To Kill a Mockingbird: Week of 12/15/14

Prompt: Describe a character that you would like to meet (which doesn’t mean that you think you would like the character, but that you think the character would be interesting). List 3 questions that you would ask.

     One character that I would love to meet is Boo Radley. The prompt I chose reminds us that the character we would like to meet, doesn't have to be one we like, but one who we find interesting. Though, I find Boo Radley both likable and interesting. He is kind and heroic in the end, but quite humble and quiet about it. Everyone, though, seems to have the absolute worst ideas and thoughts about who they think he is. This makes the fact that he pretty much hides his identity through every compassionate gesture, so much more admirable. He could change all of the rumors, but he chooses to live with them. This leads to so many questions I would love to ask him! So, if I were to get the opportunity to meet him, here are three questions that I would be dying to ask!

      The first question I would ask Boo would be, Why have you stayed in hiding for all this time, and let rumors be told about you? There are many legends and rumors mentioned about Boo Radley throughout the story. For example, that when he was younger, he was cutting out pieces from the Maycomb Tribune, then out of the blue, drove his scissors into his parents legs. Or that he ate raw squirrels, had bloodstained hands, drooled all the time, and had yellow, rotting teeth. From these descriptions and stories, Boo sounds like a disgusting savage, who may have some mental issues. He seems insane; like a person who nobody would ever want to come encounter with. Though we later find out that he left gifts for Jem and Scout, and in the end, saved their lives! This whole time, the children were convinced that he was a horrible person, but he was really a kind man who was looking out for them all along! So, if this was all true, why wouldn't he want to come out and make that clear to the public? I would get sick of people thinking I was this menacing person, when really, I had a gracious heart. So, I would be extremely intrigued to know why Boo never came out to prove all of the rumors and legends wrong, and show that he was a thoughtful and courteous man.

     The second question I would ask Boo would be, Why did you choose Jem and Scout to look out for and show kind gestures towards, rather than the other children in Maycomb? Like I previously mentioned, Boo left the children gifts like a pocket watch, an aluminum knife, some carved soap, a spelling medal, and bubble gum, in the hollow of a tree. He also saved their lives when Bob Ewell came after them, we can assume, looking to kill them. He was kind of like the children's own little blessing, but it doesn't exactly make sense that he would do things like leave gifts and look to protect just Jem and Scout. Did he leave gifts for any other children? Was he secretly looking out for other people in Maycomb County? If not, again, why specifically Jem and Scout? Was it because they were only growing up with one parent? Was it because their father defended African Americans, and he wanted to make sure the fact that he did this didn't hurt the children in any way? Also, had he always been looking out for the children, in the time even before Scout was telling the story from? Did they just not realize it? Boo Radley really was like a protector for the children, but I'm very curious to know why.

     The third and final question I would ask Boo would be, Do you always come out at night, or was it just a coincidence that you were out when the children began to get attacked by Bob Ewell? Now, clearly this question wouldn't make sense if you didn't read the story (same with the rest of the questions) so, let's recap. On the night of the Halloween pageant, Jem and Scout were walking home in the pitch dark, with the slightest indication of where they were. It was about two months since the trial, and Bob Ewell still felt a need for vengeance against Atticus Finch for tarnishing his image in court (we can assume this is the reason for the actions he took). So, he came after Scout and Jem (Atticus's children) but Boo Radley was there to protect the children (even though they still got somewhat injured) and brought them back to their home. Now, it's pretty amazing that Boo was in the right place at the right time. So, I would definitely ask him if it was just a coincidence, or if he is always out at night, looking out for the children or not. We know his actions were heroic, but if it had only been a coincidence that he was there, imagine what actually could've happened! So, I would definitely ask Boo if he always comes out at night, or if it was just a coincidence that he was out when the children began to get attacked by Bob Ewell. 

     So, if I got to the opportunity to meet Boo Radley, those are the three questions I would ask him!

To Kill a Mockingbird: Redo Week of 10/20

Prompt: What characters have you tended to favor or admire in the Novel? Why?

Like I've said in many previous blogs, there are so many incredible characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, though there are three characters that I absolutely love the most; Calpurnia, Scout, and Tom Robinson.

     To begin, I truly admire Calpurnia. She is an African American woman, and even though most African Americans were discriminated against, she always seems to act proud and confident. Despite the color of her skin, she is a strong woman, who knows how to be polite and courteous at all times. Whether she's at Church, or simply working in the Finch household, she always conducts herself like a proper lady. She is very respected by all of the Finch's and most of the people in the neighborhood, even though she was of color. She is a very hard working lady, as she takes care of the cooking, cleaning, and well being of the Finch's home, and the Finch's themselves. She's always there when someone needs her. She was there when Atticus needed someone to help break the news to Helen Robinson that her husband died. She was there when Jem and Dill were excluding Scout, and she needed someone to talk to and hang out with, so she wasn't so lonely. Though most importantly, she is there to be a mother figure to Jem and Scout. It's very hard for children to live with only one parent, disciplining them, taking care of them, and teaching them. With Calpurnia there to be with the children, she can take care of them and be there for the children when their father can't be there, or in situations where only a woman can really be of assistance. She truly is a wonderful woman, despite her occasional tough love and slightly harsh discipline, and I truly admire her in To Kill a Mockingbird.

     Another character that I admire and have found a love for, is Scout. Scout's very intelligent and aware. Even from a very young age, she could both read and write, something some people in their 30's still were unable to do at this time in History. As time progresses, she is able to understand situations better, and gain stronger insights on events. Her growth is incredible, as I don't think that by the time I was 8 or 9, I was able to put myself in other's shoes and imagine their feelings, something Scout finds herself being able to do around this age. Besides her intelligence and understanding, I also admire how she is subtly but surely able to make the transition from an immature Tomboy, to a Lady. She surely does not make this change overnight, as I don't think anyone could, but you can slowly see the change. She goes from being too outspoken constantly saying the wrong things at the wrong times, to being able to compose herself in a court case, and have tea with her Aunt and neighbors while having appropriate and lady like conversations. She really matures over the course of the book, and that's where we can see her greater understanding of life and people. As at one point, she was completely critical of Boo Radley, believing every rumor she heard about him. Though, towards the end of the novel, we see her able to see things from his point of view, and realizes that the rumors she heard may not be true after all. Scout is an amazing young girl, and is pretty inspirational in her growth in my opinion!

