Symbol- sym·bol
noun /ˈsimbəl/
symbols, plural
The AP definition:
-Something which stands for something else, yet has a meaning of its own.
The dictionary definitions:
-A thing that represents or stands for something else, esp. a material object representing something abstract
the limousine was another symbol of his wealth and authority
-A mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g., the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation
-A shape or sign used to represent something such as an organization, e.g., a red cross or a Star of David
Look down at your keyboard, and see the characters attached to corresponding numbered keys. These are symbols. They stand for something else, but have their own meaning...
# is a hashtag, and represents a number,
& represents the word 'and',
% is used as 'percent', and,
$ is a dollar sign, used to discuss money.
There are also more symbols available on a computer...
♥ is a heart, which can represent a heart or love,
≈ means 'approximately',
♀ stands for 'female', and
∞ means 'infinity'.
Symbols are also used in religion...
✡ this is the Star of David, the symbol of the Jewish religion,
✞ this is a cross, often used to represent the death of Jesus.
Symbols are a huge part of literature.
You can find examples of symbolism in nearly everything you read, if you look out for them. One of my favorite examples of symbolism is in Harry Potter. Every student at Hogwarts is sorted into one of the four houses, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. Each house has different qualities that make it special, and has a symbol to match it. For example, Gryffindor's symbol is a lion, because Gryffindors are said to be courageous, and Slytherin's symbol is a snake, because although they are smart, they have a dark side to them.
Symbolism in Literature
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thinking Outside the Box
Plato's Allegory of the Cave, and Sartre's No Exit are both allegories that connect an abstract idea to a real life example through an extended metaphor. In Allegory of the Cave, Plato compares a cave to a life lacking truth, and the prisoners aren't able to leave the cave and find the sun, or the ultimate truth. It shows that we often only see a perceived reality and accept that, instead of venturing for truth and knowledge. In No Exit, three people are in a drawing room, where they must deal with each others' personalities. At first they don't want to admit their wrong doings, but eventually they do, coming to the conclusion that "hell is other people." The three characters are driving themselves crazy due to their own issues in their heads.
Sartre believed that everyone has the ability to become who they want to be, but it is up to them to make the right decisions or to act in a certain way as to reach their full potential. It can't be given to them. This idea is very similar to Plato's. In the cave, the prisoners didn't know any better, and didn't want to know any better. They were fine where they were because of their chains, whether the chain be laziness, fear, or comfort. In No Exit, the characters are fearful of the others judging them, or what is perceived of them. In both cases, they are afraid of taking responsibility of their actions and their lives, so they decide rather to live in a dull place where nothing of value can occur.
Sartre believed that everyone has the ability to become who they want to be, but it is up to them to make the right decisions or to act in a certain way as to reach their full potential. It can't be given to them. This idea is very similar to Plato's. In the cave, the prisoners didn't know any better, and didn't want to know any better. They were fine where they were because of their chains, whether the chain be laziness, fear, or comfort. In No Exit, the characters are fearful of the others judging them, or what is perceived of them. In both cases, they are afraid of taking responsibility of their actions and their lives, so they decide rather to live in a dull place where nothing of value can occur.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Literature Analysis 3
Daisy Miller
By Henry James
1) The novel opens as Winterbourne meets Daisy Miller in Switzerland while visiting his aunt. They talk and Winterbourne is intrigued by her personality. She is not as proper as the European girls, as she is American, and she talks openly about her life. The two set a date to visit an old castle together on their own and Winterbourne promises Daisy that he will introduce her to his aunt. His aunt refuses to meet Daisy, saying that she is unrefined and common. The two go through on their date and have a good time, conversation coming easily and friendly. Daisy makes Winterbourne promise that since he is leaving he must visit her in Rome next winter.
