Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
June 4th, 2009
What Makes You “Sing?” :
An Essay about Overcoming Obstacles in Life by Relating a Poem to Two Books
What are the obstacles you have overcome? What was in you way that made it hard for you to fight your way back into control? The fictional characters, Sonny and Caliban had obstacles they had to overcome, in order to manipulate (FAST) their lives, to gain control.
In the story “Sonny’s Blues”, the main character Sonny has problems with using drugs. In the poem “The Real Work”, By Wendell Berry, he talks about how the stream that’s “impeded […] is the one that sings.” Sonny’s problem with drugs in his life is like a river having to flow through rocks. (SIMILE) At first he doesn’t know what to do about these “rocks”, but he eventually overcomes them. For Sonny, it is hard to choose between the life of drugs and a sober life, that is his “real journey”. Sonny may have wanted the drugs, but he knew that choosing a life with no drugs would be better for him and everyone he knew. He had been following the life of drugs for so long, that when it was time to choose it was a long and hard journey for him to figure out what to do next, and how it would transform (FAST) him. After his fight with drugs, he is still fighting the urge to want them, but those urges are what make him “sing.”
Caliban, from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, has a similar but different situation from Sonny. Caliban is imprisoned, on what used to be his island, and now he is a slave to the all and mighty Prospero. Just like a river, Caliban’s life was smooth before he was enslaved by Prospero. Being a slave, he has to follow Prospero’s orders, which makes his life miserable. At the end of the story, Prospero decides Caliban’s fate, to let him be a free man. Caliban is once again a big flowing “river”, now that Prospero is gone. His life or “river” sings with his misfortunes (FAST), his “rocks.” Nothing can stop him from smoothly flowing over his strained past.
Try as hard as you can to over come the obstacles in your life, big or small. Choose the path that you think is right, and fight as hard as you can against the force, of whatever is pushing back.
Showing posts with label Olivia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Olivia. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 28, 2009
Finding Things More Beautiful:
An Essay on the Poem “Tintern Abbey”, and Returning to PPS in Five Years
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place you once went to and visited it five years later? Would it be different? What would some of the memories be when you walked around? These are some of the questions William Wordsworth answers in his poem, “Tintern Abbey.”
In the poem “Tintern Abbey”, William Wordsworth, the author expresses his admiration toward his favorite childhood place. (APPOSITIVE) “Five years have past”, since Wordsworth has visited Tintern Abbey, an old abandoned Catholic church. He has never forgotten about this place and when he returns to visit after five years, he experiences an “unremembered pleasure.” He “[feels] it in [his] blood and [feels] it along [his] heart” when he is walking about Tintern Abbey. Wordsworth seems to be listening and observing to everything that is around Tintern Abbey and each one of these sites stirs another memory. The landscape is quiet; the green fields stretch on forever among trees, hedge-rows and rivers, making his experience there almost whimsical. (PARTICIPLE CLOSER) Tintern Abbey is a secluded area, but placed “‘mid the […] towns and cities” and Wordsworth is looking down on all of the little tiny houses spread around him, thinking about the noise below, while he is up at Tintern Abbey alone. He is truly grateful for this serene (FAST) atmosphere, allowing him to reminisce (FAST) about his life and experiences as a young man at Tintern Abbey.
If I were to visit Pine Point in a few years, it wouldn’t be during school hours. I would want everything around me to be quiet, so I could reflect on certain memories as I stroll around the campus. I also wouldn’t venture inside the building; I would only walk outside for that visit. I would return in the springtime to admire the green fields intersected by the stone walls and the verdant (FAST) forest with its abundant with vegetation and streams. The place that evokes the most memories is the fields behind the LTC, because that’s where many of the funniest moments transpired (FAST). Stealing ice cream and our hands getting all sticky, sledding, kickball and lacrosse are all recollections that I associate with those fields. (TETRA COLON) An evening visit would be the most serene when the sun is setting, the birds are chirping, and everything is fresh and green, just as I remember. (PARALLELISM) This time of day is even more special to me, as it not only represents the end of a glorious day, but also the beginning of another beautiful memory.
So what would you do if you returned to a place you love in five years? Wordsworth’s return to Tintern Abbey could have been bittersweet, but instead inspired warm memories. My return to Pine Point would likely evoke (FAST) the same passion, because there is nothing better than reliving memories that you cherish.
Self-Assessment
Issues I am continuing to work on.
I am continuing to work getting my tools to fit in right, becuase sometimes they don't work. This is mostly my problemexcept for puncuation.
What I like best about my essay.
I like how i use me quotes throughout my essay. I also like how i usd a lot of different tools in my essay.
Weaknesses I see in my essay.
For me this wasn't one of my best eesay's. I wasn't really feeling "It" when I was writing so i feel like I really didn't pay attention to what I was writing.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 28, 2009
Finding Things More Beautiful:
An Essay on the Poem “Tintern Abbey”, and Returning to PPS in Five Years
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place you once went to and visited it five years later? Would it be different? What would some of the memories be when you walked around? These are some of the questions William Wordsworth answers in his poem, “Tintern Abbey.”
In the poem “Tintern Abbey”, William Wordsworth, the author expresses his admiration toward his favorite childhood place. (APPOSITIVE) “Five years have past”, since Wordsworth has visited Tintern Abbey, an old abandoned Catholic church. He has never forgotten about this place and when he returns to visit after five years, he experiences an “unremembered pleasure.” He “[feels] it in [his] blood and [feels] it along [his] heart” when he is walking about Tintern Abbey. Wordsworth seems to be listening and observing to everything that is around Tintern Abbey and each one of these sites stirs another memory. The landscape is quiet; the green fields stretch on forever among trees, hedge-rows and rivers, making his experience there almost whimsical. (PARTICIPLE CLOSER) Tintern Abbey is a secluded area, but placed “‘mid the […] towns and cities” and Wordsworth is looking down on all of the little tiny houses spread around him, thinking about the noise below, while he is up at Tintern Abbey alone. He is truly grateful for this serene (FAST) atmosphere, allowing him to reminisce (FAST) about his life and experiences as a young man at Tintern Abbey.
If I were to visit Pine Point in a few years, it wouldn’t be during school hours. I would want everything around me to be quiet, so I could reflect on certain memories as I stroll around the campus. I also wouldn’t venture inside the building; I would only walk outside for that visit. I would return in the springtime to admire the green fields intersected by the stone walls and the verdant (FAST) forest with its abundant with vegetation and streams. The place that evokes the most memories is the fields behind the LTC, because that’s where many of the funniest moments transpired (FAST). Stealing ice cream and our hands getting all sticky, sledding, kickball and lacrosse are all recollections that I associate with those fields. (TETRA COLON) An evening visit would be the most serene when the sun is setting, the birds are chirping, and everything is fresh and green, just as I remember. (PARALLELISM) This time of day is even more special to me, as it not only represents the end of a glorious day, but also the beginning of another beautiful memory.
So what would you do if you returned to a place you love in five years? Wordsworth’s return to Tintern Abbey could have been bittersweet, but instead inspired warm memories. My return to Pine Point would likely evoke (FAST) the same passion, because there is nothing better than reliving memories that you cherish.
Self-Assessment
Issues I am continuing to work on.
I am continuing to work getting my tools to fit in right, becuase sometimes they don't work. This is mostly my problemexcept for puncuation.
What I like best about my essay.
I like how i use me quotes throughout my essay. I also like how i usd a lot of different tools in my essay.
Weaknesses I see in my essay.
For me this wasn't one of my best eesay's. I wasn't really feeling "It" when I was writing so i feel like I really didn't pay attention to what I was writing.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 15th, 2009
What is Transformation? :
An Essay on the Meaning of a Quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, Its Comparison to a Stepping Stone and Their Relevance to My Life.
Everyday we experience something that we have to endure. It is the lessons learned from these hardships that matters the most though. Rilke, the author of the quote, asserts (FAST word) that the knowledge gained and the scars that remain make us who we really are. (Appositive)
In the first line of the quote Rilke declares, “All that is good transformation and all that is bad as well.” Rilke seems to be affirming (FAST) that when a deed, whether good or bad, is done, a transformation is reached. Few would argue that those who do good deeds throughout your life will be transformed in a positive way. However, a positive transformation can also result from doing something bad if the person is willing to learn from their mistakes. Rilke also points out that people must make the most of every opportunity and “seize the day.” In the second line of the quote Rilke argues, “He is in the right who encounters everything as something that will not return.” Rilke urges us to forge ahead with a positive feeling and attitude every moment and day. Living in the moment and taking everything in is paramount (FAST), because there might be only one moment like that in a lifetime. A person, who learns from their mistakes or their good deeds and captures every moment, is indeed living to their fullest potential.
Objects and people change over time; we are created in a particular way and through experiences, transform into another being. Any rock you see today formed more than a million years ago by lava or meteor showers. The largest boulder can crumble and become a rock, then a stone, then gravel and pebbles and eventually sand. (Purposeful repetition) Mr. Rilke contends, that “life is transformation: all that is good is transformation and all that is bad as well.” It may be sad that when an object so big and beautiful such as a boulder crumbles, perhaps it was for the better and maybe it was destined to happen. Maybe the “life” of a big rock crumbles because it has been sitting for so long that it wants to split apart to be free in a million pieces. One day, a person may walk past that rock and decide to sculpt it into a stepping stone for a sidewalk and it will once again transform. Once it is set in the dirt and people walk on it for a while, it will begin to wear down, crack, grow moss and, become sunken in places from people standing. It will experience change everyday from the weather and the people who transform it.
I can relate my life to the Rilke quote and the garden stone, because I have transformed over my life span to where I am now. I first started off as a very shy little girl, who had anxiety and used to cry and worry often. Some circumstances (FAST) never change though. I still have anxiety, but I take medication for it, and I still cry when I’m alone; I still worry about things, but not as much, and I still am shy, especially when I speak or address a group. (Tetra colon climax) I have overcome these quirks little by little in my mere (FAST) fifteen years of life. Just like the garden stone, I began as an undefined mass that slowly condensed into simplicity, and then transformed into the person that I am today. I am no longer the tiny person that had trouble focusing, tying her shoe, putting on clothes and not getting her own way. Throughout my life, I have endured many hardships and triumphs, such as breaking my arm, my grandmother dying, and stress from family, friends and school. (Loose sentence) I can remember when I broke my arm the day before my first day of first grade, and I was already very nervous. The weeks following that incident, I had difficulty fitting in because of the combination of the new environment and my injury, but I can remember my classmates comforting me, which helped me greatly. Breaking my arm left a scar that I will never forget, but I am still standing, and so is the garden stone. (Participle phrase sentence closer)Although I am still trying to figure out who I really am, and will continue to do so for many years to come, I have already taken some shape as a person, just like the garden stone.
Endure all that comes your way, hard or easy, rather than give up. (Antithesis) It will be worth it. To make the journey more satisfying, have a good attitude. When you’ve completed your journey, flaunt (FAST) your scars to show how much you’ve been through and tell the story that comes along with it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
I am continuing to work on making all of my tools APT. I have had trouble with this recently, I think it’s mostly because I don’t know how to use them and know what they are and do.
Some strong points I see.
I really like my last paragraph. It was the easiest one for me to write and the words just flowed out of me.
Some weak points I see.
I used some tools for extra-credit, and maybe some of them aren't right, but at least I tried. I think that some of them are right though.
Grade I would give myself.
A
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 15th, 2009
What is Transformation? :
An Essay on the Meaning of a Quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, Its Comparison to a Stepping Stone and Their Relevance to My Life.
Everyday we experience something that we have to endure. It is the lessons learned from these hardships that matters the most though. Rilke, the author of the quote, asserts (FAST word) that the knowledge gained and the scars that remain make us who we really are. (Appositive)
In the first line of the quote Rilke declares, “All that is good transformation and all that is bad as well.” Rilke seems to be affirming (FAST) that when a deed, whether good or bad, is done, a transformation is reached. Few would argue that those who do good deeds throughout your life will be transformed in a positive way. However, a positive transformation can also result from doing something bad if the person is willing to learn from their mistakes. Rilke also points out that people must make the most of every opportunity and “seize the day.” In the second line of the quote Rilke argues, “He is in the right who encounters everything as something that will not return.” Rilke urges us to forge ahead with a positive feeling and attitude every moment and day. Living in the moment and taking everything in is paramount (FAST), because there might be only one moment like that in a lifetime. A person, who learns from their mistakes or their good deeds and captures every moment, is indeed living to their fullest potential.
