ESSAYS BY LYDIA
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009
Lydia's Last Essay
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
26 May, 2009
My Dear, Dear Friend:
An Essay on a Poem and Pine Point
It is difficult to describe what it feels like to see a friend after a long time apart. You may feel excitement, happiness, affection, or sentiment (tetracolon). William Wordsworth feels all of these when he visits his old friend after five years, but instead of about a person, he feels them about Tintern Abbey. Wordsworth is clearly sentimental about this place in his poem “Tintern Abbey,” and this isanalogous (FAST) how I would feel if I were to return to Pine Point after five long years.
It is clear that William Wordsworth feels a lot of sentiment and fondness toward Tintern Abbey. One instance in which he shows this is in his repetition of the word “again.” He states, “again I hear these waters,” and, “once again I see these hedge-rows,” showing the word’s importance (participle closer). Wordsworth is remembering how it felt to be in this place and everything that has happened to him in and around the Abbey. Wordsworth also shows his love for the place by calling it, “[his] dearest friend, [his] dear, dear, friend.” Clearly, Wordsworth looks at the Abbey not as a building, but as a companion. Likewise, what he remembers of his experiences there are more meaningful, like a memory you would share with a friend. Finally, Wordsworth refers to the Abbey as his “anchor,” which indicates the solidarity of the place. The Abbey is like a constant and is something he can count on to always be there. No matter what is going on, he can go to the Abbey and reflect. William Wordsworth shows an obvious love for the place in his poem “Tintern Abbey.”
If I am to return to Pine Point after five years of absence, there is no doubt that I, like Wordsworth, will have missed it. Throughout the years to come, I will undeniably be thinking about the school and my past experiences. I will “oft[en], in spirit, […] turn[…] to [Pine Point],” and like Wordsworth, treat it as a friend. Walking these halls once more, echoes of past experiences and memories of the school will resurface and make me wish to return. However, as much as I may feel sentimental toward this place in which I have grown up, I will need to be reminded that “that time is past.” No matter how much I wish I could go back five years, I cannot, and this will not be the case five years from now. By the time I am twenty years old, the memories of Pine Point will seem like a distant, happy time, and I know I will wish I could do it all again. Upon my return to Pine Point, I am certain I will have mixed, but mostly sentimental, feelings.
Though my time at Pine Point is almost past, I know it will always be a home to me. Much like William Wordsworth’s sanctuary, Pine Point has been a safe place for me, and will continue to be in years to come. I can only hope that, like Wordsworth, I will have the chance to come back to this place: “my dear, dear friend.”
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Self-assessment:
1. One of my main issues that I have is that I occasionally don't proofread very well. In this essay, I made a point to read through the entire essay carefully to eliminate careless mistakes.
2. My favorite thing about this essay was my use of quotes. I feel that all of my quotes are relevant and fit in well with the essay.
3. One weakness I see in this essay is my first body paragraph. I am afraid that I may have been a little repetitive in the first chunk.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
Lydia's Essay 20
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
May 22, 2009
A Life Changing Occurance:
An Essay on a Passage, a Stone, and My Life
In this passage by Rainer Maria Rilke, two sentences in particular stood out. Rilke states that life is transformation, and “for this, he is in the right who encounters everything as something that will not return.” This means that we should take advantage of everything that comes our way- love it, learn it, experience it, appreciate it (tetracolon climax and asyndeton)- because you never know when something will disappear. We should make the most of the present before it slips away. In the beginning of this passage, Rilke says that “life is transformation,” and that all aspects of life change. Your very existence is constantly shifting and manipulating (FAST) itself into something different, whether it is for better or for worse. These alterations can easily go unnoticed, but they are nonetheless important. In his somewhat Buddhist philosophies, Rilke expresses many essential pieces of wisdom in life.
Unlike life, a stone never changes. Stone is ancient; every stone you see has come from the monstrous rocks formed billions of years ago (loose sentence). The elements may erode this sturdy form into smaller boulders and rock, but the material itself is always the same. A piece of gravel you pick up from the ground may be millions of years old, but because of its unchanged appearance, you would never know. The same goes for this garden stone, and yet, it contradicts itself. Stone does change, breaking and crumbling and being compressed to form another stone(participle as sentence closer). It’s slate gray color telling the story of its past, this garden stone was cut to become something new, transforming it (appositive as sentence opener). The material itself never changes, but the stone is always changing (antithesis).
In this passage, Rilke says that “he is in the right who encounters everything as something that will not return,” a philosophy I try to remember every day. One goal I have for myself is that I will be able to look back on my life without regrets. I know that this is difficult to accomplish and I will inevitably regret something, but I want to endeavor (FAST) to live every moment as if it were my last. I would like to look back on the messes I have gotten myself into and know that although they got me in trouble, they were worth it. Recently, I came to the realization that our class will never be a class again. Although this thought scares me, it has reminded me that our time together is limited and that we should appreciate every opportunity we get. We should make our last few weeks at Pine Point the best and take full advantage of each other’s company. Every time we remark on how we are sick of Pine Point, we should remember to appreciate it while it lasts, because we won’t get a second chance.
You may never know how things might have been, but why wonder when you could experience it for yourself? If you take advantage of every situation, you will never be able to look back on your life with “what if’s.” These decisions can change everything, contributing to the swirling and stirring of the concoction that is our lives. Even something as simple as a garden stone has gone through the shifting process because, as Rilke states, “life is transformation.”
MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009
Lydia's Essay 19
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
11 May, 2009
A Painful Goodbye:
An Essay on Two Poems, Parting, and My Life
In the poem “My Life Closed Twice,” by Emily Dickinson, the concept of parting is discussed particularly in the last two lines. The poem says, “parting is all we know of heaven, / and all we need of hell.” When you are in a theoretical hell, all you want is to get away from it. Parting from this ghastly state of mind is “all [you] need of hell.” But when everything is going well and you find yourself in “heaven,” you may never want to leave. This perfect place, this nirvana is all you have ever wanted. However, it is inevitable that you will have to leave this paradise and come back to the real world, a change that will not go unnoticed. This parting is all we notice of heaven, and it is this very severance(FAST) that we crave from hell.
Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem is all about one word, which happens to be the name of the poem: “Adios.” As many people know, “adios” means “goodbye” in Spanish. We often associate this word with parting or saying goodbye to someone. In Ms. Nye’s poem about the word “adios,” she is saying that all the feelings of parting can be summed up in one five-letter word. About two-thirds of the way into the poem, Ms. Nye tells us to “think of things that disappear.” Ms. Nye is referring to a person who left, saying they would return, but they never did. Someone who promised to come back and to pick up where they left off, but they never did. They disappeared, never to be seen again.
All year, I have feared the “parting” of our class, some of my best friends. When I think of the history we have with each other, it seems impossible that anyone could understand our bonds. As first graders, we were oblivious to the separation that lay before us, running around the playground, chatting happily about baby-bottle pops and pretzel sticks, and arguing over whose turn it was to use the space trolleys (Loose Sentence). Now, as middle schoolers, we race to touch our noses as a way to avoid cleaning the lunch table, throw together last-minute skits for language classes, and traipse (FAST) down the hallways, completely aware of the fact that we are indeed the rulers of the school. Next year, all this will change. We will of course have new friends to laugh and talk with, but the friendships will not be the same. We will have no one to reminisce with, no one to plot ridiculous student government campaigns with, and no one to joke with about how funny it would be if we stole the boys’ pants. I am dreading the day I have to say goodbye to the class of 2009 and leave Pine Point for good. I know I will have a blast next year at my new school, but my memories of Pine Point will always be tainted with some sadness. Our class, so strong and accepting, will never be one unit again (Periodic Sentence). There can be no doubt that after parting, the bonds of our class will not be the same.
Perhaps parting does not have to be something sad. We can learn to take it in our stride and use it to make us stronger while still staying in touch with the ones we have left. In the coming years, I hope to stay close with the class of 2009, even after we have gone our separate ways. Our class is one of the closest, and we cannot let ourselves grow farther apart as a result of our new schools next year. We cannot and will not let our bonds break.
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-Special Tools-
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Self Assessment:
1. I like the purposeful repetition I used in this essay. I think it helped the writing to flow and to more clearly define the chunks. I also thought my FAST words were particularly good.
2. I didn't do a great job with the transitions. It was difficult for me to decide what qualified as a transitional phrase, and because of this, I think I may have missed a few.
Grade: B+
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009
Lydia's Essay 18
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
30 April 2009
A Kind Word:
An Essay on a Poem, a Short Story, and Kindness
You don’t often hear the words sorrow and kindness in the same sentence. These words are almost always used separately as they mean such different things. But in Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem, “Kindness,” she talks about both of these words, conveying them as closely intertwined concepts that go hand in hand. Her ideas about these two words also relate to “Winter’s Dreams,” a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and to my own life.
Despite the title, Naomi Shihab Nye talks more about sorrow than she does about kindness. She describes the fact that in order to know and appreciate kindness, you must first endure the barren wasteland of sorrow. This gives you perspective about your situation and teaches you to recognize the value of a compassionate(SAT word) action. When you know how bad things can be, you will appreciate a sympathetic gesture that much more. Another subject that Nye discusses is the relation between kindness and sorrow.She describes sorrow as “the other deepest thing” besides kindness, which more clearly defines the relation between the two, classifying them as opposites yet still showing their similarities(loose sentence). Nye thinks of these two polar opposites to be tightly linked in that sorrow often leads to kindness. Although not many other people would make these connections, Ms. Nye depicts them well in her poem, “Kindness.”
I found many similarities between “Winter’s Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “Kindness” by Naomi Shihab Nye. A line that caught my attention from the poem was when Nye said that to know kindness, you must lose things and “feel the future dissolve in a moment.” This must have been how Dexter felt when Judy left him. Dexter loved her and thought they had a future together, but when she left, it was as if he had “seen her fade away before his eyes,” leaving him with nothing (loose sentence). After Judy had gone, the memory of what could have been haunted Dexter throughout his mundane(SAT word) life. Nye writes that kindness “goes with you everywhere,” much like the memory of Judy did after she left Dexter. Dexter, now an empty, reclusive(SAT word) man(appositive), will always remember the woman with whom he came so close just to lose it all. Though Nye writes about kindness and Fitzgerald writes of a catastrophic love story, their ideas in these works of writing are very closely correlated.
In my life, I see kindness every day. One occasion during which I was treated with kindness was last year, on a bus ride, when I was sitting with Wiley Markham. Wiley and I had always been friendly with each other, but had never talked one on one that often. However, on that bus ride, Wiley talked and laughed with me as if we were best friends, and I will always remember that as the moment I really became friends with him. Even small, kind acts like this one can be meaningful in someone’s life. Whenever I see someone hold a door or help someone carry something, I think about the fact that they did not have to help. No one asked them to lend a hand, but out of kindness, they realized that it was the right thing to do. We may not always realize the compassion people show when they perform these small deeds, but it can make a difference in someone’s day, week, even life.