When Winterbourne goes to Rome, he hears that there are many bad things being said about Daisy. Her reputation is going down for associating herself with lower class and shady men. Winterbourne tries to talk to her but she does not listen to him, and continues to see a man named Giovanelli. Daisy's mother also warns her of what will happen if she stays with Giovanelli, but Daisy dismisses her mother's warnings. Daisy tells Winterbourne both that she is and then that she is not engaged to Giovanelli. Winterbourne sees the two outside late at night in Rome, and tells them they must go in so they don't get malaria. Daisy quickly falls ill and gives Winterbourne a note that says she was never engaged and that she hopes Winterbourne remembers their time at the castle. Daisy dies and Giovanelli tells Winterbourne that she never would have married him. Winterbourne realizes he has spent too much time worried about Daisy and he returns to his life in Geneva.
2)The theme of the novel is culture. Daisy and Winterbourne were both Americans, which made them stand out from the people around them. They weren't part of the style of Europe, and that caused them both problems. Daisy was looked down upon and became an outcast, no longer being invited to parties or to social events because of her choice of men and who she associated herself with. Winterbourne was so intrigued by Daisy because she was different from the European girls who weren't as open and and were more proper. This ultimately caused his heartbreak.
3)The tone is very light. It is never intense or dramatic, instead staying friendly and conversational. It is non-chalant and detached.
“The young ladies of this country have a dreadfully poky time of it, so far as I can learn; I don’t see why I should change my habits for them.” Daisy Miller
“ “I am afraid your habits are those of a flirt” said Winterbourne gravely
“Of course they are,” she cried, giving him her little smiling stare again. “I’m a fearful, frightful flirt! Did you ever hear of a nice girl that was not? But I suppose you will tell me now that I am not a nice girl.”
“You’re a very nice girl; but I wish you would flirt with me, and me only.””
'I have more friends in New York than in Schenectady-more gentleman friends; and more young lady friends too," she resumed in a moment. She paused again for an instant; she was looking at Winterbourne with all her prettiness in her lively eyes and in her light, slightly monotonous smile. 'I have always had,' she said, 'a great deal of gentleman's society.'"
" 'Since you have mentioned it,' she said, 'I am engaged.' . . .
4)-Syntax: The author uses long descriptions about occasions and thoughts with little dialogue.
"The young lady meanwhile had drawn near. She was dressed in white muslin, with a hundred frills and flounces, and knots of pale-coloured ribbon. She was bare-headed; but she balanced in her hand a large parasol with a deep border of embroidery; and she was strikingly, admirably pretty."
- Foreshadowing: Many people continue to warn Daisy of getting malaria but she doesn't take the advice and it causes her death. Winterbourne's aunt also tells him not to take part in anything to do with Daisy because it will be a mistake but he doesn't listen, and she ends up breaking his heart.
"I haven’t the least idea what such young ladies expect a man to do. But I really think that you had better not meddle with little American girls that are uncultivated, as you call them. You have lived too long out of the country. You will be sure to make some great mistake."
-Symbolism: Daisy represents American ideals. She is naive and self centered but also innocent and unaware of social levels. Her brother Randolph is everything of an American tourist who no one appreciates, being obnoxious and uncultured.
“But this young girl was not a coquette in that sense; she was very unsophisticated; she was only a pretty American flirt.”
-Tone: because the tone is so detached, it makes the story appear almost melancholy, because there is only confusion and no concrete facts or feelings.
-Setting: Placing two Americans in a European setting changes the culture that they are used to and puts them in new situations, like the one Daisy finds herself in where she is suddenly looked down upon.
“”What has she been doing?”
“Everything that is not done here. Flirting with any man she could pick up; sitting in corners with mysterious Italians; dancing all the evening with the same partners; receiving visits at eleven o’clock at night. Her mother goes away visitors come.”
