Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
26 May 2009
Tranquility:
An Essay Based on William Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey”
As children, we play, we discover, we observe, we learn, but most importantly, we change (Parallelism). For Williams Wordsworth, a simple passion for nature, the tranquility of a mountainous landscape, and the attachement to the abandoned church he never forgot, changed the way he looked at life. For me, an unexceptional, yet tranquil classroom has helped me mature. Whatever changes we may go through, whether it is in “the deep and gloomy wood[s]” or a placid English classroom, a place never changes, it just waits.
TS In William Wordsworth “Tintern Abbey”, Wordsworth speaks of the peace and the tranquility that this church still holds after “five years have past”. SD The beauty of the “secluded scene” is nothing but relaxing to the mind of Wordsworth, as he looks around to appreciate the “soft inland murmur” and the “quiet of the sky”. CM Perhaps it is with the soft voices of nature that he is able to feel passion for this ruined, desolate (FAST) church. CM It is with simple love for “quietness and beauty” that he is able to reflect on his past through the church’s abandoned walls. SD After “five summers, with the length of five long winters”, Wordsworth was not the little boy running through the woods picking flowers anymore, he had become a grown man. CM Though he changed, the place where the “dark sycamore” laid stayed the same, surrounded by the same mountains and embellished by the same silence “from among the trees” and enclosed in the same sweet smell of the “orchard tufts” (Polysyndeton). CM Perhaps, Wordsworth found himself in the peacefulness and calmness of the woods, it is what shaped him. CS It is with the peacefulness of the “deep rivers” that he was able to finally hear “the beatings of [his] heart”.
SD In five years, I want to come back to Pine Point and sit in the brown plastic chair in Mr. Salsich’s English Class. SD The English classroom is not just an ordinary classroom filled with posters and silly pictures of the day, but rather a vast cloud of peace, filled with “pleasing thoughts” and limitless “harmonies”. CM It is in this classroom, that one is able to express themselves through the “motions and spirits” of reading and writing. CM Similarly to “the light of setting suns”, English class gives life to all pensive (FAST) minds. SD Perhaps, the first day we walked into the English class, we were still little boys and girls wanting to dance around all day long, but in this classroom, we have grown. CM We have changed, however, the classroom stayed the same, filled with the same calmness that we are now able to appreciate and the same silence that took us on our blossoming journey. CM Perhaps, this classroom has become “the anchor of [our] purest thought[s], the nurse, the guide, the guardian of [our] hearts, and soul” of a tranquil piece of our day.
We should not judge a church by its ruins or a person by their flaws or a room by its appearance. The tranquility of what once seemed like a dull looking English classroom, permitted our ideas to flow like the water “rolling from [the] mountain-springs” of Tintern Abbey. Perhaps, when we let go of a special place, we are able to better appreciate it. The memories are “more dear” to our hearts.
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
26 May 2009
Tranquility:
An Essay Based on William Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey”
As children, we play, we discover, we observe, we learn, but most importantly, we change (Parallelism). For Williams Wordsworth, a simple passion for nature, the tranquility of a mountainous landscape, and the attachement to the abandoned church he never forgot, changed the way he looked at life. For me, an unexceptional, yet tranquil classroom has helped me mature. Whatever changes we may go through, whether it is in “the deep and gloomy wood[s]” or a placid English classroom, a place never changes, it just waits.
TS In William Wordsworth “Tintern Abbey”, Wordsworth speaks of the peace and the tranquility that this church still holds after “five years have past”. SD The beauty of the “secluded scene” is nothing but relaxing to the mind of Wordsworth, as he looks around to appreciate the “soft inland murmur” and the “quiet of the sky”. CM Perhaps it is with the soft voices of nature that he is able to feel passion for this ruined, desolate (FAST) church. CM It is with simple love for “quietness and beauty” that he is able to reflect on his past through the church’s abandoned walls. SD After “five summers, with the length of five long winters”, Wordsworth was not the little boy running through the woods picking flowers anymore, he had become a grown man. CM Though he changed, the place where the “dark sycamore” laid stayed the same, surrounded by the same mountains and embellished by the same silence “from among the trees” and enclosed in the same sweet smell of the “orchard tufts” (Polysyndeton). CM Perhaps, Wordsworth found himself in the peacefulness and calmness of the woods, it is what shaped him. CS It is with the peacefulness of the “deep rivers” that he was able to finally hear “the beatings of [his] heart”.
SD In five years, I want to come back to Pine Point and sit in the brown plastic chair in Mr. Salsich’s English Class. SD The English classroom is not just an ordinary classroom filled with posters and silly pictures of the day, but rather a vast cloud of peace, filled with “pleasing thoughts” and limitless “harmonies”. CM It is in this classroom, that one is able to express themselves through the “motions and spirits” of reading and writing. CM Similarly to “the light of setting suns”, English class gives life to all pensive (FAST) minds. SD Perhaps, the first day we walked into the English class, we were still little boys and girls wanting to dance around all day long, but in this classroom, we have grown. CM We have changed, however, the classroom stayed the same, filled with the same calmness that we are now able to appreciate and the same silence that took us on our blossoming journey. CM Perhaps, this classroom has become “the anchor of [our] purest thought[s], the nurse, the guide, the guardian of [our] hearts, and soul” of a tranquil piece of our day.
We should not judge a church by its ruins or a person by their flaws or a room by its appearance. The tranquility of what once seemed like a dull looking English classroom, permitted our ideas to flow like the water “rolling from [the] mountain-springs” of Tintern Abbey. Perhaps, when we let go of a special place, we are able to better appreciate it. The memories are “more dear” to our hearts.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
19 May 2009
Transformation:
An Essay Based on a Passage from Rainer Maria Rilke
Our life is transformed by the things we observe, the things we appreciate, the things we experience, and the things we learn from (Appositive). Although our lives are changing every passing minute, we are all able to appreciate the smallest of moments. Through transformation, our past becomes a treasure, our present becomes a past, and our future becomes a choice. Rainer Maria Rilke, the garden stone, and my life all relate to the importance of changing the right way.
TS The power of transformation through living life to its fullest is conveyed through the words of Rainer Maria Rilke. SD A life is full of emotions and experiences that may seem pointless to appreciate. CM Perhaps, it is through the appreciation of small meaningless moments that we can be changed and permitted to fully become aware of the outside world. CM Watching a wave suddenly crash onto the beach, admiring the birds singing on a branch, and catching the snowflakes on a cold snowy day are significant moments that transform us (Participial phrase). SD Transformation only happens if a life is lived to its fullest potential in any kind of situation and for doing so, the significance of an experience becomes much more important. CM Even if a moment is not worth remembering, it can only “reveal [its] essence”, if it is lived with gratitude (FAST). CM Only then, can a person be transformed into someone more knowledgeable than before. SD Every moment lived in life becomes a past, more often than not, a past not understood and unclear. CM Perhaps living life to its fullest is wanting to understand the past with the ability to let go of the odd moments that life through at us. CM The past is what shapes our future as in “everything new the old is then whole” and much more luminous. CS We are able to be transformed with the knowledge of our past, the memories of a well-lived moment, and a life lived to its absolute fullest potential.
TS Much like Rilke’s words of wisdom, a small garden stone consists of a past, a history, a story, and a life to remember (Tetracolon climax). SD A garden stone may not seem important to our minds, but its simple appearance hides its untold past. CM A stone begins as a minuscule (FAST), useless piece of the earth, carefully shaped into a bigger and valuable treasure as time passes. CM Its past, carved into the grayness of its flat surface is forever present. SD Perhaps, a stone is like a human life, constantly changing with the experiences of the past and the questions of the future. CM It is with the unexpected events of life that the stone is able to take shape, yet still holding its past deep down under its first layer. CM After each day, a stone is still a stone, and a human life is still a life, “only different and vastly heightened”. CS A past stays the same, perhaps with unsolved mysteries, but it is the past that makes a stone whole and a human life undivided.
TS Similarly to Rilke’s passage and the garden stone, transformation has been a big part of my childhood and the way I have lived the past fourteen years of my life. SD Part of me regrets the small moments from my past that I have ignored and unpleasantly complained about. CM The missed opportunities of friendships, the lack of involvement in a group activity or even the ignorance of a small blue bird on its branch, are times that I wished I could have lived better. CM Perhaps, if I had shown “avid interest” in what seemed like the most insignificant moments of all, I would not have missed so much. SD However, as much regret as I hold for a childhood not lived to its fullest, I have learned the importance of the things I have missed. CM I have been transformed through my mistakes and lack of appreciation for life. CM I am now able to live the small moments, as if it was the last time I would ever be able to live, as if these moments would never “return”. CS Perhaps one is meant to be transformed through their mistakes rather than stay unchanged through superiority(Antithesis).
Life is just a matter of how one changes as time passes. It is up to us to decide how we want to live. After all, we only have one life, with one past and one future ahead of us. A stone is just a stone, a smile is just a smile, but what makes all the difference, is the content of the inside layer of that stone and the heartfelt message beneath those shining white teeth.
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
19 May 2009
Transformation:
An Essay Based on a Passage from Rainer Maria Rilke
Our life is transformed by the things we observe, the things we appreciate, the things we experience, and the things we learn from (Appositive). Although our lives are changing every passing minute, we are all able to appreciate the smallest of moments. Through transformation, our past becomes a treasure, our present becomes a past, and our future becomes a choice. Rainer Maria Rilke, the garden stone, and my life all relate to the importance of changing the right way.
TS The power of transformation through living life to its fullest is conveyed through the words of Rainer Maria Rilke. SD A life is full of emotions and experiences that may seem pointless to appreciate. CM Perhaps, it is through the appreciation of small meaningless moments that we can be changed and permitted to fully become aware of the outside world. CM Watching a wave suddenly crash onto the beach, admiring the birds singing on a branch, and catching the snowflakes on a cold snowy day are significant moments that transform us (Participial phrase). SD Transformation only happens if a life is lived to its fullest potential in any kind of situation and for doing so, the significance of an experience becomes much more important. CM Even if a moment is not worth remembering, it can only “reveal [its] essence”, if it is lived with gratitude (FAST). CM Only then, can a person be transformed into someone more knowledgeable than before. SD Every moment lived in life becomes a past, more often than not, a past not understood and unclear. CM Perhaps living life to its fullest is wanting to understand the past with the ability to let go of the odd moments that life through at us. CM The past is what shapes our future as in “everything new the old is then whole” and much more luminous. CS We are able to be transformed with the knowledge of our past, the memories of a well-lived moment, and a life lived to its absolute fullest potential.
TS Much like Rilke’s words of wisdom, a small garden stone consists of a past, a history, a story, and a life to remember (Tetracolon climax). SD A garden stone may not seem important to our minds, but its simple appearance hides its untold past. CM A stone begins as a minuscule (FAST), useless piece of the earth, carefully shaped into a bigger and valuable treasure as time passes. CM Its past, carved into the grayness of its flat surface is forever present. SD Perhaps, a stone is like a human life, constantly changing with the experiences of the past and the questions of the future. CM It is with the unexpected events of life that the stone is able to take shape, yet still holding its past deep down under its first layer. CM After each day, a stone is still a stone, and a human life is still a life, “only different and vastly heightened”. CS A past stays the same, perhaps with unsolved mysteries, but it is the past that makes a stone whole and a human life undivided.
TS Similarly to Rilke’s passage and the garden stone, transformation has been a big part of my childhood and the way I have lived the past fourteen years of my life. SD Part of me regrets the small moments from my past that I have ignored and unpleasantly complained about. CM The missed opportunities of friendships, the lack of involvement in a group activity or even the ignorance of a small blue bird on its branch, are times that I wished I could have lived better. CM Perhaps, if I had shown “avid interest” in what seemed like the most insignificant moments of all, I would not have missed so much. SD However, as much regret as I hold for a childhood not lived to its fullest, I have learned the importance of the things I have missed. CM I have been transformed through my mistakes and lack of appreciation for life. CM I am now able to live the small moments, as if it was the last time I would ever be able to live, as if these moments would never “return”. CS Perhaps one is meant to be transformed through their mistakes rather than stay unchanged through superiority(Antithesis).
Life is just a matter of how one changes as time passes. It is up to us to decide how we want to live. After all, we only have one life, with one past and one future ahead of us. A stone is just a stone, a smile is just a smile, but what makes all the difference, is the content of the inside layer of that stone and the heartfelt message beneath those shining white teeth.
