Fall Semester Reflection

Do you read your colleagues’ work online? How often? What is it like to read their work? How does being able to see everyone’s work online at any given time change the way you do your work?
I do read my colleagues' work online. By reading their work, I help understand the material better. Since I am able to see everyone's work online, it makes my work extremely better. For example, if a person has ten more posts than me, then I will add more posts that are relevant to the material. Or not.

How has the publicly and always visible course blog made this course different from one without a blog? How would the course change if the course blog disappeared tomorrow?
I believe this course is more college-related than any other class I've ever had. Since we are becoming aware of the technology we have, we are given more opportunities.  Also, if I didn't understand something in class, I look at Dr. Preston's blog. If the course blog disappeared tomorrow, I honestly have no idea what I would do! I wouldn't know how to live up to what we are required to do because the blog has became a neccessary and valuable resource.

Has publishing your work for the public to see changed your approach to completing an assignment? How so? How would your feelings about the course change if you couldn’t publish your work that way?
Since my work has became public, I expect to do a better job on it than I would on paper. I believe that people who don't know you, might not get what you are trying to say, so you must make it very comprehensive, and detailed. I think I would still feel like another student if I didn't have my blog. Also, I like saying, "Yeah, it's on my blog."

Has your experience of the physical classroom changed because of the open & online aspects? Where does your learning actually happen?
My learning actually happen on the internet and with my classmates. By using a resource we were all unknown to, it creates a bond when you have people going through the confusion. Collaboration is the way to succeed in the real world, we're just getting a step ahead on things.
 

You were described in the Macarthur Foundation/DML interview as “a pioneer”-- how do you describe the experience on the edge to people who haven’t been there (friends and family)?
It's been a rocky experience. Very stressful, yet inspiring. This class has helped me shape my habits into college material. I am thinking in different ways, and I am learning differently as well. We are becoming the future, one blog post at a time.

How do they respond when you describe the brave new world in which you’re working?
They respond as you'd expect, shocked. They end up talking about the old days, where the textbook was the only information you had. Also, how students only do things for a point, or a grade. However, students should be doing it for self-benefit for the future.

What do their responses mean to you? What effect(s) (if any) do they have on you?
Their responses reveal how we are going through a whole new way or learning. We are changing the future, and opportunities for others. Therefore, we are becoming the creators.

Literature Analysis

1. Lord of The Flies reveals the typical stuggle between one's morals, and how far someone is willing to go in order to survive. During a war, there was a plane full of boys, who are to fight in the war, and was shot down on an island. Instead of being in despair because of the crash, the boys are filled with joy because they feel this is the time they can have their freedom and independence. Ralph and Piggy are twelve years old, become the organizers of a mini tribe. The boys declared someone a leader, and told each individual what they have to do, in order to survive. The boys have created a place on their own land, with their own rules. At first, they were excited for having an island all to themselves. However, the struggle of food, and keeping warm become reality. The boys have become into a stae of fear, and they do not how they will survive. They are constantly doing whatever it takes to achieve the neccessities. Insanity overcomes the boys, and began to blame one another for the lack of food, and warmth. Each boy becomes into a monster, and are against one another. As the boys try to kill one another.. They are rescued by a British naval officer.

2. The major theme of this novel is the loss of innocene and how a person will go to survive. Since the boys were forced to fight in a war and become men, they had to say goodbye to their childhoods. When a child is robbed of their childhood, they have to grow up before they are ready.This causes insanity, and the boys go against each other. Each boy is willing to do whatever it takes, in order to survive. Fear and betrayal was among the boys. They were destined to fall into temptation of blaming one another.

3.William Golding's tone was very dark. He described the boys as violent, and insane. I felt very creeped out when the author described the boy's behavior toward one another. Golding creates a lot of suspense and unpredictability.

"There was something dark...fumbling along....The creature was a party of boys, marching approximately in...two parallel lines...." pg. 18

4. Golding's literary elements and techniques create suspense and help the audience feel the character's desperation to survive. He uses imagery, metaphors, foreshadowing and symbolism in order to establish his theme across the whole novel.

Imagery: "Ralph sat on a fallen trunk, his left side to the sun. On his right were most of the choir; on his left the larger boys who had not known each other before...before him small children squatted in the grass." Chapter 2, pg. 30

Metaphor: "The candle-buds opened their wide white flowers....Their scent spilled out into the air and took possession of the island." pg. 52

Symbolism: "Then, amid the roar of bees in the afternoon sunlight, Simon found for [the littluns] the fruit they could not reach...[and] passed them back down to the endless, outstretched hands." pg. 51

"The hunters' thoughts were crowded with memories...of the knowledge... that they had outwitted a living thing, imposed their will upon it, taken away its life like a long satisfying drink." pg 64

CHARACTERIZATION
1 & 2. The author doesn't change his diction/syntax with different characters because the boys are more represented as a group, yet they fight individualy. The characterization among the characters is all the same.

