Final Post (Late)

This semester was a difficult one for. I didn’t think I was going to have that much trouble in this class, but I was wrong. Honestly I’ve never really been that good at English. After freshman year, it just got more and more difficult for to hold onto a decent grade. I think the problem was the tests. I’ve always had trouble on tests and those reading and vocabulary tests really dropped my grade in the beginning of the school year. Then I realized that the vocabulary quizzes can be easy if I try a little harder. It worked! With the help of my mom, I aced my last two quizzes. The vocabulary quizzes are my favorite part of this class now because they help my grade a lot. Also, I love how you extended the time to get ready for the quiz, so I can study longer.

But there are also things that I REALLY need to improve in this class, such as my writing skills. Obviously, I am not the best at writing essays, so my scores are usually a little low. I did start going to tutoring and received extra assistance on my last essay, and because of that, I scored better than any other essay I’ve written. I do plan to continue asking for extra help when I need it. Next semester, I will definitely pay more attention to my work and study more on my tests.

The Rover

So we went to go see our drama students perform the Rover on Thursday and, to be honest, it was kind of interesting. I had no idea what it was about until I got to the auditorium. The day before I saw the play, one of my friends gave me her perspective of the play. She said it wasn’t worth the 5 dollars at all and that everyone was speaking in Shakespeare languageJ. I’m sure she was referring to Old English. We all know that Shakespeare did not create a language. Plus, William Shakespeare did not write this play. The Rover was written by Aphra Behn.

I think I enjoyed the play a little bit more than my friend did, even though it was difficult for me to understand what they were saying. I still somewhat understood what was going on in each scene. The play was basically about prostitutes and players. We still see situations like this in the world today. May favorite part was that “masquerade” party. The girls wore masks so the guys couldn’t figure out who they were. Then, if they knew that guy was the one, they would reveal their identity. It was a way to know the guys were right for them.

There were other scenes I enjoyed but that one just stood out the most. J

Done with Hamlet

Well, we are officially done reading Hamlet by William Shakespeare and I have to say that I didn't think it was as great as people make it seem. One of the possible reasons for that is because it was tragedy filled with people plotting revenge on one another. I’m used to seeing that situation in almost any movie or television show. But I guess I have to realize that it was more popular back in the Elizabethan Age. Another reason why I didn't really like is that I thought it was too sad. I thought the entire play was sad because people kept dying. Also, I had trouble following the play because of the old English language, like most people I’m sure. I've been told there were a few, not many, humorous parts, but I could never tell which part was supposed to be funny. If I didn't use the No Fear Shakespeare link on Spark notes  I would definitely have trouble working on assignments. I did learn something from Hamlet, though. After reading this play, I learned that revenge is not always the answer. Almost everyone in Hamlet was seeking revenge, including Hamlet. He accomplished his goal, but it cost the lives of the people he knew and loved as well as his own. Overall, Hamlet was a decent play to me, but it was not as interesting as I thought.

Hamlet and Ophelia

My blog post is a little bit early this week because I’m probably not going to be able to receive any internet connection to complete it. But I would to talk about my overall view on Hamlet so far. Hamlet is somewhat confusing to me. I mean, I understand that he is upset about the death of his father, King Hamlet, but there were so many unanswered questions inside my head. Most of those questions were answered in our class discussions. One of questions was about Hamlet and Ophelia and their overall relationship. During their conversation in Act III, Hamlet said that he used to love Ophelia and she believed him but then Hamlet said the she shouldn't have believed him because he didn't love her. I had no clue what that meant. One of my classmates said that it was the insane mood he was in that made him sound like he wasn't making any sense. I understood that because in Acts I & II, Hamlet was going completely insane because of his father’s death. So King’s Hamlet’s death might have affected the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia. They were probably happy and actually in love. Then when the king died, everything began to change, at least for Hamlet. His mood changed, he always wore black, and talked about complete nonsense. His father’s death has seriously gotten into his head.

Where I like to read

I don’t know if you know this, but I’m not the biggest fan of reading. I will read when I have to and I will read when I feel like it (which is very rare). Reading just hasn’t been my best friend lately. When I’m reading something that I actually like, which are certain drama and romance novels, there many places that I can read those novels. I like to read in my bedroom because I know I can have some privacy. I like to read in the car or on the plane when I’m traveling. I like to read in the locker room before I practice or play. As you can see I like to read pretty much anywhere, but I will anywhere because no matter where I am, I always picture myself in a peaceful place. The peaceful place only exists because of my music. That’s right! I have to listen to music when I study or even read. I feel like it helps me concentrate a little bit better. I can’t take the silence. I get distracted too easily when it’s quiet. You probably can’t tell in class but it’s true. It makes me uncomfortable.