_____________________________
Self Assessment
1) I am continuing to work on my blending of quotes. There was not a lot of blending to do this week, but I tried to make the quotes flow with the essay the best that I could.
2) Some strong points I see in this piece of writing is the organization. I feel as though this time, I tried extra hard to make every sentence and every word fit under the "umbrella".
3) Some weak points I see in this essay are sentence lengths and the lack of lengths variety. Some of my sentences could easily be broken down into smaller and perhaps, clearer sentences.
4) The grade I would give myself: A-
MONDAY, MAY 4, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
6 May 2009
Letting Go:
An Essay on Parting and the Importance of “Goodbye”
Not only is it painful to let go of someone, but it is painful to live with tears of regrets that can never go away. Both John Grogan and Naomi Shihab Nye speak of the devastating impacts of an improper and meaningless goodbye. Emily Dickinson speaks of the importance of leaving earth on a positive note, as to end up in the placid cotton clouds of heaven. Goodbye may seem like a pointless word to say, yet it is still the most powerful step of parting.
TS Separation plays an important role in Emily Dickinson’s “My life closed twice”, as she emphasizes the idea that death is not only “hopeless to conceive”, but also a dignified way of saying goodbye. SD Perhaps, the way someone leaves this world is the way that life really “close[s]”. CM If a man dies with regrets, a broken heart, and tears rolling down his face, then heaven might not follow him. CM If a man dies with hope, a blanket to cover his empty soul, but most importantly poise (FAST), then the door to heaven will open. SD Ms. Nye speaks of an essential quality that heaven possesses. CM She says that “all we know of heaven” is the ability to detach our hearts from life, and what we have lived. CM The ones that lie in hell are able to let go of life without greatness and self respect. CS Perchance, the ones that are strong enough to accept the “third event” are the only ones to shine a light on darkness and peacefully rest in heaven.
TS Similarly to Emily Dickinson’s poem, Naomi Shihab Nye speaks about the power of the word “adios”. SD Goodbye might be perceived as a simple word with no meaning, no feelings, no emotions, nor fondness (LOOSE SENTENCE). CM However, Ms. Nye argues that this word is not just a word, it is the “silence following [the] sound that “linger[s]” once it has been said. CM After this “good word” has been said, one must listen to thesilence of parting and the sound of “departure”. SD Perhaps, life consists of more goodbyes then hellos. CM After one says goodbye to the “things that disappear”, the chance to say hello might not come around again. CM When one says goodbye, they must mean it with all their heartsas if the word goodbye was “strap[ped] to [their] back like wings”. SD Perhaps the real secret to letting go of something we truly care for, is the way we say our goodbyes. CM Ms. Nye believed that parting quickly, with astraightforward heartfelt goodbye was better. CM If one lets things linger like the “damp smell of mold”, the roaring silence of parting and regrets, will take away the true meaning of the word “goodbye”. CS With honesty, love, tears, and acceptance, “goodbye” must be said once to be able to explain itself and bring out the better.
TS The book "Marley and Me" written by John Grogan similarly relates to the two poems, as it expresses the power of the word “Goodbye” and its effects on the people he left behind. SD After years of breaking vases, jumping on visitors, swallowing gold necklaces, and constantly unsteady, the “world’s worst dog”, Marley, passes away (PERIODIC SENTENCE). CM Despite his overexcitement of living, Marley was loved by all and appreciated by most. CM After changing the lives of a family, Marley’s time on earth was over, and his owners were the ones that suffered the most. SD Although Marley died with no regrets, the people he left behind felt as though they had missed the biggest chance of their lives: the chance to say a real “goodbye”. CM Marley had suffered a long and painful death, but he kept on coming back and reassuring his household that goodbye was not yet a word to consider. CM Each time Marley ended up at the hospital, the family had said goodbye, without ever meaning it, hoping that Marley would survive. CM Once Marley had passed away and thechance to say hello again faded, feelings of regret caused more pain for the people Marley had parted from. CS Perhaps, letting go of “what you love best” consists of parting with that hope inside you and letting nature take its course into the peacefulness of heaven.
Perhaps, it is not the place where one ends up after death that matters, but rather, how one lets go of their life. Perhaps it is not death itself that hurts the most, but rather the boisterous (FAST) sound of regrets that never leaves a soul if “adios” is not said nor meant. Perhaps, we need to let go of that hope inside us and say our goodbyes, as to leave no explanation but a white feather of acceptance on a shattered heart. Perhaps, parting has no justification, just “goodbye”.
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
6 May 2009
Letting Go:
An Essay on Parting and the Importance of “Goodbye”
Not only is it painful to let go of someone, but it is painful to live with tears of regrets that can never go away. Both John Grogan and Naomi Shihab Nye speak of the devastating impacts of an improper and meaningless goodbye. Emily Dickinson speaks of the importance of leaving earth on a positive note, as to end up in the placid cotton clouds of heaven. Goodbye may seem like a pointless word to say, yet it is still the most powerful step of parting.
TS Separation plays an important role in Emily Dickinson’s “My life closed twice”, as she emphasizes the idea that death is not only “hopeless to conceive”, but also a dignified way of saying goodbye. SD Perhaps, the way someone leaves this world is the way that life really “close[s]”. CM If a man dies with regrets, a broken heart, and tears rolling down his face, then heaven might not follow him. CM If a man dies with hope, a blanket to cover his empty soul, but most importantly poise (FAST), then the door to heaven will open. SD Ms. Nye speaks of an essential quality that heaven possesses. CM She says that “all we know of heaven” is the ability to detach our hearts from life, and what we have lived. CM The ones that lie in hell are able to let go of life without greatness and self respect. CS Perchance, the ones that are strong enough to accept the “third event” are the only ones to shine a light on darkness and peacefully rest in heaven.
TS Similarly to Emily Dickinson’s poem, Naomi Shihab Nye speaks about the power of the word “adios”. SD Goodbye might be perceived as a simple word with no meaning, no feelings, no emotions, nor fondness (LOOSE SENTENCE). CM However, Ms. Nye argues that this word is not just a word, it is the “silence following [the] sound that “linger[s]” once it has been said. CM After this “good word” has been said, one must listen to thesilence of parting and the sound of “departure”. SD Perhaps, life consists of more goodbyes then hellos. CM After one says goodbye to the “things that disappear”, the chance to say hello might not come around again. CM When one says goodbye, they must mean it with all their heartsas if the word goodbye was “strap[ped] to [their] back like wings”. SD Perhaps the real secret to letting go of something we truly care for, is the way we say our goodbyes. CM Ms. Nye believed that parting quickly, with astraightforward heartfelt goodbye was better. CM If one lets things linger like the “damp smell of mold”, the roaring silence of parting and regrets, will take away the true meaning of the word “goodbye”. CS With honesty, love, tears, and acceptance, “goodbye” must be said once to be able to explain itself and bring out the better.
TS The book "Marley and Me" written by John Grogan similarly relates to the two poems, as it expresses the power of the word “Goodbye” and its effects on the people he left behind. SD After years of breaking vases, jumping on visitors, swallowing gold necklaces, and constantly unsteady, the “world’s worst dog”, Marley, passes away (PERIODIC SENTENCE). CM Despite his overexcitement of living, Marley was loved by all and appreciated by most. CM After changing the lives of a family, Marley’s time on earth was over, and his owners were the ones that suffered the most. SD Although Marley died with no regrets, the people he left behind felt as though they had missed the biggest chance of their lives: the chance to say a real “goodbye”. CM Marley had suffered a long and painful death, but he kept on coming back and reassuring his household that goodbye was not yet a word to consider. CM Each time Marley ended up at the hospital, the family had said goodbye, without ever meaning it, hoping that Marley would survive. CM Once Marley had passed away and thechance to say hello again faded, feelings of regret caused more pain for the people Marley had parted from. CS Perhaps, letting go of “what you love best” consists of parting with that hope inside you and letting nature take its course into the peacefulness of heaven.
Perhaps, it is not the place where one ends up after death that matters, but rather, how one lets go of their life. Perhaps it is not death itself that hurts the most, but rather the boisterous (FAST) sound of regrets that never leaves a soul if “adios” is not said nor meant. Perhaps, we need to let go of that hope inside us and say our goodbyes, as to leave no explanation but a white feather of acceptance on a shattered heart. Perhaps, parting has no justification, just “goodbye”.
______________________________________
Self Assessment:
1.) Some writing issues I am continuing to work on are sentence variation. I usually have much trouble getting my point across, without writing long unnecessary sentences.
2) Some strong points I see in this pice of writing are my use of quotes and identifying the many transitions throughout the essay. I think I did a good job at blending in some quotes.
3) Some weak points I see in this essay are the unecessary words. It usually worsens my writing and perhaps, that plays in to sentence variation as well.
4) The grade I would give myself: A-
MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
30 April 2009
Kindness:
An Essay Based on a Poem, a Short Story, and my Life
1) It is with kindness that we hold open a door for a stranger, that we sit by a friend and wipe tears off of their faces, that we drop a coin into a poor man’s hand, and it is with kindness that we smile to make one’s day (Loose sentence). 2) Most importantly, it is compassion and sympathy that we need to live a happy life. 3) It is with kindness that we are able to journey through our sorrow courageously. 4) Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem “Kindness”, F. Scott’s Fitzgerald’s “Winter Dreams”, and my life all portray the importance of kindness that we give and receive.
TS In Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Kindness”, she speaks of the need to suffer to be able to fully appreciate “what kindness really is”. SD There is only a certain amount of pain and sorrow a soul can take. CM A heart is full of layers and perhaps, under that layer of sorrow, sits a layer of kindness. CM Once the layer of pain has “dissolve[d]”, all there is left to experience is kindness. SD Perhaps, this poem reflects the power of living life with great courage. CM After one sees “how desolate the landscape must be”, but has the courage to move on, only then can they be rewarded with kindness. CM Perchance, the courage it takes to overcome sorrow is the true gift of kindness. CS Perhaps, only after having experienced “the tender gravity of kindness”, one can courageously “raise its head from the crowd of the world” and live life with jubilation (FAST).
TS Similarly to Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem, F. Scott Fitzgerald was able to convey the impact of sorrow and kindness on Dexter’s life in “Winter Dreams”. SD Dexter Green, a “willing, intelligent, quiet, and honest” man experiences pain when the love of his life, Judy Jones, leaves him unexpectedly (Tetracolon). CM As hard as it might have been for Dexter, he moved on, with great courage and dignity. CM Perhaps, Dexter’s sorrow was meant to hurt so badly that he “taste[d] the deep pain that is reserved only for the strong”. SD After peeling off that layer of suffering, kindness was all he had left to give. CM He had overcome his sorrow, with shattered “winter dreams” and “closed gates”, but kindness was there to “tie [his] shoes” (Appositive). CM He could once again, enjoy “a certain tranquility of spirits” with his new wife, Irene. CS Perhaps Judy had been “the simple breath that kept him alive”, but now he knows, what kindness really means.
TS As much as the poem and the story relate to each other, kindness and sorrow have also played a big role in my life. SD Like Dexter Green, a relative of mine left me, unexpectedly, for what it seems, like all the wrong reasons. CM As perfidious (FAST) as it felt, I had no choice, but to “see the size of the cloth”, “feel the future dissolve in the moment”, and realize that sorrow must take place to be able to experience the true meaning of kindness (Loose sentence). CM Having gone through a tough time dealing with his absence, I learned that kindness is the most precious action that one can give and receive. SD Similarly to my life, Dexter Green missed Judy’s kindness and love, therefore, his sorrow only left him with tenderness to “give back”. CM I missed the kindness he had once given me, that consisted of hugs and smiles and a big heart. CM The vacancy of his sympathy led me to realize how significant compassion was to one’s soul and how much I needed it. CS One day, I woke up with a deserted heart, and “it [was] only kindness that [made] sense anymore”.
1) Perhaps, humans need compassion (FAST) to fill the hole of a empty heart. 2) However, we must first experience the feeling of an abandoned soul, to be kind to others. 3) To be able to enjoy the “glittering things themselves”, one must first “wake up with sorrow”. 4) After all, maybe kindness must be deserved to show its true meaning.
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
30 April 2009
Kindness:
An Essay Based on a Poem, a Short Story, and my Life
1) It is with kindness that we hold open a door for a stranger, that we sit by a friend and wipe tears off of their faces, that we drop a coin into a poor man’s hand, and it is with kindness that we smile to make one’s day (Loose sentence). 2) Most importantly, it is compassion and sympathy that we need to live a happy life. 3) It is with kindness that we are able to journey through our sorrow courageously. 4) Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem “Kindness”, F. Scott’s Fitzgerald’s “Winter Dreams”, and my life all portray the importance of kindness that we give and receive.
