In life, people go through different experiences when they are
coming of age. Sometimes they are similar and sometimes they are
different. In the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and the book The House on Mango Street
by Sandra Cisneros, the main characters Melinda and Esperanza both go
through a similar experience, a tragic rape, but they deal with it
differently.
Since both the girls go through the tragedy of being raped, the two books are so relatable. When Melinda goes back and tries to continue her life as it had been before, she doesn't speak because she doesn't want
to deal with it. Esperanza, in her head, is thinking "please don't make me tell it all" to her friend Sally. Also,
in both books, the girls are with their friends but later when they try
to call for help, they are alone and no one is there for them. They
were both pushed out of their innocence without any say in it, and they
both were able to see how horrible life can be.
The whole book Speak, has to do with Melinda going through what happened and in The House on Mango Street only a chapter is dedicated to how Esperanza felt. After the summer the rape happened for Melinda, she is isolated and alone with no
one to talk to.
The book continues with her figuring out how to come out of her
isolation and stand together with the people that care about her. When
Esperanza goes through the experience she is thinking to her friend
Sally, who she knows she
will be able to talk to about. As the book continues, it is never
really brought up again. Esperanza's life continues normally, the
experience affecting her coming of age but not revolving around it,
while Melinda's life is completely changed and she doesn't know what to
do.
Comparing the two books Speak and The House on Mango Street truly
shows how people's coming of age experience can differ. It captures
different aspects of their lives and how their daily life affected the
way they dealt with the rape they went through.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Coming of Community in our Coming of Age
Our community is a big part of who we are, and is an aspect of our lives that helps shape us into who we are. The book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson starts with a girl named Melinda Sordino starting her freshman year of highschool after being raped the summer before and not telling anyone. In the book Melinda is who she is because of the environment she is.
We see that her community affects her at the very beginning of the book. She gets on a school bus, and right away we see how she is isolated from the rest of the people. She doesn't know where to sit, and at school is all alone during lunch. When she tried to tell her ex-bestfriend what happened to her at the party where she got raped, Rachel ends up calling her a liar. When she thinks about telling her mother what happened, she is so sure that her mother won't believe her she never considers bringing it up. In the beginning of the book her community is a negative place, and it makes it difficult for her to mature happily.
Later towards the middle and end of the book her community starts to become a place where she can talk about the tragic experience she went through. There are some people that are truly there for her, such as her art teacher Mr. Freeman. This is shown when he tells her; "You're a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." There is a scene in the book where without even thinking about it first, she speaks to him not just one or two words but a paragraph on her thoughts. At the end of the book, she is with him and the book ends with her saying "Let me tell you about it." (Referring to her past.)
The book Speak makes me think about just how much everything in our lives affect us. Everything dealing with growing up can lead us to "what if" questions. What if Melinda had never gone to the party? What if she had gone directly to the cops? How different would her coming of age experience be if the answers to these questions were different?
We see that her community affects her at the very beginning of the book. She gets on a school bus, and right away we see how she is isolated from the rest of the people. She doesn't know where to sit, and at school is all alone during lunch. When she tried to tell her ex-bestfriend what happened to her at the party where she got raped, Rachel ends up calling her a liar. When she thinks about telling her mother what happened, she is so sure that her mother won't believe her she never considers bringing it up. In the beginning of the book her community is a negative place, and it makes it difficult for her to mature happily.
Later towards the middle and end of the book her community starts to become a place where she can talk about the tragic experience she went through. There are some people that are truly there for her, such as her art teacher Mr. Freeman. This is shown when he tells her; "You're a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." There is a scene in the book where without even thinking about it first, she speaks to him not just one or two words but a paragraph on her thoughts. At the end of the book, she is with him and the book ends with her saying "Let me tell you about it." (Referring to her past.)
The book Speak makes me think about just how much everything in our lives affect us. Everything dealing with growing up can lead us to "what if" questions. What if Melinda had never gone to the party? What if she had gone directly to the cops? How different would her coming of age experience be if the answers to these questions were different?
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Re: Changing Habits, Not Just Diets
What is the purpose of the article and why is it important?
The purpose of the article "Changing Habits, Not Just Diets" by Jane Black is to show us the changes that we can make in what we eat. She gives us examples of specific ways to take better care of ourselves. This article is important because a good point is brought up that we have the resources to make the changes know we have to make, but we have to find a way to motivate ourselves too.
