1. What common event takes place in the lives of Hamelt, Fortinbras, and Laertes? How are the reactions of three similar? How does each cope differently in the the event?
All three of them have their father killed and all want revenge and to react. Hamlet just thinks and doesn't react right away, Fortinbras marches 20,000 troops into Poland to seek revenge and Laertes kills Hamlet in revenge.
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
He goes from thinking it would be better to live in confidence and knowing what your living in that to die and go to the unknown to thinking that there is nothing to live for and it is better to die. It makes me think about what is really important in life and what to live for.
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
Yes I believe so, because he is acting on his feelings and that is what Hamlet wants to do but can't.
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
Literal poisons have a huge impact because in the end that is ultimately how everyone dies. In a metaphorical sense you could say that Hamlet is poisoned throughout the story with everything that happened and also I think Gertrude is also poisoned because after she marries Claudius it ultimately leads to the downfall of the entire play.
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
Yes I think he does because he avenges his fathers death and I also think he deserves the funeral that he gets because he did what he did and it is what Fortinbras would have done.
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
I think Claudius, Laertes, Polonius, and Hamlet all bring their death upon themselves because they are all instigators in what happens to them and the main reason for what happened. I think Gertrude is the biggest victim because she drank the poison on accident. Ophelia is also a victim because she is didn't do anything to deserve it
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
Yes I did like the play a lot because there was many different levels of plot and it is very well played out and thought out.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Act 4 and 5 Hamlet study guide
1. What common event takes place in the lives of Hamelt, Fortinbras, and Laertes? How are the reactions of three similar? How does each cope differently in the the event?
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
2. How do Hamlet's views of death develop from the "To Be or Not To Be" soliloquy in Act III to his answers about the whereabouts of Polonius's body in Act IV to the graveyard in Act V sc i to his finals words in the last scene? What questions about the nature of life and death did the play make you think about?
3. Is Hamlet right to admire Fortinbras's actions in Act IV sc iv? Why or why?
4. What role do literal poisons have throughout the play? In a more abstract and metaphorical way, what and who else is 'poisoned' throughout the play?
5. Does Hamlet redeem himself at the end of the play? Does he deserve a soldier's funeral that Fortinbras gives him?
6. A lot of characters die in the play. Which characters bring their deaths upon themselves and which ones are mere victims of fate? Explain your answers.
7. Overall, did you like this play? Why or why not?
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hamlet Act 3 blog
1. Hamlet gives advice about acting to the Players before "The Mousetrap" in Act III sc i. Do you agree with the acting advice he gives? Who is your favorite actress/actor? Why?
Yes I do agree with him about his advice. Acting should be real and full of real emotion. My favorite actor is Will Smith because he can put so much emotion into his parts and really plays the parts he does well. He is also very smooth in delivery of lines which adds to the dramatic parts of the movie.
2. Do you think Hamlet crosses the line in how he acts toward Ophelia, R & G, and Queen i.e. rudely? Even though he's the hero of the story, do you like him as a character overall? Do his flaws make him a more compelling character? Why or why?
I think he is a very emotional character and is very blunt and up front with what he says. I don't think he crosses the line because of the situation he has been put in with the ghost and with his mother getting married so soon. Overall I think he is a very strong character and makes the play. His flaws make the story I think because he then can go on rants and do things that make the story better.
3. Claudius evidently feels guilt during Act III sc iii; however, he finds difficult to ask for forgiveness. Why is this so? Is there any any way Claudius can be redeemed?
Because he doesn't actually feel that guilty about it and still just thinks about himself and saving himself. I don't think there is any chance of Claudius redeeming himself in anyway, especially in Hamlet's eyes.
4. Hamlet's fatal flaw in the inability to act, and his tendency to overanalyze situations. Think of other films/books you've viewed. What's one of the characters flaws? Do you think Hamlet can overcome his flaw by the end of the play?
In the movie Liar Liar Jim Carey can not tell a lie which in a lot of cases is a flaw. I think Hamlet will overcome his flaws after what needs to be done is done, so in the end i guess you could say that he will never overcome them because what he does is with him forever.
5. Was the Ghost actually in the room with the Queen or was he just imagining it? Why or why not?
I think he was imagining it because the Queen could not see it.
Yes I do agree with him about his advice. Acting should be real and full of real emotion. My favorite actor is Will Smith because he can put so much emotion into his parts and really plays the parts he does well. He is also very smooth in delivery of lines which adds to the dramatic parts of the movie.
2. Do you think Hamlet crosses the line in how he acts toward Ophelia, R & G, and Queen i.e. rudely? Even though he's the hero of the story, do you like him as a character overall? Do his flaws make him a more compelling character? Why or why?
I think he is a very emotional character and is very blunt and up front with what he says. I don't think he crosses the line because of the situation he has been put in with the ghost and with his mother getting married so soon. Overall I think he is a very strong character and makes the play. His flaws make the story I think because he then can go on rants and do things that make the story better.
3. Claudius evidently feels guilt during Act III sc iii; however, he finds difficult to ask for forgiveness. Why is this so? Is there any any way Claudius can be redeemed?
Because he doesn't actually feel that guilty about it and still just thinks about himself and saving himself. I don't think there is any chance of Claudius redeeming himself in anyway, especially in Hamlet's eyes.
4. Hamlet's fatal flaw in the inability to act, and his tendency to overanalyze situations. Think of other films/books you've viewed. What's one of the characters flaws? Do you think Hamlet can overcome his flaw by the end of the play?
In the movie Liar Liar Jim Carey can not tell a lie which in a lot of cases is a flaw. I think Hamlet will overcome his flaws after what needs to be done is done, so in the end i guess you could say that he will never overcome them because what he does is with him forever.
5. Was the Ghost actually in the room with the Queen or was he just imagining it? Why or why not?
I think he was imagining it because the Queen could not see it.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hamlet Act 2 blog
1. Based on what he does during Act II, how would you characterize Polonius?
He is a scheming person who thinks he knows why everything is happening the way it is. He feels like he is in control because he supposedly knows why Hamlet is acting the way he is.
2. During his conversations with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act II Sc ii, Hamlet describes his perceptions of reality? In your own words, describe Hamlet's worldview? Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why?
Hamlet is a pessimist person who views the world as a horribly painful and meaningless place but he remains there because he knows what is in this world and after that he does not know what it like. The fear of the unknown is worse than the world he knows now. Optimist, I feel like I look for the good in things and always find a way to look at things in a bright light.
3. Is Polonius justified in how he plans to use Ophelia to find more about Hamlet?
I think it would be a good idea if Ophelia agreed to the plan and they told her what was going on just because they shouldn't just use her or her feelings like that to find out what they want to know.
4. At this point in the play, do you think Hamlet is really crazy or his he pretending to be insane? How does Hamlet act differently when he's around people and when he's giving soliloquies by himself i.e. end of Act II?
I think that he is rouge in a sense, he is crazy, but with reason and on purpose. He has seen a ghost and the ghost told him to seek revenge. Hamlet acts crazily around people who matter and who he is seeking revenge on and will make an impact on those people too. By himself he is very reflective and rational about his thoughts about what he is trying to do and why.
5. Why do you think Hamlet's so attracted to the theater/acting? Why do you think he uses the play as a way to test his theory? Is Hamlet right be angry at himself for not acting on the ghost's words? Why?
