Conclusion

At the beginning of my Freshman year, during the first week of Honors English I remember the infamous "English Blog" being mentioned. At that point I had no idea what to expect because I have never written a blog in my life. After a few blog posts, I felt like I really got into the hang of things and actually enjoyed blog posts. I believe that this was mainly due to the fact that they were easy and an enjoyable form writing. Some of my favorite topics we covered this year include the "Best Friend" and "Earliest Memory" posts. These ones were particularly pleasurable because they were all about personal experiences, rather than novels. The "Best Friend" one was so awesome to me because I thought it was totally easy to just freely write about someone that you are friends with. I liked the "Earliest Memory" one because I thought it was great to reflect back on my past dance experiance, all the way when I was 3 and 4 years old! I feel like some of the novel related posts like the Romeo and Juliet one about its relevance in modern culture however were pretty fun as well. I thought it was extremely interesting to go back and take a look at all of the blog posts because I feel like it provoked a lot of thought about the entire year as a whole. It was so weird to see the dates of the posts and see that we read The Importance of Being Earnest sometime in February and I just really feel like that was much, much more long ago. Not only this, I was able to revisit the fact that we read Great Expectations this year, which was very bittersweet. Sweet because I am so very thankful we are done with that book, but bitter because I remember how much of a challenge it was. I think that the posts we did on this book were actually the funnest activities we did related to that particular novel. Again, going back to one of my favorite posts, the "Culture Shock" one that was about Romeo and Juliet. This was super interesting to me because it made me think about an realize exactly how relevant Romeo and Juliet is, and how often it comes up still in modern times. Staying on the topic of Romeo and Juliet, I really loved the zodiac sign one because that is a topic that really interests me and I thought it was cool to look up all kinds of fun Taurus related facts! Overall, I just really have to say that the English Blog was a surprisingly entertaining experience that was totally different from anything I have ever done in an English class before. I think that this year of English I have learned a lot, and the blog has done nothing but enhance this factor. It is honestly really hard for me to believe that Freshman year is already over when it is something everyone looks forward for so long in their life. The quote that I think represents this is "Moving on- is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard." ~Dave Mustaine. This quote encompasses so many different things in life, which makes it easy to relate back to English. I feel like I am 100% ready to move on to 10th grade English but I don't doubt that there will be times that I wish I was back in 9th grade for all kinds of different reasons.

Essay Writing

Personally, I feel as if I have learned a lot about essay writing this year in Honors English. I believe that I am actually a very accomplished writer, and that I have to capability to make very intelligent essays. I understand the basic idea of literary analysis and all its aspects including theme, motif, symbolism, and figurative language. However, I do think that the most challenging part of writing essays can be relating these items back to the novel.

I can easily say that this particular essay was the largest challenge for me out of all assignments, and this probably has a lot to do with the fact that it is the final essay of the year. The play Romeo and Juliet can make this an even greater challenge due to the fact that some of the themes including, love and violence can be hard to relate to. Along with this, everything in the play is expressed so dramatically making everything that much more confusing. Overall, I can honestly say I am proud of my essay and the work I have done on it. Meaning that I believe there aren't many, if any at all sections of my essay that will fall into the B category.

Summer Reading!

There are actually quite a few novels that I have been looking forward to reading this summer, so narrowing it down to two is a challenge! The first title that I am anxious to read is Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella. Not only is this particular book light and funny, it will also prove to be an easy read I'm sure, because the other books in this seres were also. I always hate stopping in the middle of a series without finishing it, so that's why this summer will be great to continue on with that series. This book in the series is about the main character Rebbecca Bloomwood and her fiance Luke Brandon getting married. Both Luke's mother and Rebecca's mother want to throw an wedding, and due to miscommunication the weddings are scheduled on the same day. Meaning that Rebbecca has to try and figure out how to fix this issue.
The other novel that is really intriguing to me is Dear John by Nicholas Sparks. Even though I saw the movie earlier this year, the story is so great that I definitely want the opportunity to read the book too. Almost everyone that I have spoken to highly recommends this book even if you have seen the movie, so I cant wait to read it. The story is about John and Savannah the main characters and how they fall in love. Unfortunately, John goes away to war and he still loves her, but he comes home to see she is with someone else, so it is a very dramatic novel. Overall, I am looking forward to summer itself, along with the opportunity to read some great books!

