Welcome to four ninth grade Pine Point students blog! We will be posting essays, poems and all sorts of English related things on this blog.
Enjoy!
Ceilie, Timmy, Lydia, Sarah
Enjoy!
Ceilie, Timmy, Lydia, Sarah
Showing posts with label Ceilie. Show all posts
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #21
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 28th, 2009
Remembering the Place That Shaped Us:
My Last Essay On a Poem and My Life
TS In William Wordsworth’s, “Tintern Abbey” a major theme of remembering a past life through familiar surroundings. SD It has been “five years” since Wordsworth has been to Tintern Abbey, and once he arrives, the recognizable environment is the key that unlocks the memories he made there. CM In the first stanza, he is noticing all of the details of the earth around him and remembering them from years before as he says, “Once again .../ do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs […] Once again I see …/ of sportive wood run wild.” CM The way the “landscape” looked seemed to be the same as it was “five years” before, triggering his memory as he began to remember more than just the lay of the land. SD With this familiar setting bringing back letting Wordsworth reminisce about the time he once spent there, he also remembers how much the place meant to him. CM In the last stanza, Wordsworth states, “That after many wanderings, many years …/ of absence, these steep woods and lofty cliffs …/ and this green pastoral landscape, were to me …/ more dear, both for themselves and for thy sake.” CM By this he means that the “woods” the “cliffs” and “pastoral land” all signified how much this place of tranquility and passiveness benefited his life, and at the same time, he meant just as much to the land as it did to him. CS Surroundings did more than just jog Wordsworths’ memory, reminding him of the time he spent at “Tintern Abbey,” but also prompted how much the place meant to him that long “five years” before.
TS My reaction to entering the halls of Pine Point after five years would be very similar to Wordsworth’s reaction to seeing Tintern Abbey. SD I would recognize all the characteristics of the school, which would then welcome memories of the ten years I spent here to reenter my mind. CM Opening the double doors and stepping into the carpeted hallway would remind me of all the mornings I had been early to school and decided to kill time by dawdling at my locker and taking forever to unpack my book bag. CM My memories would sprout from more than just the vast, obvious features of Pine Point, but also from the things I have grown to notice over the past ten years. CM3The “First-day-of-school-smell,” the small crevice (FAST) of space between the tall lockers, the mirror in the girls’ bathroom that distorts any body that stares into it and the breeze of warmth that overcomes the student who enters the English room in the wintertime, would all remind me of single, seemingly unimportant moments that have occurred due to each of those places. (Parallelism; Tetracolon Climax) SD Like Wordsworth, the sudden rush of reliving my past would also help me realize how much this school meant to me at the time, and still means to me now. CM In five years, I may have forgotten about all the lessons I learned, pertaining to both academics and life itself. CM Although I may have lost how much I value Pine Point in the shuffle of new textbooks, even longer essays and making new friends, turning back the clock and walking down these halls willawake the sleeping appreciation I have for Pine Point. (Personification) TS Much like Wordsworth, when I venture back to Pine Point in five years, I will be overwhelmed and overjoyed by all that I remember in each step I take down the hallway.
Imagine stepping back in time and returning to that favorite place of yours. What do you see? What do you hear, smell, even taste? Is it the same as you remembered, or so different it is unrecognizable? Either way, embrace the place, love it, remember it, and promise it you’ll never forget it.
*********************************************************************************
Self-Assessment
Self-Assessment
What Issues Am I Working On?
I am working on using required tools correctly and enhancing my writing with them. I am also working on eliminating unnecessary words and using a variation of short and long sentences.
What Do I Like Best About This Essay?
I like my use of descriptives. From explaining the theme of "Tintern Abbey" to describing how I will feel in the future when I return to Pine Point after five years, I think I did a good job of giving good imagery while not overusing the adjectives.
What Is a Possible Weakness I See In This Essay?
I didn't use as many quotes as I would have hoped to, which might make my writing come off as a bit vague.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #20
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 21st, 2009
We’ve heard them all before, those inspirational quotes about “living life to the fullest” and “act as though there is no tomorrow.” While some like these simple, generic quotes, some need more, an explanation on how exactly to achieve this coveted (FAST) way to live openly. Rainer Maria Rilke is one of those people that gives a reason, a way, a form of instruction (Tricolon) on how and why one should treasure life and all its opportunities, because soon it could be gone. While Rilke speaks these words, the garden stone from the English room and myself are living them.
TS What Rilke is saying in this passage is to treat your sense of touch like your sense of sight. SD In the first line, Rilke states that your sight is “the most authentic [way] of acquiring something.” CM By this he means that when you see something, it is the real thing, no editing, no fabrications, just the truth. CM With our hands, we can lie to ourselves, and feel what we want to feel, and grasp what we want to grasp, but with our sight, we see it for how long it is there, and when time is up, it disappears. SD Rilke also says, “If God made our hands to be like our eyes[…]then we could truly acquire wealth.” CM Our eyes don’t have any choice but to see and “grasp” and “relinquish things.” CM Unlike our eyes, our hands can close for however long they want and refuse to take hold of an opportunity when it offers its hand. CM Rilke is essentially saying that if our hands could have no choice but to grab onto everything that comes into view, there would be no hesitance and we could “acquire wealth” by experiencing everything. TS Rilke is saying there is a great benefit that comes with keeping an open mind and an open palm.
TS So simple, so solid, so emotionless, so still, (Tetracolon Climax)the garden stone’s relationship with the Rilke passage isn’t obvious, but once searched for, it is there. (Appositive Opener) SD The garden stone that lies so inanimately (FAST) in the English classroom can’t experience seeing out of two eyes, two windows to the truth, and yet it still has some of the same characteristics as our eyes do. CM Rilke is explaining in this passage that we can’t close our eyes and block out the world, seeing only what we want to see. CM The garden stone is like our eyes, unprotected from what is placed on it everyday and forced to experience everything, for it cannot refuse to view a scene in front of it. SD With our eyes always open, there is never a scene that we can miss due to refusing to see it. CM This constant viewing of every single thing in the world lets our eyes take hold of every opportunity because they are incapable of declining the offer. CM The garden stone can relate to the inability of voicing its hesitance towards doing something. CM3 The garden stone probably didn’t want to be picked up from its original habitat and brought into a dark, crowded room, but because it couldn’t refuse the move, it experienced it and might have “truly acquired wealth.” CS The garden stone is open, available to be placed anywhere and sit on anything, and because of its willingness to experience everything, it could gain some true “wealth.”
TS I agree entirely with what Rilke is saying in this passage. SD I think that many people, including myself, have missed opportunities due to stubborn, closed fists. CM We can’t help but hold on to what we want and shake our heads at what we refuse. (Antithesis) CM If we grasp onto all that is handed to us, even what we feel hesitant to hold, we can gain the “wealth” of knowledge of everything in the world. SD I hope that this quote will stay with me in the next four years of my life, as well as the years to come. CM One of the main reasons I am going to boarding school next year is because I will have more options in terms of experiencing and exploring the world than I would back home. CM This quote inspires me to cherish (FAST) these opportunities and approach them with an open mind, for I only have one chance to experience it. CS I read these wise words of Rilke’s, knowing that they will be something I’ll carry on my journey next year and years following that one. (Participle Closer)
“Live life to the fullest,” “act as though there is no tomorrow,” “Acquire wealth [by] [being] ready to grasp [anything that comes at you.]” There are many ways to say it, but only a few ways to do it. “[Let] [y]our hands be like y[our] eyes” and experience all that is handed to you.
*******************************************************************************
Self Assessment
What was the hardest part of this assignment for you?
I had a hard time fitting in all the writing tools. Participles and appositives are really difficult for me to fit into my writing without sounding very obvious.
What is your greatest strength in this essay?
I think my third body paragraph was pretty darn good. It was simple and clear without any extra words.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 21st, 2009
Rearranging Your Senses:
An Essay About a Passage, a Garden Stone and My Life
We’ve heard them all before, those inspirational quotes about “living life to the fullest” and “act as though there is no tomorrow.” While some like these simple, generic quotes, some need more, an explanation on how exactly to achieve this coveted (FAST) way to live openly. Rainer Maria Rilke is one of those people that gives a reason, a way, a form of instruction (Tricolon) on how and why one should treasure life and all its opportunities, because soon it could be gone. While Rilke speaks these words, the garden stone from the English room and myself are living them.
TS What Rilke is saying in this passage is to treat your sense of touch like your sense of sight. SD In the first line, Rilke states that your sight is “the most authentic [way] of acquiring something.” CM By this he means that when you see something, it is the real thing, no editing, no fabrications, just the truth. CM With our hands, we can lie to ourselves, and feel what we want to feel, and grasp what we want to grasp, but with our sight, we see it for how long it is there, and when time is up, it disappears. SD Rilke also says, “If God made our hands to be like our eyes[…]then we could truly acquire wealth.” CM Our eyes don’t have any choice but to see and “grasp” and “relinquish things.” CM Unlike our eyes, our hands can close for however long they want and refuse to take hold of an opportunity when it offers its hand. CM Rilke is essentially saying that if our hands could have no choice but to grab onto everything that comes into view, there would be no hesitance and we could “acquire wealth” by experiencing everything. TS Rilke is saying there is a great benefit that comes with keeping an open mind and an open palm.
TS So simple, so solid, so emotionless, so still, (Tetracolon Climax)the garden stone’s relationship with the Rilke passage isn’t obvious, but once searched for, it is there. (Appositive Opener) SD The garden stone that lies so inanimately (FAST) in the English classroom can’t experience seeing out of two eyes, two windows to the truth, and yet it still has some of the same characteristics as our eyes do. CM Rilke is explaining in this passage that we can’t close our eyes and block out the world, seeing only what we want to see. CM The garden stone is like our eyes, unprotected from what is placed on it everyday and forced to experience everything, for it cannot refuse to view a scene in front of it. SD With our eyes always open, there is never a scene that we can miss due to refusing to see it. CM This constant viewing of every single thing in the world lets our eyes take hold of every opportunity because they are incapable of declining the offer. CM The garden stone can relate to the inability of voicing its hesitance towards doing something. CM3 The garden stone probably didn’t want to be picked up from its original habitat and brought into a dark, crowded room, but because it couldn’t refuse the move, it experienced it and might have “truly acquired wealth.” CS The garden stone is open, available to be placed anywhere and sit on anything, and because of its willingness to experience everything, it could gain some true “wealth.”
TS I agree entirely with what Rilke is saying in this passage. SD I think that many people, including myself, have missed opportunities due to stubborn, closed fists. CM We can’t help but hold on to what we want and shake our heads at what we refuse. (Antithesis) CM If we grasp onto all that is handed to us, even what we feel hesitant to hold, we can gain the “wealth” of knowledge of everything in the world. SD I hope that this quote will stay with me in the next four years of my life, as well as the years to come. CM One of the main reasons I am going to boarding school next year is because I will have more options in terms of experiencing and exploring the world than I would back home. CM This quote inspires me to cherish (FAST) these opportunities and approach them with an open mind, for I only have one chance to experience it. CS I read these wise words of Rilke’s, knowing that they will be something I’ll carry on my journey next year and years following that one. (Participle Closer)
“Live life to the fullest,” “act as though there is no tomorrow,” “Acquire wealth [by] [being] ready to grasp [anything that comes at you.]” There are many ways to say it, but only a few ways to do it. “[Let] [y]our hands be like y[our] eyes” and experience all that is handed to you.
*******************************************************************************
Self Assessment
What was the hardest part of this assignment for you?
I had a hard time fitting in all the writing tools. Participles and appositives are really difficult for me to fit into my writing without sounding very obvious.
What is your greatest strength in this essay?
I think my third body paragraph was pretty darn good. It was simple and clear without any extra words.
MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #19
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 11th, 2009
The Pain of Parting:
An Essay on Two Poems and an Experience in My Life
TS You can tell just from the name of Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem, “Adios,” that “parting” is a main theme. SD In the first stanza, Nye introduces us to the word “Adios,” which means “Goodbye” in Spanish. CM She tells us that it is “a good word[…]no matter what language you [speak.] CM By this, she means that the idea of parting from something and someone, and using the word “Goodbye” to do so, often has negative connotations (FAST), but Nye is encouraging us that it is a “good word” and to not be afraid of its meaning. SD Later on in the poem, Nye says, “Think of things that linger […] think of things that disappear.” CM Here, she is telling us that when something parts from you, there are still memories of it that stay, such as “leaves, cartons and napkins.” CM To contradict her first statement, Nye also reminds us that there are times when something parts all together and leaves no trace. SD In the second to last stanza, Nye rewords the age old saying, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” CM However, Nye states it by saying, “[Think of] something that said ‘adios’ to you …/ before you knew what it meant …/ or how long it was for.” CM There are times that you never know how much you love something or long you will have something for, until it suddenly disappears from your grasp and parts from you forever. CS From just the title of this poem, you could guess it would be about the idea of parting, and inside each stanza and behind each word, the theory holds true.
TS The theme of parting is a little less obvious in Dickinson’s poem, “My Life Closed Twice” and takes some analyzing to understand. SD The first line reads, “My life closed twice before its close.” CM One would usually think of a life “clos[ing]” refers to death, but Dickinson is speaking more about the chapters of her life as opposed to life as a whole. CM These two chapters of her life probably “closed” when something significant occurred, such as a parting of an important person or object, or Dickinson herself parting from something of the same importance. SD In the second stanza, Dickinson mentions the more obvious way of parting, death. CM She says, “Parting is all we know of heaven.” CM What she means by this is that heaven is only known for being a place where you go after parting from the earth, and we don’t know much else. (Loose Sentence) CS Although the relationship between Dickinson’s poem and the theme of parting is hard to pinpoint, once you find it, the entirety of the poem makes sense.
