I thought that I would never catch myself reading a book full of symbolism, but George Orwell's Animal Farm changed that. Orwell's political view jump right through the pages.
The story starts with Old Major, an aged pig that resides in the Manor Farm meets with the other animals and tells them how terrible the humans truly are and how horrible the animals are treated. Old Major also teaches the animals a revolutionary song, Beasts of England. A few days later, Old Major died, but he inspired the animals to start a revolution. Two younger pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, positioned themselves as commander and drove the drunken Mr. Jones from the farmed and renamed the place "Animal Farm." At first, all goes well. The animals cooperate and work hard with one another. The animals even learned how to read and write and even came up with the Seven Commandments. The pigs named themselves as leaders, which was fine, because they were the most intelligent of them all. The farm becomes rocky when Snowball brings up the idea of the windmill. That is when corruption kicks in and the demise begins. To find out what happens to pig political leaders, I suggest reading the book.
Orwell made the animal characters very human-like. The animals talked to each other, had strong opinions, read, write, and become corrupted just as we humans do when given a powerful position. This represented Orwell's views on Stalin's communism. Old Major had ideas similar to that of Karl Marx, Napoleon was similar to Stalin himself, and Snowball was similar to Leon Trotsky. Talk about personification!
I highly recommend this book to people interested in politics, for this brutally explains corruption. Really, anyone could enjoy this book.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar bored to tears me with the conventional Shakespearean plot and writing style. I at least expected a little diversity from a person considered the greatest writer of all time. I suppose that the play would be at least decent when preformed.
Shakespeare liked putting the supernatural in his dramas, or at least the dramas I have read of his. Maybe the supernatural embellishes the plot and appealed to the audience during the Renaissance. Maybe placing supernatural events in stories happens to be Shakespeare's signature style. Either way, the style lacks variety in the point of view of a modern reader. Shakespeare also used iambic pentameter in a majority --if not, all-- of his plays. Sure, Shakespeare can be considered a genius by using iambic pentameter, but he uses that too much for me to consider him very artistic.
When I look at just the story line alone, the drama does not appear to be so annoying. A powerful man is assassinated by men that he put his trust into (I am sure we all know about the tragedy off, so no surprises given away here). The story line had the ability to catch my attention in the first place; with out William Shakespeare's play. The play opens with two tribunes, Marullus and Flavius nagging Roman citizens for exalting Caesar. The two worry about Caesar perhaps becoming too powerful. Strange, supernatural happenings occur that night, which Cassius, Casca, and Cinna meet and come to the conclusion that they will overthrow Caesar by killing him. They recruit a few men: Decius Brutus, Trebonios Ligarus, and Metellus Cimber. Brutus just so happens to be a close friend of Caesar's. Caesar was previously warned by a soothsayer and his own wife that he would be murdered. Caesar's ignorance did not turn out to be so bliss, because he was stabbed multiple times by different people. The last one being his close friend, Brutus. The last words that left Caesar's mouth were, "Et tu, Brute?"(You to, Brutus?). The rest, I do not want to risk giving away to people who do not know about the tragedy.
Though I am not very fond of this play, I did pick up a life lesson from it: One cannot escape fate. Of course, most people's fates are not as brutal as Caesar's (thank goodness for that). Infact, fate can be a good happening, such as falling in love.
I enjoyed the storyline, but overall, this play did not appeal to me. The play could possibly appeal to those who do not get sick of Shakespeare's use of the supernatural.
Shakespeare liked putting the supernatural in his dramas, or at least the dramas I have read of his. Maybe the supernatural embellishes the plot and appealed to the audience during the Renaissance. Maybe placing supernatural events in stories happens to be Shakespeare's signature style. Either way, the style lacks variety in the point of view of a modern reader. Shakespeare also used iambic pentameter in a majority --if not, all-- of his plays. Sure, Shakespeare can be considered a genius by using iambic pentameter, but he uses that too much for me to consider him very artistic.
When I look at just the story line alone, the drama does not appear to be so annoying. A powerful man is assassinated by men that he put his trust into (I am sure we all know about the tragedy off, so no surprises given away here). The story line had the ability to catch my attention in the first place; with out William Shakespeare's play. The play opens with two tribunes, Marullus and Flavius nagging Roman citizens for exalting Caesar. The two worry about Caesar perhaps becoming too powerful. Strange, supernatural happenings occur that night, which Cassius, Casca, and Cinna meet and come to the conclusion that they will overthrow Caesar by killing him. They recruit a few men: Decius Brutus, Trebonios Ligarus, and Metellus Cimber. Brutus just so happens to be a close friend of Caesar's. Caesar was previously warned by a soothsayer and his own wife that he would be murdered. Caesar's ignorance did not turn out to be so bliss, because he was stabbed multiple times by different people. The last one being his close friend, Brutus. The last words that left Caesar's mouth were, "Et tu, Brute?"(You to, Brutus?). The rest, I do not want to risk giving away to people who do not know about the tragedy.