TS In Naomi Shihab Nye’s “Kindness”, she speaks of the need to suffer to be able to fully appreciate “what kindness really is”. SD There is only a certain amount of pain and sorrow a soul can take. CM A heart is full of layers and perhaps, under that layer of sorrow, sits a layer of kindness. CM Once the layer of pain has “dissolve[d]”, all there is left to experience is kindness. SD Perhaps, this poem reflects the power of living life with great courage. CM After one sees “how desolate the landscape must be”, but has the courage to move on, only then can they be rewarded with kindness. CM Perchance, the courage it takes to overcome sorrow is the true gift of kindness. CS Perhaps, only after having experienced “the tender gravity of kindness”, one can courageously “raise its head from the crowd of the world” and live life with jubilation (FAST).
TS Similarly to Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem, F. Scott Fitzgerald was able to convey the impact of sorrow and kindness on Dexter’s life in “Winter Dreams”. SD Dexter Green, a “willing, intelligent, quiet, and honest” man experiences pain when the love of his life, Judy Jones, leaves him unexpectedly (Tetracolon). CM As hard as it might have been for Dexter, he moved on, with great courage and dignity. CM Perhaps, Dexter’s sorrow was meant to hurt so badly that he “taste[d] the deep pain that is reserved only for the strong”. SD After peeling off that layer of suffering, kindness was all he had left to give. CM He had overcome his sorrow, with shattered “winter dreams” and “closed gates”, but kindness was there to “tie [his] shoes” (Appositive). CM He could once again, enjoy “a certain tranquility of spirits” with his new wife, Irene. CS Perhaps Judy had been “the simple breath that kept him alive”, but now he knows, what kindness really means.
TS As much as the poem and the story relate to each other, kindness and sorrow have also played a big role in my life. SD Like Dexter Green, a relative of mine left me, unexpectedly, for what it seems, like all the wrong reasons. CM As perfidious (FAST) as it felt, I had no choice, but to “see the size of the cloth”, “feel the future dissolve in the moment”, and realize that sorrow must take place to be able to experience the true meaning of kindness (Loose sentence). CM Having gone through a tough time dealing with his absence, I learned that kindness is the most precious action that one can give and receive. SD Similarly to my life, Dexter Green missed Judy’s kindness and love, therefore, his sorrow only left him with tenderness to “give back”. CM I missed the kindness he had once given me, that consisted of hugs and smiles and a big heart. CM The vacancy of his sympathy led me to realize how significant compassion was to one’s soul and how much I needed it. CS One day, I woke up with a deserted heart, and “it [was] only kindness that [made] sense anymore”.
1) Perhaps, humans need compassion (FAST) to fill the hole of a empty heart. 2) However, we must first experience the feeling of an abandoned soul, to be kind to others. 3) To be able to enjoy the “glittering things themselves”, one must first “wake up with sorrow”. 4) After all, maybe kindness must be deserved to show its true meaning.
______________________________________
Self Assessment:
1). I am continuing to work on deleting unnecessary words that worsen the writing, rather than enhancing it.
2) Some strong points I see in this piece of writing were my transitions from sentences to sentences and paragraphs to paragraphs. I also worked hard on trying to make this essay flow without any confusion within the paragraphs.
3) Some weak points I see are perhaps, my use of the special tools that I didn't use as well as I should have. Also, once again, ommiting those unecessary words.
4). The grade I would give myself would be: A-
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
22 April 2009
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
22 April 2009
Everything Matters:
An Essay Based on Three Pieces of Literature
1) An onion is just an onion, translucent and useless, yet tasteful to our stew. 2) A dead man is a nobody, with shattered dreams and “closed eyelids”. 3) Yet we still stop to shed a tear and pay our honors to the drunken workman who had no luck . 4) We still cry every time we chop an onion as if to ask “ are you a nobody too”?
TS In Naomi Shihab Nye’s “The Traveling Onion”, she speaks of a layered onion with history and importance, and she describes it with sentimental words. SD “The way knife enters onion and onion falls apart on the chopping block” reflects the feeling of a broken heart. CM The feeling of a shattered soul can be painful, just like the knife cutting through the onion. CM Sitting behind a broken heart and a peeled onion, is a layer of history, full of pain, joy, and “forgotten miracles” (Participle). SD As the onion is being chopped and a heart is being hurt, “tears fall” down our faces with no comfort or warmth to console us. CM Ms Nye speaks of “the translucence of [an] onion”, meaning that light can pass through an onion without anyone noticing it, just like you can pass by a tear on a face, ignoring it. CM However, the onion‘s soft cry is never heard. CS A heart and a vegetable, “now limp, now divided”, reflect the sentimental words of Naomi Shihab Nye.
TS Unlike Naomi Shihab Nye’s compassionate (FAST) poem, Emily Dickinson’s poem speaks of the effects of having an excess of sentiment. SD Emily Dickinson speaks of the power of being no one, with the simplest emotions. CM One might think that being a “nobody” is negative, but she speaks of “how dreary to be [a] somebody!” CM Being a happy human living in simplicity might be better than denying the sadness of acting like “somebody” (participle phrase-opener). SD Perhaps her words are words of advice to warn us from the dangers of overwhelming emotions. CM Perhaps there is too much complexity to being a “somebody”. CM Perhaps it is better to live a nonchalant (FAST) life with the simplest emotions as to not become “public like a frog”. CS Like the onion, being a nobody is a gift that must be kept away from the ones that don’t cherish it.
TS In Katherine Mansfield’s “The Garden Party”, sentiments play a big role in Laura’s life as she deals with the death of her neighbor. SD After Laura’s neighbor, a drunken and lower-class workman, dies, she is being judged for her emotions (Appositive). CM Because his family was not as opulent (FAST) as Laura’s, Jose believes it was unacceptable to “stop a band playing” and feel sympathetic for this man. CM However, sentiment goes beyond the wealth of a family or the unfortunate luck of a man. SD Her strong feelings of pity for this unknown neighbor of hers gave her the urge to walk over to his house. CM “While [the guests of the party] were laughing and while the band was playing, this marvel had come to the lane” and nothing could be more wonderful to Laura’s eyes, than the feeling of peace and silence. CM Perhaps, the sentiment of looking at a dreaming man, never to wake up again was better than being rich and ignorant. CS Perchance, sentiment is enough to push out the innocence of a family, the “somebody” out of a person, or the “division” of an onion.
1) Life must be lived with sentiments, not too much, but just enough to appreciate the small things. 2) The onion, which may seem like a translucent, unimportant vegetable, must be handled with care (Appositive). 3) A poor dead man must be treated with gentleness and sympathy because he, like everyone else had a place in this world. 4) Perhaps, we should all be “nobodies”, and live life simply without excessive emotions, but rather harmless friendships. 5) Let’s be content.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
April 14th, 2009
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
April 14th, 2009
Love:
An Essay Based on Naomi Shihab Nye’s “The Little Brother Poem”
Aside from the hurtful insults that never seem to stop, the painful slaps on the back, the yelling and screaming back and forth, a brother is still a brother, and a sister is still a sister (Periodic Sentence). Through the deepest of pain, it hurts the most to hear the sweet voice of your sibling and never hear it again afterwards. It hurts to let go of the smiles and tears you once experienced with your brother. It hurts to feel empty.
TS In Naomi Shihab Nye’s “The Little Brother Poem”, she expresses her reminiscent feelings for her brother through the main theme of the poem: love. SD She uses metaphors to symbolize her relationship with her brother. CM His success over hers has brought out their differences as “[he] is Wall Street and [she] is the local fruit market”. CM But “that‘s fine, [she] will take differences over things that match” and her love for her little brother will never change. SD Throughout her poem, Ms. Nye uses imagery to convey the memories with her brother, as if she was turning back pages of good times spent with him. CM She speaks of “dumping out a whole drawer [of memories]”, to symbolize that she was letting go of her bad actions and remembering the good times. CM She talks about the day she pushed him in front of a bicycle, “[his] face bleeding”, but apart from her mean words and bad actions, “[she] wanted [him]”. SD She also uses bits of alliteration in her poem. CM His voice “sounded small”, but his presence was still there. CM Her reminiscing self tells her “it’s true, there are things [she] would change”. CS Naomi was the big sister, but in the end, she comes to him for comfort and love.
TS Like Ms. Nye’s fondness for her brother, Isabel and Sonny have dealt with strong emotions as well. SD After Little Grace died, Isabel’s heart felt empty and the lamenting (FAST) sound she heard at night “sounded small, [] like the little [girl] [she] didn’t have anymore“. CM The beautiful little girl that Isabel had once held in her arms was gone. CM The silence, the grumbling sound, the “mortal wound”, made her afraid (Asyndeton). SD Naomi Shihab Nye spoke of her brother changing and growing up to become “Pierre Cardin” and it seems as though Sonny changed as “his fingers filled the air with life”. CM The way he played the piano let out voices of freedom, without battle. CM His music reflected the long path of suffering he had gone through, the anguish (FAST), and the endless tears. SD The way Ms. Nye looked up to her brother was similar to the way Sonny glanced at his brother, with respect and admiration. CM Perhaps Sonny’s music was a reward to his brother, as if he was “sorry for everything [he] did that hurt”. CM Sonny was “giving it back”. CS Two siblings, following their hearts as brothers, forgiving the painful words, mourning for the loss of a loved one, and appreciating the glowing “phrase of the song” (Participle phrase as a closer).
Life is too short to miss out on the beauty of a relationship, the importance of love, or the impact of change. As Ms. Nye's brother grew up and became mature, she found herself needing him more than he needed her. Without his big brother, Sonny wouldn't have been sitting on that piano, playing the notes that meant so much to the eyes of his family. Without love, neither character would have been able to say, “I wanted you” without ever closing the door on each other.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
April 8th, 2009
Courage:
An essay based on Anne Sexton’s “Courage” in relation to Shakespeare’sThe Tempest
Being a courageous person doesn’t just mean climbing Mount Everest. It means being able to ask for forgiveness, but also being able to forgive. It means overcoming your sorrow and accepting sadness, without ever letting go of it. It means living life to its fullest, but also meeting death in a courageous way. It means saving your friend’s life out of love, not out of braveness.
TS It takes courage to ride a bike, it takes courage to hold in emotions, it takes courage to let of go of sorrow and accept sadness, it takes courage to face death, but most of all, it takes courage to live a sad life alone. SD In Anne Sexton’s “Courage”, she speaks of a life full of dolor (FAST) and loneliness. CM Her sorrow left her so miserable that she begins gaining appreciation for the rare joyful moments of life. CM Her loneliness left her with so much courage, that at the end, “she puts on [her] carpet slippers/ and stride[s] out”. SD Anne Sexton speaks of sorrow with importance, as if sorrow had to be treated with respect and taken care of with precaution (FAST). CM With courage, “you powdered your sorrow,/ you gave it a back rub/ and then you covered it with a blanket”, but you never let go of it. CM Anne Sexton finds comfort in her sorrow. SD Her endless ocean of fortitude enables her sorrow to wake up to be transformed. CM As the years passed, she learned to accept her sadness and make something good out of it. CM She became more courageous because “each spring [is] a sword you’ll sharpen”, meaning that getting older only makes one stronger. CS Being courageous alone is as difficult as loneliness without courage (ANTITHESIS).
TS Similar to Anne Sexton’s poem, I believe that there are many characters that reflect courage and sorrow and fear and transformation in The Tempest (Polysyndeton). SD It takes immense gallantry to endure imprisonment. CM Caliban, a cold hearted monster-like creature, has to live by the orders of his master, as a slave. CM Caliban had no life, besides his sorrow, his loneliness, and his hatred, but his courage was his only strength to live. SD Prospero lived to be greedy and enjoyed pulling hurtful magic tricks on the ones he hated until he finally realized that it wasn’t the way to go. CM His strength enabled him to ask his people for forgiveness. CM During his whole life, “courage was a long coal/ that [he] kept swallowing” until he decided to spit it out and ask to be forgiven. SD It takes fear and courage to ask for forgiveness, but isn’t it as hard to forgive a person that has treated you badly? CM After all the horrible actions Prospero had once done to them, the people of the island still forgave Prospero. CM Only then did their sorrow “wake to the wings of the roses” and transformed the people and Prospero. CS Boldness comes with a reward and makes you and the ones around you stronger.
