English as a subject in college, is very interesting, You get to explore subjects you knew little about and then again subject you felt you knew alot about. I love to learn about things, objects, people, and times.
How to write about them for someone else to read is different. It takes a talent, a passion, a desire, to provide information to others to also learn from. Even though, I do enjoy "English" as a class, I do not enjoy the preciseness, or the perfection which is acquired to complete the class. I guess, I will keep with imperfect, unprofessional, writtings with substance. I can write a poem, a story, a journal, as long as it comes from the heart. Thanks, to my English Instructors, who have introduced me to many different ways to express myself....
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Hairspray, the movie.
1.) Define: setting. Describe the setting--in detail--keeping in mind the complete definition of setting. The setting is a collection of things; music, place, time, era; items in a room or the room itself. In 1962, black and white teens integrated, to produce a teen dance show, The Corny Collins Show. It takes place in Baltimore, with a middle class family, in a suburban area, within a modest home. The music is hip, the style of clothing and hair little risky, and then there is the discussion of appearance. And the family dynamics.
2.) Why and how is the setting important in the story? Music is for the dancing, the show is the setting for the integration and the time line or era is related to a period of change and acceptance.
3.) What is the major conflict in the story? Who or what is the major conflict? The major conflict is integration of black and white, as related the the show and the relationship between two young teens. Looking at the conflict as a generational thing between the older adults and the teens.
4.) In what ways do the conflict advance or influence the plot of the story? Name at least two. One way the conflict advances is when the "black" part of the show is cancelled and the ratings drop. So then they have to find a different way to keep the ratings of the show high. Another, "difference", is when Tracy a fat white girl, dances on the show, all girls should be skinny, but the crowd; and the relationship that transpires between Tracie and Link. Then there is the conflict with Tracys friend "Penny", when she falls in love with a person of color. Her mother traps her in her room to keep her from seeing him.
5.) The title of the play is Hairspray. What or how is hairspray significant/important to the story? I don't believe the title is related to the product, hairspray. At the beginning, Tracy sprays hairspray and creates a cloud this could resemble how people's minds and beliefs are clouded when it comes to change. Then, what does hairspray do?, it holds hair together, bonds each strand to fit it into place, that is what the teens are doing with integration.
6.) Define: theme. List and explain at least three themes in the story. A theme to a story is what the author is trying to convey, the central idea or the meaning that one perceives by participating in the story by watching, and how they feel after all is said and done. This can be directly or indirectly expressed in the story line.
One theme is the trails and tribulations of being a teen and trying to grow up and make change, and for it to be accepted.
Another, is the difference is people, fat versus skinny, black versus white and wealthy versus middle class.
And third, but very important, is having your ideals be accepted by the community, the world.
7.) Listen carefully to the final song of the movie. What does it mean--not just for the story itself, by for you, too? The final song "you can't stop the beat", involves change, there will always be change even if you don't accept it and that there is a back-up to ideals of change.
8.) Tracy sings to her Mom "welcome to the Sixties." In what ways have things changed over the years--from the sixties to now--based on what Tracy sings about as well as the themes of the story? That integration did happen and is acceptable. That a woman does not have to stay in the home and be sheltered, a women can have fun and be of importance. Many things have changed, women have become a powerful part of society and children have more individuality and are heard as well as seen.
9.) Why do you think the director chose to use a man (John Travolta) to play the part of Tracy's mom? Once you answer this question for yourself, do little research and see if you can find out the real reason why the director chose to use a man. Compare your answer/opinion to the real reason. I thought it may have to do with the substance of change, that things are not what you perceive them to be. Then when I did some research, I found out that the original person for the role was a transvestite.
10.) What have I missed? What do you want to say about Hairspray that I haven't asked about? It would be interesting to know what age group of the students choose this assignment? It may be discriminatory, like the movie, but interesting??
2.) Why and how is the setting important in the story? Music is for the dancing, the show is the setting for the integration and the time line or era is related to a period of change and acceptance.
