reading lately.
Far Far from it actually
It is called Glass by Ellen Hopkins and it is the sequel to the book Crank
Not only is the storyline really interesting, but the way the story is set up is really cool. It is almost like a poem, written in verse, however, it does not rhyme. Rather it tells a story. And on each page, the stanzas and verses are typed and layed out in different designs that almost match what is going on in the story.
I am about to tell you what the story is about, but I must warn you, it is rather disturbing.
Glass follows the life of a young teenage girl who is addicted to crystal meth and is struggling to raise her son alone. If you read Crank then you know the character of Kristina, or Bree, rather well and know most of her story. The sequel describes her struggle with her knewly born baby and her relapse into the 'monsters' hands. It's actually really sad to read because I know that some teenagers actually go through this. I haven't gotten very far but I thought it was really interesting. Comment if you have read it before!
It is extremely different from the books we have been reading lately.
Far Far from it actually
It is called Glass by Ellen Hopkins and it is the sequel to the book Crank
Not only is the storyline really interesting, but the way the story is set up is really cool. It is almost like a poem, written in verse, however, it does not rhyme. Rather it tells a story. And on each page, the stanzas and verses are typed and layed out in different designs that almost match what is going on in the story.
I am about to tell you what the story is about, but I must warn you, it is rather disturbing.
Glass follows the life of a young teenage girl who is addicted to crystal meth and is struggling to raise her son alone. If you read Crank then you know the character of Kristina, or Bree, rather well and know most of her story. The sequel describes her struggle with her knewly born baby and her relapse into the 'monsters' hands. It's actually really sad to read because I know that some teenagers actually go through this. I haven't gotten very far but I thought it was really interesting. Comment if you have read it before!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Harry Potter Fan Rejoice!
Words couldn't describe how happy I was when I discovered J.K. Rowling's newest book The Tales of Beedle the Bard. I finally got around to reading it because we have been so busy reading (thanks to Mrs. Clinch, jk) and I absolutely loved it!
Even though Rowling promised not to write another Harry Potter book, this children's book is loosely related to Harry. If you Harry freaks remember, in the last book Hermione comes across this exact book and as a result, J.K. decided to create it. Yes, they are 'wizard bedtime stories' however it is a fun read and they actually give new insight to the world of Harry. A neat thing this book has is that after ever chapter, 'Albus Dumbledore', writes notes and opinions on each tale, kind of like the reviews and analysis we do in lit class. It not only gives you more history into the book, but it also explains certain terms and gives you background to the story.
My favorite tale out of the five is the last one, or "The Tale of the Three Brothers". It is an interesting tale of three bothers who are on a quest when they meet Death. Death grants each one wish. The first wishes for the unstoppable wand, or Elder wand, the second wishes for eternal life, like the sorcerer's stone, and the third, and the wisest, wishes for the invisibility cloak. Overtime, death takes each of the brothers for their own, however the third one delayed his meeting with Death by wearing the invisibility cloak until he was old and gave it to his son. He then met Death gladly and departed his life gladly. Later on in Albus's notes, he explains how the story tells us something about human nature: 'Hope springs eternal' in which there is a side note that reads: 'This quotation demonstrates that Albus Dumbledore was not only exceptionally well-read in Wizarding terms, but also that he was familiar with the writings of Muggle poet Alexander Pope' (JKR 96). This made me chuckle but was also very interesting because we learned about Pope earlier in the semester. I thought maybe this tale was an allusion to something but I could not think of anything. I'm sure most of the tales are some sort of allusion, but I enjoyed the book none the less.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves Harry Potter and enjoys and simple, yet complex read.
Even though Rowling promised not to write another Harry Potter book, this children's book is loosely related to Harry. If you Harry freaks remember, in the last book Hermione comes across this exact book and as a result, J.K. decided to create it. Yes, they are 'wizard bedtime stories' however it is a fun read and they actually give new insight to the world of Harry. A neat thing this book has is that after ever chapter, 'Albus Dumbledore', writes notes and opinions on each tale, kind of like the reviews and analysis we do in lit class. It not only gives you more history into the book, but it also explains certain terms and gives you background to the story.
My favorite tale out of the five is the last one, or "The Tale of the Three Brothers". It is an interesting tale of three bothers who are on a quest when they meet Death. Death grants each one wish. The first wishes for the unstoppable wand, or Elder wand, the second wishes for eternal life, like the sorcerer's stone, and the third, and the wisest, wishes for the invisibility cloak. Overtime, death takes each of the brothers for their own, however the third one delayed his meeting with Death by wearing the invisibility cloak until he was old and gave it to his son. He then met Death gladly and departed his life gladly. Later on in Albus's notes, he explains how the story tells us something about human nature: 'Hope springs eternal' in which there is a side note that reads: 'This quotation demonstrates that Albus Dumbledore was not only exceptionally well-read in Wizarding terms, but also that he was familiar with the writings of Muggle poet Alexander Pope' (JKR 96). This made me chuckle but was also very interesting because we learned about Pope earlier in the semester. I thought maybe this tale was an allusion to something but I could not think of anything. I'm sure most of the tales are some sort of allusion, but I enjoyed the book none the less.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves Harry Potter and enjoys and simple, yet complex read.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A Raisin in the Sun Responce
I was very excited about the play on Saturday, however, I had some mixed reviews about it. There were pros and cons to the play. I thought the actors were incredible and very accurate. They were true to the characters and were highly believable. I loved the characters of Walter Lee Younger and Beneatha Younger because I felt they were the strongest. Whenever they had a scene together, you really believed it and their relationship pulled you into the story. Their dialogue was very in depth and made the scene more intense and made you understand the stress that this family was going through. I also thought the set was awesome. You definitely got the feeling of a poor apartment in the 50’s and it was aesthetically pleasing.