Because he himself is a very good actor. He is also attracted to it because it is something he can control and understands very well. Because he can do it without anyone other than himself and Claudius knowing. I think that he shouldn't be angry with himself because he still has control over the situation and can act on the ghost's words any time he wants to.
6. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrong for spying on Hamlet? Why or why not? How do you think Hamlet feels after they admit they were sent for by the Queen and King?
I think that they are not wrong because they are trying to help their friend in finding out what is wrong with him. Hamlet probably felt somewhat betrayed but the fact that R&G didn't lie to him and did end up telling Hamlet they were sent by the King and Queen would make him feel like they were really there for him and not for the King and Queen.
He is a scheming person who thinks he knows why everything is happening the way it is. He feels like he is in control because he supposedly knows why Hamlet is acting the way he is.
2. During his conversations with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Act II Sc ii, Hamlet describes his perceptions of reality? In your own words, describe Hamlet's worldview? Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why?
Hamlet is a pessimist person who views the world as a horribly painful and meaningless place but he remains there because he knows what is in this world and after that he does not know what it like. The fear of the unknown is worse than the world he knows now. Optimist, I feel like I look for the good in things and always find a way to look at things in a bright light.
3. Is Polonius justified in how he plans to use Ophelia to find more about Hamlet?
I think it would be a good idea if Ophelia agreed to the plan and they told her what was going on just because they shouldn't just use her or her feelings like that to find out what they want to know.
4. At this point in the play, do you think Hamlet is really crazy or his he pretending to be insane? How does Hamlet act differently when he's around people and when he's giving soliloquies by himself i.e. end of Act II?
I think that he is rouge in a sense, he is crazy, but with reason and on purpose. He has seen a ghost and the ghost told him to seek revenge. Hamlet acts crazily around people who matter and who he is seeking revenge on and will make an impact on those people too. By himself he is very reflective and rational about his thoughts about what he is trying to do and why.
5. Why do you think Hamlet's so attracted to the theater/acting? Why do you think he uses the play as a way to test his theory? Is Hamlet right be angry at himself for not acting on the ghost's words? Why?
Because he himself is a very good actor. He is also attracted to it because it is something he can control and understands very well. Because he can do it without anyone other than himself and Claudius knowing. I think that he shouldn't be angry with himself because he still has control over the situation and can act on the ghost's words any time he wants to.
6. Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern wrong for spying on Hamlet? Why or why not? How do you think Hamlet feels after they admit they were sent for by the Queen and King?
I think that they are not wrong because they are trying to help their friend in finding out what is wrong with him. Hamlet probably felt somewhat betrayed but the fact that R&G didn't lie to him and did end up telling Hamlet they were sent by the King and Queen would make him feel like they were really there for him and not for the King and Queen.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hamlet Act 1 blog
1. Pick a passage from Act I of Hamlet. Write it down. Practice citing it (Ham.Act.Scene.Line Numbers). Why did you pick this passage? What do you think it's trying to say?
"Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well.
I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come.
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Through all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes." (Hamlet, Act 1 Scene II, 273-277)
I picked this passage because it is a good quote looking into how Hamlet really feels and what he thinks of the situation. It is a good resemblance of what may come of the play and what events will happen. Its trying to say that his revenge and his father's name will be redeemed in time if he just waits now.
2. The ghost in Hamlet plays a crucial role in setting events in motion? Are you a Horatio(skeptic of ghosts) or a Marcellus(believer in ghosts)? Why or why not?
I believe that there are angels which would mean there has to be ghost. I have not seen one ever but I do believe that in the right place at the right time there are spirits and "ghosts". I believe this because i believe in angels and for angels to be true ghosts as well have to be.
3. We get to know characters via a variety of channels: what they do, what they say, what they think, how they're described, and what others say/think about them. Do a character analysis of one of the following characters: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude Find a specific passage for each of the following.
What They Say/Think:He doesn't believe in the ghost but after he sees it he feels that they should tell Hamlet and be loyal to him.
Passage:"Before my God, I might not this believe
without the sensible and true avouch
of mine own eyes."
What They Do:Horatio tells Hamlet of what he has seen and is loyal to him and believes in letting Hamlet know.
Passage:"Season our admiration for a while
with an attent ear, till I may deliver
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you."
How They're Described:He is described as a non believer until he witnesses it with his own eyes and he is a loyal person to Hamlet the king's son.
Passage:"Hail to your lordship!"
What Other Characters Say/Think About Them:Hamlet believes Horatio and listens to him. He wants to go see the ghost.
Passsage:"I will watch tonight.
Perchance 'twill walk again." Hamlet
Based on all of the textual evidence, what is your overall opinion about this character?
My opinion of Horatio is that he is a very logical person who is loyal and honest. He doesn't try to keep things from people and is trustworthy and loyal to his king's son.
4. Put yourself in Hamlet's position, what would would do with the news from the ghost? Do you trust the ghost's word or do you need better evidence? Would you tell anyone else what the ghost said to you or would you keep it a secret?
I would believe what the ghost said but I would hold off for a while until the ghost came to me and told me exactly what to do. I wouldn't tell anyone of that happening and would keep it to myself.
"Your loves, as mine to you. Farewell.
My father's spirit in arms! All is not well.
I doubt some foul play. Would the night were come.
Till then sit still, my soul. Foul deeds will rise,
Through all the earth o'erwhelm them, to men's eyes." (Hamlet, Act 1 Scene II, 273-277)
I picked this passage because it is a good quote looking into how Hamlet really feels and what he thinks of the situation. It is a good resemblance of what may come of the play and what events will happen. Its trying to say that his revenge and his father's name will be redeemed in time if he just waits now.
2. The ghost in Hamlet plays a crucial role in setting events in motion? Are you a Horatio(skeptic of ghosts) or a Marcellus(believer in ghosts)? Why or why not?
I believe that there are angels which would mean there has to be ghost. I have not seen one ever but I do believe that in the right place at the right time there are spirits and "ghosts". I believe this because i believe in angels and for angels to be true ghosts as well have to be.
3. We get to know characters via a variety of channels: what they do, what they say, what they think, how they're described, and what others say/think about them. Do a character analysis of one of the following characters: Hamlet, Claudius, Horatio, Gertrude Find a specific passage for each of the following.
What They Say/Think:He doesn't believe in the ghost but after he sees it he feels that they should tell Hamlet and be loyal to him.
Passage:"Before my God, I might not this believe
without the sensible and true avouch
of mine own eyes."
What They Do:Horatio tells Hamlet of what he has seen and is loyal to him and believes in letting Hamlet know.
Passage:"Season our admiration for a while
with an attent ear, till I may deliver
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you."
How They're Described:He is described as a non believer until he witnesses it with his own eyes and he is a loyal person to Hamlet the king's son.
Passage:"Hail to your lordship!"
What Other Characters Say/Think About Them:Hamlet believes Horatio and listens to him. He wants to go see the ghost.
Passsage:"I will watch tonight.
Perchance 'twill walk again." Hamlet
Based on all of the textual evidence, what is your overall opinion about this character?
My opinion of Horatio is that he is a very logical person who is loyal and honest. He doesn't try to keep things from people and is trustworthy and loyal to his king's son.