Part of the purpose of this article, is to show us that there are many changes we can make. It has been proven that "if overweight and obese people add 2,000 extra steps to their daily routine or cut out 100 calories a day, they can effectively prevent weight gain". There are also the obvious small changes we can make such as people "baking their pork chops instead of frying them...". The purpose of this article is an important one, it is to not only tell us we need to make changes but to help us do so.
This article is important because it shows us that there is more to just saying you want to make better eating choices than actually doing so. It is said that making changes "can be overwhelming and unrealistic for both low-income and time-stressed, middle-class families". However, "many Americans do have access to, and can afford, better food. They just choose not to eat it. " This article brings these points to the surface, and shows us that what we really need it motivation, and that is an important part of this article.
This article makes me realize that the largest limiting factor in most scenarios is only ourselves. As long as we open ourselves, dedicate ourselves, and motivate ourselves to trying different things we can change positively.
The purpose of the article "Changing Habits, Not Just Diets" by Jane Black is to show us the changes that we can make in what we eat. She gives us examples of specific ways to take better care of ourselves. This article is important because a good point is brought up that we have the resources to make the changes know we have to make, but we have to find a way to motivate ourselves too.
Part of the purpose of this article, is to show us that there are many changes we can make. It has been proven that "if overweight and obese people add 2,000 extra steps to their daily routine or cut out 100 calories a day, they can effectively prevent weight gain". There are also the obvious small changes we can make such as people "baking their pork chops instead of frying them...". The purpose of this article is an important one, it is to not only tell us we need to make changes but to help us do so.
This article is important because it shows us that there is more to just saying you want to make better eating choices than actually doing so. It is said that making changes "can be overwhelming and unrealistic for both low-income and time-stressed, middle-class families". However, "many Americans do have access to, and can afford, better food. They just choose not to eat it. " This article brings these points to the surface, and shows us that what we really need it motivation, and that is an important part of this article.
This article makes me realize that the largest limiting factor in most scenarios is only ourselves. As long as we open ourselves, dedicate ourselves, and motivate ourselves to trying different things we can change positively.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Re: DON'T PLAGIARIZE! IT'S A CRIME!
The student plagiarized the work of somebody else, and that was wrong. They used a source they found, and copied different parts word from word. Even if they had used it as a quote, the person did not cite the website. He/ she could have summarized this passage in their own words, and at the end they cold have acknowledged it, by putting a link to the website. The student also could have taken a couple of lines that supported what they had to say, and quoted them into their own post.
If the person had wanted to use this site, there are different way the could have incorporated it, such as by using quotation marks. Here is an example: The painting Starry Night by Vincent van Gough is drawn from a very unique perspective and yet it "... is a scene we can all relate to..." (A Brief Understanding of the Starry Night Paintings)
There are many ways to avoid plagiarizing. Instead of copying word from word, summarize it into your own words. You can also use quotations such as the example above. Also, for larger writing pieces you can use a "Works Cited" page, listing multiple sources you used throughout the piece. Lastly, for the first two way to avoid plagiarizing, (summarizing, and quoting), it is still important to cite it or it will still count as plagiarizing because you aren't acknowledging the author.
If the person had wanted to use this site, there are different way the could have incorporated it, such as by using quotation marks. Here is an example: The painting Starry Night by Vincent van Gough is drawn from a very unique perspective and yet it "... is a scene we can all relate to..." (A Brief Understanding of the Starry Night Paintings)
There are many ways to avoid plagiarizing. Instead of copying word from word, summarize it into your own words. You can also use quotations such as the example above. Also, for larger writing pieces you can use a "Works Cited" page, listing multiple sources you used throughout the piece. Lastly, for the first two way to avoid plagiarizing, (summarizing, and quoting), it is still important to cite it or it will still count as plagiarizing because you aren't acknowledging the author.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Learning from Students' Posts
There are many wonderful entries that students have written on their blogs. One that I enjoyed a lot was Joyce's reading response on Gale vs. Peeta in the series The Hunger Games. When I talk to most people about the book they disagree that the romance plays a large role, but I think Joyce did a great job at showing the the book isn't just about the adventure parts, but also about romance. She shows how they play different roles in Katniss' life, which is what helps create her as a character. In Joyce's response, she does a great job at showing how different these two characters are by using text evidence, but she also gives her own opinions and feelings making the entry a fantastic one!
