Blog 29: A Good Man is Hard to Find

One of the major themes in Flannery O'Connor's short story, "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," is largely represented in The Misfit and The Misfit's speech on page fifty-six: "...I call myself The Misfit...because I can't make what all I done wrong fit what all I gone through in punishment" (O'Connor 56). O'Connor is critical of societal pressures and how forgiveness for some individuals seems almost impossible; her main argument being that perhaps one of the reasons that "a good man is hard to find" is due to society itself.

For your blog posting, choose TWO of the four questions to answer in short-paragraph form [at least four-five sentences per question].

1. Do you agree with O'Connor that societal criticism is difficult to overcome? In other words, do you think finding forgiveness in the U.S. society is difficult? Why/ why not? Bring up a specific event from U.S. current events/ history that supports your view.

I do not agree with O'Connor, I do not like to criticize society unless it is a Politician doing a poor job. It is hard to find forgiveness in U.S. society because society is so quick to judge. An example is Lawrence Taylor, even though he was suspected of committing murder and was proven not guilty he is still referred to as a murder. He has never been forgiven.

2. What crimes or actions do you find to be devoid of your forgiveness? What crimes or actions do you think U.S. society is too quick to judge? Explain and incorporate specific instances from current events/ history.

Crimes that are devoid of my forgiveness are murders and rape. They are tragic circumstances to the victims and families. U.S. Society does not judge crimes too quick. The only thing society judges too quickly is waiting to see if the person charged is not guilty. When news breaks about players using steroids, they do not wait until they if they are guilty or not.

Blog 28: Interpreter of Maladies

Choose ONE of the three blog post questions to answer in one-two paragraphs. Be as detailed as possible to demonstrate your knowledge from reading the Interpreter of Maladies.

1. On page sixteen of Lahiri's short story, Mr. Kapasi makes observations of the Das's children: "Mr. Kapasi noted that this boy was slightly paler than the other children" (16). What is "foreshadowing"? Why does the author focus on this moment and how does it foreshadow what may occur in the story? What did you first suspect when you read this line?

Choose ONE of the three blog post questions to answer in one-two paragraphs. Be as detailed as possible to demonstrate your knowledge from reading the Interpreter of Maladies.

The foreshadowing is, Bobby is an illegitimate child of the Das family. Mrs. Das had an affair with one of Mr. Das' friends. I think the author makes this observation so it shows the guilt Mrs. Das had been feeling. It could foreshadow that Mr. and Mrs. Das are going to have a talk and try to work it out. When I first read this line I thought the description was a little weird.

Blog 27: TBCC End

Our reading of The Body of Christopher Creed is done! For each class period, there is a writing prompt; you may only complete the questions for your class period. Be sure your response is at least TWO paragraphs in length. Pull a quotation from the book where applicable. If you finish early, try writing on one of the other questions for review.

How does the book end?!?! Did you enjoy how the author, Carol Plum-Ucci, concluded the story? Why/ why not? If you were the author, how would you have ended everything? Be very specific in your answer, and pull a quotation from the text as to what you liked/ did not like.

Torey goes through some mental problems after finding Bob Haines' body. Justin Creed admits that his mom knew about the letter Mr. Ames received about Chris Creed. Torey then starts up a website to try to find Chris Creed because he knows Creed likes electronics at his knew school. Torey grew his hair, and swore he would not cut it until they find Creed. Finally, Torey wrote letters to people based on the names that appeared in Chris Creed's letter. He received letters in return. He then came up with "awards" about how close the person responded to how Creed would respond.

I did not like the way Carol Plum-Ucci ended the book. The ending of the book was written with too much ease. If Torey knew where this "Reply that makes me believe totally that Creed is alive" (Plum-Ucci 327). I know this person said that Creed was not ready to be found, but he still could have dropped by to see, Victor Adams (possibly Chris Creed). I do agree with Torey's choice for Creed, since Victor was correcting statements of Torey's.

Blog 25: Chapter 6: Torey's Lyrics

In chapter six, Torey shares some of the lyrics from his band on pages 66-68. Choose two of these lyrics and explain what their significance is for Torey's life. Then, finish the song that Torey started--use any details about Torey's characterization or life in South Jersey to help you. Attempt to develop ten-fifteen lines for the song, and be sure to include a title. The song can be serious, silly, a rap, etc., as long as the lyrics are school appropriate and demonstrate aspects of Torey's characterization.

Be prepared to share the band's new jam!!

Where there ain't nothing to do but fool around

We joke around about what goes on

Is he alive, or is he dead?

Did he kill or did someone else kill?

Creed, Creed we hated him here

But now he's gone

We miss him, dear.

There is just something in my mind

I can't get it out.

Did I cause this?