4. Put yourself in Hamlet's position, what would would do with the news from the ghost? Do you trust the ghost's word or do you need better evidence? Would you tell anyone else what the ghost said to you or would you keep it a secret?
I would believe what the ghost said but I would hold off for a while until the ghost came to me and told me exactly what to do. I wouldn't tell anyone of that happening and would keep it to myself.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Hamlet prediscussion questions
1. Is revenge sometimes the right approach in dealing with someone that has wronged you? Why or why not?
I feel that revenge is a way for people to vent their feelings if they have been wronged. I feel that revenge will not fix what has happened or do anything more that just keep the wrongdoing going. On the other hand it is a way to vent and possibly get over and through the problem.
2. Is it better to think before you act or act before you think? Why?
I think that depends on the situation. There are times when you need to just react and not think about what you are doing and then there are times where it requires a lot of time and thought because it could be a life-altering decision.
3. Is there one singular reality, or do each of create our own realities through our perceptions and attitudes?
I think reality and truth are both perceived differently by each single person. I feel that reality is based on personal experiences and what you believe to be true. It is also to an extent based on what your morals are because that is how you live your life and obviously how you live your life you are going to believe is reality and truth.
4. What are the qualities of a good friendship? Is it ever okay to spy on a friend if you are concerned about them?
I feel that trust, dependability and honesty are three of the biggest foundations of a friendship. I feel that you should look out for the best interests of your friend but spying on them is invading their personal space and I don't think that doing that for the fact of looking out for them is right.
5. Should parents let their children make their own mistakes and let them learn from it, or should they keep a close eye on them?
I think is crucial that kids make their own mistakes and learn from them because the best way to learn is to experience those times and mistakes. I think parents should watch out for their kids and make sure they are on the right path but as for the mistakes, I feel that to experience them is the best way to learn from them.
6. Should children always be supportive of parents if they decide to remarry after their spouse’s death or divorce?
I think that it would be hard for a child to accept someone else as their father or mother if thats not who they grew up with or if its not what they want. I think that its up to the child about how they feel with it and what they do and if they accept it. I also feel that its the parents choice if they want to remarry or not, but I think that the child should have his or her own opinion about it.
7. Is there ever a time when grieving process goes too far?
I don't think you can mourn or grieve a death or a loss for too long. To a point you will always grieve a great loss like losing your mother or father because as you go through life you will always want them and have a need for them and miss them. Over little insignificant things though yes I believe that someone can grieve and mourn for too long.
I feel that revenge is a way for people to vent their feelings if they have been wronged. I feel that revenge will not fix what has happened or do anything more that just keep the wrongdoing going. On the other hand it is a way to vent and possibly get over and through the problem.
2. Is it better to think before you act or act before you think? Why?
I think that depends on the situation. There are times when you need to just react and not think about what you are doing and then there are times where it requires a lot of time and thought because it could be a life-altering decision.
3. Is there one singular reality, or do each of create our own realities through our perceptions and attitudes?
I think reality and truth are both perceived differently by each single person. I feel that reality is based on personal experiences and what you believe to be true. It is also to an extent based on what your morals are because that is how you live your life and obviously how you live your life you are going to believe is reality and truth.
4. What are the qualities of a good friendship? Is it ever okay to spy on a friend if you are concerned about them?
I feel that trust, dependability and honesty are three of the biggest foundations of a friendship. I feel that you should look out for the best interests of your friend but spying on them is invading their personal space and I don't think that doing that for the fact of looking out for them is right.
5. Should parents let their children make their own mistakes and let them learn from it, or should they keep a close eye on them?
I think is crucial that kids make their own mistakes and learn from them because the best way to learn is to experience those times and mistakes. I think parents should watch out for their kids and make sure they are on the right path but as for the mistakes, I feel that to experience them is the best way to learn from them.
6. Should children always be supportive of parents if they decide to remarry after their spouse’s death or divorce?
I think that it would be hard for a child to accept someone else as their father or mother if thats not who they grew up with or if its not what they want. I think that its up to the child about how they feel with it and what they do and if they accept it. I also feel that its the parents choice if they want to remarry or not, but I think that the child should have his or her own opinion about it.
7. Is there ever a time when grieving process goes too far?
I don't think you can mourn or grieve a death or a loss for too long. To a point you will always grieve a great loss like losing your mother or father because as you go through life you will always want them and have a need for them and miss them. Over little insignificant things though yes I believe that someone can grieve and mourn for too long.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Matrix questions #2
1. The character of Cypher makes a decision that returning to the Matrix and living in its alternative reality instead of being fully conscious of the reality. This goes against the decision made by the released prisoner from the Cave. Why do you think Cypher decided to go back to the Matrix instead of living fully aware? Is his reasoning valid? Is ignorance bliss? Why?
I think Cypher decided to go back to the alternate reality because his will to fight for control of the real world back was weak and he was easily persuaded. I think with his personal feelings he is in the realm of valid reasoning, but he shouldn't of have betrayed the people who fought to give him the chance to see real life. I think that it is up to a persons morals and beliefs as to if ignorance is bliss. If a person can live without knowing the truth and reality then yes to them ignorance is bliss but to other people, people like me, who need and want to know the truth and reality then no ignorance is not bliss.
2. Neo is prophecized to be the one by Morpheus. Does Neo seem to accept this high profile role? What other character from literature you've read seems to be placed in this hero/savior role by others?
Neo I think as the movie goes on is realizing his potential and how me might actually be the one to defeat the machines. I think that Neo is learning and fulfilling that role. Jesus in the bible I feel is paralleled by the matrix and Neo.
3. Humans are described by humans as a disease, imperfect, for a perfected technological program, yet the machine is viewed as the enemy/evil even though its reason and logic is supposed unflawed. What would the world be like if everyone was perfect and logical? What are other examples in movies and books where technology becomes the enemy/evil?
If everything and everyone in the world was perfect the why would we learn? We would never be able to experience failure and learn how to better ourselves and society. Another movie where technology over takes the human race is i-robot.
I think Cypher decided to go back to the alternate reality because his will to fight for control of the real world back was weak and he was easily persuaded. I think with his personal feelings he is in the realm of valid reasoning, but he shouldn't of have betrayed the people who fought to give him the chance to see real life. I think that it is up to a persons morals and beliefs as to if ignorance is bliss. If a person can live without knowing the truth and reality then yes to them ignorance is bliss but to other people, people like me, who need and want to know the truth and reality then no ignorance is not bliss.
2. Neo is prophecized to be the one by Morpheus. Does Neo seem to accept this high profile role? What other character from literature you've read seems to be placed in this hero/savior role by others?
Neo I think as the movie goes on is realizing his potential and how me might actually be the one to defeat the machines. I think that Neo is learning and fulfilling that role. Jesus in the bible I feel is paralleled by the matrix and Neo.
3. Humans are described by humans as a disease, imperfect, for a perfected technological program, yet the machine is viewed as the enemy/evil even though its reason and logic is supposed unflawed. What would the world be like if everyone was perfect and logical? What are other examples in movies and books where technology becomes the enemy/evil?
If everything and everyone in the world was perfect the why would we learn? We would never be able to experience failure and learn how to better ourselves and society. Another movie where technology over takes the human race is i-robot.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Matrix questions
1. Explain how Neo's experience in and out of the Matrix parallels the Allegory of the Cave. Be specific using examples from each text.
