Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: 10/17- 15 min. 10/18- 1hr. 30min. 10/19- 2hrs.
Total: 3hrs 45min. 22% (kindle...)
Monday, October 22, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Reading Response 9 (short stories)
The literary element that stood out the most to me in our short stories was the theme of "Harrison Bergeron". Though the idea of the story and the ignorance of its characters just made me angry, I find that if I look past that, I generally agree with the theme the author weaves through this story. Though I know there was some debate about the true theme in class, my impression was that it could be summed up as this: There is no such thing as true equality, and we would lose so much if there were.
I guess this spoke to me because it rang true in my mind. Particularly in the United States, inequalities make our society great. Perhaps that sounds bad or evil or wrong, but before you jump to some conclusion or discount what I have to say, listen. If it weren't for inequalities, not legal ones or religious ones, but societal ones, the people who work extremely hard to climb higher up the totem pole through theirs lives, after being born or thrown into a lower class, would never be rewarded. The person who is born rich but lacks the work ethic and the gray matter to maintain his position would never fall below those hard workers. Especially if attempts at equality are made by enforcing government control, equality would never be reached. Those with power would maintain it high above everyone else, and as the "average intelligence" of the people became lower and lower the reign of those officials would grow more and more dictatorial. The idea of everybody having the same amount of everything completely defuncts the values of social mobility. Thus my American heart was troubled by the idea of "total equality."
Reading Log:
"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.: 10/11- 30min. pgs. 209-215
Revelation by Katie Klein: 10/10- 10min., 10/12- 10min., 10/14- 2hrs. 66%-100% (kindle...)
Total: 6 pgs and 44%, 2 hours 50min. (170min.)
I guess this spoke to me because it rang true in my mind. Particularly in the United States, inequalities make our society great. Perhaps that sounds bad or evil or wrong, but before you jump to some conclusion or discount what I have to say, listen. If it weren't for inequalities, not legal ones or religious ones, but societal ones, the people who work extremely hard to climb higher up the totem pole through theirs lives, after being born or thrown into a lower class, would never be rewarded. The person who is born rich but lacks the work ethic and the gray matter to maintain his position would never fall below those hard workers. Especially if attempts at equality are made by enforcing government control, equality would never be reached. Those with power would maintain it high above everyone else, and as the "average intelligence" of the people became lower and lower the reign of those officials would grow more and more dictatorial. The idea of everybody having the same amount of everything completely defuncts the values of social mobility. Thus my American heart was troubled by the idea of "total equality."
Reading Log:
"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.: 10/11- 30min. pgs. 209-215
Revelation by Katie Klein: 10/10- 10min., 10/12- 10min., 10/14- 2hrs. 66%-100% (kindle...)
Total: 6 pgs and 44%, 2 hours 50min. (170min.)
First Quarter Reflection
All in all, the first quarter of my freshman year has gone exceptionally well. I've kept on top of assignments, made the grades I strive for, and managed my time between school and volleyball.
Participation wise, I think I have done my part in English for the first quarter. I haven't left materials in my locker, forgotten things at home, or left my homework undone. My email has been a fabulous resource. Any pressing questions or concerns that have come up have been addressed through emails. I have found that this year more than any other, it has been imperative for me to check it every day. In middle school, it wasn't unusual to receive no emails for a day or two. Now, as a freshman, I hardly go two hours without a new message.
From getting straight to work on the bell-work assignment to voicing my opinion in class discussion, participation in activities has made my Period 3 class go by much faster. I honestly enjoy the discussions and debates that the class gets into over the short stories and other topics. We, as a class, seem to have a few differences of opinion, but it makes for an interesting hour.
When we did the group work for the literacy narrative, my group stayed focused and on task. We got our work done efficiently and constructively. I hope that my suggestions and ideas were helpful to my group members. I know I found their feedback useful.
In the second quarter I intend to continue my participation in class discussion, remain on top of my work, and keep my grades high. If I keep up the work ethic I have maintained thus far, I don't think I will have any problems with school. Remaining interested and engaged in my classes is vital to success, because the tendency to tune out boring subjects can prove fatal. I know several of last years seniors (this year's college freshmen) and when asked, "If you could tell me one thing, one piece of advice, about high-school, what would it be?" every one replied, "Don't slack off freshman year." I intend to follow that advice.
