Vocabulary #10

aficionado- a serious devotee of some particular music genre or musical performer

browbeat- to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate

commensurate- able to be measured by a common standard

diaphanous- Of such fine texture as to be transparent or translucent

emolument- Payment for an office or employment

foray- A sudden raid or military advance

genre- A realistic style of painting that depicts scenes from everyday life

homily- An inspirational saying or platitude

immure- To confine within or as if within walls; imprison

insouciant- carefree or unconcerned; light-hearted

matrix- a substance, situation, or environment in which something has its origin, takes form, or is enclosed

obsequies- A funeral rite or ceremony

panache- A bunch of feathers or a plume, especially on a helmet.

persona- The role that one assumes or displays in public or society; one's public image or personality, as distinguished from the inner self/

philippic- a bitter or impassioned speech of denunciation; invective

prurient- unusually or morbidly interested in sexual thoughts or practices

sacrosanct- Regarded as sacred and inviolable

systemic- Of or relating to systems or a system

tendentious- Marked by a strong implicit point of view; partisan

vicissitude- A change or variation




kudos to Michelle! http://marriagarhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/2012/10/vocabulary-10.html

Literature Analysis

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

 

1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read.

Wuthering Heights is your typical love story. (It somewhat reminds me of Like Water for Chocolates) The two lovers are Heathcliff and Catherine. This story, unlike many others is about forbidden love. Heathcliff was adopted by the Earnshaw family when he was seven years old. Catherine ends up complicating her relationship with Heathcliff by becoming extremely infatuated with a man named Edgar. Catherine wanted to rise up her social status, and by wanting this, it means she must give up her true love. While Catherine is married to Edgar, Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights and becomes rich, and an educated man. He has risen up in his adopted family. Heathcliff comes back to seek revenge among those who had did him wrong. (He was a servant for some time) However, while Heathcliff is seeking revenge, he forgets about the reason why he rose up in the social ladder. Not only to prove those who have belitted him, but to have a chance with his true love, Unfortunately, Catherine ends up dying before Heathcliff ever had a chance to be with her. They are only reunited once he dies too.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.The theme of Wuthering Heights is the power of an undying love and revenge. The forbidden love between two people can cause anyone to do anything. Love creates problems, yet lessons to be learned. On the other hand, sometimes love is not enough. Catherine was in love with Hathcliff but chose to marry another because her social status was more important. Heathcliff undying love causes him to seek revenge on those who didn't believe in him. Society cannot judge one by appearance, or job, because they can rise above what they seem to be. Love and revenge can be tied together. Love makes people go crazy. They say "love is blind" but Heathcliff was so focus on revenge, he was blind to see that he was losing his true love.

 

3. Describe the author's tone. Include 3 excerpts that illustrate your point.
The author's tone is passionate, yet grim. Wuthering Heights is considered a Gothic novel. So, it is dark and eerie.


“If he loved you with all the power of his soul for a whole lifetime, he couldn’t love you as much as I do in a single day."


"He shall never know i love him: and that, not because he's handsome, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made out of, his and mine are the same."


"Well, if I cannot keep Heathcliff for my friend--if Edgar will be mean and jealous, I'll try to break their hearts by breaking my own. That will be a prompt way of finishing all, when I am pushed to extremity!"

4.Describe 5 literary techniques/elements you observed that strengthened your understanding of the theme and/or your sense of the tone. Include 3 excerpts that will help your reader understand each one.In Wuthering Heights, I observed certain techniques that helped me understand the theme/sense of the story which were: diction, tone, symbolism, repition, and imagery. The diction the author uses creates a great sense of imagery. I can visualize many scenes, and play a little movie in my head. The novel had a constant emphasis on settings, which created a symbolic vibe. Since the novel is Gothic, the weather was very melancholy. The whole novel was gloomy and considered dark, which created mystery and made the audience reveal different moods. The author had many repetition. This helped with the symbolism. Bad things from the past continued to repeat themselves in the story, and the time was running in cycles. Each element helped one another make the novel stronger and more understanding.

 

"Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living. You said I killed you--haunt me then. The murdered do haunt their murderers. I believe--I know that ghosts have wandered the earth. Be with me always--take any form--drive me mad. Only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! It is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!"