Neo and everyone else in the world it like the four men chained to a wall in the face is we believe what we see. Neo is like the man who got cut free and shown the real world when they brought him in and took him out of the matrix and showed him the real world. At this point in time Neo is still learning and experiencing the real world like the man who got cut free before he will understand completely everything.
2. Morpheus poses the question, "what is real? how do you define real?" We're going to read literature that poses that very question. What tools and indicator do we use to define and describe the world around us? Is reality a definite concept measurable and quantifiable, or is it a fluid concept defined by perceptions? Why?
Usually people perceive real things by what they can feel emotionally or physically, what they can see with their own eyes and what is proven to work and be real. We describe life and reality by what we have determined to be things that can be proven or seen or touched. But, reality I feel is a fluid concept that is defined by peoples perceptions and thoughts and experiences. People feel think things are real because they have been able to experience those ideas and things and have physically encountered it. Other things are just thought to be and accepted as real because they have been proven, but these things may not be reality because as technology advances and we can more in depth experiment with ideas accepted facts can and will be challenged and possibly changed as it has been in the past.
3. The Matrix is part of the science-fiction genre, and while we may not be controlled by technology in the literal sense as The Matrix describes, does our current society in 2008 parallel the the world of The Matrix in certain ways? Has technology actually the lessened the quality of life in some ways? Why or why not?
I feel that technology has advanced our society by leaps and bounds and we wouldn't be where we are not without it. I feel that it has been and intricate part in our lives and very practical and important. On the other hand i don't think we should make everything we do able to be done with technology. I still feel that manual labor and man power is one of the most important parts of a society. So no I don't think technology has lessened the quality of life I actually think that it has vastly improved it but technology can only help and improve to a point.
Neo and everyone else in the world it like the four men chained to a wall in the face is we believe what we see. Neo is like the man who got cut free and shown the real world when they brought him in and took him out of the matrix and showed him the real world. At this point in time Neo is still learning and experiencing the real world like the man who got cut free before he will understand completely everything.
2. Morpheus poses the question, "what is real? how do you define real?" We're going to read literature that poses that very question. What tools and indicator do we use to define and describe the world around us? Is reality a definite concept measurable and quantifiable, or is it a fluid concept defined by perceptions? Why?
Usually people perceive real things by what they can feel emotionally or physically, what they can see with their own eyes and what is proven to work and be real. We describe life and reality by what we have determined to be things that can be proven or seen or touched. But, reality I feel is a fluid concept that is defined by peoples perceptions and thoughts and experiences. People feel think things are real because they have been able to experience those ideas and things and have physically encountered it. Other things are just thought to be and accepted as real because they have been proven, but these things may not be reality because as technology advances and we can more in depth experiment with ideas accepted facts can and will be challenged and possibly changed as it has been in the past.
3. The Matrix is part of the science-fiction genre, and while we may not be controlled by technology in the literal sense as The Matrix describes, does our current society in 2008 parallel the the world of The Matrix in certain ways? Has technology actually the lessened the quality of life in some ways? Why or why not?
I feel that technology has advanced our society by leaps and bounds and we wouldn't be where we are not without it. I feel that it has been and intricate part in our lives and very practical and important. On the other hand i don't think we should make everything we do able to be done with technology. I still feel that manual labor and man power is one of the most important parts of a society. So no I don't think technology has lessened the quality of life I actually think that it has vastly improved it but technology can only help and improve to a point.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The cave
1. Summarize what the allegory is about in your own paragraph
This allegory is about coming out what of you have known forever and understanding new things and the way things really work even if they are contradictory to what you feel and have known for all your life. It also shows how someone can be criticized for feeling or understanding certain things if they are against or contradict the normal or the way things are thought to be. Another part to this allegory is learning and understanding new things may have to completely change your understanding of everything.
2. What do you think Socrates is trying to say about the nature of reality/truth?
The nature of reality and truth can sometimes be completely contradictory to each other depending on the circumstances of your upbringing. If you have lived and been taught things are a certain way and they are truths if you come to realize that the reality is that they are not truths and the way things are it will take understanding and time and learning to adapt.
3. How does this allegory relate to the learning process and education in general?
It shows that things will not always be the way you first understand them to be and that truths sometimes take a lot of understanding and comprehending and experience to understand. Things may not become evident instantly to some people just because of their background and how they were raised.
4. Think about our modern day technological society; how does this allegory written thousands of years ago connect to our culture?
It shows that things may not always be as they appear or have appeared to you for as long as you may have lived. You have to experience things to fully comprehend or understand how they work or what the truths are about them. To learn is to experience and try truths and learn about what you don't know already.
This allegory is about coming out what of you have known forever and understanding new things and the way things really work even if they are contradictory to what you feel and have known for all your life. It also shows how someone can be criticized for feeling or understanding certain things if they are against or contradict the normal or the way things are thought to be. Another part to this allegory is learning and understanding new things may have to completely change your understanding of everything.
2. What do you think Socrates is trying to say about the nature of reality/truth?
The nature of reality and truth can sometimes be completely contradictory to each other depending on the circumstances of your upbringing. If you have lived and been taught things are a certain way and they are truths if you come to realize that the reality is that they are not truths and the way things are it will take understanding and time and learning to adapt.
3. How does this allegory relate to the learning process and education in general?
It shows that things will not always be the way you first understand them to be and that truths sometimes take a lot of understanding and comprehending and experience to understand. Things may not become evident instantly to some people just because of their background and how they were raised.
4. Think about our modern day technological society; how does this allegory written thousands of years ago connect to our culture?
It shows that things may not always be as they appear or have appeared to you for as long as you may have lived. You have to experience things to fully comprehend or understand how they work or what the truths are about them. To learn is to experience and try truths and learn about what you don't know already.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Delayed Adverbs practice 2
Practice 2: Unscrambling to Imitate
In the model and the scrambled list, identify the delayed adverb. Next, unscramble and write out the sentence parts to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify and delayed adverb.
Model: As I watched him, he seemed to adjust himself a little, visibly
--F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
c, b, a, d
c. When she told him, she tried to excuse herself a bit, lamely
Own Sentence: As it happened, the boy tried to move on a little carelessly, stumbling
Practice 3: Combining to Imitate
In the model identify the delayed adverbs. Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any delayed adverbs.
Model: The cars traveled Reynolds Streets, slowly and evenly.
--Annie Dillard, An American Childhood
a. The girl crossed Washington Avenue, confidently and purposefully.
a,b,c,d
Own Sentence: The man sat at Grand Central Station, patiently and eagerly.
Practice 4: Imitating
Identify the delayed adverbs in the models and sample imitations. Then write an imitation of each model sentence, one sentence part at a time.
1. Still winder, Smith sat up, slowly,
--Robert Ludlum, The Moscow Vector
Sample: Almost finished, Peter speed up triumphantly.
Own Sentence: After the win, the team celebrated, crazily.
2. We explored the streams, quietly, where the turtles slid off the sunny logs and dug their way into the soft lake bottom.
--E.B. White "Once More to the Lake"
Sample: We walked the streets, dreamily, where the sun set in the crystal sky and melted its way over the inky black skyscrapers.
