Let me start this off by saying that I love English. When I was little, I read pretty much nonstop and language arts was basically a joke for me in elementary and middle school. I basically love grammar and reading, so it was my favorite subject even though we didn't really learn anything. Then, we got to high school and I thought it would be different. But I hadn't struggled at all in English since this year.This year has actually been pretty tough for me, which was surprising because I hadn't had much trouble with AP Junior English. I had a hard time adjusting to the differences between Junior English essays and Senior English essays, so I was really disappointed with my scores on the first few. I also didn't have much homework for any other class, so it made English homework seem like it took forever even though it normally didn't.
Our short story unit was okay, I didn't get the underlying message to a lot of them at first, but after some practice I was able to somewhat understand them. I was okay with Hamlet because I had already read it, but the play analysis was kind of boring for me. I really disliked the Road, which I know I've blogged about before, but it just wasn't for me. It eventually evened out, because I loved reading Beloved, and I was really excited that Mr. Stoltz got to teach it to us. I liked the poetry unit a lot, except for the ones I didn't understand. But I really liked doing the project, which sounds weird, but I like powerpoints so I guess that's it.
Overall I liked Senior English and the experience prepared me for college a lot, because there was a lot of work and reading. I wish I had taken the AP test, because I could get out of two English classes, but I think I'll enjoy taking something outside of my major anyway (Biomedical Engineering, if you were wondering).
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
10 Reasons Everyone Should Love Showtunes
I love music and musicals, but I understand that they aren't for everyone. However, I think that this should change. Musicals and showtunes are amazing, and although not everyone will enjoy every musical, everyone can find a musical they will like! So here are 10 reasons I think that everyone should at least try a musical.
1. It's like watching a play and listening to music at the same time. It's double entertainment.
2. Some of the notes they can hit (high and low) are seriously incredible.
3. There are hundreds of different musicals, about everything from sports to orphans to rock music. You can find one that you're interested in.
4. They can do amazing things with setting, props, costumes, etc. if you pay attention.
5. If you've ever seen Les Mis, you'll agree: They can be incredibly powerful and emotional, and the music adds to the emotion. Let's be honest, who didn't cry when that little boy died?
6. They can be really funny, although not all of them are (See Wicked, Hairspray, etc.)
7. You'll understand way more cultural references, because there are tons if you pay attention!
8. When you get the soundtrack for these plays, they are actually amazing to sing to in the car. Even if you can't sing, you can go for it, because no one can hear you. It's more fun than rap in my opinion, although that is a personal preference. (Try Defying Gravity from Wicked. It's a great mood-lifter)
9. Most of them are relatable, upbeat, and exciting. In contrast to many musical performances, musicals keep you interested, have fast-paced plots, and are usually happy and exciting (there are definitely exceptions).
10. Who doesn't love a happy ending?
1. It's like watching a play and listening to music at the same time. It's double entertainment.
2. Some of the notes they can hit (high and low) are seriously incredible.
3. There are hundreds of different musicals, about everything from sports to orphans to rock music. You can find one that you're interested in.
4. They can do amazing things with setting, props, costumes, etc. if you pay attention.
5. If you've ever seen Les Mis, you'll agree: They can be incredibly powerful and emotional, and the music adds to the emotion. Let's be honest, who didn't cry when that little boy died?
6. They can be really funny, although not all of them are (See Wicked, Hairspray, etc.)
7. You'll understand way more cultural references, because there are tons if you pay attention!
8. When you get the soundtrack for these plays, they are actually amazing to sing to in the car. Even if you can't sing, you can go for it, because no one can hear you. It's more fun than rap in my opinion, although that is a personal preference. (Try Defying Gravity from Wicked. It's a great mood-lifter)
9. Most of them are relatable, upbeat, and exciting. In contrast to many musical performances, musicals keep you interested, have fast-paced plots, and are usually happy and exciting (there are definitely exceptions).
10. Who doesn't love a happy ending?
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Romantic Poetry
My poetry project is on the subject of romantic poetry, and I decided today to blog about the characteristics that help define it, just in case this is on the test on Monday.
During the Romantic Period (which was from the late 1700's to about 1860, give or take a few years), the emphasis was on emotion and feeling. Most romantic poetry has a theme of nature, love, or religion. What makes romantic poetry easy to spot is the emphasis on nature. Most romantic poetry is going to either describe something beautiful in nature or compare something to nature.
The language used in Romantic Period was colorful, vivid, and bright. When describing nature, the language was designed to create pleasing sounds and images for the reader. Some poetry did discuss darker subjects, such as William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, but most of the poetry was passionate and upbeat.
There wasn't a set form of poetry from this period. Most of the major authors had an epic poem or an extremely long one that they are known for, but they all also wrote shorter poems. Some examples of long poems from this era are The Prelude by William Wordsworth, Don Juan by Lord Byron, and Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. There were a lot of pastoral poems, and many sonnets written about love, but overall the structure within the period varied a lot.