TS In the next few months, I will have to experience the act of parting in two significant ways. (Periodic Sentence) SD First of all, I will be parting from twenty-one of my best friends and the school that has taught me, sheltered me and shaped me into the person I am today. CM I have been attending Pine Point for ten years, and in about one month, I will have to leave the only place I have ever known andventure (FAST) off to a new school. CM I will not only be parting from the school where I have been a student of for an entire decade, but also my twenty-one classmates that have been by my side, experiencing this journey in the making. SD I will also be parting from my home of Stonington, CT next fall. CM In the first week of this coming September, I will pick up my belongings and move into a dorm at my new facility of education. CM I will be living there for the next four years, making Stonington my less used, but still loved home, as opposed to my only one. CM3 Although this change will be a major one in my life, my home will always be my home, even if I am technically living eighty-five miles away from it. CS In the next few months, I will be parting from many places, but these partings can only strengthen my bond with the people and places I am leaving behind.
Parting varies within the situation. Sometimes parting is only for a short time, while other times, it lasts forever. Sometimes parting only refers to the dead, while other times, it also refers to the ones who didn’t pass, but simply left. Sometimes the memories of the one who parted “linger,” while other times, they “disappear” into thin air. Either way, parting is a part of life, and although each parting may be different, it all gives you a reason to reflect.
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #18
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
April 30th, 2009
A Simple Act of Kindness:
An Essay on a Poem, a Short Story and an Event in My Life
TS A poem about the simplicity of kindness and a short story about loss, hope and heartbreak wouldn’t seem to have much in common, but in fact they do. SD Although I don’t see any obvious connections between the two, I see hints of a relationship in short lines and certain phrases. CM For example, in the first two lines of “Kindness,” Nye says, “Before you know what kindness really is …/ you must lose things.” CM These wise words relate to Dexter Green because although the story ends on a sour, cliffhanging note, we know that Dexter has lost a lot, including opportunity to be successful, a fiancée and the love of his life, Judy Jones. CM3 We never find out whether or not Dexter receives an act of kindness after his losses, but we do know that because of what he has lost, he now has a greater knowledge of what kindness really is. (Loose Sentence) SD At the end of the first stanza, Nye says, “You ride and ride …/ thinking the bus will never stop.” CM This reminds me of “Winter Dreams” because for the first chapter of his life, Dexter is taken on an emotional roller coaster with Judy Jones, and her unpredictable lifestyle and emotions. CM Dexter often felt as though his “bus [ride with Judy] [would] never stop” and continue on in this dicey fashion. CS Even though the themes of these two pieces of literature show no clear relationship, within the stanzas and paragraphs, there are hidden lines that bond the two together, creating a connection.
TS There are both connections within the words, and outside the deeper meaning of the poem. SD This connection is between the two people that made these works happen-Naomi Shihab Nye and Dexter Green. CM It seems as though Nye vocalizes Dexter’s feelings aboutlife, love, loss and learning through past mistakes (Tertracolon Climax) in a more poetic, symbolic way. CM Dexter felt his “future dissolve in a moment” and he “journeyed through the night with plans,” and it is clear in both these and other lines that Nye understands the life Dexter is living. SD If Nye were to ever give Dexter advice, she would advise him to be patient with life. CM She would remind him that with all the losses, come gains, which are even more beneficial than the things he lost. CM She would tell him that, “Before you know what kindness really is…/ you must lose things” and that once you are rewarded with that simple act of kindness, “[it] goes with you everywhere../ like a shadow or a friend.” CS There is not only a relationship between the themes of this story and this poem, but also between the main characters of the works, the author herself and the troubled soul being held back by his former love.
TS One distinct event in my life relates to both “Kindness” and “Winter Dreams. SD Two years ago, my grandfather passed away from cancer, and it put a lot of strain on my family. (Loose Sentence) CM While I lost someone who played such an important role in my life, I gained the knowledge of what it means to be genuinely kind. CM As I was going through this difficult time, people reached out to me and my family. CM3 They acted benevolent (SAT Word) towards us and tended to our emotional wounds, making the adjustment to not having my grandfather around much easier. SD This event also reminds me of the never-ending “ride” Dexter went on with Judy. CM For years, Dexter lived an inconsistent life, his emotions towards Judy changed erratically, and one moment they were in love, the next, they were both on separate paths with broken hearts. CM After my grandfather’s death, my feelings went on this roller coaster, unsteadily fluctuating. CM3 At first, I was torn inside, feeling mournful over my adversity (SAT Word). CM4 Soon, I learned to live without such sorrowful feelings about my grandfather, but once a memory of him popped into my mind, or an anniversary regarding his life showed up on the calendar, I fell back into the state of desolation. CS I haven’t experienced the pain of losing the love of my life, and on rare occasions am I graced with an act of kindness, and yet, a saddening incident in my life relates to both “Kindness” and “Winter Dreams.”
In the end, kindness is the ultimate gain from what one lost. It not only brings the person who lost something so special to them, a comforting feeling of happiness, but also something to look back on and realize how thankful they are. It is a simple act of kindness that can do something as special as brighten someone’s day, but it is also a simple act of kindness that can do something as great as get someone back on their feet after a terrible loss.
********************************************************************************
Self Assessment
What Am I Most Proud Of In This Essay?
I am proud of my use of the the writing tools. They were very difficult to blend into my sentences, but in the end, they are both used correctly and fit right in.
What Was The Hardest Part About This Assignment?
The hardest part of this assignment was comparing the short story and the poem. The two works are nothing alike and it took me a while to really get into the deep meaning of each of them and yank out similarities between the two.
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #17
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
April 26th, 2009
A Sentimental Feeling:
An Essay on Two Poems and a Short Story
TS In “The Garden Party,” Laura, a young girl who is hosting a garden party, has a natural tendency to be sentimental. (Appositive) SD Before her party starts, she finds out a man was killed outside her house, which gives her second thoughts about continuing her event. CM “If you’re going to stop a [party] every time someone has an accident, you’ll lead a very strenuous life,” her sister, Jose, informed Laura, after she announced her intentions to cancel the soiree. CM Both Laura’s deep concern for the dead man and Jose’s reaction to the situation indicate that Laura was acting irrationally sentimental over the death of someone she didn’t even know. SD In the end of the story, Laura visits the dead man’s family and this time acts accordingly to the situations she is in, as opposed to the way she initially overreacted when she was given the news about the dead man. CM The man’s wife leads Laura in to see his resting body, “sleeping so soundly, so deeply.” CM Laura, reacting as anyone who is as unexposed to the idea of death as she is, and is put into a state of sentimental shock as she leaves the house, “sob[bing].” (ParticiplePhrase) CS Laura’s sentiment is out of pure compassion for everything and everyone, but there are times when it is almost too extreme and affects her, as well as those around her, negatively.
TS In the poem, “The Traveling Onion,” the author, Naomi Shihab Nye, shows sentiment over something as simple as a vegetable, in a way that really makes you think before you eat. (Appositive) SD Nye describes the effortless action of cutting an onion as a sad moment, and even recognizes something that even the most wary (SAT Word) chefs wouldn’t. CM “The way my knife enters the onion /… and [it] falls apart on the chopping block” she says, giving a somber connotation to what she’s doing, almost as though she is committing murder to such a beautiful, natural source of satisfaction. CM She adds, “A history revealed,” reminding us that each layer of an onion represents each year it has been alive, like the height of a tree or wrinkles on a human. SD Nye also feels sentiment for the onion as it is being eaten, not because it will no longer be seen, but because it is “small and forgotten” as it is mixed in with all the other foods. CM “[While eating] [we] comment on the texture of meat or herbal aroma /… but never on the translucence of onion,” she writes. CM She feels this raw, sorrowful emotion for the onion, as it spends its life growing with such potential, only to be picked and thrown into a “stew”, adding a sublime zest to the meal without any adulation. (SAT Word) CS Nye writes in a sentimental way that recognizes the little things in life, such as an onion, and gives it credit for everything it has given us, and apologizes for the fact that we have given nothing in return.
TS In Emily Dickinson’s, “I’m Nobody,” she recognizes and feels sentiment towards someone who is so little, that they are “nobody,” much like herself. SD “I’m nobody,” Dickinson writes, “Are you nobody too? /… Then there’s a pair of us.” CM Dickinson feels compassion towards this “nobody” because they are similar to her in the way that they feel nonexistent. CM She understands how the person feels being “nobody” and decides to befriend them, due to their likeness. SD Dickinson also expresses sentiment towards the “somebody[s] of the world.” CM Talking to the other “nobody”, Dickinson says, “How dreary [it is] to be somebody.” (Participlephrase) CM Dickinson’s comment is quite contradictory to society’s perception that being “somebody” is something to strive for, and to be known is something everyone wants. CM3 Instead of feeling envy towards the “somebody[s],” Dickinson actually feels sentiment and sympathy for those who are so “public” and known by everyone. CS Dickinson interestingly vocalizes her liking for being “nobody” and pity for those who are “somebody,” in a way that convinces readers to change their minds about the fame and fortune “somebody[s]” supposedly have.
Sentiment is an ambiguous concept that has a certain time and place. Sometimes, it is seen as the simple feeling of compassion towards another. Other times, it can be felt so excessively, it is unnecessary and overdramatic. In “The Garden Party,” the main character acts as though the sky is falling because of the unfortunate death of an unknown man, while in “The Traveling Onion,” the author feels this slight, subtle sentiment for a vegetable that doesn’t get enough recognition for its worth. Being sentimental can be depicted in many different ways, but it is always definite that if you feel even an ounce of sentiment, it is only because you have a heart.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #16
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
April 16th, 2009
A True Bond:
An Essay on a Short Story and a Poem
In “The Little Brother Poem,” Nye uses many types of figurative language to express both her past and current relationship with her younger brother. In the third stanza, Nye refers back to an incident when she was so frustrated with her brother, she pushed him in front of a bicycle, and he suffered serious injuries. (Periodic Sentence) She uses personification as she states, “For weeks your eyes hard on me under the bandages.” She gives human-like qualities to her brother’s eyes by stating this, thus making the statement more powerful and the idea of the pain her brother is feeling more real. Nye also uses a few metaphors to describe her relationship with her brother, one being in the fourth stanza. Nye says, “You’re Wall Street and I’m the local fruit market. You’re Pierre Cardin and I’m a used bandanna.” Although her brother isn’t actually Wall Street, and she isn’t physically a used bandanna, she uses these characteristics and objects to describe who the two siblings are as people. Her brother left home to become successful, while she stayed home in this small town, patting down her sweat with a bandanna and purchasing food at the local market. A final metaphor she uses to both begin and end the poem, is the one referring to Nye “cleaning the house.” She talks about organizing “the pieces of junk [her brother] saved” and how “it’s a large order[…]dumping out a whole drawer at once[…]trying to put [things] back in some kind of shape.” Although at first glance it seems as though she’s simply cleaning out her house, reflecting back on her bond with her brother, she’s actually using the “drawer” and the “junk” as symbols for their life together and every bad thing she’s done to him that she wants to be forgiven for. (Participle Closer) In the poem, it’s sometimes a little difficult to tell whether the language Nye is using to describe her and her brother is figurative or literal, but when you think about it, a majority of it is symbolic one way or another.
Both “The Little Brother Poem” and “Sonny’s Blues” are strong stories about the author’s relationship with their brother, but there is more of a relationship between the tales than the plot of a bond between two siblings. First off, in “Sonny’s Blues,” the narrator describes the day his daughter, Grace, fell to the floor and died of Polio. “When you have a lot of children you don’t always start running when one of them falls,” the author explained, “[But] Isabel (the author’s wife) says that when she heard that thump and then that silence, something happened to her to make her afraid.” He is saying that Isabel has this instinctive feeling that when her daughter fell, it was much different from the ordinary trip to the rug that resulted in a bruise or two. This reminds me of when Nye’s brother “disappeared into the streets of Dallas at midnight on foot, crying, and [she] realized he’d been serious.” This quote indicates that there could’ve been other moments when her brother had run away, upset, but there was something specific about this time that made her realize he wasn’t coming home like he usually did, and she was right. In the final scene of “Sonny’s Blues,” the narrator has reunited with his brother, who “fill[ed] the air with his life” as his fingers glided up and down the piano. At this moment, the two brothers connect through the achievements of Sonny and reflect back on the dreams they’ve both had, how far they’ve taken them, and how the dreams have reunited them as a family. This scene has a similar plotline to sixth stanza of Nye’s poem, although the outcome of the reunion between the siblings is a little less heartwarming and a little more heartbreaking. (Parallelism) Nye calls up her brother, who is now working as a “Wall Street”-like businessman, something he has always pined for. Out of pure concern and curiosity, Nye called her brother to check up on his new life that he’d left her behind for, and when asking “Are you happy?” he replied with an unsure answer, sounding “small, younger,” and he questioned whether fighting for his dreams was worth it in the end. “Sonny’s Blues” and “The Little Brother Poem” have more similarities than just their storyline, but also the problems the two main characters face and the outcome of their lives.
