So Far in The Scarlet Letter...

The Scarlet Letter is proving to be a much more difficult read than I was lead to believe - it's a good thing I got the Dover Thrift Study Edition!!! It's really helpful! I'm still loving how the book was written, how the words flow smoothly together and sound almost like poetry. The storyline is coming together quite well, though I wouldn't have perceived the acute details of the plot had I not looked in the chapter summary. Truthfully, I'm partially worried about how long it's going to take me to read this book. The actual report on it should be fairly easy to create, though.

My Thoughts on The Scarlet Letter

I must admit, I was the tiniest bit worried that The Scarlet Letter would have been written in a difficult-to-read voice, but I was mostly mistaken. The voice is, I admit, a bit difficult to understand, but flows smoothly and elegantly. It sounds both personal and intimate at the same time as sounding formal and with poise. It is so far very well written and, except for the ridiculously long introductory "chapter," I am quite enjoying the story. Of course, that is greatly due to the fact that it is a Dover Thrift Study Edition, which greatly increases understanding.

I chose "The Scarlet Letter" for the Book Report

I chose to read The Scarlet Letter for the book report. I saw it among the list that was emailed to all of the PATH Comp and Lit 2 students, and I'd heard the name before, so I looked it up further. Upon reading the summary, I remembered being told that, despite its controversial theme, it was an amazing read. Next, I looked over the questions that are part of the book report, and realized that I'd have a LOT to work with. I then got permission to read the book for the assignment from Mrs. Marietta. Once done, my mom and I picked out the book on Amazon.com. A NEW book, including a TON of helpers (it's a "Dover Thrift Study Edition"), was only $2.16!!! It won't be at my house until probably Monday or Tuesday, but everything else about it is perfect!!!

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-on-the-Moon Marigolds - Act 1

I can relate to Tilly way-too well.

• Loving school and having people laugh at you because of it ("Geek!" "Nerd!")
• Being worried about her sister (and brother - Kimber and Leinad)
• Having a sister, but not feeling a true binding between them (me and my half-sister)

And even more, but would be ... unfitting ... (for lack of a better word) ... to put on a public blog. I love the story and they straight, to-the-point way in which it was written. I can tell there's a deeper meaning that at first found, so I'm actively searching for it. ... 

How does the theme of Romeo and Juliet relate to the tragedy of the play?

The main idea of Romeo and Juliet is tragedy, star-crossed lovers. Without the love between Romeo and Juliet, there would be no story line for the play (or a title). Everything else about the play leads back to the theme of un-allowed but un-dying love.

Each character in the story, and even how they interact, adds more depth and meaning to the fact that there is no possible way for Romeo and Juliet to be together; yet, despite it all, no matter how others try to stand in their way, they refuse to give up the love held so dearly to them. The family feud, as irrational and childish as it may be, is a further implication that everything in the play revolves around the many, many reasons to keep Romeo and Juliet apart.

All in all, the "star-crossed lovers" idea is the theme of the whole play, with any and all other facets pointing back to the fact that, no matter what, love endures all. In this way, Romeo and Juliet becomes the most classic love story of them all.

Romeo and Juliet - Theme of Classical Tragedy

I don't know where else to record it, but I guess I'll post on here my "writing" about the theme of classical tragedy in Romeo and Juliet.

How Shakespeare addressed it - He wrote the play focused on the star-crossed lovers, making it not only a tale of a sad tragedy, but also a musical story of undying (no pun intended) love.

How the characters relate to it - Each of the characters add another angle to the play, making it more and more complex, and also more realistic, since in any story, the main character(s) become at least slightly influenced the less-important-seeming characters.

How the plot relates to it - "Classical Tragedy" basically is the plot of the play, the centerpoint of the story. Even the family feud added depth and stronger emotion to the main idea - two people falling in love, against all odds, and won't give it up.

Romeo And Juliet Review on Act I

As expected, I am really enjoying reading Romeo and Juliet. I LOVE how Shakespeare writes, it's almost as if the words are singing! There are, of course, words I don't understand or am confused about, but overall, I really enjoy reading his writing. The characters' personalities are a bit difficult to understand, which is unsurprising, seeing that their characteristics are hundreds of years old. I can see the beginning of the plot playing out, with the two families fighting and Romeo suffering from the loss of love. I can't wait to read on!!!

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, Act II

Surprisingly, I really liked reading The Night Thoreau Spent In Jail. I really like the idea of Transcendentalism, though I'm not sure whether or not I believe in it; and Henry David Thoreau is a very interesting character/person.

·         May of the conversations in this book contain examples of irony.  List a few and explain why each is ironic. 
 1. Thoreau tells Bailey not to become educated, but is well educated, himself. [Hypocritical]
 2. Thoreau tells Ellen Sewell to have her own thoughts, yet he impresses his opinions onto her. [Hypocritical]
 3. Emerson "preaches" about certain topics, telling everyone to act upon certain ideas, yet doesn't do so himself; the whole while, Thoreau is the perfect example of what Emerson teaches. [Hypocritical]


·         List the three most important characters.  Choose a present day actor/actress to take the role of each.  Explain why you would make these casting decisions and base your answers on the words and actions of each of the characters from the play.
 1. Henry David Thoreau: Mel Gibson - sometimes appears wild
 2. Ralph Waldo Emerson: George Clooney - aging, fun, but also semi-serious
 3. John Thoreau: Matt Damon - young, fun, but seems more serious than Henry


·         Does Henry’s protest prove successful in the end?  Explain.
 To me, Henry's protest proves successful in the end. Even though he, individually, did not succeed in his endeavors, he became the role model for civil disobedience. The night he spent in jail became a widely-told story, a living legend.