A full and complete life is lived with fear, sorrow, love, despair, but mostly courage. Prospero was selfish, but deep down, he knew that he needed forgiveness to survive. He knew he needed to feel appreciated and his immense audacity was able to get him there. I believe that courage can save a lonely life and a broken heart, it can alter your weaknesses into strengths, it can cover your heart and protect you, but best of all, it can transform you (Loose sentence).
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
April 8th, 2009
Courage:
An essay based on Anne Sexton’s “Courage” in relation to Shakespeare’sThe Tempest
Being a courageous person doesn’t just mean climbing Mount Everest. It means being able to ask for forgiveness, but also being able to forgive. It means overcoming your sorrow and accepting sadness, without ever letting go of it. It means living life to its fullest, but also meeting death in a courageous way. It means saving your friend’s life out of love, not out of braveness.
TS It takes courage to ride a bike, it takes courage to hold in emotions, it takes courage to let of go of sorrow and accept sadness, it takes courage to face death, but most of all, it takes courage to live a sad life alone. SD In Anne Sexton’s “Courage”, she speaks of a life full of dolor (FAST) and loneliness. CM Her sorrow left her so miserable that she begins gaining appreciation for the rare joyful moments of life. CM Her loneliness left her with so much courage, that at the end, “she puts on [her] carpet slippers/ and stride[s] out”. SD Anne Sexton speaks of sorrow with importance, as if sorrow had to be treated with respect and taken care of with precaution (FAST). CM With courage, “you powdered your sorrow,/ you gave it a back rub/ and then you covered it with a blanket”, but you never let go of it. CM Anne Sexton finds comfort in her sorrow. SD Her endless ocean of fortitude enables her sorrow to wake up to be transformed. CM As the years passed, she learned to accept her sadness and make something good out of it. CM She became more courageous because “each spring [is] a sword you’ll sharpen”, meaning that getting older only makes one stronger. CS Being courageous alone is as difficult as loneliness without courage (ANTITHESIS).
TS Similar to Anne Sexton’s poem, I believe that there are many characters that reflect courage and sorrow and fear and transformation in The Tempest (Polysyndeton). SD It takes immense gallantry to endure imprisonment. CM Caliban, a cold hearted monster-like creature, has to live by the orders of his master, as a slave. CM Caliban had no life, besides his sorrow, his loneliness, and his hatred, but his courage was his only strength to live. SD Prospero lived to be greedy and enjoyed pulling hurtful magic tricks on the ones he hated until he finally realized that it wasn’t the way to go. CM His strength enabled him to ask his people for forgiveness. CM During his whole life, “courage was a long coal/ that [he] kept swallowing” until he decided to spit it out and ask to be forgiven. SD It takes fear and courage to ask for forgiveness, but isn’t it as hard to forgive a person that has treated you badly? CM After all the horrible actions Prospero had once done to them, the people of the island still forgave Prospero. CM Only then did their sorrow “wake to the wings of the roses” and transformed the people and Prospero. CS Boldness comes with a reward and makes you and the ones around you stronger.
A full and complete life is lived with fear, sorrow, love, despair, but mostly courage. Prospero was selfish, but deep down, he knew that he needed forgiveness to survive. He knew he needed to feel appreciated and his immense audacity was able to get him there. I believe that courage can save a lonely life and a broken heart, it can alter your weaknesses into strengths, it can cover your heart and protect you, but best of all, it can transform you (Loose sentence).
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2009
Julie's Paragraphs
England Paragraphs- ISP 2009
Day 1:
As I heard the sudden beeping of my alarm clock, I knew it was here- the day we had so long been waiting for. We hoped into the bus, our eyes slowly drifting off into the “beauty of sleep”. Our fatigue turned into excitement, our anxiousness turned into calmness, and our sadness turned into smiles. Our fatigue faded away, only to overwhelm us with a cloud of happiness. For eight straight days, we will see nothing but smiles. The memories that we will create will be marvelous, but most importantly, we will create them together. As a class, we will laugh, we will console each other, we will share unforgettable memories that will bring us closer. As I write this paragraph, I cannot bring myself to thing of anything else but excitement. I cannot wait to discover the treasures of a new culture, a new country. I cannot wait to make happen what has been circling our minds since the beginning of this year. Eight days, filled with emotions, feelings, and laughter that will create unforgettable memories for us all.
Day 2:
As the bright blue sky was being filled with dark clouds, we discovered the treasures of a marvelous historical city. The old buildings caught my attention. The carefully constructed brick buildings of London sat into the busy streets. It almost seemed as if each brick had a meaning, an importance to the history of this city. As the sunny morning turned into afternoon, we got settled into a cute little English pub called “The King’s Arms”. As I sat on the old red silk bench, I looked around to appreciate all the details of this special room. I truly enjoyed this afternoon filled with history, culture, and fun!
The water stood still
The old building reflected into the calmness
Of the water.
The fountain, dripping droplets of crystals
As it slowly drips off the stone
Like a moving wall of water.
Day 4:
Passing through the busy streets of London, we stop by a market. A market full of life, people, and diversity. The smell of the sweet banana bread surrounded the market. “Sorrys’ and Excuse Me’s” were heard throughout, as we were being pushed around. The venders awaiting their customers patiently handed out pieces of brownies. People cared. The different faces, the new clothing style, and the different accents reflected a new culture. Walking the streets of London, we stop by a curry house. The smell of spicy and tasty food only made us hungrier. The welcoming voice of our waiter made us feel comfortable. The different words of a new language gave us the sense of diversity. We learned, we accepted, and we appreciated.
Day 6:
Beauty. The one word that carefully describes this special day.
The beauty of the morning sun shining against our window.
The beauty of a synchronized march of the guards walking down the street.
The beauty of a city full of generous people.
The beauty of a crystal chandelier hanging down on a bright room.
The beauty of a golden bedroom where the queen had once slept in.
The beauty of astonishing stonework throughout Windsor Castle.
The beauty of a school. A school with many smart children and different backgrounds.
The beauty of an old classroom with wooden desks and no blackboard.
The beauty of this class of 2009. All together.
Day 7:
As much as we dreaded this day, this was our last day in London. We were now headed to Stratford Upon Avon for a new and exciting adventure. To finish our stay in London, we visited the Cabinet War Rooms. They were absolutely amazing. To see all those rooms that had once looked the same was very impressive. The fact that so much history was into the very table in the telephone room was also interesting. Afterwards, we visited Westminster Abbey. The beautiful flying buttresses built many years ago stuck out of the breathtaking cathedral. We walked over to the Poets’ corner where the famous Charles Dickens was buried. It was unbelievable to be able to stand on this Poets’ grave. After appreciating the treasures of such a cathedral, we all set foot on the famous Westminster Bridge where some of my classmates recited Wordsworth’s “Westminster Bridge”. Soon enough, it was time to hop on the train and leave towards Stratford Upon Avon.
Day 8:
The soft voice of Mrs. Gallego woke me up for another busy day. We started off with a nice relaxing English class about “The Tempest”. The wonderful themes of this play all reflected on our own personal lives. It was interesting to hear everyone’s opinions on the themes of the play. We took the bus headed downtown Stratford followed by a nice lunch at McDonald’s! We walked around the British fashion stores, slowly appreciating England’s treasures. Afterwards we walked over to the Shakespeare theater for a performance of “The Tempest”. I was astonished! The excellent acting skills of the actors really brought out the point of Shakespeare’s work. The scene when Prospero cleans the paint off of Caliban’s body was the most powerful, as it reflected the character’s willingness to forgive. After, we visited the Holy Trinity church where Shakespeare was buried. The church was small, but very beautiful. The golden arches of the choir area and the gorgeous rose windows were amazing. We finished with a great, final dinner as a class, all together for the very last time.
Day 1:
As I heard the sudden beeping of my alarm clock, I knew it was here- the day we had so long been waiting for. We hoped into the bus, our eyes slowly drifting off into the “beauty of sleep”. Our fatigue turned into excitement, our anxiousness turned into calmness, and our sadness turned into smiles. Our fatigue faded away, only to overwhelm us with a cloud of happiness. For eight straight days, we will see nothing but smiles. The memories that we will create will be marvelous, but most importantly, we will create them together. As a class, we will laugh, we will console each other, we will share unforgettable memories that will bring us closer. As I write this paragraph, I cannot bring myself to thing of anything else but excitement. I cannot wait to discover the treasures of a new culture, a new country. I cannot wait to make happen what has been circling our minds since the beginning of this year. Eight days, filled with emotions, feelings, and laughter that will create unforgettable memories for us all.
Day 2:
As the bright blue sky was being filled with dark clouds, we discovered the treasures of a marvelous historical city. The old buildings caught my attention. The carefully constructed brick buildings of London sat into the busy streets. It almost seemed as if each brick had a meaning, an importance to the history of this city. As the sunny morning turned into afternoon, we got settled into a cute little English pub called “The King’s Arms”. As I sat on the old red silk bench, I looked around to appreciate all the details of this special room. I truly enjoyed this afternoon filled with history, culture, and fun!
The water stood still
The old building reflected into the calmness
Of the water.
The fountain, dripping droplets of crystals
As it slowly drips off the stone
Like a moving wall of water.
Day 4:
Passing through the busy streets of London, we stop by a market. A market full of life, people, and diversity. The smell of the sweet banana bread surrounded the market. “Sorrys’ and Excuse Me’s” were heard throughout, as we were being pushed around. The venders awaiting their customers patiently handed out pieces of brownies. People cared. The different faces, the new clothing style, and the different accents reflected a new culture. Walking the streets of London, we stop by a curry house. The smell of spicy and tasty food only made us hungrier. The welcoming voice of our waiter made us feel comfortable. The different words of a new language gave us the sense of diversity. We learned, we accepted, and we appreciated.
Day 6:
Beauty. The one word that carefully describes this special day.
The beauty of the morning sun shining against our window.
The beauty of a synchronized march of the guards walking down the street.
The beauty of a city full of generous people.
The beauty of a crystal chandelier hanging down on a bright room.
The beauty of a golden bedroom where the queen had once slept in.
The beauty of astonishing stonework throughout Windsor Castle.
The beauty of a school. A school with many smart children and different backgrounds.
The beauty of an old classroom with wooden desks and no blackboard.
The beauty of this class of 2009. All together.
Day 7:
As much as we dreaded this day, this was our last day in London. We were now headed to Stratford Upon Avon for a new and exciting adventure. To finish our stay in London, we visited the Cabinet War Rooms. They were absolutely amazing. To see all those rooms that had once looked the same was very impressive. The fact that so much history was into the very table in the telephone room was also interesting. Afterwards, we visited Westminster Abbey. The beautiful flying buttresses built many years ago stuck out of the breathtaking cathedral. We walked over to the Poets’ corner where the famous Charles Dickens was buried. It was unbelievable to be able to stand on this Poets’ grave. After appreciating the treasures of such a cathedral, we all set foot on the famous Westminster Bridge where some of my classmates recited Wordsworth’s “Westminster Bridge”. Soon enough, it was time to hop on the train and leave towards Stratford Upon Avon.
Day 8:
The soft voice of Mrs. Gallego woke me up for another busy day. We started off with a nice relaxing English class about “The Tempest”. The wonderful themes of this play all reflected on our own personal lives. It was interesting to hear everyone’s opinions on the themes of the play. We took the bus headed downtown Stratford followed by a nice lunch at McDonald’s! We walked around the British fashion stores, slowly appreciating England’s treasures. Afterwards we walked over to the Shakespeare theater for a performance of “The Tempest”. I was astonished! The excellent acting skills of the actors really brought out the point of Shakespeare’s work. The scene when Prospero cleans the paint off of Caliban’s body was the most powerful, as it reflected the character’s willingness to forgive. After, we visited the Holy Trinity church where Shakespeare was buried. The church was small, but very beautiful. The golden arches of the choir area and the gorgeous rose windows were amazing. We finished with a great, final dinner as a class, all together for the very last time.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
February 26th, 2009
A “Brave New World”:
An Essay About The Virtues To A “Brave New World”
1) The way we live, the way we behave, the way we make our decisions are influenced by the people around us (Periodic sentence). 2) In Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, Prospero influenced his people so much that they became hateful. 3) As forgiveness started to circle the island, everyone suddenly changed. 4) If only we could surpass our hate towards each other, our universe could become a “brave new world”.
