Literature Analysis #3

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

1.  Jane Eyre lives in the cruel household of the Reed's who mistreat and ignore her. Because she is sent in a dark room by herself as an unfair punishment, she passes out after seeing a ghost. This event ultimately leads to her to moving to a all girls school, but before that, she builds deep hatred against her cousins and especially her aunt. Jane travels to Lowood in which faces difficulties of adjustment and hard work but builds companionship with Helen and Miss Temple. Jane expands her knowledge through education over the next several years and becomes a governess in Mr. Rochester's household for Adele, his daughter. She forms an odd relationship with Mr. Rochester and begins to develop feelings for him as he does too for Jane. An accumulation of wierd situations occur. A seamstress in the household, Grace, sets fire to Rochester's curtains while he's asleep and not given punishment, and another time, a guest Mr. Mason is found stabbed in the arm. Jane returns back home for a while as she finds news of her aunt's soon to come death. She also learns she has been inherited a large amount of wealth from her uncle in a foreign country. Jane returns to Thornfield and soon afterwards the two acknowledge their love for each other and are engaged. The day of their wedding comes when the mysteries are resolved during the ceremony by Mr. Mason who states that Rochester is already married to his sister who is taken care by Grace. Jane decides to leave and finds herself living in the company of St John who helps her find a job. Jane begins to hear Rochester's voice in her sleep and decides to travel to Thornfield. She finds the house burned down and finds out Betha, Rochester's crazy wife, has set fire and in the process, Rochester went blind and now resides in a different place. She meets him and they get married and live happily together. 

2.  Good things come to those who wait. Jane lived the beginning of her life surrounded by hatred and abuse. She never had a welcoming home and lived her life working hard until she met Mr. Rochester who cared for her extremely. She finds happiness in his presence and finally finds someone who she can rely on after having spent a majority of her life as an independent woman. 

3.  The author's tone is informative yet mysterious and reflective.

"My first quarter at Lowood seemed an age, and not the golden age either; it comprised an irksome struggle with difficulties in habituating myself to new rules and unwonted tasks." 

"I was left in total darkness. I listened for some noise, but heard nothing."

"Why you have saved my life - snatched me from a horrible and excruciating death and you walk past me as if we were mural strangers!"

4.  Foreshadowing pg 15 "From my disclosures with Mr. Lloyd, and from the above reported conference between Bessie and Abbot, I gathered enough of hope to suffice as a motive for wishing to get well: a change seemed near."

Reflection/Flashback pg 55 "Hitherto I have recorded in detail the events of my insignificant existence to the first ten years of my life I have given almost many chapters. But this is not to be a regular autobiography: I am only bound to invoke memory..."

Characterization pg 76 "He had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow; his eyes and gathered eyebrows looked irefull and thwarted just now; he was past youth..."

Comparison pg 62 "A new chapter in a novel is something line a new scene in a play; and when I draw up the curtain this time..."

Imagery pg 56 "There were the two wings of the new building; there was the garden; there were the skirts of Lowood, there was the hilly horizon.

Symbolism pg 84 "The first represented clouds low and livid, rolling over a swollen sea: all the distance was in eclipse so too was the foreground..." Symbolizes her gloomy mood.

Contradictions pg 126 "She was very showy, but she was not genuine; she had a fine person, many brilliant attainments, but her mind was poor..."

Personification pg 140 "The consequence was, that when the moon, which was full and bright, came in her course to that space in the sky opposite my casement, and looked in at me through the unveiled panes."

Anaphora pg 174 "None: and that you know. None: as I have taken pains to prove..."

Irony pg 283 "Not that St John harbored a spirit of unchristian vindictiveness - not that he would have injured a hair on my head, if if had been fully in his power to do so."

1. Direct characterization: "He had a dark face, with stern features and a heavy brow; his eyes and gathered eyebrows looked irefull and thwarted just now; he was past youth..."

"I am feverish: I head the wind blowing: I will go out of doors and feel it."

Indirect characterization: "I resisted all the way, a new thing for me, and a circumstance which greatly strengthened the bad opinions Bessie and Miss Abbot were disposed to entertain me."

"The fear of failure in these points harassed me worse than the physical hardships of my lot, though these were no trifles."

2.  The the author'a syntax and diction does not really change when taking about the character as there is still elevated vocabulary and a formal language because the story in told in old English. "He gorged himself habitually at table, which made him bilious, and gave him a dim and bleated eye with flabby cheeks." "From my disclosures with Mr. Lloyd, and from the above reported conference between Bessie and Abbot, I gathered enough of hope to suffice as a motive for wishing to get well, a chance seemed near..."

3.  Jane is a dynamic and round character. Over the course of the book, she transitions from a person who just goes through her daily life because do the constant conflicts she goes through, to someone who finds inspiration and love. Her transitory stays also contribute to her evolvement. In each new environment, a different side of Jane is revealed: vulnerable, lonely, and hopeful. Her character is also fully developed in that her thoughts and actions are stated and her transitioning stages are told to fully create the person she is and how her environment shaped her to become a person better than what she was set out to be because of her rough childhood. 

4.  I was really able to understand this character and felt as if I has met Jane Eyre. This book starts from her young childhood living with her aunt, all the way to when she marries Mr. Rochester and lives happily ever after. The story is told in first person and therefore, Jane's thoughts are clearly expressed while I was also able to interpret her actions. Jane's story was very intriguing in that her life story and the way Bronte wrote the book pulled the reader in to real sympathize for Jane when she was in hardships and to rejoice when she found happiness in a welcoming home. 

Working Together Remix

The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock

I remember having read this poem my sophomore year and went on a search to look for these two analysis. Looking over these, I'm very surprised at the active notes I took and it's made me realize how much I should put more effort into my work. This was a good reflection time. 

Poetry Comparison

Although poems are often not created alike, poetry initiates a movement and in a sense creates action. Poetry is a form of expression in which an emotion is evoked from the reader. "Working Together" serves to show the contradiction of harmony and the world's influence on shaping an individual. Similarly, "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr Seuss, notes of the direction an individual go but it is ultimately he or she that will choose the path in which the world has provided. The world's influence and humans' decisions have a direct relationship in that both affect what or how each other will mold. Seuss's poem ends with "just go right along, you'll start happening too." The previous line mentions his or her surroundings happening which indicates that the individual will follow what society has planned. Contradictingly, "Working Together" emphasizes the point of learning from the miraculous and even intangible qualities the world has to give. However, both poems do state the importance of an individual paving their path but as far as how, the visions are different.

Intro to Poetry

The significance of the title "Working Together" is that we're collaborating with our surroundings which essentially shapes who we are.

The tone of the poem is straightforward and sincere.

My mood as I read is realization and reflection.

There is a shift throughout the play in that the first line goes from being shaped by the world and fitting by the world.

Life is a cycle and although there are contradictions, there is harmony in the world.

Answering these questions helped me understand this poem better because I was able to analyze each line and make connections of the poem as a whole.

Hamlet Essay

Polonius bids his son, Laertis farewell and as he does so states, "to thine own self be true." As a talkative soul, he advises his son before he leaves to study abroad, to remember who he is: to be true to his genuine character of his background back home or even his allegiance to the crown. This can also be in relation to the foreshadowing of Polonius's death; Laertis would hold the duty to avenge his father's death. In the context of the play as a whole, this line can relate to the many other characters and therefore also serve as the theme itself. A majority of all characters struggle between two opposite forces in which they are presented to choose and in the process, the characters realize their priorities and morals. Polonius debates between pleasing the king for power and his own pride, Ophelia between forbidden love and honoring royalty, the queen between her future with King Claudius and her past with late King Hamlet and most profoundly, Hamlet's struggle between life and death, revenge and forgiveness. These contemplations also connect to the theme of having a continuous cycles of options and actually putting these thoughts into actions.
Hamlet's struggles to remain true to his character also correlate to the infamous line, "to be or not to be." The two lines intertwined are almost synonymous to each other as Hamlet decides "to be" (to live) rather than "not to be" (to die) as he is true to his values as a religious follower not to sin by committing suicide. This line is introduced in the middle of the play as Hamlet's diplomatic disguise is unveiled to reveal his true thoughts on his father's death. This soliloquy also sets the tone of a gloomy, inconsistent, and passionate atmosphere. Throughout the play, the mood and tone correlate to Hamlet's feelings, mainly melancholy. The main issue he goes back and forth on is whether to avenge his father's death and if he himself should do it. This ultimately drives his mysterious motives when putting on a play to reveal the unknown past of late king Hamlet's death, "and by opposing, end them?" Shakespeare's usage of "a play within a play" gives a contradicting insight to the story that many other plays do not. Through this scene, Hamlet is slyly able to reveal that he knows of how his father died and is also able to confirm with Claudius's guilty reaction.