However, there were some things I did not like about the play. The play itself is very long and there seems to be no plot twist or elevation. It just seems to be there and no movement. It’s almost if all the characters are stagnated. This has nothing to do with the actors; I just think it is the play itself. Maybe the author, Lorraine Hansberry, did this for a reason; to show the problems and obstacles that the African American race faced during the 50’s. The family longed to get ahead; however, they were stuck in their poor apartment and did not know what to do. I also thought the ending showed uncertainty, which is symbolic. You know they moved into the white neighborhood, however, you are unsure of their future. The family is optimistic, yet the audience still does not know what will happen to the family as a whole.
Overall, I think the play was a success in the sense of the actors. I, personally, do not like the play itself but I do think our acting team did a great job of portraying it.
However, there were some things I did not like about the play. The play itself is very long and there seems to be no plot twist or elevation. It just seems to be there and no movement. It’s almost if all the characters are stagnated. This has nothing to do with the actors; I just think it is the play itself. Maybe the author, Lorraine Hansberry, did this for a reason; to show the problems and obstacles that the African American race faced during the 50’s. The family longed to get ahead; however, they were stuck in their poor apartment and did not know what to do. I also thought the ending showed uncertainty, which is symbolic. You know they moved into the white neighborhood, however, you are unsure of their future. The family is optimistic, yet the audience still does not know what will happen to the family as a whole.
Overall, I think the play was a success in the sense of the actors. I, personally, do not like the play itself but I do think our acting team did a great job of portraying it.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Things Fall Apart Thus Far
Ok I'm sorry, but this book is not going very well with me so far. It just seems like a little kid's bedtime story! The sentences are just so simple and uninteresting. It just seems like all it's saying is 'Okonkwo is this" or "Okonkwo is that". It doesn't seem like there's much depth to it. I feel like i'm reading Pocohantus. After reading such a complicated novel like The Grapes of Wrath or a wordy play like Hamlet, I was caught off-guard by it's dull language.
Ok, ok maybe I'm being a little harsh, but it really is bothering me! And I'm sorry, but I'm really getting sick of reading the same story of tribes/groups being supressed! Sue me! I've heard the same story since I was in elementary school and, yes, I do feel bad for them, but honestly, I'm getting tired of reading it! I was finally relieved when we read Hamlet because at least he wasn't asking for sympathy. That's all I feel like whenever I read these types of books.
Well that was my rampage for this week. Comment if you disagree. Hopefully the book will get better!
Ok, ok maybe I'm being a little harsh, but it really is bothering me! And I'm sorry, but I'm really getting sick of reading the same story of tribes/groups being supressed! Sue me! I've heard the same story since I was in elementary school and, yes, I do feel bad for them, but honestly, I'm getting tired of reading it! I was finally relieved when we read Hamlet because at least he wasn't asking for sympathy. That's all I feel like whenever I read these types of books.
Well that was my rampage for this week. Comment if you disagree. Hopefully the book will get better!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Chinua Achebe
I'm looking forward to reading Things Fall Apart, not only because it's an easy read, but also it seems like it's a good follow up to Grapes. Just from knowing the title and reading the back, I can tell that it will be about change that disrupts groups and the deterioration of classes. This book, I noticed, is also set up in a different way like Grapes was. It has two parts, describing two different people and how their situations are alike. I'm looking forward to finding out more about these tribes and groups.
Like always, I like to have some information about the author before I start reading. I did some research and this is what I found:
Like always, I like to have some information about the author before I start reading. I did some research and this is what I found:
- Born in Nigeria in 1930.
- He was raised in the large village of Ogidi, one of the first centers of Anglican missionary work in Eastern Nigeria.
- A graduate of University College, Ibadan.
- He had a career in radio but he ended it to lecture abroad for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka during the Biafran War.
- From 1972-1976, he became a professor of English at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and also for one year at the University of Connecticut.
- The London Sunday Times called him one of the "1,000 Makers of the Twentieth Century" for defining "a modern African literature that was truly African".
- Aside from novels, he has also written short stories, essays, and children's books.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Don't read this if you haven't finished Grapes
WHAT THE HECK?!?!?
The ending of The Grapes of Wrath was terrible! You don't find anything out!! I have so many questions!
What happened to Tom?
What happened to the family? Did they die like everyone else?