Objects and people change over time; we are created in a particular way and through experiences, transform into another being. Any rock you see today formed more than a million years ago by lava or meteor showers. The largest boulder can crumble and become a rock, then a stone, then gravel and pebbles and eventually sand. (Purposeful repetition) Mr. Rilke contends, that “life is transformation: all that is good is transformation and all that is bad as well.” It may be sad that when an object so big and beautiful such as a boulder crumbles, perhaps it was for the better and maybe it was destined to happen. Maybe the “life” of a big rock crumbles because it has been sitting for so long that it wants to split apart to be free in a million pieces. One day, a person may walk past that rock and decide to sculpt it into a stepping stone for a sidewalk and it will once again transform. Once it is set in the dirt and people walk on it for a while, it will begin to wear down, crack, grow moss and, become sunken in places from people standing. It will experience change everyday from the weather and the people who transform it.
I can relate my life to the Rilke quote and the garden stone, because I have transformed over my life span to where I am now. I first started off as a very shy little girl, who had anxiety and used to cry and worry often. Some circumstances (FAST) never change though. I still have anxiety, but I take medication for it, and I still cry when I’m alone; I still worry about things, but not as much, and I still am shy, especially when I speak or address a group. (Tetra colon climax) I have overcome these quirks little by little in my mere (FAST) fifteen years of life. Just like the garden stone, I began as an undefined mass that slowly condensed into simplicity, and then transformed into the person that I am today. I am no longer the tiny person that had trouble focusing, tying her shoe, putting on clothes and not getting her own way. Throughout my life, I have endured many hardships and triumphs, such as breaking my arm, my grandmother dying, and stress from family, friends and school. (Loose sentence) I can remember when I broke my arm the day before my first day of first grade, and I was already very nervous. The weeks following that incident, I had difficulty fitting in because of the combination of the new environment and my injury, but I can remember my classmates comforting me, which helped me greatly. Breaking my arm left a scar that I will never forget, but I am still standing, and so is the garden stone. (Participle phrase sentence closer)Although I am still trying to figure out who I really am, and will continue to do so for many years to come, I have already taken some shape as a person, just like the garden stone.
Endure all that comes your way, hard or easy, rather than give up. (Antithesis) It will be worth it. To make the journey more satisfying, have a good attitude. When you’ve completed your journey, flaunt (FAST) your scars to show how much you’ve been through and tell the story that comes along with it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
I am continuing to work on making all of my tools APT. I have had trouble with this recently, I think it’s mostly because I don’t know how to use them and know what they are and do.
Some strong points I see.
I really like my last paragraph. It was the easiest one for me to write and the words just flowed out of me.
Some weak points I see.
I used some tools for extra-credit, and maybe some of them aren't right, but at least I tried. I think that some of them are right though.
Grade I would give myself.
A
Monday, May 4, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 12th, 2009
The Outcomes of Being Separated:
An Essay about Parting in a Song and Two Poems
Many people experience a parting or ending in their life more than once. It’s important to remember that life goes on and that with every ending or parting comes a new beginning. Endings, beginnings and partings are exhibited (FAST) in the song “The Mortician’s Daughter” by The Black Veil Brides, and in the poem “Adios”, by Naomi Shihab Nye, and Emily Dickinson’s poem, “My life closed twice before its close.”
One of my favorite songs is “The Mortician’s Daughter” by The Black Veil Brides. The song talks about parting and then coming back together. In the song, the composer talks about how much he “love[s] [her] more than [he] can ever scream.” When he sings about their leaving each other, with every word of the song you can feel the composer’s great sadness. (PERIODIC) He laments “this pain it visits almost nightly.” He possesses a “patience of eternity” as he “sit[s] there and smile[s] […] because [he] think[s] of [her].” He has to wait for a while for them to be reunited (FAST), but he knows she will come back to him eventually. (LOOSE) Everything is different without her. The world feels empty; it’s “a universal still.” He said he “loved [her] as he left [her] [and] regrets still haunt [his] hollow head but [he] promised [her], [he] would see [her] again.” He regrets leaving her, but he feels that leaving is necessary as it seems as if they are both leaving each other. They think about each other everyday and have faith that one day they will be together again. This comes to fruition (FAST) when he declares “I promised you and now I’m home again.” Imagine the joy both of them must feel when they see each other’s faces again. The world is finally moving again, and they both don’t have any more regrets. They are together again.
In the poem “Adios”, Naomi Shihab Nye tells us that before leaving, you should become familiar and rehearse what you are going to say before you depart. By doing so, your departure becomes easier on everyone. Familiarize yourself with the word, “Use it. Learn where it begins” so it’s easy to say when needed. When you say “goodbye”, put all you have into it and “think of what you love best, / what brings tears to your eyes.” The word goodbye “roll[s] off the tongue” and says never forget me. Once you say “goodbye” and once you know how to say it, you begin to master it, “lessons following lessons.” When you say the word, let your exit be memorable, “let it be the way you rise out of sight / when your work is finished.” Make people remember you saying “goodbye”, and let them repeat it in their heads, let the word “linger.” Let there be a “silence” after you say this word; that is how you know people are pondering (FAST) what was just said. The character in “The Mortician’s Daughter” follows Nye’s advice. He put everything he had into saying goodbye. As he leaves, he avows (FAST) he loves the girl. These words “linger” as she replays them over and over again in her mind.
In the poem, “My life closed twice before its close,” Emily Dickinson writes about endings. The title and the first line of the poem indicate that during her life, Dickinson has endured two painful endings. These events were so painful that at the time it felt as if her life had ended. Dickinson wonders if death will cause as much pain as the two previous endings: “It yet remains to see / If Immortality unveil / A third event to me / So huge, so hopeless to conceive, / As these that twice befell.” However, Dickinson infers that partings are bittersweet. She writes, “Parting is all we know of heaven, / And all we need of hell.” Partings are sometimes necessary and beneficial, because they remove us from a difficult situation. However, being apart from those you love can be painful. The character in The Mortician’s Daughter also realizes this after he is separated from the girl he loves.
Everybody hopes to be remembered after they are gone. They hope that their actions and words will transcend (FAST) time and be remembered, giving comfort to those they leave behind.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
I’m continuing to work on making my tools apt, because sometimes I have trouble knowing of they are. Also, I’m working on summing my essay up well.
Some strong points I see.
I use my quotes, I think, very well. Also I feel that I explained my thoughts on everything, mostly, well.
Some weak points I see.
Conversely, to my above comment I also think I used too many quotes in the third paragraph. I also think that my whole essay does not connect very well.
Grade I would give myself.
B+
Mr. Salsich
English 9
May 12th, 2009
The Outcomes of Being Separated:
An Essay about Parting in a Song and Two Poems
Many people experience a parting or ending in their life more than once. It’s important to remember that life goes on and that with every ending or parting comes a new beginning. Endings, beginnings and partings are exhibited (FAST) in the song “The Mortician’s Daughter” by The Black Veil Brides, and in the poem “Adios”, by Naomi Shihab Nye, and Emily Dickinson’s poem, “My life closed twice before its close.”
One of my favorite songs is “The Mortician’s Daughter” by The Black Veil Brides. The song talks about parting and then coming back together. In the song, the composer talks about how much he “love[s] [her] more than [he] can ever scream.” When he sings about their leaving each other, with every word of the song you can feel the composer’s great sadness. (PERIODIC) He laments “this pain it visits almost nightly.” He possesses a “patience of eternity” as he “sit[s] there and smile[s] […] because [he] think[s] of [her].” He has to wait for a while for them to be reunited (FAST), but he knows she will come back to him eventually. (LOOSE) Everything is different without her. The world feels empty; it’s “a universal still.” He said he “loved [her] as he left [her] [and] regrets still haunt [his] hollow head but [he] promised [her], [he] would see [her] again.” He regrets leaving her, but he feels that leaving is necessary as it seems as if they are both leaving each other. They think about each other everyday and have faith that one day they will be together again. This comes to fruition (FAST) when he declares “I promised you and now I’m home again.” Imagine the joy both of them must feel when they see each other’s faces again. The world is finally moving again, and they both don’t have any more regrets. They are together again.
In the poem “Adios”, Naomi Shihab Nye tells us that before leaving, you should become familiar and rehearse what you are going to say before you depart. By doing so, your departure becomes easier on everyone. Familiarize yourself with the word, “Use it. Learn where it begins” so it’s easy to say when needed. When you say “goodbye”, put all you have into it and “think of what you love best, / what brings tears to your eyes.” The word goodbye “roll[s] off the tongue” and says never forget me. Once you say “goodbye” and once you know how to say it, you begin to master it, “lessons following lessons.” When you say the word, let your exit be memorable, “let it be the way you rise out of sight / when your work is finished.” Make people remember you saying “goodbye”, and let them repeat it in their heads, let the word “linger.” Let there be a “silence” after you say this word; that is how you know people are pondering (FAST) what was just said. The character in “The Mortician’s Daughter” follows Nye’s advice. He put everything he had into saying goodbye. As he leaves, he avows (FAST) he loves the girl. These words “linger” as she replays them over and over again in her mind.
In the poem, “My life closed twice before its close,” Emily Dickinson writes about endings. The title and the first line of the poem indicate that during her life, Dickinson has endured two painful endings. These events were so painful that at the time it felt as if her life had ended. Dickinson wonders if death will cause as much pain as the two previous endings: “It yet remains to see / If Immortality unveil / A third event to me / So huge, so hopeless to conceive, / As these that twice befell.” However, Dickinson infers that partings are bittersweet. She writes, “Parting is all we know of heaven, / And all we need of hell.” Partings are sometimes necessary and beneficial, because they remove us from a difficult situation. However, being apart from those you love can be painful. The character in The Mortician’s Daughter also realizes this after he is separated from the girl he loves.
Everybody hopes to be remembered after they are gone. They hope that their actions and words will transcend (FAST) time and be remembered, giving comfort to those they leave behind.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
I’m continuing to work on making my tools apt, because sometimes I have trouble knowing of they are. Also, I’m working on summing my essay up well.
Some strong points I see.
I use my quotes, I think, very well. Also I feel that I explained my thoughts on everything, mostly, well.
Some weak points I see.
Conversely, to my above comment I also think I used too many quotes in the third paragraph. I also think that my whole essay does not connect very well.
Grade I would give myself.
B+
Monday, April 27, 2009
Olivia's Essay that she really didn't want to do but forced herself to do it
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
April 29, 2009
English 9
What is Kindness? :
Finding Kindness in a Poem, a Story, and My Life
Kindness may be expressed in many different ways. There are little gestures like picking up something for someone, and then there are greater acts of kindness. For instance, another person can comfort them with advice and compassion (SAT) when someone is experiencing personal hardships. (LOOSE) This system of support is a main idea in the poem “Kindness”, the story “Winter Dreams” and my own life.
TS In the poem “Kindness”, the author Naomi Shihab Nye gets right to the point in the first line of the poem and declares, “before you know what kindness is/ you must lose things/.” SD We might experience acts of kindness everyday, but what she contends is that we really don’t know what “real” kindness is until something bad happens. CM We do not, everyday, experience the kindness when a loved one passes and a person comes to our side in support and offers advice. CM Sometimes we feel as though kindness is unattainable, and we’re stuck in the middle, “between the regions of kindness/.” (TETRA COLON) SD When we are feeling sad we may “feel the future dissolve in a moment/.” CM We feel as if our whole world has come crashing down, and no one cares. CM It is isolating, but when someone comes along and helps us out of our pit of sorrow, it can be very uplifting. CS Always remember, that there is probably someone there for us.
TS In the story “Winter Dreams”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character, Dexter, witnesses a different sort of kindness. (APPOSITIVE) SD Dexter’s life fluctuates like a graph, exhibiting losses and gains. CM During the story, he loses the girl of his dreams several times, ultimately losing her in the end forever. CM Dexter did not have a support system to help him through this painful journey. SD At the end of the story, Dexter is talking to a man who explains to him that he has lost the love of his life one final time. CM Kindness has taken the form of honesty, but its tough reality has taken a toll on Dexter. CM Although we have no idea what happened to Dexter, his past suggests that he will carry on, but in a lonely misery. CS Honesty is a form of kindness, and although it might be harsh, its lessons can be life-changing.