Though I am not very fond of this play, I did pick up a life lesson from it: One cannot escape fate. Of course, most people's fates are not as brutal as Caesar's (thank goodness for that). Infact, fate can be a good happening, such as falling in love.
I enjoyed the storyline, but overall, this play did not appeal to me. The play could possibly appeal to those who do not get sick of Shakespeare's use of the supernatural.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Don't Hate Me Because My Name's Perfect!
(Writer's Notebook 12.07.09)
People can be so cruel and ridicule others. It's just our nature and no matter how hard we try, we end up saying something offensive in the long run. Sometimes we make fun of other people's names. Why we do this? Perhaps the name is different and new to us? I have made fun of names before, like the names celebrities give to their children. It is hurtful, and I don't plan on doing that again. I don't recall anyone ever making fun of my name to my face. I suppose it's because my name is common enough to be accepted by others. I imagine, though, that it would be similar to someone degrading me (or whoever I was named after) by ridiculing me for my name.
I recommend the children's book, Chrysanthemum to people who have had their name made fun of by someone else before or if you were one to point fun at another person's name.
People can be so cruel and ridicule others. It's just our nature and no matter how hard we try, we end up saying something offensive in the long run. Sometimes we make fun of other people's names. Why we do this? Perhaps the name is different and new to us? I have made fun of names before, like the names celebrities give to their children. It is hurtful, and I don't plan on doing that again. I don't recall anyone ever making fun of my name to my face. I suppose it's because my name is common enough to be accepted by others. I imagine, though, that it would be similar to someone degrading me (or whoever I was named after) by ridiculing me for my name.
I recommend the children's book, Chrysanthemum to people who have had their name made fun of by someone else before or if you were one to point fun at another person's name.
Top Ten Things I'm Thankful For.
(Writer's Notebook 11.24.09)
1. The roof over my head. I am very fortunate to have a place to lay my head. Some people take their home for granted, and don't even realize how lucky they are.
2. A loving family that would never hurt me. Some children are being abused by their parents right at this second. Some children have drug addicts and alcoholics raising them.
3. My friends. I'm glad that I don't have back-stabbing friends like others do. I don't have to worry about them starting pointless rumors about me.
4. Food on the table. There are people in this country struggling to get a simple meal. All I have to do is go to the refrigerator or pantry and I can make a meal easily.
5. An opportunity to get an education. A long time ago, women in America (our country that claimed to be all about equality) could not get a proper education because "that was not their place in society." There place was at home. Some countries still believe women should stay uneducated.
6. Though this country had its dark, dark days (okay, this country still has some rough spots here and there), we have never once had a nutcase that overthrew the government and became dictator. Since this country is a democratic republic for now, instead of some crazy communism.
7. The opportunity to climb the ladder of success. Some people don't have the same opportunities as we do, whether they are well-skilled or not.
8. Each breath I take. Many, many people take each breath they take for granted. You never know when your last breath will be.
9. Jesus saving me. Yes, I brought religion into this again! It's true, though. He lead me towards God, whom I now talk to every day through prayer. He's helped me so much in life.
10. The arts. Art gave me a way to express myself, whether it be through music, drawing something, or writing a poem. I don't think I can imagine life without art.
1. The roof over my head. I am very fortunate to have a place to lay my head. Some people take their home for granted, and don't even realize how lucky they are.
2. A loving family that would never hurt me. Some children are being abused by their parents right at this second. Some children have drug addicts and alcoholics raising them.
3. My friends. I'm glad that I don't have back-stabbing friends like others do. I don't have to worry about them starting pointless rumors about me.
4. Food on the table. There are people in this country struggling to get a simple meal. All I have to do is go to the refrigerator or pantry and I can make a meal easily.
5. An opportunity to get an education. A long time ago, women in America (our country that claimed to be all about equality) could not get a proper education because "that was not their place in society." There place was at home. Some countries still believe women should stay uneducated.
6. Though this country had its dark, dark days (okay, this country still has some rough spots here and there), we have never once had a nutcase that overthrew the government and became dictator. Since this country is a democratic republic for now, instead of some crazy communism.