During the Romantic Period (which was from the late 1700's to about 1860, give or take a few years), the emphasis was on emotion and feeling. Most romantic poetry has a theme of nature, love, or religion. What makes romantic poetry easy to spot is the emphasis on nature. Most romantic poetry is going to either describe something beautiful in nature or compare something to nature.
The language used in Romantic Period was colorful, vivid, and bright. When describing nature, the language was designed to create pleasing sounds and images for the reader. Some poetry did discuss darker subjects, such as William Blake's The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, but most of the poetry was passionate and upbeat.
There wasn't a set form of poetry from this period. Most of the major authors had an epic poem or an extremely long one that they are known for, but they all also wrote shorter poems. Some examples of long poems from this era are The Prelude by William Wordsworth, Don Juan by Lord Byron, and Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. There were a lot of pastoral poems, and many sonnets written about love, but overall the structure within the period varied a lot.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
What does it take to be happy?
I watched a documentary on happiness yesterday, and it changed how I thought about happiness, so I thought I would share my thoughts with you all!
Firstly, they said that although money can't buy happiness, you have to get above the poverty line before there isn't a correlation. Basically, once you get above the poverty line, there is no relation between money and happiness. When they asked people what they thought would "get them happiness", most people answered that they believed having more money would bring it to them.
Secondly, they said that around 50% of a person's happiness is dependent on genetics, while only 10% is a good job, relationships, and all the things people think will make them happy. They didn't mention this, but I'd like to add that part of the "genetics" piece may be upbringing. If a person sees their parents making the best out of a situation or having a sunny personality, they're much more likely to handle themselves better in bad situations. I think this also has a big impact on a person's reflection of their own "happiness" and their overall attitude.
I also would like to add some of my thoughts. They didn't really cover this, but I think that people who say what they want from life is "to be happy" are always going to want something more. For example, if they think a good job will make them happy, they'll get there and find nothing's changed, then want a better job to make them happy. Or, a person will want a good relationship, and that will make them happy. But they might not be fully happy in a relationship either. It seems to me that people who do that need to just decide to be happy with what they have, instead of always wishing they had something else or something more.
Firstly, they said that although money can't buy happiness, you have to get above the poverty line before there isn't a correlation. Basically, once you get above the poverty line, there is no relation between money and happiness. When they asked people what they thought would "get them happiness", most people answered that they believed having more money would bring it to them.
Secondly, they said that around 50% of a person's happiness is dependent on genetics, while only 10% is a good job, relationships, and all the things people think will make them happy. They didn't mention this, but I'd like to add that part of the "genetics" piece may be upbringing. If a person sees their parents making the best out of a situation or having a sunny personality, they're much more likely to handle themselves better in bad situations. I think this also has a big impact on a person's reflection of their own "happiness" and their overall attitude.
I also would like to add some of my thoughts. They didn't really cover this, but I think that people who say what they want from life is "to be happy" are always going to want something more. For example, if they think a good job will make them happy, they'll get there and find nothing's changed, then want a better job to make them happy. Or, a person will want a good relationship, and that will make them happy. But they might not be fully happy in a relationship either. It seems to me that people who do that need to just decide to be happy with what they have, instead of always wishing they had something else or something more.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Dead Poet's Society
After writing four poetry responses with still a few to go, I couldn't bring myself to blog about poetry also. However, I decided instead to write about the only other thing we've done in English class lately: Watch Dead Poet's Society.
I liked the movie so far, and the acting was good for sure. I loved that all the boys looked like they were going to pave their own way in the liberal arts field instead of the professional tracks their parents picked out for them. My parents haven't pressured me too much for college or a career, but I know they'd be upset if, for example, I decided to try to be a professional singer. I admired that the guy from House tried out for a play knowing his father wouldn't approve, and I was definitely excited that he was playing Puck, my favorite character in any Shakespeare play (and also a character that I played in fourth grade, no big deal!). So overall I'm really enjoying the movie, but I had a few reservations that probably have to do with it being set in the 50s.
For one thing, the characters kept pulling instruments out of absolutely nowhere. I definitely saw a recorder, bongos, and a saxophone come into the picture to play random music during the film. I found that extremely weird and a little confusing.
Also, the boys make the decision to start the Dead Poet's Society kind of randomly. Robin Williams says a few short sentences about it, and they go smoke pipes in a cave like that night. It was a cool idea, but they seemed way too excited about reading poetry out loud. I like the rhythm and sound of poetry a lot, but I don't usually sneak out and go hide in a cave to read it to a bunch of people. That part was a little far-fetched to me.
I was also a little skeptical about the lack of repercussions Robin Williams faced for having such a wild, eccentric teaching style. Based on that boarding school's reputation, I can't see them really being okay with a teacher that far outside of the box.
As critical as all of that was, I'd like to reinforce that I really liked the movie so far, and I'm excited to watch the end. I understand that the plot might not be entirely airtight, but the story is really good and, like I said, I like all the characters so far. Anyway, thanks Mr. Mullins for letting us watch it! You're awesome!