Own Sentence: The woman studied the book, engagingly, when it came to the part where they revealed the murderer.
3. He was clambering, heavily, among the creepers and broken trunks, when a bird, a vision of red and yellow, flashed upwards with a witch-like cry.
--William Golding, Lord of the Flies
Sample: She was running, desperately, between the road the railroad track, after a car, her hope for escape and rescue, passed by with an oblivious driver.
Own Sentence: The basketball player fell to the ground, helplessly, hitting the floor, like a ton of bricks, screaming in agony.
In the model and the scrambled list, identify the delayed adverb. Next, unscramble and write out the sentence parts to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify and delayed adverb.
Model: As I watched him, he seemed to adjust himself a little, visibly
--F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
c, b, a, d
c. When she told him, she tried to excuse herself a bit, lamely
Own Sentence: As it happened, the boy tried to move on a little carelessly, stumbling
Practice 3: Combining to Imitate
In the model identify the delayed adverbs. Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any delayed adverbs.
Model: The cars traveled Reynolds Streets, slowly and evenly.
--Annie Dillard, An American Childhood
a. The girl crossed Washington Avenue, confidently and purposefully.
a,b,c,d
Own Sentence: The man sat at Grand Central Station, patiently and eagerly.
Practice 4: Imitating
Identify the delayed adverbs in the models and sample imitations. Then write an imitation of each model sentence, one sentence part at a time.
1. Still winder, Smith sat up, slowly,
--Robert Ludlum, The Moscow Vector
Sample: Almost finished, Peter speed up triumphantly.
Own Sentence: After the win, the team celebrated, crazily.
2. We explored the streams, quietly, where the turtles slid off the sunny logs and dug their way into the soft lake bottom.
--E.B. White "Once More to the Lake"
Sample: We walked the streets, dreamily, where the sun set in the crystal sky and melted its way over the inky black skyscrapers.
Own Sentence: The woman studied the book, engagingly, when it came to the part where they revealed the murderer.
3. He was clambering, heavily, among the creepers and broken trunks, when a bird, a vision of red and yellow, flashed upwards with a witch-like cry.
--William Golding, Lord of the Flies
Sample: She was running, desperately, between the road the railroad track, after a car, her hope for escape and rescue, passed by with an oblivious driver.
Own Sentence: The basketball player fell to the ground, helplessly, hitting the floor, like a ton of bricks, screaming in agony.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Opening Adverbs
Practice 2: Unscrambling to Imitate- In the model and the scramblist, identify the opening adverb. Next, unscramble a write out the sentence parts to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify the opening adverb.
Model: Suddenly, Alfred, who had heard the fight from the across the street, attacked from the rear with his favorite weapon, an indoor ball bat.
John Steinbeck, Cannery Row
d,c,b,a,e
Afterward, Jasmine, who had read the novel for over two hours, sat up in the bed with her nightly snack, a mini Oreo cookie.
Own Sentence: Before, the team, who had prepared for weeks, opened their football season with a win, over their rivals.
Practice 3: Combining to Imitate
In the model, identify the opening adverb. Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any opening adverbs.
Model: Outside, the doctor's car was surrounded by the boy while Finny was being lifted inside by Phil Latham.
John Knowles, A Separate Peace
Inside, Laura was being tutored by their teacher while younger children were involved with games.
Own Imitation Sentence: Outside, the runners ran with their coach next to the field where the football players practiced.
Practice 4: Imitating
Identify the opening adverbs in the model and then write your own example.
1. Here, relatives swarmed like termites.
--Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety
Own Imitation: Before the test, the students crammed like crazy.
2. Slowly, methodically, miserably, she ate the jellied bread.
Toni Morrison, Beloved
Own Imitation: Agonizingly, dreadfully, mournfully, we walked to the funeral.
3. Very slowly and very carefully, Harry got to his feet and set off again as fast as he could without making too much noise, hurrying through the darkness back toward Hogwarts.
--J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Own Imitation: Very throughly and very methodically, the instructor checked over the project , before he finally gave the student an A.
Model: Suddenly, Alfred, who had heard the fight from the across the street, attacked from the rear with his favorite weapon, an indoor ball bat.
John Steinbeck, Cannery Row
d,c,b,a,e
Afterward, Jasmine, who had read the novel for over two hours, sat up in the bed with her nightly snack, a mini Oreo cookie.
Own Sentence: Before, the team, who had prepared for weeks, opened their football season with a win, over their rivals.
Practice 3: Combining to Imitate
In the model, identify the opening adverb. Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any opening adverbs.
Model: Outside, the doctor's car was surrounded by the boy while Finny was being lifted inside by Phil Latham.
John Knowles, A Separate Peace
Inside, Laura was being tutored by their teacher while younger children were involved with games.
Own Imitation Sentence: Outside, the runners ran with their coach next to the field where the football players practiced.
Practice 4: Imitating
Identify the opening adverbs in the model and then write your own example.
1. Here, relatives swarmed like termites.
--Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety
Own Imitation: Before the test, the students crammed like crazy.
2. Slowly, methodically, miserably, she ate the jellied bread.
Toni Morrison, Beloved
Own Imitation: Agonizingly, dreadfully, mournfully, we walked to the funeral.
3. Very slowly and very carefully, Harry got to his feet and set off again as fast as he could without making too much noise, hurrying through the darkness back toward Hogwarts.
--J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Own Imitation: Very throughly and very methodically, the instructor checked over the project , before he finally gave the student an A.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Argumentative Paragraph
We read two very different stories; The Knight's Tale and The Miller's Tale. Yet in both stories we read the deadly sins of lust and greed were present. I will tell you how these two stories, yet very different, both included these two factors. In The Knight's Tale two willful knights fight for the love and hand of one fair lady named Emily. This shows lust in the fact that they didn't know anymore about Emily than how she looked. Greed is shown in by the way how Arcita and Palamon go about getting her, Artica wants to win the war that has precipitated between them and Palamon just wants her regardless. The king came up with the idea of this war when he came upon the two of them in the forest he said,
"That each of you shall follow his own quest,
Free of all ransom or of fear of me;
And this day, fifty weeks hence, both shall be
Here once again, each with a hundred knights,
Armed for the lists, who stoutly for your rights
Will ready to battle, to maintain
Your claim to love." pg 49 lines 810-816
Then there is The Miller's Tale which shows greed and lust in a less honorable light. There is a woman who has a husband but is not faithful to him. This wife, very superficial, shows greed in that she wants more than just her husband and is unfaithful to him which also shows lust. There is a carpenter, he husband, an astrologer, and a priest who all fall for this fair young lady. The astrologer is the sliest of the pursuers makes a heinous story to get to the carpenters wife. He says there is a major flood to come and that only the three of them will be saved he says,
"Your wife and you must hang apart, that in
The night shall come no chance for you to sin
Either in looking or in carnal deed.
These orders I have told you, go, God speed!
Tomorrow night, when all men are asleep,
Into our kneading-tubs will we three creep..." pg 81 lines 403-408
In these two very different stories we see how both lust and greed are present. Although there are some similarities it shows how there very different people about how they go about getting things and committing these deadly sins in these two stories.