TS Just like in the story “Winter Dreams”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the poem “Kindness”, by Naomi Shihab Nye, I have experienced kindness in times of need. SD The most memorable time that I have felt kindness was when my grandmother died. CM Friends were offering to treat my sister and I to dinner or the movies. CM The grandest act of kindness I witnessed was toward my mother. SD She received an adulation (SAT) of cards and flowers and a lot of people even prepared food. CM One person in particular offered advice on how to carry on, and had empathy (SAT), because she had lost a loved one as well. CM I found this very comforting when I saw how much this woman cared about my mother to actually support her in this way.(LOOSE) CS Every time I am upset about something, one of my friends is there to help me through it, even if it’s something insignificant.
Have faith that when you feel that you’ve lost so much, that someone in your life will support you. It can be devastating when something bad happens, but always realize that something good can come from something bad.
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
Using tools apptly is one thing that I have trouble with especially appositvies. Also actualyl writing not the way that i talk.
Some strong points I see.
I definitely did a good job checking over my work. The SAT words that I used I think fit well with the sentence I used them in.
Some weak points I see.
I don't think I used the "/" right. Then again maybe I did. Also my tools might be a little off.
Grade I would give myself.
c+
Mr. Salsich
April 29, 2009
English 9
What is Kindness? :
Finding Kindness in a Poem, a Story, and My Life
Kindness may be expressed in many different ways. There are little gestures like picking up something for someone, and then there are greater acts of kindness. For instance, another person can comfort them with advice and compassion (SAT) when someone is experiencing personal hardships. (LOOSE) This system of support is a main idea in the poem “Kindness”, the story “Winter Dreams” and my own life.
TS In the poem “Kindness”, the author Naomi Shihab Nye gets right to the point in the first line of the poem and declares, “before you know what kindness is/ you must lose things/.” SD We might experience acts of kindness everyday, but what she contends is that we really don’t know what “real” kindness is until something bad happens. CM We do not, everyday, experience the kindness when a loved one passes and a person comes to our side in support and offers advice. CM Sometimes we feel as though kindness is unattainable, and we’re stuck in the middle, “between the regions of kindness/.” (TETRA COLON) SD When we are feeling sad we may “feel the future dissolve in a moment/.” CM We feel as if our whole world has come crashing down, and no one cares. CM It is isolating, but when someone comes along and helps us out of our pit of sorrow, it can be very uplifting. CS Always remember, that there is probably someone there for us.
TS In the story “Winter Dreams”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character, Dexter, witnesses a different sort of kindness. (APPOSITIVE) SD Dexter’s life fluctuates like a graph, exhibiting losses and gains. CM During the story, he loses the girl of his dreams several times, ultimately losing her in the end forever. CM Dexter did not have a support system to help him through this painful journey. SD At the end of the story, Dexter is talking to a man who explains to him that he has lost the love of his life one final time. CM Kindness has taken the form of honesty, but its tough reality has taken a toll on Dexter. CM Although we have no idea what happened to Dexter, his past suggests that he will carry on, but in a lonely misery. CS Honesty is a form of kindness, and although it might be harsh, its lessons can be life-changing.
TS Just like in the story “Winter Dreams”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the poem “Kindness”, by Naomi Shihab Nye, I have experienced kindness in times of need. SD The most memorable time that I have felt kindness was when my grandmother died. CM Friends were offering to treat my sister and I to dinner or the movies. CM The grandest act of kindness I witnessed was toward my mother. SD She received an adulation (SAT) of cards and flowers and a lot of people even prepared food. CM One person in particular offered advice on how to carry on, and had empathy (SAT), because she had lost a loved one as well. CM I found this very comforting when I saw how much this woman cared about my mother to actually support her in this way.(LOOSE) CS Every time I am upset about something, one of my friends is there to help me through it, even if it’s something insignificant.
Have faith that when you feel that you’ve lost so much, that someone in your life will support you. It can be devastating when something bad happens, but always realize that something good can come from something bad.
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
Using tools apptly is one thing that I have trouble with especially appositvies. Also actualyl writing not the way that i talk.
Some strong points I see.
I definitely did a good job checking over my work. The SAT words that I used I think fit well with the sentence I used them in.
Some weak points I see.
I don't think I used the "/" right. Then again maybe I did. Also my tools might be a little off.
Grade I would give myself.
c+
Monday, April 20, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
April 23, 2009
English 9
Is Sentiment Positive or Negative?:
A Comparison of Two Poems, and a Story, to the Word “Sentimental”
One dictionary defines “sentimental” as “marked or governed by feeling, sensibility, or emotional idealism.” This definition emphasizes the positive aspect of being sentimental. In contrast, sentimental can also be defined as “having an excess of sentiment or sensibility.” This definition makes it seem as if a person has too much attachment to something and almost infers emotional weakness. The range of interpretations are like the differences between people, and these differences are lauded (FAST) in Emily Dickenson’s poem, “Nobody”, Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem, “The Traveling Onion”, and the story by Katherine Mansfield, “The Garden Party.”
TS In the poem “The Traveling Onion”, the author, Naomi Shihab Nye, emphasizes the importance of an onion in a meal, even though it seems to vanish. SD Before the poem even begins, she opens with an excerpt from a cookbook describing where the onion originated and how far it traveled to get here. CM Few ponder another’s journey, including an onion’s - how they got here, their birth place, and their experiences. Onions, like people, appear uninteresting, but peel back the layers and you may find something more. CM The onion with its layers tells a story and we should be grateful for that place in India where it came from when a “knife enters [the] onion /.” SD When we put the onion into a meal it “disappear / [s] […] “For the sake of the others /.” CM The onion sacrifices itself and fades into the background of the soup you are eating and you have to find it in order to taste it. CM For many, the onion doesn’t have any significance in a meal, but some actually try to pay more attention to the onion than anything else they are eating. CS It is important to “taste” something that you ordinarily would not as it could open up a variety of unforeseen (FAST) possibilities.
TS In the poem “Nobody” by Emily Dickinson, she refers to herself and how she likes being a “nobody.” SD In the second stanza, she declares “How dreary to be somebody! / How public like a frog /.” CM When the frog croaks, it thinks it is commanding people’s attention, with its loud obnoxious croaking, but people are actually ignoring it. (PARTICIPLE PHRASE, SPLIT) CM Those people who ignore the frog’s croaking may prefer paying attention to the “nobodies”, as they are so quiet that they may harbor a hidden sagacity (SAT). SD Emily Dickinson seems to embrace this in her poem, but she could have also thought that no one was thinking about her, even when they really were. CM Conversely, she may not have cared if people thought about her or not. CM I believe she likes being a “nobody” and that most people do not pay much attention to the “somebodies”, preferring the quiet people who write poetry. CS The way Ms. Dickinson writes about being a “nobody” gives me a sense of reassurance that my voice and sense of purpose will always be relevant (FAST).
TS In the story “The Garden Party”, the author, Katherine Mansfield, introduces us to an opulent (SAT) family who is planning a party, but Laura, one of the daughters, is sad about the recent death of a local man. (APPOSITIVE) SD Laura keeps on thinking about how the music will sound to the dead man’s family and her sister, Jose, says that she is going to “lead a very strenuous life […] by being sentimental.”(APPOSITIVE) CM Jose dismisses Laura’s sentimental feeling toward the dead man, because the man’s family is below their status. CM The dead man’s family are “nobodies”, and Laura sympathizes with them and wants to do something for them. SD So, Laura goes to the man’s house and sees him lying in his bed “sleeping so soundly, so deeply, that he was far, far away from both.” CM Laura begins to cry, and even though she doesn’t know this “beautiful” man, she feels as if she is one of the family members mourning for him. (PARTICIPLE PHRASE, SPLIT) CM She is sentimental toward a man and his family that she has never met and will never forget the warm atmosphere of their house and the love of each member of the family. CS Being sentimental is not something to be embarrassed about, but rather something to be embraced.
Be quiet. Be a “nobody”. Disappear. Be sentimental if you want. Let people think what they want, but don’t let them tell you how to be - you are, who you are. Your quiet confidence will gain the respect of others, even if they express otherwise.
Mr. Salsich
April 23, 2009
English 9
Is Sentiment Positive or Negative?:
A Comparison of Two Poems, and a Story, to the Word “Sentimental”
One dictionary defines “sentimental” as “marked or governed by feeling, sensibility, or emotional idealism.” This definition emphasizes the positive aspect of being sentimental. In contrast, sentimental can also be defined as “having an excess of sentiment or sensibility.” This definition makes it seem as if a person has too much attachment to something and almost infers emotional weakness. The range of interpretations are like the differences between people, and these differences are lauded (FAST) in Emily Dickenson’s poem, “Nobody”, Naomi Shihab Nye’s poem, “The Traveling Onion”, and the story by Katherine Mansfield, “The Garden Party.”
TS In the poem “The Traveling Onion”, the author, Naomi Shihab Nye, emphasizes the importance of an onion in a meal, even though it seems to vanish. SD Before the poem even begins, she opens with an excerpt from a cookbook describing where the onion originated and how far it traveled to get here. CM Few ponder another’s journey, including an onion’s - how they got here, their birth place, and their experiences. Onions, like people, appear uninteresting, but peel back the layers and you may find something more. CM The onion with its layers tells a story and we should be grateful for that place in India where it came from when a “knife enters [the] onion /.” SD When we put the onion into a meal it “disappear / [s] […] “For the sake of the others /.” CM The onion sacrifices itself and fades into the background of the soup you are eating and you have to find it in order to taste it. CM For many, the onion doesn’t have any significance in a meal, but some actually try to pay more attention to the onion than anything else they are eating. CS It is important to “taste” something that you ordinarily would not as it could open up a variety of unforeseen (FAST) possibilities.
TS In the poem “Nobody” by Emily Dickinson, she refers to herself and how she likes being a “nobody.” SD In the second stanza, she declares “How dreary to be somebody! / How public like a frog /.” CM When the frog croaks, it thinks it is commanding people’s attention, with its loud obnoxious croaking, but people are actually ignoring it. (PARTICIPLE PHRASE, SPLIT) CM Those people who ignore the frog’s croaking may prefer paying attention to the “nobodies”, as they are so quiet that they may harbor a hidden sagacity (SAT). SD Emily Dickinson seems to embrace this in her poem, but she could have also thought that no one was thinking about her, even when they really were. CM Conversely, she may not have cared if people thought about her or not. CM I believe she likes being a “nobody” and that most people do not pay much attention to the “somebodies”, preferring the quiet people who write poetry. CS The way Ms. Dickinson writes about being a “nobody” gives me a sense of reassurance that my voice and sense of purpose will always be relevant (FAST).
TS In the story “The Garden Party”, the author, Katherine Mansfield, introduces us to an opulent (SAT) family who is planning a party, but Laura, one of the daughters, is sad about the recent death of a local man. (APPOSITIVE) SD Laura keeps on thinking about how the music will sound to the dead man’s family and her sister, Jose, says that she is going to “lead a very strenuous life […] by being sentimental.”(APPOSITIVE) CM Jose dismisses Laura’s sentimental feeling toward the dead man, because the man’s family is below their status. CM The dead man’s family are “nobodies”, and Laura sympathizes with them and wants to do something for them. SD So, Laura goes to the man’s house and sees him lying in his bed “sleeping so soundly, so deeply, that he was far, far away from both.” CM Laura begins to cry, and even though she doesn’t know this “beautiful” man, she feels as if she is one of the family members mourning for him. (PARTICIPLE PHRASE, SPLIT) CM She is sentimental toward a man and his family that she has never met and will never forget the warm atmosphere of their house and the love of each member of the family. CS Being sentimental is not something to be embarrassed about, but rather something to be embraced.