A kind act is not always recognized, appreciated, commended, or even noticed(tetracolon). And yet, this is what makes them so noble: the fact that even if no one thanks you, you can feel good about it. Silently leading your peers to be better people, you can take solace in the thought that you did something good today. If everyone did something kind every day, imagine what a better place the world would be.
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
30 April 2009
A Kind Word:
An Essay on a Poem, a Short Story, and Kindness
You don’t often hear the words sorrow and kindness in the same sentence. These words are almost always used separately as they mean such different things. But in Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem, “Kindness,” she talks about both of these words, conveying them as closely intertwined concepts that go hand in hand. Her ideas about these two words also relate to “Winter’s Dreams,” a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and to my own life.
Despite the title, Naomi Shihab Nye talks more about sorrow than she does about kindness. She describes the fact that in order to know and appreciate kindness, you must first endure the barren wasteland of sorrow. This gives you perspective about your situation and teaches you to recognize the value of a compassionate(SAT word) action. When you know how bad things can be, you will appreciate a sympathetic gesture that much more. Another subject that Nye discusses is the relation between kindness and sorrow.She describes sorrow as “the other deepest thing” besides kindness, which more clearly defines the relation between the two, classifying them as opposites yet still showing their similarities(loose sentence). Nye thinks of these two polar opposites to be tightly linked in that sorrow often leads to kindness. Although not many other people would make these connections, Ms. Nye depicts them well in her poem, “Kindness.”
I found many similarities between “Winter’s Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “Kindness” by Naomi Shihab Nye. A line that caught my attention from the poem was when Nye said that to know kindness, you must lose things and “feel the future dissolve in a moment.” This must have been how Dexter felt when Judy left him. Dexter loved her and thought they had a future together, but when she left, it was as if he had “seen her fade away before his eyes,” leaving him with nothing (loose sentence). After Judy had gone, the memory of what could have been haunted Dexter throughout his mundane(SAT word) life. Nye writes that kindness “goes with you everywhere,” much like the memory of Judy did after she left Dexter. Dexter, now an empty, reclusive(SAT word) man(appositive), will always remember the woman with whom he came so close just to lose it all. Though Nye writes about kindness and Fitzgerald writes of a catastrophic love story, their ideas in these works of writing are very closely correlated.
In my life, I see kindness every day. One occasion during which I was treated with kindness was last year, on a bus ride, when I was sitting with Wiley Markham. Wiley and I had always been friendly with each other, but had never talked one on one that often. However, on that bus ride, Wiley talked and laughed with me as if we were best friends, and I will always remember that as the moment I really became friends with him. Even small, kind acts like this one can be meaningful in someone’s life. Whenever I see someone hold a door or help someone carry something, I think about the fact that they did not have to help. No one asked them to lend a hand, but out of kindness, they realized that it was the right thing to do. We may not always realize the compassion people show when they perform these small deeds, but it can make a difference in someone’s day, week, even life.
A kind act is not always recognized, appreciated, commended, or even noticed(tetracolon). And yet, this is what makes them so noble: the fact that even if no one thanks you, you can feel good about it. Silently leading your peers to be better people, you can take solace in the thought that you did something good today. If everyone did something kind every day, imagine what a better place the world would be.
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009
Lydia's Essay 17
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
April 26, 2009
1. If I were cleaning my room right now, I would find a wide assortment of objects: journals, boxes of little treasures, hats, even old t-shirts. 2. If you saw all these commodities, you may think it was just a random collection, but the one thing they all have is sentimental value. 3. Some people find sentiment in objects and souvenirs while others find it in a memory, but wherever it may be found, the feelings are strong, powerful. 4. Some, like Emily Dickinson in her poem “I’m Nobody,” do not feel much of this, but others, such as Naomi Shihab Nye in her poem “The Traveling Onion” and Laura in “The Garden Party,” are exceptionally sentimental.
TS: In “The Traveling Onion” by Naomi Shihab Nye, there is a great amount of underlying sentiment hidden among her words. SD: In the first stanza of the poem, Nye offers a description of the onion. CM: Most people would see it as just an onion with nothing particularly remarkable about it, but she talks about it so lovingly that it makes one wonder. CM: Perhaps something happened to her involving an onion and now whenever she sees one, she feels sentimental toward that memory. SD: Nye goes on to say that “it is right that tears fall for something small and forgotten.” CM: The initial reaction to this statement is the fact that onions make people’s eyes water, but maybe she was going for something more meaningful than this. CM: Perhaps she is saying that an onion deserves for people to feel sentimental toward it. CS: It may be subtle(SAT word), but Ms. Nye seems to be determined to vouch for the onion’s right to be felt for.
TS: Nye’s poem is very sentimental, but while reading “I’m Nobody” by Emily Dickinson, I didn’t feel this at all. SD: If I were to define “sentimental,” I would say that being sentimental about something means having strong feelings about something that happened in the past. CM: This would usually be used to look back on something with fond memories, not negative thoughts. CM: I would use sentimental to describe someone’s thoughts about something meaningful. SD: For these reasons, I see no sentiment in “I’m Nobody.” CM: The poem is so short, simple, fresh, as if two people are meeting for the first time(asyndeton). CM: There is no baggage to weigh this poem down; it is light and clean with no memories to look back on. CS: Like a new friendship, there is nothing to reflect lovingly upon, only a blank future for them to fill.
TS: Unlike “I’m Nobody” by Emily Dickinson, the feeling in these passages from “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield was almost tangible. SD: In the first passage, Laura was trying to show her emotions to Jose, being almost too sentimental for a man she did not know(participle). CM: Of course, as Jose said(appositive), you cannot try to stop the world for every death that occurs, but it seemed that Laura did not know when to let go. CM: She cared a little too much, for eventually, Jose had to tell her that “you [can’t] bring a drunken workman back to life by being sentimental.” SD: The second passage contained a different kind of sentiment: Em, the dead man’s wife, mourning for her lost husband(appositive). CM:Having just lost a spouse, a soul mate, and a best friend,(participle, purposeful repetition) there is no way she wasn’t thinking about him. CM: In her grief, she was looking back on the memories she made with him, being sentimental to his memory. CS: The way Katherine Mansfield writes, it is as if you can feel every twinge of emotion passing through the characters’ minds.
1. Some days, I find myself sitting on the floor, sifting through boxes, photos and old memories. 2. These are the times when I feel most sentimental. 3. And though I have to look back on the sorrow and adversity(SAT word) along with the happiness, I am glad I can feel these strong emotions that show me that I am alive. 4. Sentiment is a powerful thing; it may not be able to bring a man back to life, but it can come close.
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
April 26, 2009
Cleaning My Room:
An Essay on Two Poems, a Short Story, and a Word
TS: In “The Traveling Onion” by Naomi Shihab Nye, there is a great amount of underlying sentiment hidden among her words. SD: In the first stanza of the poem, Nye offers a description of the onion. CM: Most people would see it as just an onion with nothing particularly remarkable about it, but she talks about it so lovingly that it makes one wonder. CM: Perhaps something happened to her involving an onion and now whenever she sees one, she feels sentimental toward that memory. SD: Nye goes on to say that “it is right that tears fall for something small and forgotten.” CM: The initial reaction to this statement is the fact that onions make people’s eyes water, but maybe she was going for something more meaningful than this. CM: Perhaps she is saying that an onion deserves for people to feel sentimental toward it. CS: It may be subtle(SAT word), but Ms. Nye seems to be determined to vouch for the onion’s right to be felt for.
TS: Nye’s poem is very sentimental, but while reading “I’m Nobody” by Emily Dickinson, I didn’t feel this at all. SD: If I were to define “sentimental,” I would say that being sentimental about something means having strong feelings about something that happened in the past. CM: This would usually be used to look back on something with fond memories, not negative thoughts. CM: I would use sentimental to describe someone’s thoughts about something meaningful. SD: For these reasons, I see no sentiment in “I’m Nobody.” CM: The poem is so short, simple, fresh, as if two people are meeting for the first time(asyndeton). CM: There is no baggage to weigh this poem down; it is light and clean with no memories to look back on. CS: Like a new friendship, there is nothing to reflect lovingly upon, only a blank future for them to fill.
TS: Unlike “I’m Nobody” by Emily Dickinson, the feeling in these passages from “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield was almost tangible. SD: In the first passage, Laura was trying to show her emotions to Jose, being almost too sentimental for a man she did not know(participle). CM: Of course, as Jose said(appositive), you cannot try to stop the world for every death that occurs, but it seemed that Laura did not know when to let go. CM: She cared a little too much, for eventually, Jose had to tell her that “you [can’t] bring a drunken workman back to life by being sentimental.” SD: The second passage contained a different kind of sentiment: Em, the dead man’s wife, mourning for her lost husband(appositive). CM:Having just lost a spouse, a soul mate, and a best friend,(participle, purposeful repetition) there is no way she wasn’t thinking about him. CM: In her grief, she was looking back on the memories she made with him, being sentimental to his memory. CS: The way Katherine Mansfield writes, it is as if you can feel every twinge of emotion passing through the characters’ minds.
1. Some days, I find myself sitting on the floor, sifting through boxes, photos and old memories. 2. These are the times when I feel most sentimental. 3. And though I have to look back on the sorrow and adversity(SAT word) along with the happiness, I am glad I can feel these strong emotions that show me that I am alive. 4. Sentiment is a powerful thing; it may not be able to bring a man back to life, but it can come close.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009
Lydia's Essay 16
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
April 16, 2009
Everyone has heard of sibling rivalry. If you have siblings, you know exactly how it works: they make fun of you, you make fun of them, they argue with you, you fight, you make up (asyndeton). However, we never think of what would happen if we didn’t reconcile. It just isn’t something that crosses our minds. Unfortunately, this occurred in both “The Little Brother Poem” by Naomi Shihab Nye and “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin.
Ms. Nye does not use much figurative language in this poem, but the apparent lack of it makes it more striking when she does use it. The first occasion is when she is comparing their differences, using metaphors to describe her brother and herself as “Wall Street,” and “the local fruit market.” (Participle as a closer) These metaphors help contrast their different personalities, but the casual way in which Nye uses them shows that she likes these differences,that she is happy that they aren’t exactly the same (parallelism). The specific examples she uses show how well she knows her brother and how much she loves him. Earlier on in the poem, Nye illustrates the night her brother left with “some strange bruise [he] still carried under the skin.” This bruise represents all the feelings and emotions that he has repressed over the years. This line reminds the reader of the pain that Nye’s brother has endured and the way that it finally got the best of him. In the final stanza of the poem, Ms. Nye talks about the rest of their lives, saying, “you’re on the edge of yours today.” This sentence brings a sense of uncertainty into the poem and shows that neither sibling knows what lies ahead or whether they will be reunited. It seems to strip the two of everything they have accumulated, of all their history, and leave them in their simplest form: a sister and her little brother, not knowing what the future holds. Naomi Shihab Nye uses figurative language so sparingly (FAST) that when she does use it, it is that much more powerful.