Why would Rose of Sharon breast feed an old man?
Does Al marry Aggie?
What are the rest of Uncle John's sins?
What exactly does the title mean?
What does Rose of Sharon's name mean?
What does Tom represent?
The story just literally leaves you hanging and that kills me! I really wanted to know if the Joads made it through or not. Besides the ending, I absolutely loved the Grapes of Wrath. The biggest reason why I liked it was because of the inter-chapters and its social criticism. Steinbeck's voice was is so strong in those chapters and his opinions are as well very strong. I liked that he found something he strongly disagreed with and he criticized it in a creative way. I can see why this book was so controversial, but that is what makes it so good. This book is honestly my favorite book we have read this year:)
The ending of The Grapes of Wrath was terrible! You don't find anything out!! I have so many questions!
What happened to Tom?
What happened to the family? Did they die like everyone else?
Why would Rose of Sharon breast feed an old man?
Does Al marry Aggie?
What are the rest of Uncle John's sins?
What exactly does the title mean?
What does Rose of Sharon's name mean?
What does Tom represent?
The story just literally leaves you hanging and that kills me! I really wanted to know if the Joads made it through or not. Besides the ending, I absolutely loved the Grapes of Wrath. The biggest reason why I liked it was because of the inter-chapters and its social criticism. Steinbeck's voice was is so strong in those chapters and his opinions are as well very strong. I liked that he found something he strongly disagreed with and he criticized it in a creative way. I can see why this book was so controversial, but that is what makes it so good. This book is honestly my favorite book we have read this year:)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
the lenses of literature
I liked the lesson we did today in lit about all the different viewpoints of literature. Not only did it help me, but it was also actually really interesting. I always wondered how a literary critic started talking or analyzing a novel. I wouldn't know where to start! It makes much more sense that people take a standpoint or look into a certain 'lens' of literature.
The theories I liked most, or agreed with the most, was the psychological theory and the formalism theory. I think these are the ones I am most used to, but they are the ones that make the most logical sense to me. I think to truly understand a novel, you should analyze the tone, setting, plot, and symbols, which, to me, are the most important parts of a novel. I also think it is important to focus on characterization and to sort of 'psycho-analyze' the characters of a novel, in order to discover the motivations, mental states, and desires of that character. The best stories to me, are the ones that focus on characters and really make them realistic. Take, for example, The Office. Each and every character can be related to and at least one time during the show, you can relate to a character. That is what makes the show so much fun. The idea of a show about an office isn't that exciting, but the fact that the characters are so real makes it interesting and fun to watch.
The theories I liked most, or agreed with the most, was the psychological theory and the formalism theory. I think these are the ones I am most used to, but they are the ones that make the most logical sense to me. I think to truly understand a novel, you should analyze the tone, setting, plot, and symbols, which, to me, are the most important parts of a novel. I also think it is important to focus on characterization and to sort of 'psycho-analyze' the characters of a novel, in order to discover the motivations, mental states, and desires of that character. The best stories to me, are the ones that focus on characters and really make them realistic. Take, for example, The Office. Each and every character can be related to and at least one time during the show, you can relate to a character. That is what makes the show so much fun. The idea of a show about an office isn't that exciting, but the fact that the characters are so real makes it interesting and fun to watch.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hamlet and Prufrock?
Yes, "The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock" is Mrs. Clinch's all-time favorite poem, but what does it mean? And why does it mention Hamlet?
"No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
Almost, at times, the Fool."
After reading it a second time and not being as lost as last year in Mrs. Clinch's class, I think I have an idea of what Eliot might be saying. It is obvious that Prufrock is a bit of a dork, with his balding head and his thin arms and legs. Eliot contrasts Prufrock with Hamlet to show his weakness and his insecurities. Hamlet is this great prince who defends himself and is popular. Prufrock is the complete opposite of that. He is self-conscious about the way he looks and he feels, "almost, at times, the Fool". He says he never could have been like Hamlet. He could have been a servant, to advise the prince, but he does not have the looks or charm or wit that Hamlet does.
"No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;
Am an attendant lord, one that will do
To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
Deferential, glad to be of use,
Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
Almost, at times, the Fool."
After reading it a second time and not being as lost as last year in Mrs. Clinch's class, I think I have an idea of what Eliot might be saying. It is obvious that Prufrock is a bit of a dork, with his balding head and his thin arms and legs. Eliot contrasts Prufrock with Hamlet to show his weakness and his insecurities. Hamlet is this great prince who defends himself and is popular. Prufrock is the complete opposite of that. He is self-conscious about the way he looks and he feels, "almost, at times, the Fool". He says he never could have been like Hamlet. He could have been a servant, to advise the prince, but he does not have the looks or charm or wit that Hamlet does.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Is Hamlet in Love?