There are many more fascinating blog entries that I have read. Another one is Izzy's reading response on Romeo and Juliet and whether their love is real or not. I liked her post a lot, because I think this is a question most people ask themselves while reading this classic. When most people ask this they say how Romeo kept talking about her beauty, but Izzy shows how Juliet "declares her love for him" only after their first conversation. In Izzy's response she does a great job at giving specific examples on why she asks herself this question, explaining that it is because when they meet they seem to mainly be physically attracted to each other.
Reading blog entries that other students have written helps me think of ways that I can improve as a blogger. Joyce's blog entry on Gale and Peeta is very different than most entries that I have read about The Hunger Games. Her use of viewing and writing about the book from a different angle, romance vs adventure, makes me want to try something similar. Based on Joyce's entry, I think it is important to focus on not only the main themes, but also the small ones. Izzy's blog entry on Romeo and Juliet and whether their love is real or not, is based off a question Izzy asked herself. When I write posts on my blog I focus on what I do know based on the book, but I think my posts could be more insightful if I wrote more about questions and theories that I have.
There are many more fascinating blog entries that I have read. Another one is Izzy's reading response on Romeo and Juliet and whether their love is real or not. I liked her post a lot, because I think this is a question most people ask themselves while reading this classic. When most people ask this they say how Romeo kept talking about her beauty, but Izzy shows how Juliet "declares her love for him" only after their first conversation. In Izzy's response she does a great job at giving specific examples on why she asks herself this question, explaining that it is because when they meet they seem to mainly be physically attracted to each other.
Reading blog entries that other students have written helps me think of ways that I can improve as a blogger. Joyce's blog entry on Gale and Peeta is very different than most entries that I have read about The Hunger Games. Her use of viewing and writing about the book from a different angle, romance vs adventure, makes me want to try something similar. Based on Joyce's entry, I think it is important to focus on not only the main themes, but also the small ones. Izzy's blog entry on Romeo and Juliet and whether their love is real or not, is based off a question Izzy asked herself. When I write posts on my blog I focus on what I do know based on the book, but I think my posts could be more insightful if I wrote more about questions and theories that I have.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Much Ado About Nothing
Dear Friend,
I recently watched a play called Much Ado About Nothing, which was based of the play written by Shakespeare. I thought it was a fantastic play, that really showed the concepts of Shakespeare plays. The language they used was similar to the language in Romeo and Juliet, yet there was also a slight modern feel to it. Also with the music, and the stage. The play really showed how it was back then, and how the world they lived in was, but did so in a modern way that helped make the play enjoyable rather than confusing.
In this play, the general language used was the same. They spoke sonnets, and they used words that are different than today such as thee, or thou. The way the actors performed it, was able to show what they were saying, and what they meant by it. When they were speaking angry words, it wasn't hard to understand that they were upset because they would raise their voice, and show it in their actions.
The music used in this play was a jazz band, and although jazz is not something most people my age listen to, it was a familiar sound. In the play it was quiet, and not played loudly so that the actors would be heard. However, the jazz music still set up a general feeling of warmth almost because of how familiar it is even though it also fits perfectly into the time period they were in.
The stage, is a part of the play that I felt was more modern and new. It was circular and gave the play a more realistic sense. It felt like I was thee even more, because of the natural shape they were in, and because they didn't all have to face one way at once. It made the scenes feel more like a room, which helped the play have a more comfortable feel to it.
Overall Much Ado About Nothing is a fantastic play, and I suggest watching it. Especially for people just starting Shakespeare, since it makes it an "easier" transition.
I recently watched a play called Much Ado About Nothing, which was based of the play written by Shakespeare. I thought it was a fantastic play, that really showed the concepts of Shakespeare plays. The language they used was similar to the language in Romeo and Juliet, yet there was also a slight modern feel to it. Also with the music, and the stage. The play really showed how it was back then, and how the world they lived in was, but did so in a modern way that helped make the play enjoyable rather than confusing.
In this play, the general language used was the same. They spoke sonnets, and they used words that are different than today such as thee, or thou. The way the actors performed it, was able to show what they were saying, and what they meant by it. When they were speaking angry words, it wasn't hard to understand that they were upset because they would raise their voice, and show it in their actions.
