Friday, November 23, 2012

Sonnet: Allegory of the Cave

Everyone is provided with limits in life
Living in caves, confused and scared
We are told yes or no, what's wrong, and what's right.
Prisoners come to convince us all to leave, in which we are dared
To leave what we know, and welcome us to reality
Where darkness is merely shadows taking its tolls
We realize the consequences of life's brutality.
Each person needs to set their own goals
Because without dreams, we will never succeed
Our eyes must distinguish between the light and the dark
The opportunities of tomorrow are never guaranteed
Life is a big question mark
Who are we to say what's real or fake?
When we ourselves are imprisoned by our own self-make.

Kudos to my friend, Selina! She helped me with the whole sonnet :)

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

1. According to Socrates, what does the Allegory of the Cave represent?
The Allegory of the Cave represent imprisonment. The prisoners are limited because of the shackles. This represents that you are the ward to your own imprisonment. "Plato believes learning is remembering." In class discussions: Reincarnation, reconnecting to an idea.

2. What are the key elements in the imagery used in the allegory?
The key elements is the cave being a place of arrogance. Also, the shackles are limits/filters

The shadows feeds you images. You have to ask yourself if it's true. We have a hard time distinguishing between reality and fantasy.

3. What are some things the allegory suggests about the process of enlightenment or education?
The allegory suggests that learning has it's limits in the classroom. For example, the teachers usually tell us what to do, and we do it to get points. We find out what we need to know, and we don't go beyond that.

4. What do the imagery of "shackles" and the "cave" suggest about the perspective of the cave dwellers or prisoners?
The shackles represent limits, and the cave represents imprisonment. Cave dwellers and prisoners are restricted. They cannot go very far, so they are destined to fail when they are offered opportunities because they don't know how to survive.

5. In society today or in your own life, what sorts of things shackle the mind?
I believe anyone who doubts an individual from pursuing their dreams are shackles. This could be the internet, parents, teachers, anyone.

6. Compare the perspective of the freed prisoner with the cave prisoners?
"Freed prisoners have a sense of reality; they do not dwell of the shadows as the cave prisoners do. The freed prisoners know how the shadows are created and the reason behind it. They have more perspective of the outside world"


7. According to the allegory, lack of clarity or intellectual confusion can occur in two distinct ways or contexts. What are they?
"Confusion is when the freed prisoner comes up and tries to explain the reality that is real to the still tied up prisoners. This puts doubt in their mind of what to believe, the new guy or the reality they had faced their whole life" Clairy is blinded by the sun. When the man leaves the face, his eyes have to adjust to the darkness. His vision is blurred.

8. According to the allegory, how do cave prisoners get free? What does this suggest about intellectual freedom?
Freed prisoners told the prisoners in the cave there is more out there. The cave prisoners want to go out because they are curious about the unknown. They have the willingness to sneak out the truth.

9. The allegory presupposes that there is a distinction between appearances and reality. Do you agree? Why or why not?
I do agree that there is distinction between appearances and reality. When Katelyn explained this to me, she used the example of a dream, and what actually happened.

10. If Socrates is incorrect in his assumption that there is a distinction between reality and appearances, what are the two alternative metaphysical assumptions?
Reality is the truth. We manifest our thinking. Performative utterance. Reality is what you want to see.


I must give thanks to Sam Garrison's Youtube video, a website I found to help the understanding of the article (http://voices.yahoo.com/platos-allegory-cave-analysis-summary-25170.html) and the article itself (http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.8.vii.html). The help from the students in period 3! & Also, my best friend, Katelyn helped me understand the Allegory of the Cave A LOT. Check her blog. http://kporrazrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Vocabulary Remix



lackey




immolate









sic









 


risible












prescience























empathy



















nepotism










sub rosa















queasy




















maudlin














Credit to google.com for the pictures!



Monday, November 12, 2012

My Sonnet


"Silent Love" by Taryn M. Christie
I tried looking at the camera as much as possible.
No cheating whatsoever!