Hamlet: Act 5

Scene 1

The gravediggers have a discussion over Ophelia's "Christian funeral."

Hamlet comments on how the gravedigger is singing when he is burying a dead body.

Hamlet is thirty 

Hamlet: "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy"

Priest go to hell Ophelia to heaven states Laertis when the priests comments that Ophelia should not be having a Christian burial.

Hamlet jumps into Ophelia's burial where Laertis is and they fight. Hamlet professes his passionate love for Ophelia.

As Hamlet leaves Claudius tells Laertis to be patient about their conversation the night before about killing Hamlet. 

Hamlet: "dog will have his day"

Scene 2:

Hamlet explains to Horatio of a document he found ordering to kill him. He then explains how he rewrote the letter stating to kill the one's delivering this letter.

A courier, Osric, arrives with news from the king about him betting between the fight of Laertis and Hamlet. Hamlet agrees to it.

The fencing match begins with shaking hands and Hamlet's apology.

Hamlet has hit Laertis when Claudius tells Hamlet to drink (poisoned wine) before he goes on. He declines and states he will drink after. Queen Gertrude takes the drink instead even though Claudius states not too.

Laertis and Hamlet switch swords in battle and Hamlet hits him, Laertis had also hit him. The king states to stop and the queen collapses. Laertis also collapses (from the poisoned tipped sword that was now in Hamlet's hand)

Hamlet forces Claudius to drink the wine his mother drank. He dies.

Laertis explains the evil plan before he dies and asks for forgiveness.

Hamlet is also dying from the poison tipped sword. 

Fortinbras arrives to aware them that they carried out he king's order to kill Rozencrantz and Guildenstern.

Hamlet is honored as his dead body is carried out under Fortinbras's command.  

Hamlet: Act 4

Claudius suggests to send Hamlet away and excuse him for Polonius's death. 

Hamlet states to rozencranz and guildenstern who do you think you are, I'm the prince.

Claudius plans to have agents in England to kill Hamlet.

Since Claudius already knows that Hamlet knows, Hamlet does not need to care how he talks now. He's a man.

Reflect on mistakes and learn.

Gentleman suggests Ophelia is crazy.

Claudius worries about Ophelia and Laertes reaction to excusing Hamlet from their father's death. 

Horatio receives a letter that Hamlet is not on his way to England.

Letters are also delivered to the king with Laertis in presence declaring his promise to avenge Polonius's death. King Hamlet also promises to act by poisoning Hamlet's drink if Laertis poisoned sword doesn't kill him.

Queen Gertrude tells Claudius and Laertis that Ophelia drowned.

Hamlet (The Madman?)

    Throughout the beginning of the play, Hamlet has a constant struggle between what his thoughts and words say, and what his actions display. He continues to have a mental battle of whether or not what the ghost states is true and if he himself should carry out the murder. On the contrary, his appearance is rather calm and collective as Hamlet conceals his thoughts with a diplomatic attitude. This also relates to how he attacks Claudius: quietly and threateningly, but he does reach a state of frustration and maybe insanity when he has an argument with his mother. Although outwardly Hamlet seems like an insane, depressed teenager, his actions are well-calculated and scheming to catch his adversaries off guard.
    Hamlet's sanity is questioned when only he can see the ghost, while his mother is in shock over the nonexistent ghost he is talking to. This scene makes the readers wonder if he is hallucinating and whether the ghost's appearance was actually just an image created in his head. Thus question is soon shut down when realizing that it was actually Marcellus and Horatio who introduced Hamlet of the ghost. An insane individual could not be so smart in action by confusing his enemies by first acting fine from his father's death then acting clueless and insane. His outward disguise is, in a way, his own way of protecting himself from enemies. By seeming insane, Claudius does not see Hamlet as a threat, and therefore has more time to plan an aggressive attack against Claudius. The new king is completely caught off guard when Hamlet directs a play following Claudius's devious actions to attain the crown. Hamlet is a sly genius by successfully throwing a bomb in Claudius's borders. As de Boer's claim that there is a difference between the verbal act of madness and actual madness, there is a difference between Hamlet's outward craziness and his calculated mastermind.
    In the play, Hamlet shows a variety of mixed signals from a moment of acceptance about his father's death and a breakdown of anger towards his mother's betrayal. Even throughout these different emotions, in the back of his mind, Hamlet is planning his moves based on what he thinks others will interpret him as. Knowing that numerous characters are spying on him under Claudius's order, Hamlet makes sure to control his actions as this was his own form of revenge against his deceitful uncle. 

The Performative Utterance Notes II

When we say things, we create moments and understandings and a sense of reality.

Hamlet's soliloquies create expectations for himself which in increasingly negative.

J L Austin's theory of performative utterance applied to Hamlet in Boore's essay in which he states, lets us know the characters.

Perlocutionary, locutionary, illlocutionary forces, cause and effect

Self fulfilling prophecy confirms what we know. Hamlet's is questioning if he is the one to avenge his father's death, uncertainty.

Polonius is a creature of language. 

The Performative Utterance in Hamlet Notes

Hamlet is in a state of confusion of whether he should continue having a mental battle or to actually put his thoughts in actions by avenging his father's death. 

"Royal road to individualization." Characters discover their genuine version through self-overhearing. This is often done because it is written as a play for the audiences to also understand a character's thoughts.

Literally, Hamlet does not swear to avenge his father's death but to remember him. 

Progression is used from language to physical actions to performativity.

A central problem in the play is that characters misrepresent their feelings and intentions in way that contradict reality.

Hamlet's antic disposition disguise of madness conceals his real intentions.

There is a difference between the verbal act of madness and actual madness. Polonius buys into the second of one's "true self" which is actually Hamlet's act of verbal madness.

Ambition is the wanting of materialistic wealth but also of power and influence in which Claudius has which interests Gertrude.

Polonius represents the premodern man while Hamlet represents the modern man and King Claudius stands in between them.

Hamlet is in fact a dynamic character when analyzing his sympathy and acceptance.

Hamlet: Act 3

Act 3 Scene 1

Guildenstern confirms hamlet's craziness. First of another character to confirm besides King Claudius.

Claudius just announced himself to the audience, Ophelia, Guildenstern rosencrantz, Polonius have to spy on hamlet and hamlet states his to be or not to be soliloquy.

Hamlet questions Ophelia's sincerity and motives. States that everyone is acting like a fool including himself. 

King Claudius and Lord Polonius listened to Hamlet and Ophelia's conversation. King Claudius is questioning if Hamlet is actually insane. Debating whether to send Hamlet to England.

Polonius agrees with the king but suggests he has Queen Gertrude spend time with Hamlet while he listens (Polonius).

Act 3 Scene 2

Hamlet states to act naturally to the players and don't underplay it either, make it genuine and real, use own conscience as a guide.

Hamlet gives a lot of instruction shows he's not a mad man.

Hamlet asks Horatio to watch Claudius closely during the play to see his reaction to see if he looks guilty or not.

All attend the play. Hamlet sits, lays on Ophelia's lap?, next to Ophelia.

The play begins with the ghost's accusation of Claudius pouring poison in his ear. The play also pokes at the queen for quickly going against her word of remarrying as a sin.

Hamlet asks Queen Gertrude how she likes the play and she comments about the lady (the Queen actor) protesting too much. Claudius asks if there's anything offensive in the play and Hamlet replies that it is just a jest. When asking about the title, Hamlet replies that people with unguitly consciences like the king and himself could watch it as it is a story of a murder in Vienna.

When the nephew of the king actor pours poison in the king, Claudius stands and stops the play.

Horatio and Hamlet agree that the ghost's claim is true. Guildenstern tells Hamlet that the king is very upset and that his mother is in "amazement and admiration"??

 Rosencrantz expresses his worries for Hamlet but Hamlet shuts him down.

Polonius enters to tell Hamlet that his mother wishes to see him.

Act 3 Scene 3

Claudius tells Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that they will be going to England with Hamlet.

Polonius tells Claudius that he would spy on Hamlet's and his mom's conversation.

Claudius expresses his guilty sins through prayers.

Hamlet sees an opportunity to kill Claudius but he is praying and therefore withdraws.