Participation wise, I think I have done my part in English for the first quarter. I haven't left materials in my locker, forgotten things at home, or left my homework undone. My email has been a fabulous resource. Any pressing questions or concerns that have come up have been addressed through emails. I have found that this year more than any other, it has been imperative for me to check it every day. In middle school, it wasn't unusual to receive no emails for a day or two. Now, as a freshman, I hardly go two hours without a new message.
From getting straight to work on the bell-work assignment to voicing my opinion in class discussion, participation in activities has made my Period 3 class go by much faster. I honestly enjoy the discussions and debates that the class gets into over the short stories and other topics. We, as a class, seem to have a few differences of opinion, but it makes for an interesting hour.
When we did the group work for the literacy narrative, my group stayed focused and on task. We got our work done efficiently and constructively. I hope that my suggestions and ideas were helpful to my group members. I know I found their feedback useful.
In the second quarter I intend to continue my participation in class discussion, remain on top of my work, and keep my grades high. If I keep up the work ethic I have maintained thus far, I don't think I will have any problems with school. Remaining interested and engaged in my classes is vital to success, because the tendency to tune out boring subjects can prove fatal. I know several of last years seniors (this year's college freshmen) and when asked, "If you could tell me one thing, one piece of advice, about high-school, what would it be?" every one replied, "Don't slack off freshman year." I intend to follow that advice.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Reading Response 8 (just times)
My reading for this week mostly includes the short stories from class.
To Da-Duh, in Memoriam- 10/2- 40min. pgs. 121-130
A&P- 10/3- 30min. pgs. 203-208
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings- 10/4- 15min. pgs. 117-120
Dry September- 10/6- 40min. pgs. 51-61
And of Clay We are Created- 10/6- 45min. pgs. 9-20
Total: 170min. 38 pgs.
To Da-Duh, in Memoriam- 10/2- 40min. pgs. 121-130
A&P- 10/3- 30min. pgs. 203-208
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings- 10/4- 15min. pgs. 117-120
Dry September- 10/6- 40min. pgs. 51-61
And of Clay We are Created- 10/6- 45min. pgs. 9-20
Total: 170min. 38 pgs.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Reading Response 7
This week I worked on my literacy narrative, read "To Build a Fire" by Jack London, and continued Revelation, by Katie Klein. My log goes as such:
Literacy Narrative: 9/24- 20min. 9/27- 20min.
"To Build a Fire": 9/26- 45min. 9/27- 30min.
Revelation: 9/26- 10min. 9/29- 20min. 9/30- 20min.
Total: 165min.- Literacy Narrative finished, "To Build a Fire" 17pgs., Revelation- 46%-66% (kindle...)
To discuss the plot of Revelation, I must discuss the entire trilogy, The Guardians. In the first book, there was a bit of exposition, introducing you to main character Genesis Green's personality and story, but it was written in through a fairly intense scene. In my opinion, this is the best way for an author to tell a story, especially in a novel. That type of introduction gives you the information you need, but still hooks you quickly.
As always, next came the rising action. While there have been many tense scenes so far, keeping the story interesting and attention-griping, I still feel as if the balloon has yet to pop. Each book has had its own climax, but the story still seems far from over. I'm fairly certain that, even though I am more than three quarters of the way through the trilogy, the characters are still working their way through to the final battle, the last clash of good and evil, and revelation of Genesis's importance and larger role. It's pretty intense.
I can feel the climax coming soon, but there are so many subplots and side-sotries that I can't yet predict the outcome. Being a sucker for fairytale endings, I want Genesis to prevail in the end, but I can't be sure of that "happily ever after" this time.
Literacy Narrative: 9/24- 20min. 9/27- 20min.
"To Build a Fire": 9/26- 45min. 9/27- 30min.
Revelation: 9/26- 10min. 9/29- 20min. 9/30- 20min.
Total: 165min.- Literacy Narrative finished, "To Build a Fire" 17pgs., Revelation- 46%-66% (kindle...)