 

"I care nothing in comparison with papa. And I'll never -- never--oh, never while I have my senses, do an act or say a word to vex him. I love him better than myself, Ellen; and I know it by this: I pray every night that I may live after him; because I would rather be miserable than that he should be: that proves I love him better than myself."

 

"My great miseries in this world have been Heathcliff's miseries, and I watched and felt each from the beginning: my great thought in living is himself. If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger: I should not seem a part of it."

 

 

CHARACTERIZATION

 

1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization. Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?

 

The author uses indirect characterization a lot because there is a lot of dialogue. My lasting impression of each character is very typical. I feel like I've met certain these characters, or at least read about them somewhere.

 

2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character? How? Example(s)?

 

The author doesn't really change the syntax and/or diction when she focuses on a character because the whole book is a gothic novel.  Each character has the same passion for another.

"Kiss me again, but don't let me see your eyes! I forgive what you have done to me. I love my murderer--but yours! How can I?"

 

3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic? Flat or round? Explain.

 

There isn't really a protagonist. But Heathcliff is a round character because he changes throughout the whole novel.

 

4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character? Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.

 

I have felt like I've met these characters. Especially since we are reading Hamlet!

Ophelia Advice Column

Write an advice column-style letter helping Ophelia; use at least 10 vocab words [UPDATE: Imagine you're answering a letter that says, My name is O. and I'm trapped in this weird sort of dating thing-- a prince says he loves me, but my father & brother hate him and tell me to stay away. What should I do? Post to your blog under the title, Dear Ophelia.]


Dear Ophelia,

The polemic situation you are in is definitely typical for any teenager girl. You must be at a coalesce with your father. He loves you very much. Polonius just feels that you are causing yourself bane if you keep dating Hamlet. Especially since he feels that "Father knows best." No one can prescience what's in store for Hamlet and you, but you have to listen to your heart. De facto, that's all you can do. I believe if you truly love Hamlet, then you must be mellifluous to your father so he believes you are actually done with Hamlet. However, you must know, whatever happens between you and your true love, you must not be traumatic about it. You must vitiate your feelings. Ophelia, you are a flamboyant young woman, and your father just wants to you to be protected by something he feels is worthy. I have complete empathy towards you because I've been in your situation before. I hope I have helped and you take my advice. I know you will do what you feel is best.

Best of wishes.
-Alicia

Who was Shakespeare?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/merchant/shakespeare.html

http://shakespeare.about.com/od/shakespeareslife/a/Biography.htm

Honestly, Shakespeare has a reputation, but as I googled his name.. I found many links. Also, I have no idea if the information is accurate. So read the links and tell me what you think is true or your impression of Shakespeare is! :)

To facebook or not to facebook

Well I could write a long paragraph about facebook or you could just listen to the CREATOR of facebook. Got to love YOUTUBE!

Beowulf Questions

Prologue

1. Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?

Shield became ruler of the Danes because he's able to take down his enemies. Hrothgar is Shield's grandson.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (Lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)

1. What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?

When Beowulf hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel, he gets a boat, and group of men and go to Denmark.

2. Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?

Hrothgar’s lieutenant was the person the Geats met. The lieutenant questioned the Geats to find out why they were there, and tells them they couldn't pass without a password. The Geats said they were there to save the danes from the monster.

3. They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?

Hrothgar's herald interrogates the Geats about where they've come from and what they're doing. He's impressed by their mighty appearance. Hrothgar is thrilled the men are there to help which is strange because he doesn’t know them to well yet is letting them on the land.

4. What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?

Beowulf tells Hrothgar that his men follow Higlac. (King of Geats) Hrothgar knew Beowulf’s father because he was a famous soldier known as a leader of men.
[Feast at Heorot] (Lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)
1. What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?

Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match and will once again have to have defeat with Grendel. Beowulf retaliates by accusing Unferth of drunkenness and describes what happen in the swimming match. This is relevant because Unferth may indeed be correct; Beowulf would have met defeat again if it wasn’t for Wiglaf.

2. What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?

At the feast she offers drinks to all the men present. She distributes food and drink, and also strives for goodwill and peace.
[The Fight with Grendel] (Lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)
1. Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel?

Beowulf prepares for battle differently than any other heroic poetry scene. He doesn’t do much preparing. He is more anxious to get rid of the monster. He was prepared however to fight without a sword.

2. What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind?

When Grendel enters Heorot, he became furious searching for the warriors until he found them and kills one Geat. While fighting the monster, Beowulf uses his bare hands. Grendel does escape, however; he somehow managed to leave behind his arm.