3.) What is the major conflict in the story? Who or what is the major conflict? The major conflict is integration of black and white, as related the the show and the relationship between two young teens. Looking at the conflict as a generational thing between the older adults and the teens.
4.) In what ways do the conflict advance or influence the plot of the story? Name at least two. One way the conflict advances is when the "black" part of the show is cancelled and the ratings drop. So then they have to find a different way to keep the ratings of the show high. Another, "difference", is when Tracy a fat white girl, dances on the show, all girls should be skinny, but the crowd; and the relationship that transpires between Tracie and Link. Then there is the conflict with Tracys friend "Penny", when she falls in love with a person of color. Her mother traps her in her room to keep her from seeing him.
5.) The title of the play is Hairspray. What or how is hairspray significant/important to the story? I don't believe the title is related to the product, hairspray. At the beginning, Tracy sprays hairspray and creates a cloud this could resemble how people's minds and beliefs are clouded when it comes to change. Then, what does hairspray do?, it holds hair together, bonds each strand to fit it into place, that is what the teens are doing with integration.
6.) Define: theme. List and explain at least three themes in the story. A theme to a story is what the author is trying to convey, the central idea or the meaning that one perceives by participating in the story by watching, and how they feel after all is said and done. This can be directly or indirectly expressed in the story line.
One theme is the trails and tribulations of being a teen and trying to grow up and make change, and for it to be accepted.
Another, is the difference is people, fat versus skinny, black versus white and wealthy versus middle class.
And third, but very important, is having your ideals be accepted by the community, the world.
7.) Listen carefully to the final song of the movie. What does it mean--not just for the story itself, by for you, too? The final song "you can't stop the beat", involves change, there will always be change even if you don't accept it and that there is a back-up to ideals of change.
8.) Tracy sings to her Mom "welcome to the Sixties." In what ways have things changed over the years--from the sixties to now--based on what Tracy sings about as well as the themes of the story? That integration did happen and is acceptable. That a woman does not have to stay in the home and be sheltered, a women can have fun and be of importance. Many things have changed, women have become a powerful part of society and children have more individuality and are heard as well as seen.
9.) Why do you think the director chose to use a man (John Travolta) to play the part of Tracy's mom? Once you answer this question for yourself, do little research and see if you can find out the real reason why the director chose to use a man. Compare your answer/opinion to the real reason. I thought it may have to do with the substance of change, that things are not what you perceive them to be. Then when I did some research, I found out that the original person for the role was a transvestite.
10.) What have I missed? What do you want to say about Hairspray that I haven't asked about? It would be interesting to know what age group of the students choose this assignment? It may be discriminatory, like the movie, but interesting??
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Questions "Oedipus"
1.) Who wrote the play? The play was written in 468 BCE, written by Sophocles, who wrote about 120 plays a nd 90 being of tragedies. He served as a priest in the cult of Asclepius, the god of healing. There are two other versions of the same play written by different authors.
2.) Briefly define the Oedipal Complex. The Oedipus Complex relates to emotions, the idea that the mind keeps in the unconscious, a dynamic repression, that concentrate on the boy's desire to sexually posses his mother and kill his father. Part of the physosexual develoment related to Frued (phallic stage).
3.) What is the setting of the story, specifically, the where? The story begins at the Royal Palace in Thebes, at the alter, during the daytime.
4.) As the play opens, what horrible thing is going on? A plague (people dying of disease) is happening, poverty, troubled times as the play opens. The riddle of the sphnix needs to be solved, which Oedipus does, and the sphnix threw itself over the cliff.
5.) Whose death must be avenged in order for the horrible thing from number 4 to end? The murderer of the King of Thebes, (really Oedipus father) needs to be punished by death, for all these things to stop. Oedipus himself, killed his father at the cross-roads.
6.) Who is Oedipus' wife? Oedipus's wife (his real mother) is Jocasta. The Queen Merope of Corinth and the King Polybus raised him as their son.
7.) Who is Oedipus' mother? Jocasta is also Oedipus' biological mother.
8.) Who is Oedipus' father? His biological father is the King of Thebes, Laius.