"Jack was tall, thin, and bony...his hair was red beneath the black cap. His face was...freckled, and ugly without silliness."  pg. 19

"Piggy, for all his ludicrous body, had brains. Ralph was a specialist in thought now, and could recognize thought in another." pg. 71

"Piggy was...so full of pride in his contribution to the good of society, that he helped to fetch wood."  pg. 118

3. There is no protagonists because it's a group of boys. However, each character is round because they are different in the beginning as they are in the end.

"You knew, didn't you? I'm part of you? Close, close, close! I'm the reason why it's no go? Why things are what they are?" pg. 130

"Fear can't hurt you any more than a dream. There aren't any beasts to be afraid of on this island....Serve you right if something did get you, you useless lot of cry-babies!" pg. 75

4. I do not believe I have met any of these characters in real life. However, I do believe I have met the characters, who they were in the beginning because they were average, young kids. They have silly nicknames for one another, and they are adventurous.

"I don't care what [you] call me so long as...[it's not] what they used to call me in school...They used to call me Piggy!" pg. 11

Literature Analysis

1. The Tortilla Curtain, by T.C. Boyle is a novel about a man named Candido Rincon and his wife, America, who entered the United States illegally, to achieve the American Dream in California.  However, California life is not treating them so well because they have no home, so they must camp out at a national park. Another couple, Delaney and Kyra live in a gated community. The two couple's met when Delaney hit Candido (accidently.) The two couple's had great influence over one another. However, Candido is feeling shameful because he is unable to get a job and because of an injury he has. His wife is pregnant, and is unable to provide for her. Even America is able to get a job. Delaney’s family has a few problems with the struggle of criminals and illegal aliens. While Candido causes a huge forest fire, America is given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Socorro. The couple is forced to hide in the Delaney's shack where America confesses how she was raped, which might have caused their child to be blind. Delaney is extremely angry and runs towards the shack to attack the couple, however, a landslide hits the shack. The couple survives, but their baby died from drowning in the river. In the end, Candido saves Delaney from drowning, even though the discrimination and racisim he has against the couple.

2. The theme of this novel is racisim and discrimination. Candido is constantly judged and hated against because he is an illegal alien. His wife, America is raped because of her race. The novel proves how good people are good people. They do not have to be white. It is shown when Candido saves Delaney, although Delaney hates Candido because he is a foreigner.

Pg. 101 “Do you realize what you’re saying? Immigrants are the lifeblood of this country—we’re a nation of immigrants—and neither of us would be standing here today if it wasn’t.”
Pg. 127 “She felt a surge of hope: the worst of it was behind them now.”

3. The author’s tone for this novel is very serious and sad. Boyle is a realistic author describing the world because illegal aliens are shut out against. (Not always) He provides a story that can be related to and looked up on.

Pg. 10 “He tried to picture the man’s life—the cramped room, the bag of second-rate oranges on the streetcorner…and the cold mashed beans dug out of the forty-nine-cent can.”

Pg. 16 “His whole life was a headache, his whole stinking worthless pinche vida.”

Pg. 332 “All he cared about was this Mexican, the man who’d invaded his life like some unshakable parasite, like a disease”

4. Boyle had a variety of literary elements and techniqutes to express the message he wanted to send to his audience. He uses diction, symbols, foreshadowing, allegories, and such. Boyle is into detail throughout the novel. The diction/syntax he uses is comprehensive and causes the audience to feel what the characters are going through.

Imagery: “Everywhere he turned he saw those red-flecked eyes, the rictus of the mouth, the rotten teeth and incongruous shock of gray in the heavy black brush of the mustache- they infested his dreams, cut through his waking hours like a window on another reality.”

Diction:“The wind screamed. It screamed for blood, for sacrifice, for Tenksgeevee, and the flames answered it.”

Symbolism: “No education, no resources, and no skills—all they’ve got to offer is a strong back”

Allegory: “And Candido, despite his exhaustion, despite everything, began dragging the big balky sheet of plastic up through the unyielding brush, and as the branches tore at him and his fingers stiffened and the helicopters swooped overhead, he thought of Christ with his cross and his crown of thorns and wondered who had it worse.”

Simile: “All he wanted was work, and this was his fate, this was his stinking pinche luck, a violated wife and a blind baby and a crazy white man with a gun, and even that wasn’t enough to satisfy an insatiable God: no they’ll all had to drown like rats in a bargain.”