Act 3 Scene 4 

Queen Gertrude questions Hamlets intentions and he replies that his mother in a cruel sinner. She yells help and Hamlet pierces a sword through the curtain and Polonius who he thinks is Claudius. Hamlet expresses his disgust towards his mother for killing his noble father and remarrying Claudius for power. 

The Ghost enters to calm Hamlet who the Queen cannot see.

The Queen thinks that Hamlet is seriously mad. 

Hamlet Soliloquy

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha_XXFcOIOQ

Hamlet: Act 1 Scene 3

Laertis says his farewell to his sister Ophelia.

He warns her on Hamlet's love for her. He states that Hamlet's passion will only be temporary as he holds obligations to royalty and that he will grow out of it. He advises her to not hold affection for him. 

Polonius enters advises Laetris to grasp onto good friends, to not get into fights, to listen but not speak his own words too much, to not be boastful in appearance, and most importantly "to thine own self be true"

Polonius scolds Ophelia for giving her time to Hamlet but to instead be more wise and respect herself. 

Ophelia responds in a way to defend Hamlet's love for her. 

Literature Analysis #2

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

1. The story begins with the narrator's introduction of his friends whom he spends his everyday life with revolved around drinking and partying. The exposition, climax, and resolution is basically divided into three books. In book one, Robert Cohn is first introduced, a strong Jewish man who is a successful writer. Brett is a beautiful divorcee who holds the attraction of almost all the male characters in the novel. The three characters spend their nights together clubbing away. There is an initial bond between Jake and Brett but the two are unable to establish a relationship as Brett moves from one man to another. Robert is her next target in whom she has a short affair with. In Book two, the group of friends agree to watch the bull run festival, the trip consisting of Jake, Cohn, Bill, Mike, and Brett. Mike is Brett's fiancée and the two are delayed to arrive with the rest of the group as Brett is sick. Meanwhile, Jake, Cohn and Bill decide to go on a fishing trip in Bayonne but Cohn decides to wait on Mike and Brett in Pamplona. Instead, Bill and Jake continue on their fishing plans bond with a fellow fisher named Harris. The group of friends are reunited and they begin to party and drink excessively; conflict also begins to rise. The climax begins when Brett has had flings with various men in the friend group and tensions arise among them as they all want Brett. It leads to physical fights but during this time Brett is attracted to the passionate Pamplona resident, Romero who participates in the bull runs. Jake is the one who actually introduces him to her as he always grants her every requests even introducing her to a possible new fling. Brett falls for Romero's passion but once again she ends the relationship because of her inability to commit. In book three,  the story ends with Brett and Jake drinking back in Paris. They ride in a cab together and state that they could possibly have had a good relationship. 
2. The theme of the novel is a woman's influence and the meaning of life. Brett serves as the central figure to all conflict in the book. She has Jake in the palm of her hand who is the only man she does not have a sexual relationship with because he is sick. This could contribute to why she has somewhat of the most stable relationship with him among all the men. Frances also serves as a female influence as she ties down Robert in the beginning of the book. He listens to her every word and is careful not to upset her. The meaning of life is questioned as all the characters live a materialistic life of partying and drinking. The repetitive nights of clubbing becomes a routine that the characters absorb themselves in.
3. The tone of this novel is straightforward and nonchalant. Like the carelessness of the characters towards living life diligently, the tone is dispassionate and carefree. The author gets right to the point and uses simple diction to do so.
"But here was Cohn taking it all. Here it was, all going on right before me, and I did not feel an impulse to try and stop it." "The bus climbed steadily up the road. The country was barren and rocks stuck up through the clay." "I went downstairs and out the door and took a walk around through the arcades of the square."
4. Comparison pg 17 "For a man to take it at thirty four as a guide book to what life holds is about as safe as it would be for a man of the same age to enter Wall Street direct from a French covenant, equipped with a complete set of the more practical Alger books." 

Imagery pg 43 "It was a fine morning. The horse-chestnut trees in the Luxembourg gardens were in bloom. There was the pleasant early morning feeling of a hot day."

Inference pg 49 "No matter what cafe in Montparnasse you ask a taxi driver to bring you to from the right bank of the river, they always take you to the Rotonde."

Irony pg 58 "As I went out the door I looked back through the two thicknesses of glass and saw them sitting there."

Personification pg. 131 "The letter was at my place at the table, leaning against a coffee cup."
Syntax pg. 176: "Bill was buying shoe-shines for Mike. Bootblacks opened the street door and each one Bill called over and started to work on Mike."
Diction pg. 99: "...and we saw a whole new range of mountains off to the south, all brown and baked looking and furrowed in strange shapes."
Overstatement pg. 165: " I had taken six seats for all the flights."
Symbolism pg. 177: "I was drinking red wine."
Foreshadowing pg. 185: "Brett was nervous as I had never seen her before. She kept looking away from me and looking ahead at the wall."

Characterization: 

1. Direct characterization: pg 11 "There was a certain inner comfort in knowing he could knock down anybody who was snooty to him, although, being very shy and a thoroughly nice boy, he never fought except for in the gym." pg. 12 "He was a nice boy, a friendly boy, and very shy."

Indirect Characterization: pg. 16 "... and the fact that of a woman caring for him and wanting to live with him was not simply a divine miracle." pg. 52 "People beat him who had never had a chance with him." 

The author hardly uses direct characterization as the narrator who is also the protagonist but rather is very observant and describes others in a descriptive manner.

2. The syntax and diction when referring to the main character is much more simple and short. The narrator rarely talks directly about himself but when he does, it is in a straightforward, quick manner. The reader is unaware of the main charactet's name until there is dialogue between him and another character. Pg. 24. "How are you called? Jacob." His answer is as short as possible not adding extra words or even his last name.

3. Jake is a static and round character. From beginning to end, Jake had an undeniable love for Brett that he can never overcome despite her trashy behaviors. He continues to drink and party everyday not learning from hos mistakes but living a meaningless life. Although the narrator hardly describes himself, the reader is able to analyze what kind of person Jake is through his words and actions. 

4. I don't think I really met a person but just read a character. The character himself is shy and more secluded. He never mentions himself and hardly mentions what he thinks. Even when he is with other characters, he describes them and his thoughts on them. His thoughts are often embedded in the text with little hints here and there but he never flat out states his opinions. They're more opinions on people which in a way gives readers an idea of what kind of person he is but at the same time it is ambiguous as far as what his definite character is. 

Literary Fiction & Empathy

The article makes sense in a way that literature fiction helps readers develop ideas of a character based on inference. Fiction helps understand others because one can analyze the character's emotions and opinions based on their actions and words. In the case of Hamlet, the reader is able to identify what kind of character he is by analyzing his soliloquy. Although he seems to have a diplomatic manner when confronted about his emotions of his father's death, his soliloquy states otherwise as a moment of despair and frustration. With both analysis Hamlet's attitude, the reader is able to piece together his character.

Hamlet: Act 1 Scene 2

The late king Hamlet's death was recent. Claudius states that the kingdom mourns, recognize and mourn but move on. 

Hamlet's mom is married to his uncle king Claudius. She is still queen. Claudius directs the Danish's focus on forthinbas an outside source to blame

Hamlet: (Aside small mention) A little more than kin, and less than kind. In other words: I'm your nephew, ya, but don't call me son. Hamlet doesn't like Claudius. Does not allow others to know he's upset. 

Visage: facial expression

Cry, make faces, black clothes doesn't necessarily define someone's sad. Calling out others who go with the outside "appearance" of looking sad. 

Claudius: grow up it's unmanly. You're next in line but you're staying here not school. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. 

Polonias: king's advisor. Son is laertis. 

Into the mind of protagonist through his own words, first in American literature.

Hamlet: knows something is wrong, extremely mad

He would kill himself out of angry towards not wanting to see the injustice 

Bashing mom for betrayal and being a slut, married so quickly 

Hamlet questions the guards like an investigator, dispassionate. So angry and passionate in monologue and diplomat in the crowd but now seems almost nonchalant; all his responses are calculated. He's smart.

Hamlet: Act 1 Scene 1

Bernardo is on watch first but Francisco comes to take the next shift. 

It is 12AM in the Danes.

Marcellus and Horatio join Francisco on their watch. Marcellus brings Horatio to prove the appearance of a ghost: the late king in armor. 

The ghost appears and Horatio questions it. It disappears but then reappears as the men talk in surprise. 

When Horatio questions it again the ghost seems to almost speak but the cock crows. 

The men question the king's "appearance" and what it means. They mention the frequent guarding of the castle, more weaponry. 

Ends with Horatio explaining that the late Hamlet won the battle against Fortinbras and therefore took all his land and how Fortinbras seeks revenge.