Be quiet. Be a “nobody”. Disappear. Be sentimental if you want. Let people think what they want, but don’t let them tell you how to be - you are, who you are. Your quiet confidence will gain the respect of others, even if they express otherwise.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
April 16, 2009
English 9
Little Brothers:
A Comparison between a Poem and a Story
How are you supposed to react when you feel like you’ve lost a little brother or sister? Your attempts at finding them seem hopeless and all you have left are memories. These memories help to mend a strained relationship. The struggle between loss and reconciliation (FAST) is a central theme in the story, “Sonny’s Blues” and the poem, “The Little Brother Poem.”
As I read “The Little Brother Poem” by Naomi Shihab Nye, I identified some figurative language. The author uses imagery and metaphors to express the theme of the poem, moving on. Ms. Nye sympathizes with her brother that “It’s a large order I know, dumping out a whole drawer at once, fingering receipts and stubs, trying to put them back in some kind of shape so you’ll be able to find everything later, when you need it, and you don’t have so much time.” The metaphor at the end of the poem compares receipts and stubs to her brother’s life events and the memories that they may evoke (FAST) when he is close to dying. Imagery is used in her descriptions of their childhood and how some of the simple moments with her brother were actually the most fun and memorable. For example, the time when he “ran miniature trucks up [her] arms” or when she “told him monkeys arrived in the night to kidnap boys with brown hair.” I can imagine both of them smiling, laughing, talking, while her brother is imitating the sounds of a car driving on her arms. (ASYNDETON) I can also envision him reacting, screaming and hiding under the blanket when she told him monkeys come at night. (PERIODIC SENTENCE) She also uses imagery in the beginning of the poem to describe the things she is throwing away that once belonged to her brother. She says she “keeps finding little pieces of junk […] stashed away in the shed for future uses.” I can picture her sifting through a broken-down shed filled with her brother’s mementos as her eyes fill with tears, smiling all the while. (PARTICIPLE PHRASE, CLOSER) Ms. Nye’s use imagery is beautiful and magnetic, making the reader yearn (FAST) for more.
There are many similarities between “Sonny’s Blues” and “The Little Brother Poem”, as both are based on a relationship with a little brother. Sonny’s brother says, “I was sitting in living room in the dark, by myself, and I suddenly thought of Sonny. My trouble made his real.” This parallels (FAST) the poem when Ms. Nye asks, “Long distance I said are you happy? And your voice wasn’t sure. It sounded small, younger, it sounded like the little brother I don’t have anymore.” Likewise, Sonny’s brother can relate this to Sonny, because sitting in the living room alone; he doesn’t seem to have a little brother anymore, since Sonny is in jail. At the end of both the poem and the story, similar resolutions (FAST) occur. When Ms. Nye contends at the end of the poem, “It’s a large order I know, dumping out a whole drawer at once, fingering receipts and stubs, trying to put them back in some kind of shape so you’ll be able to find everything later, when you need it, and you don’t have so much time” reminds me of when Sonny’s brother proclaims, “Freedom lurked around us and I understood, at last, that he could help us to be free if we would listen, that he would never be free until we did…I heard what he had gone through, and would continue to go through until he came to rest in the earth.” These two quotes are comparable, because they both give examples of understanding one another and the struggle their little brothers will face before they die. A final comparison can be made when Ms. Nye states, “You’re not little anymore. You passed me up and kept reminding me I’d stopped growing. We’re different, always have been.” In the first and second passage, both Ms. Nye and her brother and Sonny and his brother accept that they are different from one another and that no one is perfect. The older siblings both realize that the seniority (FAST) that they once possessed (FAST) over their younger siblings is gone, but a whole new relationship and understanding can begin.
It’s sad when you believe that you’ve lost an emotional bond with someone and they just won’t communicate. Fortunately, Sonny and his brother started speaking to each other again. We don’t know if Ms. Nye and her brother ever spoke again, but I know she hoped they would, even if it was on their death beds.
Mr. Salsich
April 16, 2009
English 9
Little Brothers:
A Comparison between a Poem and a Story
How are you supposed to react when you feel like you’ve lost a little brother or sister? Your attempts at finding them seem hopeless and all you have left are memories. These memories help to mend a strained relationship. The struggle between loss and reconciliation (FAST) is a central theme in the story, “Sonny’s Blues” and the poem, “The Little Brother Poem.”
As I read “The Little Brother Poem” by Naomi Shihab Nye, I identified some figurative language. The author uses imagery and metaphors to express the theme of the poem, moving on. Ms. Nye sympathizes with her brother that “It’s a large order I know, dumping out a whole drawer at once, fingering receipts and stubs, trying to put them back in some kind of shape so you’ll be able to find everything later, when you need it, and you don’t have so much time.” The metaphor at the end of the poem compares receipts and stubs to her brother’s life events and the memories that they may evoke (FAST) when he is close to dying. Imagery is used in her descriptions of their childhood and how some of the simple moments with her brother were actually the most fun and memorable. For example, the time when he “ran miniature trucks up [her] arms” or when she “told him monkeys arrived in the night to kidnap boys with brown hair.” I can imagine both of them smiling, laughing, talking, while her brother is imitating the sounds of a car driving on her arms. (ASYNDETON) I can also envision him reacting, screaming and hiding under the blanket when she told him monkeys come at night. (PERIODIC SENTENCE) She also uses imagery in the beginning of the poem to describe the things she is throwing away that once belonged to her brother. She says she “keeps finding little pieces of junk […] stashed away in the shed for future uses.” I can picture her sifting through a broken-down shed filled with her brother’s mementos as her eyes fill with tears, smiling all the while. (PARTICIPLE PHRASE, CLOSER) Ms. Nye’s use imagery is beautiful and magnetic, making the reader yearn (FAST) for more.
There are many similarities between “Sonny’s Blues” and “The Little Brother Poem”, as both are based on a relationship with a little brother. Sonny’s brother says, “I was sitting in living room in the dark, by myself, and I suddenly thought of Sonny. My trouble made his real.” This parallels (FAST) the poem when Ms. Nye asks, “Long distance I said are you happy? And your voice wasn’t sure. It sounded small, younger, it sounded like the little brother I don’t have anymore.” Likewise, Sonny’s brother can relate this to Sonny, because sitting in the living room alone; he doesn’t seem to have a little brother anymore, since Sonny is in jail. At the end of both the poem and the story, similar resolutions (FAST) occur. When Ms. Nye contends at the end of the poem, “It’s a large order I know, dumping out a whole drawer at once, fingering receipts and stubs, trying to put them back in some kind of shape so you’ll be able to find everything later, when you need it, and you don’t have so much time” reminds me of when Sonny’s brother proclaims, “Freedom lurked around us and I understood, at last, that he could help us to be free if we would listen, that he would never be free until we did…I heard what he had gone through, and would continue to go through until he came to rest in the earth.” These two quotes are comparable, because they both give examples of understanding one another and the struggle their little brothers will face before they die. A final comparison can be made when Ms. Nye states, “You’re not little anymore. You passed me up and kept reminding me I’d stopped growing. We’re different, always have been.” In the first and second passage, both Ms. Nye and her brother and Sonny and his brother accept that they are different from one another and that no one is perfect. The older siblings both realize that the seniority (FAST) that they once possessed (FAST) over their younger siblings is gone, but a whole new relationship and understanding can begin.
It’s sad when you believe that you’ve lost an emotional bond with someone and they just won’t communicate. Fortunately, Sonny and his brother started speaking to each other again. We don’t know if Ms. Nye and her brother ever spoke again, but I know she hoped they would, even if it was on their death beds.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
8 April 2009
Courage:
Theme in a poem and what I’ve done that is courageous
Have you ever been hurt by the words of another? Or have you ever said anything hurtful about someone? (ANTITHESIS) If you do not think you have been a part of either of these things, that is out of the ordinary. You have not experienced what I have and what this person in Anne Sexton’s poem has.
In the poem “Courage” by Anne Sexton, the author’s main theme is whether a person has courage to overcome the horrible things people have said to them. In the first stanza, Sexton talks about how “you drank their acid and concealed it” when “they called you crybaby or poor or fatty or crazy and made you into an alien.” The “acid’ that she is referring to is the mean, pungent (FAST) words that people say and are hard to swallow. Even though the words might have stung as they penetrated your mind, you didn’t show any signs of the bad taste they left in your mouth. In the second stanza, Sexton reinforces this idea. She writes “if you faced the death of bombs and bullets, you did not do it with a banner.” The words are immensely (FAST) strong and deathly hurtful, but you did not reveal your feelings. Sexton also says that “you did not fondle the sadness within you”—you did not dwell on your feelings. In the third stanza, Sexton speaks about taking care of your sorrow, maybe secretly. She says that after “getting a transfusion from the fire” you “picked the scabs off your heart, then wrung it out like a sock.” She tells the reader that in order to heal their heartfelt wounds, they must be strong, and nurture their sorrow and try to forget the hurtful things said about them. This is good advice to follow in your own life.
In my own life, I try to exhibit courage by speaking my mind and by coming to the defense of those being hurt. (POLYSYNDETON) Whenever I hear someone saying hurtful things about someone else, I try to defend the person who is being maligned (FAST). I have been that person; I know how it feels to have hurtful things said about you, and it's not a good feeling. Most often, what is being said is not even true, but the rumors spread like wildfire. (LOOSE SENTENCE) I’ll ask "What's wrong with that person?" or "What have they ever done to you?" Usually these questions are answered with a shrug, because truly there is nothing wrong with the person or they haven’t done anything to warrant such remarks. Those who talk negatively about other people are actually unhappy with themselves. They put others down to make themselves feel better. After hearing what's being said about them, a huge wave of different emotions—anger, sadness, confusion--comes over them.(APPOSITIVE) Reacting to these words without deliberation can lead to seeking revenge. Unfortunately, I have resorted to revenge in the past without success. When I was younger, it bothered me when people talked about me. It still bothers me, but I have heard it all before and there is nothing new to be said. Why are people compelled (FAST) to make their hurtful thoughts public? Does it make them feel happier when the spiteful (FAST) words have left their mouth and are floating around? The person that Anne Sexton writes about is like me.
The person who is receiving the verbal assault must remain strong, unbothered by the hateful words of others. Tolerance of a different point of view or a different way of life can overcome such negativity. Perhaps thinking before speaking would prevent the wounds inflicted by these stinging words.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
8 April 2009
Courage:
Theme in a poem and what I’ve done that is courageous
Have you ever been hurt by the words of another? Or have you ever said anything hurtful about someone? (ANTITHESIS) If you do not think you have been a part of either of these things, that is out of the ordinary. You have not experienced what I have and what this person in Anne Sexton’s poem has.
In the poem “Courage” by Anne Sexton, the author’s main theme is whether a person has courage to overcome the horrible things people have said to them. In the first stanza, Sexton talks about how “you drank their acid and concealed it” when “they called you crybaby or poor or fatty or crazy and made you into an alien.” The “acid’ that she is referring to is the mean, pungent (FAST) words that people say and are hard to swallow. Even though the words might have stung as they penetrated your mind, you didn’t show any signs of the bad taste they left in your mouth. In the second stanza, Sexton reinforces this idea. She writes “if you faced the death of bombs and bullets, you did not do it with a banner.” The words are immensely (FAST) strong and deathly hurtful, but you did not reveal your feelings. Sexton also says that “you did not fondle the sadness within you”—you did not dwell on your feelings. In the third stanza, Sexton speaks about taking care of your sorrow, maybe secretly. She says that after “getting a transfusion from the fire” you “picked the scabs off your heart, then wrung it out like a sock.” She tells the reader that in order to heal their heartfelt wounds, they must be strong, and nurture their sorrow and try to forget the hurtful things said about them. This is good advice to follow in your own life.
In my own life, I try to exhibit courage by speaking my mind and by coming to the defense of those being hurt. (POLYSYNDETON) Whenever I hear someone saying hurtful things about someone else, I try to defend the person who is being maligned (FAST). I have been that person; I know how it feels to have hurtful things said about you, and it's not a good feeling. Most often, what is being said is not even true, but the rumors spread like wildfire. (LOOSE SENTENCE) I’ll ask "What's wrong with that person?" or "What have they ever done to you?" Usually these questions are answered with a shrug, because truly there is nothing wrong with the person or they haven’t done anything to warrant such remarks. Those who talk negatively about other people are actually unhappy with themselves. They put others down to make themselves feel better. After hearing what's being said about them, a huge wave of different emotions—anger, sadness, confusion--comes over them.(APPOSITIVE) Reacting to these words without deliberation can lead to seeking revenge. Unfortunately, I have resorted to revenge in the past without success. When I was younger, it bothered me when people talked about me. It still bothers me, but I have heard it all before and there is nothing new to be said. Why are people compelled (FAST) to make their hurtful thoughts public? Does it make them feel happier when the spiteful (FAST) words have left their mouth and are floating around? The person that Anne Sexton writes about is like me.
