LOTF: 11/13- 45min. 11/14- 45min. 11/5- 40min. 11/19- 25min. 11/23- 25min. 11/24- 40min.
(pgs. 32-113)
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: 11/25- 15min. (on kindle: 96%-100%)
Total: 3hrs. 55min. 81pgs. and 4%
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Tracking Leadership: Chapters 1-5
So far in Lord of the Flies, there has been a clear focus on leadership. All of the boys feel the need for guidance, and quickly recognize the two most obvious leaders: Jack and Ralph. In chapter one, they vote Ralph chief, much to Jack's humiliation. They don't really know what it is about Ralph that makes him a leader, but it is explained in this way: "...there was a stillness about Ralph as he sat that marked him out: there was his size, and attractive appearance; and most obscurely, yet most powerfully, there was the conch." Still, Jack's arrogance and need for command don't go unnoticed, for one of Ralph's first decisions is to leave Jack in charge of the choir.
As the story progresses, Ralph's natural leadership is respected by the boys, but Jack continues to jump in and assert his assumed authority whenever and whereever possible. The two run as first- and second-in-command without incident until Jack's hunting party leaves the fire unattended at precisely the wrong moment. A ship sails by without a signal to beckon it to the island, and Ralph's anger is targeted at the failure of his closest counterpart. Jack's obsession with blood and meat leads him to argue the equal importance of his adventure. By the end of the quarrel, both boys are shocked by the wall of difference that has risen between them, and Ralph's loyalties shift to his new sidekick: Piggy.
The two boys continue to fight for power as the pages turn, Ralph usually ending up barely on top, panting and sweating from the struggle. The shouting and stubborn opinions begin to push the boys further away. Jack's arrogance and refusal to be proved wrong show a deep need to be awarded power for power's sake, while Ralph continues to focus on the greater good of their little community. I don't foresee this war for leadership being won definitely any time soon. The rift between the two leaders, one by title and one by force, has grown too deep to be sewn back together.
As the story progresses, Ralph's natural leadership is respected by the boys, but Jack continues to jump in and assert his assumed authority whenever and whereever possible. The two run as first- and second-in-command without incident until Jack's hunting party leaves the fire unattended at precisely the wrong moment. A ship sails by without a signal to beckon it to the island, and Ralph's anger is targeted at the failure of his closest counterpart. Jack's obsession with blood and meat leads him to argue the equal importance of his adventure. By the end of the quarrel, both boys are shocked by the wall of difference that has risen between them, and Ralph's loyalties shift to his new sidekick: Piggy.
The two boys continue to fight for power as the pages turn, Ralph usually ending up barely on top, panting and sweating from the struggle. The shouting and stubborn opinions begin to push the boys further away. Jack's arrogance and refusal to be proved wrong show a deep need to be awarded power for power's sake, while Ralph continues to focus on the greater good of their little community. I don't foresee this war for leadership being won definitely any time soon. The rift between the two leaders, one by title and one by force, has grown too deep to be sewn back together.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Semester Review
Looking back over the semester in preparation for the exam is always a wake up call, but right now I feel pretty good about my English exam. The traits of writing and such have never given me any trouble, and they are definitely not a new subject. I do wonder how we will be tested on the literacy narrative ad literary analysis units. Will we need to write a short essay of one type, or will there be questions discussing the in and outs of each format? Lord of the Flies does not strike me as an issue, though I do hope that we will get the chance to discuss it in-depth before the exam.
One thing I intend to spend some time reviewing is the literary elements. It is not that I don't know or don't remember them. I simply want to be sure I can distinguish and discuss each one fully, and they will be relatively easy to review. I also will review the summer reading discussions we had as a class. That seems like such a far-gone topic, one we handled so long ago, that I know a review is necessary. Other than those two subjects I feel entirely confident, though that is not to say I won't be studying other things.