7. The opportunity to climb the ladder of success. Some people don't have the same opportunities as we do, whether they are well-skilled or not.
8. Each breath I take. Many, many people take each breath they take for granted. You never know when your last breath will be.
9. Jesus saving me. Yes, I brought religion into this again! It's true, though. He lead me towards God, whom I now talk to every day through prayer. He's helped me so much in life.
10. The arts. Art gave me a way to express myself, whether it be through music, drawing something, or writing a poem. I don't think I can imagine life without art.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
My Favorite Leaders (in noooo particular order)
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
He made a huge contribution to this country when it comes to civil. He lead peaceful protests and was a Baptist priest. He gave one of the most remembered speeches, I Have A Dream. If he never stood up for what he believed in, I'm pretty sure this country would be very behind on liberation.
-Jesus
Yes, I just brought my religion into this. Jesus is the greatest leader of all time. He healed sinners, instead of condemning them, and lead them to God. Heck, he was even crucified far more brutal as anyone has ever had so we could go to heaven. I could go on and on, but I only have so much space.
-Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Gandhi lead a peaceful civil disobedience movement for India to resist tyranny. He sparked civil rights movements around the world. Not to mention he was a strict vegetarian.
-Nelson Mandela
He spent 27 years in prison for standing up for what he believed in. Once released in 1990, Mandela helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. He eventually became the president of South Africa and won a Nobel Peace Prize
He made a huge contribution to this country when it comes to civil. He lead peaceful protests and was a Baptist priest. He gave one of the most remembered speeches, I Have A Dream. If he never stood up for what he believed in, I'm pretty sure this country would be very behind on liberation.
-Jesus
Yes, I just brought my religion into this. Jesus is the greatest leader of all time. He healed sinners, instead of condemning them, and lead them to God. Heck, he was even crucified far more brutal as anyone has ever had so we could go to heaven. I could go on and on, but I only have so much space.
-Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Gandhi lead a peaceful civil disobedience movement for India to resist tyranny. He sparked civil rights movements around the world. Not to mention he was a strict vegetarian.
-Nelson Mandela
He spent 27 years in prison for standing up for what he believed in. Once released in 1990, Mandela helped lead the transition towards multi-racial democracy in South Africa. He eventually became the president of South Africa and won a Nobel Peace Prize
Oh, no! Plagiarism!
(11.12.09 Writer's Notebook)
Today, I read a blog post about plagiarism. It revealed the top ten plagiarism scandals of all time. Here is a couple that caught my eye.
The thought of J.D California’s Coming Through the Rye, supposedly a parody of J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, seemed deliciously hilarious to me, since I love The Catcher in the Rye. J.D Salinger, however did not find the parody funny, because he sued! The book won’t be sold in the U.S, but is already being sold in England.
It’s a little sad and shocking that someone as intelligent as Barack Obama has to copy someone else’s speech. At least he was noble enough to admit his fault.
Today, I read a blog post about plagiarism. It revealed the top ten plagiarism scandals of all time. Here is a couple that caught my eye.
The thought of J.D California’s Coming Through the Rye, supposedly a parody of J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, seemed deliciously hilarious to me, since I love The Catcher in the Rye. J.D Salinger, however did not find the parody funny, because he sued! The book won’t be sold in the U.S, but is already being sold in England.
It’s a little sad and shocking that someone as intelligent as Barack Obama has to copy someone else’s speech. At least he was noble enough to admit his fault.
RANDOM Acts of Kindness
(Writer's Notebook 11/04/09)
I did a random act of kindness yesterday. I randomly helped my mother by doing the housework and made her a warm (vegetarian) dinner, because I knew she had a rough day.
I felt really good and slightly empowered that I made my mom feel better and gave her a few less chores to worry about. My mother definitely showed that she appreciated my act of kindness by thanking me, which added even more to the good feeling. I hope to do more random acts of kindness in the future, because the feeling afterward is warming.
I will be proactive in as many situations as I can from now on, because the results are truly rewarding.
I did a random act of kindness yesterday. I randomly helped my mother by doing the housework and made her a warm (vegetarian) dinner, because I knew she had a rough day.
I felt really good and slightly empowered that I made my mom feel better and gave her a few less chores to worry about. My mother definitely showed that she appreciated my act of kindness by thanking me, which added even more to the good feeling. I hope to do more random acts of kindness in the future, because the feeling afterward is warming.
I will be proactive in as many situations as I can from now on, because the results are truly rewarding.