Hamlet Essay #2

Whenever Hamlet speaks, it has a great impact not only to the audience, but to those around him. However, his words are more towards himself. He continuously reveals how confused he is, and explains his thoughts on his future actions. Hamlet is a young, smart man who, out of anger and spite, wants revenge, yet he never promises death, but a consequence. His biggest problem is dealing with the emotional drama. Hamlet over analyzes his situations to the highest; he constatntly has death on his mind that is proven by his soliloquies. Throughout the play, Hamlet goes back and forth with his options, until his mind finally becomes exhausted. This is a method of performance utterance and self-overhearing. Being the main character, creates the main idea of focusing on Hamlet's growth, and reveals how he does, or doesn't go through with the decisions he has made, in his mind. In the matter of life, along with Hamlet is self-overhearing, which can create destruction not only to those around us, but to ourselves. Mostly everyone over analyzes their thoughts, and puts them into theories, with or without any logical explanation. However, in order to create a new life, mentally and physically, one must talk things though to one's actions and to provide reasons on one's decisions. Whenever an individual "says" something, it never becomes to true until it is done by action.

Hamlet lets his emotions have great impact in his decisions due to performative utterance. He is constantly deciding how he would get to plan A to plan C. Hamlet is desperate for revenge, because he feels he would stop being torn with his feelings. Hamlet reveals his thoughts on the subject of suicide to muder and what he must to to reach a stable place of mind. Throughout his use of performative utterances, Hamlet realized how greatly his words are influential, and powerful. His words are not toward the Hamlet, but to himself, since he questioning himself. Hamlet doesn't know what to do, because he is confused. He became aware on his words reflect on those around him, and creates consequences for them, like Ophelia. By Hamlet's words, he sets life-changing goals on what he feel is just, however, doesn't conquer them right away due to his mind being all over the place. Hamlet uses his theory of self-overhearing against his original plans. He breaks them down to a thread. Hamlet uses the excuse through contemplation because he is over analyzing his thoughts and soon-to-be actions. He learns the most when he talking to himself, soliloquies, because it gives him epiphanies. Shakespeare made Hamlet's thought so significant, because without them, the plot would be a flat portrayal of life, and Hamlet would be a mystery. Hamlet's conversations to himself creates suspense, and second guessing on how he feels, not only towards Claudius, but to himself. Performative utterance provides Hamlet ways to speak, and to display his actions, no matter what others might say.

Performative utterance affects my life greatly, as well as Hamlet's. Everyone has that little, annoying voice in their head, telling them when it's a good idea or a bad idea. Conscience can and will make you feel horrible, only if you are messing up. My conscience awakens when I do not do my homework, and I am heading to that class. However, when you are doing the right thing, you feel a sense of happiness. When I am in a tough situation and make the right choice, I feel very proud of myself. Although I am very determined in my goals, I can't just say I'm going to do something, I must actually do it. The more I say I'm going to this and that, I most likely won't unless I am in a determined emotional state. I must actually get what I need, and just start doing it. When I talk to others about my goals, I am explaining my life, and I am convincing myself that I will achieve that goal, no matter what. Self-overhearing can destory my mind set because I create such high expections that can easily be let down, by my lack of motivation to do what I have to do. Procrastination is the easy option, yet terrible option for a long-term process. When I'm talking about tasks I need to follow through on, it ends up not happening because talk is cheap. I must push myself, physically and mentally. When I compare my work to others, I find it to be encouraging to better myself, and establish a better system for my work. Life is somewhat of a competition and is a great motivation, when you are being compared because you are thriving to be better and successful. Self-overhearing will either help you or hurt you, by providing self-help or self-destruction.

Performative utterance affects every individual, including Hamlet and myself. In Hamlet, his soliloquies was wishy-washy by not understanding his own words. Eventually with time, Hamlet realizes that words are just words. "Actions speak louder than words." (Unknown) Hamlet's actions, as well as my own, will not be accomplished just by saying he will do something, he must actually take on his action by hand. Hamlet's self-overhearing contributes to his thoughts, and his action, and drives a person crazy with true intentions, by what they say. Since the audience is allowed to listen to Hamlet's thoughts, we understand how his words are influential, and we must question his true intentions. All in all, words do not mean anything, unless those words are proven true by action. "Actions speak louder than words", is true only if the motivation is behind it.