     One last character that I really admire and find myself favoring, is Tom Robinson. Actually, I admire pretty much all African Americans during this time period! People of color were discriminated against, and we can obviously see this during the Trial of Tom Robinson, and how the African Americans are treated and spoken about in the book. Tom Robinson was accused of raping a White Woman, a crime that (once the trial was through) was clear that he didn't commit. Though, he was not found "Not Guilty" the case was appealed to a higher court. It amazes me though, how strong he was, even though he knew the cards were stacked against him. He knew he wasn't going to win the trial, because he was African American, but that didn't stop him from doing his best on the witness stand. He never cracked until the end, when he tried to escape, but he truly did put up the best fight he could. I couldn't imagine knowing that I didn't commit a crime, but being convicted of it anyways, knowing I wouldn't get out of the situation as "Not Guilty". I would be fearing for my life, I wouldn't be able to stay sane, I would be scared, and I wouldn't want to face anyone in court. Even if Tom was feeling any of these things, he really didn't show it! He conducted himself properly, didn't show anyone that he might be nervous or scared, and laid it all out. In the end, it didn't really pay off, as he was killed, but I will always think that he was the bravest, strongest, and frankly one of the most admirable characters in the Novel.

     So, those are some of the characters that I have found my self favoring and admiring in the Novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

To Kill a Mockingbird- Found Poetry

"What we Have Come to Understand About Atticus Finch"
By: Julia Swicionis

Was the bravest man.

Consider things from his point.

Not a man with a gun,

...a nigger lover.

He believed,

...love everybody.

It's not okay to hate anybody.

Atticus was right!

Hold your head high

...for goodness sake!

Use your mind,

...no matter what.

Try fighting with your head,

...fists down.

...believe firmly in integrity,

see what real courage is...

Real courage is...

Atticus Finch.

To Kill A Mockingbird: Character Relationships

     I have gotten to know and love many characters in To Kill a Mockingbird, but I would have to say that two of my favorites are Calpurnia and Miss Maudie. They both share many similarities and differences, but that's what makes their relationships to Scout even better, because she has both of them with their similarities and differences in her life to help her find her way. One of the greatest and most obvious similarities between these two characters are that they both serve as mother figures to Scout. This leads to most of their other similarities and difference because of their different influences and behaviors towards Scout. Because Scout lost her birth mother at such a young age, she grew up mostly under the influence of Calpurnia and Miss Maudie, and they have both taught her so much. They have helped her along as she is growing up and becoming more curious and intelligent everyday. Scout can really approach them about anything on her mind, and they will be there for her. Like when Dill and Jem were excluding Scout from their games, Miss Maudie was there to talk to her and serve as company. In the novel it says, “But I kept aloof from their more fool-hardy schemes for a while, and on pain of being called a girl, I spent most of the remaining twilights that summer sitting with Miss Maudie Atkinson on her front porch.” Calpurnia shows that Scout can come to her whenever she becomes lonely or needs anything, like Miss Maudie, also. When Jem seems to be growing up, Calpurnia notices that Scout seems to feel lonely as she can't really play or talk to Jem at this point. Calpurnia then says, "He's gonna want to be off by himself a lot now, doin' whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome. We'll find lots of things to do in here." Calpurnia and Miss Maudie surely always do seem to be there when Scout feels desolate or lonely. Another similarity between the two are the fact that they both take pride in the way that they look, and when they are cleaned up, they look quite incredible. We can see this from Calpurnia in the novel when Calpurnia makes sure herself and the children are extra clean and well dressed for church, and when Miss Maudie is described as a "magisterial beauty" once she has cleaned herself up. They both make sure they look exceptional, as they do not want to be misconceived by the way they look.

Now, with the many similarities between Calpurnia and Miss Maudie, there are also many differences. To start off, Scout, though loves them both dearly, views them both with different perspectives. Calpurnia is seen as being more strict, giving tough love, and having great power over the children. Though, Miss Maudie is seen to be more gentle and kind towards the children, showing her love a little more explicitly towards people, unlike Calpurnia, who might be showing love in a way that is not seen by the naked eye. We can see these ideas about these characters through multiple instances, but we know that Scout feels this way about the ladies when she describes Calpurnia as having a "Tyrannical Presence" while she describes Miss Maudie as having a "Benign Presence". Regardless of how they are perceived or show their love and affection for not only Scout but people in general, they are both commonly compassionate women. Another difference between these two characters is that Calpurnia actually lives with the Finch's as their Cook and Maid, while Miss Maudie is simply a close family friend and neighbor. So, Calpurnia has probably been seen as more of a mother figure, as she physically lives in the same house as Scout, and can have more of an influence on her at home than Miss Maudie can. One last difference between these two characters are that Calpurnia is African American, and Miss Maudie is White. Skin color might not seem like a very big difference now a days, but in the 1930's, it showed great diversity. African American's were discriminated against at this time in history, and received a lot of prejudice and racism. So, Miss Maudie was most likely treated with more respect than Calpurnia, because she was White skinned, and did not receive any type of prejudice like Calpurnia might have.

Even though Calpurnia, Miss Maudie, and Scout are all very kind, intelligent, well spoken people, I wouldn't say any of them are direct alter egos of each other. Scout reflects Calpurnia and Miss Maudie more in this aspect, than they reflect Scout. This is because they were the two women that helped Scout to achieve these qualities. So, I don't think that Miss Maudie or Calpurnia are exactly alter egos of Scout, but I do think that Calpurnia serves as a foil to Scout. Calpurnia is pretty stern and proper. She's not obnoxious in this way, but she makes sure that she acts correctly at all times, and has a stricter way of living life. Though, Scout seems to be very outspoken, and doesn't always make sure she has a filter. She occasionally says things that could offend another, and Calpurnia would never allow things to be said without a filter. So when Scout does say something offensive, it's very obvious by the way Calpurnia reacts that she in fact shows to be opposite of this trait of Scout's. We can see this come out in one instance when Walter Cunningham comes over for lunch, and Scout questions the fact that he pours syrup all over his meal. The novel says, "Walter lured Syrup on his vegetables and meat with a generous hand. He would probably have poured it into his milk glass if had not I asked what the Sam Hill he was doing. The silver saucer clattered when he returned the pitcher, and he quickly put his hands in his lap. Then he ducked his head. Atticus shook his head at me again. 'But he's gone and drowned his dinner in syrup,' I protested. 'He's poured it all over.'" Then Calpurnia pulls Scout aside and says, "There's some folks who don't eat like us," she whispered fiercely, "but you ain't called on to contradict 'em at the table when they don't. That boy's yo' comp'ny and if he wants to eat up the table cloth you let him, ya hear?" Then Scout responds, "He ain't company Cal. He's just a Cunningham." Finally, Calpurnia says, "Hush your mouth! Don't matter who they are, anybody sets foot in this house's yo' comp'ny, and don't you let me catch you remarkin' on their ways like you was so high and mighty!" From this predicament, we can clearly see that Cal and Scout are Foils of each other due to the fact that Scout is very outspoken and opinionated; not having a filter, while Cal acts more polite and filtered, and would never say something disrespectful to someone it might offend.