"Where there ain't nothing to do but fool around," signifies that since there is nothing to do in the area, it gives them more of a reason to just sit around and theorize what happened to Chris Creed.

"Is he alive, or is he dead?" is very significant coming from Torey. This signifies that Torey has been thinking about Chris Creed so much that he has incorporated him into one of his songs.

Blog 24: Chapter 1 in The Body of Christopher Creed

According to some advice he received, what is Torey writing? Who gave him this advice? What is Torey's relationship to this person? In what way is this another connection to The Catcher in the Rye? Be specific in your response, and pull a quotation from the text.

Torey is writing an email to Alex Healy. He is writing after recieving advice from Dr. Fahdi. Dr. Fahdi is a teacher, and sort of a mentor to Torey. This book is a lot like The Catcher in the Rye. At the beginning of "The Catcher in the Rye," Holden's teacher/ mentor, Mr. Spencer offers up advice like Dr. Fahdi at the beginning of the novel. Also, Torey is writing things down, like Holden Caulfield, which we did not find out until the end.

Blog 23: Issues in our American Society

Choose TWO of the four New York Times: Upfront magazine articles to read: "Should I take a job promoting cigarettes?", "Driven to Distraction", "Is your lunch causing Global Warming?', or "Locked away forever?" All of the articles introduce controversial subjects highly debated in our current American society and provide data to support the argument being made.

After reading two of the articles, write a one-paragraph response to each. Consider the following questions for each editorial [your commentary need not be in this order]:

-How does the author of the news article support a specific position on the issue? Provide an example of this slanted perspective.

-What is your personal opinion on the subject under debate? Why do you support/ refute the article's points? [ex. Cigarettes- Why would you take the job/ not take the job?; Locked away- How old do you think an individual needs to be to tell right from wrong?; Global warming- What does your diet mostly consist of?; Distraction- Who do you know that texts while driving?]

-What statistics/ collected data/ pictures/ etc. does the author choose to make his/ her point(s) in the editorial? How are they effective?

In "Driven to Distraction, the author supports his main point of don't text while driving. He uses specific examples of how driving while texting could kill, and its new stricter laws. He keeps bringing up Utah as the strictest penalty because he is from Utah, but he is not using specific examples of how other states aren't as tough with their laws. As a new driver I believe texting while driving is terrible, and thinking that it is another thing that impairs the judgement of the driver is terrifying. I agree with the strict penalties he points out, like going away for texting while driving as long as drunk driving. The author uses the years of jail time and the amount of how heavy the fine is. He also cites specific examples of people being killed by texting while driving.

In "Locked Away Forever?" the author does not really take a position, he cites different people in jail and what age they committed their crime. I believe the criminal should go away for life, especially if they have committed multiple infractions. The author gives specific examples of the ages and what percent of the criminals who were under the legal age committed the crime.

[Posted: 3.12.10, end of the period; two paragraphs; 10 points]

*If you are absent, see me to get the articles and make up this blog.

Blog 22: The "Birds" and the Bees

Neither Momma nor Vivian ever discussed the facts of life with Ms. Angelou, leaving her with questions she is afraid to ask. The result of this is that Ms. Angelou conducts her own research and draws her own faulty conclusions. This is a dangerous thing to do, as Ms. Angelou becomes confused and disillusioned about intimacy, and ends up pregnant.

There are a lot of "what if" questions that can be drawn from this chapter. With a partner or by yourself, consider the following questions, and write your own opinions about them. CHOOSE AT LEAST FIVE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER. As a class, we will then review these questions and discuss the answers.

-Would Ms. Angelou have experimented with sex on her own if she hadn't been raped as a child?

Yes, she would have experimented with sex if she hadn't been raped as a child. Bailey experimented and Marguerite followed/ looked up to Bailey. She would have seen Bailey do it, then she would do it.

-What is the likelihood of Ms. Angelou becoming pregnant if Momma or Vivian had discussed the subject with her earlier?

There would have been a much lesser chance of Marguerite becoming pregnant if VIvian had discussed the subject earlier, because Marguerite would have not have been as confused about her sexuality, and would not have rushed into the relationship with her classmate. In chapter thirty-five, Marguerite tries to talk to Vivian about what is going on with her sexuality, and you could infer that Marguerite was unsure about the subject with the terminology she was using.

-What if Momma and Vivian both gave Ms. Angelou information about sex? How would their versions differ? How would each version affect Ms. Angelou? Whose advice would she absorb more readily?

Momma would talk about waiting until she was married because Momma is more proper. Vivian would talk about subject in a more practical fashion. She would probably make it sound appealing to Maya. Marguerite would probably listen more to Vivian because of the way she looked, Marguerite admired Vivian from the first day she met her. Marguerite would take in Momma's advice because she respected her, and Momma controlled her.