CHARACTERIZATION:

1. The author uses indirect and direct characterization so the audience can understand the character's feelings.

Pg. 185 “I agree that everybody’s got a right to work and have a decent standard if living, but there’s just so many of them, they’ve overwhelmed us, the schools, welfare, the prisons and now the streets…”

Pg. 272 “So she sat there, as miserable as she’d ever been in her life, and closed her mind down till the world went from a movie screen to a peephole, and still she wanted to close the peephole too.”

Pg. 352 “Delaney was drawn so much closer to that cold black working heart of the world than he’d ever dreamed possible”

2. The author's diction/syntax changes as it goes character to character. It is based on individuals.

Pg. 29 “She wanted. Of course she wanted… A house, a yard, maybe a TV and a car too”

Pg. 127 “She felt a surge of hope: the worst of it was behind them now.”

3. The protagonist never changes from the beginning to end. Candido is still the same nice, genuine person he is. The antagonist, Delaney changes throughout the novel because he realizes that just because Candido is Mexican, doesn't make him a bad person. In fact, he's a hero.

4. I felt I have the characters before because the novel is so realistic about racisim and discrimination towards Mexicans. Also, in the town I live in, we have illegal aliens.

Pg. 200 “He was a criminal for daring to want it, daring to risk everything for the basic human necessities, and nor even those were to be denied him.”

Literature Analysis

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

"No Exit" is a book that consists of four characters. However, only three are placed in this room, which is supposed to be Hell. Of course, the characters believe the stereotypes of Hell. They expect to tortured by a numerous of objects/machines. Yet, Hell is a normal room, but has no exit. The room has sofa's and lights. One of the characters, Inez asks what the characters have done to have gone to Hell. Estelle and Garcin deny they have done anything wrong. Throughout the book, the characters admit to what they have done and have realized why they were brought there. Also, they have realized that Hell is not itself, but the people you are with. Garcin has tried to leave the room, but there is no exit. The characters are stuck and must remain in Hell for eternity.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid  cliches.The theme of this book is to notice that the choices you make are the one's you must hold on to forever. There is no escape. Also, do not stereotype. Hell is not what the characters seem because it is much more than that. You are with people who have the same mindset as you. They most likely believe they have done nothing wrong, yet they have done the most vile sins.

3. Describe the author's tone. Include 3 excerpts that illustrate your point.
The author tone is suppose to help the audience correctly interpret life, and the choice we are dealt with. The author constantly mentions how there is no exit. The tone is overall didactic.

“There were days when you peered into yourself, into the secret places of your heart, and what you saw there made you faint with horror. And then, next day, you didn't know what to make of it,you couldn't interpret the horror you had glimpsed the day before. Yes, you know what evil costs.” 

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.
Metaphor: “I'm going to smile, and my smile will sink down into your pupils, and heaven knows what it will become.”
Symbolism: The vase at the end represents how your life can be easily broken, yet easily stored, but one crack can cause your life to end immediately.
Allusions: the book relates to art and music.
Allegory:"GARCIN: What's this?
VALET: Can't you see? An ordinary paper-knife.
GARCIN: Are there books here?
VALET: No.
GARCIN: Then what's the use of this?"Imagery:"A man's drowning, choking, sinking by inches, till only his eyes are just above water."

 

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)?

"You see, I'm fond of teasing, it's a second nature with me-- and I'm used to teasing myself. Plaguing myself, if you prefer; I don't tease nicely."

"I feel so queer. Don't you ever get taken that way? When I can't see myself I begin to wonder if I really and truly exist. I pat myself just to make sure, but it doesn't help much.” 

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

Throughout the whole book, the diction and syntax for each character remains the same. Although, the characters have different personalities, they are still common.
 

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

There are no protagonist characters because they are all the same since they have done unforgiveable things to belong in Hell. They're no characters that change so they are all flat.

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 don't believe I've met any of the characters because they are so mean, and so inconsiderate. However, I do believe I've met people close to them. The world is filled with many people who are mean, and don't believe they do anything wrong.

No Exit Notes

NOTES on No Exit by Sartre

• 1900's
• Existentialism : philosophical and cultural movement which holds that the starting point of philosophical thinking must be the experiences of the individual
• Jean Paul Sartre : French writer
• 4 characters :