One thing I intend to spend some time reviewing is the literary elements. It is not that I don't know or don't remember them. I simply want to be sure I can distinguish and discuss each one fully, and they will be relatively easy to review. I also will review the summer reading discussions we had as a class. That seems like such a far-gone topic, one we handled so long ago, that I know a review is necessary. Other than those two subjects I feel entirely confident, though that is not to say I won't be studying other things.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
LOTF Chapter 1 Response
William Golding has a particular way of describing things. Lord of the Flies is the first piece of his work I have read, and only thirty pages into it, I can already see the island and its characters vividly.
I spent of a lot of my time reading the first chapter focusing on the characters, especially Ralph, Piggy, and Jack. Ralph seems to be a pretty typical twelve-year-old boy. He is quick to tease and easily excited by the prospect of adventure. Though he is rough with Piggy, I don't think he really intends to be. When he spills that dreaded nickname, I'm reasonably certain it was an honest slip up and he didn't mean to cause so much humiliation to his fellow plane-crash victim. I was quickly endeared to Piggy's bustling, friendly nature and quiet strength, as well as his rotund shape and panting face. There is a certain innocence to him the pulls on the heart-strings when he is laughed at and his eagerness is taken advantage of. As a fan of Gilligan's Island, I couldn't help but be reminded of poor, bumbling Gilligan's constant efforts to help, and repeated failures and mishaps. Lastly, I was intrigued by Jack, or Merridew, as he is first introduced. When he stepped on the scene, he immediately struck me as being much older than the rest, but maybe it's just that he has been leading his peers around for some time. Perhaps I'm wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me is he and Ralph become rivals as the book progresses. Their personalities are too similar and neither adds up to make a good follower.
Another thing I noted in the first chapter was the setting. I did my best to make a mental map of the island, and from the description of the view from the mountain top, I think I did pretty well. My only question was about the size of the mountain. Clearly the island is quite large, but just how high is this mountain? If a group of three sixth grade boys could climb it in one afternoon, it can't truly be a mountain can it? There was a lot of talk of piles of pink granite mixed in with descriptions of cliffs and gradual slopes. I think I was focusing more on the boys' journey than the mountain itself, and have gotten myself more confused than I need to be. Can anyone help me?
Lastly, I need to express a hope that I have for one of the characters. I dearly wish for Piggy to find his place. I do not normally have a soft spot for characters like him, but something about the way he is presented is so perfectly innocent and humble and genuinely good that I can't help but want the best for him. Hopefully, all will turn out well.
I spent of a lot of my time reading the first chapter focusing on the characters, especially Ralph, Piggy, and Jack. Ralph seems to be a pretty typical twelve-year-old boy. He is quick to tease and easily excited by the prospect of adventure. Though he is rough with Piggy, I don't think he really intends to be. When he spills that dreaded nickname, I'm reasonably certain it was an honest slip up and he didn't mean to cause so much humiliation to his fellow plane-crash victim. I was quickly endeared to Piggy's bustling, friendly nature and quiet strength, as well as his rotund shape and panting face. There is a certain innocence to him the pulls on the heart-strings when he is laughed at and his eagerness is taken advantage of. As a fan of Gilligan's Island, I couldn't help but be reminded of poor, bumbling Gilligan's constant efforts to help, and repeated failures and mishaps. Lastly, I was intrigued by Jack, or Merridew, as he is first introduced. When he stepped on the scene, he immediately struck me as being much older than the rest, but maybe it's just that he has been leading his peers around for some time. Perhaps I'm wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me is he and Ralph become rivals as the book progresses. Their personalities are too similar and neither adds up to make a good follower.
Another thing I noted in the first chapter was the setting. I did my best to make a mental map of the island, and from the description of the view from the mountain top, I think I did pretty well. My only question was about the size of the mountain. Clearly the island is quite large, but just how high is this mountain? If a group of three sixth grade boys could climb it in one afternoon, it can't truly be a mountain can it? There was a lot of talk of piles of pink granite mixed in with descriptions of cliffs and gradual slopes. I think I was focusing more on the boys' journey than the mountain itself, and have gotten myself more confused than I need to be. Can anyone help me?