By Henry James
1) The novel opens as Winterbourne meets Daisy Miller in Switzerland while visiting his aunt. They talk and Winterbourne is intrigued by her personality. She is not as proper as the European girls, as she is American, and she talks openly about her life. The two set a date to visit an old castle together on their own and Winterbourne promises Daisy that he will introduce her to his aunt. His aunt refuses to meet Daisy, saying that she is unrefined and common. The two go through on their date and have a good time, conversation coming easily and friendly. Daisy makes Winterbourne promise that since he is leaving he must visit her in Rome next winter.
When Winterbourne goes to Rome, he hears that there are many bad things being said about Daisy. Her reputation is going down for associating herself with lower class and shady men. Winterbourne tries to talk to her but she does not listen to him, and continues to see a man named Giovanelli. Daisy's mother also warns her of what will happen if she stays with Giovanelli, but Daisy dismisses her mother's warnings. Daisy tells Winterbourne both that she is and then that she is not engaged to Giovanelli. Winterbourne sees the two outside late at night in Rome, and tells them they must go in so they don't get malaria. Daisy quickly falls ill and gives Winterbourne a note that says she was never engaged and that she hopes Winterbourne remembers their time at the castle. Daisy dies and Giovanelli tells Winterbourne that she never would have married him. Winterbourne realizes he has spent too much time worried about Daisy and he returns to his life in Geneva.
2)The theme of the novel is culture. Daisy and Winterbourne were both Americans, which made them stand out from the people around them. They weren't part of the style of Europe, and that caused them both problems. Daisy was looked down upon and became an outcast, no longer being invited to parties or to social events because of her choice of men and who she associated herself with. Winterbourne was so intrigued by Daisy because she was different from the European girls who weren't as open and and were more proper. This ultimately caused his heartbreak.
3)The tone is very light. It is never intense or dramatic, instead staying friendly and conversational. It is non-chalant and detached.
“The young ladies of this country have a dreadfully poky time of it, so far as I can learn; I don’t see why I should change my habits for them.” Daisy Miller
“ “I am afraid your habits are those of a flirt” said Winterbourne gravely
“Of course they are,” she cried, giving him her little smiling stare again. “I’m a fearful, frightful flirt! Did you ever hear of a nice girl that was not? But I suppose you will tell me now that I am not a nice girl.”
“You’re a very nice girl; but I wish you would flirt with me, and me only.””
'I have more friends in New York than in Schenectady-more gentleman friends; and more young lady friends too," she resumed in a moment. She paused again for an instant; she was looking at Winterbourne with all her prettiness in her lively eyes and in her light, slightly monotonous smile. 'I have always had,' she said, 'a great deal of gentleman's society.'"
" 'Since you have mentioned it,' she said, 'I am engaged.' . . .
4)-Syntax: The author uses long descriptions about occasions and thoughts with little dialogue.
"The young lady meanwhile had drawn near. She was dressed in white muslin, with a hundred frills and flounces, and knots of pale-coloured ribbon. She was bare-headed; but she balanced in her hand a large parasol with a deep border of embroidery; and she was strikingly, admirably pretty."
- Foreshadowing: Many people continue to warn Daisy of getting malaria but she doesn't take the advice and it causes her death. Winterbourne's aunt also tells him not to take part in anything to do with Daisy because it will be a mistake but he doesn't listen, and she ends up breaking his heart.
"I haven’t the least idea what such young ladies expect a man to do. But I really think that you had better not meddle with little American girls that are uncultivated, as you call them. You have lived too long out of the country. You will be sure to make some great mistake."
-Symbolism: Daisy represents American ideals. She is naive and self centered but also innocent and unaware of social levels. Her brother Randolph is everything of an American tourist who no one appreciates, being obnoxious and uncultured.
“But this young girl was not a coquette in that sense; she was very unsophisticated; she was only a pretty American flirt.”
-Tone: because the tone is so detached, it makes the story appear almost melancholy, because there is only confusion and no concrete facts or feelings.
-Setting: Placing two Americans in a European setting changes the culture that they are used to and puts them in new situations, like the one Daisy finds herself in where she is suddenly looked down upon.