Literature Analysis

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

 
1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read.
The story's setting is very important to the theme because it takes place in the 1920's and in the south. The title has the name Invisible Man because the narrator is a young black guy who is "invisible" because people don't pay attention to him, even though he is physically there. This young man achieves a scholarship to a black college, and is invited to give a speech. Also, he has a job to become a driver for a wealthy white man, Mr. Norton. Over a series of events, the narrator travels to Harlem to get a job. Eventually, he meets a man who gives him a low paying job at a paint shop where the create "Optic White" paint. Over a dispute with a co-worker, the pain explodes, and knocks the narrator unconscious, which gives him memory loss and loss of speech. A woman named Mary meets the narrator and teaches him about his black heritage. Whilte giving a speech, Brother Jack overhears and wants the narrator to become a spokesperson for the Brotherhood. "Brotherhood is an organization that helps the socially oppressed." Because of his speeches, the narrator becomes an important figure in the group, which his brothers look up upon. A member of the Brotherhood, Clifton is how by a polic officer because of selling Sambo dolls without a permit, so the narrator holds a funeral. However, the Brotherhood is mad that the narrator held the funeral for Clifton. They intend to beat up the narrator, yet the narrator finds out so he disguises himself. The narrator is mistaken for another person. Later, a call from Harlem tells the narrator to come back. When the narrator returns, there is a full-blown riot, and he sets a building on fire. The narrator flees the scene because the police intend to kill him. The narrator ends up falling into a manhole, and the police surround the manhole, trapping him underground. The narrator tells the readers he has stayed underground since that day, and he now ready to come out because he stayed true to himself and told his story.

*The narrator never tells his name.*
 
2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.A major theme in this novel is racism and how hard it is to stay true to yourself. Even in today's society, racism is a big issue and has to be dealt with everyday. It's harsh, yet we don't live in a perfect way, and there are people out there who cannot deal with an individual or a group of individual's because of the color or their skin. Even though the narrator has been dealt with many events, he always stayed true to himself, no matter what.

3. Describe the author's tone. Include 3 excerpts that illustrate your point.Tone: The tone is both bitter, yet hopeful at some points of the book. However, the narrator is never giving up, and even though he is sick of racisim, yet he never gives up hope.
“What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?” 

“Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat.”

“I was never more hated than when I tried to be honest. Or when, even as just now I've tried to articulate exactly what I felt to be the truth. No one was satisfied” 


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.The setting and time period is extremely important because it helps understand what the narrator background is like. The diction and figurative language helps the understanding of the book because it's very inspirational and helps you understand the author. The characterization goes with the setting and time period, because it explains how people used to be back in that time.

“I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me. Like the bodiless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows, it is as though I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard, distorting glass. When they approach me they see only my surroundings, themselves or figments of their imagination, indeed, everything and anything except me.” 

“For, like almost everyone else in our country, I started out with my share of optimism. I believed in hard work and progress and action, but now, after first being 'for' society and then 'against' it, I assign myself no rank or any limit, and such an attitude is very much against the trend of the times. But my world has become one of infinite possibilities. What a phrase - still it's a good phrase and a good view of life, and a man shouldn't accept any other; that much I've learned underground. Until some gang succeeds in putting the world in a strait jacket, its definition is possibility.” 

“I feel the need to reaffirm all of it, the whole unhappy territory and all the things loved and unloveable in it, for it is all part of me.” 

“Man's hope can paint a purple picture, can transform a soaring vulture into a noble eagle or moaning dove.” 

“America is woven of many strands. I would recognise them and let it so remain. Our fate is to become one, and yet many.”
 
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 narrator expresses only his thoughts in the whole story, so the characterization is always indirect.
2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character? How? Example(s)?The syntax and/or diction doesn't change when he focuses on the character because the narrator is speaking through his own thoughts and opinions. “And the mind that has conceived a plan of living must never lose sight of the chaos against which that pattern was conceived. That goes for societies as well as for individuals.” 
3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic? Flat or round? Explain.
The narrator doesn't really change in the story because he stays true to himself. He is a round character because he has so many different qualities and he always has hope for a better tomorrow.
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.
After reading the book, I felt like I've read about this character more than once. Especially, in history class. The narrator has so much hope and bravery.