TS Prospero, a selfish querulous king, changes as he realizes that forgiveness is what he needs to survive. SD With his “rough magic”, Prospero was able to turn this island into an ocean of hate. CM From the “roaring war[s] to the dread rattling thunder”, Prospero played his magic on everyone and anything. CM His magic was so atrocious that the “graves at his command/ Have waked their sleepers”. SD When Prospero decides to step down from his supremacy, he lets go of his magic, his cruelty, his hate towards his people, but most importantly, his power. CM Prospero regrets the acts of revenge, the endless threats, the imprisonment of his servants, the enormous amount of pain he has caused, but all he wants is forgiveness. CM “Deeper than did ever plummet sound/ [He]’ll drown [his] book” hoping for forgiveness. SD Based on this powerful passage, the people of this island have also changed. CM They have become forgiving, kind, and loyal as a result of their master’s sudden refinement. CM They have become “goodly creatures” that this whole time, had been influenced by Prospero’s demeanor. CS Regrets have changed Prospero, forgiveness has changed his people, and this island has become “a brave new world”.
TS Even though a perfect world with the perfect people is impossible, some virtues could get us closer to a not so rancorous world. SD To make a world a better place, people need to feel loved. CM Love makes a person feel so important, wanted, and needed. CM Love is a way for a person to drift from the reality into a world of goodness and peace. SD As humans, we all make mistakes, but the question is, are we able to forgive others for what they have done? CM I believe that forgiveness is a way to give someone another chance, it is a way to let them know that you care enough to let the mistake go. CM Like Prospero, forgiveness would give us a chance to become stronger and more prudent people. SD As each day passes, we see faces so unknown and different, we judge others because of their differences, we don’t look deep enough in a person to know who they are, only to realize that they are so distant but so alike (Loose sentence). CM For a “brave new world”, people would need to accept each other. CM Each and everyone one of us would need to put our differences aside and live in unity, as if we were all alike. CS These three virtues are like the ingredients to the perfect society in which everyone would love, forgive, and accept.
Prospero overcame his wanting of revenge, he overcame the raging fire inside him that was circling his island. He has let go of his most precious weapon and has forgiven the worst of actions. As humans, we are all able to love, forgive, and accept but we choose not to. To me, the fumes of a mistake can be extinguished from the act of forgiveness.
___________________________________________
Self Assessment:
Writing issue I am continuing to work on:
I am still continuing to work on always "stay under the umbrella" and the main topic because I tend to get off topic easily.
Some strong points I see in this piece of writing:
I think some strong points are my use of quotes because I really tried to blend them in my sentences.
Some weak points I see:
My overall writing wasn't as good as my last essay. I had trouble being specific in the first body paragraph.
The grade I would give myself: B+
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
February 26th, 2009
A “Brave New World”:
An Essay About The Virtues To A “Brave New World”
1) The way we live, the way we behave, the way we make our decisions are influenced by the people around us (Periodic sentence). 2) In Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, Prospero influenced his people so much that they became hateful. 3) As forgiveness started to circle the island, everyone suddenly changed. 4) If only we could surpass our hate towards each other, our universe could become a “brave new world”.
TS Prospero, a selfish querulous king, changes as he realizes that forgiveness is what he needs to survive. SD With his “rough magic”, Prospero was able to turn this island into an ocean of hate. CM From the “roaring war[s] to the dread rattling thunder”, Prospero played his magic on everyone and anything. CM His magic was so atrocious that the “graves at his command/ Have waked their sleepers”. SD When Prospero decides to step down from his supremacy, he lets go of his magic, his cruelty, his hate towards his people, but most importantly, his power. CM Prospero regrets the acts of revenge, the endless threats, the imprisonment of his servants, the enormous amount of pain he has caused, but all he wants is forgiveness. CM “Deeper than did ever plummet sound/ [He]’ll drown [his] book” hoping for forgiveness. SD Based on this powerful passage, the people of this island have also changed. CM They have become forgiving, kind, and loyal as a result of their master’s sudden refinement. CM They have become “goodly creatures” that this whole time, had been influenced by Prospero’s demeanor. CS Regrets have changed Prospero, forgiveness has changed his people, and this island has become “a brave new world”.
TS Even though a perfect world with the perfect people is impossible, some virtues could get us closer to a not so rancorous world. SD To make a world a better place, people need to feel loved. CM Love makes a person feel so important, wanted, and needed. CM Love is a way for a person to drift from the reality into a world of goodness and peace. SD As humans, we all make mistakes, but the question is, are we able to forgive others for what they have done? CM I believe that forgiveness is a way to give someone another chance, it is a way to let them know that you care enough to let the mistake go. CM Like Prospero, forgiveness would give us a chance to become stronger and more prudent people. SD As each day passes, we see faces so unknown and different, we judge others because of their differences, we don’t look deep enough in a person to know who they are, only to realize that they are so distant but so alike (Loose sentence). CM For a “brave new world”, people would need to accept each other. CM Each and everyone one of us would need to put our differences aside and live in unity, as if we were all alike. CS These three virtues are like the ingredients to the perfect society in which everyone would love, forgive, and accept.
Prospero overcame his wanting of revenge, he overcame the raging fire inside him that was circling his island. He has let go of his most precious weapon and has forgiven the worst of actions. As humans, we are all able to love, forgive, and accept but we choose not to. To me, the fumes of a mistake can be extinguished from the act of forgiveness.
___________________________________________
Self Assessment:
Writing issue I am continuing to work on:
I am still continuing to work on always "stay under the umbrella" and the main topic because I tend to get off topic easily.
Some strong points I see in this piece of writing:
I think some strong points are my use of quotes because I really tried to blend them in my sentences.
Some weak points I see:
My overall writing wasn't as good as my last essay. I had trouble being specific in the first body paragraph.
The grade I would give myself: B+
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
February 18th, 2009
Confined in Music
- A Discussion Based On A Passage From The Tempest And My Life
1) Caliban, a rejected monster-like creature confined on the island, enjoys nothing but music to escape from his solitude. (Appositive noun phrase) 2) The calming sounds of the island lets him forget about the horrible life he is forced to live. 3) In my life, music gives me a chance to escape from the reality and enter a bubble full of dreams. 4) Music calms me down and consoles me when everything goes wrong.
TS In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Caliban appreciates the “sounds and sweet airs” that circle throughout this island “full of noises”. SD In this passage, what seemed like a cold hearted monster-like creature now becomes a person with emotions and feelings. CM His passion for the “sounds and sweet airs” of this island is what makes Caliban live. CM Music makes him dream (Short sentence). SD Caliban speaks of “the clouds methought would open and show riches/ ready to drop upon me that, when I waked, / I cried to dream again. CM His love for the gentle tunes of the songs lets him dream about endless amounts of money falling on him. CM These dreams are so marvelous, that when he wakes up, he would cry to dream once again. SD The “thousand twangling instruments” drone in his ear and played in his mind. CM These beautiful voices and sounds “that give delight”, never cease to amaze Caliban. CM After waking up from a long interlude, the soothing songs and voices make him fall right back to sleep. CS Caliban is blissfully confined by the beauty of “sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not”.
TS To me, music locks me up in a bubble of freedom. SD When I listen to the calming tune of a song, all I feel are the countless beats of my heart. CM My mind is free of any problems, any fear, any emotions. CM Everything feels so far away from “sweet airs” that are played in my ear. SD Like Caliban, music takes me in a world of dreams, in a world of complete freedom. CM Music takes me beyond the sky high buildings of Tokyo, beyond the many deserts of Africa, and beyond the endless mountains of Switzerland (parallel prepositional phrases). CM Music makes me disappear. SD For the three minutes of a song, I feel happily confined in my bubble. CM It almost seem as if the notes of the song protect me from the outside world. CM For three minutes, freedom takes over my world. CS Music brings peace to my mind and happiness to my soul.
1) Both Caliban and I rely on music to help us escape the unfair parts of life. 2) Though Caliban is known as a dark and powerless creature, he shows his good side by showing his passion for music, as it keeps him from loneliness (Compound-complex sentence). 3) I believe that music has the power to bring out the good in a person, such as Caliban. 4) Music has the aptitude to let someone fly away into a world of freedom and dreams.
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
February 18th, 2009
Confined in Music
- A Discussion Based On A Passage From The Tempest And My Life
1) Caliban, a rejected monster-like creature confined on the island, enjoys nothing but music to escape from his solitude. (Appositive noun phrase) 2) The calming sounds of the island lets him forget about the horrible life he is forced to live. 3) In my life, music gives me a chance to escape from the reality and enter a bubble full of dreams. 4) Music calms me down and consoles me when everything goes wrong.
TS In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Caliban appreciates the “sounds and sweet airs” that circle throughout this island “full of noises”. SD In this passage, what seemed like a cold hearted monster-like creature now becomes a person with emotions and feelings. CM His passion for the “sounds and sweet airs” of this island is what makes Caliban live. CM Music makes him dream (Short sentence). SD Caliban speaks of “the clouds methought would open and show riches/ ready to drop upon me that, when I waked, / I cried to dream again. CM His love for the gentle tunes of the songs lets him dream about endless amounts of money falling on him. CM These dreams are so marvelous, that when he wakes up, he would cry to dream once again. SD The “thousand twangling instruments” drone in his ear and played in his mind. CM These beautiful voices and sounds “that give delight”, never cease to amaze Caliban. CM After waking up from a long interlude, the soothing songs and voices make him fall right back to sleep. CS Caliban is blissfully confined by the beauty of “sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not”.
TS To me, music locks me up in a bubble of freedom. SD When I listen to the calming tune of a song, all I feel are the countless beats of my heart. CM My mind is free of any problems, any fear, any emotions. CM Everything feels so far away from “sweet airs” that are played in my ear. SD Like Caliban, music takes me in a world of dreams, in a world of complete freedom. CM Music takes me beyond the sky high buildings of Tokyo, beyond the many deserts of Africa, and beyond the endless mountains of Switzerland (parallel prepositional phrases). CM Music makes me disappear. SD For the three minutes of a song, I feel happily confined in my bubble. CM It almost seem as if the notes of the song protect me from the outside world. CM For three minutes, freedom takes over my world. CS Music brings peace to my mind and happiness to my soul.
1) Both Caliban and I rely on music to help us escape the unfair parts of life. 2) Though Caliban is known as a dark and powerless creature, he shows his good side by showing his passion for music, as it keeps him from loneliness (Compound-complex sentence). 3) I believe that music has the power to bring out the good in a person, such as Caliban. 4) Music has the aptitude to let someone fly away into a world of freedom and dreams.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009
Julie's First Draft
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
February 3rd, 2009
A bird full of freedom:
an essay based on power of imprisonment
When we wake up every morning, we see a light that never seems to end. A light that will forever shine on our darkness, leaving its footsteps behind. Imprisonment may seem like a world without a shining light, but there is always a way to watch the light rise into darkness. There is always a way to hear the sound of a free wave crashing onto the soft sand, to watch a bird flying freely above the horizon into a world of liberty, and to picture a smile so big, that it could light up a prison cell so dark (Tricolon).
TS The sun shining through my window, I see a bird, so placid and tranquil. SD Living a life confined in a tiny room of a prison is like the world without a sun, a world without tranquility, but only darkness. CM My sun is the tiny faces that I see every day. CM It is the laughter, the kindness, and the comfort that I find in a loved one’s face when I look at them. SD The laughter and smiles have become part of my life that I could never live without. CM Sitting in my prison cell, all I would ever ask for is to see those happy faces that light up my world; the tiny faces that make my heart beat. CM What seemed like a darkness-filled room behind bars would suddenly become a room filled with comfort, love, and most importantly, light. SD They always say “happiness is contagious”, but in a way freedom is also contagious. CM Seeing and feeling a person’s freedom and joy of living always makes me feel the same way. CM Watching one’s freedom would light up the darkness in the prison cell, it would free me from the physical pain of imprisonment. CS The bars behind a window are just a barrier in which no one gets out physically, but the endless light of the sun is never behind bars itself.
TS There are times when we feel imprisoned in our own lives, as if nothing could save us but a force stronger than what we are: Freedom. SD Sometimes, I wish I was as free as the rolling waves crashing on the delicate sand. CM The majestically moving walls of water crashing so violently, yet so peacefully on the beach represent freedom. CM The free moving force of a wave, of freedom, lashes away such imprisonment. SD Other times, I would like to be as free as the gentle wings of a free flying bird. CM A bird can fly freely, far beyond the horizon and the darkness to our isolation. CM Through the light blue skies, passing the abstruse lies, and flying over the saddened eyes, there flies a bird full of liberty (Tricolon). CS The overwhelming force that pulls us back make the immense freedom of a majestically rolling wave and the mellow feeling of a bird’s delicate wings so much more appreciated.
