We boil at different degrees.
This aphorism has a few different interpretations. My main interpretation is that everyone is different and we all don’t have the same interests, beliefs, hobbies, etc. Every human being is different and unique. I feel that this is one of the best ways to view the human race. It’s a somewhat positive believe because it shows that we are all unique from one another.
To be great is to be misunderstood.
This aphorism shows that when a person is great/wise/intelligent/talented, they will most likely be misunderstood. A person that is “great” most likely thinks outside of the box. Their thought process is different from most people, which could lead to “normal” people, who think like everyone else, to not understand the “great” individual. I really like this quote, because I seem to think differently and have different opinions on most subjects than other people. This seems to give me a somewhat different outlook on people who are different from the norm of society.
All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.
This aphorism is somewhat like the phrase “Practice makes perfect.” If you are proactive in your life, you will have a better one. Sitting around and making everyone else experiment and learn about life isn’t going to help you understand it any more that what you already know. In my opinion, most people should follow this simple fact, but they don’t. It is probably the best advice to give someone who is complaining about not understanding how life works.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Waterfowl and Raven - Journal #7
Compare/contrast the different views of nature that are being presented in the poems. Refer to the list of classical and romantic characteristics and provide specific examples from the poems to support your analysis.
In “To a Waterfowl”, the view of nature is positive. In the poem, the tone has a peaceful, tranquil feel. The setting is on the coast of an ocean during a sunset. The narrator uses a neo-classical view of nature. They describe nature as calm, balanced, and in harmony. The classical view of nature deals more with landscapes and beautiful scenes. Like the classical view, the poem describes a landscape in which the waterfowl flew across the coast at sunset, only knowing where it was going through its instinct or a higher power. The writing style seems to be plain and direct. There is no conflict in this poem- there is just a question. Also, like the classical view of nature, “To a Waterfowl” has a hidden lesson. The lesson states that we should follow God and He will take us where we need to go.
“The Raven” has an emotional and moody view of nature. The tone of the poem is depressing and lonely. The setting takes place in the narrator’s room during the “bewitching hour”, or midnight. “The Raven” has a more romantic view of nature. The poem uses emotion, moodiness, introversion, inner struggle, artistic feeling, folklore, and themes from the occult. It describes the emotional struggle of a lonely man, which has recently lost his wife, and an eerie talking bird. It alludes to Greek mythology and occult ideas, such as the bewitching hour and the talking raven. The writing style is more lengthy and formal. The conflict deals with the narrator’s grief. The “lesson” in this story is that depression will conquer you. He also says that the raven has come from hell and is there to say that there is no afterlife.
In “To a Waterfowl”, the view of nature is positive. In the poem, the tone has a peaceful, tranquil feel. The setting is on the coast of an ocean during a sunset. The narrator uses a neo-classical view of nature. They describe nature as calm, balanced, and in harmony. The classical view of nature deals more with landscapes and beautiful scenes. Like the classical view, the poem describes a landscape in which the waterfowl flew across the coast at sunset, only knowing where it was going through its instinct or a higher power. The writing style seems to be plain and direct. There is no conflict in this poem- there is just a question. Also, like the classical view of nature, “To a Waterfowl” has a hidden lesson. The lesson states that we should follow God and He will take us where we need to go.
“The Raven” has an emotional and moody view of nature. The tone of the poem is depressing and lonely. The setting takes place in the narrator’s room during the “bewitching hour”, or midnight. “The Raven” has a more romantic view of nature. The poem uses emotion, moodiness, introversion, inner struggle, artistic feeling, folklore, and themes from the occult. It describes the emotional struggle of a lonely man, which has recently lost his wife, and an eerie talking bird. It alludes to Greek mythology and occult ideas, such as the bewitching hour and the talking raven. The writing style is more lengthy and formal. The conflict deals with the narrator’s grief. The “lesson” in this story is that depression will conquer you. He also says that the raven has come from hell and is there to say that there is no afterlife.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Ben Franklin - Journal #6
From Ben Franklin’s The Autobiography (p. 80 – 83)
Write a well-developed paragraph in response to the following questions.
1. Explain what was involved in Franklin’s plan for self-perfection? What conclusion did Franklin come to regarding the effectiveness of this plan?
Franklin’s plan for self-perfection was to follow thirteen virtues and rid his vices. He practiced one virtue at a time until he mastered it. He took a week to perfect himself with that virtue. Once he mastered a virtue, he moved on to the next. Eventually, he would be able to practice them all at once and achieve moral perfection. He carried around a book in which his virtues were written, and cataloged his progress. He came to the conclusion that following these virtues was harder than expected. He didn’t master all of them, as he expected, but he did feel like a better man for trying.