“I was pulled this way and that for longer than I can remember. And my problem was that I always tried to go in everyone's way but my own. I have also been called one thing and then another while no one really wished to hear what I called myself. So after years of trying to adopt the opinions of others I finally rebelled. I am an invisible man.”
 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Sonnet Analysis Part 1

The sonnet I have chosen is Silent Love by Taryn M. Christie.

A sonnet length is about fourteen lines. So, mine is a qualified sonnet. My sonnet is about love. This is completely typical. I'm not going to lie, but I chose this sonnet because of it's easy message. The sonnet is very corny, yet adorable. It is what the title is "silent love". Just from reading the sonnet, I can tell it reveals a woman or man who wants another person. I believe this relates to life because everyone has or will experience that situation of "loving" someone, without their knowledge.

True or False?


I must give kudos to my friend, Rey Cantu.
He showed me this video and it arose a various of questions in my mind.
Comment with your opinions! True, false? You decide.

Big Question?!?!?!

What does water taste like?

A classic question with an ineffable answer.. Hm.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Hamlet Essay

Hamlet is a young, smart man who, out of anger and spite, wants revenge. His biggest problem is dealing with the emotional drama. Hamlet over analyzes his situations to te highest; he constatntly has death on his mind that is proven by his soliloquies. Throughout the play, Hamlet goes back and forth with his options, until his mind finally becomes exhausted. This is a method of performance utterance and self-overhearing. Being the main character, creates the main idea of focusing on Hamlet's growth, and reveals how he does, or doesn't go through with the decisions he has made, in his mind. Whenever Hamlet speaks, it has a great impact not only to the audience, but to those around him. In the matter of life, along with Hamlet is self-overhearing, which can create destruction not only to those around us, but to ourselves. Mostly everyone over analyzes their thoughts, and puts them into theories, with or without any logical explanation. However, in order to create a new life, mentally and physically, one must talk things though to one's actions and to provide reasons on one's decisions.

Hamlet lets his emotions have great impact in his decisions. He is constantly deciding how he would get to plan A to plan C. Hamlet is desperate for revenge, because he feels he would stop being torn with his feelings. Hamlet reveals his thoughts on the subject of suicide to muder and what he must to to reach a stable place of mind. Throughout his use of performative utterances, Hamlet realized how greatly his words are influential, and powerful. Hamlet became aware on his words reflect on those around him, and creates consequences for them, like Ophelia. By Hamlet's words, he sets life-changing goals on what he feel is just, however, doesn't conquer them right away due to his mind being all over the place. Hamlet learns the most when he talking to himself, soliloquies, because it gives him epiphanies. Shakespeare made Hamlet's thought so significant, because without them, the plot would be a flat portrayal of life, and Hamlet would be a mystery. Hamlet's conversations to himself creates suspense, and second guessing on how he feels, not only towards Claudius, but to himself. Performative utterance provides Hamlet ways to speak, and to display his actions, no matter what others might say.

Everyone has that little, annoying voice in their head, telling them when it's a good idea or a bad idea. This little voice can make your stomach hurt if you are doing the wrong thing. (Or maybe that's just me.) Conscience can and will make you feel horrible, only if you are messing up. However, when you are doing the right thing, you feel amazing. Hamlet uses his theory of self-overhearing against his original plans. He breaks them down to a thread. Hamlet uses the excuse through contemplation because he is over analyzing his thoughts and soon-to-be actions. Although I am very determined in my goals, I can't just say I'm going to do something, I must actually do it. The more I say I'm going to this and that, I most likely won't. I must actually get what I need, and just start doing it. Self-overhearing can destory my mind set because I create such high expections that can easily be let down, by my lack of motivation to do what I have to do. When I'm talking about tasks I need to follow through on, it ends up not happening because talk is cheap. I must push myself, physically and mentally. When I compare my work to others, I find it to be encouraging to better myself, and establish a better system for my work. Life is somewhat of a competition and is a great motivation, when you are being compared because you are thriving to be better and successful. Self-overhearing will either help you or hurt you, by providing self-help or self-destruction.