-What if Ms. Angelou was living in Stamps when she became pregnant? How would Momma have handled the pregnancy?

I believe it depends if Bailey were still with her in Stamps. Bailey took care of his sister. Marguerite would have been able to talk to Bailey about the subject of sex. Momma would have accepted the pregnancy. Momma was always looking towards the future, and Momma would see this as a blessing in disguise.

-What would happen to the baby's father if Ms. Angelou's uncles knew?

If the uncles found out about the baby's father and interpreted his actions as impregnating Marguerite then abandoning her, they would have set out to kill him.

Challenge: Can you develop one or two "what if" questions based on your reading of the story? Give it a try! [2 ex. credit points]

[10 POINTS, posted by the end of CLASS PERIOD, 3.09.10]

Blog 21: Making Connections

For the past two days, your class has viewed the I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings film and responded to teacher-constructed questions during your viewing; all participating students received credit for these worksheets.

Now it is your turn to develop questions and make connections between the film and book! With a partner or individually, post five questions you realized you had about Marguerite's story from viewing the film--a question can be formed from something you were wondering about. After you have developed your questions, find the answers in the book! Challenge: Cite quotations to support your answers. Include page number.

1. Q: Why do Bailey and Marguerite live with Mrs. Henderson and Willie?

A: Bailey and Marguerite's parents "put an end to their calamitous marriage (Angelou 5)." Their father sent them to his mother.

2. Q: Why do Bailey and Marguerite travel to Stamps, Arkansas on their own?

A: "A porter had been charged with our welfare (Angelou 5)." He then preceded to leave the train the next day in Arizona, forcing Bailey and Marguerite to travel on their own.

3. Q: How did Marguerite get her nickname Maya?

A: When Bailey was less than three years old he learned that Maya, whose birth name is Marguerite, was his sister, and he began calling her “Mya sister” and then simply “My,” which later morphed into “Maya.” (Angelou 68)

4. Q: Why does Maya finally say what happened to her in the hospital?

A: "Bailey told me that I had to tell who did that to me, or the man would hurt another little girl. (Angelou 83)" Bailey convinces Maya to finally reveal what she has been holding in.

5. Q: Why did Mrs. Flowers appeal to Marguerite?

A:"She appealed to me because she was like people I had never met personally. (Angelou 95)" Maya thought she was like a woman in an English novel.

Blog 20: Segregation Presented in Chapter 8

There was such a huge dividing line between the African-American community of Stamps, AK, and the Caucasian community that even the Depression affected them differently. The Caucasian people were richer, and spent their money very freely. The African-American people were already desperately poor, and barely had the resources to keep themselves alive, let alone buy luxury items. So, when the Depression hit, the Caucasian community was affected first, then slowly, it drizzled down to the African-American community.

Answer the five questions from the handout distributed in class.

Then, share in this post whether you would have preferred to be an African-American or Caucasian during the Depression in Stamp, AK, as described in the book.

The Depression impacted the Black Community of Stamps. Though it was difficult to find supplies and money for life. The Black community did not have a lot of money. The Black community still were generous and shared their items. It did not alter their view on life, they still kept the same values, they were still generous. The white community used to gave some money, which made them, "most enviable," but now their lifestyle has changed. "Stamps was as slow coming out of the depression as it had been getting into it (p. 51)."

I believe I would better off in the Black community at this time because you did not have to change your lifestyle, they still lived the same.

Blog 19: Angelou's Life ,Times, and Message

During our class today, many facts were shared about Maya Angelou: her life, time period, and overall message of her works. Additionally, a definition of racism was shared as well as past and present instances of racism in United States society.

For each category, share one fact you learned from the informative groups' presentations today:

1: Time Period: African-American Experience in U.S., 1930s & 1940s

2: Maya Angelou: Biography

3: Racism: What is it? How has it occurred in the U.S.?

4: Maya Angelou: Works & Publications

5: Racism: Where does it still exist in the U.S.?

One fact should be shared for each category. Five facts should be in complete sentences. Feel free to share more than one fact that caught your attention. If you were absent today, Tues., 2.03.10, research this information on your own to complete this blog posting.

Time Period:

The United States was still segregated, with Jim Crow Laws.

Maya Angelou: Biography

Maya was born in St. Louis in 1928. In 1944, she was the first African American female trolley conductor. She committed to writing and to working in the civil rights movement.

Racism: What is it? How has it occurred in the U.S.?

Race is the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. The United States segregated schools, and other public places.

Maya Angelou: Works & Publications

She wrote "I know why the Caged Bird Sings", an autobiography.

Racism: Where does it still exist in the U.S.?

Racism occurs in the media. The media has stereotyped african-americans, with criminal activity.