Lastly, I need to express a hope that I have for one of the characters. I dearly wish for Piggy to find his place. I do not normally have a soft spot for characters like him, but something about the way he is presented is so perfectly innocent and humble and genuinely good that I can't help but want the best for him. Hopefully, all will turn out well.
Total Chaos
Block 3 English is a dynamic class. To say the least. The plane crash activity we did showed that in a glaring light. The instant we were left to our own devices, total chaos erupted. No one could get a wise word in before some fellow "crash victim" began shouting over them, for little more than the desire to create further disruption. From the "hunters" to the girls who were to "stay with" the imaginary first graders, every person wanted to do something other than survive.
When the first response to "it's you all and a class of first graders stranded on an island," was "Eat the first graders!" I knew this activity was not going to go well. Half the class was more interested in creating chaos than doing the activity right. There were points where we briefly did well, such as Aaron's idea to use the stapler as permission to talk, or when Gavin, Aaron, and myself were "elected" leaders. Yet, even with the beginnings of organization being made, very few people held interest in actually trying to survive (shout out to Gavin). One point that was both A.) incredibly amusing and B.) possibly the best decision of the class period, was the group that seceded. While I have no doubt that their foremost intent in doing so was to be funny, they made an interesting dynamic. Perhaps, had we been a smaller group, the entire ordeal would have passed far more smoothly.
The most important question of the entire experience is, had it been a real situation, would we have survived? My first response is no, no way, no how. While most people seemed to recognize the need for certain things (i.e. food, water, and shelter) they did not understand the enormity of the circumstance. You honestly think a party of three "hunters" could provide for a group of 40 hungry, dirty, tired kids? Have you ever- ever- found, boiled, distributed, and drank water from a river or lake? Even for me, someone who has grown up walking through woods in the dark, climbing trees in 30 degree weather, and following game trails through the hills of southern Mississippi, survival would be exceptionally difficult. There are just so many precautions to take in a place you know little to nothing about. However, though there is little chance that the whole class would have lived through the week, I have to wonder about our little Confederacy. That group of 6 or 8, however many there were when Gavin and I joined, might have made it through. We had everything that could have been expected: a small form of government, jobs that fit the skills and knowledge of each member, a thief who could not only provide food, but also weaken competition, and a common understanding of the collaboration needed to survive as a group. We had the best shot at life.
I really am curious what those who were doing their own things thought about the entire situation. Did you all believe you were doing things right, that you've watched enough Man vs. Wild to know what to do? Or was it all for the sake of chaos? Trust me when I say that these are not back-handed questions. I am honestly interested because, though I was not surprised by the outcome, I was somewhat disturbed by the lack of order and construction.
So to my reading times:
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: 11/7- 10min. 11/8- 15min. 11/9- 10min. (71-77%)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding: 11/10- 1hr. (Pgs. 8-31)
Biology Text:11/7- 45min. 11/8- 45min. (Pgs. 74-85)
Total: 3hrs. 30min. 34 pgs, 6%-kindle
When the first response to "it's you all and a class of first graders stranded on an island," was "Eat the first graders!" I knew this activity was not going to go well. Half the class was more interested in creating chaos than doing the activity right. There were points where we briefly did well, such as Aaron's idea to use the stapler as permission to talk, or when Gavin, Aaron, and myself were "elected" leaders. Yet, even with the beginnings of organization being made, very few people held interest in actually trying to survive (shout out to Gavin). One point that was both A.) incredibly amusing and B.) possibly the best decision of the class period, was the group that seceded. While I have no doubt that their foremost intent in doing so was to be funny, they made an interesting dynamic. Perhaps, had we been a smaller group, the entire ordeal would have passed far more smoothly.
The most important question of the entire experience is, had it been a real situation, would we have survived? My first response is no, no way, no how. While most people seemed to recognize the need for certain things (i.e. food, water, and shelter) they did not understand the enormity of the circumstance. You honestly think a party of three "hunters" could provide for a group of 40 hungry, dirty, tired kids? Have you ever- ever- found, boiled, distributed, and drank water from a river or lake? Even for me, someone who has grown up walking through woods in the dark, climbing trees in 30 degree weather, and following game trails through the hills of southern Mississippi, survival would be exceptionally difficult. There are just so many precautions to take in a place you know little to nothing about. However, though there is little chance that the whole class would have lived through the week, I have to wonder about our little Confederacy. That group of 6 or 8, however many there were when Gavin and I joined, might have made it through. We had everything that could have been expected: a small form of government, jobs that fit the skills and knowledge of each member, a thief who could not only provide food, but also weaken competition, and a common understanding of the collaboration needed to survive as a group. We had the best shot at life.