To Kill A Mockingbird: Photo Analysis

Store with false front. Vicinity of Selma, Alabama

• Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, DC 20540 http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print

     When I first look at this photograph, I see a ramshackle building that is very run down. I see a lone gas pump, that doesn't look like it's been used in a while. I see just a few people standing around, but for the most part, it's vacant and empty. This building seems to be standing in the middle of a field with other farmhouses in the background. There are a couple of trees, and the ground mainly consists of dry, tufts of grass in disarray. There's a bunch of litter/trash around the porch of this building, and it doesn't look like anybody has worried about keeping this area in order. From all of this, I can infer that this may be a small place where people meet to possibly hang out, and relax. It may be a convenience store, and a place where people can come to get gas, and little things they may need (food, water, cigarettes, etc.). Though, it doesn't really look like anyone's buying anything. It's right in the middle of fields and a few other farmhouses, so it's most likely a common area for this area of land. Though, because there are very few people around, we can assume that it's pretty tired and vacant. It's not very crowded, or busy. With all of the trash also, it looks like it hasn't been well taken care of. After, looking at this photo, I am wondering, Who took this picture? What importance did they see in taking this photograph? Is this building actually something along the lines of a convenience store? I ask this because there's really nothing to prove that it is one, I am simply assuming. Also, why is it in the middle of fields and other houses? I would think it would be a little but more separated. I am wondering as well if it was common for buildings like the one pictured to be vacant and tired. You would think more people would be there to get necessities and such, or to just get a break from work. One final thing I would want to know would be, is this considered a common area for the residents of this area? I mean, you would think because it looks like it's a place where people could go to get gas, food, water, etc. and chill out, out of the hot sun. Though, it doesn't look like many people are there to get these things and or take a break and relax. That's what I could see from this photo, what I can infer, and what I'm still wondering

     I believe this could be Maycomb County, Alabama because they describe the town square in the novel, very similarly to how this picture appears. In the book it says, "People moved slowly then. They ambled across the square, shuffled in and out of the stores around it. A day was twenty-four hours long but seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go, nothing to buy and no money to buy it with, nothing to see outside the boundaries of Maycomb County." This small description sounds like it could be describing something similar to the photograph above. The building looks like it could be a shop or store in a small town square in the middle of Maycomb County. The people around look like they are in no hurry to go anywhere, and though are near the shop, aren't buying anything. Also, the book says that outside of the town square, there was really nowhere else to go, which is what it seems like in this photo. Outside the shop, there are only fields and a couple houses, there really doesn't seem like there's anything or anywhere else to go where people could possibly enjoy themselves or simply go just to hang out. The photo just looks like it could be the slow moving town square described in To Kill A Mockingbird. It's in a central area where I would assume most town squares are, there are few people walking around and don't seem to be in a hurry or buying anything, just like the book describes the people in the town square and the town square itself. 

The Outsiders: Week of 11/17/14

Pages: 1-118
Prompt: Can you relate yourself or the World to any of the characters in the book you are reading? If so, how?

     I just started reading The Outsiders this week, and I'm actually surprised by how much I'm really enjoying it! The characters are all very different and distinct, but they're all real and genuine; a quality pretty hard to create in fictional characters. There have been a few instances where I have found myself relating to certain characters, but maybe not the character themselves. This meaning, I could relate to one of their actions or something they said, not the character as a whole! There have also been a few instances where I found myself relating something a character said to the real World! I could apply a lot of what was said to real life, as a lot of the quotes really give us insight on how our World and the people in it, really work!

     The first character that I can find relation to is Cherry Valance. In the book, Cherry and Ponyboy were having a conversation about the Socs beating up his friend Johnny, a Greaser (two rival groups who refer to each other under these names). After that, Ponyboy and Cherry are talking to each other about how not all Socs and Greasers are the same, and may not all have the reputation that people believe. It says, "'I'll bet you think the Socs have it made. Rich kids, the West-side Socs. I'll tell you something, Ponyboy, and it may come as a surprise. We have troubles you've never even heard of. You want to know something?' She looked me straight in the eye. 'Things are rough all over.'" I think that a lot of people, don't realize this whole idea that everyone has problems! Just because things may seem perfect for someone, doesn't mean they are. I feel like I am someone who may be looked at like I don't have any problems. I'm a pretty nice kid, who gets really good grades, is a great dancer, gets to travel all over the World, has a tight knit family, is living above the poverty line, always has food on the table, and a bed to sleep in. I should have nothing to complain about, right? What else could I want? Well, I don't need anything else. I'm content with the life I live. I'm actually unbelievably grateful! Though, aside from having an amazing family, and food and water and shelter, I have a lot of stress. Keeping the grades I have and staying at the level I am in dance can be difficult and stressful sometimes. Actually, all of the time! Everything may look okay, or maybe you can see that I struggle sometimes. Though, I usually try not to show if I'm too out of sorts. I have problems just like everyone else, and I can really relate to what Cherry said at this part in the novel.

     The second character that I can find relation to is Ponyboy. In the novel Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally are walking home with Cherry and Marcia. Being from different "social classes" it wasn't very common for them to be hanging out together. As Ponyboy it thinking about this, it says, "Maybe the two different Worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset." I think it's hard for people to look at the bigger picture of things in the World, because we are all so focused in our own little worlds. We tend to forget that we are not so different from everyone else in the World, no matter who or what they are. Yes, there is a difference in where you live, and how much money you have, and your gender, and your thoughts. Though in the end, we all see the same sunset (kind of; the sun doesn't set at the same time everywhere) we all see the same moon rise in the sky. There are little things in the World that bring us all together, and remind us that the differences that separate everyone, only reach a certain extent before we find all of the similarities! We all eat three meals a day, we all go shopping, and sleep, and read, and go swimming, and go to school; generally. Obviously people in countries that are not as fortunate and advanced as the U.S. don't have the opportunity to go to school, or go shopping regularly. Though, like it says in the book, we all see the sunrise. In the end we are not that different after all.

     One last character I can find relation to is Two Bit. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally were recognized in the paper for saving the children from the burning church, and they were described as heroes. Two Bit then says, “Y'all were heroes from the beginning. You just didn't 'turn' all of a sudden” I very much agree with this idea that you don't just turn into a hero all of a sudden, even if you show one amazing act of bravery and kindness. Becoming known as a hero, in my opinion, is a build up of all of the courageous and amazing things you've done in your life, to be able to earn that title. You could actually be a terrible kid, who is in gangs and commits crimes, but saves an elder from being hit by a car and is magically known as this "hero". He doesn't show any other heroic qualities. If it hadn't been for that single act of if bravery and kindness, he wouldn't be known a  hero. I think what Two Bit is trying to say, is that even though Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally were in the paper for doing one courageous act of kindness, they were already heroes and kind people in the past. They just were able to show this for the first time in front of cameras. I think that a lot of people in the World see someone who has done something great that gets them publicity, so they think this person is "all that and a bag of chips," when really, they just got lucky that this act was caught on camera and shared. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally had already been great people, they didn't just get this title all of a sudden. They were just finally recognized.