Hamlet was a crazy and a depressed teenager, in the beginning, who thought by making rash decisions on a fatal action, it can be accomplished with enough anger and motivation. By his soliloquies and perfomative utterance, Hamlet was wishy-washy by not understanding his own words. Eventually with time, Hamlet realizes that words are just words. "Actions speak louder than words." (Unknown) Hamlet's actions will not be accomplished just by saying he will do something, he must actually take on his action by hand. Hamlet's self-overhearing contributes to his thoughts, and his action, and drives a person crazy with true intentions, by what they say. Since the audience is allowed to listen to Hamlet's thoughts, we understand how his words are influential, and we must question his true intentions. All in all, words do not mean anything, unless those words are proven true by action. "Actions speak louder than words", is true only if the motivation is behind it.



Thoughts, suggestions? This is only my first draft, so there are many mistakes. Also, I need some big ideas on how I should improve my diction. Please and thank you!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Vocabulary #11

Affinity- relationship by marriage

Bilious- of or indicative of a peevish ill nature disposition

Cognate- of the same nature

Corollary- A proposition inferred Immediately from a proved proposition with little or no additional proof

Cul-de-sac - a pouch

Derring-do- a daring action

Divination- The art or practice that seeks to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge due to the interpretation of omens

Elixir- A substance capable of prolonging life indefinitely

Folderol- a useless accessory

Gamut- an entire range or series

Hoi polloi- the General populace

Ineffable- incapable of being expressed in words

Lucubration- to study by night

Mnemonic- intended to assist memory

Obloquy- abusive language

Parameter- an independent variable used to express the coordinates of variable point and functions of them

Pundit- a learned man

Risible- provoking laughter

Symptomatic- having the characteristics of a certain disease but arising of a different cause

Volte-face- a reversal in policy



Kudos to sebastian! http://sguillenrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/

Growing my PLN

After looking at my classmates blogs, it made me realize how helpful collaboration is. There are so many resources out there, and luckily my classmates can help by putting their input. Overall, I believe this process helps create a better understanding of Shakespeare, and a different way of thinking.

Sonnet

Silent Love by Taryn M. Christie

Oh, that you could see the feelings I hold
Likening to shimmering waterfalls
In the soft moonlight of the night time shawled
Moon trying to answer its rushing calls.
Further, the sunrays blaze in majesty
Oft-times concealed with thundering rain cloud
Send warmth to him who is dearest to me
Held back: light whispers yearn to cry out loud.
Swearing upon ev'ry days setting sun
And wishing to heaven's effulgent star
That you will evermore be my someone
I hope that together we might go far.
Whatever you wish will be my command
If you'll but allow me to take your hand.

http://www.voicesnet.org/displayonepoem.aspx?poemid=131654

Thursday, November 1, 2012

AP Hamlet PLN

The following blog is very useful. I believe by summarizing each scenes of Hamlet helps create a better understanding. It's very easy and nice to use! Also, it reminds me of my English teacher's blog, Dr. Preston.

http://aplove.blogspot.com/2007/11/ap-lit-hamlet-actscene-notes.html

The following site helps the students ask questions among their peers. For a better learning experience, students should collaborate with one another. This site has several questions. Questions that make me think, along with with others.

http://moran3hamlet.blogspot.com/

This site is a bunch of prompts of Hamlet essays. I believe these prompts help make individuals to think and understand what Hamlet really means.

http://hs.auburn.cnyric.org/teachers/Michael_Sullivan/AP/Hamlet%20Essay

I believe this link is very useful because students in other AP English class had to post videos on Hamlet. This shows their interpretations, along with a better understanding. I love watching videos because you can see the passion the actors have.

http://gallagherseniorhonors.blogspot.com/search/label/Hamlet%20Videos

Unlike the rest of the links I chose, this is a diagram that represents Hamlet. It shows how everything is together. It connects the characters. Also, it shows the main themes of Hamlet.

http://www.mindmeister.com/fr/48932332/hamlet-motifs



Overall, each link is useful for the individual's mind. Each create a better understanding of Hamlet. Also, easy to read because it's from individual's who are trying to understand Hamlet, just like you. I just want to say thanks to duckduckgo.com and to the people who made the amazing sites for all to see. They are very useful!