The person who is receiving the verbal assault must remain strong, unbothered by the hateful words of others. Tolerance of a different point of view or a different way of life can overcome such negativity. Perhaps thinking before speaking would prevent the wounds inflicted by these stinging words.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
England Journal
When I first heard my alarm clock go off, I did not want to get up. Who wants to get up at one AM anyway? Then I remembered why I was getting up so early, and it put me in motion. My mom and I drove to school in the dark, and were the first to get there at one fifty in the morning. It was a while until everybody else including the bus got there. When it finally did arrive we boarded it and started our journey to England. It took a while for everyone to get quiet, and for me to get in a comfortable position to actually get some sleep. I was lying there and I didn’t notice how quiet it had gotten. I had been listening to music, and I was so intrigued by it, I didn’t notice the background noise-silence. There were only a few voices, but I fell asleep despite off them. I was half asleep when I noticed a buzzing noise, which had been going on for a while. Then I lurched forward, putting my hand out for support, for the bus driver had stopped to fix what ever was making the noise. Then the bus became a riot again. My classmates and I, sitting, talking and laughing for a long time, were quieted, and it was once again silent.
The fish look dead in this pond. They look like big orange blobs all huddled together in the water. If you look closely though, you can see that they are moving. They have so much space to move around, and yet they just sit there. Maybe they are sleeping or too tired to move their fins. Maybe they don’t like this pond. The bottom is filled with leaves and muck. Maybe they don’t like the dead plants around them, which only show a few signs or life. Maybe they actually think that the fake kingfisher is going to walk over and eat them. What ever it is, I have no clue.
A lot of the things we saw today were covered with green from age. The gargoyles, and some of the building and gates, all had green, which added to the eeriness and the history. The moss that grew between the stones in a courtyard made a maze of green, which looked like a million rivers. Green is such a happy color. Every time I see something like moss on a tree or stones, I am intrigued by it, and I feel a calming sensation come over me.
As soon as we stepped on the train, and as soon as they knew that we were American, the chanting started. It wasn’t a bad chant, it was quite silly. I can’t remember it exactly, but one line was close to, “We are American!” They sang in the deep British voices. We got off the train and a group of about fifteen men were chanting something very loudly. The police were already there ready for anything. We walked through a swarm of people, the street was filled with supporters. I was amazed of how many people there were going to this particular soccer-“football” game. The stands were filled with people. Everybody was either talking or chanting some game song, which sounded like a huge chorus singing something that you couldn’t quite make out, but one thing for sure was that it was loud. During the game people were yelling out what the players should have done, swearing or actually cheering for their team.
People were moving everywhere. A million different voices, a million people, walking in a million different directions. The languages sounded like an orchestra of all different cultures. As I got closer I heard Italian, French, German, Chinese and different British accents. All of this blended into the techno music at a stand.
When we went to the globe and had an acting workshop, I really came out of my shell. I had never really acted before in my life, except in the sixth grade play. Everyone said I was good, but I didn’t go on to do anymore acting. The reason was because I thought people would think I looked or acted funny. Yesterday, I had a break through, and really listened and tried hard to express the feeling of my character. I tried to pick parts that I was uncomfortable with. One thing that I picked a lot was a high status character, because in real life I am a shy person. I gave it my best try, and on one particular part I heard someone yell to me, that what I had just done was really good. I smiled shyly and said thanks.
The Cabinet War Rooms were quite amazing, dark and small. It had many rooms and all of them had different jobs. In one room you could contact any important person anywhere in the world, but it would probably get confusing with all the buttons and telephones. This great range of communication amazed me since it was only the 40’s. In another room they had siren and Winston Churchill’s speech about the Blitz the day after it happened. They made it seem so realistic, but it was a little hard to understand what he was trying to say. I could hear the siren from a few rooms before, and it scared me. I guess that added to the affect of the cramped dark quarters, and what it was like in the time of WWII.
When I first heard that The Tempest was going to be South African based, I thought that the may go over board with the culture, and it would ruin the whole play. As I thought about the biggest themes to play, forgiveness and being confined, it started to make sense about why the play was taking place in South Africa. It turned out that the play was very well done. They made these outrageously huge puppets that were very beautiful. And the clothes and the scenery was amazing. I honestly can say that I loved the whole thing. The acting was wonderful. One part though that I particularly liked was the very end. Prospero is leaving, and he pours water over Ariel’s body and it’s makes the white paint come off, which I found to be very powerful. Also Caliban at the end stands on a rock, eyes closed looking into the only spotlight that is on him, and he finally knows that he is free. The music throughout the whole play was all live, and suited each scene very well. Especially at the end when you hear a women singing in a different language and plucking of a guitar, which was very eerie and gave me the feeling that everything is all right.
SONNET
I wish this could go on longer
I want to live here
And witness this beauty everyday.
In the grass I will lay
And maybe shed a tear.
I want every memory to be clear.
I want to simply stay.
And have everything replay.
I wish everything would reappear.
As the rows of green fields pass by
mixxed with the sad guitar I listen to,
I silently cry.
The sky, the ocean, my eyes and my tears are blue.
This is my final goodbye!
Without this, what will I do?
The fish look dead in this pond. They look like big orange blobs all huddled together in the water. If you look closely though, you can see that they are moving. They have so much space to move around, and yet they just sit there. Maybe they are sleeping or too tired to move their fins. Maybe they don’t like this pond. The bottom is filled with leaves and muck. Maybe they don’t like the dead plants around them, which only show a few signs or life. Maybe they actually think that the fake kingfisher is going to walk over and eat them. What ever it is, I have no clue.
A lot of the things we saw today were covered with green from age. The gargoyles, and some of the building and gates, all had green, which added to the eeriness and the history. The moss that grew between the stones in a courtyard made a maze of green, which looked like a million rivers. Green is such a happy color. Every time I see something like moss on a tree or stones, I am intrigued by it, and I feel a calming sensation come over me.
As soon as we stepped on the train, and as soon as they knew that we were American, the chanting started. It wasn’t a bad chant, it was quite silly. I can’t remember it exactly, but one line was close to, “We are American!” They sang in the deep British voices. We got off the train and a group of about fifteen men were chanting something very loudly. The police were already there ready for anything. We walked through a swarm of people, the street was filled with supporters. I was amazed of how many people there were going to this particular soccer-“football” game. The stands were filled with people. Everybody was either talking or chanting some game song, which sounded like a huge chorus singing something that you couldn’t quite make out, but one thing for sure was that it was loud. During the game people were yelling out what the players should have done, swearing or actually cheering for their team.
People were moving everywhere. A million different voices, a million people, walking in a million different directions. The languages sounded like an orchestra of all different cultures. As I got closer I heard Italian, French, German, Chinese and different British accents. All of this blended into the techno music at a stand.
When we went to the globe and had an acting workshop, I really came out of my shell. I had never really acted before in my life, except in the sixth grade play. Everyone said I was good, but I didn’t go on to do anymore acting. The reason was because I thought people would think I looked or acted funny. Yesterday, I had a break through, and really listened and tried hard to express the feeling of my character. I tried to pick parts that I was uncomfortable with. One thing that I picked a lot was a high status character, because in real life I am a shy person. I gave it my best try, and on one particular part I heard someone yell to me, that what I had just done was really good. I smiled shyly and said thanks.
The Cabinet War Rooms were quite amazing, dark and small. It had many rooms and all of them had different jobs. In one room you could contact any important person anywhere in the world, but it would probably get confusing with all the buttons and telephones. This great range of communication amazed me since it was only the 40’s. In another room they had siren and Winston Churchill’s speech about the Blitz the day after it happened. They made it seem so realistic, but it was a little hard to understand what he was trying to say. I could hear the siren from a few rooms before, and it scared me. I guess that added to the affect of the cramped dark quarters, and what it was like in the time of WWII.
When I first heard that The Tempest was going to be South African based, I thought that the may go over board with the culture, and it would ruin the whole play. As I thought about the biggest themes to play, forgiveness and being confined, it started to make sense about why the play was taking place in South Africa. It turned out that the play was very well done. They made these outrageously huge puppets that were very beautiful. And the clothes and the scenery was amazing. I honestly can say that I loved the whole thing. The acting was wonderful. One part though that I particularly liked was the very end. Prospero is leaving, and he pours water over Ariel’s body and it’s makes the white paint come off, which I found to be very powerful. Also Caliban at the end stands on a rock, eyes closed looking into the only spotlight that is on him, and he finally knows that he is free. The music throughout the whole play was all live, and suited each scene very well. Especially at the end when you hear a women singing in a different language and plucking of a guitar, which was very eerie and gave me the feeling that everything is all right.
SONNET
I wish this could go on longer
I want to live here
And witness this beauty everyday.
In the grass I will lay
And maybe shed a tear.
I want every memory to be clear.
I want to simply stay.
And have everything replay.
I wish everything would reappear.
As the rows of green fields pass by
mixxed with the sad guitar I listen to,
I silently cry.
The sky, the ocean, my eyes and my tears are blue.
This is my final goodbye!
Without this, what will I do?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
26 February 2009
Brave New Worlds:
How Miranda’s World has Changed and What We Need to Make Our World Change
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
25 February 2009
Brave New Worlds:
How Miranda’s World has Changed and What We Need to Make Our World Change
Many times, when something bad happens to me, I slowly recognize that my poor actions or decisions have brought about an unfortunate result. In the same way, the characters from “The Tempest” begin to realize what they are doing wrong and make a positive change.
In a difficult situation, you learn to accept the circumstances and begin to realize what went wrong. Both Caliban and Prospero find themselves in shameful situations, but after accepting the consequences of their bad decisions, they mend their ways. When Caliban starts drinking and hailing to the drunken man, Stephano, he realizes how foolish it is to pray to a drunken man. Also, Prospero abandons his fight to get revenge on his brother by giving up magic, and instead, forgives him. Caliban realizes that drinking is not going to solve his problems with Prospero. Caliban comes to terms with how poorly Prospero had treated him in hopes that Prospero will, as well. Caliban learns from his poor decisions and turns himself around by thinking of the possibilities of having a fresh start. Like Caliban, Prospero must resolve his bitter feelings toward his brother and start anew. Prospero finally realizes that there is no use in fighting anymore, after putting his brother and his companions under a spell. (Loose sentence) The resolution comes when Prospero gives up magic and forgives his brother. Only then, do Miranda, Prospero, Ariel and Caliban benefit from Prospero’s forgiveness and surrendering of the magical powers that he loved and used for no good. Now that Caliban and Prospero realize their mistakes, the island will return to a harmonious and tranquil place. (Periodic sentence)
Unlike the new world in “The Tempest”, our world is not realizing what we are doing wrong. In our world today, people don’t accept others for who they are. People judge on skin color, religion, and ethnicity. It is a sad thing to think that people have died and sacrificed so much of their lives in trying to suppress (100 SAT words) these actions and make a positive change, and it has not worked. If people demonstrated acceptance, tolerance and had the patience for others, the world would be a much more tranquil place than it is today. Everywhere you look on the news, in school, in work, someone is deceiving someone else. Very few people are considered loyal. For someone to be loyal, you have to trust them and know that they will stand by you. Someone who is loyal would not try to intentionally hurt another person. However, that is all that people seem to do. Being honest or telling the truth is hard for many people to do, especially if it puts them in an awkward situation. For this reason, people will choose to lie. If people were honest one hundred percent of the time, there would literally be no secrets, torturing, or any kind of deleterious (100 SAT words) problem that comes along with not telling the truth. Everybody who told the truth would have less stress in their lives, instead of worrying if anyone would find out that they didn’t tell the truth. If everybody emulated (100 SAT words) one of these virtues, then the world would be a “brave new world.”