“”What has she been doing?”
“Everything that is not done here. Flirting with any man she could pick up; sitting in corners with mysterious Italians; dancing all the evening with the same partners; receiving visits at eleven o’clock at night. Her mother goes away visitors come.”
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The BIG Question
Are there qualities in our individual and cultural understandings of success that set us up for failure?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Language of Hamlet
Although Hamlet and Beowulf both deal with revenge, their type of language is very different. Hamlet is trying to get revenge by killing his uncle, and Beowulf is trying to protect his people so that the monsters cannot cause havoc anymore. Beowulf is nearly perfect, he has immense strength, can conquer any monster, and is the hero of the area. Hamlet's accomplishments may not seem as great compared to Beowulf, but that is because the story is presented in a whole different way, where you can see Hamlet's flaws as well as into his head.
Part of Hamlet's action is done through talking, where as in Beowulf, the action is very exciting. Beowulf fights with monsters, beheads them, and uses swords and shields in full combat. It has little dialogue, and focuses more on the action. In Hamlet, it is the very opposite. There is little physical action because talking replaces the action. In his "To be or not to be" soliloquy, he is discussing the idea of death and has made a decision that he won't take his own life. It may not seem like a momentous action but it is Hamlet's form of acting.
Hamlet also talks to himself, and shows his thinking and his flaws. Throughout Hamlet's soliloquies, you can see his thought process. He shares his ideas, and you can see how he gets from decision to decision, and what motivates him. In Beowulf, you can't really see inside his head. He acts for the good of the community, and he acts like a hero. He has no weakness, he does what is right, simply because that's what is expected of him. Beowulf doesn't talk to himself or share his inner thoughts like Hamlet does.
The main difference in the two stories is the way the characterization is formed. Hamlet seems more human because his ideas are voiced and he has flaws. Beowulf is nearly perfect, defeating whatever comes his way and always doing good and protecting people. Hamlet is a more relateable character because the author chooses to show us inside his head.
Part of Hamlet's action is done through talking, where as in Beowulf, the action is very exciting. Beowulf fights with monsters, beheads them, and uses swords and shields in full combat. It has little dialogue, and focuses more on the action. In Hamlet, it is the very opposite. There is little physical action because talking replaces the action. In his "To be or not to be" soliloquy, he is discussing the idea of death and has made a decision that he won't take his own life. It may not seem like a momentous action but it is Hamlet's form of acting.
Hamlet also talks to himself, and shows his thinking and his flaws. Throughout Hamlet's soliloquies, you can see his thought process. He shares his ideas, and you can see how he gets from decision to decision, and what motivates him. In Beowulf, you can't really see inside his head. He acts for the good of the community, and he acts like a hero. He has no weakness, he does what is right, simply because that's what is expected of him. Beowulf doesn't talk to himself or share his inner thoughts like Hamlet does.
The main difference in the two stories is the way the characterization is formed. Hamlet seems more human because his ideas are voiced and he has flaws. Beowulf is nearly perfect, defeating whatever comes his way and always doing good and protecting people. Hamlet is a more relateable character because the author chooses to show us inside his head.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Question Everything
Both sophomore year and this year one thing has continued to stand out to me- question everything. If you don't find out the reason behind something or all the information you can, then you can fall victim to it. Don't miss opportunities by not finding out the details. Look at a different perspective. Be silly, or be serious. Whatever you do, make sure you think. Don't automatically accept things, but find out for yourself. Be your own person, make your own decisions, take responsibility, and question everything.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Roy Christopher Presentation Notes
Today in class we had the opportunity to talk to Roy Christopher and these are some of the points that stood out to me.
-Analog vs Digital~ we aren't "naturally" digital even though we have grown up in a digital age, we are a mixture of both.
-Remix/Mash-up Culture~ internet history has pieces of hip-hop culture, where you take some of this and some of that and put it together to remix it and create something even better.