Nightjohn: Week of 11/10/14

Pages: 1-92 (Finished)
Prompt: Analyze the impact word choice has on the meaning or tone of the text. Analyze how dialogue or specific incidents reveal information about characters. Make sure to include textual evidence.

*WARNING* This is a very long blog, because I had so much to say! 

     This week, for Social Studies class, we were required to read the book Nightjohn. Nightjohn is Historical Fiction, written by Gary Paulson. It's about a young girl's (Sarny) experience with Slavery. She comes in counter with a new Slave, John, which is why the title is Nightjohn. The book gives very vivid descriptions of Slave life on a plantation, and shows the extreme brutality Slaves faced.

     Word choice, has a huge impact on Nightjohn. I mean, Gary Paulson, really had no other choice. If he didn't choose to include strong, descriptive words, for how the Slaves were treated, or how the Slaves looked, then we wouldn't be able to see the full picture. The harsh ways the Slaves were treated, wouldn't be portrayed as well. Some of the words he uses aren't very complex either. They just have a very powerful affect with the context they are written in. For example, when a new Slave comes to the Plantation (John) his physical state is described when Sarny says, “His back was all over scars from old whippings. The skin across his shoulders and down was raised in ripples, thick as my hand, up and down his back and onto his rear end and down his legs some more." When Sarny describes John's back as having ripples from all of the whipping, you can visualize it so much better. You can picture it, and almost feel it. I know that when I read this part of the novel, my skin rose, and I could practically feel what had happened to John! Paulson uses better word choice, to help evoke the sorrowful and harsh tone of the book. Though, this quote can be used to help evoke the tone as well. Through this, we can see that Gary is showing how terribly the Slaves were treated, and you could tell, just based on how they looked. Because Paulson does not not hold back on the descriptions of the Slaves, we can really feel that unpleasant tone in the atmosphere. 

     Another place in the story where word choice has an impact on the novel is when Mammy is talking to Sarny about learning. It was technically against the law for Slaves to learn to read or write, or to learn any letters or numbers. If they were caught doing one of these things, they could face extreme punishment. In the story, Mammy says, "Don’t. They catch you doing that and they’ll think you’re learning to read. You learn to read, and they’ll whip you till your skin hangs.” This description, of someone's skin hanging off, is absolutely disgusting. Slaves were given punishments this unbelievable, and Paulson is really able to show that, through how he describes what happens to the Slaves if they break even the stupidest of rules! The two examples I gave, were not the only in the story used to describe the abominable "wounds" of the Slaves. Gary Paulson did an excellent job showing us how gruesomely Slaves were treated through every single one of his descriptions. This quote, again, shows the unpleasant tone, because Gary is describing a terrible consequence Slave's faced. It is disgusting, and leaves that harsh feeling in the room as we hear that the Slave's skin could literally hang off of their bodies! It also gives the novel a more stern tone, as Mammy is very serious about not wanting Sarny to read. It becomes more serious, as Sarny has to realize that her actions could have major consequences.

This isn't exactly word choice, more of the way Gary Paulson wrote the book. So, if you want to skip this paragraph it would be okay, because it does not exactly fit with the prompt. Though, Gary Paulson wrote the book where he made all of the Slave's dialogue a certain way. He used incorrect grammar, to actually show us how Slave's spoke, because they weren't educated. As you saw in the last paragraph, if they were caught learning, they could face punishments that would really hurt their bodies! It's decently subtle, but extremely obvious at the same time! He's able to only take out one word in sentence that sounds like it should be there, or write a instead of an in places. For example, in the story when Sarny is speaking, she says, "A big hand grabbed the back of my shirtdress and dragged me up off my feet so I be hanging there." We would most likely say this statement as, "A big had grabbed the back of my shirtdress, and dragged me up off of my feet so that I was hanging there." We know it's incorrect, but most Slave's did not because they did not receive proper education, if even the slightest education at all! I just think that this is important to bring up because, if Gary Paulson didn't have the Slave's talk this certain way, then the story wouldn't be the same. The Slaves wouldn't be as easily distinguished from the other people, and it wouldn't really set the tone and mood as well. It also wouldn't be as accurate, because I'm sure one of the goals in writing this book, was to make it as realistic as possible.

Now, there's one specific event that I feel reveals a lot about two certain characters. This is shown by both the word choice, and the actions the characters make. We are really able to see their true colors! I'm going to include an excerpt from the Novel to show what I mean.

"What are you doing?"
A big hand grabbed the back of my shirtdress and dragged me up off my feet so that I be hanging there.
"Tell me what you're doing." He was ugly. Pale white maggot ugly and I could smell his ugliness on him-white ugly. Stink of bad sweat and whiskey and smoke and fat food. I didn't say nothing.
     He shook me like a dog shaking a rat.
     
     ....
     
     "Don't know nothing about writing."
     He hit me then. Be holding me with both hands, one on each shoulder so I'm facing him, and he quick drops one hand and hits me with his fist alongside the head as I fall.
     I saw lights. Exploding colors.
     "Don't lie to me. You tell me the the truth of it and I'll let you off. Where did you learn to write?"
     "Don't know nothing about writing," I said again. I had dropped all the way down and was sitting in the dirt looking up at him but it put me in a bad place.

As you can see, there's a lot going on in this excerpt! We can surely see a lot about the characters Sarny (the Slave who is denying learning to write) and Clel Waller (the Slave owner who is beating Sarny). What we learn about Sarny, is that first, she is very brave. She continually denies learning to write, even though she continues to get beaten every time she lies. From the word choice of Paulson, we can see that what Waller is doing, is pretty disgusting and terrible! Sarny was hit so hard, that she saw colors! She was also being shaken like (as said in the story) a dog shaking a rat! This is alluding to the fact that Slaves are treated like animals! Though Sarny perseveres through all of the pain! The things that Clel Waller is doing to Sarny, really show us that he is a monstrous! He is really a sickening man! A large man, beating a small child is just outrageous! Though, because Sarny continues to receive the beatings and keeps her mouth shut, we can see that she values friendship. This may not be obvious by looking just at this excerpt from the story, but it does make sense. Sarny learned to write from John. As she is being shaken or hit, she could just easily let Clel Waller know that John taught her to write. All of her misery could simply end. Though, she takes the pain, to save the pain of her friend, John. She does it to protect him, showing that she values their friendship. One last thing we can see about Sarny from this excerpt, is that she thinks of her Owner as a very nasty person. She is not blind to the fact that what he is doing is unjust. We get to see what she personally thinks of Clel. Gary Paulson's word choice helps us to really see what Sarny thinks, as well. She describes Waller as ugly (we can assume not only on the outside, but on the inside), and like a maggot, and stinks of disgusting cigarettes and whisky. We don't always get to know exactly how Slaves would describe their owners, and how Sarny describes Waller, shows that she clearly dislikes him very much!