9.) Who killed the King of Thebes (the anser for #5)? The King of Thebes was killed by Oedipus; Oedipus, killed his own father and wed his mother, and lived in matrimony to bear children with her (I do not believe he knew this was his biological mother when they wed.)
10.) What is Oedipus' tragic flaw? Oedipus tragic flaw is that he is self-centered, and arrogant. He is not willing to admit to himself the defects, flaws that he himself has. And does not want the public to realize his true situation and that he is not worthy of being a King.
11.) As you read through Oedups, you'll note that sight/vision/seeing (including "second sight") is very important to the overall story--in the literal as well as the metaphorical/symbolical aspect. You don't have to do this in complete sentences if you don't want. The meaning of the story was hard to grasp, even after reading it more than once. The "second-sight" came when I re-read the story and started to put the pieces together. Sight and blindness can be used metaphorical/symbolical aspect in the way it was written, for example, "I see the truth", and "I see the way things are". If the truth is not favorable to the particular character, it is written in "blindness", or the underlying theme.
12.) Describe/discuss/explain/list how sight/vision/seeing"second sight" is/are used in the play to adcance the plot--to advance the story as a whole. Include an explanation of why it's important as well as how it helps you (the real audience) understand (get) what others on the stage and in the play don't understand. In Corinth, Oedipus seeks a Delphic oracle to help him see the truth, which also introduces the self-fulfilling prophecy. The prophet of Teiresias is blind, but sees the truth. Oedipus even though sighted does not see the truth.
13.) As a play, there's a lot that can and can not be done on the stage. Explain why you think some things within this play in particular are done on stage while others are done off stage. Some things on a one on one , or between particular people can be done on stage, therefore; when it involves the community it is done off-stage and narrative.
14.) Do you believe in fate: Explain fully your answer. Yes, I believe in fate. Think about the times when your "gut" told you not to do something. You followed this path and the outcome was positive, in harboring ill feelings, the truth will come out at sometime.
15.) Explain how fate plays a role in Oedipus. Oedipus knew his fate when killing the "person" at the crossroads, it was wrong and would come back to haunt him. Then when the truth cam out that he had killed his father, all the ill feelings he had voiced in an indirect way were true.
16.) Have you ever thought how ironic this play is? It's weird how the events come together and make everything happened the way it does. If things were to happen just a little bit different the story would be completely changed. Indeed, a interpretaton can lead to many misconceptions while reading this play. The outcome can and probably is for different each person reading the play. I, myself, had different thoughts each time I read the play.
The other two plays were: Oedipus at Colonus and Oedipus at Antidone.
2.) Briefly define the Oedipal Complex. The Oedipus Complex relates to emotions, the idea that the mind keeps in the unconscious, a dynamic repression, that concentrate on the boy's desire to sexually posses his mother and kill his father. Part of the physosexual develoment related to Frued (phallic stage).
3.) What is the setting of the story, specifically, the where? The story begins at the Royal Palace in Thebes, at the alter, during the daytime.
4.) As the play opens, what horrible thing is going on? A plague (people dying of disease) is happening, poverty, troubled times as the play opens. The riddle of the sphnix needs to be solved, which Oedipus does, and the sphnix threw itself over the cliff.
5.) Whose death must be avenged in order for the horrible thing from number 4 to end? The murderer of the King of Thebes, (really Oedipus father) needs to be punished by death, for all these things to stop. Oedipus himself, killed his father at the cross-roads.
6.) Who is Oedipus' wife? Oedipus's wife (his real mother) is Jocasta. The Queen Merope of Corinth and the King Polybus raised him as their son.
7.) Who is Oedipus' mother? Jocasta is also Oedipus' biological mother.
8.) Who is Oedipus' father? His biological father is the King of Thebes, Laius.
9.) Who killed the King of Thebes (the anser for #5)? The King of Thebes was killed by Oedipus; Oedipus, killed his own father and wed his mother, and lived in matrimony to bear children with her (I do not believe he knew this was his biological mother when they wed.)