Between “The Little Brother Poem” and “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin, there is no truer representation of the relationship between siblings and family. In “Sonny’s Blues,” the part of the story when little Grace falls illustrates the way someone cares about a member of their family. Baldwin writes, “something happened to her to make her afraid,” the way anyone would be worried about one of their kin. This fear spouts from love, and it is the same fear that Nye feels when she thinks about her brother. Another part that brought me back to the poem was when the narrator of “Sonny’s Blues” “saw the moonlit road where [his] father’s brother died.” This reminded me of when Ms. Nye’s brother “disappeared into the streets of Dallas at midnight.” Though they were in different circumstances, both lost a brother. One of thecrucial (FAST) moments in “Sonny’s Blues” is when Sonny takes a sip of the drink his brother bought him and gives him a nod. Sonny is recognizing that his brother cares for him and communicating that he returns the feelings, much like the phone call between Nye and her brother. For both sets of siblings, their relationship is not perfect, but they are working on improving, and acknowledging their love for each other is the first step. They want to make their bond stronger, because they know that there is no love like that of siblings.
No matter who you are, where you are from, what color your skin is, or where you live, every family has problems (periodic sentence). It is the ability to work past these difficulties that makes us stronger, and this is something that was done in both “Sonny’s Blues” and “The Little Brother Poem.” Some people think that they can get by without their family, but your family is always there for you and will always love you, no matter what you have done. For this, we are forever in debt to them.
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
April 16, 2009
No Love Like This:
An Essay On “Sonny’s Blues” and “The Little Brother Poem”
Everyone has heard of sibling rivalry. If you have siblings, you know exactly how it works: they make fun of you, you make fun of them, they argue with you, you fight, you make up (asyndeton). However, we never think of what would happen if we didn’t reconcile. It just isn’t something that crosses our minds. Unfortunately, this occurred in both “The Little Brother Poem” by Naomi Shihab Nye and “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin.
Ms. Nye does not use much figurative language in this poem, but the apparent lack of it makes it more striking when she does use it. The first occasion is when she is comparing their differences, using metaphors to describe her brother and herself as “Wall Street,” and “the local fruit market.” (Participle as a closer) These metaphors help contrast their different personalities, but the casual way in which Nye uses them shows that she likes these differences,that she is happy that they aren’t exactly the same (parallelism). The specific examples she uses show how well she knows her brother and how much she loves him. Earlier on in the poem, Nye illustrates the night her brother left with “some strange bruise [he] still carried under the skin.” This bruise represents all the feelings and emotions that he has repressed over the years. This line reminds the reader of the pain that Nye’s brother has endured and the way that it finally got the best of him. In the final stanza of the poem, Ms. Nye talks about the rest of their lives, saying, “you’re on the edge of yours today.” This sentence brings a sense of uncertainty into the poem and shows that neither sibling knows what lies ahead or whether they will be reunited. It seems to strip the two of everything they have accumulated, of all their history, and leave them in their simplest form: a sister and her little brother, not knowing what the future holds. Naomi Shihab Nye uses figurative language so sparingly (FAST) that when she does use it, it is that much more powerful.
Between “The Little Brother Poem” and “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin, there is no truer representation of the relationship between siblings and family. In “Sonny’s Blues,” the part of the story when little Grace falls illustrates the way someone cares about a member of their family. Baldwin writes, “something happened to her to make her afraid,” the way anyone would be worried about one of their kin. This fear spouts from love, and it is the same fear that Nye feels when she thinks about her brother. Another part that brought me back to the poem was when the narrator of “Sonny’s Blues” “saw the moonlit road where [his] father’s brother died.” This reminded me of when Ms. Nye’s brother “disappeared into the streets of Dallas at midnight.” Though they were in different circumstances, both lost a brother. One of thecrucial (FAST) moments in “Sonny’s Blues” is when Sonny takes a sip of the drink his brother bought him and gives him a nod. Sonny is recognizing that his brother cares for him and communicating that he returns the feelings, much like the phone call between Nye and her brother. For both sets of siblings, their relationship is not perfect, but they are working on improving, and acknowledging their love for each other is the first step. They want to make their bond stronger, because they know that there is no love like that of siblings.
No matter who you are, where you are from, what color your skin is, or where you live, every family has problems (periodic sentence). It is the ability to work past these difficulties that makes us stronger, and this is something that was done in both “Sonny’s Blues” and “The Little Brother Poem.” Some people think that they can get by without their family, but your family is always there for you and will always love you, no matter what you have done. For this, we are forever in debt to them.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009
Lydia's Essay 15
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
April 12, 2009
What Is Courage?
An Essay on a Poem
What does it take to be courageous? Is it standing up for what is right or sacrificing something to help another? Is it putting on a brave face when someone needs to believe in you or is it just having the strength to get out of bed in the morning? In the poem “Courage” by Anne Sexton, she describes many scenes of courage, and as I read it over, I continue to find myself thinking about the movie “Saving Private Ryan.”
Courage is an obvious theme in this poem, but if you look deeper into the meaning of these carefully crafted words, you can find more subtle motifs. The first of these that I noticed was growing up. Each stanza of this poem seems to focus on a different stage of life,describing trying moments we all must overcome (participle). As the poem progresses through a human life recounting the feelings of a “child’s first step,” and facing “the death of bombs and bullets,” it reminds the reader that, like it or not, we are all getting older and passing through the different stages of life. Another important theme I see in this poem is facing new obstacles. In every stanza, Ms. Sexton describes something that must be overcome, whether it is bullies, or the death of a friend, or heartbreak, or even facing death with a smile on your face(polysyndeton). She is simply relating challenges that everyone faces and must then surmount. It seems that Ms. Sexton wants to relate that it takes tremendous amount of courage to go through life. Because she was depressed and suicidal, this must have been a daily struggle for her and incredibly meaningful to her because. Perhaps she wrote this poem to show her readers that she no longer had the courage necessary to go on with her life. This is certainly a deep and meaningful poem that speaks so truly of how much bravery it takes to go through your life.
When I read this poem, I first think of the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” a movie about the Second World War (loose sentence). The second stanza bears a striking resemblance to first scene in the movie, when the Allied Forces storm the beaches of Normandy. The soldiers are crawling up the beaches, watching as their friends get shot down, much like the scene portrayed in the poem. Watching something like this happen takes tremendous (FAST)amounts of courage, especially if you are being shot at by your enemies, and when I watched this particular scene, it reminded me of how much bravery it takes to be a soldier. As you may know, the premise of this movie is to find Matt Damon’s character, Private James Ryan, who’s three brothers were killed in action. Because of this, the Chief of Staff of Defense orders that the only remaining Ryan brother be found immediately and sent home. Once Ryan has been located, Tom Hanks’s character must tell Private Ryan that he has lost all three of his brothers. Instead of letting this devastating news consume him, Ryan “endure[s] [the] great despair” all on his own and makes the decision to stay with his comrades and fight alongside “the only brothers [he has] left.” This brings us to the final stanza of the poem, which speaks about facing death with pride and composure. Near the end of the movie (sorry if this spoils it for anyone), Tom Hanks’s character is fatally injured while trying to keep Private Ryan safe. His death was peaceful and selfless, and reminds me very much of the dignified death that is described in the poem. In these scenes and throughout the entire movie, there are countless examples of unbelievable courage and brotherhood.
So I guess that courage can be shown in many ways. It could be helping a friend, or even putting your pride aside and letting a friend help you. You could be struggling to stay alive in a ferocious (FAST) battle or simply taking your first steps (Antithesis). Every day we do something courageous, whether we realize it or not.
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
April 12, 2009
What Is Courage?
An Essay on a Poem
What does it take to be courageous? Is it standing up for what is right or sacrificing something to help another? Is it putting on a brave face when someone needs to believe in you or is it just having the strength to get out of bed in the morning? In the poem “Courage” by Anne Sexton, she describes many scenes of courage, and as I read it over, I continue to find myself thinking about the movie “Saving Private Ryan.”
Courage is an obvious theme in this poem, but if you look deeper into the meaning of these carefully crafted words, you can find more subtle motifs. The first of these that I noticed was growing up. Each stanza of this poem seems to focus on a different stage of life,describing trying moments we all must overcome (participle). As the poem progresses through a human life recounting the feelings of a “child’s first step,” and facing “the death of bombs and bullets,” it reminds the reader that, like it or not, we are all getting older and passing through the different stages of life. Another important theme I see in this poem is facing new obstacles. In every stanza, Ms. Sexton describes something that must be overcome, whether it is bullies, or the death of a friend, or heartbreak, or even facing death with a smile on your face(polysyndeton). She is simply relating challenges that everyone faces and must then surmount. It seems that Ms. Sexton wants to relate that it takes tremendous amount of courage to go through life. Because she was depressed and suicidal, this must have been a daily struggle for her and incredibly meaningful to her because. Perhaps she wrote this poem to show her readers that she no longer had the courage necessary to go on with her life. This is certainly a deep and meaningful poem that speaks so truly of how much bravery it takes to go through your life.
When I read this poem, I first think of the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” a movie about the Second World War (loose sentence). The second stanza bears a striking resemblance to first scene in the movie, when the Allied Forces storm the beaches of Normandy. The soldiers are crawling up the beaches, watching as their friends get shot down, much like the scene portrayed in the poem. Watching something like this happen takes tremendous (FAST)amounts of courage, especially if you are being shot at by your enemies, and when I watched this particular scene, it reminded me of how much bravery it takes to be a soldier. As you may know, the premise of this movie is to find Matt Damon’s character, Private James Ryan, who’s three brothers were killed in action. Because of this, the Chief of Staff of Defense orders that the only remaining Ryan brother be found immediately and sent home. Once Ryan has been located, Tom Hanks’s character must tell Private Ryan that he has lost all three of his brothers. Instead of letting this devastating news consume him, Ryan “endure[s] [the] great despair” all on his own and makes the decision to stay with his comrades and fight alongside “the only brothers [he has] left.” This brings us to the final stanza of the poem, which speaks about facing death with pride and composure. Near the end of the movie (sorry if this spoils it for anyone), Tom Hanks’s character is fatally injured while trying to keep Private Ryan safe. His death was peaceful and selfless, and reminds me very much of the dignified death that is described in the poem. In these scenes and throughout the entire movie, there are countless examples of unbelievable courage and brotherhood.
So I guess that courage can be shown in many ways. It could be helping a friend, or even putting your pride aside and letting a friend help you. You could be struggling to stay alive in a ferocious (FAST) battle or simply taking your first steps (Antithesis). Every day we do something courageous, whether we realize it or not.
lydia's ISP writing
Although it is only 1:30 pm, I have been awake for almost 12 hours, and I have experienced multitudes of emotions. The first of these is excitement. It is so pleasant to be able to hang out with my class away from the stresses of school, and it is very exciting to be going on a trip to Europe with them. In these 12 hours, I have learned so much about my friends that I never knew. During the first few hours of my day, my main emotion was irritation. It began with my brother waking me up at 2 am, continued with the annoyingly loud music he played in the car on our way to Pine Point, and concluded with the endless flashes of cameras on the bus while I was trying to sleep. People who have traveled with me may know that I can be extremely irritable when I am woken up too early, and this was definitely the case this morning. After all this, I am now feeling contentment. I am sitting next to one of my best friends, Scarlet, and I already have many memories from this plane ride. These people, being my fantastic classmates, are some of the best I know, and I feel honored to be able to share these experiences with them. I am looking forward to a magnificent trip with these remarkable people.