-Analog Scaffolding- learn the ideas and the process of something before going completely digital so that you are aware of the basis of something and the main concepts.
-Participate- program or be programmed, the more you know about how things work the sooner you can reach digital maturity.
-There is an "at home" aspect of the computer that won't go away.
-Digital natives may be able to squeeze out the analog eventually.
-Older generations don't trust youth with technology or new things, when they should stop worrying and trust us.
-People know the difference between what type of language to use, like texting abbreviations vs formal writing.
-You can create your own new identity online.
-Multi-tasking is a myth, the more you divide your focus the more you lose quality.
-DIY aspect~ huge part of the web and the future, we must create our own opportunities.
-The end is up to us.
-You don't have to adapt if you don't want to.
-There is no technological end.
-Analog vs Digital~ we aren't "naturally" digital even though we have grown up in a digital age, we are a mixture of both.
-Remix/Mash-up Culture~ internet history has pieces of hip-hop culture, where you take some of this and some of that and put it together to remix it and create something even better.
-Analog Scaffolding- learn the ideas and the process of something before going completely digital so that you are aware of the basis of something and the main concepts.
-Participate- program or be programmed, the more you know about how things work the sooner you can reach digital maturity.
-There is an "at home" aspect of the computer that won't go away.
-Digital natives may be able to squeeze out the analog eventually.
-Older generations don't trust youth with technology or new things, when they should stop worrying and trust us.
-People know the difference between what type of language to use, like texting abbreviations vs formal writing.
-You can create your own new identity online.
-Multi-tasking is a myth, the more you divide your focus the more you lose quality.
-DIY aspect~ huge part of the web and the future, we must create our own opportunities.
-The end is up to us.
-You don't have to adapt if you don't want to.
-There is no technological end.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Literature Analysis 2
The Color Purple
Alice Walker
1) This novel is about Celie, a poor, black girl and her younger sister Nettie. Alphonso, the girls' farther, beats and rapes Celie. She has two children with him, both of which he steals and kills. Their mother dies, and Alphonso continues to beat Celie. The girls realize that a man, Mr.____ wants to marry Nettie, but Alphonso instead offers him Celie, and he finally agrees. When Celie moves out, Alphonse begins to beat Nettie and she runs away to her sister. Mr.____ still wants Nettie, and when he tries to pursue her again she runs away from the house, and Celie thinks she is dead. Shug Avery, Mr.____'s lover comes to town and is invited to stay in the house. At first she & Celie don't get along but they eventually become friends are sexually attracted to each other. Shug gets married to a man but continues her relationship with Celie. Shug finds letters from Nettie to Celie that Mr.____ has been hiding. Nettie is still alive and is living with two missionaries, who have two adopted children. These children turn out to be Celie's, who weren't really dead. Nettie also explains that Alphonso wasn't really Celie & Nettie's father, only a man who took their mother's land when she died. Celie starts a business in Tennessee and Shug works for her. The missionary's wife dies and Nettie marries him. Celie comes back to Georgia when Alphonso dies and she takes the property that is rightfully hers.
2) The theme is feminism and the power of feminine relationships. Throughout most of the book, Celie can't speak for herself or believe that she is worthy of even having her own ideas. Her relationships with Shug and Nettie are what finally help her to realize that she is a person with feelings and that she can be whoever she wants to be. She also realizes that she needs to stand up for herself and not let herself be put down by others. She learns from Sofia, Mr.___'s daughter-in-law, that women can be just as powerful as men and that they have all the potential to succeed.
3) The tone of the novel is very sincere and personal. It is told in Celie's letters to God, so she is being completely open and searching for herself.
He beat me today cause he say I winked at a boy in church. I may have got somethin in my eye but I didn’t wink. I don’t even look at mens. That’s the truth. |
What I love bet bout Shug is what she been through, I say. When you look in Shug’s eyes you know where been where she been, seen what she seen, did what she did. And now she know.