Blog 18: Female Roles Shakespeare's Macbeth

Now that our reading of the tragic drama, Macbeth, is complete, we are able to take a more critical eye to aspects of theme, characterization, and plot. Perhaps one of the most glaring observations about the play is the limited influence of female roles. In fact, the two main female characters, Lady Macbeth ad Lady Macduff, are only referenced in terms of their husbands. This detail is very telling of the time period in which Shakespeare wrote and the time period the story takes place.

I agree with that he said. One thing I agree with is "Lady Macbeth taunts him and mocks his sexuality to force him to get the courage to kill Duncan. He insists that “I dare do all that may become a man, who dares do more is none”. I agree with this because Lady Macbeth thinks that if she can take something away from Macbeth like something he needs then he will do anything she wants. She did exactly that and she got what she wanted.

Blog 17: Act V Study Guide Questions

Answer the following Act V questions based on your reading from the past two days. You may work with a partner, but your responses should be original. Complete sentences and use of textual support is required [at least two quotations]. Posted: Fri., 1.15.10, beginning of class

Act V, scene ii

1. What does Angus say about the men that Macbeth commands? "now does he feel his secret murders sticking on his hands. Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-reach. THose he commands move only in command, Nothing in love. Now does he feel his title hang loose about him, like a giant's robe upon a dwarfish theif"

2. How is the "plant" metaphor started in Act I, sc. iv, by Duncan, continued in this scene?

Duncan is telling Banquo "i have begun to plant thee and will labor to make thee full of growing." this shows that he wants to make Banquo the next king

Act V, scene iii

1. What are Macbeth's troops doing? Why does he remain so confident?

He is getting them ready for a battle. He doesn't think that there is any way that someone will kill him, no man born from women could kill him.

2. How does Macbeth acknowledge that Scotland is suffering?

He puts his armor on before they leave, thinking he will be hurt.

Act V, scene iv

1. Who is Siward? What is his opinion of the king?

Siward is the commander of English forces, he doesn't like the king, he thinks the king is a tyrant

2. What tactical strategy does Malcom implement? What is its purpose and why is it significant to the play?

He told them to take branches with them to hide how many soldiers there are.

Act V, scene v

1. How does the sound of the woman's cry affect Macbeth?

It reminds him what fear feels like

2. Who dies in this scene? What are the main ideas of Macbeth's soliloquy after this event?

Macbeth dies, he says that he is ready to fight and no one will be able to kill him.

3. What does Macbeth now recognize about the prophecies? How does his realization relate to the play's central theme?

He knows that you cant always believe what you are told, it relates to the central theme because he came to the conclusion that foul is fair, and that it was okay for the witches to trick him.

Blog 16: Story Time Macbeth Style

Act III: Story Time

The witches, ghosts, and characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth are sinister and frightening. Suppose you are invited into an elementary classroom to share the play Macbeth with all of the kids.

How would you hold the "story time" without giving the children nightmares? Write an adaptation [another version] of the events in the play, which include the scarier aspects of the play: Macbeth, the witches, and the ghosts.

Post this story to your own blog, and then critique another classmate's version for appropriate content.

The three friends of Mr. M went to go speak with Banquo. Upon arrival, Banquo was with Fleance. The friends put Banquo in a deep sleep to never wake up, but Fleance did not want to go into one so he ran away.

Then one of Mr. M's friends showed up at the banquet at Mr. M's to inform him of Fleance, running away. Then Mr. M sat down at the table and began to daydream about Banquo at the dinner table.

Blog 15: New Year's Premonitions

Banquo cautions his war comrade Macbeth about the Three Weird Sisters' [Witches] premonitions: "The instruments of darkness tell us truths;/ Win us with honest trifles, to betray's/ In deepest consequence..." (Act I, scene iii, lines 123-125). Here Banquo clearly states his position on the Witches' statements. Explain in a few sentences what Banquo means with these lines for their futures.

In this post, also consider what you believe for your future in the year 2010. Premonitions are similar to New Year's Resolutions in that they have an element of self-fulfilling prophecy. One sort of resolution has to do only with oneself. You might decide to lose weight, to stop eating candy, to exercise more, or watch less TV. Other resolutions might involve family or friends. You could resolve to be more patient with your little brother or more helpful to mom. Some resolutions are about school and the outside world, such as getting to class on time or trying for better grades. Make one goal for each New Year's Resolution category: Personal Improvement, Family and Friends, and School and the Outside World.

Banquo thinks the whole situation is strange. He is saying that they're telling us this truth to lead to our discussion.

A family premonition is that I will be more patient with brother. A school premonition would be to keep being organized and stay on top of things. A premonition for the outside world would be to figure out a new more efficient energy system to use.

[Two-Three Paragraph Minimum, 10 Points, Posted by 1.05.10]