Imprisonment is just a way of physically holding on to someone. Imprisonment is so harmful, yet so meaningless. Everyone deserves to be as free as a flying bird or a splashing wave. Everyone deserves to smile with the ones they love and explore the world with the freedom they have. Far beyond a flying bird or a rolling wave, the sun rises and sets everyday, leaving darkness behind.
________________________________________________
Self Assessment:
1. One thing that I really like about my essay was the purposeful repetition throughout the whole essay. I also tried to make the words and sentences flow throughout the essay without repeating myself too much.
2) One weakness in this essay was that I think there is a lot of sentences that are too long and some unecessary words. Some of my sentences were way too long and I think I could have done a better job at making short sentences too.
The grade I would give myself: A-
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009
Julie's Post
Julie Philippe
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
January 29th, 2009
Being a slave
- an essay about the different and similarities of confinement and servitude based on Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”
TS According to the dictionary, confinement means the act of being incarcerated while waiting for punishment. Why would a woman such as Ariel deserve to be confined and serve as a servant all her life? SD Ariel serves as a servant to Prospero and the freckled “hag” Sycorax. CM Her life has consisted of twelve horrible years locked in a tree in which Sycorax had locked her in. CM Ariel’s lack of obedience “ and, thou wast a spirit too delicate/ To act her earthy and abhorred commands” led to Sycorax’s overpowering rage and therefore, Ariel‘s imprisonment. SD Ariel became so angry and resentful at the witch that “thou didst vent thy groans/ As fast as mill-wheels strike”. CM Ariel’s rage became so strong that the release of her emotions were rushing as fast as “mill-wheels strike”. CM Ariel knew she could not keep living a life such as this. SD Ariel knew it was time to regain her liberty and her freedom. CM She went to Prospero and asked him so dearly for her liberty as “[she] has done thee worthy service;/ Told no lies, made no mistaking, served/Without or grudge or grumblings”. CM The old Prospero thought otherwise, if Ariel gained her freedom, he will “rend an oak/ And peg thee in his knotty entrails till/ Thou hast howl’d away twelve winters”. CS Ariel has no choice but, to continue living as a servant, or to be imprisoned in an oak tree for another twelve consecutive years.
The two characters are confined in their actions, deeds, past, curses, and therefore, punished. Ariel has not obeyed the commands of the evil witch Sycorax, but still demands for her freedom. Caliban has assaulted Prospero’s child, but still curses to his master in order to gain his liberty. Not only are both physically confined on the island, but they have imprisoned themselves in their words. While being locked in the tree, Ariel has incarcerated herself in her emotions, in her feelings. Sitting in that rock, wishing that “all the charms of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on [Prospero]”, Caliban confined himself in his own curses and memories from when Prospero and Miranda had just arrived. It almost seems as if both characters not only have been confined by Prospero but they also have imprisoned themselves by their solitude. Both characters know that they have gone too far with Prospero’s patience, limiting their chances for freedom (Participle phrase)
Mr. Hamilton Salsich
English 9
January 29th, 2009
Being a slave
- an essay about the different and similarities of confinement and servitude based on Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”
Freedom is a word used in our modern world, but it was also used in Shakespeare’s times. Caliban, a “hag-born whelp” and Ariel, an innocent woman held captive in a tree for a dozen years have different stories to tell. They relate to the one king of the island named Prospero who wants power, but no trouble. His two servants not only serve as slaves, but are punished for bad demeanor. Freedom is a word that rushes through both character’s minds as they are no more than inferiors to Prospero’s world. Both characters wish Prospero all the worst, but they must say nothing as Prospero’s magic could bring bad events. They both want freedom and liberty but how far are Ariel and Caliban willing to go?
TS According to the dictionary, confinement means the act of being incarcerated while waiting for punishment. Why would a woman such as Ariel deserve to be confined and serve as a servant all her life? SD Ariel serves as a servant to Prospero and the freckled “hag” Sycorax. CM Her life has consisted of twelve horrible years locked in a tree in which Sycorax had locked her in. CM Ariel’s lack of obedience “ and, thou wast a spirit too delicate/ To act her earthy and abhorred commands” led to Sycorax’s overpowering rage and therefore, Ariel‘s imprisonment. SD Ariel became so angry and resentful at the witch that “thou didst vent thy groans/ As fast as mill-wheels strike”. CM Ariel’s rage became so strong that the release of her emotions were rushing as fast as “mill-wheels strike”. CM Ariel knew she could not keep living a life such as this. SD Ariel knew it was time to regain her liberty and her freedom. CM She went to Prospero and asked him so dearly for her liberty as “[she] has done thee worthy service;/ Told no lies, made no mistaking, served/Without or grudge or grumblings”. CM The old Prospero thought otherwise, if Ariel gained her freedom, he will “rend an oak/ And peg thee in his knotty entrails till/ Thou hast howl’d away twelve winters”. CS Ariel has no choice but, to continue living as a servant, or to be imprisoned in an oak tree for another twelve consecutive years.
TS Caliban, Sycorax’s son, is not only physically confined on this island, but he is also emotionally confined by the curses of his worst enemy, Prospero. SD Prospero’s harsh and abusive language brings Caliban to the most he can handle. CM After endless insults about Caliban being “got by the devil himself upon thy wicked dam”, Caliban wishes for “raven’s feathers from a unwholesome fen drop on [Prospero]”! CM That isn’t enough to scare Prospero away in which he says “ urchins shall, for that vast of night that they may work, /All exercise on thee; thou shalt be pinch’d”. SD Caliban, was once the king of his island, before Prospero came and took over. CM Caliban conveys how nice and loving they were to each other before, “thou strokedst me and madest much of me, wouldst give me/ Water with berries in’t, and teach me how to name the bigger light”. CM Now, Caliban is confined, on this island that was once his, serving the man he despises more than his own life. SD Regretting Prospero’s interference when abusing his precious daughter Miranda, Caliban has had enough (Participle phrase). CM Caliban realizes that if Prospero had not been present, Caliban could have filled “this isle with Calibans”. CM Miranda detests Caliban for his capability of such evilness, that she begins to pity him, and teach him to speak her language in which his only benefit was knowing how to curse. CS Caliban is confined in his words and the words of Caliban, so meaningless, but so threatening.
The two characters are confined in their actions, deeds, past, curses, and therefore, punished. Ariel has not obeyed the commands of the evil witch Sycorax, but still demands for her freedom. Caliban has assaulted Prospero’s child, but still curses to his master in order to gain his liberty. Not only are both physically confined on the island, but they have imprisoned themselves in their words. While being locked in the tree, Ariel has incarcerated herself in her emotions, in her feelings. Sitting in that rock, wishing that “all the charms of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on [Prospero]”, Caliban confined himself in his own curses and memories from when Prospero and Miranda had just arrived. It almost seems as if both characters not only have been confined by Prospero but they also have imprisoned themselves by their solitude. Both characters know that they have gone too far with Prospero’s patience, limiting their chances for freedom (Participle phrase)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2009
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
January 8th, 2009
The (Un)truthful Brother:
The Use Of Ambiguity And Exclamatory Sentences In A Passage From The Tempest
TS In Act 1, Scene 2 of The Tempest Shakespeare uses several literary techniques to describe the theme of this passage: Trust. SD Throughout this passage, Shakespeare uses many exclamatory sentences to show the strong feelings of Prospero. CM Prospero seems disappointed at his brother, Antonio, for letting Prospero become what he is now. CM Prospero doesn’t understand how a “brother should/ be so perfidious” after the responsibility Antonio had been given. SD Shakespeare’s exclamatory sentences help to understand what Prospero must be feeling after such despair. CM “Of all the world I loved and to him/ Put The manage of my state” says Prospero to his brother, as if he was scolding Antonio for being such a horrible caretaker. CM Prospero let Antonio take responsibility in taking charge of his brother, but it seems as if Antonio had broken his beloved brother’s trust. SD Furthermore, most of this passage is filled with ambiguity, or a statement which has two or more meanings. CM Prospero talks about his studies in liberal arts and how he was “being transported/ And rapt in secret studies”. Antonio introduced Prospero to his secret studies, which could have had a positive effect on Prospero’s life. CM But at the end, Prospero says “Thy false uncle” as if Antonio had betrayed Prospero’s trust and his secret studies could then have had a negative impact on Prospero’s life. CS Shakespeare’s great exclamatory sentences and great use of ambiguity adds much more to Prospero’s despair and sadness.
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
January 8th, 2009
The (Un)truthful Brother:
The Use Of Ambiguity And Exclamatory Sentences In A Passage From The Tempest
TS In Act 1, Scene 2 of The Tempest Shakespeare uses several literary techniques to describe the theme of this passage: Trust. SD Throughout this passage, Shakespeare uses many exclamatory sentences to show the strong feelings of Prospero. CM Prospero seems disappointed at his brother, Antonio, for letting Prospero become what he is now. CM Prospero doesn’t understand how a “brother should/ be so perfidious” after the responsibility Antonio had been given. SD Shakespeare’s exclamatory sentences help to understand what Prospero must be feeling after such despair. CM “Of all the world I loved and to him/ Put The manage of my state” says Prospero to his brother, as if he was scolding Antonio for being such a horrible caretaker. CM Prospero let Antonio take responsibility in taking charge of his brother, but it seems as if Antonio had broken his beloved brother’s trust. SD Furthermore, most of this passage is filled with ambiguity, or a statement which has two or more meanings. CM Prospero talks about his studies in liberal arts and how he was “being transported/ And rapt in secret studies”. Antonio introduced Prospero to his secret studies, which could have had a positive effect on Prospero’s life. CM But at the end, Prospero says “Thy false uncle” as if Antonio had betrayed Prospero’s trust and his secret studies could then have had a negative impact on Prospero’s life. CS Shakespeare’s great exclamatory sentences and great use of ambiguity adds much more to Prospero’s despair and sadness.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
December 10th, 2008
As I looked out of the plane window, all I could hear were the countless beats that my watch made. I remember the sky was bright blue, without a cloud, without a breeze. Everything in that plane seemed so peaceful and quiet, almost too stagnant. After seven long hours of stillness, we were finally there. We were here to start a new life, a new beginning that would soon become the best experience of my life.
TS It was just yesterday that I was running around the yard playing with Barbie dolls with my best friend worrying about nothing other than if I had learned my multiplication table. But nine years later, I find myself graduating from ninth grade in a brand new country. SD One day, my mother, sitting at the kitchen table with her coffee, announced to the family that she had lost her job in France and we would be moving to the United States of America (S-V split participial phrase). CM Thoughts came rushing through my mind and my heart started beating. CM Was she really serious? SD My feelings were beyond words, beyond sentences and at the time, this was the impossible. CM I could only envisage the negative side of my situation. CM I would lose my friends with whom I organized tea parties with, I would lose the culture that I had learned to love so much, I would lose the house that had put a roof over my head since I came into the world, without even knowing that I would gain so much more. CS For nothing in the whole world, would I change this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
TS The biggest question I have always asked myself since I have arrived is: What did I do to deserve this? SD Our lives are filled with questions and I certainly know that my question has no answer. CM My grandma always told me “everything always happens for a reason” and I never realized the power of those words until I came here. CM I believe that the opportunity to live a dream like this one happened for a reason. SD One day, I entered my new fourth grade classroom, only to see that twenty-five pairs of eyes were looking straight at me, as if they had never seen such a person before. CM Was I really that different? CM Trying to answer this question of a painful moment like such makes me stronger even though I am aware that such a question could not be answered. CS In life, there is always a mystery behind everything that makes life so much more exciting.
Since I moved to the United States, I learned to take life day by day and live it to the fullest because I know that in the blink of an eye, it could be all over. I have had good days and bad days, but I am so grateful for what I was able to live so far and to accomplish. All these people that I have met throughout my five years in the United States have showed me that one has to work to be good. These people have opened my eyes to the fact that we only have one life and every opportunity we get only comes once. Opportunity opened my eyes, but my eyes have opened opportunity (CHIASMUS).
_____________________________________________
Self- Assessment
1. What do you like best about your essay?
The one thing I like about my essay is that I didn't reapeat myself and I stayed on the topic. I think that my essay flowed pretty well too.