If acceptance, loyalty and truthfulness can mend a fictional story, it certainly can mend a real world with real people. Most importantly, people must accept what they have done, tell the truth and be loyal to one another. Otherwise, the virtues do not work. We must have faith that everybody will follow the three virtues of acceptance, loyalty and truthfulness.
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
I have noticed recently that I’m having trouble with ending and starting by essays. My openings never seem to be intriguing enough and my endings seem kind of boring.
Some strong points I see.
I definitely did a good job checking over my work. The SAT words that I used I think fit well with the sentence I used them in.
Some weak points I see.
My transitions could be smoother from chunk to chunk and transitioning in paragraphs. I think the first paragraph is written kind of messily. It is somewhat hard to follow the sentences because I switch from Caliban to Prospero frequently and it gets confusing.
Grade I would give myself.
A-
Mr. Salsich
English 9
26 February 2009
Brave New Worlds:
How Miranda’s World has Changed and What We Need to Make Our World Change
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
25 February 2009
Brave New Worlds:
How Miranda’s World has Changed and What We Need to Make Our World Change
Many times, when something bad happens to me, I slowly recognize that my poor actions or decisions have brought about an unfortunate result. In the same way, the characters from “The Tempest” begin to realize what they are doing wrong and make a positive change.
In a difficult situation, you learn to accept the circumstances and begin to realize what went wrong. Both Caliban and Prospero find themselves in shameful situations, but after accepting the consequences of their bad decisions, they mend their ways. When Caliban starts drinking and hailing to the drunken man, Stephano, he realizes how foolish it is to pray to a drunken man. Also, Prospero abandons his fight to get revenge on his brother by giving up magic, and instead, forgives him. Caliban realizes that drinking is not going to solve his problems with Prospero. Caliban comes to terms with how poorly Prospero had treated him in hopes that Prospero will, as well. Caliban learns from his poor decisions and turns himself around by thinking of the possibilities of having a fresh start. Like Caliban, Prospero must resolve his bitter feelings toward his brother and start anew. Prospero finally realizes that there is no use in fighting anymore, after putting his brother and his companions under a spell. (Loose sentence) The resolution comes when Prospero gives up magic and forgives his brother. Only then, do Miranda, Prospero, Ariel and Caliban benefit from Prospero’s forgiveness and surrendering of the magical powers that he loved and used for no good. Now that Caliban and Prospero realize their mistakes, the island will return to a harmonious and tranquil place. (Periodic sentence)
Unlike the new world in “The Tempest”, our world is not realizing what we are doing wrong. In our world today, people don’t accept others for who they are. People judge on skin color, religion, and ethnicity. It is a sad thing to think that people have died and sacrificed so much of their lives in trying to suppress (100 SAT words) these actions and make a positive change, and it has not worked. If people demonstrated acceptance, tolerance and had the patience for others, the world would be a much more tranquil place than it is today. Everywhere you look on the news, in school, in work, someone is deceiving someone else. Very few people are considered loyal. For someone to be loyal, you have to trust them and know that they will stand by you. Someone who is loyal would not try to intentionally hurt another person. However, that is all that people seem to do. Being honest or telling the truth is hard for many people to do, especially if it puts them in an awkward situation. For this reason, people will choose to lie. If people were honest one hundred percent of the time, there would literally be no secrets, torturing, or any kind of deleterious (100 SAT words) problem that comes along with not telling the truth. Everybody who told the truth would have less stress in their lives, instead of worrying if anyone would find out that they didn’t tell the truth. If everybody emulated (100 SAT words) one of these virtues, then the world would be a “brave new world.”
If acceptance, loyalty and truthfulness can mend a fictional story, it certainly can mend a real world with real people. Most importantly, people must accept what they have done, tell the truth and be loyal to one another. Otherwise, the virtues do not work. We must have faith that everybody will follow the three virtues of acceptance, loyalty and truthfulness.
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
I have noticed recently that I’m having trouble with ending and starting by essays. My openings never seem to be intriguing enough and my endings seem kind of boring.
Some strong points I see.
I definitely did a good job checking over my work. The SAT words that I used I think fit well with the sentence I used them in.
Some weak points I see.
My transitions could be smoother from chunk to chunk and transitioning in paragraphs. I think the first paragraph is written kind of messily. It is somewhat hard to follow the sentences because I switch from Caliban to Prospero frequently and it gets confusing.
Grade I would give myself.
A-
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
19 February 2009
Music For the Soul:
How Music Makes Me and Caliban Feel
Music is an international entity. It’s everywhere, on the city streets, in the wind. It can even be stored in a one and a half inch by three and a half inch gadget, and with just a touch of a button, your ears fill with sound. I truly believe that music inspires people and can transform them whenever they hear it, feeling emotions through the melody and lyrics.
TS Caliban is not one of the most pleasant people to be around, but even a bad person can be transformed by music. SD Caliban, a mean ugly monster, (appositive noun) is changed into a relaxed gentle soul while listening to music. CM Music gives Caliban a topic to speak about with others and something to resort to when everything is wrong. CM Music is one of the few things that brings joy to Caliban, and that is why he loves it so much. SD Caliban hears his joyful music all the time, even in his sleep. CM The music that he hears “ give(s) delight and hurt(s) not.” CM He will sometimes hear “ a thousand twangling instruments” or “voices” that will wake him from his sleep, but then only to put him back to sleep again. SD The music that he hears makes him see things in his sleep that make him happy. CM He dreams that “the clouds…would open and show riches ready to drop upon [him]”. CM He dreams of the money that will make him so rich that he can either take over the island or sail away from his miseries. CS Of course, it is only a dream, but one that makes him jovial.
TS There are three items I always take with me: mints, chap-stick, and my Ipod. SD Music goes wherever I go. CM For me, music is like a religion; I’m always discussing or listening to some new song and you will likely see me with my headphones on. (short sentence within two long ones) CM Further strengthening my bond to music, my dad always has the radio on in his car and he is always introducing me to new songs and artists. (compound-complex sentence) SD Some would suggest that I know a great deal about music, but there is so much more to learn. CM Just like Caliban, music offers me a topic for discussion to talk about with other people. CM I could talk about various subjects, from the instruments to the lyrics or whether a song is good or bad. (sentence with three prepositional phrases) SD I couldn’t thrive without music, and once I hear a song, I want more and more, just like a drug addiction. CM In the book “Just Listen”, music-obsessed, Owen, has over 9,000 songs on his Ipod, which has become an unattainable goal for me. CM If music was an object, I would hide it away for safekeeping, because music is what makes us, us. CS If music didn’t exist; my life would be meaningless, because music plays a central role in my life.
Caliban, like me, relies on music as a place of refuge, especially in times of need. I feel that music helps both of us get in touch with ourselves, without any limitations on personal expression. Music is a focal point in both of our lives, and without it, our lives would be hollow.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
19 February 2009
Music For the Soul:
How Music Makes Me and Caliban Feel
Music is an international entity. It’s everywhere, on the city streets, in the wind. It can even be stored in a one and a half inch by three and a half inch gadget, and with just a touch of a button, your ears fill with sound. I truly believe that music inspires people and can transform them whenever they hear it, feeling emotions through the melody and lyrics.
TS Caliban is not one of the most pleasant people to be around, but even a bad person can be transformed by music. SD Caliban, a mean ugly monster, (appositive noun) is changed into a relaxed gentle soul while listening to music. CM Music gives Caliban a topic to speak about with others and something to resort to when everything is wrong. CM Music is one of the few things that brings joy to Caliban, and that is why he loves it so much. SD Caliban hears his joyful music all the time, even in his sleep. CM The music that he hears “ give(s) delight and hurt(s) not.” CM He will sometimes hear “ a thousand twangling instruments” or “voices” that will wake him from his sleep, but then only to put him back to sleep again. SD The music that he hears makes him see things in his sleep that make him happy. CM He dreams that “the clouds…would open and show riches ready to drop upon [him]”. CM He dreams of the money that will make him so rich that he can either take over the island or sail away from his miseries. CS Of course, it is only a dream, but one that makes him jovial.
TS There are three items I always take with me: mints, chap-stick, and my Ipod. SD Music goes wherever I go. CM For me, music is like a religion; I’m always discussing or listening to some new song and you will likely see me with my headphones on. (short sentence within two long ones) CM Further strengthening my bond to music, my dad always has the radio on in his car and he is always introducing me to new songs and artists. (compound-complex sentence) SD Some would suggest that I know a great deal about music, but there is so much more to learn. CM Just like Caliban, music offers me a topic for discussion to talk about with other people. CM I could talk about various subjects, from the instruments to the lyrics or whether a song is good or bad. (sentence with three prepositional phrases) SD I couldn’t thrive without music, and once I hear a song, I want more and more, just like a drug addiction. CM In the book “Just Listen”, music-obsessed, Owen, has over 9,000 songs on his Ipod, which has become an unattainable goal for me. CM If music was an object, I would hide it away for safekeeping, because music is what makes us, us. CS If music didn’t exist; my life would be meaningless, because music plays a central role in my life.
Caliban, like me, relies on music as a place of refuge, especially in times of need. I feel that music helps both of us get in touch with ourselves, without any limitations on personal expression. Music is a focal point in both of our lives, and without it, our lives would be hollow.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
5 February 2009
Freedom and Imprisonment:
What Would You Like to Look At Through Your Prison Window and What Is Freedom?
If you had the choice, what would be the one thing you would want to see in jail? What couldn’t you live without for one day? What is the most important thing in your life that you cherish so much that you wouldn’t want it to leave your side? Ferdinand from “The Tempest” would like to see the girl that he has fallen in love with, Miranda, each day because she is so beautiful and he couldn’t live without seeing her face.
Most people who are imprisoned would say they would like to see their relatives, pets, or maybe someone to confide in. What I would like to see though, is the ocean. I simply love the ocean; I love the sounds it makes when crashing against the rocks; I love how the color can change from a dark blue to a lighter blue to green, and I love how the ocean is full of possibilities, storms, the animals that live their and the things that happen in and on the ocean (Tricolon). I just ponder (FAST) all the possibilities the ocean can have: waves tiny or big, rough or bumpy, that can be fun to watch, but can also possess a destructive force. Observing the bountiful (FAST) life in the ocean and the people playing in the waves, reminds me of how life used to be. Sailing upon the waves with salt spray in my face makes me feel alive, and I would want to feel that again. If I became discouraged about something while in prison, I would listen to the waves crashing and the water seeping through the cracks in the rocks and it would calm me and put me to sleep. The ocean can change color and intensity, just as people can change their expressions, moods or opinions. The ocean inspires me to fight through the rough times and turbulent seas to eventually realize my dream of freedom.
The ocean never dies and covers nearly three-quarters of the earth. The ocean commands its own destiny and for this reason, I would like to be as free as the ocean. To have the power of movement, to have a mind of your own, to have no one tell you what to do and to have the power to create, would be invigorating (Tricolon/FAST). I would be free to crash, move and create currents wherever and whenever, and bring pleasure to people. No one could control me or attach strings to me or capture me in a cage, because as water I would have no boundaries and could assume the shape of my surroundings. I could swallow a boat or give the people the ride of their lives. I could make a rogue(FAST) wave and destroy something and only land could block me. Freedom is having no one to dictate to you or control you, but rather possessing your own opinion with the power to accomplish anything.
If I was imprisoned, my thoughts of the ocean would provide inspiration that maybe someday I would be as free as the ocean. If I was as free as the ocean, though, I wouldn’t abuse my power and destroy things or scare or hurt people. I would be a warm fun relaxing place, so that maybe somewhere someone who is imprisoned would be looking out through a window, admiring my freedom.
Mr. Salsich
English 9
5 February 2009
Freedom and Imprisonment:
What Would You Like to Look At Through Your Prison Window and What Is Freedom?
If you had the choice, what would be the one thing you would want to see in jail? What couldn’t you live without for one day? What is the most important thing in your life that you cherish so much that you wouldn’t want it to leave your side? Ferdinand from “The Tempest” would like to see the girl that he has fallen in love with, Miranda, each day because she is so beautiful and he couldn’t live without seeing her face.