The relationship between two siblings is one of the purest, most honest relationships you can ever have with anyone. There is no shame in saying how you really feel, no judgment when the other has a moment of shortcoming (FAST) and no question as to how much you love each other. (Parallelism) Although the bond between two siblings is expected to have a fair amount of ugly days, they can never outweigh the beautiful ones.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #15
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
April 12th, 2009
Unseen Courage:
An Essay on a Poem
Courage is often only seen in the heroes of the world. In the people who save lives every day, in the men who go into burning buildings to save the child stuck on the third floor and in the women who spend hours in an operating room, hunched over an unconscious body so their family can have many more years to spend with them. But what we don’t recognize is the true courage, the humble, unspoken courage.We don’t see the courage of the one soldier walking through a minefield to get to the other side, and the fearlessness of the five year-old walking away from his bully. (Antithesis)
In Anne Sexton’s poem, “Courage”, I see many themes, but one sticks out to me the most. In every stanza, I see Sexton subtly hinting at the fact that courage isn’t something that has to be shown off to be there. When people are courageous they often receive newspaper articles written about how heroic they are, or they are honored with a day named after them to remind everyone of their bravery. But courage doesn’t have to be shown off to be present, and I think that is what Sexton is trying to say in her poem. In two stanzas the theme is particularly present, one being the first stanza. In the first stanza, Sexton describes how courage can be exemplified (FAST) during one’s childhood. Sexton says, “When they called you crybaby or poor or fatty or crazy and made you into an alien, you drank their acid and concealed it.” What she means by this is that when a child is being teased by other kids, its easier for the victim to stand up for themselves and shoot the same words right back in their attackers’ faces, but what truly takes courage is the act of absorbing these hurtful words that sting like “acid” and walk away with any reaction. Sexton also demonstrates this theme in the second stanza. In this stanza, she is describing courage that is displayed on the battlefield during war and says, “You faced the death of bombs and bullets. You did not do it with a banner, you did it with only a hat to cover your heart.” She means that fighting as a soldier in a war takes immense amounts of courage for obvious reasons and to showboat your acts of bravery with a banner is understandable, having the humbleness to only honor yourself, the time you served and all of those you knew and didn’t know who died, with your hat over your heart requires even more courage than parading around with a banner. Courage is not the act of saying you did something without fear or hesitation, but the act of actually performing these brave acts and not feeling like you have to boast about your accomplishments.
Depression doesn’t really seem like an illness to most, in fact, a lot of people often just see it as an excuse for weakness. Depression is the state of being severely dejected (FAST), without any hope or feeling of suffiency. When someone is diagnosed with depression as a mental disorder, they have one setting, one mode, one emotion-sadness. Anne Sexton had a history of suffering from depression, and as weak as she probably felt, she dealt with it with a great amount of courage. After recognizing she had a problem, she went to see a therapist, who recommended she cope with her illness through poetry, which she did. Although she unfortunately committed suicide years later, she still displayed courage by fearlessly fighting against her opponent, and even though she eventually lost the battle, she tried, and trying takes courage. A few years ago, someone very close to me dealt with the same issue as Sexton. She was much younger than Sexton when she was diagnosed, and the situation got to the point where she was admitted into a hospital, where she lived for a few months constantly feeling sorrowful, and scared, and lonely, and tired of fighting to be happy. (Polysyndeton) She eventually gained the courage to get herself out of the situation, and after a lot of hard work and baby steps towards her goal, she broke through her wall of depression and came out triumphant. (Loose sentence) Reaching your goal is never easy, but when you’re fighting against yourself for your own life, you need every ounce of courage you can scrounge up to avoid drowning in your own sorrow.
We don’t see the everyday courage. We don’t recognize the courage walking off of the playground with such pain in his eyes, and that one courage out of thousands boarding the plane home after being in battle for the past twelve months. We only see the obvious courage, the courage that receives medals and badges in the honor of their bravery. Courage lies beneath every single one of us, and it doesn’t take a certificate to prove it’s real.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009
Ceilie's ISP Writing
Day 2: Practicing Descriptive Writing
As I sit here in this unfamiliar place, I am so aware of my surroundings. The sun glares at me from above, making it hard to see the flawlessly blue sky. The chirps of the birds, the humming of the fountain water and the buzz of the distant voices fill my ears. It is pleasantly chilly, and goosebumps sprout on my arms as the wind softly whispers. My classmates are scattered in this contained area, looking much like the garden across the quaint lawn.
Day 2: Reflection on the First Day in London
First days are about getting acquainted with new surroundings, and today we did just that. We got familiar with the physical surroundings as well as the lifestyle that the London inhabitants lead. We first strolled down the paved streets, soaking in the living images we will be seeing for the next ten days. We then got the hang of riding the Tube, England's underground transport system. After experiencing the city's modern day culture, we went back in time to the years of Charles Dickens. We carefully explored his house and studied the artifacts from the 1800's, most of which were Dickens' personal belongings. Today was the day we got acquainted with London and the rest of this trip will be about building a strong bond with it.
Day 4: Reflection on the Brick Lane Markets
Just walking through the Brick Lane Markets requires all of my senses to be heightened. My eyes see dozens of tents with anything from food to clothing inside. My fingers feel the hand-knitted hats and elegantly detailed dresses, as well as the temptation to grab my wallet and purchase everything I lay eyes on. My nose smells the aromas of the unique cuisine being sold. My ears hear nothing but casual exchanging of words, but not the same type of conversation I hear back home. Every voice has a different way of speaking their vowels and consonants. Each person's statements not only express their feelings and opinions, but their culture and heritage. The way they speak tells listeners where they are from, where they and their ancestors built their lives. The vast variety of accents echoing throughout the market make me aware of how one common exchange of money for goods appeal to such a variety of people. As I stepped into the Brick Lane Markets, my senses were heightened and helped my knowledge of diversity heighten as well.
Day 5: My Sonnet
Our steps click on the cobblestone
Like they have been doing for days
The streets swerving lines like an unsolvable maze
We are surrounded by the unknown
We feel the cool air and hear the wind moan
Looking at the aged buildings withered into decay
They stand so elegantly, but still complain
About how they are always left so alone
No one walks out nor steps in
The doors stay closed and locked
In the middle of so much and still abandoned
But our traveling ears our blocked
Unable to listen
And the buildings' doors stay closed, never receiving a knock
Day 6: Reflection on Visiting the Globe Theater
It is day number six of the ISP trip and my tired body drags me across a metal bridge, the clunks beneath me each time I take a step. I then manage to stride back in time as I enter The Globe Theater. Information about William Shakespeare surrounds me. The tour guide greets us with a friendly, "Hello", and before I know it, she's rapidly spitting out facts about the history of the theater. Farther and farther back in time I travel as I clump up the wooden stairs and eventually enter the theater like an athlete triumphantly walks into an arena before a game. I sit down and simply gaze in amazement at the replica of the famous site. From the arrangement of the chairs to the detailed paintings on the boxed seats, it is all so real. I envision the actors up on stage, reciting the lines with such charisma. The audience enthralled and royalty occupying the seats made especially for them. I am soon forced to leave the theater as the play is over and I step back into today, still thinking about back then.
Day 7: Poem About The Trip To Stratford Upon Avon
The scenes race by
And I sit here, watching
My pencil questions what to write
There is so much I could say
About the day's busy events
About the new things I've seen
The different things I have heard
But this time is different than the other days
This is a day
This is a long moment
To rest
And sit here with my three best friends
As we watch the scenes before us
Race by
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #14
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
February 26th, 2009
A Brave New World
An Essay On What It Takes To Build A Civilization
TS In “The Tempest”, the island that all the characters inhabit makes a drastic change from a rancorous (SAT Word) prison to a benevolent(SAT Word) sanctuary. SD When first introduced to the isle and those who are stranded on it, we are given the impression that this small strip of land in the middle of the ocean is nothing but an open jail cell. CM Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, are confined to this island along with Caliban, and their only goal is to get off, without the thought of taking this time of isolation to refine themselves as people and rebuild the tarnished relations they now hold with others.(Loose sentence) CM But as time passes and more people are banished to the island, all the characters restore their broken bonds, create new ones and eventually make the isle into a “brave new world”. SD One way in which the island makes the transformation into a new realm of kindness and joy is the love that Miranda and Ferdinand find in each other. CM The two young souls find this passion for each other and because of it they are overwhelmed with this new feeling of unimaginable bliss. CM This love also infects the other characters, making them believe in this magical concept that they may have lost sight of in the past. SD Another way the island transforms from a secluded area of hate to a united area of contentment is Prospero’s overall metamorphosis. CM Prospero was originally the first one to be trapped on this island and essentially controlled it, so his change from one person to another really impacted the island and all its inhabitants. CM One way he changed was that he gave up his helpful, but evil magical powers and decided even if it wasn’t easier, it was better to rely on “what strength I […] own.” CM3 Another reason Prospero changed himself and the island for the better is when he forgave his brother, Antonio, for all his wrongdoings, which lifted this symbolic weight of spite off of Prospero’s shoulders, letting him live normally again. CS In the end, the island in which all of those characters were stranded on made a significant transformation from a hateful prison to an isle of happiness, but none of that could’ve happened if it wasn’t for each person who contributed to this desired evolution.
TS From providing food and shelter to electing a government, building a successful civilization takes work. (Periodic Sentence) SD To make a society as peaceful as the one in “The Tempest”, you need a few specific attributes acting as glue to hold the community together. CM One important virtue you need is acceptance. CM When having every person belonging to this society accept a variety of people, it creates peace among the diversity and prevents conflict regarding intolerance caused by prejudice to break out. SD Another attribute of a cordial civilization would be moderation. CM If the people of the society lived in moderation and knew their limits when it came to not only wealth, but other necessities that some indulge themselves in, they could live comfortably without feeling guilty of their fortune. CM This moderation would also open a door to generosity and let those who do have too much of something, give it to those who don’t have any. SD The final piece of the society puzzle would be unity. CM A successful community is nothing without the unity of its members. CM The whole point of a society is to interact with and learn from the other inhabitants and use those relationships to work together to build a better community. CM3 The concept of unity also erases any chance of the society becoming conflicted because the people are living compatibly, as opposed to on one’s own initiative. CS Building a successful society requires more than just some friendly inhabitants and a few houses. CS2 It takes effort and perseverance (SAT Word) not only to physically build the civilization, but also to create the withstanding relationships the people need to have in order to work well together.
Love, forgiveness and the discovery of humanity are just a few of the things that turned the island in “The Tempest” into a “brave new world”. To build a successful society, you need virtues such as those, along with others like acceptance, moderation and unity. With the help of those necessary attributes, any country, state, city or even island can be made into a place of wonderment and peace.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #13
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
February 23rd, 2009
1. Music is everywhere. 2. It’s in the streets as the taxi cabs honk in a harmonious rhythm, it appears after sunrise as the morning birds welcome the new day in a chorus of chirps, and it lurks underneaththe ocean’s waves as the marine creatures dance and sing in their aquatic habitat. (Three consecutive prepositional phrases) 3. Music hums in our ears every day and whether we realize it or not, it affects the way we act and feel. 4. These melodic symphonies can affect anyone at any time, even a haggard monster such as Caliban in William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”
TS Imprisoned on this secluded island, a creature as dark and cruel as Caliban should be hateful of all beings and things. (Appositive noun) SD You would assume he has no passion, no drive that keeps him going, but in fact he does. CM This passion is ordinary, found in anyone from average pedestrian to a famed celebrity. CM He has this hidden intrigue with music and all its components, along with the ecstasy it gives him to hear the sweet note of his favorite piece. SD Music affects Caliban in multiple ways and these effects give way to let us see the true human that is under his dark layer of ghastliness. CM One way music affects Caliban is that it gives him a sense of sheer tranquility. (Short sentence) CM “[The sound of] twangling instruments will hum about [my] ear [s], and […] make me sleep”, states Caliban. CM3 By this, Caliban means that as he listens to his music, he is in such a peaceful mindset that he often falls asleep. SD Another more important affect music has on Caliban is that it takes him into this dream world that he yearns to live in. CM Caliban says, “In dreaming the clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me”. CM Caliban has lived a horrible life since the day he was born, trapped on this island and carrying around the reputation that his malicious parents gave him. CM3 But with the chime of an instrument and hum of a voice, Caliban gets to erase all the wrongs in his life and drown them out with dreams of wealth, success and love. CS Caliban is seen as this horrible creature that lurks around the island, sulking and sinning his way through life, but what we don’t see is the serene Caliban, who only needs a song to become the inspired human that he is.
TS Music is one of the most ambiguous elements in the world. SD Depending on the style and the person listening to it, music can affect different people in different ways. CM A sweet melody of an old song one once freely danced to can bring an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia to the listener. CM The listener could also be dealing with a personal problem and use music as a vent; they could both listen to a song that relates to their tough situation or even write their own tune that expresses their inner pain. (Compound-complex sentence) SD Music has many effects on me, but in the end, the strength or meaning of the song mixed with my current state of mind determines the overall impact it has on me. CM For example, if I am listening to a hushed melody with soothing lyrics, I, much like Caliban, fall into a state of serenity. CM Or if I am feeling sad or enraged, I don’t turn on an upbeat ditty that masks all my problems, but a sorrowful or angry song that has lyrics that relate to my current emotions. SD The other way music affects me that it gives me motivation to change something, whether it is someone else’s life or my own, I feel inspired. CM The song can be about something as personal as the singer’s experience as a young child growing up on the wrong side of the tracks and making it to stardom, or a topic as reoccurring and immense as solving world hunger. CM Whichever sad story the musician chooses to tell through their song, the underlying message sinks into my brain and keeps me constantly thinking about how lucky I am to be living the way I do and how I should use my fortune to help those who aren’t as blessed. CS Music has this power to elevate my mood, simmer it down and match it perfectly, but as it does this, it also subconsciously gives me this glint of inspiration to help someone or something in need.
