Monday, August 27, 2012

Laughing Heart

Fall Vocabulary List # 3

accolade: An expression of praise or admiration.
example: The audience gave an accolade to the stage performers.

acerbity: A sharp bitterness.
eample: The acerbity of the Great Depression effected people for the rest of their lives.

attrition: Wearing away
example: The attrition of the objects showed their age.

bromide: Trite saying; lacking originality or freshness.
example: The bromide-like quote was plagiarism. 

chauvinist: A person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism.
example: The chauvinist American had the American flag tatooed on his back.

chronic:  Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.
example: Her chronic illness nearly took her life.

expound: Explain the meaning of
example: I expunded the homework assgnment when my classmate didn't understand it.

factionalism: The splitting of a group into factions; Conflict between factions.
example: Such factionalism often prevents the ldp from effective action.

immaculate: Spottlessly clean.
example: After cleaning for hours, my room is immaculate.

imprecation: A spoken curse.
example: The imprecation was a legend in the scary town.

ineluctable: Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable.
example: By not studying for tests, the "F" in the class was ineluctable.

mercurial:  Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes.
example: The weather in Santa Maria is mercurial.

palliate: Make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause.
example: The cancer went through therapy to palliate the cancer.

protocol: The established code of procedure or behavior in any group, organization, or situation.
example: The protocol was a secret.

resplendent: Attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.
example: The resplendent building caught everyone's attention.

stigmatize: Describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
example: The bed deed was greatly stigmatized.

sub rosa: Happening or done in secret.
example: The secret serviceman did everything under sub rosa.

vainglory: Inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity.
example: The vainglory man soon ate crow.

vestige: A trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists.
example: The detective was in charge of the vestige of the dinosaurs.

volition:  The faculty of power using one's will.
example: The volition of the king was ridiculous.


 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Essay #2

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck is the face of the Great Depression.  This is a devastating novel about loss and struggle that occurred in our nation less than a century ago.  Many of our family members survived this terrible era in history, fortunately.  After reading this novel I felt nothing but appreciation for my family, health, and home.  These emotions in myself alone prove exactly what attitudes Steinbeck is trying to modify.  The author writes about the struggles of the past so we can appreciate our present and future.

One quotes that stood out to me the most was, "The fields were fruitful, and starving men moved on the roads."  This quote caught my attention because it sounds heartless and ridiculous.  There's fields of food for everyone, yet many starve because they can't afford to feed themselves.  This to me is devastating.  Reading this alone has made me so much more grateful for what I have ,which I feel was Steinbeck's point for writing this novel.  It taught his audience a life-long lesson using an important era in history.

In conclusion, along with teaching me about history, John Steinbeck taught me to appreciate my blessings.  Anything can happen at any moment and life may become difficult for me and my family .  Learning about how people survived the Great Depression showed me how the small stuff truly doesn't matter. 

Essay #1

Leisure can be defined as free time or even the use of freetime for enjoyment, both of which relate to the following poem by George Eliot.  In this poem, Eliot described her own definition of "leisure" to her audience, and how it felt to live in her generation when "Old Leisure" still existed.  It seemed as if Eliot was reminiscing on the glory days, as if that was the brightest day our world had ever seen.  George Eliot makes her point by comparing and contrasting certain elements of life then and now.

A comparison made by Eliot is between the "stout gentleman" of then, and the "ingenious philosopher" of now.  According to this poem, men back in her generation were contemplative, jolly, and innocent.  While on the other hand, the "ingenious philosopher" is prone to cursory and even idleness.  To make her point clear, the author uses vocabulary words of opposite end of the spectrum to define people of the past and present.  She glorifies her generation while thinking less of the present generation.

Another comparison made between these generations are the lifestyles that were lead.  To describe the lifestyles of her past, Eliot mentioned, "Sunday sermon", as if no one ever goes to church in this twenty-first century.  The author continues stating that the people of this generation are "squeamish" and think of life as a "task" instead of a gift.  As a result, this makes my generation seem ungrateful just because we may not praise the lord as much as we should.  All and all, I think the point that was made was that people today should be grateful and show their gratitude.