2. Do you feel that a plan such as Franklin’s would improve you as a person? Why or why not? What would be your top five virtues?
His plan may help me as a person if I try my hardest to follow them every day. Although, I feel that that I would end up getting frustrated if I failed to follow a virtue. I would most likely give up after a while, like Franklin. My top five virtues are Silence, Order, Justice, Sincerity, and Humility. They seem to be the virtues that apply to my life the most.
Write a well-developed paragraph in response to the following questions.
1. Explain what was involved in Franklin’s plan for self-perfection? What conclusion did Franklin come to regarding the effectiveness of this plan?
Franklin’s plan for self-perfection was to follow thirteen virtues and rid his vices. He practiced one virtue at a time until he mastered it. He took a week to perfect himself with that virtue. Once he mastered a virtue, he moved on to the next. Eventually, he would be able to practice them all at once and achieve moral perfection. He carried around a book in which his virtues were written, and cataloged his progress. He came to the conclusion that following these virtues was harder than expected. He didn’t master all of them, as he expected, but he did feel like a better man for trying.
2. Do you feel that a plan such as Franklin’s would improve you as a person? Why or why not? What would be your top five virtues?
His plan may help me as a person if I try my hardest to follow them every day. Although, I feel that that I would end up getting frustrated if I failed to follow a virtue. I would most likely give up after a while, like Franklin. My top five virtues are Silence, Order, Justice, Sincerity, and Humility. They seem to be the virtues that apply to my life the most.
Paine - Journal #5
Journal #5 – from Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” (p.95-6)
1. Identify the specific argument that Paine is making in each paragraph. For each of the arguments, identify whether Paine is making an emotional, ethical, or logical appeal and suggest an effective counterargument.
#1 He was saying that the revolution would be hard, but it will be worth it in the end. The British don’t have the power to tax and “enslave” them. Only God has the power to take away freedom. The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Paine is making an emotional, ethical, and logical appeal. The counter argument could be that the Americans owe the English because they were granted everything from England. It’s going to be bad if you lose. The logical fallacies are Sentimental Appeal and Faulty Analogy.
#2 God won’t let us lose. He wants us to win. It has an ethical and logical appeal. A counter argument would be that God doesn’t want war at all, so he doesn’t support either side. Another argument could be that God is on England’s side instead.
#3 The argument he is trying to make is that they should fight now and not later. The appeals are logic, emotional, and ethical. A counter argument would be that things might work themselves out or America could lose the war and life would get worse.
#4 The argument is that we would not fight an offensive war, but we are fighting a defensive war. The King is a thief, therefore we should fight. The appeal is emotional. An effective counter argument would be that Britain is more powerful, and if we lose, we will get stricter punishment.
2. Can you identify any of the logical fallacies that we discussed in Paine’s arguments? If so, which ones? Overall, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of Paine’s arguments?
The logical fallacies are Faulty Analogy, Sentimental Appeal, Begging the Question, Ad Hominem
His strengths are that he is a prominent historical figure and easily persuades through means other than logic. He inspires people through emotion and ethics. His arguments’ weaknesses are that he doesn’t make a convincing logical argument.
1. Identify the specific argument that Paine is making in each paragraph. For each of the arguments, identify whether Paine is making an emotional, ethical, or logical appeal and suggest an effective counterargument.
#1 He was saying that the revolution would be hard, but it will be worth it in the end. The British don’t have the power to tax and “enslave” them. Only God has the power to take away freedom. The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Paine is making an emotional, ethical, and logical appeal. The counter argument could be that the Americans owe the English because they were granted everything from England. It’s going to be bad if you lose. The logical fallacies are Sentimental Appeal and Faulty Analogy.
#2 God won’t let us lose. He wants us to win. It has an ethical and logical appeal. A counter argument would be that God doesn’t want war at all, so he doesn’t support either side. Another argument could be that God is on England’s side instead.
#3 The argument he is trying to make is that they should fight now and not later. The appeals are logic, emotional, and ethical. A counter argument would be that things might work themselves out or America could lose the war and life would get worse.
#4 The argument is that we would not fight an offensive war, but we are fighting a defensive war. The King is a thief, therefore we should fight. The appeal is emotional. An effective counter argument would be that Britain is more powerful, and if we lose, we will get stricter punishment.
2. Can you identify any of the logical fallacies that we discussed in Paine’s arguments? If so, which ones? Overall, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of Paine’s arguments?