1. Music is a universal interest that comes in a variety of tempos, tones and purpose. 2. Music is sad, it is joyful, it is evocative, it is powerful. 3. It has the strength to tear one’s eyes and the words to put one’s anxiety to sleep. 4. With every note, strum, syllable and chord, music affects us in ways any other element of life cannot.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
February 23rd, 2009
Music’s Subtle Influence:
An Essay on the Way Music Affects People
TS Imprisoned on this secluded island, a creature as dark and cruel as Caliban should be hateful of all beings and things. (Appositive noun) SD You would assume he has no passion, no drive that keeps him going, but in fact he does. CM This passion is ordinary, found in anyone from average pedestrian to a famed celebrity. CM He has this hidden intrigue with music and all its components, along with the ecstasy it gives him to hear the sweet note of his favorite piece. SD Music affects Caliban in multiple ways and these effects give way to let us see the true human that is under his dark layer of ghastliness. CM One way music affects Caliban is that it gives him a sense of sheer tranquility. (Short sentence) CM “[The sound of] twangling instruments will hum about [my] ear [s], and […] make me sleep”, states Caliban. CM3 By this, Caliban means that as he listens to his music, he is in such a peaceful mindset that he often falls asleep. SD Another more important affect music has on Caliban is that it takes him into this dream world that he yearns to live in. CM Caliban says, “In dreaming the clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me”. CM Caliban has lived a horrible life since the day he was born, trapped on this island and carrying around the reputation that his malicious parents gave him. CM3 But with the chime of an instrument and hum of a voice, Caliban gets to erase all the wrongs in his life and drown them out with dreams of wealth, success and love. CS Caliban is seen as this horrible creature that lurks around the island, sulking and sinning his way through life, but what we don’t see is the serene Caliban, who only needs a song to become the inspired human that he is.
TS Music is one of the most ambiguous elements in the world. SD Depending on the style and the person listening to it, music can affect different people in different ways. CM A sweet melody of an old song one once freely danced to can bring an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia to the listener. CM The listener could also be dealing with a personal problem and use music as a vent; they could both listen to a song that relates to their tough situation or even write their own tune that expresses their inner pain. (Compound-complex sentence) SD Music has many effects on me, but in the end, the strength or meaning of the song mixed with my current state of mind determines the overall impact it has on me. CM For example, if I am listening to a hushed melody with soothing lyrics, I, much like Caliban, fall into a state of serenity. CM Or if I am feeling sad or enraged, I don’t turn on an upbeat ditty that masks all my problems, but a sorrowful or angry song that has lyrics that relate to my current emotions. SD The other way music affects me that it gives me motivation to change something, whether it is someone else’s life or my own, I feel inspired. CM The song can be about something as personal as the singer’s experience as a young child growing up on the wrong side of the tracks and making it to stardom, or a topic as reoccurring and immense as solving world hunger. CM Whichever sad story the musician chooses to tell through their song, the underlying message sinks into my brain and keeps me constantly thinking about how lucky I am to be living the way I do and how I should use my fortune to help those who aren’t as blessed. CS Music has this power to elevate my mood, simmer it down and match it perfectly, but as it does this, it also subconsciously gives me this glint of inspiration to help someone or something in need.
1. Music is a universal interest that comes in a variety of tempos, tones and purpose. 2. Music is sad, it is joyful, it is evocative, it is powerful. 3. It has the strength to tear one’s eyes and the words to put one’s anxiety to sleep. 4. With every note, strum, syllable and chord, music affects us in ways any other element of life cannot.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #12
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
February 5th, 2009
Imprisonment and freedom are polar opposites. Being imprisoned gives you nothing to work with but cement walls that are incapable of being opened or closed, letting nothing in or out. Freedom is acting in a wonderfully careless manner, being negligent to the idea of hitting a boundary that can deprive you of your liberty. They are two strong feelings that can both strongly affect the way one lives.
TS If I was imprisoned and given only one sight to longingly gaze(FAST) at as I wished for freedom, I would want to look at the ocean. SD Unlike most, I wouldn’t want the luxury of looking at my friends or family and observe them as they lived their lives freely. CM Watching them live without boundaries as strict as mine would only provide me with envy and give me more hopeless determination to break free of my shackles and join them. CM I would hate knowing that the barrier of punishment or disease would be the only thing separating me from being by their sides. SD I would want to be able to look at the ocean because it would not only give me a beautiful view but also supply me with a symbolic friend. CM The soft hum of the waves could comfort me in times of pain or remorse and give me the illusions that I am somewhere besides a prison cell that is limiting me from what I want to do. CM The ocean is also a place where thousands of my memories have been made. CM3 Although remembering such happy times may make me sad in the sense that I will never relive those moments again, I still get the pleasure of remembering being a careless eight year-old practicing cartwheels and building sandcastles as the shore tickled my tanned feet. CM4 From these memories, I get the chance to smile as I reminisce (FAST) the days I spent lounging aside the beach and living my life happily instead of worrying about being confined in a cell of sadness. CS Looking out on the views of carefree people living without restrictions would only pain my heart, but being next to the place where I have spent endless summers making sweet memories will provide a spiritual friend and many moments to happily reflect back on.
TS Freedom is running without hitting a fence, jumping without gravity pulling you down, and swimming beyond the point in which your toes are numb and legs don’t feel the sensation of movement. SD Although, freedom can not only be described by actions, but by a person, an artist sitting in front of their blank canvas. CM Artists are given a palette that can be limited to only black and white, or more colors than the rainbow can physically contain. CM They can choosetheir medium, their choice of canvas, and their inspiration for the piece. (Tri-colon) SD When running, jumping or swimming, there is always one small variable holding you back and setting a limitation on what you can do. CM An artist’s boundary is the edge of their canvas. CM Where the edges lie, sits an invisible wall that surrounding the area that an artist may use to express their creativity. CS Freedom is the feeling of infinite ideas, actions and emotions (tri-colon) that give this ecstasy-like side effect, and an artist sitting in front of a blank canvas experiences every ounce of freedom that one can endure.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
February 5th, 2009
Views From Prison and Metaphors Of Freedom:
An Essay On Imprisonment and Freedom
Imprisonment and freedom are polar opposites. Being imprisoned gives you nothing to work with but cement walls that are incapable of being opened or closed, letting nothing in or out. Freedom is acting in a wonderfully careless manner, being negligent to the idea of hitting a boundary that can deprive you of your liberty. They are two strong feelings that can both strongly affect the way one lives.
TS If I was imprisoned and given only one sight to longingly gaze(FAST) at as I wished for freedom, I would want to look at the ocean. SD Unlike most, I wouldn’t want the luxury of looking at my friends or family and observe them as they lived their lives freely. CM Watching them live without boundaries as strict as mine would only provide me with envy and give me more hopeless determination to break free of my shackles and join them. CM I would hate knowing that the barrier of punishment or disease would be the only thing separating me from being by their sides. SD I would want to be able to look at the ocean because it would not only give me a beautiful view but also supply me with a symbolic friend. CM The soft hum of the waves could comfort me in times of pain or remorse and give me the illusions that I am somewhere besides a prison cell that is limiting me from what I want to do. CM The ocean is also a place where thousands of my memories have been made. CM3 Although remembering such happy times may make me sad in the sense that I will never relive those moments again, I still get the pleasure of remembering being a careless eight year-old practicing cartwheels and building sandcastles as the shore tickled my tanned feet. CM4 From these memories, I get the chance to smile as I reminisce (FAST) the days I spent lounging aside the beach and living my life happily instead of worrying about being confined in a cell of sadness. CS Looking out on the views of carefree people living without restrictions would only pain my heart, but being next to the place where I have spent endless summers making sweet memories will provide a spiritual friend and many moments to happily reflect back on.
TS Freedom is running without hitting a fence, jumping without gravity pulling you down, and swimming beyond the point in which your toes are numb and legs don’t feel the sensation of movement. SD Although, freedom can not only be described by actions, but by a person, an artist sitting in front of their blank canvas. CM Artists are given a palette that can be limited to only black and white, or more colors than the rainbow can physically contain. CM They can choosetheir medium, their choice of canvas, and their inspiration for the piece. (Tri-colon) SD When running, jumping or swimming, there is always one small variable holding you back and setting a limitation on what you can do. CM An artist’s boundary is the edge of their canvas. CM Where the edges lie, sits an invisible wall that surrounding the area that an artist may use to express their creativity. CS Freedom is the feeling of infinite ideas, actions and emotions (tri-colon) that give this ecstasy-like side effect, and an artist sitting in front of a blank canvas experiences every ounce of freedom that one can endure.
People face imprisonment and freedom every day. Those young soldiers going off to war are trapped in their camouflaged suits and the gun strapped to their chests, only focused on surviving the minefield they’re about to run across. The young and innocent are free of life’s heavy topics and time consuming obligations, only focused on skipping throughout the playground without scrapping their knee, and even if they do, a Band-Aid can easily fix it. Freedom and imprisonment can decorate and bring excitement to our lives, like an artist brings a painting to life, or unexpectedly strike them, and if by chance they do, we can only be so lucky to see an ocean from our prison cell.
****************************************************************************
Self-Assessment
What Am I Most Proud Of In This Essay?
I am proud of the introductory paragraph. I have a tendency to ramble with sentences and I think I kept it simple, starting off with a blunt statement and then slowly elaborating but in decent length sentences.
What Was The Hardest Part Of This Assignment?
I think the hardest part of this assignment was elaborating on the second body paragraph. When writing the idea map for it, I was very worried that I wouldn't be able to make two, good-sized chunks about the one topic, but it all worked out in the end.
****************************************************************************
Graphic Organizer
Topic: Views from Imprisonment
SD: I wouldn’t want to see people
CM: I would be jealous of them and their freedom
CM: I wouldn’t want to see them be free and know only a small wall is separating us
Topic: Freedom is…
SD Freedom is like an artist
CM They are given a palette and do what they want
CM The colors are their decision, the background, the medium, etc.
SD They only have one boundary
CM Their boundary is the edges of the paper
CM It is a fence around where they can express their creativity
****************************************************************************
Graphic Organizer
Topic: Views from Imprisonment
SD: I wouldn’t want to see people
CM: I would be jealous of them and their freedom
CM: I wouldn’t want to see them be free and know only a small wall is separating us
Topic: Freedom is…
SD Freedom is like an artist
CM They are given a palette and do what they want
CM The colors are their decision, the background, the medium, etc.
SD They only have one boundary
CM Their boundary is the edges of the paper
CM It is a fence around where they can express their creativity
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009
Ceilie's Post #11
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
February 1st, 2009
Imagine living on the same, small stretch of land since the day you were born, being incapable of leaving and forced into slavery to outsiders who have invaded your land. (Participle phrase) You aren’t even allowed to do as you please even though this is technically your land, and if you dare to rebel to your superior, you will be trapped in an tree for ten or so years. This tragic storyline is exactly what happens to two characters in Shakespeare’s play, “The Tempest.”
TS In “The Tempest”, Ariel is a magical slave for Prospero, a man who much like Ariel, has been confined on an island. SD Living on this secluded isle (FAST), Ariel has been trapped and surrounded by water with no way out. (Participle phrase) CM She has lived there for many years, acting as a slave too both Prospero and Sycorax. CM Not only is she imprisoned on this island, but at one point she was cooped up in an oak tree when she refused to comply (FAST) to Sycorax’s orders. SD Ariel is also confined when it comes to her capability to do what she pleases. CM When Prospero beckons for her services, she is obliged to complete the task she is ordered to do. CM For years Ariel has not only been locked up on this jail of an island doing hard labor, but also the punishment of even more confinement if she “refus[es] [any] grand hest” given by her master.
TS Caliban is a character quite opposite from Ariel in many ways, but when it comes to confinement and servitude, the two are very similar. SD Caliban thought of the land as “[his] island” and was therefore native to the area until Prospero arrived. CM He is the son of the evil Sycorax and has been trapped on this isolated island for many years now, much like Ariel.
CM Caliban was also captured and dubbed Prospero’s slave, as was Ariel, but Prospero and Caliban’s relationship is a little different than Ariel and Prospero’s. CM3 For example, Caliban says, “Which thou takest [my island] from me. When thou camest first, thou strokedest me and madest much of me”, meaning when Prospero first arrived on the island, he saw Caliban as a friend, teaching him the wonders of the land and how to use it to his advantage, but then Prospero turned against him, easing him into a life of slavery. SD On a more figurative level, Caliban is also confined in his horrid, ugly body and this image of being a terrible person. CM Caliban is automatically thought of as a wicked person because of his physical attributes and family tree. CM Even though it turns out he is an odious (FAST) being, maybe he wouldn’t be that way if he wasn’t instantly judged as one because he is the spawn of “the devil” and “a dam”. CM3 He is imprisoned in this image and judgment of a horrible creature and probably wouldn’t be as repulsive as he is if he wasn’t brought up by two vicious parents and looked as ghastly as he does. CS In the end, Caliban is restricted both physically and metaphorically and maybe he wouldn’t be the way he is if he wasn’t confined at all.
Confinement is something we all face at one point in our lives, whether we’re in school facing the tedious hours of learning while sitting at a desk or at home, locked in your room and convincing yourself you are dying of boredom. Although this confinement may seem so unbelievably painful at the time, imagine you’re in Ariel or Caliban’s shoes. Imagine you have to face the true definition of confinement, if not a more severe type. They are not only physically confined by the stretch of the ocean serving as a fence to civilization, but also emotionally as they are forced to be slaves to someone who isn’t even native to the land they live on.
Graphic Organizer
Topic: Comparing Ariel Caliban’s confinement
SD: Ariel is physically confined
CM: She is trapped on this island and has been for years
CM: No way to get out, she’s held captive on this secluded island
SD: She is also confined when it comes to her time and work
CM: She was a slave for Caliban and is now a slave for Prospero
CM: “Refusing her grand hests, she did confine thee”
SD: Caliban is trapped much like Ariel
CM: Both on the island
CM: Both Prospero’s slaves
SD: Also trapped in this reputation of being a bad person
CM: Is the spawn on “the devil” and “a dam”
CM: Immediately thought of as a bad person because of is upbringing and horrid looks; maybe be better person if he was raised by different people
Self-Assessment
What Am I Most Proud Of In This Essay?