Does Hamlet really love Ophelia? Did they have sex? Does Hamlet know that Ophelia betrayed her along with his parents? All these questions ran through all of our heads while we acted out our scenes and watched the different versions. Here's what I think:
I think that Hamlet is a smart ass and knew the whole time. I think he loves to be sarcastic and play with people's minds, almost to the point where it's hard to follow. There are so many word plays, especially in the scenes when he is talking to Polonius, Guildenstern, and Rosencrantz. It seems almost obvious that he knows when he says, "I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw" (Shakespeare 79). He's basically saying 'I am mad because I know what is going on'. I think Hamlet is extremely smart but not alot of the other characters know that or catch on to his intelligence.
As for the Ophelia-Hamlet love thing, I think that they did have sex and I feel like he found out half way through act 3 scene1 that Laertes and Polonius were watching. The version we watched today (I forgot the name of it) portrayed it the best to me. (the one with the mirrors). I thought it was realistic because I feel like, if they really did have sex and they did love each other, then they would have had that much passion and feelings for each other. Even though the actor playing Hamlet was a little much, I thought he did a good job at portraying Hamlet's feelings and emotions.
I think that Hamlet is a smart ass and knew the whole time. I think he loves to be sarcastic and play with people's minds, almost to the point where it's hard to follow. There are so many word plays, especially in the scenes when he is talking to Polonius, Guildenstern, and Rosencrantz. It seems almost obvious that he knows when he says, "I am but mad north-north-west. When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw" (Shakespeare 79). He's basically saying 'I am mad because I know what is going on'. I think Hamlet is extremely smart but not alot of the other characters know that or catch on to his intelligence.
As for the Ophelia-Hamlet love thing, I think that they did have sex and I feel like he found out half way through act 3 scene1 that Laertes and Polonius were watching. The version we watched today (I forgot the name of it) portrayed it the best to me. (the one with the mirrors). I thought it was realistic because I feel like, if they really did have sex and they did love each other, then they would have had that much passion and feelings for each other. Even though the actor playing Hamlet was a little much, I thought he did a good job at portraying Hamlet's feelings and emotions.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
GOW
I'm half way through The Grapes of Wrath and I am absolutely loving it. Not only is the story line interesting but the inter-chapters are so metaphorical and powerful! It's like Steinbeck is actually talking to you through these chapters. I think it's really cool that someone who was really opinionated about the Dust Bowl wrote a book so that we can get a first hand account of what actually happened. Everything feels so real and true.
My favorite inter-chapter was chapter 14 because I related to it so much. It really blew my mind when I read it because I agreed so much with it. My favorite line is, "fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept, for this one quality is the foundation of Manself, and this one quality is man, distinctive in the universe" (Steinbeck 151). I think what Steinbeck is saying here is that you should not fear revolt, change, or revolution, but you should fear the time when people do not change and people do not stand up for themselves and fight for a cause. I related that to today because I feel like it is important that our country defends themselves and that is exactly what we are doing. We have people fighting and dying for a cause and I truly think that is what makes mankind.
My favorite inter-chapter was chapter 14 because I related to it so much. It really blew my mind when I read it because I agreed so much with it. My favorite line is, "fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept, for this one quality is the foundation of Manself, and this one quality is man, distinctive in the universe" (Steinbeck 151). I think what Steinbeck is saying here is that you should not fear revolt, change, or revolution, but you should fear the time when people do not change and people do not stand up for themselves and fight for a cause. I related that to today because I feel like it is important that our country defends themselves and that is exactly what we are doing. We have people fighting and dying for a cause and I truly think that is what makes mankind.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
To like or not to like?
That is the question! I really enjoyed watching the different versions of Hamlet. Personally, I liked the Mel Gibson version better, but I think they both had their strengths and weaknesses.
The BBC version, to me, was just a little bit too much. I know it's Shakespeare and it's supposed to be dramatic, but I found it hard to imagine Hamlet punching himself in the face and acting dilusional. I thought Mel Gibson's version did a better job at portraying Hamlet's change at the end of scene 5. Other things I noticed was that there was no background, there is the use of fog, and it is the most true to the script. I also thought the appearance of the ghost was really good because it was true with its armor. However, I think that the ghost rushed some of his lines and he didn't seem very fatherly, he seemed more scary.
The most important reason why I liked the Mel Gibson version better was because there was simply more movement. It wasn't just in one spot like the BBC version. There was background, different shots and views, and there was music involved, which I think makes a movie 10 times better. Even though this version wasn't as true to the script, I thought it was more realistic and it was choppier. It showed the scene with the party, when the other version did not. I liked the character of Hamlet because he seemed the most real and his reactions weren't too over the top. The ghost was also really good except for his clothing, I thought he should have been in more armor. I liked the ghost's emotion and he just looked older and grayer, more like what a ghost would look like.
Overall I really liked these different portrayals of Hamlet and they added to my understanding of the novel.
The BBC version, to me, was just a little bit too much. I know it's Shakespeare and it's supposed to be dramatic, but I found it hard to imagine Hamlet punching himself in the face and acting dilusional. I thought Mel Gibson's version did a better job at portraying Hamlet's change at the end of scene 5. Other things I noticed was that there was no background, there is the use of fog, and it is the most true to the script. I also thought the appearance of the ghost was really good because it was true with its armor. However, I think that the ghost rushed some of his lines and he didn't seem very fatherly, he seemed more scary.