Fate

Being born on April 25th, 1995 would mean that my astrological sign is Taurus. After looking into the different traits a person under this astrological sign should posses, I discovered that I actually agree with a lot of what was said. First of all, a Taurus would typically be a patient, determined, and cautious. When continuing to look, most websites also said a Taurus can work hard and diligently under stress as long as there is some kind of excitement involved. Personally, I read my own horoscope almost daily, but had never looked into specific Taurus traits. I was surprised how accurate I thought the traits were how extremely similar they were to things I would have said about myself. In most situations, I work hard and try to get all tasks done in a timely manner. The cautious factor would probably play into my life because at times, I am unsure, and like to look into all aspects of an opportunity and am afraid of picking the wrong solution. However, there were also a few things that I did disagree with, including being extremely jealous and loving to garden. I feel that there are moments of jealousy for everyone, but the horoscopes say that a Taurus can feel jealousy to the point of rage on some occasions, and that definitely isn't me. Also, about the gardening thing, it's basically as simple as, I just don't enjoy gardening.
Due to the fact that I do read my horoscope, I honestly do believe that there is some truth in it. I think it is super interesting how one day I can read it and the horoscope will be so spot on it's actually scary, and other times it will be completely irrelevant to my life. I also think its interesting how one of the main ideas and themes featured in Romeo and Juliet, is how the stars predict your fate, and kind of how everything is pre-planned and is meant to happen a certain way. Even though this particular example isn't in Act 3, the idea is universal throughout the entire book, which is said in the prologue. The phrase "A pair of star-crossed lovers" (prologue.6) is saying that fate and the aligned stars control ever thing that happens to both Romeo and Juliet in the scope of the novel. An example specific to the third act of the novel, is when Juliet says "Can heaven be so envious" (3.2.40) when speaking of the death of Tybalt. By saying this it shows that Juliet is saying that her fate was unfair and she cant understand why her cousin had to die. Overall, this is just one example of how fate comes into play in the novel Romeo and Juliet, but it is extremely obvious that this is one of the prominent themes. It is also fascinating to look into the possibility that something as small and, seemingly meaningless as a horoscope could actually have some way of determining your path in life.

Culture Shock. (Check Yes Juliet: By We the Kings)

Check Yes Juliet, By: We the Kings

Check yes, Juliet
Are you with me?
Rain is falling down on the sidewalk
I won,t go, until you come outside

Check yes, Juliet
Kill the limbo
I'll keep tossing rocks at your window
There's no turning back for us tonight

Lace up your shoes
(A-oh, a-oh)
Here's how we do

Run, baby, run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance
(Give them the chance)
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run, baby, run
Forever we'll be
You and me

Check yes, Juliet
I'll be waiting
Wishing, wanting yours for the taking
Just sneak out
And don't tell a soul goodbye

Check yes, Juliet
Here's the countdown
Three, two, one
Now fall in my arms
Now they can change the locks
Don't let them change your mind

Lace up your shoes
(A-oh, A-oh)
Here's how we do

Run, baby, run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance
(give them the chance)
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run, baby, run
Forever we'll be
You and me

We're flying through the night
We're flying through the night
Way up high
The view from here is getting better
With you by my side

Run, baby, run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance
(Give them the chance)
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run, baby, run
Forever we'll be

Run, baby, run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance
(Give them the chance)
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run, baby, run
Forever we'll be
You and me
You and me
You and me

The song Check Yes Juliet by We the Kings, is clearly making a referance to the novel Romeo and Juliet, its easy to see this for many reasons. First of all, the iconic name Juliet was used, making the listener automatically think of the romantic story. Also, the lyrics are speaking about two people in love in modern times, who want to be together but due to the influence and opinions of others are having to make a choice to run away. Which is the only way for their love to work. This can be simply related back to the novel because the Capulet and Montague families are ememies, but their two children are in love despite all feuds.