I am most proud of the use of my writing tools, especially the participle phrases. At first, I didn’t really understand participle phrases, but then I paid a nice visit to Mr. Busboom and learned what they were and how to use them and applied them very nicely to my writing. I also thought my FAST words were well used and will hopefully get me some extra credit.
What Was The Hardest Part Of This Assignment For Me?
I think the hardest part of the assignment was comprehending the story and then writing a four paragraph essay about it. Shakespeare’s writing is very hard to understand and having only two days to go over these pages of the play and then write an essay about them was all around difficult.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
February 1st, 2009
The Island Of Confinement:
An Essay On A Shakespeare Play
Imagine living on the same, small stretch of land since the day you were born, being incapable of leaving and forced into slavery to outsiders who have invaded your land. (Participle phrase) You aren’t even allowed to do as you please even though this is technically your land, and if you dare to rebel to your superior, you will be trapped in an tree for ten or so years. This tragic storyline is exactly what happens to two characters in Shakespeare’s play, “The Tempest.”
TS In “The Tempest”, Ariel is a magical slave for Prospero, a man who much like Ariel, has been confined on an island. SD Living on this secluded isle (FAST), Ariel has been trapped and surrounded by water with no way out. (Participle phrase) CM She has lived there for many years, acting as a slave too both Prospero and Sycorax. CM Not only is she imprisoned on this island, but at one point she was cooped up in an oak tree when she refused to comply (FAST) to Sycorax’s orders. SD Ariel is also confined when it comes to her capability to do what she pleases. CM When Prospero beckons for her services, she is obliged to complete the task she is ordered to do. CM For years Ariel has not only been locked up on this jail of an island doing hard labor, but also the punishment of even more confinement if she “refus[es] [any] grand hest” given by her master.
TS Caliban is a character quite opposite from Ariel in many ways, but when it comes to confinement and servitude, the two are very similar. SD Caliban thought of the land as “[his] island” and was therefore native to the area until Prospero arrived. CM He is the son of the evil Sycorax and has been trapped on this isolated island for many years now, much like Ariel.
CM Caliban was also captured and dubbed Prospero’s slave, as was Ariel, but Prospero and Caliban’s relationship is a little different than Ariel and Prospero’s. CM3 For example, Caliban says, “Which thou takest [my island] from me. When thou camest first, thou strokedest me and madest much of me”, meaning when Prospero first arrived on the island, he saw Caliban as a friend, teaching him the wonders of the land and how to use it to his advantage, but then Prospero turned against him, easing him into a life of slavery. SD On a more figurative level, Caliban is also confined in his horrid, ugly body and this image of being a terrible person. CM Caliban is automatically thought of as a wicked person because of his physical attributes and family tree. CM Even though it turns out he is an odious (FAST) being, maybe he wouldn’t be that way if he wasn’t instantly judged as one because he is the spawn of “the devil” and “a dam”. CM3 He is imprisoned in this image and judgment of a horrible creature and probably wouldn’t be as repulsive as he is if he wasn’t brought up by two vicious parents and looked as ghastly as he does. CS In the end, Caliban is restricted both physically and metaphorically and maybe he wouldn’t be the way he is if he wasn’t confined at all.
Confinement is something we all face at one point in our lives, whether we’re in school facing the tedious hours of learning while sitting at a desk or at home, locked in your room and convincing yourself you are dying of boredom. Although this confinement may seem so unbelievably painful at the time, imagine you’re in Ariel or Caliban’s shoes. Imagine you have to face the true definition of confinement, if not a more severe type. They are not only physically confined by the stretch of the ocean serving as a fence to civilization, but also emotionally as they are forced to be slaves to someone who isn’t even native to the land they live on.
Graphic Organizer
Topic: Comparing Ariel Caliban’s confinement
SD: Ariel is physically confined
CM: She is trapped on this island and has been for years
CM: No way to get out, she’s held captive on this secluded island
SD: She is also confined when it comes to her time and work
CM: She was a slave for Caliban and is now a slave for Prospero
CM: “Refusing her grand hests, she did confine thee”
SD: Caliban is trapped much like Ariel
CM: Both on the island
CM: Both Prospero’s slaves
SD: Also trapped in this reputation of being a bad person
CM: Is the spawn on “the devil” and “a dam”
CM: Immediately thought of as a bad person because of is upbringing and horrid looks; maybe be better person if he was raised by different people
Self-Assessment
What Am I Most Proud Of In This Essay?
I am most proud of the use of my writing tools, especially the participle phrases. At first, I didn’t really understand participle phrases, but then I paid a nice visit to Mr. Busboom and learned what they were and how to use them and applied them very nicely to my writing. I also thought my FAST words were well used and will hopefully get me some extra credit.
What Was The Hardest Part Of This Assignment For Me?
I think the hardest part of the assignment was comprehending the story and then writing a four paragraph essay about it. Shakespeare’s writing is very hard to understand and having only two days to go over these pages of the play and then write an essay about them was all around difficult.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009
Ceilie's Essay #10
Cecilia Moore
English 9
Mr. Salsich
January 12th, 2009
Being on my own is something I used to dread. I would shudder at the idea of independence and cringe imagining myself without someone by my side. It wasn’t that I needed to depend on someone all the time, but just the idea of having to survive on my own in an unfamiliar environment without a friendly face next to me, scared me. Then, one summer I found myself in this exact situation, having the time of my life and overcoming a fear.
My mother told me last winter that she signed me up for a three-week long summer program at Wellesley College called Exploration Summer Programs, or for short, Explo. At first, I was beyond excited. It was a program in which we pick out a couple of courses, ones that you would rarely get to experience, and let ourselves thrive in this environment of creative learning. I had my courses picked out and the application was in the mail, when I asked my mom how long this program went on for.
English 9
Mr. Salsich
January 12th, 2009
Exploring My Independence:
An Essay On Overcoming A Challenge
My mother told me last winter that she signed me up for a three-week long summer program at Wellesley College called Exploration Summer Programs, or for short, Explo. At first, I was beyond excited. It was a program in which we pick out a couple of courses, ones that you would rarely get to experience, and let ourselves thrive in this environment of creative learning. I had my courses picked out and the application was in the mail, when I asked my mom how long this program went on for.
“Three weeks,” she casually replied, with a simple, lighthearted smile on her face.
Once her words registered in mind, the contrast between our expressions was like comparing night and day. My heart sank into my stomach and my facial features told the world how I was feeling-terrified.
A couple months later, I found myself on the Wellesley College campus, standing where I had dreaded being ever since I found out how long I was going to be imprisoned there. It was the hottest day in June so far, and the sun was melting my skin. The car ride was awful. I couldn’t stop thinking about the “What ifs?” that could happen during my time there, but actually standing on Explo soil, brought on a whole new wave of those nagging questions. As I was waiting with my mom for my luggage to come to my dorm, I couldn’t help but look around and pick out who I would be a friend with out of the three-hundred-something kids that were there. I hated not knowing anyone, and I hated watching people who did know each other, have the clear intention of keeping the newcomers to bond with only themselves. I wanted so badly for the three weeks to fly by and to be back home with people I knew surrounding me.
In the end, the three weeks did fly by and before I knew it, I was on the quad, crying when my mom pulled up to take me away from the most amazing twenty-one days ever. I made a lot of friends, two of which I grew unbelievably close to, and during my courses, I learned and experienced so many new things that I never would be able to do back home.
What I learned about myself from this experience is that I’m more capable of being independent than I think. The first few days at Explo, I was walking around, only knowing a few people, and even though I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle making it through the day without relying on someone I knew, I actually had no problem. I even had fun being on my own and doing what I wanted to do without a group of friends that I had already established pinning me down to one lunch table.lIt also taught me that to overcome a fear, I usually have to come face-to-face with it and defeat it. During my time at Explo, I was outside my comfort zone for the first half of it, but for the entire time I was there, I was making new friends and learning new things, even if I wasn’t at ease every second of the way.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2008
Ceilie's Essay #9
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
December 15th, 2008
Regret is something that haunts us every single day. There is no way to change it and no way to get rid of its constant taunting in your ears, unless you could magically turn back time and undo what you now regret. If only before we acted, or didn’t act, we could realize that we all make our fair share of errors, but our errors are also what make us, us. (Chiasmus)
TS People often regret living too much into a moment and doing something spontaneous that they wish they hadn’t. SD For me, I feel exactly the opposite and wish I could do something without thinking it through once in a while. CM When the situation to do something fun and unplanned presents itself, I am often up for the risk, or at least the idea of it. CM Once the impulsive idea is put into motion, I fail to comply and simply stand by to watch all my friends have the times of their lives as they take this chance. SD To avoid feeling such regret in the future, I just have to teach myself that taking risks are a part of life. CM If no one ever dared to take a chance, we would be living our lives with no new revelations, no groundbreaking strides and no historic moments in our textbooks. CM Life barely ever follows the schedule we like to plan it in, and at one point the only thing we can do is take the chances we need to take to get life back on the course we want it to be on.
TS Another past regret I have is not being independent enough. SD Looking back on my previous actions, I realize I have been too dependent on the company of others and not enough on myself. CM I have always been a little hesitant to do things on my own and honestly, I cannot pin point an exact reason to be nervous about such a thing. CM Maybe it’s the possibility of something going wrong, and a lonely me, flying solo, wouldn’t be able to handle a situation like that by myself. (S-V Split) CM3 Or it could be just the natural idea that independence coincides with maturity and adulthood, something that makes most children uneasy. SD To avoid this behavior in the future, I again have to do one simple thing, be aware that being on my own is a good thing. CM Proving that I can do something without my hand being held the whole way through can only show how capable of a person I am. CM Whether I like it or not, I will eventually need to break free, so by putting it off, I am only letting the pain it will ultimately cause me grow more and more agonizing. CS As the band ZOX says in one of their songs, “You have to leave the ground to learn to fly”, meaning I have to slowly ease myself into a life of independence if I ever want to accomplish something that requires such self-reliance.
I regret many things that I have and haven’t done in the past, but those regrets are a part of life and will probably never go away. When in a state of pure remorse, I also have to remember that my past mistakes make me who I am. The fact that I didn’t take enough risks only proves that I am a responsible and cautious person, and my lack of independence only paves a new path for me to walk down in the future.
Self Assessment
What Do I Like Best About My Essay?
I especially like my introductory paragraph. I feel that in just three sentences it sums up exactly what my essay is about.
What Was The Hardest Part About The Assignment For Me?
I thought the writing tools that were required were definitely the hardest part. Both of these writing tools are brand new things that I just learned and having to take them right out of a textbook and apply it to my writing was difficult.
Graphic Organizer
Topic: Regretting not taking enough risks, not being independent
SD: I regret not taking enough chances
CM: Never lived in the moment
CM: Nervous I might regret what I did, but found myself regretting not doing it
SD: Just live life in the moment
CM: Life isn’t always planned out
CM: Risks can result in something good
SD: Regret not being independent enough
CM: Felt scared to do something on my own
CM: Wanted someone to always be there in case something went wrong
SD: Don’t be scared of being on your own
CM: At one point you have to break free
CM: Why not do it sooner than later
Mr. Salsich
English 9
December 15th, 2008
Living in Regret:
An Essay On What I Wish I Could've Done
Regret is something that haunts us every single day. There is no way to change it and no way to get rid of its constant taunting in your ears, unless you could magically turn back time and undo what you now regret. If only before we acted, or didn’t act, we could realize that we all make our fair share of errors, but our errors are also what make us, us. (Chiasmus)
TS People often regret living too much into a moment and doing something spontaneous that they wish they hadn’t. SD For me, I feel exactly the opposite and wish I could do something without thinking it through once in a while. CM When the situation to do something fun and unplanned presents itself, I am often up for the risk, or at least the idea of it. CM Once the impulsive idea is put into motion, I fail to comply and simply stand by to watch all my friends have the times of their lives as they take this chance. SD To avoid feeling such regret in the future, I just have to teach myself that taking risks are a part of life. CM If no one ever dared to take a chance, we would be living our lives with no new revelations, no groundbreaking strides and no historic moments in our textbooks. CM Life barely ever follows the schedule we like to plan it in, and at one point the only thing we can do is take the chances we need to take to get life back on the course we want it to be on.
TS Another past regret I have is not being independent enough. SD Looking back on my previous actions, I realize I have been too dependent on the company of others and not enough on myself. CM I have always been a little hesitant to do things on my own and honestly, I cannot pin point an exact reason to be nervous about such a thing. CM Maybe it’s the possibility of something going wrong, and a lonely me, flying solo, wouldn’t be able to handle a situation like that by myself. (S-V Split) CM3 Or it could be just the natural idea that independence coincides with maturity and adulthood, something that makes most children uneasy. SD To avoid this behavior in the future, I again have to do one simple thing, be aware that being on my own is a good thing. CM Proving that I can do something without my hand being held the whole way through can only show how capable of a person I am. CM Whether I like it or not, I will eventually need to break free, so by putting it off, I am only letting the pain it will ultimately cause me grow more and more agonizing. CS As the band ZOX says in one of their songs, “You have to leave the ground to learn to fly”, meaning I have to slowly ease myself into a life of independence if I ever want to accomplish something that requires such self-reliance.
I regret many things that I have and haven’t done in the past, but those regrets are a part of life and will probably never go away. When in a state of pure remorse, I also have to remember that my past mistakes make me who I am. The fact that I didn’t take enough risks only proves that I am a responsible and cautious person, and my lack of independence only paves a new path for me to walk down in the future.