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail

The use of huckleberries as symbolism:
 The book had said that huckleberries were common in the woods behind Thoreau's house; this symbolized ideas, being common, especially when in relation to Thoreau. When they were "picking huckleberries," that symbolized choosing and elaborating on different ideas.

Perfect Day for a Bananafish and TCITR

I'm not finding much of a connection between the characters of the Catcher in the Rye and a Perfect Day for a Bananafish. Perhaps Seymour Glass is like Holden, a little unsteady and unusual in the head. Maybe Sybil is like Holden's little sister? I'm not at all sure, though. I all but ripped the paper copy of the A.P.D.F.A.B. in half when I got to the end. My mom was disgusted when I told her; she, and I, were wondering why in the world we would read something like that.

Review on The Catcher In The Rye #2

I'm liking the story more and more. I certainly don't like the cussing and the innappropriot ihings mentioned, but it's not as bad as it could be. (Yes, I'm trying to be optimistic about it.)

Questions posed by Mrs. Marietta:
* If you were Holden, and you had just been kiched out
of school, where would you go? Why?
   > I would probably go back home, my parents would
      deserve to know what happened, and I wouldn't waste
      all of my money on hotels and the like, because
      eventually the money will run out and I'd have to go
      back home, anyways. The money might as well be saved.

* Free-write about Jane's character and her importance
to Holden
   > Jane seems to be of good quality. Obviously, she's
      not the smartest, since she agreed to go on a date with
      Holden's ex-roommate, but Holden still believes she was
      smart enough to tell him "no", and mean it. Jane seems to
      be a reminder of the innocence of Holden's childhood,
      and he can't seem to stop thinking about her, and any
      other stories that could possibly be connected to her.

* At the end of Chapter 12, Holden says, "people
are always ruining things for you." Discuss whether
or not you think that is true. Can you think of a time
someone "ruined" something for you?
   > I think the statement is partially true, that other
      people's decisions can negatively affect how you
      feel / what happens; but I'm not of the opinion that
      your whole life, and all of the "ruin"s included, were
      caused by other "people". I can't think of a time
      when "people" ruined things for me, because I've
      been taught that you are in charge of you, so it's
      your fault if you get angry, since you're the one
      that let them get under your skin.

Thoughts on "The Catcher In The Rye" (CITR)

Even though the grammar is a bit rough, I truthfully find it refreshing to read something so freely written; it's almost as if I'm actually reading something from a person in my (technical) grade. This makes the story more homey, and I'm glad to say I find this book more more initially interesting than the Odyssey.

Questions posed by Mrs. Marietta:
*What does it mean to be unique?
     Being unique is the right all people of all cultures share.
     You can think the way you want, look the way you
     want, and be the person you want to be. Some wish
     to withhold that right from us, but such is an
     abomination - uniqueness is a gift, an ability to have a different viewpoint.
* How do we keep individuality in an adult world?
     Even I sometimes find myself trying to be 'grown-up', not
     allowing myself to 'just have some fun'. Doing
     such is partaking of the adult world, where things must
     be calm, orderly, and strict. When going to work
     as an adult, you must wear nice clothing, but not too
     nice; you must fit in. Such a loss of individuality truely
     dampens the spirit. To stay our individual and unique
     selves, you must never find yourself submitting to 'the
     common idea'. Even if you must keep your imaginations
     locked within yourself, don't forget that deep
     down inside of you is that little 10-year old, wanting to
     play, and have fun.
*How is Allie's character similar to your favorite person?
     Reading the summary of Allie on page 38, I was struck
     by how much the personality reminded me of my
     dad. If you were in a bad mood, he would go to
     any lengths to cheer you up, even going to the extent of
     making fun of himself (which he was very good at). He
     was very charitable in the sense that he wanted to
     help everybody, even if it was just a joke here, fixing
     a broken air conditioner there, anything he could do
     to ease another's burden.

The Odyssey - Up to Chapter/Book 10

I wrote this down before, but forgot to post this.

I can't believe it, but I'm actually starting to like the Odyssey. I am understanding more of the characters, as well as the plot/storyline, and the old grammar structures. About the story itself: I like that Odysses has finally told the people among him who he really is, and I'm anxious to see their reacting. The part about how sad and despairing while with Calypso, in my opinion, had a bit too much details. If they wanted us to be sad right along with Odysses, they succeeded.  I'm now wondering when Odysses and Telemachus will finally be reunited, or if the whole point of the story is that after so much trouble, they never see each other again? Or will Odysses return to his home, but Telemachus not know it, so he will continue looking? I am full of speculation, but I'm still glad I'm starting to understand the Odyssey.