Extra Credit:English Year Reflection :)

My 9th grade experience taking Honors English has been much different than I expected, but it has still been positive. Throughout my previous schooling, English classes have not been challenging and I always felt like I needed more substance, which is exactly why I wanted an honors class. Everything we have completed this year have been things that I have done in the past, however this class had provided new and harder ways to do so. For example, DGP is something I have done since elementary school, but this year so much more has been added. Also, literature analysis is something that was introduced to me last year in 8th grade, but this year it has been a lot more thorough and in depth. It is not just finding a broad theme anymore, but about searching deeper to find hidden meanings, and things that aren't just visible when just skimming the text. It is actually amazing how much you can find in a book when thinking about its true meanings. I am very glad that I have been given this opportunity to be a part of this class because I really have learned so much, and because the year isn't even over yet, I hope to learn even more as the year progresses.

Skits!!

1. So first of all, the scene when Pip visits Miss Havisham for the first time would be great. I also believe that this will be a popular choice, due to the fact it is extremely memorable. The characters that would be important to portray include Pip, Miss Havisham, and Estella. There are many parts that would be good to show from these chapters, but I think that what should be shown is when Miss Havisham talks to Pip and shares about her broken heart. Directly after this she calls Estella back in and asks her to play cards with Pip. This would be entertaining to see the class reenact.
2.I believe that another great scene to act out is when Pip arrives in London for the first time. This is because he was country boy, and really unaware of the city life. Important characters to include would be Pip, Jaggers, and Wemmick. Jaggers would obviously be included because he is the escort of Pip to London, and Wemmick because he is newly introduced as the dry clerk of Jaggers.
3.Finally, I think the last skit that should be shown is when Pip runs into the "strange man" on the staircase. He soon learns that this was the convict he ran into when he was younger, and as the story progresses Pip learns that the convict, newly known as Able Magwitch is his benefactor. The characters that are necessary would be Able Magwitch, Pip, and possibly Herbert and Jaggers depending how in depth the skit goes.

More Questions

As I had stated last week, due to the high diction and many characters there are moments when the novel Great Expectations becomes hard to follow. After reading this week around Chapters 42 and 43, the character "Pip's Convict", newly introduced as Able Magwitch shares his past and life story with Pip. Throughout this time, the character of Compeyson was spoken about. What I don't really understand is why Magwitch wants to see Copmpeyson again because he had turned against him. I think its maybe because he wants to get some sort of revenge, but personally I don't know if that makes sense either because he isn't technically supposed to be over with Pip. It would be great if someone could explain this.

Great Expectations: Question

Due to the challenging word choice, plethora of characters, and eventful plot there have been multiple occasions where as a reader you question the content of what you are reading, and become confused about what is going on. A specific question that I have relates to Pip and Biddy. On page 286 when Pip says ""... I reflected on what an unkindness, what and injury, what and injustice Biddy had done me." This quote was referring to the encounter Pip and Biddy had, in which they briefly discussed how Pip doesn't visit often. I was confused by this because Pip hadn't visited her on hardly any occasions before, so for him being frustrated at her for being skeptical of his word is strange in my opinion. I wasn't sure if it was maybe just because he has a bad attitude because of his rise in social standing, or is there was maybe a reason I failed to think of. Basically, I just think that Biddy definitely wasn't being rude or showing and injustice to Pip considering how he has acted lately in the book. It would be fantastic if someone could maybe further explain this particular quote.

Great Expectations: Photos

This picture is a great representation of the last few chapers of the novel Great Expectations. This pitcture is so fitting because money would be an example of Pip's "great expectations" he is coming on to. The last few chapters discuss how Pip is leaving his family to go seek his fortune, and I think this picture of money is very realistic for this topic. Overall, I believe that money changes people either for better or for worse, and Pip is starting to negatively change because he knows that he is going to become of higher social ranking.