Self Assessment
What Do I Like Best About My Essay?
I especially like my introductory paragraph. I feel that in just three sentences it sums up exactly what my essay is about.
What Was The Hardest Part About The Assignment For Me?
I thought the writing tools that were required were definitely the hardest part. Both of these writing tools are brand new things that I just learned and having to take them right out of a textbook and apply it to my writing was difficult.
Graphic Organizer
Topic: Regretting not taking enough risks, not being independent
SD: I regret not taking enough chances
CM: Never lived in the moment
CM: Nervous I might regret what I did, but found myself regretting not doing it
SD: Just live life in the moment
CM: Life isn’t always planned out
CM: Risks can result in something good
SD: Regret not being independent enough
CM: Felt scared to do something on my own
CM: Wanted someone to always be there in case something went wrong
SD: Don’t be scared of being on your own
CM: At one point you have to break free
CM: Why not do it sooner than later
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008
Ceilie's Essay #8
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
December 4th, 2008
“I wear the chain I forged in life”, says Marley’s ghost as he comes back to haunt Ebenezer Scrooge. His words are more than just a spirit’s scare tactic, but also a piece of wisdom from the afterlife. Those who have passed on can’t tell others what happens after death, leaving the living people in the dark. In Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”, a ghost warns Scrooge that his wrongful actions he makes during life could follow him after death.
TS We often do things that we regret, but did you ever think we might have to suffer the consequences after death? SD That is what happens for Jacob Marley, a dead man forced to wear his heavy chains around his waist. CM These heavy chains he speaks of are symbolic for everything a man’s spirit is supposed to "go forth [with]" before passing on. CM Now that the spirit has died, he is “doomed to wander through the world” while literally being chained to his decisions from his past life. SD Out of all the people Marley could’ve chosen to give these words of wisdom to, he chose Scrooge for a specific reason. CM Marley saw that Scrooge was taking his life for granted, living coldly, cruelly and cowardly. (Purposeful Repetition) CM Marley knew that Scrooge’s faulty way of living would affect his life, even after he was buried under his grave. CS Overall, Marley’s spiritual pop-in was a way of forewarning Scrooge that if he isn’t careful, he’d make his mistakes as he lived, and his mistakes would make him once hedied. (Chiasmus)
In the end, this is a lesson we hear all the time, just in a more morbid setting. The ghost of Jacob Marley is simply saying, “live life to the fullest”, but with adding and spooky ending to the phrase. If Scrooge goes on living this way, he’s going to regret his remorseful actions as he carries that heavy weight all through the afterlife.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
December 4th, 2008
Making His Death Chain:
An Essay On A Passage From "A Christmas Carol"
“I wear the chain I forged in life”, says Marley’s ghost as he comes back to haunt Ebenezer Scrooge. His words are more than just a spirit’s scare tactic, but also a piece of wisdom from the afterlife. Those who have passed on can’t tell others what happens after death, leaving the living people in the dark. In Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”, a ghost warns Scrooge that his wrongful actions he makes during life could follow him after death.
TS We often do things that we regret, but did you ever think we might have to suffer the consequences after death? SD That is what happens for Jacob Marley, a dead man forced to wear his heavy chains around his waist. CM These heavy chains he speaks of are symbolic for everything a man’s spirit is supposed to "go forth [with]" before passing on. CM Now that the spirit has died, he is “doomed to wander through the world” while literally being chained to his decisions from his past life. SD Out of all the people Marley could’ve chosen to give these words of wisdom to, he chose Scrooge for a specific reason. CM Marley saw that Scrooge was taking his life for granted, living coldly, cruelly and cowardly. (Purposeful Repetition) CM Marley knew that Scrooge’s faulty way of living would affect his life, even after he was buried under his grave. CS Overall, Marley’s spiritual pop-in was a way of forewarning Scrooge that if he isn’t careful, he’d make his mistakes as he lived, and his mistakes would make him once hedied. (Chiasmus)
In the end, this is a lesson we hear all the time, just in a more morbid setting. The ghost of Jacob Marley is simply saying, “live life to the fullest”, but with adding and spooky ending to the phrase. If Scrooge goes on living this way, he’s going to regret his remorseful actions as he carries that heavy weight all through the afterlife.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008
Ceilie's Essay #7
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
November 20th, 2008
1. Heterosexism seems almost like a verbal plague. 2. It is rapidly infecting the world with its symptoms being ignorance towards different sexual orientations and wounding words being spat out of their mouths every day. 3. This disease is also contagious, spreading from person to person because hearing these discriminatory remarks is almost normal and saying it is practically out of habit. 4. Heterosexism does not require a vaccine or a prescription to cure it, but an eye-opening lecture from a homosexual herself and a new awareness on what your saying actually means.
TS It seems today that we live in a world where heterosexism is a common thing to come upon. SD In the general dictionary definition, heterosexism is a type of prejudicial belief. CM It is discrimination against homosexuals and other sexual orientations that are not heterosexuality. CM Heterosexuality is believed to be the “normal” sexual orientation among people and anyone who’s sexual attraction agrees otherwise, is discriminated and prejudged. SD These days it seems heterosexism is progressively affecting people’s views on people being different, especially among youth. CM In middle schools and high schools heterosexism is displayed on a daily basis and in most cases, the derogatory words that are thrown around aren’t even used in the correct context. CM Youth today sees the difference in people’s sexual orientation and hurtful slurs that are used against them as something to joke around about in day-to-day conversations and these words as adjectives to something unrelated to homosexuality. CS In the end, heterosexism is more than just another type of unfair prejudice, but also a new era of supposed jokes and slang words being used in the hallways and even classrooms in educating facilities all over the country.
TS Ms. Stump Olsen, a representative from the Rhode Island Youth Center, came to visit with both the eighth and ninth grade to talk about homosexuality, heterosexism, and the power of the words we use when referring to the two. SD Stump came in and greeted us with a welcoming smile and a positive attitude, prepared and ready to educate us. (Absolute) CM First, she gave us a background story and what her childhood was like as she grew up as a homosexual. CM After that, she was more than willing to answer any of our questions, of which we had many. SD The talk from Ms. Olsen really got me thinking about a couple of things, one would be the impact our words really had on people. CM Ms. Olsen talked about how she was younger, the words she heard that referred to homosexuality were all negative and that these negative words are being taken out of their original context and used even more dismissively today. CM As she absorbed these hurtful words that were referring to homosexuals, she was “being told very actively that there was something wrong with [her]” (Quote) meaning that the words and saying people often use to make reference to gay people are gaining crueler meanings than originally intended. SD Another thing I thought about after I left the boardroom after the lecture was how much different Pine Point is from other schools. CM As I walk the halls at Pine Point, I can’t recall a recent time in which I have heard a homophobic remark or a slur towards homosexuals being uttered. CM This situation is most likely uncommon for other schools, where these words are used almost daily, proving how lucky we all are to be a part of a community that does not judge, nor disrespects people with a different sexual orientation than our own. (Participle) CS Ms. Olsen is nothing less than an admirable role model for young people because she taught us that in a world full of hate, all we need is a little support to get us through the confusing and questioning times in our lives.
1. Heterosexism is like a disease, and this past Monday, Stump Olsen seemed to be the cure. 2. She shared her first-hand experience with being tormented for being gay and expressed to us how truly painful it is to be harassed for your sexuality. 3. Ms. Olsen’s talk left us all not only shocked, but able to see heterosexism in a new light and how it affects everyone. 4. Whether you’re a victim of heterosexism, the person discriminating a homosexual, or just a mere stander-by, watching and letting this unjust prejudice happen, the world needs to eliminate heterosexism all together and learn to accept that we are all different.
**********************************************************************************
Mr. Salsich
English 9
November 20th, 2008
Infectious Discrimination:
An Essay On Heterosexism and Stump Olsen
1. Heterosexism seems almost like a verbal plague. 2. It is rapidly infecting the world with its symptoms being ignorance towards different sexual orientations and wounding words being spat out of their mouths every day. 3. This disease is also contagious, spreading from person to person because hearing these discriminatory remarks is almost normal and saying it is practically out of habit. 4. Heterosexism does not require a vaccine or a prescription to cure it, but an eye-opening lecture from a homosexual herself and a new awareness on what your saying actually means.
TS It seems today that we live in a world where heterosexism is a common thing to come upon. SD In the general dictionary definition, heterosexism is a type of prejudicial belief. CM It is discrimination against homosexuals and other sexual orientations that are not heterosexuality. CM Heterosexuality is believed to be the “normal” sexual orientation among people and anyone who’s sexual attraction agrees otherwise, is discriminated and prejudged. SD These days it seems heterosexism is progressively affecting people’s views on people being different, especially among youth. CM In middle schools and high schools heterosexism is displayed on a daily basis and in most cases, the derogatory words that are thrown around aren’t even used in the correct context. CM Youth today sees the difference in people’s sexual orientation and hurtful slurs that are used against them as something to joke around about in day-to-day conversations and these words as adjectives to something unrelated to homosexuality. CS In the end, heterosexism is more than just another type of unfair prejudice, but also a new era of supposed jokes and slang words being used in the hallways and even classrooms in educating facilities all over the country.
TS Ms. Stump Olsen, a representative from the Rhode Island Youth Center, came to visit with both the eighth and ninth grade to talk about homosexuality, heterosexism, and the power of the words we use when referring to the two. SD Stump came in and greeted us with a welcoming smile and a positive attitude, prepared and ready to educate us. (Absolute) CM First, she gave us a background story and what her childhood was like as she grew up as a homosexual. CM After that, she was more than willing to answer any of our questions, of which we had many. SD The talk from Ms. Olsen really got me thinking about a couple of things, one would be the impact our words really had on people. CM Ms. Olsen talked about how she was younger, the words she heard that referred to homosexuality were all negative and that these negative words are being taken out of their original context and used even more dismissively today. CM As she absorbed these hurtful words that were referring to homosexuals, she was “being told very actively that there was something wrong with [her]” (Quote) meaning that the words and saying people often use to make reference to gay people are gaining crueler meanings than originally intended. SD Another thing I thought about after I left the boardroom after the lecture was how much different Pine Point is from other schools. CM As I walk the halls at Pine Point, I can’t recall a recent time in which I have heard a homophobic remark or a slur towards homosexuals being uttered. CM This situation is most likely uncommon for other schools, where these words are used almost daily, proving how lucky we all are to be a part of a community that does not judge, nor disrespects people with a different sexual orientation than our own. (Participle) CS Ms. Olsen is nothing less than an admirable role model for young people because she taught us that in a world full of hate, all we need is a little support to get us through the confusing and questioning times in our lives.
1. Heterosexism is like a disease, and this past Monday, Stump Olsen seemed to be the cure. 2. She shared her first-hand experience with being tormented for being gay and expressed to us how truly painful it is to be harassed for your sexuality. 3. Ms. Olsen’s talk left us all not only shocked, but able to see heterosexism in a new light and how it affects everyone. 4. Whether you’re a victim of heterosexism, the person discriminating a homosexual, or just a mere stander-by, watching and letting this unjust prejudice happen, the world needs to eliminate heterosexism all together and learn to accept that we are all different.
**********************************************************************************
Self-Assessment
1. I am continuing to work on eliminating unnecessary words in my writing. I am also continuing to work on polishing my work and carefully looking for errors.
2. Some strong points I see in this piece of writing are the first two paragraphs. Both the introductory and first body seem clear and strong, getting straight to the point of what I am trying to say.
3. Some weak points I see is the concluding paragraph. It's a little weak and kind of rushed.
4. The grade I would give myself would be a B+ or maybe even an A-
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008
Ceilie's Essay #6
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
9 English
November 12th, 2008
1. There are people in this world that have a lack of respect when it comes to their culture’s origins. 2. They are ashamed of where they come from and try to shake off their past, as though it is possible. 3. As I read the essay, “The Way To Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday, I realize that Momaday is clearly not one of these ignorant people. 4. Instead of thinking of the sacred lands he came from as nothing more than ancient dirt, Momaday sees the soil of his native Oklahoma as ancestral grounds that should be respected and appreciated.
TS Momaday is a Kiowa Native American and it is very apparent(FAST) from the way he talks about his homeland that he respects where he came from. SD The main thing it seems Momaday appreciated about his culture is the actual land that he came from. CM “The highland meadows are a stairway to the plain[…] The sun follows a longer course in the day, and the sky is immense beyond comparison”, says Momoday when describing his native land. CM This description proves that Momoday is passionate and respects the beauty of this land. SD There is another instance in which Momoday reveals his admiration (FAST) and respect for the Oklahoman land. CM Momoday says, “And this, you think, is where Creation was begun.” CM I think in this statement, the author is trying to say that the land he stands on has so much history and so many stories behind it, you think of it as an ancient ground where the creation of the earth was started. SD Another aspect of Momoday’s past that he appreiciates is his grandmother, who is the main reason he travels back to his homeland of Oklahoma. CM “She never forgot her birthright”, states Momoday when talking about his grandmother. CM I like how he says this because it shows how similar he and his grandmother are, never forgetting where they came from. CS In the end, I think Momoday’s respect for his family and heritage is inspiring and the way he writes about it is even more influential.
Mr. Salsich
9 English
November 12th, 2008
A Man Who Remembers:
An Essay About An Essay and Its Author's Past
1. There are people in this world that have a lack of respect when it comes to their culture’s origins. 2. They are ashamed of where they come from and try to shake off their past, as though it is possible. 3. As I read the essay, “The Way To Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday, I realize that Momaday is clearly not one of these ignorant people. 4. Instead of thinking of the sacred lands he came from as nothing more than ancient dirt, Momaday sees the soil of his native Oklahoma as ancestral grounds that should be respected and appreciated.