2. What was the hardest part of this essay?
The hardest part of this essay is that I wanted to put so much information about my journey, but I didn't know how to put it all in and making it flow well.
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
December 10th, 2008
Into The Unknown
-an essay based on a notable experience during my life
-an essay based on a notable experience during my life
As I looked out of the plane window, all I could hear were the countless beats that my watch made. I remember the sky was bright blue, without a cloud, without a breeze. Everything in that plane seemed so peaceful and quiet, almost too stagnant. After seven long hours of stillness, we were finally there. We were here to start a new life, a new beginning that would soon become the best experience of my life.
TS It was just yesterday that I was running around the yard playing with Barbie dolls with my best friend worrying about nothing other than if I had learned my multiplication table. But nine years later, I find myself graduating from ninth grade in a brand new country. SD One day, my mother, sitting at the kitchen table with her coffee, announced to the family that she had lost her job in France and we would be moving to the United States of America (S-V split participial phrase). CM Thoughts came rushing through my mind and my heart started beating. CM Was she really serious? SD My feelings were beyond words, beyond sentences and at the time, this was the impossible. CM I could only envisage the negative side of my situation. CM I would lose my friends with whom I organized tea parties with, I would lose the culture that I had learned to love so much, I would lose the house that had put a roof over my head since I came into the world, without even knowing that I would gain so much more. CS For nothing in the whole world, would I change this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
TS The biggest question I have always asked myself since I have arrived is: What did I do to deserve this? SD Our lives are filled with questions and I certainly know that my question has no answer. CM My grandma always told me “everything always happens for a reason” and I never realized the power of those words until I came here. CM I believe that the opportunity to live a dream like this one happened for a reason. SD One day, I entered my new fourth grade classroom, only to see that twenty-five pairs of eyes were looking straight at me, as if they had never seen such a person before. CM Was I really that different? CM Trying to answer this question of a painful moment like such makes me stronger even though I am aware that such a question could not be answered. CS In life, there is always a mystery behind everything that makes life so much more exciting.
Since I moved to the United States, I learned to take life day by day and live it to the fullest because I know that in the blink of an eye, it could be all over. I have had good days and bad days, but I am so grateful for what I was able to live so far and to accomplish. All these people that I have met throughout my five years in the United States have showed me that one has to work to be good. These people have opened my eyes to the fact that we only have one life and every opportunity we get only comes once. Opportunity opened my eyes, but my eyes have opened opportunity (CHIASMUS).
_____________________________________________
Self- Assessment
1. What do you like best about your essay?
The one thing I like about my essay is that I didn't reapeat myself and I stayed on the topic. I think that my essay flowed pretty well too.
2. What was the hardest part of this essay?
The hardest part of this essay is that I wanted to put so much information about my journey, but I didn't know how to put it all in and making it flow well.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
December 4th, 2008
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
December 4th, 2008
Marley’s Spirit
-an essay based on a passage from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Spirit, according to the dictionary means “the principle of conscious life”. Does spirit refer to life rather than death? Does spirit within someone stay with someone without spirit (chiasmus)? There are many ways to interpret the passage from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, but we know one thing: Marley’s spirit surely stayed within Scrooge’s unspiritual soul.
TS The ghost’s words not only speak about a person’s spirit, but also the never lasting breath that stays with someone all along. SD Marley’s ghost explains that a spirit is not only present when someone is living, but when someone is dead. CM A spirit is meant to make a difference in someone else’s life and “walk abroad his fellowmen”. CM A spirit is supposed to “travel far and wide” in order to see what the soul was not able to see when it was alive. SD Marley’s chain is the chain of life, the chain that holds his heart and soul, the chain that puts his life back together like a puzzle, and the chain that holds the treasures of what he has lived (Purposeful Repetition). CM The chain is like growing tree: branch by branch, leaf by leaf. CM Each branch is the life he shaped and each leaf is the spirit he holds. CS Marley’s spirit reflects his past and the impact he had on others and that will never go away.
I believe that a spirit never leaves the world. It speaks about the past and it travels in the present. It tries to catch up with everything that a person never had a chance to see. Maybe Scrooge doesn’t realize it, but Marley is always with him. Scrooge’s life reflects upon Marley’s presence. Will Scrooge leave any spirit behind when he dies?
TS The ghost’s words not only speak about a person’s spirit, but also the never lasting breath that stays with someone all along. SD Marley’s ghost explains that a spirit is not only present when someone is living, but when someone is dead. CM A spirit is meant to make a difference in someone else’s life and “walk abroad his fellowmen”. CM A spirit is supposed to “travel far and wide” in order to see what the soul was not able to see when it was alive. SD Marley’s chain is the chain of life, the chain that holds his heart and soul, the chain that puts his life back together like a puzzle, and the chain that holds the treasures of what he has lived (Purposeful Repetition). CM The chain is like growing tree: branch by branch, leaf by leaf. CM Each branch is the life he shaped and each leaf is the spirit he holds. CS Marley’s spirit reflects his past and the impact he had on others and that will never go away.
I believe that a spirit never leaves the world. It speaks about the past and it travels in the present. It tries to catch up with everything that a person never had a chance to see. Maybe Scrooge doesn’t realize it, but Marley is always with him. Scrooge’s life reflects upon Marley’s presence. Will Scrooge leave any spirit behind when he dies?
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
October 20th,2008
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
October 20th,2008
Life as a homosexual
- an essay on heterosexism and Stump Olsen’s talk
- an essay on heterosexism and Stump Olsen’s talk
When I walk into a room with lots of strangers, all of them awkwardly staring, checking every part of my face, as if they were looking for something to judge me on, it feels a little uncomfortable. For Stump Olsen, the minute she walked through the school door, people stared her down, called her names, and hurt her. They considered her as being too different to be able to fit in. Is that the right way to treat someone? During her whole life, Stump Olsen was not given the chance to be herself.
Being shoved in lockers, being pulverized, and being called hurtful names is not exactly what life is supposed to be like when you are fifteen years old and growing up. Unfortunately, this is what Stump Olsen had to deal with everyday when she came to school. After being kissed on the cheek by a little girl when she was 5 years old, Stump Olsen realized she wasn’t like anyone else. Ms. Olsen didn’t like to play with barbies, or had crushes on other little boys, but rather on other little girls. As nights passed, she would pray to open her eyes the next day and “not be gay anymore". As Stump Olsen was growing up, and it was finally time for high school, life became more difficult as “ all the words [she] was hearing around [her], were now being directed at [her]”. As soon as she walked in that door every morning, names would be thrown out at her and “[she] was now, the target of everything”. She would never want to come home and would often find herself making up excuses for having a black eye or having a broken arm. For Stump Olsen, it wasn’t about the black eye or the bruises on her body or the broken body part, but it was more about the words that the students were using towards her. As Stump Olsen says, “the punches and the broken bones healed, but the words always (and always will) stay within me”. Stump Olsen wasn’t learning or growing like others, “[she] was using her brain to stay alive and think about how [she] could cross the hallway without getting attacked”. Her bones aching, her heart broken, Stump Olsen never gave up. (ABSOLUTE).
What exactly is heterosexism? Why do some people discriminate based on others' sexual preferences? Is being homosexual so different that they constantly need to be judged and disrespected? To me, we are all the same and we have no rights to judge those people because they’re gay or lesbian. Nor, are we allowed to use words that could hurt, even though we have no intentions of being hurtful. Words are so powerful sometimes that trying to ignore them will hurt more. Since the first day of school, we have been taught how to accept people the way they are. In a society like today, where everyone is always judged and no one is allowed to be different, we must be the ones to make a difference. Acceptance is the one thing that we owe to the lesbians and gay, as they are so often judged because they try to be themselves. My mom always used to tell me “treat others like you want to be treated”. Would we really want to be treated like Stump Olsen was treated when she was a young teenager? Typing on my keyboard at this very moment (PARTICIPLE), I realize no one deserves to be treated badly, no one deserves to be judged, but everyone deserves a chance to be proud of who they are. Words hurt; “words are so pervasive, that we as a community, have to learn to think before we speak”.
As a result of “being too different”, Stump Olsen lost everything: Her mom, her dad, her sister, her brother, and her home. As she looks back on her life today, she wishes that when she opens the mailbox on her birthday, a letter from her family would be there, but nothing ever comes. As I hear little kids around school screaming “that’s gay”, I want to say “stop", but then again, they will tell me “they’re just kidding”. I hope that someday, heterosexism will stop, and they will be accepted like everyone else is. No one deserves to be treated like Stump Olsen and we must make sure that what happened to her, will never happen again.
________________________________________
Self Assessment:
2. Writing issues that I am continuing to work on:
I am still trying to work on organizing my paragraphs so that it flows better.
3. Some strong points I see in this essay:
I really liked my absolute because I think it was a great concluding sentence that closes the paragraph very well. Also, I liked how I didn't go off topic this time, as much a I usually do.
4. Some weak points I see:
I did not do a very good job with my commas and where they should be exactly. I still have trouble figuring that out. I also think I focused more on Stump Olsen than heterosexism.
5. The grade I would give myself: A-
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2008
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
November 12th, 2008
We often refer to our grandmothers as good cooks, wonderful quilt makers, and cheerful people, without ever thinking about the past they have held on to all their lives. As kids, some grandmothers might have come home to a loving family with food on the table every night, while some have much history to tell, like Aho in N. Scott Momaday’s essay “ The Way to Rainy Mountain”. Throughout his essay, Momaday speaks about his grandmother’s culture and how painful it was for her to have everything taken away. Aho could get through anything, “however much they had suffered and would suffer again, they had found a way out of the wilderness” (Momaday, 316).
Aho, the grandmother, went through everything from migrating to “a sunless world”, to attending the last Sun Dance in 1890, to struggling to keep her culture alive, and to dying into the silence and “endless wake of some final word”. SD Coming from a cabalistic(FAST) tribe, Aho believed in the sun and Tai-Me, the Sun Dance Doll who was thought of a symbol of their tribe. CM Once they had crossed the Southern Plains of the endless desert, “they had been transformed.” CM The fact that they were no longer captive to a demand for survival, but rather “lordly and dangerous society of fighters and thieves, hunters and priests of the sun”, transformed them into people living in a “sunless” world. SD When the Kiowas got to the land of the Crows, they realized they had no choice but to change their lives. CM They walked through the yellow plains and high mountains and at the base of a rock, invented a legend. CM From that moment on, whatever they were and wherever they were, stuck in the never lasting plains and mountains, “they could be no more”. SD It is perceived that the Kiowas lost all their freedom to live a simple life. CM Their most precious ritual called the Sun Dance to which they danced together was being taken away from them by the soldiers known as the killers of god. CM Aho’s circuitous(FAST) prayers were filled with words of hope, so that they would agonize(FAST) no more.
Grandmothers may like to bake brownies for their grandkids and change the bed sheets for visitors, but everyone has a past, and so do they. Maybe no one tells you anything about it, but a history like Aho surely made a difference. Aho suffered to keep herself alive, prayed countless times with such powerful words, and died in a world of deep silence (3 ACTIONS). Aho may have died, but her journey through these “great billowing clouds that sail upon [the] shadows [of] water, dividing light”, will never be forgotten.
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
November 12th, 2008
A Journey
-an essay base on N. Scott Momaday’s “The Way To Rainy Mountain”
-an essay base on N. Scott Momaday’s “The Way To Rainy Mountain”
We often refer to our grandmothers as good cooks, wonderful quilt makers, and cheerful people, without ever thinking about the past they have held on to all their lives. As kids, some grandmothers might have come home to a loving family with food on the table every night, while some have much history to tell, like Aho in N. Scott Momaday’s essay “ The Way to Rainy Mountain”. Throughout his essay, Momaday speaks about his grandmother’s culture and how painful it was for her to have everything taken away. Aho could get through anything, “however much they had suffered and would suffer again, they had found a way out of the wilderness” (Momaday, 316).