I liked the movie so far, and the acting was good for sure. I loved that all the boys looked like they were going to pave their own way in the liberal arts field instead of the professional tracks their parents picked out for them. My parents haven't pressured me too much for college or a career, but I know they'd be upset if, for example, I decided to try to be a professional singer. I admired that the guy from House tried out for a play knowing his father wouldn't approve, and I was definitely excited that he was playing Puck, my favorite character in any Shakespeare play (and also a character that I played in fourth grade, no big deal!). So overall I'm really enjoying the movie, but I had a few reservations that probably have to do with it being set in the 50s.
For one thing, the characters kept pulling instruments out of absolutely nowhere. I definitely saw a recorder, bongos, and a saxophone come into the picture to play random music during the film. I found that extremely weird and a little confusing.
Also, the boys make the decision to start the Dead Poet's Society kind of randomly. Robin Williams says a few short sentences about it, and they go smoke pipes in a cave like that night. It was a cool idea, but they seemed way too excited about reading poetry out loud. I like the rhythm and sound of poetry a lot, but I don't usually sneak out and go hide in a cave to read it to a bunch of people. That part was a little far-fetched to me.
I was also a little skeptical about the lack of repercussions Robin Williams faced for having such a wild, eccentric teaching style. Based on that boarding school's reputation, I can't see them really being okay with a teacher that far outside of the box.
As critical as all of that was, I'd like to reinforce that I really liked the movie so far, and I'm excited to watch the end. I understand that the plot might not be entirely airtight, but the story is really good and, like I said, I like all the characters so far. Anyway, thanks Mr. Mullins for letting us watch it! You're awesome!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March Madness
Today, I want to talk about the "hidden message" in poems. Yes, I'm aware Mr. Mullins told us that we shouldn't call it hidden because it should be easy to find. It could be my stupidity, but I feel like 90% of the purpose of a poem is hidden somewhere in a way. For example, the last poem I analyzed for homework was:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wasted by June Jordan
You should slice the lying tongue of your love
into a billion bits of bile you swallow
one bilious element at a time
while
scalding water trembles drop
by drop between
(you hope)
between your eyes because
you said you loved me
and you lied
you lied
All you wanted was to rid me of my pride
to ruin me for tenderness
you lied
to thrust me monstrous from the hurt
you fabricate
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obviously, on the surface this poem is about rejection in some form or another. But under the surface there is so much to analyze (which is probably why we have to analyze it in English class for homework, but you know).
There is alliteration (billion bits of bile), repetition (you lied) and onomatopoeia (drop) used within this short poem. There can be so much interpreted from these and other rhetorical devices. I think the "hidden message" is what's given away after careful analysis as opposed to a superficial reading. It may not be exactly hidden, but it is definitely harder to find. These devices add effect but I think much of it is also left up to interpretation by the reader.
Also, if anyone was wondering why I titled this "March Madness" and then didn't talk about it, UK's loss has left me speechless and I couldn't talk about it. But if you were wondering, I have Miami winning it all!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wasted by June Jordan
You should slice the lying tongue of your love
into a billion bits of bile you swallow
one bilious element at a time
while
scalding water trembles drop
by drop between
(you hope)
between your eyes because
you said you loved me
and you lied
you lied
All you wanted was to rid me of my pride
to ruin me for tenderness
you lied
to thrust me monstrous from the hurt
you fabricate
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obviously, on the surface this poem is about rejection in some form or another. But under the surface there is so much to analyze (which is probably why we have to analyze it in English class for homework, but you know).
There is alliteration (billion bits of bile), repetition (you lied) and onomatopoeia (drop) used within this short poem. There can be so much interpreted from these and other rhetorical devices. I think the "hidden message" is what's given away after careful analysis as opposed to a superficial reading. It may not be exactly hidden, but it is definitely harder to find. These devices add effect but I think much of it is also left up to interpretation by the reader.
Also, if anyone was wondering why I titled this "March Madness" and then didn't talk about it, UK's loss has left me speechless and I couldn't talk about it. But if you were wondering, I have Miami winning it all!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Poetry in Song
I've never been much for creative writing. I'm not really artistic or musical, besides singing, so I don't really know that much about poetry. I don't think I've ever written any besides what was required in school. So, when I found out we were doing a poetry unit, I was kind of scared. But I noticed on the list of poetry to read were several songs we had sung in choir, and that made me kind of hopeful. Here is one of my favorite songs written from poetry and the arrangement we sang.
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening - Robert Frost
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening - Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think
I know.
His house is in the village
though;
He will not see me stopping
here
To watch his woods fill up
with snow.
My little horse must think it
queer
To stop without a farmhouse
near
Between the woods and frozen
lake
The darkest evening of the
year.
He gives his harness bells a
shake
To ask if there is some
mistake.
The only other sound’s the
sweep
Of easy wind and downy
flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and
deep.
But I have promises to
keep,
And miles to go before I
sleep,
And miles to go before I
sleep.
Now, maybe it's just because we sang it for so long, but I feel like I understand this poetry more from listening to the song than any poetry I've seen in just plain words. The music makes it more interesting and way more emotional than any other poetry I've read. I think I might try looking up arrangements of other poems we read to try to get more of a feel for them. Either way, this made me a little bit more excited about our poetry unit coming up.
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