TS Momaday is a Kiowa Native American and it is very apparent(FAST) from the way he talks about his homeland that he respects where he came from. SD The main thing it seems Momaday appreciated about his culture is the actual land that he came from. CM “The highland meadows are a stairway to the plain[…] The sun follows a longer course in the day, and the sky is immense beyond comparison”, says Momoday when describing his native land. CM This description proves that Momoday is passionate and respects the beauty of this land. SD There is another instance in which Momoday reveals his admiration (FAST) and respect for the Oklahoman land. CM Momoday says, “And this, you think, is where Creation was begun.” CM I think in this statement, the author is trying to say that the land he stands on has so much history and so many stories behind it, you think of it as an ancient ground where the creation of the earth was started. SD Another aspect of Momoday’s past that he appreiciates is his grandmother, who is the main reason he travels back to his homeland of Oklahoma. CM “She never forgot her birthright”, states Momoday when talking about his grandmother. CM I like how he says this because it shows how similar he and his grandmother are, never forgetting where they came from. CS In the end, I think Momoday’s respect for his family and heritage is inspiring and the way he writes about it is even more influential.
1. You and your family’s past is something that should never be pushed aside and ignored. 2. Heritage is one of those things that should be understood, respected and cherished by everyone. (Three-Action Sentence) 3. If you forget where you came from, or never even learn about it, you are essentially missing a part of who you are-your background. 4. Momoday not only understands his culture, but he goes as far as to revisit it and write about it, proving his past truly means something to him.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008
Ceilie's Essay #5
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
9 English
November 5th, 2008
The Second Story:
An Essay On The Benefits Of Re-Reading Books
1. Most people have a love for one special story that they find it necessary to read the book over and over, never getting tired of reliving their favorite story. 2. Now would you ever think to reread a book you didn’t like in the first place? 3. Would you think that you would learn something new about the story and see it in a different light, or just loose even more interest in the book after reading it a second time through? 4. After reading Katherine Mansfield’s, "A Garden Party", for a second time, I got an opportunity to see the story a way I didn’t see it before.
TS As I was reading this famous, yet in my eyes, tedious, story that I had not appreciated the first time I had read it, I noticed new things that I had never been brought to my attention before. (Three-action sentence) SD For one, I realized an important interaction Laura has with some workmen in the beginning scene. CM In the scene, Laura is given the decision to choose where the workmen get to pitch the marquee in the backyard. CM I found it interesting how she assumed the workmen were lower class and felt uncomfortable being around them, but as she studied them, she realized they were “extraordinarily nice” and regretted feeling so self-conscious around them. SD Another thing I noticed that I hadn’t before was the conversation Laura has with her mother after the dead man was discovered in the street. CM Laura confides in her mother, questioning whether or not to cancel the garden party because this poor man has died and it was almost inconsiderate to continue with the gathering.CM As Laura says this, I never realized that her mother responds to the suggestion by basically blaming her daughter for trying to ruin everyone’s fun, then places a pretty hat on her head and shoos her along. SD One last thing I observed as I re-read this story was the positive reaction Laura has as she visits the dead man’s home. CM As she watches the deceased man in his bed, she doesn’t see him as a dead person, but more of “sleeping[…] soundly […][and] peaceful”.CM She sees him as a lucky, unknowing of the struggles she goes through with picking out the perfect party decorations and sitting through hours of social events. CS In the end, I am glad I re-read this story because it shows how observant you really need to be to truly understand a story and appreciate it to its full potential. 1. We have all re-read a favorite book, but have you ever re-read one you didn't like in the first place? 2. The idea of doing such a thing would never cross my mind, but after actually doing it, I got a much better understanding of the book that I re-read. 3. By seriously absorbing the information in the story, "The Garden Party", many details that were not brought to my attention before, were noticed during my second round of reading. 4. So don't set down a book after reading it the first time, but instead read it again, hopefully you'll benefit from the story the second time around.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2008
Ceilie's Essay #4
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
9 English
October 23rd, 2008
1. We all seem to have those moments when we just do not like who we are. 2. Whether we can’t stand the way we look or dislike how we act, accepting ourselves for who we were born to be is a bit of a struggle. 3. But in Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me”, it is very difficult to see what she disapproves of in herself. 4. Even if it's hard sometimes, I, much like Hurston, express great contentment with who I am and who I hope to become.
TS: In her essay, Hurston writes about who she is and where she's from, without the slightest bit of embarrassment or resentfulness (FAST). SD: One thing Hurston especially appreciates about herself is how she is set apart from other people. CM: Hurston explains that she is different from every other person in the world by saying, “I have no race, I am me”. CM: In no way does she try to blend in with other people and she is grateful for what makes her different, because that is what makes her, her. SD: Another thing Hurston greatly appreciates about herself is her background. CM: Being African-American, she is aware of the fact that her ancestors fought for freedom and she is clearly thankful for it, but she also notes that it doesn’t affect how she acts. CM: “Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression in me”, meaning she understands who her relatives were, but it doesn’t define her as a person. SD: One more thing Hurston appreciates about herself is her company. CM: She recognizes the fact that she is a joy to be around, so when someone discriminates against her because of her skin color, it doesn’t offend her as much as it baffles her. CM: “Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company…”, proving she is just surprised that people are depriving themselves of her friendship just because she is black. CS: Overall, Hurston is so strong and so content with herself that nothing can bother her, because she knows and loves who she is, something everyone should learn to do.
TS: After seeing Hurston’s inspirational confidence in herself, it makes me realize the things I appreciate about myself. SD: One thing I really appreciate myself is my ability to laugh. CM: When times have been rough and I should be upset, there’s always something there to keep me going, which is laughter. CM: If I’m having a bad day or an unfortunate event happens (purposeful repetition), I am able to keep my head up high and find something to laugh about, proving I can stay positive in any situation. SD: Another thing I really appreciate about myself is the many ways I express myself. CM: I have a great interest and passion for academics, the arts and athletics, all things that I use for self-expression. CM: Whether I’m in art class, creating a painting, on the playing field, leading the team in warm-ups, or in the classroom, solving math problems, in each area of which I am interested in, I display a different side of myself. SD: The last thing I really appreciate myself is my everlasting potential to grow even more as a person. CM: In the last few years, I feel like I have evolved (FAST) in many different ways including I am more driven, more passionate, more outgoing and overall more confident (purposeful repetition) than I was just a couple of years ago. CM: I think that my capability of growing into as a person is never ending, and there will always be new things and new experiences that will keep me transforming into a better person. CS: In the end, there are still those days when I wish I could be smarter, more talented or better at something, but those moments mean nothing and the great qualities I have certainly outweigh those slight, unimportant things that I can’t and never will be.
1. There will always be things we wish we could change about ourselves, but those desires will fade away in time. 2. I used to be someone who wanted to look different, act differently and overall, be a different person (purposeful repetition), but I soon learned in time that I can’t change who I am and I have to be able to appreciate who I was born to be, which I now can. 3. Zora Neale Hurston is a perfect example of someone who is confident about every aspect of who she is and her essay “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”, she expresses how proud she is to be herself. 4. I feel that everyone should get the chance to appreciate themselves for who they are and live by what Hurston emphasizes (FAST) in her essay, “I am who I am, so what?”
Mr. Salsich
9 English
October 23rd, 2008
Appreciating Who We Are:
An Essay on Zora Neale Hurston’s Essay and An Appreciation For Myself
1. We all seem to have those moments when we just do not like who we are. 2. Whether we can’t stand the way we look or dislike how we act, accepting ourselves for who we were born to be is a bit of a struggle. 3. But in Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me”, it is very difficult to see what she disapproves of in herself. 4. Even if it's hard sometimes, I, much like Hurston, express great contentment with who I am and who I hope to become.
TS: In her essay, Hurston writes about who she is and where she's from, without the slightest bit of embarrassment or resentfulness (FAST). SD: One thing Hurston especially appreciates about herself is how she is set apart from other people. CM: Hurston explains that she is different from every other person in the world by saying, “I have no race, I am me”. CM: In no way does she try to blend in with other people and she is grateful for what makes her different, because that is what makes her, her. SD: Another thing Hurston greatly appreciates about herself is her background. CM: Being African-American, she is aware of the fact that her ancestors fought for freedom and she is clearly thankful for it, but she also notes that it doesn’t affect how she acts. CM: “Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression in me”, meaning she understands who her relatives were, but it doesn’t define her as a person. SD: One more thing Hurston appreciates about herself is her company. CM: She recognizes the fact that she is a joy to be around, so when someone discriminates against her because of her skin color, it doesn’t offend her as much as it baffles her. CM: “Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company…”, proving she is just surprised that people are depriving themselves of her friendship just because she is black. CS: Overall, Hurston is so strong and so content with herself that nothing can bother her, because she knows and loves who she is, something everyone should learn to do.
TS: After seeing Hurston’s inspirational confidence in herself, it makes me realize the things I appreciate about myself. SD: One thing I really appreciate myself is my ability to laugh. CM: When times have been rough and I should be upset, there’s always something there to keep me going, which is laughter. CM: If I’m having a bad day or an unfortunate event happens (purposeful repetition), I am able to keep my head up high and find something to laugh about, proving I can stay positive in any situation. SD: Another thing I really appreciate about myself is the many ways I express myself. CM: I have a great interest and passion for academics, the arts and athletics, all things that I use for self-expression. CM: Whether I’m in art class, creating a painting, on the playing field, leading the team in warm-ups, or in the classroom, solving math problems, in each area of which I am interested in, I display a different side of myself. SD: The last thing I really appreciate myself is my everlasting potential to grow even more as a person. CM: In the last few years, I feel like I have evolved (FAST) in many different ways including I am more driven, more passionate, more outgoing and overall more confident (purposeful repetition) than I was just a couple of years ago. CM: I think that my capability of growing into as a person is never ending, and there will always be new things and new experiences that will keep me transforming into a better person. CS: In the end, there are still those days when I wish I could be smarter, more talented or better at something, but those moments mean nothing and the great qualities I have certainly outweigh those slight, unimportant things that I can’t and never will be.
1. There will always be things we wish we could change about ourselves, but those desires will fade away in time. 2. I used to be someone who wanted to look different, act differently and overall, be a different person (purposeful repetition), but I soon learned in time that I can’t change who I am and I have to be able to appreciate who I was born to be, which I now can. 3. Zora Neale Hurston is a perfect example of someone who is confident about every aspect of who she is and her essay “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”, she expresses how proud she is to be herself. 4. I feel that everyone should get the chance to appreciate themselves for who they are and live by what Hurston emphasizes (FAST) in her essay, “I am who I am, so what?”
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2008
Ceilie's Essay #3
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
18 October 2008
Loses and gains are a simple part of life. They are like a balancing scale: you win some and you lose some (repetition). In the stories “Sonny’s Blues”, by James Baldwin, and “Winter Dreams”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, there are two protagonists who have a lot of experience with losing an immense (FAST) amount in their lives. In some cases these characters gain back something greater than what they lost, while others are left to wallow in their misery, wondering what could have been.
In the short story, “Winter Dreams”, the main character is Dexter Green, a man who goes on an emotional rollercoaster ride with a beautiful girl named Judy Jones. Throughout the book, Judy and Dexter have affectionate feelings for each other, but the timing for their budding relationship is never right and in the end, Dexter loses all hope for Judy’s love. In the book, there is a section in which Dexter hasn’t seen Judy in seven years and one day a client mentions he knows a girl, Judy, who got married to a careless drunk and she now stays at home with her children. Dexter realizes his client is talking about Judy Jones and he falls into great despair and has to “accept[ ]…the fact that he could never have her” (Burhans 1) because she has fully committed herself to another man. Another thing Dexter loses is not only Judy’s love, but all opportunity to be with her. Within those seven years, he and Judy could’ve finally worked things out and started a life together. Instead, Dexter fled to the other side of the country, leaving Judy behind to settle for a man who is no good for her. Throughout this tragic experience, Dexter has gained one thing-a different perspective. He learned from his mistakes that he should’ve taken charge and told Judy from the start how he truly felt, instead of tip-toeing around his feelings like thin ice he didn’t dare step on. Now that Judy is finally out of reach forever, I think Dexter learned the lesson that he should cherish what he is given because you never know when it can disappear. Dexter is a smart young man, but because of his hesitant attitude and terrible timing (purposeful repetition), he could never find out what could’ve been with Miss Judy Jones,
In the book, “Sonny’s Blues”, Sonny is a young man living in Harlem, struggling to get by in life and losing a lot on his journey to success. First off, he loses a relationship with his brother. Sonny and his older brother were once very close, but after his brother grows old, gets a job and starts a family, Sonny is abandoned, walking the concrete streets of the city alone. After being left in the dust, Sonny turns to a world of drugs, which eventually gets him into a significant(FAST) amount of trouble, causing his brother to come to the rescue and be more disappointed in Sonny than ever. As opposed to the many loses that Dexter Green faced in “Winter Dreams”, Sonny gains back more than he had originally lost. One thing Sonny gained was a passion. Sonny has a passion for music, especially blues, and although some laughed when he told them how he wanted to be a musician, he ignored them and gained something that kept him going, even when times were rough. Another thing Sonny gained was a new relationship with his brother. After Sonny made headlines with a drug bust, his brother came to help Sonny. At first, the reunion of the brothers was rocky, but once Sonny took his brother to listen to him play music at a club, the brothers saw each other in new ways. At one point, Sonny lost respect from his peers and relatives, he lost money to pay for food and rent, and he lost sight of what really mattered in life, but he made up for that when he got up on that stage and soulfully crooned with his blues band, because he and his brother had never been so connected.