The sun is shining brightly as I sit with my back against the warm, moss-covered bricks. I can hear birds chirping from the treetops and a fountain is babbling happily. This fountain is very simple: just a spout of water coming from a small stone column. The tube that is dispensing the water is crooked and I can see the algae dripping from it, but in all its imperfections, it is beautiful.
There is something so simple and pure about
this painting. He is not wearing ridiculously
fancy clothing or standing among his
expensive possessions. He is sitting alone,
wearing a simple robe, and utter peace with
himself and with the world. The purity of this
painting is what makes it beautiful.
Yesterday, at the National Portrait Gallery, I
had a strange experience. I was planning on
walking over to the portrait I had already begun
to draw, sitting down, and finishing my sketch.
I expected to be able to work peacefully and
once again connect with the painting, but I was
greeted by a rude awakening. As I tried to
focus on the contours of Edward Alexander
Crowley’s robes, other people stopped to
stare at the painting. I was astounded. When
we first visited the Portrait Gallery, very few
people were there. This gave me the
mpression that the painting I was drawing
belonged to only me, but yesterday I
discovered this was not the case. I felt violated.
I wanted to ask them what they thought they
were doing and why they wanted to torture
me like this, but I didn’t. I just kept on drawing.
At this moment, I am sitting in a classroom at Eton. Though the room is filled with my classmates, we are all silent. I think we have all been affected by the age and history in such a place as this. I am always astounded when I visit a place as old as this, mainly because it makes me realize how young our country is. When I travel to a country like England, which has hundreds of years of history, it seems strange that it could last so long. It makes America seem bland, almost naïve, compared to this amazing amount of culture that has developed. Looking at the walls around me, I see names etched into the wood dating back to the 1930’s. These are among the fresher carvings, much more recent than the ones stretching through the hallways. Most of them don’t even have a year next to them, but it is obvious they have been there longer than living memory. There is an unfathomable amount of age here, and even though this city is quite modern, I can’t help but feel that so much of the old London is dwelling under the surface, waiting to be rediscovered.
Forgotten objects, all piled on the floor.
Forlorn chairs rest calmly, silently.
Cloudy air streams in through the open door
As she lies on her side, yearning to be free.
Things long forgotten, bleeding from their sores,
Cry out in the pain of neglect, slowly
Crumbling into nothing. They’ll be seen no more.
And still she weeps, wishing she could flee
From this worn out room, filled with the cold.
But try as she might, she’s condemned to lie
Here with her broken memories, all old.
All sad. So she waits, wishing she could fly.
Lying on the floor with no one to hold.
And so she waits, staring into the grey, cloudy sky.
The train ride yesterday was a pleasant
experience. I was sitting with my three best
friends, laughing, singing, joking, and talking.
We all got to have some alone time together,
something we haven’t had much of during
this trip. At first, we felt conscious of the
people around us, wondering if they perceived
us as loud Americans. However, after a while,
we became lost in our own world. I remember
gazing out the window, watching the fields and
houses go by, thinking about how lucky I am
to be with these fantastic people in this awe-
inspiring country. I know I will be sad when I
have to go home, but for now, I will spend my
time enjoying my friends’ company and exploring
this fascinating new place. Not many people are
able to experience something like this.
The performance we saw of “The Tempest” was unlike anything I have seen before. When I was watching it, I felt like I was no longer in the theater, but watching the events transpire on the island itself. This was because of the actors. Every one of them was so invested in their roles that it seemed like it was actually happening. I especially liked the actor who played Ariel because he wasn’t afraid to play his part. Many people would not dare to venture so far into their character, but he took on the challenge and somehow managed to portray every side of Ariel. The entire performance was incredible, and I will not soon forget it.
Outside the house of Charles Dickens, I leaned against a bike rack, scanning the buildings across the street. At first, they all looked the same, but on further inspection, I began to notice the slight differences. The doors were all different, as were many of the windows. When I looked at the scattered chimneys on the rooftops, it looked like something out of Mary Poppins. These chimneys struck me as unusual but beautiful. The way they sat so peacefully made me feel like I had been transported to another time.
The sun is shining brightly as I sit with my back against the warm, moss-covered bricks. I can hear birds chirping from the treetops and a fountain is babbling happily. This fountain is very simple: just a spout of water coming from a small stone column. The tube that is dispensing the water is crooked and I can see the algae dripping from it, but in all its imperfections, it is beautiful.
There is something so simple and pure about
this painting. He is not wearing ridiculously
fancy clothing or standing among his
expensive possessions. He is sitting alone,
wearing a simple robe, and utter peace with
himself and with the world. The purity of this
painting is what makes it beautiful.
Yesterday, at the National Portrait Gallery, I
had a strange experience. I was planning on
walking over to the portrait I had already begun
to draw, sitting down, and finishing my sketch.
I expected to be able to work peacefully and
once again connect with the painting, but I was
greeted by a rude awakening. As I tried to
focus on the contours of Edward Alexander
Crowley’s robes, other people stopped to
stare at the painting. I was astounded. When
we first visited the Portrait Gallery, very few
people were there. This gave me the
mpression that the painting I was drawing
belonged to only me, but yesterday I
discovered this was not the case. I felt violated.
I wanted to ask them what they thought they
were doing and why they wanted to torture
me like this, but I didn’t. I just kept on drawing.
At this moment, I am sitting in a classroom at Eton. Though the room is filled with my classmates, we are all silent. I think we have all been affected by the age and history in such a place as this. I am always astounded when I visit a place as old as this, mainly because it makes me realize how young our country is. When I travel to a country like England, which has hundreds of years of history, it seems strange that it could last so long. It makes America seem bland, almost naïve, compared to this amazing amount of culture that has developed. Looking at the walls around me, I see names etched into the wood dating back to the 1930’s. These are among the fresher carvings, much more recent than the ones stretching through the hallways. Most of them don’t even have a year next to them, but it is obvious they have been there longer than living memory. There is an unfathomable amount of age here, and even though this city is quite modern, I can’t help but feel that so much of the old London is dwelling under the surface, waiting to be rediscovered.
Forgotten objects, all piled on the floor.
Forlorn chairs rest calmly, silently.
Cloudy air streams in through the open door
As she lies on her side, yearning to be free.
Things long forgotten, bleeding from their sores,
Cry out in the pain of neglect, slowly
Crumbling into nothing. They’ll be seen no more.
And still she weeps, wishing she could flee
From this worn out room, filled with the cold.
But try as she might, she’s condemned to lie
Here with her broken memories, all old.
All sad. So she waits, wishing she could fly.
Lying on the floor with no one to hold.
And so she waits, staring into the grey, cloudy sky.
The train ride yesterday was a pleasant
experience. I was sitting with my three best
friends, laughing, singing, joking, and talking.
We all got to have some alone time together,
something we haven’t had much of during
this trip. At first, we felt conscious of the
people around us, wondering if they perceived
us as loud Americans. However, after a while,
we became lost in our own world. I remember
gazing out the window, watching the fields and
houses go by, thinking about how lucky I am
to be with these fantastic people in this awe-
inspiring country. I know I will be sad when I
have to go home, but for now, I will spend my
time enjoying my friends’ company and exploring
this fascinating new place. Not many people are
able to experience something like this.
The performance we saw of “The Tempest” was unlike anything I have seen before. When I was watching it, I felt like I was no longer in the theater, but watching the events transpire on the island itself. This was because of the actors. Every one of them was so invested in their roles that it seemed like it was actually happening. I especially liked the actor who played Ariel because he wasn’t afraid to play his part. Many people would not dare to venture so far into their character, but he took on the challenge and somehow managed to portray every side of Ariel. The entire performance was incredible, and I will not soon forget it.
Outside the house of Charles Dickens, I leaned against a bike rack, scanning the buildings across the street. At first, they all looked the same, but on further inspection, I began to notice the slight differences. The doors were all different, as were many of the windows. When I looked at the scattered chimneys on the rooftops, it looked like something out of Mary Poppins. These chimneys struck me as unusual but beautiful. The way they sat so peacefully made me feel like I had been transported to another time.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009
Lydia's Essay 14
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
February 26, 2009
We all wish that one day, our world could be a cooperative, peaceful planet. We all wish that one day, the world’s leaders would decide that all of their wars have been fought. We all wish that one day, everyone would lay down their weapons and erase all hate and violence. Though the characters in “The Tempest” found this peace, the people of this world still have a long way to go until we reach this total cooperation.
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
February 26, 2009
One World:
An Essay on Virtues and Our Brave New World
We all wish that one day, our world could be a cooperative, peaceful planet. We all wish that one day, the world’s leaders would decide that all of their wars have been fought. We all wish that one day, everyone would lay down their weapons and erase all hate and violence. Though the characters in “The Tempest” found this peace, the people of this world still have a long way to go until we reach this total cooperation.
Though they went through strife and fighting throughout the play, the characters in “The Tempest” finally reconcile their differences and learn to live together peacefully. One of the most important factors in this settlement was Prospero forgiving his brother, Antonio. Ariel was the one who convinced Prospero to forgive his brother, telling him that he should take pity on his brother (Participle phrase/Loose sentence). Referring to his feelings becoming tender if he beheld Antonio and his crew, Ariel says, “Mine would, sir, were I human.” (Quote) Another key part of the reconciliation (FAST/SAT) was Miranda marrying Ferdinand. This brought the two parties together. Ferdinand and Miranda’s love for each other seemed to calm the waters between the enemies and made them realize that though they hate each other, they are still family. And of course, Caliban drops his cold demeanor and decides to seek forgiveness for his wrongdoings. He realizes that alcohol does not help him and he would do better to forget it. When Prospero frees him, he wants to“seek for grace” (Quote) and become less bitter. After all this, we can assume that the characters realized that it is sometimes better to forget about the bad deeds that have been done and instead try to start over.
If we want our world to become a brave new world, we need to make some changes and follow three key virtues. The first is acceptance. If we are ever going to improve the world we live in, we need to learn to accept other people, opinions, and ideas (Periodicsentence). We are all unique, and we need to accept that we all have different ideas and outlooks that, if combined in the right way, canhelp us to make new discoveries and help us to collaborate (FAST/SAT)(purposeful repetition). In addition, we will need to be purposeful in our work. It is great to discuss possibilities, but putting them to action is another matter. If we want to make changes, we have to set our minds to the task at hand and work with diligence (FAST/SAT). Finally, if we are to advance and become a better, more peaceful world, we can never lose our wonder. Important discoveries are made by the people who dare to ask “what if,” and we can never lose this quality. If we did not want to learn, our society would crumble. Our world will never be perfect, but if we work together, we can come close.