The most important reason why I liked the Mel Gibson version better was because there was simply more movement. It wasn't just in one spot like the BBC version. There was background, different shots and views, and there was music involved, which I think makes a movie 10 times better. Even though this version wasn't as true to the script, I thought it was more realistic and it was choppier. It showed the scene with the party, when the other version did not. I liked the character of Hamlet because he seemed the most real and his reactions weren't too over the top. The ghost was also really good except for his clothing, I thought he should have been in more armor. I liked the ghost's emotion and he just looked older and grayer, more like what a ghost would look like.
Overall I really liked these different portrayals of Hamlet and they added to my understanding of the novel.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
What I think of Hamlet
So far Hamlet has proved a challenge for me. It's really difficult to get used to the language when reading The Grapes of Wrath at the same time. It's like going from one vernacular to the next and my brain is spinning! Even though TGOW is longer, I feel like it is easier to read. With Hamlet or any shakespeare play, I have to take my time and concentrate on every word. Sometimes this is frustrating because the acts are so small but it's taking up so much of my time! However, I do really respect the fact that Shakespeare's connotation of words have several meanings and they can totally change the way you read it. I think that adds to the play and the meaning over all.
Other than the language, I'm really enjoying the story line. Mrs. Clinch was right, it really is like a medieval soap opera! I had a feeling that Claudius had something to do with King Hamlet's death. And I also have a feeling that something was going on between Claudius and Gertrude before Hamlet's death. I feel really bad for Hamlet right now. I would be just as sad and mad if my parents and uncle were doing that! I really respect Hamlet's character too (so far). He loves his father, he respects his mother even though he knows what she is doing is wrong, and he is not okay with what his uncle is doing.
I thought scene 4 was really intense, especially the part when Hamlet gets to talk to his father's ghost. I have so many questions about it. Like is the ghost telling the truth or is it lying? Did the ghost tell Hamlet to kill Claudius? What about his mother? Does he want revenge on her as well? I hope these questions will be answered soon and I can't wait to discuss more of the play!
Other than the language, I'm really enjoying the story line. Mrs. Clinch was right, it really is like a medieval soap opera! I had a feeling that Claudius had something to do with King Hamlet's death. And I also have a feeling that something was going on between Claudius and Gertrude before Hamlet's death. I feel really bad for Hamlet right now. I would be just as sad and mad if my parents and uncle were doing that! I really respect Hamlet's character too (so far). He loves his father, he respects his mother even though he knows what she is doing is wrong, and he is not okay with what his uncle is doing.
I thought scene 4 was really intense, especially the part when Hamlet gets to talk to his father's ghost. I have so many questions about it. Like is the ghost telling the truth or is it lying? Did the ghost tell Hamlet to kill Claudius? What about his mother? Does he want revenge on her as well? I hope these questions will be answered soon and I can't wait to discuss more of the play!
Friday, January 30, 2009
I never knew..
how effected I would be by the photographer and her presentation. I was blown away not only by the quality of her photos, but also the content of them. I think I winced in about every single picture. I really didn't know it was that bad! The part that got me the most was the multimedia piece she did, where you could actually hear the victims and their stories. Nothing got me more than the women who's last option was prostitution and the only way she could get food was 'from man'. It was just so sad to know that a person had to sink that low to get a basic human necessity.
Being in a photography class, I really appreciated her work. Her angles, focus, lines, and color were all prestine. I loved how the AIDS part of her work was only in black and white, which gave it more meaning and depth. There were some pictures that were just absolutely breath-taking, not only because of the subject but also because of the quality and thought put into it. I couldn't help but wondering how she got into some of the situations she photographed. Like the prostitute and the incredibly graphic photos of her. Or the painful pictures of lost family members and loved ones crying over their graves. Wouldn't that have been awkward for her? Wouldn't the people feel invaded? I would think it would be incredibly hard to do that and that shows a lot of strength in the photographer.
I thought Ashburn was an amazing person as well. She seemed so smart and she actually knew what she was talking about instead of some photographers who BS a lot of stuff. Not only did she come to our school, but she also stayed an hour later answering any questions we had. Now that is dedication. I thought it was amazing that just an article in a magazine is what started her need to photograph these people and help spread awareness. She is such an inspirational person and I really felt moved and effected by her and her photographs. I'm am so incredibly thankful that I went to the presentation and forged that permission slip!:)
Being in a photography class, I really appreciated her work. Her angles, focus, lines, and color were all prestine. I loved how the AIDS part of her work was only in black and white, which gave it more meaning and depth. There were some pictures that were just absolutely breath-taking, not only because of the subject but also because of the quality and thought put into it. I couldn't help but wondering how she got into some of the situations she photographed. Like the prostitute and the incredibly graphic photos of her. Or the painful pictures of lost family members and loved ones crying over their graves. Wouldn't that have been awkward for her? Wouldn't the people feel invaded? I would think it would be incredibly hard to do that and that shows a lot of strength in the photographer.