VOCABULARY #6

abase - verb cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of

Jill was abased when shr revealed that she had cheated on her boyfriend.
abdicate - verb give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations

The king had to abdicate his thrown for participating in scandalous acts.
abomination - noun an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence; a person who is loathsome or disgusting; hate coupled with disgust

Her abomination disgusted her best friends.
brusque - adj. marked by rude or peremptory shortness

Her brusque remark towards the gay couple upset the crowd.
saboteur - noun someone who commits sabotage or deliberately causes wrecks; a member of a clandestine subversive organization who tries to help a potential invader

The saboteur split a group of friends apart when starting false rumors.
debauchery - noun a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity

Often times, teenage students participate in debachery after the homecoming dance.
proliferate - verb cause to grow or increase rapidly; grow rapidly

New businesses in the industry proliferated after a sudden boom in profit.
anachronism - noun an artifact that belongs to another time; a person who seems to be displaced in time; who belongs to another age;something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred

A roman soldier would be an anachronism in modern society.
nomenclature - noun a system of words used to name things in a particular discipline

Scientists have to go through nomenclature when discovering a new element.
expurgate - verb edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

The instructor expurgated the lecture to avoid unnessary topics.
bellicose - adj. having or showing a ready disposition to fight

The army's bellicose manner made the general proud.
gauche - adj. lacking social polish

The jester was gauche when he poked fun at the royal family.
rapacious - adj. excessively greedy and grasping; devouring or craving food in great quantities; living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey

Anacondas are rapacious creatures.
paradox - noun (logic) a statement that contradicts itself

Paradoxes can often be effective literary techniques.
conundrum - noun a difficult problem

Avery was in a conundrum when she promised to be at two places at one time.
anomaly - noun (astronomy) position of a planet as defined by its angular distance from its perihelion (as observed from the sun); a person who is unusual; deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule

Bob's anomaly made him a standout from all the job interviews.

ephemeral - adj. lasting a very short time; nounanything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form

Military families have ephemeral stays in different towns.
rancorous - adj. showing deep-seated resentment

Jane was rancorous towards get ex boyfriend. 
churlish - adj. having a bad disposition; surly;rude and boorish

His churlish attitude disrespected the teacher.
precipitous - adj. characterized by precipices;extremely steep; done with very great haste and without due deliberation

The precipitous cliff stopped the hikers from continuing. 

Canterbury Tales Essay

Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales reveals the realistic version of society of his time by descriptively creating the image of a character from each social class. He does this in a way suggesting that there was no utopian society and the pilgrims of Canterbury actually contradict their "title." Cosmopolitan influences and the usage of irony enabled Chaucer to develop the Canterbury Tales into stories of different social classes both challenging and honoring the system. 
Before Chaucer set out on the holy pilgrimage to Canterbury, he had been exposed to different cultures as a diplomat under the royal command. Through this sensible journey, he was able to experience and meet a diverse group of people, ranging from the low class to royals, to discover a structure other than what society had set forth. His worldly awareness also had a great impact on the themes he wrote about: life vs death, supernatural vs reality. His background of "climbing the social hierarchy" also gave him insight of the social system.
The Canterbury Tales revolves around the theme of irony. Beginning from the journey itself, various members of society set forth on this pilgrimage as a holy revival, yet the whole act was more of a competition. When analyzing the cook, the character himself is an irony. As an apprentice he should be obedient and respectful, but instead he does not listen and drinks his problems away. Gambling also follows and soon he is addicted to these poisonous acts. The cook is fired and oppositely, he goes from "riches to rags." The usage of irony conveys the message that the cook lacks morals, and ends up losing the battle against himself (man vs himself). 
The major literary technique of irony and the theme of irony itself tie together to create a balance between a "for and against" of the structured social class. Chaucer never clearly states his position on the overview of the hierarchy but he also never strongly rebels against the idealistic system. 

Canterbury Tales Transmedia Draft

Chaucer's usage of irony.

The idea of diversity and unity.

Sarcastic tone.

Canterbury Outline

Intro: Background info on Chaucer, brief details of Canterbury Tales, thesis
Body 1: Chaucer's use of techniques: irony and diction, and explain what this reveals about each individual character and the society as a whole
Body 2: Tie in the theme of irony with the cook's tale
Conclusion: Chaucer as a character himself in the story, social hierarchy, the overall usage of irony

The Point of Canterbury Tales is...

Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales reveals the realistic version of society as a whole by descriptively creating the image of a character from each social class. He does this in a way suggesting that there is no utopian society and the pilgrims of Canterbury actually contradict their "title"

Green Eggs & Hamlet

a.) I don't really know a lot about Hamlet except for the fact that he dies at the end of the book.

b.) I remember reading Shakespeare's works (Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar) in previous years of English.

c.) I actually liked Shakespeare's work. I think that his stories are classic, must read books. I guess some students don't like his work because it is difficult to understand his old English language.

d.) I think the best way to learn this material is by reading together as a class. I remember reading Romeo and Juliet in my freshman honors English class together and deciding who would be reading what part. It was more enaging and entertaining to have the students participate and read based on how they viewed the character. Another good way is having socratic seminars on the material by sharing ideas about the themes and overall ideas of the work.

Vocabulary #5

shenanigans - noun secret or dishonest activity or maneuvering

Financial shenanigans were happening under the table between the business man and a potential buyer.
ricochet - noun a glancing rebound; verb spring back; spring away from an impact

The ball ricocheted off the cement wall.

schism - noun division of a group into opposing factions; the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences

The schisms of Christianity has led to all the different religious branches of today.  
eschew - verb avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of

Jane eschewed from her ex-boyfriend at the dance. 
plethora - noun extreme excess

There was a plethora of food provided by the parents.
ebullient - adj. joyously unrestrained

The teacher's ebullient attitude spread throughout her classroom.
garrulous - adj. full of trivial conversation

The garrulous student distracted the students around him.
harangue - noun a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion; verb deliver a harangue to; address forcefully

The student made a harangue in front of the whole student body that surprised everybody.
interdependence - noun a reciprocal relation between interdependent entities (objects or individuals or groups)

There must be an interdependence between a business firm in order to be organized.  

capricious - adj. determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason; changeable

The lottery is often a capricious result.
loquacious - adj. full of trivial conversation

The loquacious group of girls never stopped in silence.
ephemeral - adj. lasting a very short time; noun anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form

Laura's ephemeral stay at her grandparent's house upset them dearly.
inchoate - adj. only partly in existence; imperfectly formed

The inchoate government of the Wampagos Indians led to their decimation.
juxtapose - verb place side by side

Costco juxtapose two popular items together, toilet paper and water, to make more profit. 
perspicacious - adj. acutely insightful and wise; mentally acute or penetratingly discerning

The elderly are often more perspicacious than teenagers.
codswallop - noun nonsensical talk or writing

The old man's codswallop bored and confused the children. 
mungo - noun cloth made from recycled woven or felted material.

The one of a kind dress was made of mungo. 
sesquipedelian - noun characterized by long words

The complex short story had sesquipedalian which made it difficult for readers to understand.  
wonky - adj. inclined to shake as from weakness or defect; turned or twisted toward one side

Temptation often makes an individual wonky.
dipthong - noun a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves toward another

Loud is an example of a dipthong.

Character Study III

I walked into my first class, English 101, at Pepperdine University. I was wearing my favorite, most comfortable outfit: a white vneck and a pair of jeans that took me through my senior year in high school. The professor started the class at exactly9:00 sharp. One by one, Mr. Rushmore called a name and took the time to acknowledge each face. He'd gone through all twenty-nine students except me. I looked around puzzled and slowly raised my hand. He called on me and asked for my name. I replied and he directed me to head to the main office as I was not on the roster. I thought to myself what a way start to my first day. I left the class with my belongings and felt the stare of sixty eyeballs on me as a walked out. I pondered  to myself, what could have possibly gone wrong with my schedule. I'd repeatedly checked my student account and I clearly read: English 101 with Mr. Rushmore. The walk to the main office would be at least a ten minute walk. By the time I had arrived, I was catching my breath with all the stairs embedded in the campus. I explained my situation and the lady at the front desk calmly explained how I had been moved to an advanced English course. I had apparently received a perfect score on my English placement test and my guidance counselor had decided to move me up to a sophomore level class. In the moment, I was so confused and upset at the same time for placing me in a different class without my consent. It was almost impossible to see my counselor to make the fix so for the while being, I would be attending that class. Other changes also followed. I had to move to a different dormitory closer to my class located on the other side of campus. This infuriated me but at the same time, I guess I was happy to avoid my rude roommate. I went through the tedious process of packing again. On the contrary, I was kindly greeted by a handsome student who had come to help me move my belongings and direct me to my new room. He guided me across the campus to a new side of Pepperdine, the side facing the beach. I moved to a new dorm and was greeted by a new set of faces who warmly led me to my room. I arrived to a more spacious area, greeted by a tall girl with a big smile. It was definitely a new environment than what I was spending my first two weeks in; in a surprisingly better way. I was unpacking my bags when Hannah Hurd knocked on my door. She was on her way to UCSD and she came to visit me. I was pleased to see a familiar face and she gave me a warm hug. She asked, "What are you doing unpacking now? Didn't you arrive two weeks ago?" I replied, "Girl, don't even get me started." I explained the long story to her and we were able to catch up from the short time we were apart. 