Most people who are imprisoned would say they would like to see their relatives, pets, or maybe someone to confide in. What I would like to see though, is the ocean. I simply love the ocean; I love the sounds it makes when crashing against the rocks; I love how the color can change from a dark blue to a lighter blue to green, and I love how the ocean is full of possibilities, storms, the animals that live their and the things that happen in and on the ocean (Tricolon). I just ponder (FAST) all the possibilities the ocean can have: waves tiny or big, rough or bumpy, that can be fun to watch, but can also possess a destructive force. Observing the bountiful (FAST) life in the ocean and the people playing in the waves, reminds me of how life used to be. Sailing upon the waves with salt spray in my face makes me feel alive, and I would want to feel that again. If I became discouraged about something while in prison, I would listen to the waves crashing and the water seeping through the cracks in the rocks and it would calm me and put me to sleep. The ocean can change color and intensity, just as people can change their expressions, moods or opinions. The ocean inspires me to fight through the rough times and turbulent seas to eventually realize my dream of freedom.
The ocean never dies and covers nearly three-quarters of the earth. The ocean commands its own destiny and for this reason, I would like to be as free as the ocean. To have the power of movement, to have a mind of your own, to have no one tell you what to do and to have the power to create, would be invigorating (Tricolon/FAST). I would be free to crash, move and create currents wherever and whenever, and bring pleasure to people. No one could control me or attach strings to me or capture me in a cage, because as water I would have no boundaries and could assume the shape of my surroundings. I could swallow a boat or give the people the ride of their lives. I could make a rogue(FAST) wave and destroy something and only land could block me. Freedom is having no one to dictate to you or control you, but rather possessing your own opinion with the power to accomplish anything.
If I was imprisoned, my thoughts of the ocean would provide inspiration that maybe someday I would be as free as the ocean. If I was as free as the ocean, though, I wouldn’t abuse my power and destroy things or scare or hurt people. I would be a warm fun relaxing place, so that maybe somewhere someone who is imprisoned would be looking out through a window, admiring my freedom.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
1 February 2009
Confinement and Servitude:
Similarities and Differences in Ariel’s and Caliban’s Situation
When you have wanted something so badly, or miss something you once have had, it can be difficult vocalize it, especially when there was something that you were afraid of standing in your way. Ariel and Caliban, from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, both confronted this problem. Ariel’s dilemma was slightly easier than Caliban’s, because she was not ordered around doing Prospero’s dirty work. Caliban was a slave. Being ordered around, and being told what to do, he could not control his situation. (Sentence opener, participle phrase) Caliban had a glorious life before Prospero came to the island and wrested it away; whereas Ariel was given some control over her life, resulting in a slightly better life than Caliban’s.
Ariel’s position was gradually elevated from a powerless prisoner to a subordinate protégé of Prospero. When Ariel was with Sycorax, she could not obey “her earthy and abhorr’d commands.” Sycorax had “immitigable rage” that she confined Ariel in a pine tree for twelve years. When Sycorax died and Prospero arrived, he heard Ariel screaming to come out of the tree, so he freed her of her confinement. From that point on Ariel was thankful that Prospero freed her from the tree and obeyed him. Although he used her for her powers, Prospero was a great deal better to her than Sycorax ever was, treating her with respect. (Sentence closer, participle phrase) After she created the storm to strand the sailors, she wanted a break, because she “told [Prospero] no lies, made [him] no mistakings, served without or grudge or grumblings”, but Prospero replied if she complained anymore, he would put her in an oak tree. Ariel did not want to end up in a tree again, especially an oak tree since they were even stronger and harder to get out of. Ariel had more say and was not confined by Prospero; however, if she followed his orders, maybe she would have even more say. She also understood that Prospero would not make her do horrible things like Sycorax, which she was thankful for. Ariel was happier than before, but still would want to be completely free from anyone’s rule.
The relationship between Prospero and his slave, Caliban, disintegrated until Caliban became completely subservient and powerless. Although a native to the island, Caliban was a very ugly, freckly and deformed creature, who was generally disliked by most who knew him. Prospero always referred to Caliban as a “slave” or a “tortoise” who was “got by the devil himself”. Furthermore, the power of Prospero’s curses always outmatched Caliban’s curses. However, none of these reasons for the poor relationship between Caliban and Prospero compared to Prospero’s outrage over Caliban’s attempted rape of his daughter, Miranda. Of course, Prospero brought this up and Caliban retorted with, “O ho O ho! Would’t had been done! Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else this isle with Calibans.” Before all this happened, Prospero and he once lived in peace. Caliban showed Prospero the island and its resources and Prospero taught him his language. However, that was all destroyed in the end. Caliban was banished to the forest, far away from Prospero and his daughter, and Caliban was only summoned when Prospero wanted to make fun of him or had a dirty deed for him. Caliban conceded to the higher power even though he was a native, because he realized that he could never match a mighty man like Prospero.
Ariel and Caliban were both confined, because they were fearful of what Prospero would do if they did not obey him. They both longed for a better life, not to be threatened and ordered around, but they had no choice. Caliban, a completely powerless slave wanted to return to the freedom that he once enjoyed before Prospero came to his island. Ariel on the other hand, was somewhat satisfied with the life that Prospero had granted her, but like Caliban, longed for freedom and self-determination.
Intro:
Want something bad, miss something you once had, hard to vocalize when you are afraid, A and C both have problems A’s problem is better C used to have a glorious life before Prospero
1st Paragraph:
TS: In the beginning Ariel had no say in her life and was with told what to do
SD: Sycorax could not obey (use quote)
CM: Sycorax puts her in a tree
CM: Sycorax dies Prospero comes
SD: Prospero takes Ariel in
CM: uses her for her powers but better than Sycorax
CM: wants a break after creates the storm
SD: follows orders less confined but still is
CM: doesn’t want to end up in another tree
CM: know he would do terrible things
CS: Ariel is happier but still could be happier
2nd paragraph:
TS: Caliban Prospero’s slave, native
SD: curses against each other
CM: ugly deformed creature nobody likes
CM: tried t rape Miranda
SD: retorts at the subject
CM: once lived in peace
CM: lives in forest away from everything
CS: can’t fight Prospero
Con:
Both confined because afraid, would like a better life, C wants old life back, A wants the life she has but with more freedom
Self-assessment
The writing issues I am continuing to work on are punctuation and smoothness. I think with better punctuation skills my writing will become smother, so it’s kind of two in one.
I think I did a good job with blending my quotes into the sentences. It has always been a problem for me, because I usually use a quote as a sentence or the use of the quote isn’t right.
I don’t think I explained the similarities and differences of Ariel and Caliban very well. I feel as though I just explained what happened to them rather than comparing.
Grade: 85
Mr. Salsich
English 9
1 February 2009
Confinement and Servitude:
Similarities and Differences in Ariel’s and Caliban’s Situation
When you have wanted something so badly, or miss something you once have had, it can be difficult vocalize it, especially when there was something that you were afraid of standing in your way. Ariel and Caliban, from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, both confronted this problem. Ariel’s dilemma was slightly easier than Caliban’s, because she was not ordered around doing Prospero’s dirty work. Caliban was a slave. Being ordered around, and being told what to do, he could not control his situation. (Sentence opener, participle phrase) Caliban had a glorious life before Prospero came to the island and wrested it away; whereas Ariel was given some control over her life, resulting in a slightly better life than Caliban’s.
Ariel’s position was gradually elevated from a powerless prisoner to a subordinate protégé of Prospero. When Ariel was with Sycorax, she could not obey “her earthy and abhorr’d commands.” Sycorax had “immitigable rage” that she confined Ariel in a pine tree for twelve years. When Sycorax died and Prospero arrived, he heard Ariel screaming to come out of the tree, so he freed her of her confinement. From that point on Ariel was thankful that Prospero freed her from the tree and obeyed him. Although he used her for her powers, Prospero was a great deal better to her than Sycorax ever was, treating her with respect. (Sentence closer, participle phrase) After she created the storm to strand the sailors, she wanted a break, because she “told [Prospero] no lies, made [him] no mistakings, served without or grudge or grumblings”, but Prospero replied if she complained anymore, he would put her in an oak tree. Ariel did not want to end up in a tree again, especially an oak tree since they were even stronger and harder to get out of. Ariel had more say and was not confined by Prospero; however, if she followed his orders, maybe she would have even more say. She also understood that Prospero would not make her do horrible things like Sycorax, which she was thankful for. Ariel was happier than before, but still would want to be completely free from anyone’s rule.
The relationship between Prospero and his slave, Caliban, disintegrated until Caliban became completely subservient and powerless. Although a native to the island, Caliban was a very ugly, freckly and deformed creature, who was generally disliked by most who knew him. Prospero always referred to Caliban as a “slave” or a “tortoise” who was “got by the devil himself”. Furthermore, the power of Prospero’s curses always outmatched Caliban’s curses. However, none of these reasons for the poor relationship between Caliban and Prospero compared to Prospero’s outrage over Caliban’s attempted rape of his daughter, Miranda. Of course, Prospero brought this up and Caliban retorted with, “O ho O ho! Would’t had been done! Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else this isle with Calibans.” Before all this happened, Prospero and he once lived in peace. Caliban showed Prospero the island and its resources and Prospero taught him his language. However, that was all destroyed in the end. Caliban was banished to the forest, far away from Prospero and his daughter, and Caliban was only summoned when Prospero wanted to make fun of him or had a dirty deed for him. Caliban conceded to the higher power even though he was a native, because he realized that he could never match a mighty man like Prospero.
Ariel and Caliban were both confined, because they were fearful of what Prospero would do if they did not obey him. They both longed for a better life, not to be threatened and ordered around, but they had no choice. Caliban, a completely powerless slave wanted to return to the freedom that he once enjoyed before Prospero came to his island. Ariel on the other hand, was somewhat satisfied with the life that Prospero had granted her, but like Caliban, longed for freedom and self-determination.
Intro:
Want something bad, miss something you once had, hard to vocalize when you are afraid, A and C both have problems A’s problem is better C used to have a glorious life before Prospero
1st Paragraph:
TS: In the beginning Ariel had no say in her life and was with told what to do
SD: Sycorax could not obey (use quote)
CM: Sycorax puts her in a tree
CM: Sycorax dies Prospero comes
SD: Prospero takes Ariel in
CM: uses her for her powers but better than Sycorax
CM: wants a break after creates the storm
SD: follows orders less confined but still is
CM: doesn’t want to end up in another tree
CM: know he would do terrible things
CS: Ariel is happier but still could be happier
2nd paragraph:
TS: Caliban Prospero’s slave, native
SD: curses against each other
CM: ugly deformed creature nobody likes
CM: tried t rape Miranda
SD: retorts at the subject
CM: once lived in peace
CM: lives in forest away from everything
CS: can’t fight Prospero
Con:
Both confined because afraid, would like a better life, C wants old life back, A wants the life she has but with more freedom
Self-assessment
The writing issues I am continuing to work on are punctuation and smoothness. I think with better punctuation skills my writing will become smother, so it’s kind of two in one.
I think I did a good job with blending my quotes into the sentences. It has always been a problem for me, because I usually use a quote as a sentence or the use of the quote isn’t right.
I don’t think I explained the similarities and differences of Ariel and Caliban very well. I feel as though I just explained what happened to them rather than comparing.
Grade: 85
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
12 January 2009
Revenge:
An Analysis of a Theme in “The Tempest” and Shakespeare’s Use of
Literary Terms
TS In Act 2, Scene 1 on page ten of The Tempest, Shakespeare’s theme is revenge. SD Miranda is confused about why her father, Prospero, created a storm and sunk a ship; she is distressed hearing the people scream as it goes down into the waves. CM Prospero enlightens her of their past and how they became stranded on an island. CM He tells of how he was, “Reputed in dignity, and for the liberal arts without a parallel; those being all my study, the government cast upon my brother”. SD When he was duke of Milan, he only read books about geography and the arts; he did not pay attention to what his brother was plotting. CM At one point, Prospero loved his brother. However, he soon discovered that his brother could “be so perfidious”. CM One day, his brother usurped his position of Duke of Milan and “Transported and rapt in secret studies” Prospero and his daughter out to sea in a small dilapidated boat. SD Ironically, Antonio and The King of Naples once sent Prospero out on a boat. Now Antonio and The King of Naples are on a ship and Prospero is controlling the storm that strands them on the island with him. CM Also, tempest itself is a symbol. CM The tempest refers to the army that expelled Prospero and his daughter much like the storm that has stranded Antonio and the King of Naples on the island. CS Who knew one’s brother could be so deceiving?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
15 November 2008
What do you regret?