"That each of you shall follow his own quest,
Free of all ransom or of fear of me;
And this day, fifty weeks hence, both shall be
Here once again, each with a hundred knights,
Armed for the lists, who stoutly for your rights
Will ready to battle, to maintain
Your claim to love." pg 49 lines 810-816
Then there is The Miller's Tale which shows greed and lust in a less honorable light. There is a woman who has a husband but is not faithful to him. This wife, very superficial, shows greed in that she wants more than just her husband and is unfaithful to him which also shows lust. There is a carpenter, he husband, an astrologer, and a priest who all fall for this fair young lady. The astrologer is the sliest of the pursuers makes a heinous story to get to the carpenters wife. He says there is a major flood to come and that only the three of them will be saved he says,
"Your wife and you must hang apart, that in
The night shall come no chance for you to sin
Either in looking or in carnal deed.
These orders I have told you, go, God speed!
Tomorrow night, when all men are asleep,
Into our kneading-tubs will we three creep..." pg 81 lines 403-408
In these two very different stories we see how both lust and greed are present. Although there are some similarities it shows how there very different people about how they go about getting things and committing these deadly sins in these two stories.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Delayed Adjectives 2
Directions: Identify the delayed adjectives in the models and sample imitations. Then write an imitation of each model sentence, one sentence part at a time.
1. Dumpster diving is outdoor work, often surprisingly pleasant.
--Lars Eighner, "On Dumpster Diving"
Being an all-state athlete is a very tough task to accomplish, although it is very prestigious.
Sample: Doing homework is necessary discipline, sometimes incredibly helpful.
2. The baby's eyes were the shape of watermelon seeds, very black and cut very precisely into her small, solemn face.
--Anne Tyler, Digging to America
The man's large stature, very intimidating, was the biggest I've ever seen.
Sample: The unspoken pain was the weight of river rocks ,very heavy and embedded most certainly into her aching body.
3. I shivered as he tossed the feathered corpse of the dead chicken, limp as a cloth, into the back of the truck.
--Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams
He knew everything there was to know about his trade, wise as a sen say, he taught me all I know.
Sample: I stared as he threw the battered ball from the garbage can, smelly as a foot, into the field of the pitcher.
He hadn't showered in days because of the camping trip, caked with dirt, he came rolling into town.
Practice 5: Expanding
The delayed adjectives are omitted at the caret mark (^) in the following sentences. For each caret, adda delayed adjective or adjective phrase, bleding your content and style wit the rest of the sentence.
1. The man topple to one side, crumpled against the railing, agonizing in pain.
--Robert Ludlum, The Prometheus Deception
2. The spiders like of their sides, small and cold, their legs drying in knots.
--Annie Dillard, "Death of a Moth"
3. He was twenty-six, dark haired tall, muscular, well-mannered, and successful.
--John Steinbeck, Cannery Row
1. Dumpster diving is outdoor work, often surprisingly pleasant.
--Lars Eighner, "On Dumpster Diving"
Being an all-state athlete is a very tough task to accomplish, although it is very prestigious.
Sample: Doing homework is necessary discipline, sometimes incredibly helpful.
2. The baby's eyes were the shape of watermelon seeds, very black and cut very precisely into her small, solemn face.
--Anne Tyler, Digging to America
The man's large stature, very intimidating, was the biggest I've ever seen.
Sample: The unspoken pain was the weight of river rocks ,very heavy and embedded most certainly into her aching body.
3. I shivered as he tossed the feathered corpse of the dead chicken, limp as a cloth, into the back of the truck.
--Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams
He knew everything there was to know about his trade, wise as a sen say, he taught me all I know.
Sample: I stared as he threw the battered ball from the garbage can, smelly as a foot, into the field of the pitcher.
He hadn't showered in days because of the camping trip, caked with dirt, he came rolling into town.
Practice 5: Expanding
The delayed adjectives are omitted at the caret mark (^) in the following sentences. For each caret, adda delayed adjective or adjective phrase, bleding your content and style wit the rest of the sentence.
1. The man topple to one side, crumpled against the railing, agonizing in pain.
--Robert Ludlum, The Prometheus Deception
2. The spiders like of their sides, small and cold, their legs drying in knots.
--Annie Dillard, "Death of a Moth"
3. He was twenty-six, dark haired tall, muscular, well-mannered, and successful.
--John Steinbeck, Cannery Row
Friday, October 10, 2008
Delayed Adjectives
Practice 1: Matching
Match the delayed adjectives with the sentences. Write out each sentences, inserting and underlining the delayed adjectives
1. Milk, sticky and sour on her dress, attracted every small flying thing from gnats to grasshoppers.
Toni Morrison, Beloved
2. It seemed dreadful to see the great beast lying there in agony, powerless to move yet powerless to die.
George Orwell, "Shooting an Elephant"
3. The water in this pool has a dark clarity, like smoked glass, transparent but obscure.
Edward Abbey, "Aravaipa Canyon"
4. Picture poor old Alfy coming home from football practice every evening, bruised and aching agonizingly tired, scarcely able to shovel the mashed potatoes into his mouth.
Paul Roberts, Understanding English
5. I am an enthusiastic laudress, capable of sorting a hamper full of clothes into five subtly differentiated piles, but a terrible house keeper.
Nancy Mairs, Plaintext
Practice 2: Unscrambling to Imitate
In the model and the scrambled list, identify the delayed adjectives. Next, unscramble and write out the sentence parts of imitate the model. Finally write your own imitation of the model and identify the delayed adjectives.
Model: They ate like men, ravenous and intent
Toni Morrison, Beloved
a. They sang like angels, sweet and pure.
Own Sentence: They played like champions, flawless and unified.
Practice 3: Combining to Imitate- In the model, identify the delayed adjective, Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any delayed adjectives.
Model: He forgot that his Lesser Warders were watching, afraid to interfere.
--Stephen King, The Eyes of the Dragon
a. She knew how her sisters, happy to help, were feeling.
Own Sentence: They knew what the other team would do, bring the heat.
Match the delayed adjectives with the sentences. Write out each sentences, inserting and underlining the delayed adjectives
1. Milk, sticky and sour on her dress, attracted every small flying thing from gnats to grasshoppers.
Toni Morrison, Beloved
2. It seemed dreadful to see the great beast lying there in agony, powerless to move yet powerless to die.
George Orwell, "Shooting an Elephant"
3. The water in this pool has a dark clarity, like smoked glass, transparent but obscure.
Edward Abbey, "Aravaipa Canyon"
4. Picture poor old Alfy coming home from football practice every evening, bruised and aching agonizingly tired, scarcely able to shovel the mashed potatoes into his mouth.
Paul Roberts, Understanding English
5. I am an enthusiastic laudress, capable of sorting a hamper full of clothes into five subtly differentiated piles, but a terrible house keeper.
Nancy Mairs, Plaintext
Practice 2: Unscrambling to Imitate
In the model and the scrambled list, identify the delayed adjectives. Next, unscramble and write out the sentence parts of imitate the model. Finally write your own imitation of the model and identify the delayed adjectives.
Model: They ate like men, ravenous and intent
Toni Morrison, Beloved
a. They sang like angels, sweet and pure.
Own Sentence: They played like champions, flawless and unified.
Practice 3: Combining to Imitate- In the model, identify the delayed adjective, Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any delayed adjectives.