Aho, the grandmother, went through everything from migrating to “a sunless world”, to attending the last Sun Dance in 1890, to struggling to keep her culture alive, and to dying into the silence and “endless wake of some final word”. SD Coming from a cabalistic(FAST) tribe, Aho believed in the sun and Tai-Me, the Sun Dance Doll who was thought of a symbol of their tribe. CM Once they had crossed the Southern Plains of the endless desert, “they had been transformed.” CM The fact that they were no longer captive to a demand for survival, but rather “lordly and dangerous society of fighters and thieves, hunters and priests of the sun”, transformed them into people living in a “sunless” world. SD When the Kiowas got to the land of the Crows, they realized they had no choice but to change their lives. CM They walked through the yellow plains and high mountains and at the base of a rock, invented a legend. CM From that moment on, whatever they were and wherever they were, stuck in the never lasting plains and mountains, “they could be no more”. SD It is perceived that the Kiowas lost all their freedom to live a simple life. CM Their most precious ritual called the Sun Dance to which they danced together was being taken away from them by the soldiers known as the killers of god. CM Aho’s circuitous(FAST) prayers were filled with words of hope, so that they would agonize(FAST) no more.
Grandmothers may like to bake brownies for their grandkids and change the bed sheets for visitors, but everyone has a past, and so do they. Maybe no one tells you anything about it, but a history like Aho surely made a difference. Aho suffered to keep herself alive, prayed countless times with such powerful words, and died in a world of deep silence (3 ACTIONS). Aho may have died, but her journey through these “great billowing clouds that sail upon [the] shadows [of] water, dividing light”, will never be forgotten.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2008
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
November 4th, 2008
A Second Look: An Essay on the Advantages of Re-reading
- an essay about Katherine Mansfield’ “Garden Party”
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
November 4th, 2008
A Second Look: An Essay on the Advantages of Re-reading
- an essay about Katherine Mansfield’ “Garden Party”
We often think as rereading a story as an unnecessary waste of time. In reality, rereading the story gave me the opportunity to find new words and details about the Sheridans’ lives. It made the story more appealing, only by adding more value to Ms. Mansfield’s writing. Rereading, not only filled my head with different feelings and opinions, but gave me a chance to think out every detail carefully.
TS Sympathy is not one of the most important words in Mrs. Sheridans’ dictionary. SD Back in the days, it seemed like the wealthy and the poor were very different people and everything mattered, even “the very smoke coming out of [the] chimneys was poverty stricken” (Mansfield, 9). CM The rich seemed more judgmental towards the less fortunate people that lived across the street. CM “Little rags and sheds of smoke, so unlike the great silvery plumes that uncurled from the Sheridans’ chimney (Mansfield, 9); what we might think as disrespectful to say in our world today. SD When Laura Sheridan learns that Mr. Scott has died, she wonders if the party should still take place. CM Her instincts tell her it would be wrong to have a party “with a man dead just outside [their] door” (Mansfield, 9). CM When she tries to talk her ignorant mother out of having the party, her mother simply changes the conversation about how pretty Laura was with her new hat. SD After the party ended, Laura went to visit the poor widow and it seemed to her that “kisses, voices, tinkling spoons, laughter, the smell of crushed grass were somehow insider her” (Mansfield, 14). CM Laura wondered if she had done the right thing by coming to Mrs. Scott’s house and all those feelings were bundled up inside her. CM She did not know what to feel, or what to say, when she saw the widow’s face “puffed up, red, with swollen eyes, and swollen lips”. CS “isn’t life-”, “but what life is [we] can’t explain”.
At first, this story was just an ordinary story, maybe even a little boring. Laura seems like an ordinary person, that laughs, cries, and feels bad when something bad happens to others. (ACTION) Mrs. Sheridan seems just an ordinary mother that cooks, cleans, and organizes big parties. After rereading the story, the once sweet and caring mother becomes nothing, but an egocentric, coldhearted person that only cares about her world. Being rich shouldn’t make a difference from being poor, the only thing that matters is our kindness and our warm hearts towards others.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008
Julie's Essay
Julie Philippe
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
October 20th, 2008
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
October 20th, 2008
Appreciation
- an essay based on Zora Neale Hurston’s essay and appreciation towards ourselves
- an essay based on Zora Neale Hurston’s essay and appreciation towards ourselves
We constantly judge ourselves and each other, but we never have the time to acknowledge or appreciate others. Zora Neale Hurston lived in a world full of racism and discrimination where everyone would treat her differently because of the color of her skin. The fact that she appreciated herself let her free of that disrespectful behavior that people had towards her. As Ms. Hurston says: “ a bit of colored glass more or less would not matter”. (Hurston, 117). In our own lives, we must not judge ourselves too much, but rather appreciate, as this is who we are and nobody can change it.
TS After moving from Florida to Jacksonville, Hurston was “ not Zora of Orange County anymore, [she] was now a little colored girl” (Hurston, 117). SD During her childhood years, Zora Neale Hurston was looked at differently, discriminated against, and disrespected in an unacceptable way (Purposeful repetition). CM As the years went by, Hurston overcame the feeling of being put down every time someone looked at her. Hurston had finally learned to respect and appreciate herself for what she was. CM Hurston appreciated herself in a way that let her free of what people were saying to her. SD Ms. Hurston says that she was constantly being “reminded that she was the grand-daughter of slaves”, but Zora didn’t care. CM It was beyond her to think that these comments had any true meaning. CM She appreciates herself so much that it helps her let go of that anger deep down within her. SD Ms. Hurston describes herself as “ a brown bag of miscellany propped against a wall.” CM In that bag, could be a countless number of things, both priceless and worthless. CM The veneration (Fast) and appreciation that she has for herself is what makes this bag so priceless. CS After all that was happening in Zora Neale Hurston ‘s life when she was a kid, she still found a way to appreciate herself in a way that no one could even imagine.
TS Appreciation is something that comes up in our lives everyday. SD In Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, she speaks about how she appreciates herself because she is different, and I appreciate myself in the same way. CM Feeling different from everyone else gives me a sense of life that no one might have ever experienced before. CM Unlike Ms. Hurston, I don’t have a different skin color, but the feeling of being different is a big part in why I appreciate myself, and my life, so much. SD I have accomplished many things in my life and like Ms. Hurston said, overcoming challenges was yet, another reason of appreciation. CM All those challenges-- from learning English, to learning to live in a new culture, to making new friends-- (Purposeful repetition) finally paid off. CM Having experienced those challenges gave me a whole new view on what appreciation is all about. SD I appreciate myself because I have learned to change and accept change in my life. CM During the course of my life, many confrontations (Fast) came up and I wasn’t ready to change, but in fact, I had no choice. CM I have learned to deal with change and to never give up. CS I often think of appreciation as another one of the “paths of life” that must be earned with hard work.
Zora Neale Hurston’s essay was a truly inspiring story. It doesn’t matter what someone looks like on the outside, it is only the inside that matters. No one knew Zora Neale Hurston, but everyone still judged her. No one cared to know what was on the inside, if all they could see was the outside. As Ms. Hurston says: “ I have no race, I am me” and Hurston appreciated herself because she was “me”. We must not be too sagacious (Fast) on ourselves. I believe that we should all appreciate ourselves in the way that Mrs. Neale Hurston appreciated herself and her life.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2008
Julie's Essay
Mr. Salsich
Julie Philippe
Julie Philippe
English 9
October 5th, 2008
October 5th, 2008
Loss and Gain
-an essay on the differences of loss and gain based on “Sonny Blues” and “Winter Dreams”
-an essay on the differences of loss and gain based on “Sonny Blues” and “Winter Dreams”
In everything that we do, loss and gain are two terms that often come up during the course of our lives. There are days that will flow perfectly fine and there are days that we will regret for a long time. The mistakes that we make or the pain that we feel are a part of our lives, but something positive comes out of everything. In both stories, “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin and “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, show many examples of sorrow and pain, but both inspiring stories, really show us that we can get through anything.
In “Sonny’s Blues”, Sonny lived a tough life trying to recover from a heroin addiction, but in his story, there was more gain than loss. SD Sonny’s life comprised of pain and secrets and constant judgment. CM The secrets that were kept from him made him feel so unaccepted and unwanted. CM Sonny lost all his confidence and all the light in his life. SD Sonny may have lost his confidence but while trying to get out of this unbearable nightmare, he found something where he could not be judged: the piano. CM His love for music made him feel so good inside and “ For a while, the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.” (Baldwin) CM The piano keys gave him a chance to express his feelings without being judged. SD When Sonny played music, it wasn’t about life, it wasn’t about agony, it wasn’t about his family, but it was just about Sonny. CM Music gave him a chance to fly away from the mistakes he had made. CM In front of those piano keys, Sonny became a new person that everyone could finally look up to. CS Sonny may have lost confidence and trust, but most importantly, he gained the ability to express himself in a truly inspiring way.
Dexter Green found his true love out of the blue one night, but, when Judy Jones leaves him for someone else, he is desperate for rescue. SD In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Winter Dreams”, Dexter loses what he treasures the most deep down in his heart: Judy Jones. CM Dexter’s love for Judy was so precious, as if it was a piece of string he never let go of. CM He went through such pain and tears, that even Irene, his new fiancée, could not replace Judy’s place. SD However, in this story, Dexter gains so much courage and strength. CM All this suffering and ongoing gloomy feelings only made him feel lost, but in the big picture, it made him a much stronger person. CM He was living what he thought as “ tast[ing] the deep pain that [was] reserved only for the strong” and for that reason, gave him a chance to be courageous for his unknown future. SD In Clinton S. Burhans Jr.’s wonderful essay, he mentions that Dexter was trying to keep past remains alive “by fixing its images out of time and the real world in imaginative present” (Burhans Jr.) CM After Judy leaves Dexter, Judy is only a character in Dexter’s mind. That is, Judy is someone that Dexter holds dear only from imaginary images that come from his memories from their times spent together. CM Seven years later, Devlin comes in and ruins Dexter’s imaginary thoughts about Judy, only to obligate Dexter into coming back to reality.
For a while, both Dexter and Sonny have lost the meaning of their lives, but they have learned from their mistakes. Both gained the strength and the courage to go through such pain both lost the ability to escape from the reality and both learned to deal with the rigidity of the truth. Everything that happens to us everyday are all examples of loss and gain. We just need the strength to accept the loss and make good out of the bad.
In “Sonny’s Blues”, Sonny lived a tough life trying to recover from a heroin addiction, but in his story, there was more gain than loss. SD Sonny’s life comprised of pain and secrets and constant judgment. CM The secrets that were kept from him made him feel so unaccepted and unwanted. CM Sonny lost all his confidence and all the light in his life. SD Sonny may have lost his confidence but while trying to get out of this unbearable nightmare, he found something where he could not be judged: the piano. CM His love for music made him feel so good inside and “ For a while, the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.” (Baldwin) CM The piano keys gave him a chance to express his feelings without being judged. SD When Sonny played music, it wasn’t about life, it wasn’t about agony, it wasn’t about his family, but it was just about Sonny. CM Music gave him a chance to fly away from the mistakes he had made. CM In front of those piano keys, Sonny became a new person that everyone could finally look up to. CS Sonny may have lost confidence and trust, but most importantly, he gained the ability to express himself in a truly inspiring way.
Dexter Green found his true love out of the blue one night, but, when Judy Jones leaves him for someone else, he is desperate for rescue. SD In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Winter Dreams”, Dexter loses what he treasures the most deep down in his heart: Judy Jones. CM Dexter’s love for Judy was so precious, as if it was a piece of string he never let go of. CM He went through such pain and tears, that even Irene, his new fiancée, could not replace Judy’s place. SD However, in this story, Dexter gains so much courage and strength. CM All this suffering and ongoing gloomy feelings only made him feel lost, but in the big picture, it made him a much stronger person. CM He was living what he thought as “ tast[ing] the deep pain that [was] reserved only for the strong” and for that reason, gave him a chance to be courageous for his unknown future. SD In Clinton S. Burhans Jr.’s wonderful essay, he mentions that Dexter was trying to keep past remains alive “by fixing its images out of time and the real world in imaginative present” (Burhans Jr.) CM After Judy leaves Dexter, Judy is only a character in Dexter’s mind. That is, Judy is someone that Dexter holds dear only from imaginary images that come from his memories from their times spent together. CM Seven years later, Devlin comes in and ruins Dexter’s imaginary thoughts about Judy, only to obligate Dexter into coming back to reality.
For a while, both Dexter and Sonny have lost the meaning of their lives, but they have learned from their mistakes. Both gained the strength and the courage to go through such pain both lost the ability to escape from the reality and both learned to deal with the rigidity of the truth. Everything that happens to us everyday are all examples of loss and gain. We just need the strength to accept the loss and make good out of the bad.
WORKS CITED:
Ernest Hemingway, et al. Short Story Masterpieces. Ed. Robert Penn Warrena, Albert Erskine. New York, New York: Dell Publishing, 1982