4) Syntax- This story is told in the first person, through Celie's letters to God. This shows exactly how Celie is thinking and you can completely see the change in her once she realizes she can really be herself.
"Well, us talk and talk about God, but I’m still adrift. Trying to chase that old white man out of my head. I been so busy thinking bout him I never truly notice nothing God make."
Diction- Celie is uneducated, so the speech she uses is not always grammatically correct. This is sometimes hard to read but it shows that she she also didn't value herself because she had no education.
"Us sleep like sisters, me and Shug."
Symbolism- Purple is a color that symbolizes royalty and beauty. Celie never sees herself as beautiful or worthy until her relationship with Shug becomes closer. The color of her new room at the end of the novel is purple, symbolizing that now she finds herself beautiful.
Characters- Celie makes a complete change because of the new characters in her life. Shug and Sofia are both independent and teach Celie that she can be too.
Tashi is very intelligent, I said. She could be a teacher. A nurse. She could help the people in the village. |
Contrast- Celie is drastically different from Shug and Sofia. They are everything that she wishes to be, and you see the huge difference between who Celie was at the beginning of the novel and who she becomes at the end.
The Olinka do not believe girls should be educated. When I asked a mother why she thought this, she said: A girl is nothing to herself; only to her husband can she become something.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tools That Change the Way We Think
"Back in 2004, I asked [Google founders] Page and Brin what they saw as the future of Google search. 'It will be included in people's brains,' said Page. 'When you think about something and don't really know much about it, you will automatically get information.'
'That's true,' said Brin. 'Ultimately I view Google as a way to augment your brain with the knowledge of the world. Right now you go into your computer and type a phrase, but you can imagine that it could be easier in the future, that you can have just devices you talk into, or you can have computers that pay attention to what's going on around them and suggest useful information.'
'Somebody introduces themselves to you, and your watch goes to your web page,' said Page. 'Or if you met this person two years ago, this is what they said to you... Eventually you'll have the implant, where if you think about a fact, it will just tell you the answer."
-From In the Plex by Steven Levy (p.67)Extensive use of technology, media, and internet often changes our thinking for the worse, rather than expanding it. Both technology and the internet is full of potential, but I think that we don't always know how to use it successfully. I love the internet and I use it all the time, for an array of things. Yes, social network sites are often distracting but they can bring people together. Also, the internet has helped me get a lot of information. If I need help in any subject, I can start searching around and usually find something. For example, when I don't understand my physics homework, I research some of the topics, and often find practice problems and all the information I need. The other day I was in a conversation about how exactly cell phones work, and since no one was sure, we looked it up instantly and were able to learn something new. We have grown up with technology and so we are more easily able to adapt to it, whereas explaining cell phones or computers to my grandparents is more trouble than it's worth. I think that if we expand our use of the internet from the random, silly things to the more important, thought provoking things then our thinking will expand rather than contract.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
In Search Of
Today in class we watched a video on internet filters and how they affect what we see on the internet. Websites like facebook and google filter certain results in order to only provide information that "suits" you. While this may seem beneficial, oftentimes you aren't getting the whole picture. You are only seeing what is formed for you. Your information isn't being expanded, and your horizons are not broadening. I realized that we aren't sure of how much information we are missing out on. It could be really interesting, brilliant things.
With this new information, I researched Shakespeare again. This time, I did a few searches, and looked at more results than just the top two or three. I googled "Shakespeare facts", "Shakespeare history", and "Shakespeare background." I did end up with different results and different information as well as the same website I had found yesterday.