I have to admit, though, that my reading interests have expanded more and more since my freshman year at Dunbar. That means that I have been reading more and that’s always a good thing.

Dicsussion Items #2

On Monday, we had day two of small group discussions over Oedipus Rex. I have to admit, though, that I did not like that play very much. It seemed like there was so much going on, but it was hard to handle it all because it seemed so short. Most of group agreed that it could’ve been a little longer. But maybe if we got a chance to actually watch the play, it would probably seem better because the director change alter certain scenes and put additional ones in.

One part I was confused on was why the mother, Jocasta, hung herself. After discussing it with my class mates, I realized that I missed the part when she found out that Oedipus, her husband, is also her son. She killed herself because of shame as well as guilt. I wouldn’t blame her though. I mean, how would feel you found out that you’ve been sleeping with your own son or daughter?

I also wondered why Oedipus blinded himself. One classmate said that he did it so he wouldn’t have to see the mess he has caused. Before he blinded himself, Oedipus was already blind (metaphorically). He did not want to see what trouble he has caused. He only saw what he wanted to see.

Discussion questions (late)

First of all I apologize for the late post. :) But anyways, we started doing small group discussions last class on our drama reading (Oedipus Rex). We had questions and comments that we wrote for homework to share with the class. Now to be honest, my questions were kind of general because I didn't really know if I was doing it right. But I did get them answered. Okay, so the first one wasn't really a question; more of a comment. I thought Oedipus was an arrogant person who was a little self-centered and full of pride. One classmate commented that he was just to say that he will kill the murderer of the previous king when the murder was really him. So what's going to happen when everyone finds out that Oedipus was the murder. I've never read or seen this story before so I'm really curious as to what happens next.
My next question was asking everyone what their opinion was on Kreon. One said that he was having to constantly defend himself for a crime did not commit. Also, everyone in my group pretty much agreed the Kreon would probably make a monarch than Oedipus, which is probably true because we know that or Oedipus doesn't really deserve that turbofan responsibility.
I can't really say anything about my last question because it never got answered. I didn't think it was a very good question anyways. I am looking forward to finding out how the play ends. Not sure why though because I'm not a big fan of Greek literature or theatre. But let's see what happens. :)

Help From Google

I’m pretty sure that all, if not, most of us have used Google or some kind of website to “help” us out with our reading. I mean tell me that you have used Google at least once on one of the books you've read. Exactly! After Reading Bob Garfield’s article, “Google, My Co-Author”, I've come to realize that even those who are more intelligent when it comes about literature than the average high school student use Google when needed. I’m not afraid to admit that I've used websites such as Google for books that I didn't really have time to read. It’s not always the best choice though and by that I mean it’s not always reliable. Garfield says that Google “… is utterly unselfconscious. It doesn't care what you think about who it knows and where it has been…” He’s right! When you look up something on Google, it usually gives you the general answer of whatever you’re looking for. Plus, it’s really tempting to just copy and paste whatever you’re looking for. But everyone knows that is plagiarism, which is illegal. That’s when Google becomes difficult to use. You may have found the information, but you still have to put that information in your own words.

Honestly I think everyone should read Garfield’s article because it is a very helpful and reliable source. 

2015 :)

So apparently by 2015, all textbooks will be electronic. That would really be a lifesaver. First of all, how many of us have ever forgotten one of our textbooks when we get to school? I know I have. I've done it multiple times. This would take away the stress of carrying books around all day. Plus, less back problems will occur because students aren't carrying books on their back. This would be great for middle school, high school and especially college students. What a relief!! I actually told my mom about this change and she was ecstatic! She totally agrees that it would be much easier and more suitable for this generation. The world basically revolves around technology nowadays. Although, there are some people who would probably think differently about this change. Sometimes, we have to realize that technology is not everyone's best friend. To be honest, I do think it would be a complete waste of time and money for those who are attend grade school. I don't think they would use this opportunity as well as those with higher education. But you never know. All I'm saying is that I am really excited about this new technology change. Maybe, if we're lucky, it will come sooner than 2015. But we'll just have to wait and see shall we?

