The Storm

Reading Literature
1. The storm led to the "storm" in the story. Calixta cheated on her husband. At the same time, when the storm ended, everything in everyones life was happy and blissful.
2. I think its a little of both. The saying is true, yes, everyone is happy. But at the same time, there are a lot of secrets that could crush that happiness everyone is experiencing.
3. The stories details tells us that Calixta is seemingly very beautiful.

Journal Entry
The stories title could not only refer to the storm taking place in the story, but also to the events, or "storm" in the story. Calixta takes a chance by losing herself in a lost love while her husband is away. It could cause a lot of drama. That being said, the title could also refer to a calm before the storm that the readers have to infer on their own.

Good Luck Good Night SOAPSTone

Speaker:  Most of the time, Edward Murrow.
Occasion: The 1950's and 60's, during  the time of McCarthyism and all that.
Audience: The nation viewing the TV program, especially the ones under McCarthy's spell.
Purpose: To shine light on the wrong that McCarthy was doing.
Subject: Outing McCarthy.
Tone: Serious. Dull. Expected. Daring. More seriousness.

Half-Hanged Mary SOAPSTone

Speaker: Mary Webster.
Occasion: She was being hanged for witchcraft, but she really was an innocent.
Audience: The readers, and also in a way, her accusers.
Purpose: I think the purpose was for people to see that you could write wrongs, and that what's meant to be will be. She obviously wasn't meant to die just yet, so she didn't die. She suffered some, but didn't die.
Subject: I think the subject would have to be the witch trials, and the difference between good and evil.
Tone: The tone was kind of dark, but at the same time, it was enlightening. It opened the eyes of the readers to the way things were back in that era.

Are You Now or Were You Ever?

1. Miller attempted to make life real again through his play by portraying real life issues. Trust is a major one. Not everyone was trusted in the Crucible, with evidence through all the people that were accused of witchcraft. One would accuse the neighbor they grew up with if there was even a sense of suspicion, all because of the ideas that were drilled into ones head. Miller also showed real life problems of guilt, pride, relationships, and, in a sense, love.

2. They didn't acknowledge the truth. Paul's testimony was so remarkable because he made great points that most wouldn't and made people think about a lot.

3. The theme would be epiphany's, or realizations and recognition. This theme relates because it's talked about how certain aspects (McCarthyism) are brought to life, so therefore; recognition, and realization.

4. The meaning of that saying, I think, is that the Devil is very seductive and people can get sucked into his works and lose their beliefs without even realizing it. When they do realize it, it's too late.  The vital think to remember is the distinguished line between right and wrong, and to remember your morals and ethics.

9/11 Journal Entry

The difference between the impact of the mural and of the photograph, in my opinion, is that the mural is more serious, and the photograph is a little happier because of the two girls playing. I think that I found the photograph more moving, because it shows that people can move on from a tragedy, and also the photograph emphasizes the innocence of a child.

9/11 Reading Images

1. The mural includes the date of the attack, the American Flag, and stars.

2. The impression that the photograph wants to create is one of thought. The artist wants the viewer to think about the meaning of the mural. The details make the reader think of America because of the flag, and the date because of the "in memory."

3. Both, because of the variety.

Crucible Overview

Overall, I was actually really interested in The Crucible. The Salem witch trials have always fascinated me, and reading something dealing with them was cool. Abby and her little friends really got on my nerves. Innocent people were losing their lives because of being accused of something they actually were. It was irritating. But overall, The Crucible had a good message and was a good read.

Shooting an Elephant Writing Workshop

Many a time have I been in a situation that went against my beliefs. Peer pressure plays a huge role in society this day in age. People want you to be like them, or they don't want you with them at all. Sometimes that conflicts with what you believe in. I had friends who got themselves into situations that were a little less than appropriate for someone our age. On occurrence, there was a time when everyone was choosing to do something, and, because I couldn't get myself out of there, I was forced to take part in something that I didn't want to do. Sure, it was something silly, but nontheless. I didn't want to do it and I had to.

Shooting an Elephant Journal Entry

I wouldn't say that Orwell is a coward. I think that he was in a tight situation at the time. He was in a strange place at an awkward time, and he was outnumbered. He knew what people wanted, and he wanted their acceptance. So he gave in and killed the elephant. As for racism, well, not really. I didn't find this essay to be all that interesting, if you want me to be honest. It's hard to explain how I feel toward it. Maybe I'll come back and edit it later.

Shooting an Elephan

1. Orwell is hated by large numbers of people in Burma because he is from the European decent.
2. Local officials want something done with the elephant because it's proving to be a problem with the townspeople.
3. Orwell decides to kill the elephant because it is what people expect him to do.
4. Orwell was glad the collie was killed because that means he wouldn't get in trouble for shooting the elephant

1. The real nature of imperialism means giving into the desires of others. You do what others expect of you, instead of doing what you want to do.
2. I think in a way, Orwell wrote this essay to both inform and to persuade. He wanted to inform people of the problem, and persuade them to not fall into it.