The music used in this play was a jazz band, and although jazz is not something most people my age listen to, it was a familiar sound. In the play it was quiet, and not played loudly so that the actors would be heard. However, the jazz music still set up a general feeling of warmth almost because of how familiar it is even though it also fits perfectly into the time period they were in.
The stage, is a part of the play that I felt was more modern and new. It was circular and gave the play a more realistic sense. It felt like I was thee even more, because of the natural shape they were in, and because they didn't all have to face one way at once. It made the scenes feel more like a room, which helped the play have a more comfortable feel to it.
Overall Much Ado About Nothing is a fantastic play, and I suggest watching it. Especially for people just starting Shakespeare, since it makes it an "easier" transition.
From When They Met
In the book Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, there is something that I think most people find confusing. That being, the fact that Romeo has only seen Juliet, and has never spoken to her and he is in love. Also with Paris, who may not be 'in love' exactly, but is drawn to Juliet and plans on marrying her even though they don't have any sort of connection. The love in this book, is one that seems very shallow and bland, but still manages to be very strong and permanent.
The way we live today, we don't necessarily believe in love at first sight, and in this period they do. Romeo, who fell in love with Juliet the night they met without even talking to her, is a strong believer in love. He swears his love for her, except he does so only a couple of days, I believe, after crying for Rosaline who he 'loved so deeply'. Juliet also falls in love with Romeo, from only seeing him, after saying how she doesn't want to marry. All of these things makes the love in this book appear untrue, and almost silly.
Although those things happen, and although they happen very quickly, there is still this deep sense of true love that happens in the book. I think that even though 'love at first sight' is unrealistic, in the book it helps show how strong their relationship is. They have an immediate attraction towards each other and it seems that from the start they are inseparable. Even when they find out just seconds after meeting that they are enemies they know the love they hold for each other is not something they can just forget, or get rid of.
The way we live today, we don't necessarily believe in love at first sight, and in this period they do. Romeo, who fell in love with Juliet the night they met without even talking to her, is a strong believer in love. He swears his love for her, except he does so only a couple of days, I believe, after crying for Rosaline who he 'loved so deeply'. Juliet also falls in love with Romeo, from only seeing him, after saying how she doesn't want to marry. All of these things makes the love in this book appear untrue, and almost silly.
Although those things happen, and although they happen very quickly, there is still this deep sense of true love that happens in the book. I think that even though 'love at first sight' is unrealistic, in the book it helps show how strong their relationship is. They have an immediate attraction towards each other and it seems that from the start they are inseparable. Even when they find out just seconds after meeting that they are enemies they know the love they hold for each other is not something they can just forget, or get rid of.
From the Beginning
Dear Friend,
I have recently started the book Rome and Juliet by Shakespeare. It is difficult to read because they use language that is so different from today. The way they live is nothing like the way we do. They exist in a foreign world, one I am just learning about. In their world they battle, and women are looked down on when it comes to power. Love is potent, but in a way I find it to be shallow there.
From the beginning of the book, you get the feeling that they live in a different time period. There is a strong hate between the two families, the Montagues and the Capulets. I find it ironic, knowing that these two families hate each other while also knowing that Romeo and Juliet fall in love. However, while they do not know each other Romeo is in love with Rosaline. I find this odd, since she does not feel the same way, that he still has the "deep" love for her. They don't seem close which makes me imagine that the love in their world is not based on emotion but on looks and appearance.
This book is odd so far, and very different from what I had expected. It is difficult, but I am beginning to understand it better, and although I have certain feeling about the way they live, I am also starting to understand it the more I read.
I have recently started the book Rome and Juliet by Shakespeare. It is difficult to read because they use language that is so different from today. The way they live is nothing like the way we do. They exist in a foreign world, one I am just learning about. In their world they battle, and women are looked down on when it comes to power. Love is potent, but in a way I find it to be shallow there.
From the beginning of the book, you get the feeling that they live in a different time period. There is a strong hate between the two families, the Montagues and the Capulets. I find it ironic, knowing that these two families hate each other while also knowing that Romeo and Juliet fall in love. However, while they do not know each other Romeo is in love with Rosaline. I find this odd, since she does not feel the same way, that he still has the "deep" love for her. They don't seem close which makes me imagine that the love in their world is not based on emotion but on looks and appearance.