Phonar14 Video Notes

Character Study I

I anxiously waited by my front door pacing back and forth, back and forth. I constantly looked out the small peek hole, nervously waiting for someone or more along the lines a piece of paper to arrive. I could feel the sweat building in my hands. I was a nervous wreck. My mother, in her pj's, stumbled across the living room still half asleep. She looked at me confused and asked, "Honey, what are you doing up at five in the morning on a Saturday? And why are you dressed up and not in your pajamas?" Just then, a stack of letters slid through the slot of my door. My mom and I met eyes again and she knew immediately what I had even waiting for. I quickly grabbed the stack and one after another, I checked the addresses. First the electricity bill, next a letter from Grandma Elizabeth and finally, a letter from Pepperdine University. My mom stopped me and said, "Let's pray first." I took a moment to breathe as I had been unconsciously holding my breath.  Slowly I opened the letter. I read, "Dear Judith, Congratulations! You have been accepted to Pepperdine University and we are pleased to greet you to this upcoming 2015-2016 school year." Tears immediately came rushing to my eyes and I was finally able to take a deep breath. I was going to be attending Pepperdine University. 

CANTERBURY TALES II

Bede & Canterbury Tales I

Bede Notes textbook pages 74-82

Four languages (English, British, Scots, and Picts) are united by the fifth language, Latin. 

Britain first inhabited by the Britons who crossed from Armorica, located in the South.

Ireland is the largest island after Britain which lies in the west. 

Picts settled in the North.

Dal means division which relates to the Dalreudians of the Picts and Scots.

Scots later join the Britons and the Picts in Britain.

The Canterbury Tales textbook pages 90-115 

Geoffrey Chaucer

As a page to the wife of Lionel of Antewerp, a son of the ruler, Edward III, Chaucer was introduced to the English monarch. 

Married a lady in waiting of the queen.

Early poems based on works of European poets

The Book of the Duchess

Troilus and Criseyde have insight to human nature.

Possibly inspired to write from his pilgrimage to Canterbury

Incorporates speech and eloquence to English literature.

The Canterbury Tales: The Prologue

The British set out to a pilgrimage to Canterbury. 

The narrator begins to tell the story of each character he encounters while on a pilgrimage to Canterbury.

First was the knight of chivalry: an accomplished knight who was also wise and meek. 

The Squire: a strong young man who was musically talented and courteous and humble

Yeoman: traveled with no servants, decorated with a bow and arrow, a sword, a dagger

The Prioress: know as Madam Eglantine, punctilious (are with care, watched what she said), soft hearted 

The Nun

The Three Priests 

The Monk: loved animals (confused about his description?)

The Friar: a happy man, satisfied with women, social and compassionate

The Merchant: took risk taking decisions but succeeded as a result.

The Clergyman: an educated man who sought out for religious education

The Lawyer: wise with words, constantly occupied with work

The Franklin: enjoyed food...

The Haberdasher and The Carpenter

The Weaver, The Dyer, and The Arras-Maker: polished attires, 

The Cook

The Sailor: a smart, brave man

The Physician: had a passion for astronomy, healer

The Wife of Bath: deaf but a fine sewer, dexterous, religiously devoted

The Parson: rich but humble, religious, wise, and patient 

The Plowman: an honest devoted man to religion

The Miller: a man of great strength 

The Manciple: skilled in the market

The Reeve: cunningly smart

The Summoner: a "diseased" man 

The Pardoner: a good listener

Changes back to the narrators thoughts, complements their welcoming host, explains how a brief intro to each character would take related in a "common pilgrimage." 

DECLARATION OF LEARNING INDEPENDENCE

I, as a student in Dr. Preston's AP English Literature and Composition class, declare the freedom to: 
    Read whatever book I choose.
    Explore any new material related to literature.
    Be honest in class discussions.
    Exchange collaborative ideas with fellow students and teacher.

VOCABULARY #4

obsequious - adj. attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner; attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
The obsequious complement was insincere.
beatitude - noun one of the eight sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount; in Latin each saying begins with `beatus' (blessed); a state of supreme happiness
Her beatitude was shown through her huge smile.
bete noire - noun a person or thing that one particularly dislikes
Batman was the joker's bete noire.
bode - verb indicate by signs
The line bodes that she would face sudden death.
dank - adj. unpleasantly cool and humid
The dank weather badly affected the tourists day.
ecumenical - adj. of worldwide scope or applicability; concerned with promoting unity among churches or religions
The ecumenical group of pastors tried to convert the atheists.
fervid - adj. extremely hot; characterized by intense emotion
His fervid passion for teaching children got him the job.
fetid - adj. offensively malodorous
His fetid breath drew away the women in the club.
gargantuan - adj. of great mass; huge and bulky
Costco's packages are always gargantuan.
heyday - noun the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
The heydays have passed by as America is suffering in an economic depression.
incubus - noun a male demon believed to lie on sleeping persons and to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women; someone who depresses or worries others; a situation resembling a terrifying dream
The incubus terrified the young child.
infrastructure - noun the stock of basic facilities and capital equipment needed for the functioning of a country or area; the basic structure or features of a system or organization
The infrastructure of the building supported the people in it.
inveigle - verb influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
I inveigled my parents to let me go to Italy. 
kudos - noun an expression of approval and commendation
The kudos from his mother confirmed that he would propose to his girlfriend.
lagniappe - noun a small gift (especially one given by a merchant to a customer who makes a purchase)
The businessman gave a lagniappe to the woman who made a large purchase.
prolix - adj. tediously prolonged or tending to speak or write at great length
Her prolix explanation for not turning in her homework annoyed the teacher.
protege - noun a person who receives support and protection from an influential patron who furthers the protege's career
The protege was grateful for his financial aid.
prototype - noun a standard or typical example
The company offered the possible buyer a prototype of their new product.
sycophant - noun a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
The sycophant got an A in his economic class by coaxing to the teacher.
tautology - noun useless repetition; (logic) a statement that is necessarily true
Some writers use tautology to get their point across.
truckle - noun a low bed to be slid under a higher bed; verb yield to out of weakness; try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
Her truckle did not influence the manager to promote her.