Everyone knows that there are problems in this world. There always have been and, though it pains me to say it, there probably always will be. However, this is not to say that our planet is doomed to continue in a downward spiral until the bitter end. Everyone can do something to help pick up the pieces, and if we all pitch in, we can make a tremendous impact.
If we want our world to become a brave new world, we need to make some changes and follow three key virtues. The first is acceptance. If we are ever going to improve the world we live in, we need to learn to accept other people, opinions, and ideas (Periodicsentence). We are all unique, and we need to accept that we all have different ideas and outlooks that, if combined in the right way, canhelp us to make new discoveries and help us to collaborate (FAST/SAT)(purposeful repetition). In addition, we will need to be purposeful in our work. It is great to discuss possibilities, but putting them to action is another matter. If we want to make changes, we have to set our minds to the task at hand and work with diligence (FAST/SAT). Finally, if we are to advance and become a better, more peaceful world, we can never lose our wonder. Important discoveries are made by the people who dare to ask “what if,” and we can never lose this quality. If we did not want to learn, our society would crumble. Our world will never be perfect, but if we work together, we can come close.
Everyone knows that there are problems in this world. There always have been and, though it pains me to say it, there probably always will be. However, this is not to say that our planet is doomed to continue in a downward spiral until the bitter end. Everyone can do something to help pick up the pieces, and if we all pitch in, we can make a tremendous impact.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009
Lydia's Essay 13
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
18 February 2009
We're All Affected:
An Essay on the Affects of Music On Caliban and Myself
1: Throughout history, music has been an art form used universally as a form of expression. 2: Though the styles and genres of music have changed over the years, the purpose of this art form has remained the same. 3: Almost anyone may tell you that they love music, but when you ask what about it affects them, they may not have an answer. 4: The truth is that though we all love music, it is not often that we think about what particularly affects us. 5: The sounds of music can change almost anyone, including me, or even a creature such as William Shakespeare’s Caliban.
TS: Though music has an affect on most of us, this was particularly pronounced in Caliban. SD: The music seems to change Caliban’s entire perspective. CM: Usually, he is angry and cold, but when he hears the music, his cruel demeanor melts away. CM: Something about the “twangling instruments” makes him forget everything bad in his life. SD: When Caliban hears music, it puts him to sleep and makes him dream extraordinary dreams. CM: He thinks that the skies were dropping riches upon him, all because of the music surrounding him. CM: When he finally awakens, he “crie[s] to dream again.” SD: This all goes to show that even a bad person can be transformed by something as powerful as music. CM: As the notes wash over him, Caliban, usually so cold and cruel, suddenly becomes thoughtful and kind (Appositive S-V split). CM: Whatever it is about the music that affects him, Caliban is an entirely different person when he hears the “sweet airs.” CS: No one would ever know that something as simple as music could make someone like Caliban so sensitive and considerate.
TS: Like most people, music has an enormous affect on me. SD: Hearing a certain song can instantly change my mood, possibly sending my emotions in an entirely different direction. CM: When I am feeling sad, I listen to something upbeat to excite me, or to a mellower tune which can help me to unwind and relax. CM: The beats and notes dive inside me and bring me alive (Short sentence in the midst of long ones). SD: In contrast, I often find that instead of the music affecting my mood, my mood affects my music (Chiasmus). CM: If I am feeling energetic or excited, I may listen to someone such as Billy Joel or The Format, whereas if I feel calm, I would probably put on Joshua Radin or Dispatch. CM: It is usually easy to tell how I am feeling based on the music I am listening to. SD: Like Caliban, music can put me to sleep. CM: After a long day, I often lie down on my bed, put on my sleep playlist, and close my eyes, letting the music surround me. CM: Try as I might to stay awake, the soothing melodies lull me into a contented slumber, and everything around me seems to give way to the music (Compound-complex sentence). CS: Inside my mind, in the music itself, and all around me, the music becomes my refuge (Parallel prepositional phrases).
1:For me, music is everywhere. 2:Even if I am not listening to a song, I may have one in my head, or I might be listening to my footsteps as they tap out a beat, the foundation of a new song. 3: It holds so many memories, such as a funny moment you had with a friend while listening to a certain song, or that one summer when that certain song was playing on the radio constantly. 4: Though we all have unique tastes in music, when a beautiful song starts to play, everyone in the room knows it, and for a few minutes, we all have an unspoken connection in our souls.
TS: Though music has an affect on most of us, this was particularly pronounced in Caliban. SD: The music seems to change Caliban’s entire perspective. CM: Usually, he is angry and cold, but when he hears the music, his cruel demeanor melts away. CM: Something about the “twangling instruments” makes him forget everything bad in his life. SD: When Caliban hears music, it puts him to sleep and makes him dream extraordinary dreams. CM: He thinks that the skies were dropping riches upon him, all because of the music surrounding him. CM: When he finally awakens, he “crie[s] to dream again.” SD: This all goes to show that even a bad person can be transformed by something as powerful as music. CM: As the notes wash over him, Caliban, usually so cold and cruel, suddenly becomes thoughtful and kind (Appositive S-V split). CM: Whatever it is about the music that affects him, Caliban is an entirely different person when he hears the “sweet airs.” CS: No one would ever know that something as simple as music could make someone like Caliban so sensitive and considerate.
TS: Like most people, music has an enormous affect on me. SD: Hearing a certain song can instantly change my mood, possibly sending my emotions in an entirely different direction. CM: When I am feeling sad, I listen to something upbeat to excite me, or to a mellower tune which can help me to unwind and relax. CM: The beats and notes dive inside me and bring me alive (Short sentence in the midst of long ones). SD: In contrast, I often find that instead of the music affecting my mood, my mood affects my music (Chiasmus). CM: If I am feeling energetic or excited, I may listen to someone such as Billy Joel or The Format, whereas if I feel calm, I would probably put on Joshua Radin or Dispatch. CM: It is usually easy to tell how I am feeling based on the music I am listening to. SD: Like Caliban, music can put me to sleep. CM: After a long day, I often lie down on my bed, put on my sleep playlist, and close my eyes, letting the music surround me. CM: Try as I might to stay awake, the soothing melodies lull me into a contented slumber, and everything around me seems to give way to the music (Compound-complex sentence). CS: Inside my mind, in the music itself, and all around me, the music becomes my refuge (Parallel prepositional phrases).
1:For me, music is everywhere. 2:Even if I am not listening to a song, I may have one in my head, or I might be listening to my footsteps as they tap out a beat, the foundation of a new song. 3: It holds so many memories, such as a funny moment you had with a friend while listening to a certain song, or that one summer when that certain song was playing on the radio constantly. 4: Though we all have unique tastes in music, when a beautiful song starts to play, everyone in the room knows it, and for a few minutes, we all have an unspoken connection in our souls.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009
Lydia's Essay 12
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
February 2, 2009
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
February 2, 2009
Are We Ever Free?
An Essay on Imprisonment and Freedom
An Essay on Imprisonment and Freedom
Freedom is a beautiful thing, but because we live in a country where our rights are recognized and respected, we do not always appreciate these privileges. If we are honest with ourselves, we will probably find that not even once a day do we think to ourselves, “How fortunate I am to be living the life I am living.” We do not stop to think about the people around the world suffering, struggling, fighting for their freedom (tricolon). We do not think about all the people, places, and sights we will miss, and what it truly means to be free.
If I was imprisoned and was only allowed to choose a few views or people I could look upon everyday, I would want to see the sights that are most comforting to me. If I could look out the window and see any vista, I would see the view from the window in my bedroom. When I look out this window I can see into my neighbors’ yards and the backs of their houses, and because my bed sits next to this window, it is something I see everyday. Though it may seem like a simple, boring sight, this is a comforting view for me and it would let me know that something was still the same. However, when it comes to people I would like to see, I don’t think I could ever choose just one or two people. There are so many people I would want to see everyday that I don’t see how I would be able to do it, especially if I could only see one person. My friends and family would have to go on some sort of rotation so I could have face time with each of them, even if it was only once in a while. Some would think that seeing all the people you love might make you feel even more dejected (FAST)because you are unable share in their freedom, but for me it would be a treat just to see them, even if I couldn’t be free with them. As we all know, there are some people and sights that it are difficult to live without.
To me, freedom is like the sky: bright, boundless, full of possibility (tricolon). The sky is limitless, stretching on forever (participle phrase). On land, formations such as mountains, oceans, and cliffs can hinder your journey from one point to another, but up in the sky, nothing stands in your way. The sky, so wide and full of open space (SV split), is similar to freedom as a bird is to the free person: an endless space free from the confinement of rules andstipulations (FAST). There are no people or forces to restrict you from soaring towards your goals. Yet even something as huge and awesome as the sky can be thwarted, just as freedom can quickly come to an end. A rain cloud can interrupt the seemingly infinite reaches of the sky, hindering your path through the air. You can feel free and unstoppable, but there is usually someone superior to you who can take all of this away in the blink of an eye. Because of this, we should always appreciate our freedom and recognize those without these privileges.
Can we ever truly be free? Will there always be someone hovering above us, waiting to snatch away everything we have worked for? These are the questions I find myself asking as I contemplate the meaning of freedom. If the answer to these inquiries is yes, then we must take full advantage of the freedom we have, because we never know when it may all be taken away.
If I was imprisoned and was only allowed to choose a few views or people I could look upon everyday, I would want to see the sights that are most comforting to me. If I could look out the window and see any vista, I would see the view from the window in my bedroom. When I look out this window I can see into my neighbors’ yards and the backs of their houses, and because my bed sits next to this window, it is something I see everyday. Though it may seem like a simple, boring sight, this is a comforting view for me and it would let me know that something was still the same. However, when it comes to people I would like to see, I don’t think I could ever choose just one or two people. There are so many people I would want to see everyday that I don’t see how I would be able to do it, especially if I could only see one person. My friends and family would have to go on some sort of rotation so I could have face time with each of them, even if it was only once in a while. Some would think that seeing all the people you love might make you feel even more dejected (FAST)because you are unable share in their freedom, but for me it would be a treat just to see them, even if I couldn’t be free with them. As we all know, there are some people and sights that it are difficult to live without.
To me, freedom is like the sky: bright, boundless, full of possibility (tricolon). The sky is limitless, stretching on forever (participle phrase). On land, formations such as mountains, oceans, and cliffs can hinder your journey from one point to another, but up in the sky, nothing stands in your way. The sky, so wide and full of open space (SV split), is similar to freedom as a bird is to the free person: an endless space free from the confinement of rules andstipulations (FAST). There are no people or forces to restrict you from soaring towards your goals. Yet even something as huge and awesome as the sky can be thwarted, just as freedom can quickly come to an end. A rain cloud can interrupt the seemingly infinite reaches of the sky, hindering your path through the air. You can feel free and unstoppable, but there is usually someone superior to you who can take all of this away in the blink of an eye. Because of this, we should always appreciate our freedom and recognize those without these privileges.