This book is odd so far, and very different from what I had expected. It is difficult, but I am beginning to understand it better, and although I have certain feeling about the way they live, I am also starting to understand it the more I read.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Dreams Deffered in Harlem
The poem Harlem by Langston Hughes, is one that I really like. It talks about what happens when people don't follow their dreams by using an intricate writing style. This writing style is one that includes both the meaningful message and many writing techniques that help the poem flow when it is being read. The writing techniques used also help emphasize the message the author is trying to send.
In the poem Harlem, Langston Hughes very deliberately uses a certain format for his poem. Starting on the second line, Hughes uses contrast in his poem in every line. He asks if it drys up or if it gets bigger, if it is like rotten meat or sweet sugar, if it sags or explodes. He compares different things that are either 'good' or 'bad'.
This contrasting method he uses is how he sends his message to us. By using two opposite possibilities to describe possible outcomes of a dream deffered Hughes is saying that either can happen. He is saying that anything can happen, and that the only was to figure out is by following that dream an living it. The dream can die, but it can also explode and change life in a good way. He is showing us through this poem that we have to take that chance if we want great things in life.
In the poem Harlem, Langston Hughes very deliberately uses a certain format for his poem. Starting on the second line, Hughes uses contrast in his poem in every line. He asks if it drys up or if it gets bigger, if it is like rotten meat or sweet sugar, if it sags or explodes. He compares different things that are either 'good' or 'bad'.
This contrasting method he uses is how he sends his message to us. By using two opposite possibilities to describe possible outcomes of a dream deffered Hughes is saying that either can happen. He is saying that anything can happen, and that the only was to figure out is by following that dream an living it. The dream can die, but it can also explode and change life in a good way. He is showing us through this poem that we have to take that chance if we want great things in life.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sonnet: Light in a Jar
Light in a Jar
By Stephanie Aquino
There it is, effortlessly floating on.
Nothing but air. But my hands can't grasp it.
My aching legs run me across the lawn.
It lands on a flower, fragile wings quit.
It's mine, struggling against my hand with force.
Yet it feels so soft. I bring it inside.
Gently into the jar without remorse.
My eyes peek through the glass, it wants to hide.
But I see shimmering wings, delicate.
As if one touch could destroy that perfect
Harmony of something so intricate.
Wishing forever mine, I overstepped.
If I were that creature or it was me
I know all I'd want was to be set free.
By Stephanie Aquino
There it is, effortlessly floating on.
Nothing but air. But my hands can't grasp it.
My aching legs run me across the lawn.
It lands on a flower, fragile wings quit.
It's mine, struggling against my hand with force.
Yet it feels so soft. I bring it inside.
Gently into the jar without remorse.
My eyes peek through the glass, it wants to hide.
But I see shimmering wings, delicate.
As if one touch could destroy that perfect
Harmony of something so intricate.
Wishing forever mine, I overstepped.
If I were that creature or it was me
I know all I'd want was to be set free.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Collection of 90 New York Fugue Poems (If that makes sense.)
Page 90
one by one
they slowly
fall off
on page 90
they drift
delicately
across
the page 90
as time
goes on
the sway
across
and then
they're gone.
one by one
they slowly
fall off
on page 90
they drift
delicately
across
the page 90
as time
goes on
the sway
across
and then
they're gone.
Fugue in Writing
Thump
It hits once
Boom
It hits twice
Pow
It beats like a drum
Thump
It hits once
Boom
It hits twice
Pow
It beats like a drum
New York
What happens to a hasty life?
One rushed across the city lights
running on the city streets
every step a brand new treat.
But how about when the cars pass by?
You better not blink an eye
with them going oh so fast
I'd say make this moment last.
What happens to a hasty life?
One rushed across the city lights
running on the city streets
every step a brand new treat.
But how about when the cars pass by?
You better not blink an eye
with them going oh so fast
I'd say make this moment last.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Fugue In Writing
Fugue In Red by Paul Kleefugue /fyo͞og/ Noun: A contrapuntal composition in which a short melody or phrase (the subject) is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others...
Paul Klee had to choose between art and music. He had made his choice on his trips to Tunisia, and Africa. The vibrant colors he saw made him want to paint, and he chose to make artwork for his living. When I first saw this painting, before I had read the title or read about Paul Klee's past, I was instantly reminded about music, and about rhythm and beats. He has a couple of painting that follow this trend of giving sound to his artwork, and although those are alike, they stand out from the rest of his artwork, which falls flat in comparison.