The logical fallacies are Faulty Analogy, Sentimental Appeal, Begging the Question, Ad Hominem
His strengths are that he is a prominent historical figure and easily persuades through means other than logic. He inspires people through emotion and ethics. His arguments’ weaknesses are that he doesn’t make a convincing logical argument.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Food - Journal #4
Descriptive Writing Assignment
Using Ann Hodgman’s essay as a model, write a detailed description of a recent meal that you ate. Your focus should be on describing as many aspects of your food as you can.
Important Elements: Concrete/Abstract Images
Multi-Sensory Images Simile, Metaphor, Analogy
Dominant Impression
I reached for a vanilla cupcake with glistening strawberry icing. They were freshly baked and the strawberry aroma filled the room. The scents of vanilla and strawberry danced in the air and drew me toward each edible rose colored jewel. I took the soft and moist cake in my hand. It still gave off heat from the oven. It was like holding a comforting, delicious pillow between my index finger and thumb. The icing was a bit melted and was somewhat shiny in the light. I took a bite and the smooth berry icing stuck to my teeth. The spongy cake was warm and comforting like a blanket covering my taste buds. The flavors united once again in a beautiful reunion of creamy strawberry and mouthwatering vanilla. Each bite was unadulterated bliss.
Using Ann Hodgman’s essay as a model, write a detailed description of a recent meal that you ate. Your focus should be on describing as many aspects of your food as you can.
Important Elements: Concrete/Abstract Images
Multi-Sensory Images Simile, Metaphor, Analogy
Dominant Impression
I reached for a vanilla cupcake with glistening strawberry icing. They were freshly baked and the strawberry aroma filled the room. The scents of vanilla and strawberry danced in the air and drew me toward each edible rose colored jewel. I took the soft and moist cake in my hand. It still gave off heat from the oven. It was like holding a comforting, delicious pillow between my index finger and thumb. The icing was a bit melted and was somewhat shiny in the light. I took a bite and the smooth berry icing stuck to my teeth. The spongy cake was warm and comforting like a blanket covering my taste buds. The flavors united once again in a beautiful reunion of creamy strawberry and mouthwatering vanilla. Each bite was unadulterated bliss.
Hodgman - Journal #3
“No Wonder They Call Me a Bitch” – Ann Hodgman
(The Norton Sampler p.77)
Read the selection and write a one paragraph response to the following questions.
1. Cite three specific examples of Hodgman’s descriptive imagery that you find to be particularly effective.
“Next I tried a piece of red extrusion. The main difference between the meat-flavored and cheese-flavored extrusions is one of texture. The “cheese” chews like fresh Play-Doh, whereas the “meat” chews like Play-Dog that’s been sitting out on a rug for a couple of hours.” Pg 78
“There were chunks in the can, certainly-big purplish-brown chunks. I forked one chunk out (by now I was becoming more callous) and found that while it had no discernible chicken flavor, it wasn’t bad except for its texture-like meat loaf with ground-up chicken bones.” Pg 79
“The meat was dark, dark brown, and it was surrounded by gelatin that was almost black.” Pg 81
2. What do you think Hodgman’s purpose was in writing this essay? What overall message/meaning do you take from the essay?
Hodgeman’s purpose of writing this essay was to mainly say that dog food is gross and the labels lie about the ingredients. She mainly uses negative adjectives to describe the consistency, taste, and smell of the dog food. She never describes the food in a genuinely positive way. Basically, she is describing the food so it does not sound appetizing.
The other purpose of the essay could be that childhood expectations and curiosities are blind to the truth. Hodgman was saying that she wanted to try dog food since she was a child. But, now she actually fulfilled her childhood fascination, and it didn’t live up to the expectations she had once had.
Lack of truth in advertizing. They market the food, like they are marketing to us.
Pokes fun at food critics.
(The Norton Sampler p.77)
Read the selection and write a one paragraph response to the following questions.
1. Cite three specific examples of Hodgman’s descriptive imagery that you find to be particularly effective.
“Next I tried a piece of red extrusion. The main difference between the meat-flavored and cheese-flavored extrusions is one of texture. The “cheese” chews like fresh Play-Doh, whereas the “meat” chews like Play-Dog that’s been sitting out on a rug for a couple of hours.” Pg 78
“There were chunks in the can, certainly-big purplish-brown chunks. I forked one chunk out (by now I was becoming more callous) and found that while it had no discernible chicken flavor, it wasn’t bad except for its texture-like meat loaf with ground-up chicken bones.” Pg 79
“The meat was dark, dark brown, and it was surrounded by gelatin that was almost black.” Pg 81
2. What do you think Hodgman’s purpose was in writing this essay? What overall message/meaning do you take from the essay?