Can we ever truly be free? Will there always be someone hovering above us, waiting to snatch away everything we have worked for? These are the questions I find myself asking as I contemplate the meaning of freedom. If the answer to these inquiries is yes, then we must take full advantage of the freedom we have, because we never know when it may all be taken away.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009
Lydia's Essay 11
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
January 29 2009
The Likeness is Uncanny:
An Essay Discussing Servitude and Confinement in "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare
With so many words in the English language, there are bound to be some that do not have encouraging and upbeat meanings. The word servitude does not often come with positive implications, and neither does confinement. Yet, too often, people in the world have to use these words to describe their own predicaments, whether they are serving time in a prison or serving a leader. Two very different characters in "The Tempest," one a water nymph, one a deformed monster, both have to deal with these issues (S-V split).
The character of Ariel is confined both literally and figuratively. The evil witch Sycorax imprisoned Ariel in a "cloven pine", quite literally confining her. Ariel stayed in the tree for 12 years until Prospero finally freed her. Exultant at her freedom from her 12-year confinement, Ariel agreed to serve Prospero, entering a new form of confinement as soon as she had left one (participle closer). Ariel didn't realize it at the time, but she was just as confined by her servitude to Prospero as she was by her pine tree. Prospero may make it seem as though he is helping Ariel, but it seems he is also taking advantage of her and cannot be trusted. Even if Ariel realized what Prospero was doing, there would be no way to escape Prospero because he could easily use his magic to prevent her from leaving, threatening to "rend an oak and peg [her] in his knotty entrails." Though at first Ariel seems to be a lighthearted character, when you take a closer look you can see that her life does not involve much freedom.
A very different, more sinister character is dealing with the same type of discrimination as Ariel: Caliban. As the child of Sycorax and the devil, Caliban is treated like scum, confining him to his solitude. Caliban attempted to "violate [Prospero's] child", Miranda, and Prospero now regards him as the most repulsive (FAST) creature to ever walk the earth. Having no one to care for him (participle opener), Caliban is confined to his seclusion, leading a dark and lonely life. However, perhaps Caliban isolates himself from the other people in his life. When Prospero first arrived on the island, he tried to help Caliban by teaching him to speak, "to name the bigger light," but Caliban threw that away when he betrayed Prospero's trust and tried to violate Miranda. His cold attitude toward Prospero could be the reason he is so exiled. Though Caliban's situation could be regarded as a sad one, Prospero is right for denying Caliban the trust he once had.
Caliban and Ariel are in very distinct situations, yet they both have the same problems to sort out. Both are confined in some way, either to themselves or their master, and despite what they might wish, both have to answer to Prospero. It is amazing that two characters that areso different could be so alike (purposeful repetition) in these ways. Though we may not realize it, there are many people in the world who are similar in ways one may not realize; the inmate and the servant, or you and me.
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
January 29 2009
The Likeness is Uncanny:
An Essay Discussing Servitude and Confinement in "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare
With so many words in the English language, there are bound to be some that do not have encouraging and upbeat meanings. The word servitude does not often come with positive implications, and neither does confinement. Yet, too often, people in the world have to use these words to describe their own predicaments, whether they are serving time in a prison or serving a leader. Two very different characters in "The Tempest," one a water nymph, one a deformed monster, both have to deal with these issues (S-V split).
The character of Ariel is confined both literally and figuratively. The evil witch Sycorax imprisoned Ariel in a "cloven pine", quite literally confining her. Ariel stayed in the tree for 12 years until Prospero finally freed her. Exultant at her freedom from her 12-year confinement, Ariel agreed to serve Prospero, entering a new form of confinement as soon as she had left one (participle closer). Ariel didn't realize it at the time, but she was just as confined by her servitude to Prospero as she was by her pine tree. Prospero may make it seem as though he is helping Ariel, but it seems he is also taking advantage of her and cannot be trusted. Even if Ariel realized what Prospero was doing, there would be no way to escape Prospero because he could easily use his magic to prevent her from leaving, threatening to "rend an oak and peg [her] in his knotty entrails." Though at first Ariel seems to be a lighthearted character, when you take a closer look you can see that her life does not involve much freedom.
A very different, more sinister character is dealing with the same type of discrimination as Ariel: Caliban. As the child of Sycorax and the devil, Caliban is treated like scum, confining him to his solitude. Caliban attempted to "violate [Prospero's] child", Miranda, and Prospero now regards him as the most repulsive (FAST) creature to ever walk the earth. Having no one to care for him (participle opener), Caliban is confined to his seclusion, leading a dark and lonely life. However, perhaps Caliban isolates himself from the other people in his life. When Prospero first arrived on the island, he tried to help Caliban by teaching him to speak, "to name the bigger light," but Caliban threw that away when he betrayed Prospero's trust and tried to violate Miranda. His cold attitude toward Prospero could be the reason he is so exiled. Though Caliban's situation could be regarded as a sad one, Prospero is right for denying Caliban the trust he once had.
Caliban and Ariel are in very distinct situations, yet they both have the same problems to sort out. Both are confined in some way, either to themselves or their master, and despite what they might wish, both have to answer to Prospero. It is amazing that two characters that areso different could be so alike (purposeful repetition) in these ways. Though we may not realize it, there are many people in the world who are similar in ways one may not realize; the inmate and the servant, or you and me.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009
Lydia's Essay 10
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H Salsich
9 English
8 January 2009
This passage displays a couple different themes, both revolving around Antonio’s betrayal. To understand the significance of these motifs, we need to see the big picture of this passage. When telling his daughter about her uncle, Antonio, Prospero accuses his brother of taking advantage of Prospero’s immersion in his studies to take greater control of his state. Antonio eventually banished Prospero and his daughter after gaining almost total control of the land Prospero was in charge of. The first theme I see in this passage is to respect those of higher stature and power than you. Antonio wrongly ignored the fact that Prospero was the duke and overthrew him, making Prospero think of his brother as “perfidious.” Antonio obviously shouldn’t have done this, and the story is telling us that mutiny is never the way to go. However, perhaps another theme is that we cannot be totally engrossed in something, but must instead balance our interests and responsibilities. Prospero got so wrapped up in his studies that he didn’t even realize that his brother was slowly overpowering him. In a way, he brought this mutiny upon himself when he became “transported and rapt in secret studies.” Either way you look at it, this short passage contains numerous meanings and motifs.
Mr. H Salsich
9 English
8 January 2009
This passage displays a couple different themes, both revolving around Antonio’s betrayal. To understand the significance of these motifs, we need to see the big picture of this passage. When telling his daughter about her uncle, Antonio, Prospero accuses his brother of taking advantage of Prospero’s immersion in his studies to take greater control of his state. Antonio eventually banished Prospero and his daughter after gaining almost total control of the land Prospero was in charge of. The first theme I see in this passage is to respect those of higher stature and power than you. Antonio wrongly ignored the fact that Prospero was the duke and overthrew him, making Prospero think of his brother as “perfidious.” Antonio obviously shouldn’t have done this, and the story is telling us that mutiny is never the way to go. However, perhaps another theme is that we cannot be totally engrossed in something, but must instead balance our interests and responsibilities. Prospero got so wrapped up in his studies that he didn’t even realize that his brother was slowly overpowering him. In a way, he brought this mutiny upon himself when he became “transported and rapt in secret studies.” Either way you look at it, this short passage contains numerous meanings and motifs.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2008
Lydia's essay 9
This is an essay for an application on the ingredients for a meaningful life
Lydia Schulz
Mr H. Salsich
9 English
December 15, 2008
The Ingredients for a Meaningful Life
an Essay by Lydia Schulz
One thing that everyone should do in his or her life is to give. Many people think that the value of your existence is measured by your wealth and possessions, but I disagree. When you give to someone who needs it, you may not obtain anything physically, but you can gain so much character and insight. Without generosity, your life can be quite empty. For instance, last year my class did a project called the 8th Grade Assessment. For my project, I chose to volunteer at a local animal shelter that was short on volunteers. I thought my visits would be no fun at all, but it made me feel so good to be helping the people there and making the animals happy. With this understanding of giving, I know that, as Winston Churchill says, “We make a living by what we get, bit we make a life by what we give.”
Honesty is an excellent quality, and we should all strive for it. I do now and have always believed that it is better to be a good person than a successful one. If you are always honest, people will not question what you say, but instead trust that you are telling the truth. When you have established the reputation of truthfulness, you will be respected and valued as a person. I learned long ago that lies get you nowhere. The thing about a lie is that once you tell one, you can’t go back, and it will continue to grow until it owns you. Now that I am older, I know that little ramification will come from owning up to a lie right away, but when I was younger, I would lie about something seemingly insignificant, not realizing what it would mean when someone found out. I now try to be totally honest because I know that it can gain you lots of trust and respect, and when you tell a lie, it can tell a lot about you.
In my opinion, giving to those who need it and being honest are two fundamental parts of a meaningful life. Nevertheless, people’s greed, no matter how strong, can sometimes get in the way of these components. Knowing the benefits that can come from them, I strive for these things in my life everyday. We all must learn to put these things first instead of giving in to greed, for what do we have if not ourselves?
topic: ingredients of a meaningful life- giving, honesty
ts- giving
1st chunk- how you can benefit from giving
2nd chunk- assessment
cs- churchill quote
ts-honesty
1st chunk- better to be honest and good than successful
2nd chunk- lies get you nowhere
cs- you can gain respect and trust
topic: ingredients of a meaningful life- giving, honesty
ts- giving
1st chunk- how you can benefit from giving
2nd chunk- assessment
cs- churchill quote
ts-honesty
1st chunk- better to be honest and good than successful
2nd chunk- lies get you nowhere
cs- you can gain respect and trust
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008
Lydia's essay 7
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
20 November 2008
A New Kind Of Awareness
An Essay on Heterosexism and Stump Olsen
Heterosexism, or the discrimination against homo, bi, or transsexuals by heterosexuals, is a raging battle that comes down to those who can accept these other sexual orientations and those who cant. With heterosexists under the impression that they are lording over all other orientations, thinking that they are the best, how can a homosexual woman like Stump Olsen ever gain the confidence to tell her story to a group of high school students, maybe the same types of students that used to harass her when she was our age? This will remain a mystery, because when Ms. Olsen spoke to our class, we gained much more than forty minutes with a funny, intelligent woman. We left with a greater understanding of heterosexism and of how hurtful words can be.
TS: In my opinion, heterosexism is absolutely ridiculous. SD: Heterosexism is based around something that goes back to the beginnings of mankind: being scared of something you don’t understand. CM: These fears date back to when everyone thought the world was flat and that the sun revolved around it, and when someone presented a different idea they couldn’t understand, they locked him away. CM: Fortunately, we did eventually come to realize that the earth moves around the sun, so maybe there is hope for people to overcome heterosexism and realize that a person’s sexual orientation does not define them. SD: Another main part of heterosexism is that people don’t realize that your sexual orientation is not a choice, but something you are born with. CM: These heterosexists are so set in their own ways that they cant begin to comprehend or wrap their heads around something different. CM: These stubborn, ignorant people are so busy thinking about how God intended for love and marriage to be between a man and a woman that they don’t have time to think about the fact that if God really thought that way, people wouldn’t be gay. CS: Sadly, heterosexists are too narrow minded to see new ideas.