Dexter Green and Sonny both went down bad paths in life, not realizing what really mattered, love and family. But what differentiates these stories is the outcome. Dexter loses everything, while Sonny gains it all back. It goes to show how much you can lose in life, and how you can bounce back from it with just a little time, patience, and the support from a loved one at your side.
Works Cited
Burhans Clinton S. Jr. "Winter Dreams: ‘‘Magnificently Attune
To Life’’: The Value of ‘‘Winter Dreams’’." Short Stories for Students. Ed. MarieRose Napierkowski. Vol. 15. Detroit: Gale, 1998. eNotes.com. January 2006. 7 October 2008.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
18 October 2008
Losing A Battle, Winning A War:
An Essay On Losing Everything and Gaining It All Back
In the short story, “Winter Dreams”, the main character is Dexter Green, a man who goes on an emotional rollercoaster ride with a beautiful girl named Judy Jones. Throughout the book, Judy and Dexter have affectionate feelings for each other, but the timing for their budding relationship is never right and in the end, Dexter loses all hope for Judy’s love. In the book, there is a section in which Dexter hasn’t seen Judy in seven years and one day a client mentions he knows a girl, Judy, who got married to a careless drunk and she now stays at home with her children. Dexter realizes his client is talking about Judy Jones and he falls into great despair and has to “accept[ ]…the fact that he could never have her” (Burhans 1) because she has fully committed herself to another man. Another thing Dexter loses is not only Judy’s love, but all opportunity to be with her. Within those seven years, he and Judy could’ve finally worked things out and started a life together. Instead, Dexter fled to the other side of the country, leaving Judy behind to settle for a man who is no good for her. Throughout this tragic experience, Dexter has gained one thing-a different perspective. He learned from his mistakes that he should’ve taken charge and told Judy from the start how he truly felt, instead of tip-toeing around his feelings like thin ice he didn’t dare step on. Now that Judy is finally out of reach forever, I think Dexter learned the lesson that he should cherish what he is given because you never know when it can disappear. Dexter is a smart young man, but because of his hesitant attitude and terrible timing (purposeful repetition), he could never find out what could’ve been with Miss Judy Jones,
In the book, “Sonny’s Blues”, Sonny is a young man living in Harlem, struggling to get by in life and losing a lot on his journey to success. First off, he loses a relationship with his brother. Sonny and his older brother were once very close, but after his brother grows old, gets a job and starts a family, Sonny is abandoned, walking the concrete streets of the city alone. After being left in the dust, Sonny turns to a world of drugs, which eventually gets him into a significant(FAST) amount of trouble, causing his brother to come to the rescue and be more disappointed in Sonny than ever. As opposed to the many loses that Dexter Green faced in “Winter Dreams”, Sonny gains back more than he had originally lost. One thing Sonny gained was a passion. Sonny has a passion for music, especially blues, and although some laughed when he told them how he wanted to be a musician, he ignored them and gained something that kept him going, even when times were rough. Another thing Sonny gained was a new relationship with his brother. After Sonny made headlines with a drug bust, his brother came to help Sonny. At first, the reunion of the brothers was rocky, but once Sonny took his brother to listen to him play music at a club, the brothers saw each other in new ways. At one point, Sonny lost respect from his peers and relatives, he lost money to pay for food and rent, and he lost sight of what really mattered in life, but he made up for that when he got up on that stage and soulfully crooned with his blues band, because he and his brother had never been so connected.
Dexter Green and Sonny both went down bad paths in life, not realizing what really mattered, love and family. But what differentiates these stories is the outcome. Dexter loses everything, while Sonny gains it all back. It goes to show how much you can lose in life, and how you can bounce back from it with just a little time, patience, and the support from a loved one at your side.
Works Cited
Burhans Clinton S. Jr. "Winter Dreams: ‘‘Magnificently Attune
To Life’’: The Value of ‘‘Winter Dreams’’." Short Stories for Students. Ed. MarieRose Napierkowski. Vol. 15. Detroit: Gale, 1998. eNotes.com. January 2006. 7 October 2008.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
22 September 2008
An Essay About An Essay:
An Essay On Suzy Goldman’s Essay On “Sonny’s Blues”
Sonny’s Blues, by James Baldwin, is a touching story about two African American brothers living in Harlem, dealing with their own difficult lives, as well as trying to not let each other drown in the chaos of life. Unfortunately, Sonny, the younger brother, struggles to stay above water as he deals with his addiction with drugs, and eventually gets arrested. The unnamed older brother is left to get his brother out of his mess and while contemplating on how to save Sonny, he reflects back on memories of their brotherhood. Suzy Goldman gives a perfect summary in her essay, “James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues: A Message In Music” on the happenings of this short, but powerful tale.
Goldman’s essay is a well organized, sublimely written summary of the short story, Sonny’s Blues. The essay starts off explaining the narrator’s dismay when finding out that his very own brother was caught and imprisoned for doing drugs. She discusses how once the narrator discovers the terrible truths to his brother’s whereabouts, he finally admits to himself about how oblivious he was forcing himself to be, not wanting to admit to himself of Sonny’s habit. “Yet this rude discovery sounds the initial note in these two brothers’ growing closeness”, (Goldman 1) meaning that when Sonny was arrested, he and his brother could not be more distant from each other, but because of the catastrophe, the two are brought together to clean up the mess they’d made of their lives. Goldman continues to synopsize the story by going through the flash backs and the present tense of the story line. She is brought to the final scene in the book, of which she analyses. She dissects the simplicity of Sonny’s jazz band playing at a club, into a conversation between two people. She sees the music being played and they way each note speaks to another as the two themes of communication and music being brought together. Overall, every analogy, similei and piece of input Goldman adds into her summary of the story is deeply thought out, agreeable and in my opinion, true as could be.
In Goldman’s essay, she managed to both give an accurate summary of Sonny’s Blues, while subtly putting in her own opinions. When I first started to read the essay, I felt like I was reading the book, Sonny’s Blues, all over again, just with different wording. I was very confused as to why such a good writer like Goldman, would reword an entire short story, when the description of the article said that is was an essay of Ms. Goldman’s opinions. Every paragraph she wrote was just an abbreviated version of the book, which seemed very misleading as to what the purpose of Goldman’s essay. After realizing the main point of the essay was unclear, I read it again and picked up on smaller things I didn’t notice before. As Goldman was summarizing the story, she was also putting in her own opinions and ideas, making the story easier to understand. For example, “There is a greater brotherhood among people than mere kinship. Moreover, the narrator realizes that their music saves them[…]” says Goldman, as this quote gives reason to a portion of the story, one part that many readers may find confusing. In the end, I think Goldman’s interpretation of the essay could seem tedious and repetitive at first, but once read over carefully, it is much more helpful than confusing.
Sonny’s Blues is a timeless tale with classic morals that stay true through today. From valueing brotherhood to never giving up, James Baldwin teaches readers of these morals through the eyes of one brother reaching out to another. Author Suzy Goldman uses this story and these values to write her own telling of the short book, with her own opinions and inputs subtly, but powerfully, written in. Sonny’s Blues is a heartfelt story for all ages that can do nothing less than inspire and empower its readers.
Works Cited
Suzy Bernstein Goldman. "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..
Mr. Salsich
English 9
22 September 2008
An Essay About An Essay:
An Essay On Suzy Goldman’s Essay On “Sonny’s Blues”
Sonny’s Blues, by James Baldwin, is a touching story about two African American brothers living in Harlem, dealing with their own difficult lives, as well as trying to not let each other drown in the chaos of life. Unfortunately, Sonny, the younger brother, struggles to stay above water as he deals with his addiction with drugs, and eventually gets arrested. The unnamed older brother is left to get his brother out of his mess and while contemplating on how to save Sonny, he reflects back on memories of their brotherhood. Suzy Goldman gives a perfect summary in her essay, “James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues: A Message In Music” on the happenings of this short, but powerful tale.
Goldman’s essay is a well organized, sublimely written summary of the short story, Sonny’s Blues. The essay starts off explaining the narrator’s dismay when finding out that his very own brother was caught and imprisoned for doing drugs. She discusses how once the narrator discovers the terrible truths to his brother’s whereabouts, he finally admits to himself about how oblivious he was forcing himself to be, not wanting to admit to himself of Sonny’s habit. “Yet this rude discovery sounds the initial note in these two brothers’ growing closeness”, (Goldman 1) meaning that when Sonny was arrested, he and his brother could not be more distant from each other, but because of the catastrophe, the two are brought together to clean up the mess they’d made of their lives. Goldman continues to synopsize the story by going through the flash backs and the present tense of the story line. She is brought to the final scene in the book, of which she analyses. She dissects the simplicity of Sonny’s jazz band playing at a club, into a conversation between two people. She sees the music being played and they way each note speaks to another as the two themes of communication and music being brought together. Overall, every analogy, similei and piece of input Goldman adds into her summary of the story is deeply thought out, agreeable and in my opinion, true as could be.
In Goldman’s essay, she managed to both give an accurate summary of Sonny’s Blues, while subtly putting in her own opinions. When I first started to read the essay, I felt like I was reading the book, Sonny’s Blues, all over again, just with different wording. I was very confused as to why such a good writer like Goldman, would reword an entire short story, when the description of the article said that is was an essay of Ms. Goldman’s opinions. Every paragraph she wrote was just an abbreviated version of the book, which seemed very misleading as to what the purpose of Goldman’s essay. After realizing the main point of the essay was unclear, I read it again and picked up on smaller things I didn’t notice before. As Goldman was summarizing the story, she was also putting in her own opinions and ideas, making the story easier to understand. For example, “There is a greater brotherhood among people than mere kinship. Moreover, the narrator realizes that their music saves them[…]” says Goldman, as this quote gives reason to a portion of the story, one part that many readers may find confusing. In the end, I think Goldman’s interpretation of the essay could seem tedious and repetitive at first, but once read over carefully, it is much more helpful than confusing.
Sonny’s Blues is a timeless tale with classic morals that stay true through today. From valueing brotherhood to never giving up, James Baldwin teaches readers of these morals through the eyes of one brother reaching out to another. Author Suzy Goldman uses this story and these values to write her own telling of the short book, with her own opinions and inputs subtly, but powerfully, written in. Sonny’s Blues is a heartfelt story for all ages that can do nothing less than inspire and empower its readers.
Works Cited
Suzy Bernstein Goldman. "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.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2008
Ceilie's Essay
Ceilie Moore
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
16 September 2008
Advising the Journey:
An Essay on Two Quotes and a Project
When entering the main building of Pine Point School, you seevarious (FAST word) quotes resting on the walls, guiding both students and teachers throughout the say with tips on how to succeed, achieve their goals and never give up. There is one quotation that sits above the doorway, a Chinese proverb that reads, "The journey is the reward." There is another quote, not on the wall, by German poet Rainer Maria Rilke about advising young ones on how to find the answers to their questions. The two quotes not only take us on a journey to the deep meaning of the two statements, but also teach us a lesson on how life should really be lived.
Rilke's quote and the Chinese proverb both advise people, especially today's youth, of multiple things on their journey through life. In Rilke's quote, he says, "You are so young [...] have patience with everything unresolved." What he means by those words is that what remains uncertain will figure itself out in the end. And while you wait for those questions to sew themselves into answers, love and cherish the life you're living because "the journey [of life] is the reward", not the end result. (loose sentence) Another way the quotes both send a helpful message to people is they both see the questions you ask in life as precious gold. "Love the questions themselves" because the questions you ask are what define you and make you who you are. Questions are the real "rewards" in life, while the answers are just signs that read "Dead End" because one all your questions are answered, what else is there to live for? The third way in which the Rilke quote and the proverb give advice to the world, is that they both say that you'll find your way to the answers, so don't go searching for them. The proverb is stating that the events that occur on your journey through life have no effect on the outcome, so live for the moment because those memories you make along the way are the true "reward." Rilke also says something much like this when he explains,
"Someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer," meaning there is no need to fret about answering your questions because you will eventually stumble upon them, maybe without even noticing or expecting it.
After comparing these wise quotes to each other, I noticed they compared to something else, the eighth grade assessment project. The first way they are all alike is that when we did our volunteer work for the project, we had to love the work we did in order to get the real experience out of it. We didn't like doing the work as much as we wanted to get it done, much like in the Rilke quote when he talked about how you had to "love the questions" as opposed to just wanting their answers. To relate the project to the Chinese proverb, the "reward" we received for our performance at the end of the Assessment "journey", was knowing we helped people in need. Another reason the quotes and Assessment relate to each other is that the project was a long, grueling (FAST word) "journey" that we had to travel and patience was key to succeed in the Assessment. We had to be patient with the exhausting amount of work we were given because even though it was a lot to take in, we knew that if it wasn't done, the consequences were extreme and ones we did not want to face. We also had to do many different things with long lengths of time in between, such as our essays and our volunteer hours, but we knew "someday far in the future [...] [we would] live [our] way into the answer" and that answer was the end of the project.(loose sentence) The final way that the quotes and Assessment tie together was when we received our grades. After Assessment was over, we had a two-week vacation and over that span of time, we were going to be given our grades. Mail is an unpredictable thing, so we had to wait for our final "answer" of how we did to come to us, instead of us "search[ing] for our answers." In the end, I think Assessment was one of those journeys that the proverb was describing because the things we did along the way were the rewards that we received, and the grades we all got were just letters that judged how well we presented our achievements to an audience.
In the end, although the two quotes are different in length and one may be longer than the other, what they are saying is just as strong and wise. The two quotes are perfect advice to those eagerly searching for the answers to their questions. Both quotes talk about how the memories we share and the friends we make that you make in your lifetime are the real treasures in this so-called journey. The outcome of life is just fate falling into place.