Tourette Syndrome: Week of 11/3/14

Pages: 1-End
Prompt: Describe the topic that you learned about in your Non-fiction piece. Can you relate what you've learned about to your own life?

This week, I decided to branch out a little bit. I wanted to try something new. So, I decided to read a Non-fiction piece of writing. Normally, I don't really go for Non-fiction pieces. I find them very boring to read. I would much rather lose myself in Fantasy or Fiction; genres that bring more life and interest to myself. So, I decided to pick a topic I knew nothing about. Maybe because I had no knowledge on the subject, I would find it more interesting to learn about. This showed to be true, because I learned so much factual information on Tourette Syndrome. I'm guessing very few people in our school know about Tourette Syndrome as well! It will be interesting if I start talking to someone about it, or someone reads my blog! I would love to know if they were interested in the topic because they knew nothing about it! After reading this book, I definitely think I'm going to start reading more Non-fiction. Learning about new topics and important figures and such, will really broaden my horizons to new knowledge! I've never heard of Tourette Syndrome before, and now, I can actually have an educated conversation about it! I hope to gain so much more insight on anything that I can read about, that I didn't previously know!

I've learned a lot about Tourette Syndrome through reading Tourette Syndrome By: Marlene Targ Brill. Tourette Syndrome is a condition where a person will constantly repeat a certain movement or sound, which they have no control over. The physical disorder is estimated to affect 100,000 people in the U.S. alone. The repeated sounds and movements the people make, are referred to as Tics. Tics come suddenly, and quickly, at very irregular and inappropriate times. They can be simple or complex; motor or vocal. Though they will repeat for very long periods of time. Some tics include eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, muscle tensing, grunting, sniffing, coughing, belching, barking, scratching, smelling objects, repeating others actions and words, and many more. The main trigger of a tic, is emotion. When a person with Tourette Syndrome gets very angry, or excited, or upset, the tics will begin to occur. Currently, there is no real diagnosis. Dr. Gille de la Tourette, believed that it just ran in the family. in 1960, people believed that it was a mental illness that people were born with. Even though the cause is unclear, it is definitely not contagious. To control Tourette Syndrome, you can take medication. Most parents of kids with the condition tend to opt for something different, but it's an option. Non-medication options are going on a diet. Making sure you get all of your vitamins and nutrients. Even going to therapy or getting surgery are possibilities. That's just the basics I learned about Tourette Syndrome, and it was actually much more intriguing than I originally thought it would be!

What I've learned about Tourette Syndrome can definitely relate to my own life. I learned that OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder) though is not the same as Tourette Syndrome, shares a similar behavior pattern. I have never been diagnosed by a doctor as having OCD, but I can tell I have a mild form of it (to say the least). I always want everything to be perfect. I want perfect grades, I want to be perfectly organized. I'm obsessed with just being on track and, well, perfect (even if I don't always end up "on track"). What takes place of the tic, in the context of OCD is compulsion. I will randomly have the urge to organize my room, or redo an assignment. This is because I'll be stressed out about the un-organization. Then I will feel relief, but go back to the need for perfection. This is like how Tourette Syndrome works. You start off with a trigger (most likely something to cause you to feel great emotion) and then you get the tic. You start uncontrollably barking or scratching, or whatever your tic brings. Then, you are able to feel relief, but the cycle continues. So, I guess you can say I can kind of relate to Tourette Syndrome. I go through a similar "cycle" just with OCD. It's very interesting the the two disorders actually relate to each other! I found out that I have a connection to Tourette Syndrome, and I'd never even heard about it before this week!

Cake Pop Crush: Week of 10/27/14

Pages- 1-30
Prompt- Describe the Who, What, When, Where, and Why, of the story you reading so far.

SPOILER ALERT

     I have just started the book Cake Pop Crush, which (I know) sounds like a stupid story. Cake Pop Crush is literally the worst title for a book I've ever heard. It makes the book sound inferior, in my opinion. Though, the story is actually kind of interesting. It's a bit predictable so far, but I really want to find out what happens in the end! So, to give you an idea of the story (because the title is a little misleading) I'm going to inform you on the Who, What, When, Where, and Why, of the story.

Who- Alicia Ramirez (Ali for short)
Ali Ramirez is the main character of the book, and the story has been revolved around her love for baking! She's pretty good at it too (to say the least)! She's just a normal kid, not really shy or outgoing. She seems to be very sweet and gracious, as well as kind. As for her family, she has a little brother, named Roberto, and a Grandmother who she calls Abuelita. She lives with them, as well as her Dad. Her mother passed away when Ali was younger, and she can't stand the absence of her mom. Ali also has two best friends, Tansy and Gwen. They are very tight knit and have an unbreakable bond. We haven't learned much more about who Ali really is, but so far, she seems like an excellent and inspiring character.

What- Baking, Allocating, and Ignorant Boys!
Like I said before, so far the story has been revolved around Ali's passion for baking! That's what Alicia, her father, and her late mother, love to do! Also, considering it's titled Cake Pop Crush, I would assume a lot of the rest of the story will be centered around baking as well. So, in beginning of the story, Alicia wakes up extremely early on the first morning back to school after winter break. She decides to bake lemon, poppyseed, sunshine cake pops to share with some of the kids at school that day. When Ali gets to school, she passes out the treats to her intermediate friends, and some of the more "Prominent" boys. Then suddenly a limo pulls up to the school and a handsome looking boy steps out, not looking too pleased to be at school. So, Tansy and Gwen (Ali's Friends) encourage her to share a cake pop with him. I mean he looked absolutely miserable. So, Ali stuck one in his locker. Though, when he found it, he examined it, and then tossed it in the trash. That's where I left off, and I couldn't believe how ignorant and rude this new boy had been! I can't wait to see what happens next!

When- The First Day Back From Winter Break.
There's not much to say about the when of the story because the book has only taken place over one day so far! It's the first day back from Christmas Vacation, which we all know from experience, can be a drag! It's only take place also, over about a 12 hour span. The story began at 4:30 in the morning, when Ali bakes he cake pops! Where I left off, it was around 4:30 in the afternoon after the school day ended. There's not much to it yet.