TS: Then I see a person like Stump Olsen and I am amazed by how casual she is about her sexual orientation. SD: I don’t know how she dealt with the harassment and bullying she endured during high school. CM: A person should not have to focus all their concentration on staying alive while getting from one class to another, but this is exactly what Ms. Olsen found herself doing. CM: The worst part was that “not one teacher stood up for [her],” (quote) they were merely spectators, standing aside, watching their student get abused. SD: I’m sure when Ms. Olsen officially came out, she expected her family to be supportive and help her through it, but they were just the opposite. CM: Her family requested not to be in contact with her,refusing to accept that their daughter was gay (participle). CM: Her entire family against her (absolute), Ms. Olsen was finally able to face the world as who she truly is. SD: I was impressed that through all this, Ms. Olsen always stayed true to herself. CM: Though she has gone through hard times, she is happy with herself and is free to be the person she has always known she is. CM: She said that though she is aware that another birthday will go by without a card from her family, she will have her friends behind her to celebrate and show her a good time. CS: I admire Stump Olsen for her strength and her resilience on her journey to become her true self.
Ms. Olsen’s story is an inspiring one and it made me think about how hurtful words can be. I know that I occasionally say things that could be perceived as offensive, but I never thought about them actually hurting someone until I had heard what Ms. Olsen had to say. I will definitely be more careful with what I say and take her advice of thinking before I speak. Perhaps if we all do our part, we can abolish heterosexism once and for all. What will you do to help?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. I am continuing to work on tightening my writing and cutting out unnecessary words. I am also trying to be more careful with my polishing and proofreading.
2. I think I got my point across well in this essay. I said everything I wanted too and to me, it seems to all fit in nicely.
3. Some of the sentences seemed a little bit rambling. This is difficult because I am having trouble seeing where I could shorten them
4. I would give this essay an A- or a B+
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
20 November 2008
A New Kind Of Awareness
An Essay on Heterosexism and Stump Olsen
Heterosexism, or the discrimination against homo, bi, or transsexuals by heterosexuals, is a raging battle that comes down to those who can accept these other sexual orientations and those who cant. With heterosexists under the impression that they are lording over all other orientations, thinking that they are the best, how can a homosexual woman like Stump Olsen ever gain the confidence to tell her story to a group of high school students, maybe the same types of students that used to harass her when she was our age? This will remain a mystery, because when Ms. Olsen spoke to our class, we gained much more than forty minutes with a funny, intelligent woman. We left with a greater understanding of heterosexism and of how hurtful words can be.
TS: In my opinion, heterosexism is absolutely ridiculous. SD: Heterosexism is based around something that goes back to the beginnings of mankind: being scared of something you don’t understand. CM: These fears date back to when everyone thought the world was flat and that the sun revolved around it, and when someone presented a different idea they couldn’t understand, they locked him away. CM: Fortunately, we did eventually come to realize that the earth moves around the sun, so maybe there is hope for people to overcome heterosexism and realize that a person’s sexual orientation does not define them. SD: Another main part of heterosexism is that people don’t realize that your sexual orientation is not a choice, but something you are born with. CM: These heterosexists are so set in their own ways that they cant begin to comprehend or wrap their heads around something different. CM: These stubborn, ignorant people are so busy thinking about how God intended for love and marriage to be between a man and a woman that they don’t have time to think about the fact that if God really thought that way, people wouldn’t be gay. CS: Sadly, heterosexists are too narrow minded to see new ideas.
TS: Then I see a person like Stump Olsen and I am amazed by how casual she is about her sexual orientation. SD: I don’t know how she dealt with the harassment and bullying she endured during high school. CM: A person should not have to focus all their concentration on staying alive while getting from one class to another, but this is exactly what Ms. Olsen found herself doing. CM: The worst part was that “not one teacher stood up for [her],” (quote) they were merely spectators, standing aside, watching their student get abused. SD: I’m sure when Ms. Olsen officially came out, she expected her family to be supportive and help her through it, but they were just the opposite. CM: Her family requested not to be in contact with her,refusing to accept that their daughter was gay (participle). CM: Her entire family against her (absolute), Ms. Olsen was finally able to face the world as who she truly is. SD: I was impressed that through all this, Ms. Olsen always stayed true to herself. CM: Though she has gone through hard times, she is happy with herself and is free to be the person she has always known she is. CM: She said that though she is aware that another birthday will go by without a card from her family, she will have her friends behind her to celebrate and show her a good time. CS: I admire Stump Olsen for her strength and her resilience on her journey to become her true self.
Ms. Olsen’s story is an inspiring one and it made me think about how hurtful words can be. I know that I occasionally say things that could be perceived as offensive, but I never thought about them actually hurting someone until I had heard what Ms. Olsen had to say. I will definitely be more careful with what I say and take her advice of thinking before I speak. Perhaps if we all do our part, we can abolish heterosexism once and for all. What will you do to help?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. I am continuing to work on tightening my writing and cutting out unnecessary words. I am also trying to be more careful with my polishing and proofreading.
2. I think I got my point across well in this essay. I said everything I wanted too and to me, it seems to all fit in nicely.
3. Some of the sentences seemed a little bit rambling. This is difficult because I am having trouble seeing where I could shorten them
4. I would give this essay an A- or a B+
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008
Lydia's essay 6
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
12 November, 2008
The Way to Rainy Mountain
an Essay on Why I Enjoyed "The Way to Rainy Mountian" by N. Scott Momaday
TS: I greatly enjoyed reading “The Way to Rainy Mountain,” by N. Scott Momaday. SD: I was especially partial to the way Momaday described his appreciation for all things small and large. CM: His essay’s topic ranges from the history of his tribe to a cricket in the night. CM: Though many people could boast their appreciation for their heritage, the tone of Momaday’s writing when he talks about the cricket that “had perched upon a handrail,” you can tell that this man cares about living things, big or small. SD: This goes right along with Momaday’s reverence for nature. CM: From his mentioning of “the divinity of the sun” to the way that from “a distance […] the steaming foliage seems almost to writhe in fire,” it is obvious that this man has great respect for nature and life. CM: To him, his grandmother, and his ancestors, the environment is something to love and protect. SD: I was amazed by how close Momaday was with his grandmother. CM: She told him stories, prayed with him, and helped raise him to the man he would become, perhaps not realizing what acolossal influence she was to her grandson. CM: But when you read the way he spoke about what she was like the last time he saw her, you cannot help but see how much Momaday loved and respected his grandmother. CS: Mr. Momaday has proved to be an extremely talented and touching author.
There are so many aspects of N. Scott Momaday’s writing that I enjoy; it is hard to fit them all into one 11-sentence paragraph. His style, his phrasing, and his smooth synchronization from one topic to the next make him really appeal to me as a writer. However, the main part I enjoy about Momaday’s essay is how much of himself he put into it. Iwholeheartedly appreciate the fact that I got to read something by this creative and inspiring author.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008
Lydia's essay 5
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
5 November 2008
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
5 November 2008
It’s The Details That Count
An Essay on Rereading “The Garden Party”
An Essay on Rereading “The Garden Party”
With the exception of things necessary to living, people don’t repeat a lot of their actions. You might think “I’ve already done that, why would I do it again?” but this view certainly does not apply to all things. For example, rereading a book or story can give you a much better understanding of it. This was definitely the case when I reread “The Garden Party,” by Katherine Mansfield because it helped me see the details I hadn’t noticed before.
TS: When I reread “The Garden Party”, I noticed many things I had skimmed over before. SD: The main part I became aware of was how influenced Laura is by her mother. CM: Mrs. Sheridan told Laura how beautiful she looked in the hat and then when Laura mentioned the man who had died, her mother told her she was being absurd. CM: When Laura sees herself in the hat, she starts to think “Is mother right?” SD: Laura then starts to think that maybe she is being extravagant. CM: Maybe she, Laura, who helped plan the party, oversaw the placement of the marquee, and felt compassionate toward the man who died, was being extravagant. CM: Once she thought this, “she hoped her mother was right,” and as if this settled the matter, she went to join the party. SD: Another thing I noticed was how opposed Jose was to the idea of calling of the party. CM: Jose was utterly astonished when Laura suggested that they stop everything. CM: When Jose remarked, “if you’re going to stop a band playing every time someone has an accident you’ll lead a very strenuous life,” I was surprised by how seriously annoyed she was. CS: Rereading “The Garden Party” definitely improved my understanding of the story.
Though many people may not think much of the idea of rereading, I found it immensely helpful. If I hadn’t reread the story, there would be so many aspects of the theme I would have missed. Of course, I have reread certain favorite books of mine, but I never thought of doing it with a story like this. I am glad I got to read “The Garden Party” again, even for just the details.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2008
lydias essay 4
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
21 October 2008
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
21 October 2008
The Beauties Of Appreciation
An Essay Discussing Appreciation in Zora Neale Hurston’s Essay “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”
An Essay Discussing Appreciation in Zora Neale Hurston’s Essay “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”
Constantly in life, people are judging themselves, saying they need to be better or more confident. With the world that we live in, it can be difficult for people to stop comparing themselves or their appearances to those of big icons and celebrities. Some people might think, “Where does that confidence come from? How can they always seem so vibrant?” not realizing that all they need to do is have some appreciation for themselves. Zora Neale Hurston certainly knows how to appreciate herself, and now I must figure out how to do the same.
TS: As we can tell from her essay, “How It Feels to be Colored Me,” Zora Neale Hurston has much appreciation for who she is. SD: One aspect of Ms. Hurston’s personality that she truly appreciates is her culture. CM: She seems to be undoubtedly connected to her roots and what it was like to be little Zora of Orange County. CM: When she “set[s] [her] hat at a certain angle and saunter[s] down Seventh Avenue, Harlem City, feeling as snooty as the lions in front of the Forty-Second Street Library,” she is embracing and showing off her culture and what it means to her. SD: Many people do not realize how much their race can mean to them, thinking that they may be perceived as prejudiced or racist. CM: But Ms. Hurston compares herself to “a dark rock surged upon, overswept by a creamy sea.” CM: She is showing us that she knows how to really appreciate her race and how it changes her. SD: However, the aspect of Ms. Hurston’s self-appreciation that stuck out to me the most was her soul. CM: When she attended the jazz orchestra and heard the music, she had a profound experience sensed in the depths of her soul. CM: When the man sitting next to her did not feel all that she felt, she wasastounded by how superficial a person could be. CM: This shows us that no matter what we look like, we are all like brown bags filled with “a jumble of small things priceless and worthless.” CS: All of these things have led her to a better appreciation of herself, for Ms. Hurston herself says, “How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company! Its beyond me.”