[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60)


1.When the Danes and Geats return from following Grendel's tracks to the mere, someone sings in Beowulf's presence, comparing him to Sigemund and saying that he was not like Heremod (lines 883-914). How is Beowulf like Sigemund? How is he not like Heremod? (Be alert for inserted stories such as this one. Beowulf contains many of them, most much more complex that this one.)

-Beowulf is like Sigemund because he too killed many monsters and was considered a great hereo. Unlike Beowulf, Heremod didn't protect his people that's why they are different.

2.How does Hrothgar respond to Beowulf's deed? What does he offer to do for him? What does Unferth have to say now?

-Hrothgar responds by making a speech and thanking Beowulf for killing the monster that haunted him. He claims to now love Beowulf like a son and provide him with wealth and glory. Unferth stayed silent as everyone saw the proof of Beowulf's power.

3.The singer sings of Finn during the feasting (lines 1070-1158). The exact details of the Finn story are not clear, but in general, what happens? What does it suggest about the wisdom of using a woman as bride to heal enmity between tribes?

-It mentions someone getting slaughtered so I'm guessing that he was killed. It also states 'her land' in the poem so I'm guessing they use women as a way of sharing land or taking it over?

4.When the feasting resumes, what does Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to do?

5.Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a large, broad necklace. What later happens to it? What does Wealhtheow ask Beowulf to do?

-Later, Beowulf gives the necklace to his uncle Hygelac, who wore it when he died in battle. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to be good to her sons, friendly and respectful to their king.

6.Why do so many men remain in the beer hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake?

- They are there to guard and protect in case of danger. It's a mistake because Grendel's Mother comes for revenge and takes one of the men plus her son's arm.

BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER (lines 1251-2199, pp. 60-79)
[Another Attack] (lines 1251-1382, pp. 60-62)
1.Why has Grendel's mother come to Heorot? Is it the same reason Grendel had?

Grendel’s mother comes to Heorot to seek revenge and take her sons claw back.

2. What is Hrothgar's response? Whom has Grendel's mother killed?

Hrothgar was thankful that the Danes grief ended and the arm hanging was proof of victory. He hoped that Beowulf can stop Grendel’s mother from destructing his town again. Grendel’s mother killed Hrothgar’s closest friend

3.What sort of place is the mere?

The mere is was under the water. It was full of mud, water, and dark.
[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother] (Lines 1383-1650, pp. 63-68)

1. How does Beowulf tell Hrothgar to respond?

Beowulf agrees to fight again for the Danes. He feels it is an honor and the last battle made him a bit more confident to do it.

2. What happens at the mere before Beowulf enters it?

Before Beowulf enters the mere, he sinks for hours going down in the water.

3. How does Beowulf prepare for the battle? What sword does he take with him?

Beowulf prepared for battle by telling Hrothgar what his wishes are if he may die. Beowulf took his ring-marked blade.

4. What happens when Beowulf enters the mere? What is surprising about where Grendel and his mother live in the mere?

When he finally lands, Grendel’s mother grabs him, but his armor protects him. To me its not surprising that the monsters live in a dark place, however; it is surprising that it takes half a day to get down there.

5. What happens to the sword Beowulf borrowed from Unferth?

Beowulf strikes at Grendel’s mother with the borrowed sword, Hrunting, but the blade has no effect and breaks

6. At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape?

Beowulf escapes Grendel’s mother by having the strength and faith to defeat her and using his strength to get off the ground.

7. How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What weapon does he use? What happens when she dies? What does Beowulf take with him from her home? What happens to the sword he used to kill her?

Beowulf drew a sword he seen hanging on her wall to cut right through her neck and break all her bones. After her death the light shone very bright. Beowulf beheaded Grendel and took it with him and half of what was left of the sword. (The other half was in Grendel’s mother)

8. What happens when Beowulf returns to the surface? Did his men expect him to return?

When Beowulf returns from the surface nobody is there. They all had suspected that Grendel’s mother had killed him.

[Further Celebration at Heorot] (lines 1651-1798, pp. 68-71)
1.What does Beowulf give to Hrothgar?

-Beowulf gives Hrothgar the sword of the giants, the one he used to defeat the beasts.

2.What message does Hrothgar have for Beowulf? What and why does he tell us about Heremod? Why and how did Heremod die? What lesson does Hrothgar teach with the Heremod example?