Model: He forgot that his Lesser Warders were watching, afraid to interfere.
--Stephen King, The Eyes of the Dragon
a. She knew how her sisters, happy to help, were feeling.
Own Sentence: They knew what the other team would do, bring the heat.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Grammar Girl Topic
I learned a lot about punctuation questions. There is a big difference between indirect and direct questions, indirect questions get periods while direct questions get question marks. For example if you said "I wonder why he went to the store." you would use a period because it is an indirect question. Add on questions to the end of sentences also all get question marks. For example say someone said,"How many people will be here? ten people? twenty people? 50 people?" they all get question marks. Tag questions are tags you add on the end of a sentence that make the whole thing a question. Examples of these are: "did you?", "Am I?", and others. With quotations sometimes it is difficult to decide where to put the question mark. If the whole sentence is a question then put it outside the quotations, but if just the quotation is a question you put it inside. Polite requests like "Can you please hand me the salt." actually get a . instead of a ? because it is more of a demand than a question. In an outburst where you don't know weather to use a ? or a ! you have to decide whether its more of a question or an outburst to determine the correct punctuation.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sentence composing #5
Practice 3: Combining to Imitate
In the model, identify the opening adjectives. Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any opening adjectives.
Model: Dark, velvety, the beauty of his mustache was enhanced by his strong clean-shaven chin.
--Toni Morrison, Beloved
a. His cautionary steps were slow.
b. His cautionary steps were weary.
c. His cautionary were caused by something.
d. The cause was the surrounding overexcited horses.
Weary, slow, his cautionary steps were caused by the surrounding overexcited horses.
--Strong, defined, the power lifters muscles bulged when he lifted the winning weight.
Practice 4: Imitating
1. Identify the opening adjectives in the models and sample imitations. Then write an imitation of each model sentences, one sentence part at a time. Read one of your imitations to see if your classmates can guess which model you imitated.
Models:
1. Wordless, we split up.
--Annie Dillard, An American Childhood
Sample: Wet, the napkin fell apart
-Soft, the cookie melted in my mouth.
2. Cold, dark, and windowless, it stretched the length of the house.
--Jessamyn West, "The Child's Day"
Sample: Hot, humid, and muggy, the weather exhausted the stamina of the bikers.
Exhausted, powerless, and faint, the marathon runner collapsed at the end of the race.
3. Afraid that we might hunt for a cheaper apartment for the next two weeks and find nothing better than this one, we took it
Sample: Happy that we would escape to a lovely beach for the upcoming one month and have nothing but good time, we left home.
-Scared that the cops might catch him in the next month in that city and arrest him, he left town.
Practice 5: Expanding
The opening adjectives are omitted at the caret mark(^) in the following sentences. For each caret, add an opening adjective or adjective phrase, plending your content and style with the rest of the sentence.
1. ^Optionless, I began climbing the ladder's rungs, slightly reassured by having Finny right behind me.
--John Knowles, A Seperate Peace
2. ^Freezing and ^weary, he wandered about the many tents, only to find that one place as cold as another.
--Jack London, "To Build a Fire"
3. ^Bright and ^knowledge hungry my limited reading helped me to know something of a world beyond the four walls of my study.
Christy Brown, My Left Foot
In the model, identify the opening adjectives. Next, combine the list of sentences to imitate the model. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify any opening adjectives.
Model: Dark, velvety, the beauty of his mustache was enhanced by his strong clean-shaven chin.
--Toni Morrison, Beloved
a. His cautionary steps were slow.
b. His cautionary steps were weary.
c. His cautionary were caused by something.
d. The cause was the surrounding overexcited horses.
Weary, slow, his cautionary steps were caused by the surrounding overexcited horses.
--Strong, defined, the power lifters muscles bulged when he lifted the winning weight.
Practice 4: Imitating
1. Identify the opening adjectives in the models and sample imitations. Then write an imitation of each model sentences, one sentence part at a time. Read one of your imitations to see if your classmates can guess which model you imitated.
Models:
1. Wordless, we split up.
--Annie Dillard, An American Childhood
Sample: Wet, the napkin fell apart
-Soft, the cookie melted in my mouth.
2. Cold, dark, and windowless, it stretched the length of the house.
--Jessamyn West, "The Child's Day"
Sample: Hot, humid, and muggy, the weather exhausted the stamina of the bikers.
Exhausted, powerless, and faint, the marathon runner collapsed at the end of the race.
3. Afraid that we might hunt for a cheaper apartment for the next two weeks and find nothing better than this one, we took it
Sample: Happy that we would escape to a lovely beach for the upcoming one month and have nothing but good time, we left home.
-Scared that the cops might catch him in the next month in that city and arrest him, he left town.
Practice 5: Expanding
The opening adjectives are omitted at the caret mark(^) in the following sentences. For each caret, add an opening adjective or adjective phrase, plending your content and style with the rest of the sentence.
1. ^Optionless, I began climbing the ladder's rungs, slightly reassured by having Finny right behind me.
--John Knowles, A Seperate Peace
2. ^Freezing and ^weary, he wandered about the many tents, only to find that one place as cold as another.
--Jack London, "To Build a Fire"
3. ^Bright and ^knowledge hungry my limited reading helped me to know something of a world beyond the four walls of my study.
Christy Brown, My Left Foot
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Beowulf argument
Pride was both Beowulf's downfall but also it was what made him as famous as he was. Beowulf was a man who was very boastful and had a lot of pride in himself, like in the book when he was talking of his swimming race with Brecca and he said he easily could have won if not for him having to stop and kill all the monsters of the deep ocean. This shows how prideful and boastful he was, but in reality he had all the reason to be because he actually did save a lot of frentic people's lives and killed a lot of monsters that no one else could have. Beowulf had the strength of 30 men, no one could match that. When he fought with Grendel and won that was another reason for him to be boastful. When he jumped in the lake to travel to the bottom to rid the Dane's of Grendel's mom he was successful, which gave him yet another reason to be boastful and have a lot of pride in himself. He had never been challenged in his life this is also probably the main cause of his downfall with the dragon. When Beowulf was old and past his prime he went to fight the dragon and save his people once more. He had never been beaten or even challenged so why not? In his prideful state though he underestimated the dragon and needed help. When Wiglaf came to his side they together defeated the dragon but Beowulf didn't let Wiglaf fight he just used his sword which led to the dragon killing Beowulf in the end. Yes I believe his pride was his downfall but also it was who he was and what made him him. Beowulf was the greatest fighter/defender in the land, why wouldn't he have been proud and boastful of it. Beowulf's aptitude was far beyond every other warriors of this time and he could back up everything he was boastful about, he was a willful hero of that era.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sentences compsing #4
Practice 1: Matching
Directions: Match opening adjectives with the sentences. Write out each sentence inserting the opening adjectives
Opening Adjectives
A. Alive
B. Hot and justy and over-wearied
C. Lonesome
D. Able to move now
E. Frantic, never turning my head-- because the water buffalo had started his charged
Sentences
1. ^, I wanted to run away and be gone from his strange place.