The Scarlet Letter Overview

I've never been more uninterested, and at the same time so drawn into a book before. Like ever. In the beginning, reading the book was kind of crucial. The language was hard to understand, the detail was overwhelming. However, as time progressed, I grew used to Nathanial Hawthorne's way of writing. Overall, it was a good book. I was a bit disappointed at the ending, however. I wish Hester and Dimmesdale would have had the opportunity to be together. I think they would have been great if they ever had the chance to be a functional couple. I think Pearl would have turned out better, even though the book says she turned out great. I guess I'm just a sucker for a happy ending. The ending we got wasn't necessarily bad. To me, I guess it was just a tad bittersweet.

Finishing School - Journal Entry

     Many a time have I sat in class, when a simple thought would wander through my mind; "When am I ever going to use this?" Oh, it never fails to make me roll my eyes and sigh in annoyance. Math isn't something that really appeals to me or the field of work I plan to go into, and I don't need to know the history of the world to listen to people talk about their lives, or to be out on the field getting the latest news story, and especially not when I'm cuddled up with my laptop, writing a new chapter to the novel I'm working on. I don't need numbers or history for that! That's what Google is for (:
     Sometimes, yes, I'm proven wrong and find myself thinking that I'm glad I knew something. Emphasis on sometimes. I suppose one day I'll be grateful for all the knowledge I had the privilege of being taught. But for now, I'm just another selfish and unsatisfied teenager who thinks certain things are just a waste of time, and who teachers roll their eyes at.
     A+ for honesty! (:

Civil Disobedience - Critical Reading Questions

1. I personally prefer a democracy. I like to have a say in things, and I don't like to be commanded on everything I do. With a democracy, citizens have say in certain aspects, and government doesn't control every breath a person takes. 

2. "That government is best which governs least." Thoreau would love to see that government all over the place, where it's there, but at the same time, doesn't hold a hundred percent control. 

3. Thoreau defines the best possible kind of government as one that does not constrict its people. Americans will get the best possible kind of government, when they themselves can act as it. 

4. Thoreau is in a way asking all of his readers to voice their thoughts on government, and to not hold back. His argument is persuasive and makes people contemplate the way they live. 

5. If I were to counter Thoreau's objections to standing government, I would use examples about how if there were no government, a lot of people wouldn't know what to do with their lives when it comes to certain subjects, and about how it would more than likely be chaotic and start conflicts. 

Emerson's Self-Reliance: Critical Reading Questions

1. Aspects of today's American culture that reflect Emerson's belief in self-reliance, I think, would maybe be free thinking? Also, the fact that people often change their minds and are often misunderstood with what they are saying. Possibly.
2. Recall: Conspiracy, joint-stock company.
Interpret: Society's main purpose, according to Emerson, is to take away all free thought and individuality.
Draw Conclusions: Emerson believes people should be affected by the way others perceive them as nonchalant. It shouldn't matter what people think of you.
3. Pythagoras, Socrates, and the rest of the scientists were all widely known and misinterpreted. To be great is to be misunderstood is an backed up by all the greats in the world were in some way, shape, or form misunderstood at one point or another.
4. Foolish is important because it makes a clear point on Emerson's opinion on what he was writing of. Emerson thinks that each person's reason for living is, in one way of description, to take away something from another, whether it be mentally or physically. He pinpointed individuality and freedom of thought.
5. When Emerson says divine, I think in a way he is saying fate. What circumstances one is going to go through is already predetermined, and going to happen regardless.
6. I think I would choose "to be great is to be misunderstood" as a guideline for personal conduct, because I love the irony of it, and it's telling that it's okay to not be perfect, and you can still make something of yourself regardless of perfection.

Journal Entry #1 (:

     The day was fading. Clouds filled the sky, making the last rays of sunlight slip away. The evil Vulture flew through the dark sky, the amazing Spider-man unconscious in his arms. A smirk slipped across the evil face of the flying villain as he dropped the hero into a huge water tank, a haunting laugh emitting from his lips.
     It wasn't long after the Vulture flew away that the chilled water from the tank awoke the half spider, half man who was trapped inside. Realizing the situation he was in, Spider-man scolded himself for being so careless as to let this happen to him. What was he thinking? The solution was simple; shoot the web that weaves itself through his veins. Spider-man lifts his arm up, index and pinky finger pointed toward the sky, and then! Nothing. He tries again, furrowing his brow when a continuous result of nothing keeps occurring. What was happening? Suddenly, the realization hits him. He didn't refill the spidey web after the last time he used it. There was nothing internally mixed to save him.
     Spider-man knew he had to try something else; anything to save him from drowning or suffocating in the cool water that surrounds him. Several failed attempts are made to climb the tank wall, but it's just too slippery! Think spider-man, think! Just like that, the peices of the puzzle come together. Thinking is the one thing he needs to do. All he had to do to get free, is calm down and use his head. Eyes closed, Spider-man takes several deep breaths. His adventurous eyes snap open when it comes to him. Just above his head was a ladder! The ladder that would lead to his salvation! And lead it did. Minutes later, Spider-man crawls to the moonlit night, knowing he had to find the Vulture and end the evil that was sure to come if he didn't. But first, to refill his spidey-web. Spider-man took off into the foggy night, back to his downtown studio apartment. He knew what he had to do.

Why Hello There :)

So I was told before we posted anything assignment related, we had to make a post saying we knew what we were doing. To all my AP classmates out there, hey, I think I know what I'm doing!
Kaythanksbye :)