Gemini
(11/4/09)
Since my mother works as the librarian's assistant and the elementary school she works at, we National Family Literacy Month with no trouble. We discussed a number of books, but the one book that caught my interest was Gemini Summer. I am sure Iain Lawrence, the author of this story, intended this for children from ages eight to twelve, but this book sounds intriguing for anyone.
The experience seemed different to me. I am not used to talking about books with my family, because my father only enjoys biographies, my mother likes just some books I like(she likes everything, though), my brother pretty much sticks to his religious books, and my sister reads some down-right depressing novels. I learned that my mom reads everything from Stephen King to elementary books (of course, her job calls for the latter) and that she gives great book talks.
Since my mother works as the librarian's assistant and the elementary school she works at, we National Family Literacy Month with no trouble. We discussed a number of books, but the one book that caught my interest was Gemini Summer. I am sure Iain Lawrence, the author of this story, intended this for children from ages eight to twelve, but this book sounds intriguing for anyone.
The experience seemed different to me. I am not used to talking about books with my family, because my father only enjoys biographies, my mother likes just some books I like(she likes everything, though), my brother pretty much sticks to his religious books, and my sister reads some down-right depressing novels. I learned that my mom reads everything from Stephen King to elementary books (of course, her job calls for the latter) and that she gives great book talks.
A Habit I Need To Work On
(Written 11/3/09)
I have recently completed a little book called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. The book tells teenagers how to be successful, healthy, and build proper relationships.
As I read the book, I came across a habit that I did not excel at, and that was habit number five, Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood. This habit proved to me that I was not as great as a listener as thought I was. Of course, I usually pay attention to the person talking to me, but I seldom attempted to truly understand him or her. I just thought of something I could say.
Sometimes, my friends would go to me if they were in need of someone to talk to about an issue. I listened to them and even understood them, but I gave them advice when they never even asked for help. I should have used some sort of "mirroring"(telling someone my interpretation what they are saying to me) skill. The book gives great examples of how to use the skill, and I will make sure to use said skill in the near future, so I can become a better listener.
I recommend this book to teenagers who are lost or troubled. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens assists lost teenagers to help get their life back on track. Parents who are having a little trouble with their teen should give this book to their teen. I myself found the book pretty decent.
I have recently completed a little book called The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. The book tells teenagers how to be successful, healthy, and build proper relationships.
As I read the book, I came across a habit that I did not excel at, and that was habit number five, Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood. This habit proved to me that I was not as great as a listener as thought I was. Of course, I usually pay attention to the person talking to me, but I seldom attempted to truly understand him or her. I just thought of something I could say.
Sometimes, my friends would go to me if they were in need of someone to talk to about an issue. I listened to them and even understood them, but I gave them advice when they never even asked for help. I should have used some sort of "mirroring"(telling someone my interpretation what they are saying to me) skill. The book gives great examples of how to use the skill, and I will make sure to use said skill in the near future, so I can become a better listener.
I recommend this book to teenagers who are lost or troubled. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens assists lost teenagers to help get their life back on track. Parents who are having a little trouble with their teen should give this book to their teen. I myself found the book pretty decent.
Possible Young Adult Novel Ideas?
*Note: Writer's notebook entry 11/2/09*
Our Pre-AP English class is entering a young adult novel contest. I am still a little clueless of what I may write about. I already had an idea going about a teenage alcoholic who does other drugs(obviously written in a tone against drinking and drug use), but that might be considered inappropriate. I was always taught that if I have to question whether a topic is appropriate or not, I shouldn't do the topic. If anything, I really want to write something about a troubled teenager. Writing about those subjects have always appealed to me, in a strange way. I also want to write it in first person and it sound very casual, instead of up-tight and formal. I suppose it's because I enjoy reading those books as well, such as The Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders, and Speak.
Oh, and that blog post I read today was actually somewhat inspiring.
Our Pre-AP English class is entering a young adult novel contest. I am still a little clueless of what I may write about. I already had an idea going about a teenage alcoholic who does other drugs(obviously written in a tone against drinking and drug use), but that might be considered inappropriate. I was always taught that if I have to question whether a topic is appropriate or not, I shouldn't do the topic. If anything, I really want to write something about a troubled teenager. Writing about those subjects have always appealed to me, in a strange way. I also want to write it in first person and it sound very casual, instead of up-tight and formal. I suppose it's because I enjoy reading those books as well, such as The Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders, and Speak.
Oh, and that blog post I read today was actually somewhat inspiring.
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