10.) What is Oedipus' tragic flaw? Oedipus tragic flaw is that he is self-centered, and arrogant. He is not willing to admit to himself the defects, flaws that he himself has. And does not want the public to realize his true situation and that he is not worthy of being a King.
11.) As you read through Oedups, you'll note that sight/vision/seeing (including "second sight") is very important to the overall story--in the literal as well as the metaphorical/symbolical aspect. You don't have to do this in complete sentences if you don't want. The meaning of the story was hard to grasp, even after reading it more than once. The "second-sight" came when I re-read the story and started to put the pieces together. Sight and blindness can be used metaphorical/symbolical aspect in the way it was written, for example, "I see the truth", and "I see the way things are". If the truth is not favorable to the particular character, it is written in "blindness", or the underlying theme.
12.) Describe/discuss/explain/list how sight/vision/seeing"second sight" is/are used in the play to adcance the plot--to advance the story as a whole. Include an explanation of why it's important as well as how it helps you (the real audience) understand (get) what others on the stage and in the play don't understand. In Corinth, Oedipus seeks a Delphic oracle to help him see the truth, which also introduces the self-fulfilling prophecy. The prophet of Teiresias is blind, but sees the truth. Oedipus even though sighted does not see the truth.
13.) As a play, there's a lot that can and can not be done on the stage. Explain why you think some things within this play in particular are done on stage while others are done off stage. Some things on a one on one , or between particular people can be done on stage, therefore; when it involves the community it is done off-stage and narrative.
14.) Do you believe in fate: Explain fully your answer. Yes, I believe in fate. Think about the times when your "gut" told you not to do something. You followed this path and the outcome was positive, in harboring ill feelings, the truth will come out at sometime.
15.) Explain how fate plays a role in Oedipus. Oedipus knew his fate when killing the "person" at the crossroads, it was wrong and would come back to haunt him. Then when the truth cam out that he had killed his father, all the ill feelings he had voiced in an indirect way were true.
16.) Have you ever thought how ironic this play is? It's weird how the events come together and make everything happened the way it does. If things were to happen just a little bit different the story would be completely changed. Indeed, a interpretaton can lead to many misconceptions while reading this play. The outcome can and probably is for different each person reading the play. I, myself, had different thoughts each time I read the play.
The other two plays were: Oedipus at Colonus and Oedipus at Antidone.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
O Love, Sweet Animal
O Love, Sweet Animal by Delmore Schwartz
O Love, dark animal,
With your strangeness go
Like any freak or clown:
Appease tee child in her
Because she is alone
Many years ago
Terrified by a look
Which was not meant for her.
Brush your heavy fur
Against her, long and slow
Stare at her like a book,
Her interests being such
No one can look too much.
Tell her how you know
Nothing can be taken
Which has not been given:
For you time is forgiven:
Informed by hell and heaven
You are not mistaken
With your strangeness go
Like any freak or clown:
Appease tee child in her
Because she is alone
Many years ago
Terrified by a look
Which was not meant for her.
Brush your heavy fur
Against her, long and slow
Stare at her like a book,
Her interests being such
No one can look too much.
Tell her how you know
Nothing can be taken
Which has not been given:
For you time is forgiven:
Informed by hell and heaven
You are not mistaken
This poem touches my heart, due to the fact that I am an animal lover. There has been many times that a pet has comforted me in their own way and the memories held of each pet is enormous!! Loved it!!
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/delmore_schwartz/poems/18333.html
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/delmore_schwartz/poems/18333.html
The Sound of the Sea P.866
This poem does not seem to be written in 1875. There are no, thee and words I don't know the meaning of. It is simple in meaning, talking about how the sea affects the emotions of a person with sound and sight and how this can change our thoughts. In my perspective, I believe the pattern is rising rhyme, with it's mystical words. Again, I state, I don't believe this was written in 1875??
A Red, Red Rose P 770
What a lovely poem!? It sounds familiar, even though I don't believe I have ever read it. Common writing about love, longing for the fair one which holds his heart and he would travel thousands of miles for her. At first it seems the author it speaking directly to the female, then it seems he is far away. I feel the message is that he had to travel but first had something to say to her and continued his message after he was gone.