I really am curious what those who were doing their own things thought about the entire situation. Did you all believe you were doing things right, that you've watched enough Man vs. Wild to know what to do? Or was it all for the sake of chaos? Trust me when I say that these are not back-handed questions. I am honestly interested because, though I was not surprised by the outcome, I was somewhat disturbed by the lack of order and construction.
So to my reading times:
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: 11/7- 10min. 11/8- 15min. 11/9- 10min. (71-77%)
Lord of the Flies by William Golding: 11/10- 1hr. (Pgs. 8-31)
Biology Text:11/7- 45min. 11/8- 45min. (Pgs. 74-85)
Total: 3hrs. 30min. 34 pgs, 6%-kindle
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Reading Response 11
This week I continued Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien. I've had a hard time putting this book down over the weekend, and the plot has become thicker and thicker. Since I don't believe I have done a reading response on this novel, I'll clue you in:
Birthmarked focuses around the struggles of Gaia Stone, a 16-year-old girl, around the year 2400. Her life up to this point had been spent outside the wall of a "perfect" society, which she and the other members of her small community serve unquestioningly. Inside the wall, a ruling family, headed by "the Protectorat," commands and makes decisions for the greater good of the population. Or so everyone thinks.
When Gaia's parents are arrested by the Guard, her life becomes infinitely more difficult and she begins to question the rule of the society that has held her in confined poverty and dependence her entire life.
As you can see, the plot of this book makes for an intense, quick read. There are many parallel and subplots that twist and meet and force developments in each other throughout the story. Beyond that though, the writing itself is extremely well done. I've read books that forced me to reread sentences multiple times to get the picture, but that has not happened at all in Birthmarked. O'Brien has an excellent way of getting the message across through beautifully flowing sentences. As always, a well written story makes a more enjoyable story. You can focus on your feelings and interactions with the characters, make your own decisions, and not get bogged down in irritating language.
Interactions with the characters are also definitely a large part of this novel. I find myself doing the classic horror movie "I told you not to do that" (even though the plot is not precisely horror... or horror at all really), smiling at the innocence of a young character, and wishing I could be an angel on Gaia's shoulder, offering advice. The author really puts you on the spot, revealing enough to keep the reader interested, but not enough to give away a conclusion. It makes for a twisting turning plot that loops its way into a maze of possible outcomes. Right now, I feel as stuck as Gaia in her distopian world of uncertainty.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to just about anyone. Its not one that's easy to put down, but Birthmarked is definitely worth a couple hours of your time.
So to wrap up with my reading times:
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: 10/29- 15min. 10/30- 15min. 10/31- 15min. 11/1- 15min. 11/3- 2hrs 15min. 11/4- 2hrs. (35%- 71%)
Total: 4hrs 15min. 36% (kindle)
Birthmarked focuses around the struggles of Gaia Stone, a 16-year-old girl, around the year 2400. Her life up to this point had been spent outside the wall of a "perfect" society, which she and the other members of her small community serve unquestioningly. Inside the wall, a ruling family, headed by "the Protectorat," commands and makes decisions for the greater good of the population. Or so everyone thinks.
When Gaia's parents are arrested by the Guard, her life becomes infinitely more difficult and she begins to question the rule of the society that has held her in confined poverty and dependence her entire life.
As you can see, the plot of this book makes for an intense, quick read. There are many parallel and subplots that twist and meet and force developments in each other throughout the story. Beyond that though, the writing itself is extremely well done. I've read books that forced me to reread sentences multiple times to get the picture, but that has not happened at all in Birthmarked. O'Brien has an excellent way of getting the message across through beautifully flowing sentences. As always, a well written story makes a more enjoyable story. You can focus on your feelings and interactions with the characters, make your own decisions, and not get bogged down in irritating language.