Where- Oak Canyon California, Oak Canyon Middle School, Say it With Flour Bakery, and the Ramirez Household.
The whole story so far takes place in Oak Canyon, a small city in California. In this city, the story also takes place through Oak Canyon Middle School. Obviously it's where Ali and all of her friends go to school, and where half of what I've read has taken place in so far. Another place where the story is set, is the Say it With Flour Bakery. It's the family bakery that the Ramirez's own. The family started the bakery, in honor of Ali's mother, who passed away. We don't know how she died, but she did have a passion for baking. Ali "works" there, but her father doesn't really allow her even the slightest bit of authority. Her friends will also go their to hang out after school. One last place that the story has taken place in so far, is the Ramirez Household. It's pretty conspicuous that this be the case, because the main character, Ali, and her family live there. I know that all of these places will frequently continue to come up in the novel.

Why- Her Mother.
From what I wrote above, you may be confused. "Her Mother" is not a very clear why. I am answering the question of "Why does Ali Bake?" This would be a perfect question and answer for the Why because, again, the whole book has revolved around baking so far. When Ali was younger, she was told she used to have a colic. She would constantly cry, and throw tantrums. Her mother would always have to hold her to make her stop. One day, he mother was baking a type of Mexican Bread Pudding; a recipe she had tried to perfect for weeks. It included cinnamon, so one day she allowed baby Ali to shake the cinnamon onto the dessert. The recipe then, came out perfectly! That was why she even became interested in baking; just from that one instance with her mother. Now she continues to bake in honor of her mother. It's just incredible!

So, those are the Who, What, When, Where, and Why, of the story so far!

The Not So True Confessions of Montresor

     He stared at me intensely; his large, dark eyes looking fiercely as if they could see into my soul! It was like he already knew what I'd done. He already knew I was guilty of murder, and he'd never met me. Maybe this lady will be next. You would never suspect an elderly woman to uncover the mystery of Fortunato's disappearance! I can't believe she would bring this information to the police! Can't you let it go, it happened fifty years ago for God sakes! I thought I'd be safe for sure, but unfortunately I was wrong. After I murdered Fortunato, I thought I'd covered up my tracks well enough so no one could follow them. Apparently, I had not. I just need to be confident in my argument, that's all. If I can just lie my way through, then I'll be safe. Oh no, he's writing things down on a notepad. He knows I'm thinking about lying. He can just tell. I should've never done anything to Fortunato. He did insult my religion, as he was a Mason, who didn't believe in God. I had to do something! He so badly offended myself and God, time and time again. He had to pay. I just need to get this interrogation over with. I need to stay undetected for my crime.
     "Hello Mr. Montresor, I'm Officer Colton Mordecai. I just have a couple of questions to ask you," he said in a very serious tone of voice.
     I cringed; he definitely wasn't here to mess around. 
     "Okay," I said, "What information can I fancy you with?"
     "To start off, what were you doing on the day that Fortunato seemed to go missing, during Carnival season?"
     "Well, I started the day celebrating, like everyone else. I was having an exceptional time, dancing, and drinking. Really enjoying. Though as it began to get later, I ended up bumping into my dear friend Fortunato."
     "Yes," said the officer, "and what were you discussing that caused you to leave the party? You did leave correct? We have a witness."
     "Yes, I did leave the celebration with Fortunato. Though, it was at his own will."
     "Oh was it now?
     "Yes, it was. I informed him that I had received a pipe of Amontillado that I believed to be inauthentic. With hearing this, he immediately fancied trying it. I did not want to bother him in his celebration of Carnival, but he insisted. As he is very respected for his wine expertise, I allowed him to come to the catacombs where I stored my wine."
     "If you were only going down to the catacombs for wine, how could Fortunato have possibly gone missing? Wouldn't you have brought him back out once you were finished tasting the wine? Our witness says that you went left with two, and came back with only one."
    "Well, that is true. But just keep this in the back of your mind; I warned him!"
    "Okay..."
    "As we traveled through the catacombs, I noticed that Fortunato had a terrible cough. I  asked him a number of times if we would like to go back out to the party, so he wouldn't have to suffer. He, time after time, said no. The nitre was what really did it."
     "What do you mean 'the nitre did it'?"
     "Well, nitre is is just another way of saying Potassium Nitrate, which is like a white, crystalized salt. The catacomb is encrusted with nitre, causing it to be very damp, and cold. This I knew well, would be detrimental to Fortunato's health, put he was very persistent in getting to the wine. His cough seemed to get worse as we continued."
     "So, the damp cold area mixed with Fortunato's cough..."
     "Well, it killed him! He stopped, out of nowhere, and grabbed his chest. I didn't know what to do. We were too far now in the catacombs to get help. Then he went into a coughing storm. He couldn't control it; couldn't breathe! Then he crumbled down to the ground, and lay there, clutching his chest. He was gone. I knew something was going to happen, but he tried to convince me otherwise."
     "So, he just stopped breathing? Why didn't you come and tell someone?!"
     "Well, I figured, because we were already in an underground cemetery, that I'd leave him to rest peacefully. I didn't want to stir up the celebration with such a horrible death! I'd planned on informing his family members later, but I just could never bear to speak of my dear friend's death."
     "Okay, I've heard enough. That's all of the questions I have. You answered them with the truth for all I know. Though something seems a bit suspicious."
     I cringed. He could sense it. The hairs on my spine tingled. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I though I might vomit. Sweat started forming on my forehead. I looked more guilty now than ever.
     "But, no other witnesses have come to us to prove your story otherwise. You're free to leave."
     He shook my shaky hand. I breathed steadily, and my heart rose in relief. Thank Heavens I was not caught. If I was, there's no telling the consequences! Now there's no way this police officer could possibly prove me wrong. It was a fluke that the woman saw me walk down to the catacombs with Fortunato. I planned my revenge so intricately that it was practically impossible to catch me. I Montresor, remain undetected yet another day for my crime of killing Fortunato.

     

Looking For Alaska: Week of 10/20/14

Pages: 200-End
Prompt- Talk about 3 of the major themes that are included in your novel.

     Looking For Alaska has a lot of major themes throughout the novel. I find this a bit peculiar because usually you find between one and four themes in a novel. Though, this novel has probably at least ten that I could think of! Now, not all of those themes are exactly "major". They're not all a main part of the central idea of the story. Though there are three pretty big themes conveyed throughout the book. They are Friendship, the Pursuit of a Great Perhaps, and The Labyrinth. The character's actions, interactions, and motives, all really help develop and reflect these three themes.