I thought Ashburn was an amazing person as well. She seemed so smart and she actually knew what she was talking about instead of some photographers who BS a lot of stuff. Not only did she come to our school, but she also stayed an hour later answering any questions we had. Now that is dedication. I thought it was amazing that just an article in a magazine is what started her need to photograph these people and help spread awareness. She is such an inspirational person and I really felt moved and effected by her and her photographs. I'm am so incredibly thankful that I went to the presentation and forged that permission slip!:)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
My Outside Reading Book
I thought that it would be cool to discuss our books that we read for a final last semester. Plus I have a lot of questions about it and I'm looking for some answers from people who've read it.
I have to admit when I first got Their Eyes Were Watching God, I thought it would be a really cool symbolic story about religion. Boy was I wrong! Personally, I did not like the book at all. Some parts just really annoyed me! When I first started reading it, I actually didn't mind it at all. I thought the story was going to head in a completely different direction so I kept on reading. Then I got to know the character of Janie and how fickle she was. She was soo annoying! It's like she had to have a husband. It's not like she couldn't just have a boyfriend, she had to have a husband. And the men she picked! The first one was just mean, the second one was too controlling and the third one was the one that really made me mad! Apparently her third husband, Tea-Cake, was supposed to be the best and the one that actually 'loved her'. However, HE BEAT HER! That's right! He whipped her! And you know what? She did nothing about it! She simply kept on being the trophy wife she was with her long hair and rockin bod. What the heck?!? I thought this book was supposed to be about strong women but that does not show strength to me! The fact that her own husband whipped her, who she loved more than anyone just totally put me on the edge and what made me not like the book right then and there.
Not only did I not like the characters, but I also did not like the ending. Tea-Cake gets bit by a dog and then has rabies?? I mean, COME ON! It sounds like a bad horror film! I could just picture it in my head, all going wrong from the beginning. I honestly thought that Janie would have been bit and she would have been put out of her misery!
Well that was my personal view on the book but I would love to discuss it more with anybody who also read it!
I have to admit when I first got Their Eyes Were Watching God, I thought it would be a really cool symbolic story about religion. Boy was I wrong! Personally, I did not like the book at all. Some parts just really annoyed me! When I first started reading it, I actually didn't mind it at all. I thought the story was going to head in a completely different direction so I kept on reading. Then I got to know the character of Janie and how fickle she was. She was soo annoying! It's like she had to have a husband. It's not like she couldn't just have a boyfriend, she had to have a husband. And the men she picked! The first one was just mean, the second one was too controlling and the third one was the one that really made me mad! Apparently her third husband, Tea-Cake, was supposed to be the best and the one that actually 'loved her'. However, HE BEAT HER! That's right! He whipped her! And you know what? She did nothing about it! She simply kept on being the trophy wife she was with her long hair and rockin bod. What the heck?!? I thought this book was supposed to be about strong women but that does not show strength to me! The fact that her own husband whipped her, who she loved more than anyone just totally put me on the edge and what made me not like the book right then and there.
Not only did I not like the characters, but I also did not like the ending. Tea-Cake gets bit by a dog and then has rabies?? I mean, COME ON! It sounds like a bad horror film! I could just picture it in my head, all going wrong from the beginning. I honestly thought that Janie would have been bit and she would have been put out of her misery!
Well that was my personal view on the book but I would love to discuss it more with anybody who also read it!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Elizabeth Alexander
Ok, so we all know that Alexander's presentation of her poem was not exactly up to par. Even though it is her job to be a poet, and she should know how to read a poem, I couldn't help feeling the slightest bit of sympathy for her.
So this is what was given to her:
Write a poem for the first African American's inaugural address (that's stressful let alone)
Finish it in time
Read it in an interesting way
Make it stupid enough so the American public (not so bright) can understand it
Also make it so it will be remembered throughout history, and deep enough to strike literary scholars.
Sounds tuff huh! I feel like she was jipped into a lose lose situation. If she made it so the whole public could understand it, then the literary world would do nothing but criticize her. If she made it so deep and complex to amaze the literary world, the American public would stare at her with a glossy stare. This is why I feel like a poem is not so appropriate for this event and I can understand why it has only been done a couple times before in history.
So even though I'm not a very big fan of Alexander, I couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for her. I think for the situation she was put in, she did a pretty okay job at finding the middle ground between the two worlds.
So this is what was given to her:
Write a poem for the first African American's inaugural address (that's stressful let alone)
Finish it in time
Read it in an interesting way
Make it stupid enough so the American public (not so bright) can understand it
Also make it so it will be remembered throughout history, and deep enough to strike literary scholars.
Sounds tuff huh! I feel like she was jipped into a lose lose situation. If she made it so the whole public could understand it, then the literary world would do nothing but criticize her. If she made it so deep and complex to amaze the literary world, the American public would stare at her with a glossy stare. This is why I feel like a poem is not so appropriate for this event and I can understand why it has only been done a couple times before in history.