With this new information, I researched Shakespeare again. This time, I did a few searches, and looked at more results than just the top two or three. I googled "Shakespeare facts", "Shakespeare history", and "Shakespeare background." I did end up with different results and different information as well as the same website I had found yesterday.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Notes on Hamlet
When we first started reading Hamlet, I was really dreading it. I didn't think I could understand it, or that I would be able to understand what was going on. After reading the first part about the ghost appearing, I was even more lost and confused. I didn't know if Hamlet was sane or crazy, because I hardly felt like I knew what happened. Since then, I have a much better understanding of what is going on. I think that Hamlet does have some psychological issues but I don't think that he is completely crazy. He actually really thinks about things and doesn't act on impulse. I honestly don't know where the play will go from here but we'll see!
Who was Shakespeare?
There are not many solid facts about Shakespeare. Most people can agree that he was born in 1564 and lived in England. His parents were John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. His father was a landowner and glovemaker. He was married at 18 to Anne Hathaway. They had a daughter and then two twin girls, but one died. He died in 1616 and is said to have written or collaborated on 32 total plays. To find this, I googled "Who was Shakespeare?" And I was sent to this website~ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/merchant/shakespeare.html
Shakespeare scares most students. I know that I dread it. Old English writing is so difficult to understand, and with the iambic pentameter causing some words to be shortened, you can't just skim along or read for enjoyment. I have to really study it and take it slow, piecing it together. I have to read it more than once. If I only read it once I have absolutely no idea what is going on. I am learning to understand the writing a little bit better through practice, but it is still difficult. I think that the more I see it and read it, the easier it will be to comprehend.
Shakespeare scares most students. I know that I dread it. Old English writing is so difficult to understand, and with the iambic pentameter causing some words to be shortened, you can't just skim along or read for enjoyment. I have to really study it and take it slow, piecing it together. I have to read it more than once. If I only read it once I have absolutely no idea what is going on. I am learning to understand the writing a little bit better through practice, but it is still difficult. I think that the more I see it and read it, the easier it will be to comprehend.
To Facebook or Not to Facebook?
The MySpace days were quickly dying and more and more people were joining Facebook. Everyone said how much better it was, how it was more user friendly, and that it was the next best thing. MySpace was surely drifting away, so I quickly hopped on the Facebook wagon to see what it was all about. After only having it for one day, I already had about 40 friend requests. Compared to MySpace, this was hopping. I quickly became hooked. I have always been careful about what I put on Facebook, because my MySpace had been hacked and private conversations had gotten out. Since this incident I have always been careful about what I put online.
There are both benefits and risks to using Facebook. One benefit is that it can connect you with almost everyone. With millions of users, you can find a long lost friend or just reconnect with someone. Homework help? Someone is online. Need to chat? Someone is online. I enjoy keeping up with my family and friends through Facebook. I like looking through the pictures, because you get to see a glimpse of their memory or experience. The worst part of Facebook I have noticed is that people just don't know when to stop talking or what is appropriate to put online. They go on and on about their personal problems that are often too much. This also leads to bullying. People feel stronger behind a computer because they aren't face to face with the people they are talking to, although it still does the same damage.
Reading the article in class made me double think what my security settings were. Those settings aren't generally something I pay much attention to, but everyone needs to be aware of what exactly is going on with what you post online. You should know the facts, and always be careful.
Also, no one likes when you hash tag on Facebook.
There are both benefits and risks to using Facebook. One benefit is that it can connect you with almost everyone. With millions of users, you can find a long lost friend or just reconnect with someone. Homework help? Someone is online. Need to chat? Someone is online. I enjoy keeping up with my family and friends through Facebook. I like looking through the pictures, because you get to see a glimpse of their memory or experience. The worst part of Facebook I have noticed is that people just don't know when to stop talking or what is appropriate to put online. They go on and on about their personal problems that are often too much. This also leads to bullying. People feel stronger behind a computer because they aren't face to face with the people they are talking to, although it still does the same damage.
Reading the article in class made me double think what my security settings were. Those settings aren't generally something I pay much attention to, but everyone needs to be aware of what exactly is going on with what you post online. You should know the facts, and always be careful.