TS: So now I think, “What do I appreciate about myself?” and I realize there are multiple things of which I can be appreciative. SD: I came to recognize that though this is unrelated to me as a person, I appreciate the fact that I have a loving and caring family. CM: They are always there to encourage me, to support me, and to offer advice- something I admit I do not always accept. CM: Though I will always have brothers and cousins bothering and teasing me, I know that they would never deny my company, and I appreciate their tolerance. SD: I also realized that I would be a totally different person if it weren’t for my talents. CM: Whether I am learning in a classroom, playing with a sports team, or working in the art room, the things that I do well make me who I am, and we should all appreciate the things that set us apart from others. CM: The fact that I have things I can do with ease is very empowering and I have great appreciation for that. SD: Finally, I am thankful for my confidence. CM: I have never had particular issues with self-esteem or body image, and I think that not being self-conscious has helped me to focus on important things like achieving goals. CM: Being comfortable with myself has aided me in forging strong friendships, pushing myself to the limits, and most importantly, accepting myself. CS: All of these things have led me ultimately to a fine appreciation of myself.
These days, we can’t let things we see get to us and make us want to change who we are. Zora Neale Hurston has learned to appreciate herself, and I have followed her example. This is the way to overcome all of those qualms and insecurities, because we are all like brown bags filled with the assorted jumble that makes up who we are. What’s in your bag?
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2008
lydias works cited
Burhans, Clinton S. Jr.. "Winter Dreams: ‘‘Magnificently Attune to Life’’: The Value of ‘‘Winter Dreams’’." Short Stories for Students. Ed. Marie Rose Napierkowski. Vol. 15. Detroit: Gale, 1998. eNotes.com. January 2006. 7 October 2008. http://www.enotes.com/winter-dreams/magnificently-attune-life-value-winter-dreams
lydias essay 3
Lydia Schulz
English 9
Mr. H. Salsich
7, October 2008
Give and Take
Some people would say that our lives are defined by the moments that make up a life, not the life as a whole. Those moments include everything from the best day of your life to the worst day of your life. They include the high points and the low points, the gains and the losses. Loss and gain (repeated throughout essay) was a major contributor in the stories of both “Sonny’s Blues” and “Winter Dreams”, and affected the characters’ lives in an immense way.
In “Sonny’s Blues,” the narrator, Sonny’s brother, lost and gained a great quantity of things. Fortunately for him, he seemed to gain a great deal more than he lost. For example, although the narrator lost his brother to the world of drugs, when Sonny was finally clean again, it helped him to gain a much better understanding of Sonny as a person. After Sonny invited him to the place where he was playing, the narrator not only realized Sonny’s talent as a musician, but he realized Sonny’s pain and he realized how much of his soul Sonny pours into the music. There were also many physical losses in this story. The two brothers’ father lost his brother in a car accident, but the narrator has suffered even greater losses. Both of his parents are gone and while his brother was in jail, his daughter Gracie died, though he is still making it through life and understanding that though he has lost so much, he will gain many things in return. I think the most significant gain in this story was the narrator getting a better relationship with his brother. When Sonny invited his brother to see him play, their bond grew stronger than ever because Sonny was finally opening up. This is a defining moment in the narrator’s relationship with Sonny. Though this story could be viewed as tragic, I think otherwise because of the connection Sonny made with his brother.
In “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character, Dexter Green, also did a lot of gaining and losing. When first reading the story, one might think that Dexter’s loss of Judy was his biggest, but in reality, the losses he suffered after Judy were much greater. He was just drifting through life without much purpose, sapped of all motivation when he lost his only love. With nothing to do but mope, Dexter’s life started to become insignificant. When Dexter had Judy, he put so much of himself into their relationship, much like Sonny did with his music. Dexter was in bliss when he had Judy, but was so empty when he lost his love that he lost his ability to really and truly love. Though he became thoroughly depressed, Dexter gained something out of his undesirable situation. As we know, “men like Dexter Green do not cry easily,”(Burhans) and instead, Dexter became much more guarded. After Judy, that caution made him play it safe with relationships, always wary of someone who might hurt him. Dexter suffered a great loss, the kind that no one should have to endure- the loss of his love and the loss of his identity.
It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Sonny’s brother and Dexter both know the importance of this because they are people who have experienced both colossal losses and immense gains. They show us that life is a game of give and take, and that eventually, things will even out. All you need is a little patience.
English 9
Mr. H. Salsich
7, October 2008
Give and Take
Some people would say that our lives are defined by the moments that make up a life, not the life as a whole. Those moments include everything from the best day of your life to the worst day of your life. They include the high points and the low points, the gains and the losses. Loss and gain (repeated throughout essay) was a major contributor in the stories of both “Sonny’s Blues” and “Winter Dreams”, and affected the characters’ lives in an immense way.
In “Sonny’s Blues,” the narrator, Sonny’s brother, lost and gained a great quantity of things. Fortunately for him, he seemed to gain a great deal more than he lost. For example, although the narrator lost his brother to the world of drugs, when Sonny was finally clean again, it helped him to gain a much better understanding of Sonny as a person. After Sonny invited him to the place where he was playing, the narrator not only realized Sonny’s talent as a musician, but he realized Sonny’s pain and he realized how much of his soul Sonny pours into the music. There were also many physical losses in this story. The two brothers’ father lost his brother in a car accident, but the narrator has suffered even greater losses. Both of his parents are gone and while his brother was in jail, his daughter Gracie died, though he is still making it through life and understanding that though he has lost so much, he will gain many things in return. I think the most significant gain in this story was the narrator getting a better relationship with his brother. When Sonny invited his brother to see him play, their bond grew stronger than ever because Sonny was finally opening up. This is a defining moment in the narrator’s relationship with Sonny. Though this story could be viewed as tragic, I think otherwise because of the connection Sonny made with his brother.
In “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character, Dexter Green, also did a lot of gaining and losing. When first reading the story, one might think that Dexter’s loss of Judy was his biggest, but in reality, the losses he suffered after Judy were much greater. He was just drifting through life without much purpose, sapped of all motivation when he lost his only love. With nothing to do but mope, Dexter’s life started to become insignificant. When Dexter had Judy, he put so much of himself into their relationship, much like Sonny did with his music. Dexter was in bliss when he had Judy, but was so empty when he lost his love that he lost his ability to really and truly love. Though he became thoroughly depressed, Dexter gained something out of his undesirable situation. As we know, “men like Dexter Green do not cry easily,”(Burhans) and instead, Dexter became much more guarded. After Judy, that caution made him play it safe with relationships, always wary of someone who might hurt him. Dexter suffered a great loss, the kind that no one should have to endure- the loss of his love and the loss of his identity.
It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Sonny’s brother and Dexter both know the importance of this because they are people who have experienced both colossal losses and immense gains. They show us that life is a game of give and take, and that eventually, things will even out. All you need is a little patience.
Lydias Essay 2
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
16, September 2008
Learning to Listen
Discussing an Essay on “Sonny’s Blues”
When I first read Sonny’s Blues, I didn’t realize exactly how much I had missed. I thought I had been reading carefully, but after reading Suzy Goldman’s views on the story, I realized that compared to her, I didn’t take in anything at all. While I thought it had been a good story and well written, she delves much deeper in discussing many different levels of the story. In her essay, James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues”: A Message In Music Goldman discusses more than I could ever take from that story.
I found this to be a very thoughtful piece of writing. Many of the points made were very shrewd and insightful to the main point of Sonny’s Blue’s. Ms. Goldman’s essay covered most of the key elements in the story and showed the importance of each. One point in the essay at which I noticed this was when Goldman says,” For that first true acceptance of himself, Sonny tells the narrator,‘ You’re my brother.’” One of the essential points talked about in this essay was listening and actually hearing. When Goldman states, “the narrator finally hears his brother’s sorrow in his music, hears, that is, Sonny’s blues,” she subtlely points out that the story was telling us to listen to the ones we love and actually hear what they are saying. This theme continues to crop up throughout the essay, emphasizing its importance. On the whole, this essay covers not only the story of Sonny’s Blues, but also the lessons that go along with it.
I enjoyed reading this thoughtful essay for many reasons. For instance, I liked the style of writing. The frequent excerpts from the book worked well to help emphasize the author’s point, which helped to make them more meaningful. I also noticed that the writing was complex in that there were many expanded sentences, but the writing was still very to the point. Another reason I liked this essay was because of what I thought to be the theme: listening. As Goldman continually hints at this idea, she plants it in our minds and has us think about what it means to truly listen while reading her writing. This certainly worked because as I read, I found myself contemplating what we really hear when we think we are listening. I think that Ms. Goldman did a wonderful job of covering the main points of this story and I greatly enjoyed learning her point of view.
After reading Ms. Goldman’s essay, I feel I have gained a much better understanding of “Sonny’s Blues.” Although I am sure it would take a very long time to get everything I could from the story, I now can comprehend one of the main themes of the story: listening. Now that I have understood it in this literature, I am more equipped to practice my listening and being more attentive to people. Maybe I will be able to finally really hear people in their tragedies, just like our narrator finally heard Sonny.
Works cited:
Goldman, Suzy Bernstein. "Sonny's Blues: James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues": A Message in Music." Short Stories for Students. Ed. Marie Rose Napierkowski. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 1998. eNotes.com. January 2006. 22 September 2008. .
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
lydias essay 1
Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
16, September 2008
Is it so Cliché?
An Essay Comparing Two Quotes
After hearing it so many times, when someone says that you need to live in the moment it sounds a little cliché. Once I better understood these quotes, however, those four words seem so much m ore important. You really do need to “live your way into the answer.” The journey certainly is the reward.
The main idea that Rilke is trying to get across is to be patient and that we should think about this in everything we do. He talks about, “books written in a very foreign language.” This seems to be encouraging us to be inquisitive and try to learn things. However, we also have to be patient, as learning how to read a book in a foreign language takes time and practice. Rilke also says to, “live everything,” meaning that we are to take the opportunities that are thrown at us. If we do not take chances in life, we gut stuck in a safe zone from which we might never emerge. If this is the way we live, we may look back on life and regret. The fundamental point of the quote is to be patient. All of your questions may not have answers at first, but the thing you have to do is wait for them to come to you. It all has to do with being patient and trusting that time will sort things out for you.
I think that this quote relates to another quote that is written on the wall in the hallway: “the journey is the reward.” This quote is a Chinese proverb. Many people would say that you are rewarded most at the end of a journey. This quote tells us that it is actually the journey and what you learned form it that is the most important reward. What these quotes say to me is that you need experience in life to learn yourself. That experience (the journey) will help you to be patient when the answers don’t come right away. That experience will show you how to “live your way into the answer.” Finally, these quotes tell us to live for the moment, or, “live everything.” It really is the present that counts, not what happens in the future. What is happening now is the reward. It seems to me that these quotes have exceedingly similar messages.
These two meaningful quotes have taught me many things. I have learned that you would do better to live completely in the moment, although I had already grasped this message from numerous magnets and bumper stickers. The main thing I learned is that the end result is not the most important reward. It is the steps you took to reach that goal that really count.