Great Expectations: The First Stage

In the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens the young character Pip says "Pause as you read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns and flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day". In this quote he is indefinitely referring to the time when he lied to his sister and Joe. This is because it was one particular event that greatly effected him in all aspects of his life. Its apparent that this had an extremely emotional affect on Pip because he felt so completely guilty about his dishonesty. He had a special relationship with Joe which was very strong friendship, and too see how sad he was when Pips story was all made up was something he wouldn't forget. When Joe shares his younger life with Pip about his difficulties with his own father it made Pip become a more grown up version of himself and to start appreciating everything that life has to offer. From this same event, he learned that he should stay away from lying because he feels extreme guilt from it and also to respect Mr. and Mrs. Joe more.

Personally, an event in my life that had a "chain" effect was my first ballet lesson at Johansens. From this moment dance became the hugest part of everything I did, and still participate in. For a total of ten years I successfully participated in classes doing a yearly recital. However in the middle of all this is when the "chain" began. After dancing for so long, by fourth grade I was able to participate in my first year of The Nutcracker, and by seventh grade I could also do the spring productions. Once I began high school, Drill Team became my largest involvement, causing me to have to choose my activities. Choosing drill was something I did because I think it is extremely important to be involved in school. I know that one of the main reasons I was able to make the team was because of my past dance experiences, therefore, showing the effect my first dance classes had on my life until now.

Group Writing of the Importance of Being Earnest

Thesis Statement: Throughout the play, The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde portrays the many aspects of marriage in the Victorian Era using satire because he wants to show that marriage wasn't all about romance, and was more of a business deal.


In my paragraph, I am writing about how Algernon changes his views of marriage throughout the book, so that by the end he completely contradicts everything he had previously said. The first concrete detail I used is on page 10 when Algernon says, "Well, in the first place, girls never marry the men they flirt with." I chose this because it is specifically referring to Jack and Gwendolen's relationship, but in a broader spectrum, Algernon is also saying in general he is disapproving of marriage. In the middle part of my paragraph the concrete detail I used is the beginning of Act 2. Algernon decides to go and meet Cecily, basically for the pursuit of pleasure, but then ends up proposing to her. This is a good example because it is starting to show Algernon's opinion transitioning from one view to another. The last point that I make in my paragraph is on page 90 at the very end of Act 3. This is when Algernon and Cecily shout and hold on to each other and Algernon acts as if he planned for that to happen all along. The fact that Algernon ends up marrying in the end of Act 3 is the most blatant example of the contradictions between his pursuit of pleasure and anti-marriage attitudes continuously shown before. My conclusion will end up bringing together the idea of Algernon's transitioning ideals and morals throughout the story. I am not exactly sure which paragraph mine will be preceding, so does anyone have an idea about which thought I could maybe include to create a smooth transition into the next paragraph?

The Importance of Being Earnest

After conducting research on the Victorian Era, I can easily say that this gave me a much greater understanding of the lifestyle people in that time period lived. Also, after beginning to read The Importance of Being Earnest, it was extremely noticeable of the relations between my research and the events that occurred throughout the play. Specifically, the research helped me understand social classes, gender status, schooling, and marriage. Related to the play, it is apparent on several occasions that social class had a huge impact on the way everything worked. One example is when Lady Bracknell talks with Jack to see if he is acceptable to marry Gwendolen. After speaking with him, she disapproves because he began in a lower class atmosphere. This same example also proves to show what marriages were based off of. Both Gwendolen and Jack feel like they are suitable for each other, and their feelings tell them to get married, however this isn't feasible because of Jack's past, which is an issue to Lady Bracknell.
Throughout the play, it is also gives some examples of the gender stereotypes that I covered in my research. In the Victorian Era, it was meant for women to be quiet, and basically overruled by the men. The character Cecily shows this because she acts ditsy and allows her thoughts to be taken over by the idea of marrying Ernest (Algernon). Another example of this same idea is when Gwendolen says "How absurd to talk of the equality of the sexes! Where questions of self sacrifice are concerned, men are infinitely beyond us" (pg. 75) Here Gwendolen blatantly states that in this era, men just were thought of as better. The research that I did on the Victorian Era definitely enhanced my understanding of all aspects during this period, and not only this, but it helped me to be more aware of the examples of social class, genders, and marriage that were all used throughout the play.