Also, no one likes when you hash tag on Facebook.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Don't Be Hamlet
"To be or not to be." To exist, or to cease to exist. Hamlet's dilemma is that he cannot decide if life is worth living. He goes back and forth, talking to himself, but never using the words "I" or "me." He doesn't directly mention himself, instead looking at a broader picture of life and life after death, rather than applying his ideas to his own situation. Hamlet looks at all aspects of life, death, and afterlife, but tries to keep it separate from his own life.
Hamlet cannot make this discussion with himself about himself, because it is too difficult for him to imagine this situation actually happening to him. He is a prince, he had a loving family, and his parents cared about each other. Now his whole life has turned upside down. His father is dead, and his mother has become a person that he doesn't recognize. With no family, he turns to Ophelia, but he can't trust her either. He feels like he has no one on his side.
Betrayal, tragedy, lies, and heartache quickly fill Hamlet's life and leave no room for love, happiness, or trust. He doesn't have anything to live for anymore. Suicide becomes an option for Hamlet. He can't decide if ending his life would be a helpful thing, considering no one is sure of what happens in the afterlife. He doesn't know if the afterlife will make his life on earth seem perfect or if it will actually release him from his troubles. Also, according to his religion, suicide is a sin, and hell is described as endless torture.
Endless torture or a life not worth living? Both are gloomy thoughts, and Hamlet has trouble deciding between them. He says that ending life is not the scary part, he wouldn't mind ending his life. The scary part is the unknown, and what comes next. This is what Hamlet gets hung up on. Don't be like Hamlet. Don't think ending your life is the only option you have. Also, don't over analyze everything. If you made it through today, then surely you can make it through tomorrow.
Hamlet cannot make this discussion with himself about himself, because it is too difficult for him to imagine this situation actually happening to him. He is a prince, he had a loving family, and his parents cared about each other. Now his whole life has turned upside down. His father is dead, and his mother has become a person that he doesn't recognize. With no family, he turns to Ophelia, but he can't trust her either. He feels like he has no one on his side.
Betrayal, tragedy, lies, and heartache quickly fill Hamlet's life and leave no room for love, happiness, or trust. He doesn't have anything to live for anymore. Suicide becomes an option for Hamlet. He can't decide if ending his life would be a helpful thing, considering no one is sure of what happens in the afterlife. He doesn't know if the afterlife will make his life on earth seem perfect or if it will actually release him from his troubles. Also, according to his religion, suicide is a sin, and hell is described as endless torture.
Endless torture or a life not worth living? Both are gloomy thoughts, and Hamlet has trouble deciding between them. He says that ending life is not the scary part, he wouldn't mind ending his life. The scary part is the unknown, and what comes next. This is what Hamlet gets hung up on. Don't be like Hamlet. Don't think ending your life is the only option you have. Also, don't over analyze everything. If you made it through today, then surely you can make it through tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Literature Analysis
Broken for You
Stephanie Kallos
2) The theme of the novel is acceptance. Acceptance of others, acceptance of your past, your memories, your future, and the things you cant change. Margaret had to accept that she had a brain tumor, and then chose not to let that stop her. Both Margaret and Wanda had to accept that although they were abandoned, there were still people out there to love and take care of them. They also learned to let down their walls and accept each other as close friends or family.
3) The author's tone is very personal and thoughtful. It begins quite melancholy but starts to look up as the story progresses. It is written in the first person, and switches point of views between Margaret and Wanda.
4) A few techniques the author uses are personification, imagery, figurative language, syntax, and symbolism.
The trinkets in Margaret's home speak to her, and they all have personal qualities.
Imagery and figurative language is used throughout the book, especially in describing people and objects.
The author's syntax includes speaking in the first person, which allows you to see the pain behind the characters.
The breaking of the china and putting it back into a mosaic to create art is a symbol of the lives of Margaret and Wanda. They were both broken but are able to fix what has happened to the best of their ability.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)