As an art student, I admire this painting so much. Although I enjoy trying to do paintings like these, it is something I find very hard to do, and I think that Klee did it in an amazing way. By paintings like these, I mean painting that have something intangible made tangible. In this painting, I can really visualize sound, and I feel like I can almost touch it even. It has a sense of things that are 3 dimensional and real, yet it looks so abstract and unreal.
This painting I would imagine is one that was almost personal to Paul Klee. Having to choose between two careers you love, would be a hard choice. In this painting Klee was able to bring two things that gave him joy together. That translated as a message for me, that when you commit yourself to one thing such as a career, you shouldn't have to let everything else go entirely.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Reading Between The Line, That is Between The Other Line
The more poems I read, the more I start to think about smaller details. One of the poems I interpreted this week was Mother to Son by Langston Hughes. The reason I chose to read this poem this week, was because it is one I have read many times in school, and have discussed that it seemed like I knew it well enough. While analyzing it, I noticed certain lines that showed how it was more than just a mother telling her son about how hard life has been for her, which usually seems to be the general idea. It went deeper than that, which is what I loved about it.
The line "And sometimes goin' in the dark, where there ain't been no light" is one that grabbed my attention. While reading the poem, it had always looked like a hard life was just given to her, and she just went towards the light the whole time, meaning going to positive places. In this line, she is going to the badness, to the dark. While I read this, I noticed a message she was trying to say. She was showing that sometimes to get where you need to be in life, you have to stop and acknowledge everything, including dark places that you might not want to go to. And whatever that 'dark place' is for someone, they have to deal with it, in order to move forward.
One line that I hadn't noticed till this week, was the "Don't you set down on the steps. 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard." It had never occurred to me, that the author didn't need to climb at all, that they had the choice to just stay in one place. This line show, though, that they do have that option, but here the mother is telling the boy that he shouldn't do that because it is harder than climbing. The way I interpreted that line, was that sometimes its hard to live with the decisions you have made, but that you can always do something about it. You can, and should always aim higher to end up on top.
This poem is one that I find super inspirational. I think that although the idea has become somewhat cliche and cheesy, the poem speaks it in such a honest and true way that it makes it much more easy to relate.
Mother to Son
By Langston Hughes
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
The line "And sometimes goin' in the dark, where there ain't been no light" is one that grabbed my attention. While reading the poem, it had always looked like a hard life was just given to her, and she just went towards the light the whole time, meaning going to positive places. In this line, she is going to the badness, to the dark. While I read this, I noticed a message she was trying to say. She was showing that sometimes to get where you need to be in life, you have to stop and acknowledge everything, including dark places that you might not want to go to. And whatever that 'dark place' is for someone, they have to deal with it, in order to move forward.
One line that I hadn't noticed till this week, was the "Don't you set down on the steps. 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard." It had never occurred to me, that the author didn't need to climb at all, that they had the choice to just stay in one place. This line show, though, that they do have that option, but here the mother is telling the boy that he shouldn't do that because it is harder than climbing. The way I interpreted that line, was that sometimes its hard to live with the decisions you have made, but that you can always do something about it. You can, and should always aim higher to end up on top.
This poem is one that I find super inspirational. I think that although the idea has become somewhat cliche and cheesy, the poem speaks it in such a honest and true way that it makes it much more easy to relate.
Mother to Son
By Langston Hughes
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Cause Love is Bad and Hate is Good.
As I decide where to continue from my reading plan, I have chosen to read several poems this week. One that I chose was Fire and Ice by Robert Frost. The main idea in this poem, is the idea of love verses hate. The author says that he agrees with those who prefer fire first, but then continues to say that if the world had to end a second time ice would be just as great as fire. When translated, he is saying how hate and love are similar and how they can both destroy us.
When I read this poem for the very first time, I didn't know what the author was trying to say when he said ice was just as great as fire. I kept asking myself how love could in any way be bad. Then rereading it this week, I stopped on the line "from what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire". When you desire something, you really want it, because it is something you don't already have. Sometimes when we want something, we don't stop to consider the affects of our actions and we just go for what we want. That is just as bad as being mean when it hurts others, and is sometimes worse because we usually do it for ourselves, making us selfish.