Monday, March 28, 2011
SONG
Song (page 707) C. Day Lewis
I read through many poems, to find this one. Again, I love when a poem makes you think in your own version of what is trying to be said. It means different things, to different people. This poem is sweet (related to love), sour (dispair of trying to love, and the results to one who is in love. Love is so universal, yet dynamic. It is something everyone shares.
I read through many poems, to find this one. Again, I love when a poem makes you think in your own version of what is trying to be said. It means different things, to different people. This poem is sweet (related to love), sour (dispair of trying to love, and the results to one who is in love. Love is so universal, yet dynamic. It is something everyone shares.
Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now
Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now (page 670) by: A. E. Housman
I choose this poem because of what it inspires me to think about. It draws a picture and I started to think about the person who was writing it and what they were doing and how they were feeling and what they were seeing. Being out in a field of cherry trees, lying on their back, thinking of the seasons past and how the trees have changed and grown. And the tree, what about the tree and what it was doing? Living, growing, changing and beating the odds of the weather and conditions. Most people have plants, indoor, outdoor, and nuture them and help them grow. It's exciting when they bloom, blossom and grow..
I choose this poem because of what it inspires me to think about. It draws a picture and I started to think about the person who was writing it and what they were doing and how they were feeling and what they were seeing. Being out in a field of cherry trees, lying on their back, thinking of the seasons past and how the trees have changed and grown. And the tree, what about the tree and what it was doing? Living, growing, changing and beating the odds of the weather and conditions. Most people have plants, indoor, outdoor, and nuture them and help them grow. It's exciting when they bloom, blossom and grow..
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Poetry
Poetry is much a part of literature, it contains a story, and has a meaning. It is developed from rhyme, rhythm and sometimes repetition of words. The words flow in a different way from a novel, or short story, yet still has a meaning.
Poems can be long, or short and still have the same amount of meaning.
While reading poetry, you have to think between the lines, develop your own sense of interpretation. It is always fun to have a decision with several people who have read the same poem. To compare how each felt the presentation, meaning and what the author wanted us to learn for it.
In my younger years, I enjoyed poetry much more that now, I truly thought someday I would write an amazing poem!!
Poems can be long, or short and still have the same amount of meaning.
While reading poetry, you have to think between the lines, develop your own sense of interpretation. It is always fun to have a decision with several people who have read the same poem. To compare how each felt the presentation, meaning and what the author wanted us to learn for it.
In my younger years, I enjoyed poetry much more that now, I truly thought someday I would write an amazing poem!!
Vacations
I have wondered why do I go to the same place, same time of year, and do the same things when vacation time rolls around. Maybe because it is familiar, maybe because I am afraid of change, or is it just convienent?
This year I am going to stay at a different hotel, yet in the same area, at the same beach, but promised myself to visit different sites, and changed the dates alittle. This may be a small step towards the future in picking a whole new place to visit the following year!!
This year I am going to stay at a different hotel, yet in the same area, at the same beach, but promised myself to visit different sites, and changed the dates alittle. This may be a small step towards the future in picking a whole new place to visit the following year!!
Riding
Riding?...a mode of traveling upon something with energy. Okay, so why do I enjoy riding? To get from point a to point b? Probably not, it's the experience that is so enjoyable. The motion, the freedom; whether riding my horse or my motorcycle. Experiencing the views, learning about different things as I travel, and the power of serenity I feel. What do you hold close to your heart and enjoy doing??
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Curse
Oh my gosh, as a mother of a grown child, my per-say "curse" is what in the world did I do wrong. This not necessarily a curse, by I am sure every mother, world wide, has feelings of regret, questions their reasoning during raising their child, and yes, wish some things could be different.
My son, married with twin boys, is now pursueing a career in clergy. The road way rocky, yet now satisfying. I feel responsible for the years that he endured in learning and experience that were negative, but lessons learned. Time traveled and people change, grow and learn from their experience and become who they are intended to be. Both, me and my son learned many lessons through out the years of growing up....