LITERATURE ANALYSIS #1

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
1. Exposition: The story begins with the narrator's descriptive imagery of the conditions in which she lives in. The room (she forbids to call it her room because of her constantly moving nature) has almost prison like features: a dark room with a small window, chair, lamp, and a table, very basic feature. Offred is a handmaid whose primary role is to give birth to a healthy baby of a commander. She is part of the patriarchal, religious, totalitarian society of Gilead. The society consists of a hierarchy with commanders (rich government officials who are men), eyes (spies of the government), angels (soldiers), guardians (soldiers who are too young or too old), wives, handmaids, marthas (servants), econwives (wives of the poor), and the rest are labeled "un..." who are "infertile" handmaids, and handicapped citizen. Offred performs her duties as a handmaid going to the market on behalf of the wife, and having sex with the commander on the day of Ceremony.
Rising Action: Offred has had sex with the commander twice now and she does not feel any signs of pregnancy as her menstrual cycle continues. She does, however, begin to form a relationship with the commander, a rather odd one. Interaction with a commander and handmaid, other than a sexual one on the day of ceremony, is rare and actually forbidden in the eyes of the wives. He invites her to his study and never makes a move on her but let's her play games and look at magazines; it is forbidden for women to read. The wife, Serena Joy, oddly offers Offred a chance to be impregnated by Nick, a guardian assigned to the household who Offred encountered many times and even kissed, in order to avoid being sent to the colonies which she accepts.
Climax: She is taken away by the eyes in which she does not know if it leads "into the darkness within; or else the light. Beforehand, Nick assures her that "the eyes" were the Mayday, insurgents against the totalitarian government, coming to rescue her. The ultimately fear of a handmaid, or any citizen in general, is being taken away by the eyes which leads to ultimate death. She does not know if this act leads her to darkness or light.
The story ends on the climax for readers to question the outcome by the given clues throughout the book.
2. There is an end to a road, but the road there may take unexpected turns. At one point, Offred contemplates committing suicide thinking of her wicked life when she had once lived with her husband and a beautiful daughters long with having a stable job. That distant society changed when the totalitarian government took over. She has been morally shamed with her "duty" as a handmaid and finds it beyond frustrating that she cannot control her own destiny let alone her own body. She does reach an end. Her capture by the eyes symbolize her end, but it is not known if the end continues to freedom or is forever put to an end.
3. The author's tone is dark and hopeless like the nature of her job as a handmaids with a hint of humor. 
"Nothing changes instantaneously: in a gradually heating bathtub you'd be boiled to death before you knew it." pg. 56 (dark)
"I'am like a room where things once happened and now nothing does, except the pollen of the weeds that grow up outside the window, blowing in as dust across the floor." pg. 104 (hopeless)
"At least he's an improvement on the previous one, who smelled like a church cloakroom in the rain; like your mouth when the dentist starts picking at your teeth; like a nostril. The Commander, instead, smells of mothballs, or is this odor some punitive form of aftershave?" pg. 95 (humor)
4. Inference: "They've removed anything you could tie a rope to." Pg. 7 This infers that the authority is trying to avoid handmaids committing suicide.
Symbolism: "...black, for the commander, blue, for the commander's wife, and the one assigned to me, which is red." pg. 9 The different colors that the citizens wear symbolize their different ranks.
Flashback: "Is that how we lived then? But we lived as usual. pg. 56
Imagery: "A chair, a table, a lamp. Above, on the ceiling, a relief ornament in the shape of a wreath, and in the center of it a blank space, plastered over, like in a face where the eye has been taken out." pg. 7
Anaphora: "It must be just fine. It must be hell. It must be very silent." pg. 88
Foreshadowing: "I freeze, cold travels through me, down to my feet. There must have been microphones, they've heard us after all. Right in front of us the van pulls up. Two Eyes, in gray suits, leap from the opening double doors at the back. They got the man was walking along, a man with the briefcase, an ordinary looking man, slam him back against the black side of the van." pg, 169 This foreshadows Offred's soon coming capture.
Tone: "This is what I feel like: this sound of glass. I feel like the word shatter." pg. 103
Imagery: The suns coming weakly through the clouds, the smell of wet grass warming up is in the air." pg. 128
Bibliomancy: "Blessed be those that mourn, for they shall be comforted." pg. 89
Personification: "July, it's breathless days and santa nights, hard to sleep." pg. 199

Characterization:
1. Direct characterization: "My hair is long now, untrimmed." "I'm thirty three years old. I have brown hair. I stand five seven without shoes." 
Indirect characterization: "I am alive, I live, I breathe, I out my hand out, unfolded, into the sunlight. Where I am is not a prison but a privilege." This reveals her grateful  character even though the setting she just described was synonymous to a prison. "I could scream. I could run away. I could turn form her silently, to show her i won't tolerate this kind of talk in my presence. Subversion, sedition, blasphemy, heresy, all rolled into one. I steel myself. "No," I say." This shows her complicated feelings on the controlling society and also reveals her comfortableness and trustworthiness with Ofglen to be able to talk "blasphemy" with her.
By using both indirect and direct characterization, the author is able to fully develop the character for readers to really understand and be able to define the leading figure. Atwood wants the readers to not necessarily sympathize for Offred but to understand the cruel nature in which she lives in and how she as an individual reacts to these unnatural settings.
2. Since the story is told in the first person narrative, when the narrator begins to describe herself or her thoughts/actions, her diction is more personal and less formal. "Merely to lift off the heavy white wings and the veil, merely to feel my own hair again, with my hands, is a luxury." 
3. Offred is a dynamic, round character. She begins to describe herself as one who follows the rules by not smoking, drinking alcohol, or conversing in gossip but overtime she becomes rebellious by visiting the commander outside of the Ceremony, talking "treacherous" schemes with Ofglen, and having sex with Nick. As the main character and protagonist of the book, Offred is a round character who is fully developed through her descriptive thoughts. Although, her exact physical appearance is not revealed.
4. I feel like I've met a person because the narrator shares her raw, innermost thoughts. Since the point of view is first person narrative, Offred shared any events and thoughts that surround her. "Every night when I go to bed I think, In the morning I will wake up in my own house and things will be back the way they were." She's so honest with her feelings, that I, as a reader, have sympathy for her and can understand and try to relate to her.

When I first started reading this book, I thought that it was really weird and wrong in so many ways. After having read the book, the complexity and depth of the book with the cycling connections was awesome to put together. There are many elements to this book that I don't think I successfully put down everything for it to make sense. This book is "sick" in a way because of the wicked patriarchal system, but it was definitely a different type of book that I usually wouldn't have read, which I find as a good experience.

VOCABULARY #3

accolade - noun a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

An accolade was presented to the brave soldier who rescued two captured American troops.
acerbity - noun a sharp sour taste; a sharp bitterness; a rough and bitter manner

Jane was sick from the acerbity of the overdue milk
attrition - noun the act of rubbing together; wearing something down by friction; a wearing down to weaken or destroy; sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation; the wearing down of rock particles by friction due to water or wind or ice; erosion by friction

The attrition began to weigh in after lifting weights for an hour.
bromide - noun any of the salts of hydrobromic acid; formerly used as a sedative but now generally replaced by safer drugs; a trite or obvious remark

The heads of students turned to see who had made such a bromide comment.
chauvinist - noun an extreme bellicose nationalist; a person with a prejudiced belief in the superiority of his or her own kind

Chauvinist consider no negotiations when it comes to their beliefs.
chronic - adj. being long-lasting and recurrent or characterized by long suffering

The chronic disease resulted in a painful cry.
expound - verb add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing; state

I asked the teacher to expound on the instructions given. 
factionalism - noun arguments or disputes between two or more small groups from within a large group 

  Factionalism cannot often be chaotic and displeasing to hear.

immaculate - adj. completely neat and clean;free from stain or blemish; without fault or error

The immaculate house reflected the tidy family. 
imprecation - noun the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult); a slanderous accusation

The witch's imprecation towards the kind angered the citizens. 
ineluctable - adj. impossible to avoid or evade:"inescapable conclusion"

The consequences of commiting a crime are ineluctable.
mercurial - adj. relating to or containing or caused by mercury; relating to or having characteristics (eloquence, shrewdness, swiftness, thievishness) attributed to the god Mercury; relating to or under the (astrological) influence of the planet Mercury; liable to sudden unpredictable change

Nike released a new like of mercurial soccer cleats.
palliate - verb provide physical relief, as from pain; lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

The massage palliated my tense muscles.
protocol - noun code of correct conduct; forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats and heads of state; (computer science) rules determining the format and transmission of data

The protocol when attending a formal meeting is not talking when the speaker is talking.
resplendent - adj. having great beauty and splendor

Her resplendent persona intrigued the audience. 
stigmatize - verb mark with a stigma or stigmata; to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful

The stern mother publicly stigmatized her son for stealing from a gas station. 
sub - noun a submersible warship usually armed with torpedoes; a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States; verb be a substitute

Dr. Preston had to be subbed for the day because he was sick.
rosa - noun large genus of erect or climbing prickly shrubs including roses

The rosa was a painful process.
vainglory - noun outspoken conceit

The vainglory of the haughty girl caused others to despise her.

vestige - noun an indication that something has been present

The footprint in the snow was a vestige that their was life in the storm.

volition - noun the act of making a choice; the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention

During the time of his volition, he pondered back and forth on what to do.