--Keith Donahue, The Stolen Child
D. Able to move now
2. ^, I felt behind me, my hand pleading with the rifle
--Theodore Waldeck, "Certain, Sudden Death"
E. Frantic, never turning my head-- because the water buffalo had started his charged
3. ^, the elephant was worth at least a hundred pounds, but dead, we would only be worth the value of his tusks, five pounds, possibly
--George Orwell "Shooting an Elephant:
A-Alive
4. ^, he rocked his own body back and forth, breath deeply to release the remembered pain.
--Lois Lowry, The Giver
C-Lonesome
5. ^, he came to our door and eases his heavy pack and asked for refreshment, and Devola brought him a pail of water from our spring.
--Bill and Vera Cleaver, Where the Lilies Bloom
B. Hot and justy and over-wearied
Practice Two: Unscrambling to Imitate
Directions: In the model and the scrambled list, A. identify the opening adjective. B. Next, unscramble and write out the sentence part to imitate the model. C. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify the opening adjective.
Model: Speechless, Bryson scanned the small living room, frantically.
--Robert Ludium, The Prometheus Deception
d. uncomfortable,
c. Kendra
b. spotted the soft inviting sofa,
a. hopefully.
My own---- Dazed, Nick looked for a place to sit and gather his wits, perplexedly.
Directions: Match opening adjectives with the sentences. Write out each sentence inserting the opening adjectives
Opening Adjectives
A. Alive
B. Hot and justy and over-wearied
C. Lonesome
D. Able to move now
E. Frantic, never turning my head-- because the water buffalo had started his charged
Sentences
1. ^, I wanted to run away and be gone from his strange place.
--Keith Donahue, The Stolen Child
D. Able to move now
2. ^, I felt behind me, my hand pleading with the rifle
--Theodore Waldeck, "Certain, Sudden Death"
E. Frantic, never turning my head-- because the water buffalo had started his charged
3. ^, the elephant was worth at least a hundred pounds, but dead, we would only be worth the value of his tusks, five pounds, possibly
--George Orwell "Shooting an Elephant:
A-Alive
4. ^, he rocked his own body back and forth, breath deeply to release the remembered pain.
--Lois Lowry, The Giver
C-Lonesome
5. ^, he came to our door and eases his heavy pack and asked for refreshment, and Devola brought him a pail of water from our spring.
--Bill and Vera Cleaver, Where the Lilies Bloom
B. Hot and justy and over-wearied
Practice Two: Unscrambling to Imitate
Directions: In the model and the scrambled list, A. identify the opening adjective. B. Next, unscramble and write out the sentence part to imitate the model. C. Finally, write your own imitation of the model and identify the opening adjective.
Model: Speechless, Bryson scanned the small living room, frantically.
--Robert Ludium, The Prometheus Deception
d. uncomfortable,
c. Kendra
b. spotted the soft inviting sofa,
a. hopefully.
My own---- Dazed, Nick looked for a place to sit and gather his wits, perplexedly.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sentences compsing #3
Directions: 1. Combine the following sentences to create a sentences that has the same order of sentences parts of the model. 2. Then write your own imitation of the model.
1. Model: Twisting and punching and kicking, the two boys rolled across the floor.
--Lois Duncan, A Gift of Magic
a. The winning team was laughing and yelling and celebrating.
b. The team cavorted.
c. The cavorting was inside the locker room.
Laughing and yelling and celebrating the winning team cavorted in the locker room.
Laughing and yelling and celebrating the winning team cavorted in the locker room.
Own Sentence: Spinning and twirling and blowing, the twister tore up the town.
2. Model: He fell back exhausted, his ankle pounding.
--Raplh Ellison, "Flying Home"
a. She raced fast.
b. She was determined.
c. Her lungs her bursting
She determinedly raced fast, her lungs were busting.
She determinedly raced fast, her lungs were busting.
Own Sentence They whooped victoriously, their team won.
3. Model: Alone, Tom looked around the room and knew that he was a stranger here.
--Hal Borland, When the Legends Die
a. Clark was afraid.
b. Clark walked down the alley.
c. Clark hoped something.
d. Clark hoped that he was alone there.
Afraid, Clark walked down the alley and hoped he was alone there.
Afraid, Clark walked down the alley and hoped he was alone there.
Own Sentence Determined, The team walked on the field and knew they would win.
4. Model: The room was empty , a silent world of sinks, drain boards, and lock cupboards.
--Frank Bonham, Chief
a. The arena was full.
b. The area was a huge cavern.
c. It was filled with fans.
d. It was filled with bright lights.
e. And it was filled with exciting music.
The arena was full, a huge cavern filled with fans, bright lights, and exciting music.
The arena was full, a huge cavern filled with fans, bright lights, and exciting music.
Own Sentence The stadium was packed, a huge fan club filled with screaming fans, huge signs, and talented players.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sentences compsing #2
Directions: Unscramble the sentence parts to imitate the model. Then write your own imitation of the model (You are creating your own sentence using the same structure as the model)- Topic Idea: Anglo-Saxons or Old English
1. Model: Dumpster diving is outdoor work, often surprisingly pleasant.
--Lars Eighner, "On Dumpster Diving"
c. mall strolling
b. is recreational activity,
a.sometimes quite costly
--Playing sports is hard work, but always rewarding.
2. Model: Near the car, idling in front of the mortuary, was a huge Oldsmobile.
--Stephen King, Hearts in Atlantis
b. behind the pool,
c. zigzagging in back of the cabana,
a. was a skittering gecko
--In front of the house, sneaking his way in, was a thief.
3. Model: Above the field and pastures, the mountains were just becoming visible as the morning fog burned away.
--Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain
c. after the cartoons and previews,
d. the kids
a. were just becoming interested
a. were just becoming interested
b. when the fire alarm sounded
--After the bad call, the fans were getting angrier until the game ended
--After the bad call, the fans were getting angrier until the game ended
4. Model: In the shallows, the dark, water-soaked sticks and twigs, smooth and old, were undulating the clusters on the bottom against the clean ribbed sand.
--E.B. White, "Once More to the Lake"
d. on that aisle,
e. the tempting, brightly colored candies and lifesavers,
a. sweet and tasty,
e. the tempting, brightly colored candies and lifesavers,
a. sweet and tasty,
b. were beckoning to children
c. in their kiddie seats within their mom's grocery carts
--In the lights, the tired, sweat soaked teams, that have worked so hard, both wanted to win.
--In the lights, the tired, sweat soaked teams, that have worked so hard, both wanted to win.
After examining background information about the Anglo-Saxon period and Old English, write a paragraph comparing and contrasting Anglo-Saxon culture and/or Old English language with the culture you live in today. Are they completely alien of each other or are there interesting similarities?
-I believe that today compared to the Angl0-Saxon period all aspects of everyday life have become easier and more cleanly. I feel with today's advances in technology have helped to improve life expectancy and helped to just improve life all around. Today people still have to work to put food on the table but not in the same sense as in the Anglo-Saxon period. I feel that there still are some similarities too. Then and today people still have to work hard for what they have in most cases. In both cultures we make best with what we have as well.
-I believe that today compared to the Angl0-Saxon period all aspects of everyday life have become easier and more cleanly. I feel with today's advances in technology have helped to improve life expectancy and helped to just improve life all around. Today people still have to work to put food on the table but not in the same sense as in the Anglo-Saxon period. I feel that there still are some similarities too. Then and today people still have to work hard for what they have in most cases. In both cultures we make best with what we have as well.
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