-Hrothgar tells Beowolf to seek virtue since Heremod was opposite in personality and became too proud. He died because he didn't see the signs the Gods were giving him. Hrothgar's lesson teaches to keep your pride in check or else things will fail and the person will fall as a result of it.

3.What does Beowulf give to Unferth as he leaves?

[Beowulf Returns Home] (lines 1799-2199, pp. 71-79)
1.What future does Hrothgar predict for Beowulf?

-A good future since he's strong in both body and mind.

2.Who is Hygd and why is she not like Modthryth?

-Hygd is Hygelac's wife, she isn't like Modthryth mainly because Modthyrth would have any man killed for looking at her in the face and that's not how the queen now acts.

3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or are we seeing a new side of him?

- He expects for the wedding to go bad since there's a possibility that someone might remember about the old feud and revive the violence. I would expect something like this coming from Beowulf since he has seen and been through a lot. The fact that he's gained knowledge about others and their ways doesn't surprise this comment coming from him.

4.How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?

-How I remember it, it does seem pretty accurate. Maybe he exaggerated on some parts but that's only because the story is being repeated and not everything is going to be exact.

5.What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give him?

-Beowulf offers his treasures to his Lord as a form of respect, but also gives other treasures away to other people. Hygelac gives the most glorious sword of the Geats to Beowulf, some land and a huge house.

BEOWULF AND THE DRAGON (lines 2200-3182, pp. 79-99)

[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)
1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile? What danger now exists?
-It was fifty years later and sadly King Hygelac and King Heardred have died. A dragon now causes danger among Beowulf's land.

2. Why is the dragon angry? Why did the man take a cup? How did the treasure come to be there in the first place? (The speech of the lone survivor, the one who put the gold in the barrow, is in a typically Old English elegiac tone.

-The dragon's angry because someone stole its treasure though the man only took the cup because he was startled by the dragon and ran. The treasure was left there by an ancient Lord who had lost everything (companions) but the treasure itself.

3. What did the dragon destroy that evening?

4. Why does Beowulf think his home was burnt? Why does he order a new shield? How will he fight this battle? What will happen to him?

5. How did Hygelac die? (The description in lines 2354-2379 begins one of several versions of Geatish history and Hygelac's death we will get.) What did Beowulf do after Hygelac's death? What happened when he returned home? Did he accept Hygd's offer to become king?

6. What happened to Hygelac's son Heardred? (That's the story in lines 2380-2390.) How did Beowulf plan to revenge Heardred's death (lines 2391-2396)?

7. How many men accompany Beowulf as he goes to meet the dragon?

Fourteen of Beowulf’s bravest men accompany him to fight the dragon.

8. What happened to Hygelac's oldest brother Herebeald? Who killed him? What did this do to his father King Hrethel? (This passage, lines 2425-2509, is the second account of Geatish history and of the death of Hygelac.) What happened between the Swedes and Geats after Hrethel's death? What happened to Haethcyn? How die Beowulf revenge Hygelac's death?
[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] (Lines 2510-2820, pp. 86-92)

1. What does Beowulf tell his companions to do?

Beowulf tells his companions to stay on top of the barrow in safety, observing the fight rather than participating in it.

2. What happens the first time Beowulf and the dragon fight? What do his companions do? How is Wiglaf different? What does he tell the others? What does he then do?

The first time Beowulf fights the dragon his “brave” companions flee the scene. With the exception of Wiglaf. He reminded the men they should have all repaid Beowulf then ran off to go help kill the dragon

3. What happens the second time Beowulf meets the dragon? What happens to Beowulf? Who kills the dragon?

Beowulf’s sword does not work and fails. Beowulf gets hit by the dragon by a blast of fire.  Beowulf and Wiglaf killed the dragon.

4. What does the dying Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do? What happens when Beowulf sees the gold? How does Beowulf want to be buried?

Beowulf asks Wiglag to get the treasure becaue he wants to see it. Beowulf gives his thanks to God because of the dragon. Beowulf wants to burned by the coastal headland... And he wants this section to be called Beowulf's Barrow.

Also, I want to give kudos to Dani Galindo!
danig14.blogspot.com

I need help with the Beowulf funeral... Anyone can help?