To discuss the plot of Revelation, I must discuss the entire trilogy, The Guardians. In the first book, there was a bit of exposition, introducing you to main character Genesis Green's personality and story, but it was written in through a fairly intense scene. In my opinion, this is the best way for an author to tell a story, especially in a novel. That type of introduction gives you the information you need, but still hooks you quickly.
As always, next came the rising action. While there have been many tense scenes so far, keeping the story interesting and attention-griping, I still feel as if the balloon has yet to pop. Each book has had its own climax, but the story still seems far from over. I'm fairly certain that, even though I am more than three quarters of the way through the trilogy, the characters are still working their way through to the final battle, the last clash of good and evil, and revelation of Genesis's importance and larger role. It's pretty intense.
I can feel the climax coming soon, but there are so many subplots and side-sotries that I can't yet predict the outcome. Being a sucker for fairytale endings, I want Genesis to prevail in the end, but I can't be sure of that "happily ever after" this time.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
I Am a Writer
A canvas of paper,
A painting in ink.
Words spun from the imagination,
And drawn by the hand.
Nothing compares to the art of creation.
The creation of words, pulled from the heart.
Never be afraid,
To say what you think.
Mean what you say,
Say what you mean.
I am a writer
Who loves to create.
Whose favorite canvas,
Is eight and a half
By eleven inches long.
Whose choice media,
Comes in blue and in black,
And spills from a fountain,
Or a rolling ball-point.
The rhythm of words,
The lilt of the tongue,
Are beautiful dancers,
To the beat of the right drum.
Be bold in your music,
and strong in your stroke,
The image is beautiful
To any ear that cares to look.
A painting in ink.
Words spun from the imagination,
And drawn by the hand.
Nothing compares to the art of creation.
The creation of words, pulled from the heart.
Never be afraid,
To say what you think.
Mean what you say,
Say what you mean.
I am a writer
Who loves to create.
Whose favorite canvas,
Is eight and a half
By eleven inches long.
Whose choice media,
Comes in blue and in black,
And spills from a fountain,
Or a rolling ball-point.
The rhythm of words,
The lilt of the tongue,
Are beautiful dancers,
To the beat of the right drum.
Be bold in your music,
and strong in your stroke,
The image is beautiful
To any ear that cares to look.
I am a writer
Who loves to create.
Whose favorite canvas,
Is eight and a half
By eleven inches long.
By eleven inches long.
Whose choice media,
Comes in blue and in black,
And spills from a fountain,
Or a rolling ball-point.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Reading Response 6
This week I worked on my literacy narrative and read Revelation, the last book of The Guardians trilogy. My log goes as such:
9/17- 20min. 9/18- 45min. 9/19- 1hr. 9/21-2hrs. Total: 4hrs 5min. 1%-46%
On my literacy narrative, I've hit a bit of an issue. I don't know what to do now. I'm happy with what I have, but I don't know how much more I can revise without completely tearing it apart and rebuilding it (and I really don't want to do that because I think it's pretty much good where it is.) If we have another draft to do, other than the final, I may just be stuck.
One suggestion in the writing group was to expand the ending more. I understand that my ending is somewhat abrupt, but I want to make it easy for the reader to connect the introduction, main body, and conclusion and understand my overarching point: that for one to write well, one must first read well. I almost want to avoid making my conclusion long and rigorous. It has power as it is.
9/17- 20min. 9/18- 45min. 9/19- 1hr. 9/21-2hrs. Total: 4hrs 5min. 1%-46%
On my literacy narrative, I've hit a bit of an issue. I don't know what to do now. I'm happy with what I have, but I don't know how much more I can revise without completely tearing it apart and rebuilding it (and I really don't want to do that because I think it's pretty much good where it is.) If we have another draft to do, other than the final, I may just be stuck.
One suggestion in the writing group was to expand the ending more. I understand that my ending is somewhat abrupt, but I want to make it easy for the reader to connect the introduction, main body, and conclusion and understand my overarching point: that for one to write well, one must first read well. I almost want to avoid making my conclusion long and rigorous. It has power as it is.
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