The second half of the poem has always been my favorite part. The author puts the idea of hatred into a positive perspective. It made me think if hate could be good, just as love could be bad. When hate exists in an environment, it is natural to think to bring it down. Having hate exist, however, can help drive people to stand up to it. In the sentence "to say that for destruction ice, is also great" shows how the poem focuses on the destruction from ice, but I this poem helped me see that although, yes, it can be destructive it can also help in such a good way.
Something I have always loved from this poem, and that I had never thought of until this moment, is the deeper meaning that it gives. It almost says how you can choose how you want to end your life, emotionally. In fire or in ice, in love or in hate. Normally you would think love would be the best way, but this poem shows how it might not always be.
Fire and Ice
By Robert Frost
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
When I read this poem for the very first time, I didn't know what the author was trying to say when he said ice was just as great as fire. I kept asking myself how love could in any way be bad. Then rereading it this week, I stopped on the line "from what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire". When you desire something, you really want it, because it is something you don't already have. Sometimes when we want something, we don't stop to consider the affects of our actions and we just go for what we want. That is just as bad as being mean when it hurts others, and is sometimes worse because we usually do it for ourselves, making us selfish.
The second half of the poem has always been my favorite part. The author puts the idea of hatred into a positive perspective. It made me think if hate could be good, just as love could be bad. When hate exists in an environment, it is natural to think to bring it down. Having hate exist, however, can help drive people to stand up to it. In the sentence "to say that for destruction ice, is also great" shows how the poem focuses on the destruction from ice, but I this poem helped me see that although, yes, it can be destructive it can also help in such a good way.
Something I have always loved from this poem, and that I had never thought of until this moment, is the deeper meaning that it gives. It almost says how you can choose how you want to end your life, emotionally. In fire or in ice, in love or in hate. Normally you would think love would be the best way, but this poem shows how it might not always be.
Fire and Ice
By Robert Frost
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Why She Does the Things She Does
Lush by Natasha Friend, I would normally criticize the choices she made, and how she would deal with things the way she did, but soon I found myself with a question. Why does Sam do the things she does, even if they aren’t the best ones? Then I noticed that, that was one of the best aspects of the book, how relatable Sam is because she doesn’t do things perfectly.
When Sam’s parents start driving her insane she looks for help by leaving a note in the library for a girl named Juliet, describing her situation and asking for advice. I wondered why she chose to do this instead of talking to her friends or an adult and then I could understand her and relate. She describes in the book how when she is with her friends she “mostly forgets”, and how it’s better for her not to think about it. I know what it is like to need distractions from what you have to deal with. I always love to be around my friends because when I am with them it is like I am in a different world.
It is really interesting to me because the way she deals with her problems frustrate me, but at the same time I can’t exactly blame her. I wish she would just be honest with her dad, mom, and friends. I think that was what was really important about the notes. She was totally honest with A.J.K. but had no idea who he was. Then in the end she was able to be herself with everyone. It took her a while to get to that point because of the other choices she made, but she still got there.
I think what makes Sam a memorable character is how realistically she deals with her problems. Maybe the way she does it isn’t exactly the best way, but at the time it is what she thinks is best for her. I can also relate to her on this level because I deal with my problems in the same way. I don’t talk to people about it, and Sam inspires me to talk more and express my thoughts.
When Sam’s parents start driving her insane she looks for help by leaving a note in the library for a girl named Juliet, describing her situation and asking for advice. I wondered why she chose to do this instead of talking to her friends or an adult and then I could understand her and relate. She describes in the book how when she is with her friends she “mostly forgets”, and how it’s better for her not to think about it. I know what it is like to need distractions from what you have to deal with. I always love to be around my friends because when I am with them it is like I am in a different world.
It is really interesting to me because the way she deals with her problems frustrate me, but at the same time I can’t exactly blame her. I wish she would just be honest with her dad, mom, and friends. I think that was what was really important about the notes. She was totally honest with A.J.K. but had no idea who he was. Then in the end she was able to be herself with everyone. It took her a while to get to that point because of the other choices she made, but she still got there.
I think what makes Sam a memorable character is how realistically she deals with her problems. Maybe the way she does it isn’t exactly the best way, but at the time it is what she thinks is best for her. I can also relate to her on this level because I deal with my problems in the same way. I don’t talk to people about it, and Sam inspires me to talk more and express my thoughts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)