So even though I'm not a very big fan of Alexander, I couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for her. I think for the situation she was put in, she did a pretty okay job at finding the middle ground between the two worlds.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
1/20/09
Today was the Inaugural Address and I cannot hide that I was a little frustrated. I don't understand why the whole school had to make a huge deal out of the event and why every student had to be exposed to it when not everyone agrees with the President's political views. I can remember years back when Bush was elected and we didn't hear anything about it at school either of the times he got elected. Okay, I know this election was ground breaking because it is the first black president of our U.S. history and I am so very proud of that. But I am not proud of the fact that we picked someone like Barack Obama. Now I don't want to sit here and bash our president because that would be disrespectful and nothing annoys me more when people bash our president. I just feel like Obama was not the most qualified nominee for the position. We weren't really given a good pool to pick from and no one is to really blame for that. And not to mention, our economic status isn't exactly pristine. I guess I was annoyed because everyone was turning the event into something bigger than it was. I don't mean to offend anyone but if the person I wanted to win, won I wouldn't have been so extreme about it.
Even though I do not agree with the things Obama stands for, I really wish him the best of luck and I put all my hope in him because after all he is our president and I believe that united we stand and divided we fall. Since our country is in such a downfall, we should all stand together as one country, no matter what color, religion, or gender. I hope Barack stays true to his words and can help get our country out of this mess. We shall soon see!
Even though I do not agree with the things Obama stands for, I really wish him the best of luck and I put all my hope in him because after all he is our president and I believe that united we stand and divided we fall. Since our country is in such a downfall, we should all stand together as one country, no matter what color, religion, or gender. I hope Barack stays true to his words and can help get our country out of this mess. We shall soon see!
Monday, January 19, 2009
I'm getting really annoyed...
with all these rap songs that have absolutely no meaning! They are so stupid and the radio plays them sooo much! It's so annoying. First of all I don't understand the names of these people. Lil' Wayne? Ne-Yo? T-Pain? What the heckkk?? That seems so idiotic to me. At least stick with your real name so you can get at least some credit.
Then don't get me started with the lyrics. They are so degrading to women and most of the time they don't even make sense. For example, in the song 'Fergalicious' by Fergie, who's real name is Stacy (I'm not sure why someone would want to name themselves after a toy) they bluntly spell a common, easy word wrong:
'T, to the A, to S-T-E-Y, girl you tasty'
They obviously don't know how to spell. Other than that, it seems like these rappers are making words up like in the Lil' Wayne song 'Lollipop':
'told her to back it up like erp erp
and make that a$$ jump like shczerp shczerp'
first of all that is just degrading and I'm pretty sure erp and schzerp are not real words.
Well that was my outlet for the day and I'm sorry if I offended someone but it has just been annoying me!
Then don't get me started with the lyrics. They are so degrading to women and most of the time they don't even make sense. For example, in the song 'Fergalicious' by Fergie, who's real name is Stacy (I'm not sure why someone would want to name themselves after a toy) they bluntly spell a common, easy word wrong:
'T, to the A, to S-T-E-Y, girl you tasty'
They obviously don't know how to spell. Other than that, it seems like these rappers are making words up like in the Lil' Wayne song 'Lollipop':
'told her to back it up like erp erp
and make that a$$ jump like shczerp shczerp'
first of all that is just degrading and I'm pretty sure erp and schzerp are not real words.
Well that was my outlet for the day and I'm sorry if I offended someone but it has just been annoying me!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Grapes of Wrath So Far
So I've recently started The Grapes of Wrath because I know the due date will spring up on me and catch me by surprise. But not this time! I'm only on chapter 8 but I still have some ideas and questions so far.
I love how critical Steinbeck is. He uses some really cool similes and comparisons like referring to the banks as monsters and the people who work at the banks as slaves: "These last would take no responsibility for the banks or the companies because they were men and slaves, while the banks were machines and masters all at the same time" (Steinbeck 32). I can definitely see why Congress wanted to ban this book. Steinbeck makes it seem like the government/banks are taking over the world almost like a monster. I could relate to this, if I had lived on some land for a really long time and all of the sudden someone just kicked me off and there was no one for me to really blame. However, I can also see where the bank people are coming from. Without moving the people off the land, there would be no change and they would never make any profit. It's almost like a lose, lose situation. I can feel Steinbeck's frustration.
Steinbeck also, at one point, criticizes jails. When Joad, Willy, and Casy were cooking their meat, they asked Joad about his experience in jail. He replied with, "The thing that give me the mos' trouble was, it didn't make no sense... When a bunch of men take an' lock you up four years, it ought to have some meaning. Men is supposed to think things out. Here they put me in, an' keep me an' feed me four years. That ought to either make me so I won't do her again or else punish me so I'll be afraid to do her again. But if Herb or anybody else come for me, I'd do her again... That sort of senselessness kind a worries a man" (Steinbeck 55). It's almost as if Joad is basically saying that the jail system is worthless. Even though he has been there before, he thinks jails should be tuffer and make a person learn their lesson. I agree with him on that.