My son, married with twin boys, is now pursueing a career in clergy. The road way rocky, yet now satisfying. I feel responsible for the years that he endured in learning and experience that were negative, but lessons learned. Time traveled and people change, grow and learn from their experience and become who they are intended to be. Both, me and my son learned many lessons through out the years of growing up....
"Blue Winds Dancing"
Horseback riding is very important to me. The feeling of serenity, while riding a large animal, being in nature and communicating without words is indescribable. While riding, my heart is tender, my senses alert, and the feeling of peace is unmeasureable.
My thoughts are everywhere, thinking of all aspects of my life in a calm, relaxing way. The experience is different each and every time. I pray, I never get too old to ride...
My thoughts are everywhere, thinking of all aspects of my life in a calm, relaxing way. The experience is different each and every time. I pray, I never get too old to ride...
"Luck"
There was a time in my life, eight years ago, when I felt there was no future in sight for me to have a partner. I met a man, very nice, sweet and caring, just totally wrong for me. His lifestyle was nothing like mine, my goals were totally differnet from his. I did not realize at the time that men too can and will help guide you to acheive your goals, OHH, how lucky was I!!
The Black Cat, Edgar Allan Poe, p 513
The term "perversenses" can be very complicated for anyone to understand. I, myself, own cats, and feel that the term relates to their nine lifes. This may be myth or reality, depending on how one relates to the animal. I feel that cats do indeed have nine lifes, they pervere through many tradegeties and obsticles. Climbing trees, running from dogs, and other preditors.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Life Lessons
As we walk through life, viewing situations through our owns eyes, there are times we need to think about how others, "see", "feel" and "see" related to the same situation. Many years ago, I started my career in the medical field. I met a person who was on a ventilator, had Multiple Scerlosis, and was limited in her movements. At first I wanted to "take over", do everything for her, ven think for her. As I got to know her better, it turned out she knew more than the average person about many different topics. I learned to step back and let her be her, and to listen and learn. Just because she was limited physically, mentally she was very intelligent. Oh, things I learned, when I took the time to listen......
"Neighbors"
Minimalism, is the simplisity or least information surrounding a topic as I view it. The basic description of minimalism described in the story is like when the descibe "holding holds", did it really need that mush information related to a simple action. Another example is, "kissed lightly on the lips".
It really leaves nothing else to be elaborated on because it is put in minialistic words.
It really leaves nothing else to be elaborated on because it is put in minialistic words.
A rose for Emily
By William Faulkner
While reading the above short story, the word “deputation” was new to me. Reading the sentence did not help me define or narrow a meaning of the word. “Deputation”, a noun, means “the act of appointing a person or person to represent or act for another or others”. The sentence can be found on page 90, and reads as; “A deputation waited upon her, knocked at the door through which no visitor had passed since she ceased giving china-painting lessons eight or ten years earlier.”.
Reading the sentence, “a deputation”, reflects an object to me once I first read it. Then as the story unfolded it made more sense as to the true meaning involving a noun. Emily, did indeed, need someone to assist her in her decisions related to her relationship and finances. Emily did not choose to pursue this option; instead she took matters into her own hands and did not allow anyone to become involved in her life in any way. She was hiding within her home, her identity and a secret. Many words written and used in the 1930’s are truly different than what we read today.
Works Cited
Faulkner, William. "A Rose for Emily." Literature. Ninth ed. New York: Longman, 2009. 89-94. Print.
Roberts, Edgar V. ""A Rose for Emily"" Literature. Ninth ed. 89-95. Print.
Definition of "deposition"
“deputation.” Dictionary. Com Unabridged. Source location: Random House, Inc. 21 Feb. 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
English 113
Your ability to write a story, a poem, or a piece that is informative is totally individualized. What a spectacular way to express yourself for others to read. My goal in taking English 113 at my local college is to gain the knowledge of the proper formatting, grammar, and writing informational reports and to expand my ideas. This is my start to a better future.
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