Irony :/

The question I asked myself is: Do I really understand irony? Honestly, I would have to say I do understand, but at certain times. For example, now that I fully understand that verbal irony is pretty much the same as sarcasm, I feel that is the easiest type of irony to spot. I mean, almost everyone has seen or used sarcasm at least once. The same thing goes for situational irony. Once I’m able to see or read an example, it comes right to me. But then there are times when I have difficulty figuring out whether or not something would be considered irony, especially if it’s dramatic irony. I actually thought that dramatic irony and situational irony were the same thing. Boy was I wrong. Although I know I it’s not right, I still think that they are the same type of irony. So could someone help me out and explain the difference between them to me in a way that would be more beneficial for me? How do I know which is which? Can you give me examples? Anything you can think of would be mean a lot. Once I have a full understanding of humor and all types of irony, it might help me get another step closer to where I want to be with my writing.

Hills Like White Elephants

I actually enjoyed the story we read last, Hills Like White Elephants. I'm not entirely sure why but I thought it was very interesting. But like many of my classmates I'm sure, I did find it somewhat difficult to understand the material. It really didn't make much sense. I was late to class to class that day, but I did make it just in time to discuss the story and the clues and significance behind it (baby, embryo, abortion, "cut it out, etc.). I would have never guessed that the story had anything to do with babies and abortion. Surprisingly, that just made the story slightly better for me, even though it was already interesting in the first place.

The Lesson

So we covered theme a little bit in class today and I feel more comfortable with it. At first, I had trouble figuring out what theme was because I usually thought it would be a moral or lesson. But according to the six principles of theme, I need to avoid the words "morals", "advice", and "commands" when determining the theme. So I thought I'd share my theme statement for The Lesson. Most of us probably found numerous possible themes. There wasn't really a right or wrong answer. But here is my statement: "Some wealthy people like to brag about how much money they have and all things that they can purchase, which is not fair for those who aren't as fortunate and living in poverty". I thought of this statement because Mercedes was always talking about how much money her parents have and the nice stuff that she gets, such as stationary for her desk, while other students, like Junebug and Flyboy, don't even have a desk to do their homework.

Plot and Structure

After reading about plot and structure, I started focusing more on stories that I have read previously, including the Most Dangerous Game (TMDG). I found out that TMDG has a chronological structure. I learned who the protagonist was (Rainsford) and who his antagonists were (Whitney; General Zaroff). The story had emotional, mental, physical, as well as moral conflicts. The suspense was great because I didn't think about what would happen next, but the reasons why they made certain decisions as well. For example, when Rainsford had to make a decision on whether to stay on the island and be part of Zaroff's hunting game or try to leave and be killed immediately. He chose to play the game. So I started wondering what he would try to do to survive and beat Zaroff at his own game. But I was still pleased with the ending. I thought it fit the entire story well. But this is all my opinion and I know others will have their opinions as well. I'm just sharing my views. :)

The Most Dangerous Game/The Child By Tiger

After reading and discussing The Most Dangerous Game and The Child By Tiger, I've come to like The Most Dangerous game more. Both stories were in the middle of literary and commercial fiction but there was something about Most Dangerous game that kept me interested. The whole plot basically pulled me in. The Child by Tiger, on the other hand, had the same suspense to it, but it was just strange and creepy. But that's just my opinion.

High School Career

As I start the last year of my high school experience, I realize how much I've changed over there and not just academically, but physically and socially as well. Compared to freshman year, I've been doing a lot better in school overall. I think my study habits have gotten a lot better. I don't get distracted as much as I used to and I try my best to stay on top of all my work as much as possible. I'm paying attention a lot more in class now than I did freshman. I may have a some late or missing work every now and then, but I am determined to turn them in as soon as possible.I've gotten more in shape and as well. I feel like I've gotten faster and stronger than I have ever been before. I guess it's because reality has finally hit me and I realize that I have to work as hard as possible to be successful. I just need to keep reminding myself that this is not the end. It's actually the start of a whole new chapter of my life. I can't wait to find out what the future will bring.

Summer Reading :)

Hey everyone! I’m new to Blogger (obviously), so I thought I would write about how I felt about the two books I had to read over the summer for class. The two books I read were Salvage the Bones and Reservation Blues. My reaction to the titles weren’t very positive. I thought they would be really boring. But my mood changed as soon as I started reading Salvage the Bones first. It got more and more interesting as read. I could relate most of the event going on in the book to things that actually happen in society today. It was really enjoyable and I do plan on reading it again just for fun. Now Reservation Blues, on the other hand, was not as enjoyable for me to read. It was about these Spokane Indians that decided to form a band. Honestly, I feel like I lost interest when I found out that every chapter starts with the lyrics to one of the band’s songs. So it’s not the best book I’ve read, but it’s not the worst either. But I would recommend these novels to any young adult because everyone has their own unique taste in literature. Some might like them, while others would prefer to read something else.