The part that I also thought was interesting was the chapter that specifically talked about selling cars. It was really hard to follow but it showed the transition from the people who farmed to people trying to buy cars to keep up with the generation. In the chapter, it seems like the car salesmen are having trouble selling the cars because not a lot of people have much money, so they are forced to sell the cars at incredibly low prices. This made me think of cars as a representation of movement. Since they are having trouble selling the cars, their is a lack of movement and that is what happening at this point in the story.
So far I really like the book. It's a little slow, but I can tell it has a lot of potential. I can't wait to find out what happens next and I hope Tom can find his family!
I love how critical Steinbeck is. He uses some really cool similes and comparisons like referring to the banks as monsters and the people who work at the banks as slaves: "These last would take no responsibility for the banks or the companies because they were men and slaves, while the banks were machines and masters all at the same time" (Steinbeck 32). I can definitely see why Congress wanted to ban this book. Steinbeck makes it seem like the government/banks are taking over the world almost like a monster. I could relate to this, if I had lived on some land for a really long time and all of the sudden someone just kicked me off and there was no one for me to really blame. However, I can also see where the bank people are coming from. Without moving the people off the land, there would be no change and they would never make any profit. It's almost like a lose, lose situation. I can feel Steinbeck's frustration.
Steinbeck also, at one point, criticizes jails. When Joad, Willy, and Casy were cooking their meat, they asked Joad about his experience in jail. He replied with, "The thing that give me the mos' trouble was, it didn't make no sense... When a bunch of men take an' lock you up four years, it ought to have some meaning. Men is supposed to think things out. Here they put me in, an' keep me an' feed me four years. That ought to either make me so I won't do her again or else punish me so I'll be afraid to do her again. But if Herb or anybody else come for me, I'd do her again... That sort of senselessness kind a worries a man" (Steinbeck 55). It's almost as if Joad is basically saying that the jail system is worthless. Even though he has been there before, he thinks jails should be tuffer and make a person learn their lesson. I agree with him on that.
The part that I also thought was interesting was the chapter that specifically talked about selling cars. It was really hard to follow but it showed the transition from the people who farmed to people trying to buy cars to keep up with the generation. In the chapter, it seems like the car salesmen are having trouble selling the cars because not a lot of people have much money, so they are forced to sell the cars at incredibly low prices. This made me think of cars as a representation of movement. Since they are having trouble selling the cars, their is a lack of movement and that is what happening at this point in the story.
So far I really like the book. It's a little slow, but I can tell it has a lot of potential. I can't wait to find out what happens next and I hope Tom can find his family!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Friend or Foe?-- John Steinbeck
Like every novel we have read, I feel like I should know a little bit about the author to fully understand the novel. Even though I read Of Mice and Men in 10th grade, I am still clueless as to who the genius is behind all the print. Here is what I discovered about him.
- Born in California in 1902
- Went to Stanford University for literature, but never graduated
- Tried to become a free-lance writer in New York, but failed and returned to California.
- He first became known with a series of humorous stories called Tortilla Flat after many failed attempts at writing.
- Steinbeck's novels can all be classified as social novels dealing with the economic problems of rural labor.
- In 1937, he wrote Of Mice and Men, a story about a misunderstood giant.
- in 1939, he published what is known to be his best work, The Grapes Of Wrath
- Most of his novels are set in California
- He died of a heart attack in New York City in 1968.
So, now that I have learned a little bit more about the author, I predict that The Grapes Of Wrath is going to have something to do with labor and economic problems. I know it has to do with the Dust Bowl and that is reflected back to Steinbeck. Will the novel live up to its hype? When we are done will Steinbeck become one of our favorites, or will he remain in the darks of our brains for forever? Dun dun dun!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A Fresh New Beginning
Welcome to part two of the hardest class you will ever take... haha jk! Even though this class is a challenge, you must admit that some of the things are quite interesting! Those short stories? Yeah they were wierd, but they sure did strike up a conversation! Or what about Frankenstein? I think we had mixed opinions on it, but it still got the class involved!
So what is in store for this semester to be? All I know is that The Grapes of Wrath better be interesting! I'm looking forward to Hamlet and the films we will be watching. But most of all, I'm honestly looking forward to, ok maybe not 'looking forward to' but I'm need to start working on my essay skills. That AP exam seems so far away but I know it will start creeping up on us. I really hope I'll be able to write a decent essay by the end of the semester. I know what to do, so why can't I just do it?? So much pressure! At least I have this whole semester to start thinking about it... I'm ready for another intense 'nose to the grindstone', 'let's put this off till the last day', 'god, I'm so tired" semester! Are you?
So what is in store for this semester to be? All I know is that The Grapes of Wrath better be interesting! I'm looking forward to Hamlet and the films we will be watching. But most of all, I'm honestly looking forward to, ok maybe not 'looking forward to' but I'm need to start working on my essay skills. That AP exam seems so far away but I know it will start creeping up on us. I really hope I'll be able to write a decent essay by the end of the semester. I know what to do, so why can't I just do it?? So much pressure! At least I have this whole semester to start thinking about it... I'm ready for another intense 'nose to the grindstone', 'let's put this off till the last day', 'god, I'm so tired" semester! Are you?
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