Hodgeman’s purpose of writing this essay was to mainly say that dog food is gross and the labels lie about the ingredients. She mainly uses negative adjectives to describe the consistency, taste, and smell of the dog food. She never describes the food in a genuinely positive way. Basically, she is describing the food so it does not sound appetizing.
The other purpose of the essay could be that childhood expectations and curiosities are blind to the truth. Hodgman was saying that she wanted to try dog food since she was a child. But, now she actually fulfilled her childhood fascination, and it didn’t live up to the expectations she had once had.
Lack of truth in advertizing. They market the food, like they are marketing to us.
Pokes fun at food critics.
Dillard - Journal #2
1. How are the moths in the essay’s opening different from the moth at the campsite? What do the different moths represent?
The moth in the opening is different from the one at the campsite because that moth didn’t “pursue its dreams”. It just died without following its fire, or passion. The moth at the campsite pursued the fire and died for its passion.
2. What lesson does the moth provide that Dillard takes back to her students?
The lesson that the moth provides is that we should die for out fire, which is our passion. We should want to do anything for it. We shouldn’t be like the first moth that died by living a comfortable life and not going to the fire.
3. How many references are there to fire in the essay? What’s the larger significance of fire in the essay?
There are 11 references to fire. The later significance for fire is someone’s passion and what they love to do.
4. Address how each of the following quotes connect to Dillard’s overall point.
a. “I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.”
-Jack London
He says that he would rather be ashes than dust. In the essay, she was contrasting the moth that died and turned to dust to the moth that pursued the fire and turned to ashes. He talks about burning instead of dying a regular death, like the moths.
b. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
-William Butler Yeats
This quote used fire as a metaphor. The essay also frequently used fire to symbolize something deeper. In this quote, fire is a passionate word.
c. “A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us.”
-Franz Kafka
The essay also uses an ax as a symbol. The quote is saying that a book should open our soul and release our passion from within. In the essay, Dillard says that we should take life with a broadax. She means that we should go at life with a passion and be willing to die for what we love.
The moth in the opening is different from the one at the campsite because that moth didn’t “pursue its dreams”. It just died without following its fire, or passion. The moth at the campsite pursued the fire and died for its passion.
2. What lesson does the moth provide that Dillard takes back to her students?
The lesson that the moth provides is that we should die for out fire, which is our passion. We should want to do anything for it. We shouldn’t be like the first moth that died by living a comfortable life and not going to the fire.
3. How many references are there to fire in the essay? What’s the larger significance of fire in the essay?
There are 11 references to fire. The later significance for fire is someone’s passion and what they love to do.
4. Address how each of the following quotes connect to Dillard’s overall point.
a. “I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.”
-Jack London
He says that he would rather be ashes than dust. In the essay, she was contrasting the moth that died and turned to dust to the moth that pursued the fire and turned to ashes. He talks about burning instead of dying a regular death, like the moths.
b. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
-William Butler Yeats
This quote used fire as a metaphor. The essay also frequently used fire to symbolize something deeper. In this quote, fire is a passionate word.
c. “A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us.”
-Franz Kafka
The essay also uses an ax as a symbol. The quote is saying that a book should open our soul and release our passion from within. In the essay, Dillard says that we should take life with a broadax. She means that we should go at life with a passion and be willing to die for what we love.
The Last Cowboy - Journal #1
He propped himself against a wire trashcan, observing each passersby under the brim of his hat. He was surrounded by dry planes of asphalt and his Dodge was his stallion. Paper tumble weeds caressed his boots as they rolled along the gutter. The streetlamps stood tall like green cacti. The last cowboy whiffed the air, and was rudely awoken not by the smell of flora and fauna, but the smell of subway and sweltering blacktop. He was far from the rural land he’d grow accustomed.
The last cowboy was on a search for the lush and alive land he dearly missed. This urban metropolis is not what he found striking. These skyscrapers couldn’t compare to the rolling hills and canyon walls of the west. Even though the city was filled with many people, it still seemed lifeless when compared to the very much alive and active grassland. He sauntered down the gray sidewalk, herding the bovine citizens north. The only vegetation in sight was the few weeds reaching toward the sky, pleading for sustenance. The last cowboy continued on, under the gray sky, herding and sowing the grime with the tips of his boots.
A familiar smell came from up ahead. The cowboy felt anxious and was extremely curious to find the source of this familiar smell. The smell sent him into a wave of nostalgia and longing. Did he smell pit beef? Or could it be cows? What about leather? Further on, he perceived a neon sign. He focused his gaze, and read the one word that could make any westerner ecstatic. He positioned his hands on his belt buckle and mouthed the word: “Rodeo. “
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