Beowulf Essay

    A heroic action can range from a random act of kindness, to a gallant leap of faith, but in the case of Beowulf, his risk taking nature can not help but take over his instincts. His confidence and loyalty lead him to success as a epic symbol whose story is a monomyth. Similar to Beowulf, in modern literature, The Hunger Games portrays a rebellious citizen who rises as a heroic figure. Katniss Everdeen and Beowulf are synonymous in heroic terms but the different ways their stories are told reveal the culture of their society during that time period.
    Beowulf represents the artifact of society during it's time period. He rises as a valiant symbol of success and loyalty. His society values materialistic prosperity as this is portrayed when he receives treasures of wealth and land for his bravery. This addition of tangible wealth is what drives denizens of Denmark and Geatland to further respect him. Honor is another major factor that citizens of this era respect. Beowulf's journey to the Danish all began because of the duty of his family's honor.
He fully embodies the traits of a hero: courageous, confident, and loyal. In addition to these characteristics, his confidence exudes to a point of almost touching the aura of arrogance. Although he seems overconfident, his results come to support his trait as his repeated success conquer. To support these heroic traits, literary techniques such as old English diction and allusions to the Bible are used but to also reveal Beowulf's culture. 
    The Hunger Games serves as the epitome of heroic literature of today. Katniss rises to power as an ordinary citizen, who isn't necessarily renowned but is a gallant woman with a purpose. That fact that she is a woman also symbolizes modern society's acceptance of change. During the time period of Beowulf, feminist views were not considered as valuable when looking at Queen Hygd who serves as an accoutrement to the king and nothing more. Today's heroes are seditious and firm believers of individuals' rights which drive them with a purpose. As supporters of democracy, contemporary heroes possess
    The epic tale of Beowulf serves as a monomyth as literature fans continue to glorify and read the story. Beowulf's heroic characteristics along with the tale's  literary devices unify to create a story of bravery and honor. Katniss Everdeen of District 12, similarly, portrays a heroic story of modern writing that symbolizes today's ever-changing culture.

MASTERPIECE IN PROGRESS

Quite honestly, I'm a little lost. Especially in this stage of high school when everyone is dead set on what their passions are, I'm not sure I have a definite answer. I do have passions, but those passions may not necessarily be something I'm good at. With that said, I'm still in the process of figuring things out and I think that it's okay not to know yet. I'm trying to take this step by step, utilizing my big questions to figure what exactly my masterpiece is. Like the title, it's in progress.

WILL STUDY FOR FOOD

Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

http://www.sbscholarship.org

I want to attend Pepperdine University and if I do gain acceptance, the tuition fee alone is over $40,000. I need scholarships to go to a private college as I plan to apply for private schools. My goal is to earn $12,000 in scholarships.

VOCABULARY #2

accoutrement - noun additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity

The accoutrement to play tennis is a racquet and a tennis ball.

apogee - noun apoapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth; a final climactic stage

The apogee of the drama received a high viewing rate of 47.5%.

apropos - adj. of an appropriate or pertinent nature; adv. by the way; at an opportune time

The apropos timing to leave the meeting is when the speaker is done talking.
bicker - noun a quarrel about petty points; verb argue over petty things

The kindergarteners bickered over who was in line first.
coalesce - verb fuse or cause to grow together;mix together different elements

The coalesce of class was dynamic as students with different peraonalities collaborated together.
contretemps - noun an awkward clash

The contretemps of the divorced couple upset their children.
convolution - noun the action of coiling or twisting or winding together; a convex fold or elevation in the surface of the brain; the shape of something rotating rapidly

The convolutions in the course threw off the athletes. 
cull - noun the person or thing that is rejected or set aside as inferior in quality; verb remove something that has been rejected; look for and gather

Culling an individual is a spiteful action.
disparate - adj. dissimilar elements; fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind

Their disparate personalities eventually led to a fight between the two friends.

dogmatic - adj. characterized by assertion of unproved or unprovable principles; relating to or involving dogma; of or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative

Your dogmatic statements are not helping you persuade the crowd.
licentious - adj. lacking moral discipline; especially sexually unrestrained

Her licentious attitude drew men away.
mete - noun a line that indicates a boundary

The mother drew a mete between the girls and boys on the campgrounds.
noxious - adj. injurious to physical or mental health

Drugs are noxious.
polemic - adj. of or involving dispute or controversy; noun a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma); a writer who argues in opposition to others (especially in theology)

The polemic between the two political candidates lowered their standings.
populous - adj. densely populated

Disneyland is a populous amusement park due to it's many attractions.
probity - noun complete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles

Having probity is important when playing high school sports.
repartee - noun adroitness and cleverness in reply

Her repartee in the question and answer segment surprised the audience.
supervene - verb take place as an additional or unexpected development

The movie supervened at three in the morning.
truncate - adj. terminating abruptly by having or as if having an end or point cut off; verb make shorter as if by cutting off; approximate by ignoring all terms beyond a chosen one; replace a corner by a plane

She truncated the conversation but stating her opinion.
unimpeachable - adj. beyond doubt or reproach; completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach; free of guilt; not subject to blame

The unimpeachable referee put the watchers at ease as they knew it would be a fair game.

Beowulf Comprehension Questions

Collaborated with my lovely group of girls... Sierra Sanchez, Haley Kestler, Imanie Patel, Victoria Tonoscia, Taylor Williams, Megan Stevens, Elizabeth Smith, Shailynn Joseph, Stevie Wisz, and Courtney Reyburn, and Hannah Hurd

[Prologue] 

1. It was unusual how Shield came to be the ruler of Danes as he started off as an abandoned orphan, but soon built his power to become king. His funeral was a grand affair. He was shipped off in a boat filled with treasures and gifts. Hrothgar is Shield's great grandson.

[Heorot is Attacked]

1. The magnificent work that Hrothgar undertook was a mead hall, Heorot, dedicated to the enjoyment of him and his serving men. Grendel attacked the hall slaying many of Hrothgar's men eventually taking over the hall; it lasted for twelve years. In response, the Danes prayed at shrines wishing harm on the monster.

[The Hero Comes to Herot]

1. When Beowulf hears news of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel, he sets sail for Denmark with an army to kill the monster, Grendel.

2. The Geats first meet a Danish watchman who stops and questions them. Beowulf explains that they arrived to help the Danish get rid of Grendel.

3. Hrothgar’s herald is Wulfgar of the Wendla tribe. He first asks the Geats, why they carry so much armor, and then he infers that they are there for adventure rather than primarily self-gain, because they seem courageous. Wulfgar tells Hrothgar that he shouldn’t deny their help because Beowulf is their leader. In reply Hrothgar says he knows Beowulf’s father, and tells Wulfgar to go get the Geats. I’m not that surprised of Hrothgar and Beowulf knowing each other, because Beowulf wouldn’t put his life and lives of others in harm’s way if he didn’t know Hrothgar.

4. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he is very skilled and experience and he plans to take on Grendel without any weapons, and for Hrothgar not to refuse him. Hrothgar paid off Beowulf’s father’s debts during a warning period for the Geats.

[Feast at Heorot]

1. Unferth’s jealousy causes him to claim that Beowulf can’t beat Grendel, and he brings up a time in the past when Beowulf lost a swimming competition to Breca. Beowulf tells Unferth that he’s drunk and the true story was that he was separated from Breca and pulled underwater by a sea monster, that he later killed. This episode shows how brave and confident Beowulf is throughout the story. Beowulf then accuses Unferth of him not being as brave as he said he was supposed to be, and if he was then Grendel would’ve never came to Herolot.

2. Queen Wealhtheow hands out mead Goblets to Hrothgar and then to the rest of the men during the feasting. Then she thanks God for Beowulf and after sits down next to Hrothgar.

[The Fight with Grendel]

1. Beowulf's preparations for his battle with Grendel differ from normal heroes in poetry in that he shed his armor instead of putting more on because he planned to fight Grendel with his bare hands instead of with a sword and such.

2. When Grendel enters Heorot, he immediately begins to eat the sleeping soldiers as he did many times before. Instead of eating Beowulf, Grendel is surprised with a fight as Beowulf never fell asleep and Grendel wasn't initially able to escape Beowulf's tight grasp. Despite Beowulf's death grip, Grendel managed to escape, but not without leaving his arm behind.

[Celebration of Heorot]

1. Sigemund was a great hero who slayed a horrible dragon that was a keeper of a treasure chest that hr won by slaying him. The treasure won by Sigemund symbolizes the gold rewards that Beowulf earned from the ring-giver, King Hrothgar. Sigemund's story is told to celebrate Beowulf and compare both of their heroic acts. Heremod is known as an evil Danish king who turns against his own people. This clearly resembles the reverse of Beowulf’s characteristic and by comparing and contrasting Beowulf to two different kings, the narrator indicates that Beowulf will be king later in the story.

2. Hrothgar responds to Beowulf's deed by celebrating him and pronouncing him as both a son and man that will never be forgotten. Hrothgar then goes on to give Beowulf many gifts, including a sword. Since Beowulf was successful in his attempt to save the Danes, Unferth doesn't have much to say to him as he has become much more humble.