Interactions with the characters are also definitely a large part of this novel. I find myself doing the classic horror movie "I told you not to do that" (even though the plot is not precisely horror... or horror at all really), smiling at the innocence of a young character, and wishing I could be an angel on Gaia's shoulder, offering advice. The author really puts you on the spot, revealing enough to keep the reader interested, but not enough to give away a conclusion. It makes for a twisting turning plot that loops its way into a maze of possible outcomes. Right now, I feel as stuck as Gaia in her distopian world of uncertainty.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to just about anyone. Its not one that's easy to put down, but Birthmarked is definitely worth a couple hours of your time.
So to wrap up with my reading times:
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: 10/29- 15min. 10/30- 15min. 10/31- 15min. 11/1- 15min. 11/3- 2hrs 15min. 11/4- 2hrs. (35%- 71%)
Total: 4hrs 15min. 36% (kindle)
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Free Post 3
Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama. Two rivals forever pitted on the reign of dominance surrounding their prolonged war. As a Baton Rouge native and the daughter of two LSU graduates, my life has been deeply affected by the ups and downs of streaky 19 to 22 year old kids, untrustworthy coaches, and the emotional inhabitants of a college town. Perhaps my opinion is somewhat bias, but little love is given to my Tigers on a national scale, and the Tide does not deserve the praise lavished upon them readily.
With all of this being said, I am still honestly not sure what to think of tonight's game. While I have a lot of passion for LSU football, I understand the importance of continuing the SEC dynasty with another BCS Champion. If LSU wins tonight, I'm not sure that will happen. The hate for LSU from the polls, where Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Oregon are dearly loved, may very well put a one-loss Tiger team out of the picture. Alabama too, though they tend to be the favored child of the Southeastern Conference, will have a hard time convincing people of their worth after a loss to the nation's red-headed stepchild.
However, there are other factors that come into play here. If Pittsburg pulls an upset over Notre Dame today, the University of Southern California wins against Oregon when they meet, and Kansas State is tripped up by Oklahoma, any one loss SEC team, especially an SEC Champion, becomes an interesting component. Then, with no undefeated teams left standing, both LSU and Alabama have a strong case for the National Championship. Looking ahead now, there is a lot of hoping, guessing, and pondering "if... then..."s to do. Therefore, my confusion over the best possible outcome of tonight's contest between the Fighting Tigers and the Crimson Tide is not unjustified. Some might call me a "fair-weather fan," but my loyalties lie more with the SEC than with any particular team, and, in the interest of a dynasty, if Alabama suffers their first loss tonight, the road to the title will become just that much harder.
With all of this being said, I am still honestly not sure what to think of tonight's game. While I have a lot of passion for LSU football, I understand the importance of continuing the SEC dynasty with another BCS Champion. If LSU wins tonight, I'm not sure that will happen. The hate for LSU from the polls, where Notre Dame, Kansas State, and Oregon are dearly loved, may very well put a one-loss Tiger team out of the picture. Alabama too, though they tend to be the favored child of the Southeastern Conference, will have a hard time convincing people of their worth after a loss to the nation's red-headed stepchild.
However, there are other factors that come into play here. If Pittsburg pulls an upset over Notre Dame today, the University of Southern California wins against Oregon when they meet, and Kansas State is tripped up by Oklahoma, any one loss SEC team, especially an SEC Champion, becomes an interesting component. Then, with no undefeated teams left standing, both LSU and Alabama have a strong case for the National Championship. Looking ahead now, there is a lot of hoping, guessing, and pondering "if... then..."s to do. Therefore, my confusion over the best possible outcome of tonight's contest between the Fighting Tigers and the Crimson Tide is not unjustified. Some might call me a "fair-weather fan," but my loyalties lie more with the SEC than with any particular team, and, in the interest of a dynasty, if Alabama suffers their first loss tonight, the road to the title will become just that much harder.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)