     One of the first themes that we can really see throughout the novel, is Friendship. The novel begins with Miles Halter's going away party. Only two "acquaintances" of Miles even attend this party. He barely even knew these two people! With no true friends from his old school, Miles moved to Culver Creek. In Culver Creek, Miles attended a boarding school. This was like a fresh start for him. At first, he was hesitant with his friendships and was awkwardly unable to engage and interact with others. He was also unsure of whom to follow or become friends with. Though, he slowly learns to be himself around four new people. They are now considered to be his new friends. Little did he know how close and tight knit they would all really become. We learn that Miles values his new friendships by the way that he strictly does what his friends ask of him, and how he helps them out when they are in need. He especially adheres to his roommate, the Colonel’s, “no ratting” policy. He also shares both his time and money in order to smoke and drink alcohol, activities in which he had previously not participated in. As the novel progresses, Miles transforms from a loner to a typical teenager trying to understand the complication of friendships. He particularly finds it hard to understand his friendship with Alaska. Miles goes through thick and thin with his new best friends. He learns what it's like to really care about someone, because he'd only really had small interactions with others before (besides his parents). Now, Miles has changed, and acts a little bit differently. His friends had a great impact on his life, and the story. The novel really shows what a huge impact a couple close friends can have on your life. It can change you for the better, but it can also change you for the worse.

     Another theme that we can really see throughout the novel, is this pursuit of a "Great Perhaps". As Miles transitions from his old school to his new life at Culver Creek, he goes in search of the Great Perhaps. Miles is constantly unsatisfied with his state of being. The pursuit of the Great Perhaps gives Miles hope for a better, more exciting life and future. He wants something more! He wants a more appealing and interesting life. Miles is really sick of how he's living life. However, he begins to discover this Great Perhaps when he goes to Culver Creek. Though, this Great Perhaps that Miles discovers, is not a singular moment. It's rather appreciating all of the moments that he's had. It becomes increasingly clear that the Great Perhaps is all around Miles, but he is only able to see that when he lives in the moment. An example of this would be what he does during the notorious fireworks prank on the Eagle. He is living on the edge, and taking part in activities that are compelling! Though, he spends so much time thinking about the Great Perhaps, that he doesn't realize that he's had the opportunity for a "Great Perhaps" all along. If he would just live in the moment and embark on something exciting, like he did at the Creek, then he would have found his Great Perhaps a long time ago. He just needed to find the right setting and people to help him realize that he could actually have his Great Perhaps. This really shows you that anyone can live an exhilarating life! All you need is the right place and people to help you realize this! Your Great Perhaps also doesn't even have to be something crazy and dramatic. You can find a Great Perhaps in anything! Even just setting off fireworks to help pull prank!

     One last theme that we can really see throughout the novel, is the Labyrinth. When Alaska quotes Simón Bolívar’s last words as ‘Damn it. How will I ever get out of this labyrinth?’ Miles becomes entranced and interested with the famous leader’s last words. Over the course of the school year at Culver Creek, he comes to realize that we are all living in a labyrinth. Though, not everyone is in the same labyrinth. For some people, the labyrinth represents the suffering of life and for others it symbolizes an escape from death. Each character has many ‘labyrinths’ in which they find themselves trapped in. Miles struggles with making friends and figuring out Alaska. Alaska struggles with the coping of her mother’s death and romantic tangles. The labyrinth does not have a singular meaning, it rather represents the individual struggles that people have. This shows us that life is just like one big maze. Solving the maze is different for everyone. Everyone has different ideals, and ways of problem solving. If people decide that solving the maze, means death, then they think that when they die, they'll have gotten out of the labyrinth. If people decide that solving the maze, means being able to live life problem free, then they think the'll still be alive when they have gotten out of the labyrinth. Everyone is different. This theme really helps to show that everyone encounters problems in life. Whether you think that solving your problems will end with death, or being able to live a problem free life, is a personal view. Everyone's problems, also,influence how they see "solving the Labyrinth".

     

Time Travel Q & A

Time Travel Interview

Q: Where would you go?

A: If I were to go back in time, I would travel to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. to witness the "I Have a Dream Speech" given by Martin Luther King Jr.

Q:To which year or period would you travel?


A: I would travel back August 28, 1963. During a time period where African Americans were discriminated against and treated unfairly in U.S.

Q: Who would you want to meet or what event would you want to witness?


A: I would want to witness the "I Have a Dream Speech" and meet Matin Luther King Jr. if I were to travel back to this time.

Q: Where would you find this person or see this event?


A: I would find Martin Luther King Jr. giving his "I Have a Dream Speech" at out capitol, Washington D.C., in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Q: Why would you want to meet this person or witness this event?

A: I would want to witness the "I Have a Dream Speech" and meet Martin Luther King Jr. for many reasons. Though mainly, because both MLK and his speech, are extremely powerful and inspiring. Every year in school, Martin Luther King Day comes around. We always talk about how incredible the "I Have a Dream Speech" really was! Though, we'll never be able to know what it felt like to witness it in person. It must have been truly breathtaking and incredible! I think it would be amazing to experience an event that special and well known in history. I would also love to meet Martin Luther King Jr. because he had such a huge influence on the U.S. and World. He helped fight for the rights of all people, but especially African Americans. His main goal was for everyone to have equal rights, wand for discrimination against blacks to end. He was able to really open the way for African Americans, even if he didn't completely end discrimination against them. He is truly inspiring. I would love to meet him as he was an extremely motivational and uplifting person!

Q: How might YOU change history?

A: I might change History by being able to help Martin Luther King Jr. enforce the idea that everyone should have equal freedoms and rights! I think if I came from the future, people would think I was very important. They would be in utter shock, and would probably be intrigued with what I had to say. If I could convince the people that everyone should in fact be treated the same, no matter what color their skin is, they might really listen. I could also inform them that we actually will have an African American President in the future. If they find this out, their minds may also be changed about blacks. If they find out how far African Americans have come, they might realize they need to start treating them differently. Martin Luther King Jr. might not be assassinated for all we know! If I could change their minds, the way blacks are treated could change a lot faster. This could change history completely! African Americans could have an even bigger impact on our lives than they do even today!

Looking For Alaska: Week of 10/13/14

Pages- 125-200
Prompt- How does the main character develop through direct and indirect characterization in the novel you are currently reading?