Tools that change the way we think

 How does extensive Internet/media/technology use change the way you think? Focus on your memory, your ability to concentrate, your sense of time and priorities, and the subjects/topics that interest you most. If you find "thinking about your thinking" difficult to assess, try the following strategies: compare yourself with older people who did most of their formal learning before smart phones and 2.0 existed; compare yourself with contemporaries who don't use those tools much today; read up on what education leaders and thinkers have to say about generational differences in thinking (and remember to cite your sources).

I agree with my classmates that technology, media, and the internet has changed the way I think. I'm pretty lazy now. But to be honest, I've always been lazy. I'm not saying I've taken another individual's work, because I always give credit and kudos to them. However, I feel that I rely too much on the internet. Today, for example, I had a question and my immediate reaction was to go on google and search it up. Of course I got a various of answers. I was quite confused.. This is a perfect example how the internet is not always accurate. Especially when you are asking a question that has a various of answers. And I've tried to search educational leaders opinions on generational differences of thinking.. Of course I got no information. Anyways, technology changes every individual way of thinking. Good or bad.. That's your opinion.

Vocabulary 9

Abortive: failing to produce the intended result

Bruit: spread a report or rumor widely

Contumelious: scornful and insulting behavior

Dictum: a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source; a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle

Ensconce: establish or settle

Iconoclastic: characterized by attack on established beliefs or institutions

In medias res: a narrative that begins somewhere in the middle of a story rather than the beginning

Internecine: destructive to both sides in a conflict

Maladroit: ineffective or bungling; clumsy

Maudlin: self-pitying or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness

Modulate: exert a modifying or controlling influence on

Portentous: of or like a portent; done in a pompously or overly solemn manner

Prescience: the power to foresee the future

Quid pro quo: a favor or advantage granted in return for something

Salubrious: health-giving, healthy; pleasant, not run-down

Saturnalia: the ancient Roman festival of Saturn in December; an occasion of wild revelry

Touchstone: a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized

Traumatic: emotionally disturbing or distressing; relating to or causing psychological trauma

Vitiate: spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of; destroy or impair the legal validity of.

Waggish: humorous in a playful, mischievous, or facetious manner



Kudos to Sam! http://sgarrisonrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/

To be or not to be..

I stumbled a lot, but I wanted to be honest. This was the first video I took reciting the poem. I know I will have to do in class, but I wanted  to prove that I knew the poem before Monday!

Hamlet Remix

 

 

 

I've edited this post. Now here's the actual picture!!!! Ignore the background.

Midterm reflection

What went well?
I believe the fact that the miderm was matching, made it a lot easier. It gives you a higher chance of it being right.


What didn't went well?
Matching the definitions with the words was hard, since the definitions I knew did not match those on the screen. I became really confused and frustrated with the whole thing.

What can you learn from this experience to learn for next time?
I've learned that I need to memorize a vary of definitions with the words. I only knew part of the definition, or my definition was absolutely wrong. This is why my collaborating with my classmates should've been used more. However, that is my fault.

Hamlet Resources

http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamletscenes.html

http://www.bardweb.net/plays/hamlet.html

http://www.william-shakespeare.info/shakespeare-play-hamlet.htm

Each of these sites help Hamlet become a little easier to understand.
However, I believe reviewing with classmates and teachers is more reliable.

Vocabulary #8

abeyance (noun) A state of temporary disuse or suspension

ambivalent (adjective) Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

beleaguer (verb) Beset with difficulties

carte blanche (noun) Complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best

cataclysm (noun) A large-scale and violent event in the natural world

debauch (verb) Destroy or debase the moral purity of; corrupt.

eclat (noun) An enthusiastic approval

fastidious (adjective) Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail

gambol (verb) Run or jump about playfully

imbue (verb) Inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality

inchoate (adjective) Just begun and so not fully formed or developed

lampoon (verb) Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule or sarcasm

malleable (adjective) Easily influenced; pliable

nemesis (noun) The inescapable or implacable agent of someone's or something's downfall

opt (verb) Make a choice from a range of possibilities

philistine (noun) A person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them

picaresque (adjective) Of or relating to an episodic style of fiction dealing with the

adventures of a rough and dishonest but appealing hero

queasy (adjective) Nauseated; feeling sick

refractory (adjective) Stubborn or unmanageable

savoir-faire (noun) The ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations



I give credit to Katelyn Porraz. http://kporrazrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/2012/10/vocabulary-8.html