Valet
Garcin
Estelle
Inez

• Entire play takes place in a drawing room.
• "Hell is other people" --- Imagine being in a room with your two most hated people
• Garcin enters with Valet into a room with Second Empire Furniture
• Garcin is not fond of the furniture yet fond of that fact.
• Garcin asks if all rooms are the same
• Valet ask "How could they be? We cater for all sorts..."
• Valet has a temper about his residence
• Garcin talks about how the talk of this place was different from where he lives
• Garcin has a great sense of humor...he even calls the racks and pincers "the instruments of torture"
• ("Think about the place you have chosen as your hell. Does it look ordinary and bourgeois,like Sartre's drawing room, or is it equipped with literal instruments of torture likeDante's Inferno? Can the mind be in hell in a beautiful place? Is there a way to find peacein a hellish physical environment? Enter Sartre's space more fully and imagine how itwould feel to live there endlessly, night and day") --- I appreciate this thought process.
• Valet gets irritated that everyone relates this residence with torture and Garcin tells him to calm himself
• Garcin is apparently caught in a bad situation. No bed, mirrors,toothbrush, etc..
• ("Could hell be described as too much of anything without a break? Are variety,moderation and balance instruments we use to keep us from boiling in any inferno of excess,' whether it be cheesecake or ravenous sex?") --- appreciation for thought
• No windows only floors and rooms
• Garcin asks if its day, Valet knows not what he means
• Garcin then ask if he has days off...Valet says yes but he only visits his uncle on the 3rd floor
• ("How does Sartre create a sense of place through dialogue? Can you imagine what it feelslike to stay awake all the time with the lights on with no hope of leaving a specific place?How does GARCIN react to this hell? How could you twist your daily activities aroundso that everyday habits become hell? Is there a pattern of circumstances that reinforcesthe experience of hell?")
• Garcin is locked in this room
• Paper knife with no books?
• Valet leaves to attend his other guests
• Garcin tries to ring the bell, scream, shout, but no one hears him
• Finally Valet and Inez enter
• Inez is a woman who is to share a room with Garcin
• Valet tells her to ask Garcin about the room since they had such a detailed talk
• Inez asks about Florence
• Garcin hasn't an idea
• Inez believes Garcin is the torturer and they separated her and Florence as such.
• Garcin says no and goes on to talk her
• Inez is unmarried
• She says those who torture looked frightened
• She then asks if he has ever gone outside
• Estelle and Valet enter
• Estelle is now to be in the room as well
• Estelle rants about the room
• Inez makes note that Garcin is not the torturer
• Estelle Rigault*
• Joseph Garcin*
• Inez Serrano*
• THEY ARE DEAD! *got it.
• In hell! Yet they talk about the living to be "down there"?
• Inez died a week ago
• Estelle died yesterday from pneumonia, from Paris
• Garcin ...12 shots in the chest, month ago, from Rio
• They all wonder why they were put together in this one room
• They can still see the living from where they are
• They all wonder why they are in hell
• Non of them have done anything terrible enough to deserve this
• They figured out they are all evil in one way or another
• And then they realized that there is really no physical pain
• That they (the devil) put them in the same room to torture one another since they are all so different
• That is how they will live for eternity
• No mirrors in hell?
• Inez acted as Estelle's mirror, but mirrors sometimes lie
• Inez is attracted to Estelle she puts her's and Garcin's acts on blast
• Garcin=unfaithful to his loving wife
• Inez=killed a man (3)
• Estelle= A man killed himself over her and killed her child
• Inez wants Estelle, Estelle wants Garcin, Garcin wants Inez
• Estelle gives herself to Garcin but not her trust
• Garcin didn't want to fight in the war so he tried to run to Mexico
• Garcins wife is dead
• Time goes by very slow in hell compared to on earth
• Garcin asks Estelle to let him love her forever
• Estelle say yes but then Inez butts in and makes him realize she would love any guy down here
• Garcin tries to escape
• "One always dies too soon-- or too late. And yet one's whole life is complete at that moment, with a line drawn neatly under it, ready for the summing up. You are-- your life,and nothing else"
• Inez keeps pushing, Estelle tries to kill Inez.
• Yet they are all already dead!
  
  
  I must give kudos to Ashlie, http://apfeiferrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/
  My notes didn't compare to hers! They are very comprehensive. Helped me understand No Exit perfectly.

Thinking Outside the Box

In Allegory of the Cave, Plato describes, metaphorically, how we are limited. Also, our eyes deceive us by not allowing us to distinguish from real or fake. My remix sonnet below, explains the purpose of Plato's allegory. When a few prisoners go outside the cave, and see the extraordinary things, they rush back into the cabe. The prisoners tell the people in the cave their acknowledgments, however, the prisoners do not believe them; they believe they are foolish. All in all, we must take have goals, and we must be able to have the light (knowledge) welcome us. In No Exit by Sartre, the characters are in Hell, which there is no escape. This is to prove that once you make certain situations, you are set for life. The characters are the ones who make each other, and hell itself. At the end of No Exit, there is a vase which represents how life can be broken so easily (in my opinion.)

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/

Vocabulary Remix

lackey




immolate









sic









 


risible












prescience























empathy



















nepotism

sub rosa















queasy




















maudlin














Credit to google.com for the pictures!

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.” 

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.

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!

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

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!

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!