What I regret and what Mr. Scrooge regrets
Do you ever want to go back in time and change something? Do you even realize at that instant that you might regret what you are doing? Scrooge didn’t realize what he was doing to himself or to others until his dead friend came to talk to him about his faults. I didn’t even think what I was saying or doing when my grandma called, and now, just like Scrooge, I regret what happened that day.
TS A few days before she died, my grandma called. SD I remember that she was asking a lot of questions and I wasn’t really paying attention because I had a friend over and we were getting ready to leave for a long weekend in New Hampshire CM She was telling me about this “game”, the choking game, where kids try to hold their breath as long as they can. CM I told her that I had never heard of it and neither had my friend. SD She told me to never play this game because kids were dying from playing it. CM I told her I never would, and that it was unintelligent for a person to do something like that. CM She was satisfied with my answer, and we eventually parted with, “I love you”. CS Since then, I have kept my promise to her and have not done anything that would put my life in danger and I hope my grandma is looking down on me and is pleased with what she is seeing.
TS There are many things I regret that day, including some things that I learned when I was child that I could have done better. SD For instance, when I was talking to her on the phone, I didn’t make her feel loved because I was preoccupied with what was happening at the time. CM If I had known that it would be the last time I talked to her, I would have shown more love toward her. CM I should have at least shown a more caring tone in my voice because I think she thought I didn’t care at the time. SD Secondly, I wasn’t paying attention and listening to what she had to say. CM I should have excused myself from my friend’s company and gone to another room. I was so distracted by my friend’s presence, that I wasn’t even paying attention to her conversation, which made it hard to say anything meaningful. CM My grandma didn’t show she was hurt and I realize that she just wanted to hear my eager voice, but instead I think she was disappointed with me. CS If I could do it all over again and make my grandma come back, I would do everything in the world to make her feel wanted and needed.
You never know what the future will bring, so be careful about what you do and say. I am not saying always do everything right, but try to be as kind as possible because it might come back to bite you, so bite it before it bites you. In other words, be ahead of the game and if you can’t, change what you have done. If you regret something, try to fix it; and if you can, do so quickly.
Graphic organizer
Introduction: Do you ever want to go back in time and fix something or do you even realize at that instant that what you are doing might be a regret later. Scrooge didn’t realize what he was doing to himself and others until his dead friend came to talk to him about. I didn’t realize it until that person was gone.
1st body paragraph:
TS: New Hampshire, few days before my grandma died
SD: she was asking a lot of questions and I wasn’t paying attention
CM: told me about the choking game
CM: I had never heard of it
SD: kids were dying from it
CM: I never would do it because it was unintelligent
CM: was pleased
CS: kept my promise
2nd body paragraph:
TS: many things I regret, and I had learned these things long ago
SD: didn’t make her feel loved
CM: if I had known it would have been the last time, I would have showed more love
CM: I think she thought I didn’t care about her at the time
SD: wasn’t paying attention or listening
CM: should have excused myself from my friend
CM: didn’t show she was hurt but I knew she was disappointed
CS: make her feel wanted and needed
Conclusion: I am not saying always do everything right but try to be as kind as possible because it might come back and bite you, but you have to bite it before it bites you. In other words be ahead of the game. If you regret something try to fix if you can that is and if you can do so quickly.
Self Assessment
What I like best about my essay…
What I like about my essay is that I think I did a good job explaining my feelings about what happened that day. I did a good job going into depth about my feelings for my grandma, too.
What was the hardest part of this assignment for me?
Organization was the hardest part for me. I don’t think it flows very well and maybe in some parts boring.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Message in a Christmas story
What you should do in life
We all understand that some things in life are hard to give up and others not so much. Jacob Marley And Ebenzer Scrooge were and are two very selfish people who only think of themselves. Jacob Marley died with and burden that he didn’t even notice he was wearing around his waist until when he died and was sent back to earth to wander it to try to help people not become like him. The ghost of Jacob comes to speak to Scrooge about his mistakes so far in life and how to become a better person.
TS Have you ever thought how your actions for people, and not for yourself are more important? SD The Ghost Jacob Marley in the story “A Christmas Carol” tries to tell his mortal friend that what he is doing is wrong, and that he should help people instead of turning them away. CM Jacob says to Scrooge that once you keep on being selfish it will eventually catch up to you and you have to pay for it when you die. CM This is what Jacob had to do because he was the same way Scrooge was, stingy, stubborn, cranky and mean old man, and now he has come to tell Scrooge that he needs to change. SD “ I wear the chain I forged in life, I made it made link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.” CM By being mean and only thinking for himself, Jacob had some sort of a “weight” that he wore around his waist and every time he refused to help some one it would get a tiny bit bigger and he didn’t even notice the weight he was carrying until he died. CM The message that completely but simply sums this moral up is that, It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice. CS A businessman like Scrooge should maybe follow his dead friends advice on changing instead of waiting around being mean to people and until it’s to late to go back.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Olivia's Essay
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
21 November 2008
Words, Hatred and Courage
Your impact on people
When you say something just to joke around, do you ever think about how some people might take it seriously? Have you ever seen someone hurt another person physically just because of who they are? What would you do to stop this? Would you have enough courage to stand up to that person and say stop? This happened to Stump Olsen, who is gay. While she was growing up, no one was there to say stop to those people who verbally, mentally and physically abused her because of her sexual orientation.
TS Stump Olsen recently came in to talk about her experience as a lesbian in high school; her experience was like no one else’s. SD When she told us that she got beaten up and called names, my first reaction was how could someone do that? However, I quickly realized that most people do not accept those who are different. CM Olsen said instead of focusing (participle) on schoolwork, she had to focus on how to get from class to class without getting attacked. At least twice a week she would get jumped, and no one said anything about it, not even the teachers. CM Every time she was attacked, she would secretly hope that the “gay” would get beaten out of her so that the next day she would not be gay anymore. I thought it was really sad that she felt that she had to conform. SD I was deeply moved when she mentioned her family. Olsen’s parents have not spoken to her or had any contact with her since she “came out” to them fifteen years ago while in college. Olsen still looks in her mailbox for a birthday card from her parents or siblings, even though she knows she will not get one. CM Also, Olsen has not spoken to her older sister and younger brother during the past fifteen years. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to have no contact whatsoever with your family for that long just because you are different. CS There are people who would wish to do harm to those whom they view as being diferent. It seems as though no one ever steps in and says, “Stop!”
TS Discrimination comes in numerous forms; you could not like someone else’s religion, how a person looks, or their sexual orientation. SD The discrimination that Ms. Olsen faced was against gays and how some people act toward them. CM People can view things differently and people can treat others differently. CM Some people just cannot tolerate a person being different so they have to hurt them, which is not right (absolute). SD Ms. Olsen was discriminated against and even though people and teachers were aware of it, no one ever did anything. CM If she had a better relationship with her parents, she could have told them what was happening. Instead, she kept it to herself without anybody to support and protect her. CM It is unfair to pick on someone and especially wrong to hurt them physically just because they are different than you. CS It is terrible for someone to have to experience what Ms. Olsen did and it is hard to imagine that it actually happened.
Some people cannot accept that some differences in other people are not by their own choice and cannot be changed. Tolerance of these differences must be learned. People can think these differences are strange, but they should not express how they feel toward that person, no matter how much they want or feel the need to. No one should ever hurt anyone in any way just because they are different.
Self Assessment
Writing Issues I’m continuing working on.
The big things for me are punctuation and smoothness. I’ve been trying to work my transitions with using words like however or for example instead of just repeating myself. I’ve always have had trouble with punctuation, especially with commas which makes me write run on sentences which I have trouble identifying. So I’m working on identifying punctuation and run on sentences.
Some strong points I see.
I feel like I made some good points in my essay, especially in my first body paragraph. I also feel like I checked it over really well for mistakes, even though I probably missed some.
Some weak points I see.
I feel like that my second body paragraph is a little short but I think I have good points but I could have elaborated on them. I also don’t think my conclusion is that strong, but I could be wrong.
Grade I would give myself.
86
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Olivia's Essay 6
Olivia Denison
Mr. Salsich
English 9
13 November 2008
Take a look around you
A three paragraph essay on “The Way to Rainy Montain”
1. “The Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday, on the surface, is a story about his dying grandmother’s life and where she lived, but it is actually much more than that. 2. When you look more closely at the descriptions of the land, the animals and even his grandmother’s life, there is actually a deeper meaning. 3. With Momaday’s use of imagery, a mental picture is formed from his words. 4. His writing is very meaningful and inspiring to his people, but also can have different meanings to all people.
(TS) From the many quotes that I could have chosen, I feel that three show Momaday’s use of imagery the best. (SD) “To look upon that landscape…is to lose all sense of proportion. Your imagination comes to life, and this, you think, is where Creation was begun.” This quote paints a picture in my mind. (CM) Momaday capitalized the ‘C’ in creation, because he was talking about it in the biblical sense, comparing the land and how beautiful it was to when man first walked the earth. (CM) Also, he seems to be saying you can lose yourself either in the vastness of the mountains or in their beauty. (SD) “It was a journey toward the dawn, and it led to the golden age.” (CM) Here, Momaday is talking about how his people migrated south and east to find better land and a new beginning, which started a new and plentiful age of success. (CM) The fact that these people sacrificed everything to make a journey to a new land is quite remarkable. (SD) “The sun follows a longer course in the day, and the sky is immense beyond all comparison.” (CM) This quote makes me believe that it is summer time and the sky is so big you could run forever without end. (CM) Momaday is saying that the sky is the limit and there is more out there than just mountains and trees. (CS) In his writing, Momaday is trying to say that there are memories and stories these trees and animals can tell with the way they stand or with their eyes.
1. The essay was interesting, and Momaday writes like no one else. 2. He incorporates his culture and beliefs very well into his grandmother’s death. 3. At first I did not appreciate why he was writing about this, but afterwards I could see how important it was to him to write about his grandmother growing up and dying. 4. Momaday cleverly related his life and his grandmother’s life to the land where he grew up.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Olivia's Essay
Have you ever re-read a book? If you have I’m sure you have noticed at least one thing that you missed or had a better understanding of the book after re-reading it. There were a couple things that I missed while re-reading the “Garden Party”, but one thing that I noticed was how much the author mentions class distinctions. She mentions this throughout the story bad some things aren’t as evident as the others.
(TS) When I read the “Garden Party” a second time I noticed how immense the theme of class distinction was used. (SD) This first comes into play when the men come to set the marquee up for the Sheridan’s garden party. (CM) These men are much like the ones that live in the village under the Sheridan’s. (CM) Although, Laura thinks that they are much more fitting for her taste then the men of her standards. (SD) During the setting up of the garden party, the Sheridan’s are informed that a man in the village was killed by getting thrown off his horse. (CM) When Laura hears this she is quick to say to her sister and mother that they should stop the garden party because it would bother the mourning family of the dead man to se people coming to a party. (CM) Her sister thinks Laura is being, “extravagant” and that “You won’t bring a drunken workmen back to life by being sentimental” (SD) Laura’s sister is comparing him to the workmen who came to set up the marquee and she is making assumptions that they are drunk just because they are below them. (CM) Her mother reacts the same way, when Laura tells her and her mom tries to distract her by giving her a hat that makes her look beautiful to wear to the garden party. (CM) It does but after the garden party Laura brings leftovers from the party to the dead mans house and she see him lying in bed and how beautifully serene he is. (CS) Nothing can distract Laura from the fact that they aren’t like her but Laura can see that they really are like them.
Once re-reading the Garden Party, I was able to understand more what everything meant, even parts I was confused about. I would advise others to re-read books of theirs too because even though you thought you understood it you might get a different feeling, understanding or you might see the story from someone else’s perspective. You can share your thoughts about the book better and feel as though you understand it better than those who didn’t re-read it. Maybe I’ll re-read book that I don’t understand more often to help increase my knowledge about them.
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