3. The singer sings the story of Finn during the feast. Basically, in the story Finn, Lord of the Frisians, marries Hildeburgh, a Dane, to end a feud between the two tribes. The idea was to use the bride to ensure that the families wouldn’t feud anymore but obviously this was a bad idea. The Frisians killed Hildeburgh’s brother when he came to visit her. Finn was also eventually killed out of revenge.

4. Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to give the throne to Beowulf, but to trust in his biological son’s abilities to rule as king.  She believes that the throne should stay in the bloodline.

5. It is foreshadowed that Beowulf gives the necklace to his uncle Hygelac, who wears it until he dies in battle.  She also asks Beowulf to guide and protect her children, but not to take the throne from them when Hrothgar dies.

6. So many men remain in the beer hall to sleep because they believe it is as safe as it once was now that Grendel is dead.  This is a mistake because Grendel’s mother comes to the hall for revenge for her son.  She takes one of Hrothgar’s esteemed men and the arm of Grendel back to her cave.

[Another Attack]

1. Grendel's mother came to Heorot to take her son's claw. It was out of anger and vengeance, not exactly similar to Grendel's reason.

2. Hrothgar's response was asking Beowulf to go to her lair and kill her, too. She had killed Hrothgar's best friend.

3. The mere (her lair) was an underwater lair under a dark lake. It had an eerie feel and was described as being very dark. 

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother]

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond (if he should die) in a caring way for his own men that he should leave behind.

2. Beowulf sinks into the water for a few hours before he enters the mere.
3. He prepares for the battle by telling Hrothgar what he desires just incase he dies. Beowulf takes his ring-marked blade sword.
4. When Beowulf enters the mere, Grendel's mother grabs him but his armor defended him. It's surprising that it take half a day to get down there but those monsters have each other.
5. The sword breaks while Beowulf trys to strike Grendel's mother.

6. Beowulf escapes because his mail protected him from the blow.

7. Beowulf notices and uses an enchanted sword hung on the wall. He escapes by drawing the unnaturally heavy sword built by giants and slicing Grendel's mothers neck with it. When she died, the cave burned with light. The sword melted so that the hilt was all that was left.

8. When Beowulf returned to the surface, he found his men waiting, but none of the Danish. It is clear that the Geats were skeptical of his return, so they were pleasantly surprised.

[Further Celebration]

1. He gives Grendel's head and sword hilt.

2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf an important story about how someone good with deeds and intentions can just as quickly turn bad. Heremod let greed take him over and that led to his ultimate demise. Hrothgar wants Beowulf to know not to let the praise he is receiving go to his head.

3. Beowuld gives Unferth the sword before he leaves.

[Beowulf Returns Home]

1. Hrothgar is worried Beowulf may become too arrogant and be unable to fight successfully if these small battle victories get to his head.

2. Hygd is Geat’s queen. She is a good queen where as Modthryth is a bad, evil queen.

3. Beowulf reports to Hygelac because he knows that the wedding could cause problems with the family. Beowulf expects the wedding to recreate family tension and violence and Hygelac to not like the idea. We would expect this from Beowulf because he likes to stop situations before they occur and likes to plan for the problem If it can't be fixed.

4. Beowulf reports about his own adventures as slightly exaggerated, but mostly accurate in the ways they are told.

5. What Beowulf does with the treasures he is given is he offers them to his Lord and gives it to other people also. What Hygelac gives Beowulf is land, a large house, and the sword of the Geats.

[The Dragon Waits]

1. Part two takes place fifty years later. The king that have died in the mean while are King Hygelac and King Heardred. The danger that now exists is a dragon.

2. The dragon is angry because someone stole its treasure even though the man only took the cup because he was scared by the dragon. The treasure was put there by a lord who had lost all of his friends and family. 

3. He destroyed everything as he searched for the thief. 

4. Beowulf thinks he is being punished for something he has done.  He decides to order a new shield and fight the dragon with only a few people. 

5. Hygelac died fighting a monster and after Beowulf swam through the ocean with 30 sets of armor. Queen Hygd offered Beowulf the chance to become king but he declined and decided to advise Heardred. 

6. Heardred was killed along with his father at the shield wall fighting the Heatho-Scilfings. After Heardred's death, Beowulf was ascended to the throne. Under his reign, the feuding with the Sweden terminated when Beowulf avenged Hygelac and his sons deaths. Conscious of avenging his fellow lords, Beowulf befriended Eadgils (one that was provided shelter by Heardred but was part of his death) and assembled an army to scrutinize Onela.
7. Beowulf was accompanied by 11 others when approaching the dragon.

8. Herebeald was killed by his brother on accident. Hrethel was devastated to see his young son be sent to the heavens so early on in his life. From this devastating loss on, Hrethel grieved his sons death and gradually lost his passion, love, and care of his kingdom. War sprung up between Swede's and the Geats over waters which resulted in the death of Haethcyn, a Geat member. In revenge for Hygelac's death, Beowulf attacked the dragon with a sword, failing to harm the monster, and was blasted by the enraged dragon's fierce, powerful, and poisonous fire Breath, bitten on the neck by the dragons sharp teeth and was killed.

[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon]

1. Beowulf tells his companions to not fight the dragon because he knows it will be his very last battle.

2. The first time Beowulf and the Dragon fight, Beowulf enters the fight with confidence as he had defeated all of the major giants with just a sword and armor. When he throws his first blow with the sword he is frightened when the sword breaks. Beowulf's companions all leave except for one of them, Wiglaf. Wiglaf remains loyal to Beowulf because he had provided so much for them and gave them gifts even when he had done all the killing. Wiglaf could not imagine going against someone who had remained so loyal to him and his family. Wiglaf tells the others that Beowulf has provided them with good armor and weapons and that if one man falls they all fall together. He also explains that although Beowulf usually does the killing on his own, they must be there to support him when he needs it. Wiglaf calls out to Beowulf telling him that he has come to help. Wiglaf then goes to help him and the dragon blows fire, which makes his shield useless.

3. The second time Beowulf attacks the dragon, Wiglaf works with him. Beowulf is bitten in the neck and is extremely wounded. Wiglaf is able to stab the dragon and wound him very badly. Beowulf gains one last serge of energy in order to strike the dragon one last time to his death. Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon together; if one had not been there the dragon would not be dead. Beowulf dies in the fight with the dragon as he has been struck in the neck.

4. Beowulf asks Wiglaf to go and find the gold that they had just recaptured from the dragon. He wants Wiglaf to bring the gold to him before he dies. Beowulf finally sees the gold and thanks god for allowing him to defeat the dragon and provide treasure for the people. Beowulf wanted his body to be burned at the coastal headland and for it to be known as Beowulf's Barrow.

[Beowulf's Funeral]

1. As Wiglaf attempts to save Beowulf, the rest of the Geats return, but Beowulf is dead. Wiglaf tells the men that Beowulf had left all the treasure to them but that it was worthless because they had not stayed to fight with Beowulf. Wiglaf says that death will be better then such a life of shame to the men who had left their lord wounded on the battle field. Wiglaf expects that the Geats empire will be destroyed in the future.

2. The messenger tells the city of Beowulf’s death. After Ongentheow killed Haethcyn, the Geats were threatened by Ongetheow, but they were saved by Hygelac the next day. Hygwlac proceeded to then kill Ongetheow and his men to avenge the death of his kin even though that morning Ongetheow and his men retreated the area. The messenger said to not get involved with the gold because it was cursed and anyone who steals it will get the punishment on the to. The final image of the messenger’s speech was the dragon that killed Beowulf.

3. Wiglaf tells the crowd that if Beowulf listened to the people then he still would be alive. He also states that Beowulf was a brave and honorable man and not to think less of him or what he did. Although this was a disappointment, he was still given a proper burial because he was a military warrior/hero. 

4. The dragon that killed Beowulf is pushed of a cliff by Wiglaf’s men and falls into the ocean and everyone was relieved.

5. During the funeral celebration (weird) everyone is sad of the great loss of Beowulf and mourns. It is ten days long and everyone places rings and jewelry to give respect to the fallen hero. After the funeral celebration, the people of Beowulf’s kin praise him and talk of his achievements.  

6. At the end of the poem, the Geats said that Beowulf was the “kindest of kings, friendliest, and most honorable man.” He was a most honorable man because he fought for his kin and people and was unselfish in his duties and gratitude. The description of friendliest and kindest is deceiving because although the Geats thought he was kind, Beowulf’s enemies did not think so. He killed them with no mercy and no regrets so his characteristics are based on perception.