     The main character in Looking For Alaska is Miles "Pudge" Halter. As I've seen so far, he develops greatly as the story progresses. He has changed from the beginning of the novel very dramatically! John Green is developing Miles through characterization. Characterization is the process by which a writer reveals the personality of a character. John Green does this using many methods. We get a decent understanding of who Miles is at the beginning of the book. His parents plan him a going away party because he is heading off to boarding school. Though, no one actually ends up showing up. We are able to get an idea of what his life is like to start out the story when he says, "I could feel their pity as they scooped artichoke dip with chips intended for my imaginary friends, but they needed pity more than I did: I wasn't disappointed. My expectations had been met." The author is using indirect characterization to emphasize the fact that Miles doesn't have many friends, if any. He is most likely pretty lonely, if we wasn't even expecting a couple people to show up to his party. I know that people can be happy without really any friends, but it doesn't seem like Miles is too happy. Throughout the whole first chapter he seems like a bit of a downer. Even in this quote, he explains that his expectations had been met for the party. That means he didn't expect anyone to show up at all! He wasn't disappointed, but he should've at least expected a couple people. He has a lack of hope, and is a bit of a pessimist. Though as the story goes on, we are able to see him break out of his shell of loneliness and hopelessness. 

     Miles is also seeking adventure. We can see this when he says, "That's why I'm going. So I don't have to wait until I die to start seeking a Great Perhaps." This is also indirect characterization. Miles is explaining why he wants to go to boarding school. It shows that Miles may be bored with his current life, and wants something more (though he doesn't explicitly say this). He wants excitement, but has almost been confined in Florida. He is well kept, but wants to start looking for something greater that will happen to him. Because he is good, and quiet most of the time, he wants a change. He doesn't want to spend his whole life, waiting for something great to happen. He wants to experience something amazing, but he hasn't really had the opportunity.

     The main way that the author develops the character is through setting and Miles' reaction to other characters. Like I said, Miles didn't really have any friends, but that all changed when he went to Culver Creek Boarding School. It was a fresh start to meet new people, and he did meet some interesting people. He met The Colonel, Alaska, Takumi, and Lara. Though it's mainly just the four of them, they had a deep bond. We can see Miles developing and beginning to actually make friends after he has almost been drowned and The Colonel says, "But we will deal with those Bastards, Pudge. I promise you. They will regret messing with one of my friends." This is direct characterization because The Colonel is literally coming out and saying that Miles, is his friend! He is also letting Miles know that he will deal with the people that tried to drown him. When another person sticks up for you, it is usually an indicator that they are a friend that really cares about you. The Colonel is really beginning to get close with Miles. Miles finally feels like he has a friend he can count on. He can now feel less lonely, because he has made an actual, real, friend. He can also feel more positive because he knows he has someone looking out for him. 

     We can also see Miles develop into a more confident, optimistic, and mischievous person with his new school and new friends. When himself, Alaska, The Colonel, Takumi, and Lara are setting out to prank their school, Miles says, "The five of us walking confidently in a row, I'd never felt cooler. The Great Perhaps was upon us, and we were invincible. The plan may have had faults, but we did not." This is direct characterization. It is direct in the sense that it's explicitly saying that he was now walking confidently with his four other friends. He has this new positivity and confidence about him, and he is acting more bold! He is going to take the risk of possibly getting expelled from school from setting off fireworks, and breaking into dorm rooms with this prank. He even admits the plan had flaws. This once quiet, good boy, is becoming more rebellious and mischievous. He knows he is breaking the rules, but does it anyways. It's because of these new friends and this new school that he has even attempted this risk. This quote also talks about how "The Great Perhaps" that Miles was seeking, was finally happening. This new and exciting opportunity came up to prank the school. He now feels like he is fulfilling this Great Perhaps.

     Throughout the story, we can clearly see that Miles has developed through setting and his reactions to other characters. This once quiet, lonely, unconfident, good boy was completely changed. A new school, has caused him to make new friends. These friends have caused him to do things he would've never imagined doing, and helped him to gain a new confidence. He is able to break out of his shell, and take risks. He is fulfilling his Great Perhaps, which he would've never imagined doing! He was greatly changed and influenced by the setting and other characters in the story. They have been the main developers of Miles throughout the story so far. Though, I know a main conflict in the story will develop Miles as well. (I just didn't have the time to elaborate on it in this blog.)

1st Quarter Reflections

     I feel like I have progressed greatly throughout the 1st Quarter. One way is through my Blog Posts. This year I have really been focused on word choice. I have begun to use more advanced and mature words. My blogs are beginning to sound more sophisticated and more intelligent than in the past. With a new advanced vocabulary has also come a more knowledgeable analysis of text. Not only is that improving my blogs, but things like my AoW's as well. Another way I have progressed with my blogs are through sentence structure. I just recently started focusing on sentence structure, but it is beginning to improve. All of my writing consisted of very lengthy run on sentences. While I still have a bit of work to do, I can tell that it's getting better. I've learned how to break up sentences, to make my writing more effective. Now, it's a lot easier to read my blogs. The sentences are more to the point, and you don't get lost in the middle! I need to continue thinking about word choice and sentence structure as I continue to write, blogs. Hopefully they progress even more throughout the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters.

     I feel that I have also progressed throughout the 1st Quarter, with my writing in general. I am really able to understand what I am reading, much better. With annotating for a specific purpose, I am now able to grasp what I am reading even more than before! Now with the Short Stories and AoW's we are annotating, I am able to write a more intellectual response. I am able to get more out of what I'm reading, and interpret it with greater depth. Also with the new knowledge I am gaining, I am able to have a more educated opinion on topics! I am learning more about what is gong on in the World! I am able to understand new concepts! I am able to identify new things like Writer's Technique, and Character Development in stories! I am able to more easily identify theme and tone. All of these parts of a story that I thought I understood before, I have a better grasp on. I am really developing into a better writer just with the things we've done in the past 10 weeks! 

     All of the progress I've made didn't just happen magically. I've learned and worked on so many skills this quarter. We did a couple of mini lessons on the Parts of a sentence, paragraph structure, topic sentence, and supporting details. Through these lessons I have learned how to write with correct techniques. I've also learned how to correctly identify character developments and author's writing techniques. I've learned to identify both of these in my personal reading book, as well as short stories. It has really helped my overall understanding of what I am reading too! I have also been able to conduct smarter, and more thorough research. I've been able to make my research more affective on the topic I'm looking up. I've also begun to be able to cite sources in MLA format more easily. Certain topics that I've had trouble with in the past are beginning to click. 

     Along with improving upon my skills, I've learned so much about the World. If it weren't for everything we do with the AoW's, I probably wouldn't know what Ebola is! I would maybe have a vague understanding, but I would be pretty confused. Learning about current events has allowed me to become more aware of what is happening in the World today. Now I am able to have an educated conversation with others on topics like this. I don't have a lot of time to read the newspaper or watch the news, so it's awesome that I'm learning about all of these events in school. Overall, I think I've been very successful this quarter, and have learned so much! I'm improving everyday, and I hope to continue this "streak" of learning and improving through the next three quarters.