In conclusion, Eliot doesn't seem too fond of this generation.  She glorifies her past and does the exact opposite with the present.  She feels that "back in the good ol' days" was the way to live for her.  She proves this point through contrasting her idea of life then and now.

Beowulf Comprehension Questions

I have found the following answers from the internet or the text.
Prolgoue
1. Something unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes was the fact that he was a "foundling".  He was abandoned by his parents as an infant and was found at sea.  This was unusual because at this time power usually came from family and history, not by being found at sea.  Shields' funeral was elaborate and meaningful.  His corpse was put into a boat with treasures and was set to sail into the sea.  It was as if his life ended as it began.  Hrothgar is a descendant of Shield.
Heorot is Attacked
1. Hrothgar took on the responsibility of making the Danes peaceful and prosperous.  Grendel, a demon decseded from cain, attacked the Danes and murdered thirty men.  These wretched attacks lasted for twelve years.  The Danes responded with making offerings at pagan to try and ruin Grendel, but their attempts remained unsuccessful. 
The Hero comes to Heorot
1.  When Beowulf hears of Hrogthar's problems with Grendel, he travels to the Danes to aid Hrogthar in defeating the demon.  He makes his voyage across the sea with fourteen of his warriors. 
2. When they first arrive in Denmark, the Geats first meet guard of the Danish coast.  He questions the soliders of their business in Denmark, and admits that Beowulf seems like an amaznig soldier.  Beowulf explains that he is the son of Ecgtheow and owes his loyalty to Hygelac, which was what brought him to Denmark.  The guard believes his story and says he will have someone watch his ship for him.
3.  Hrogthar's herald is Wulfgar, which is his messenger of news.  He tells them that Beowulf must tell him the reason what his bussiness is with Hrothgar.  Wulfgar, impressed with the overall, takes Beowulf’s message immediately to Hrothgar.  Hrothgar states that he does in fact remember Beowulf from when he was a young boy.  I'm not surprised that he knows Beowulf so well because he was friends with his father Ecgtheow and he has heard many stories of him.
4. When Beowulf enters, he offers Hrogthar to fight Grendel unarmed.  After Beowulf’s father killed Heatholaf, a member of the Wulfing tribe, Hrothgar sent sent treasure to the Wulfings witht he hopes of mending the feud. 
Feast at Heorot
1.  Unferth accuses Beowulf of vanity as well as losing a swimming match against Breca.  Beowulf then accuses Unferth of being drunk, and describes his own version of what really took place.  Beowulf makes a statement that neither Unferth nor Breca could have survived such an event, and continues to mock Unferth by pointing out his obvious weakness against Grendel.  This episode is relevant to the poem as a whole because is helps in proving the difference between proper and inporper boastfulness.
2. During the feasting, Queen Wealhtheow expresses her desire that Beowulf twill act as a friend to her children Hrethric and Hrothmund, and offer them protection and guidance when/if Hrothgar passes.
The Fight With Grendel
1. When preparing for battle with Grendel, Beowulf didn't ask for armor or weapons. 
2. When Grendel enters Heorot,  he tears the door from its hinges with his bare hands and immediately devours a Geatish warrior.  Beowulf fights Grendel with his armed grip and great strength and wrestles im down as he tries to escape. Bepwulf also summoned help of his fellow soldiers.  Grendel escapes to his swampy home to die, leaving his arm that Beowulf ripped out of his socket. 
Celebration at Heorot
1. Beowulf is like Sigemund because they both fought huge monsters.  He isn't like Heremod because he hasn't betrayed his own people. 
2. Hrogthar responds to Beowulf's deed by praising him and offering him lavish rewards.  The trophy arm, which seems to be made of “barbed steel,” has disproved Unferth’s claims of Beowulf’s weakness.  Which is very surprising to me as the audience. 
3. In general the story of Finn begins with the Danes losing a battle to Finn, the leader of the Frisians, which resulted in the death of the Danish leader Hnaef.  After their defeat, the Danes offer a truce to the Frisians and agree to live with individually but under common rule and fair treatment.  This story suggests that using a woman as a bride to heal enmity between tribes is normal and that womenaren't valued.
4. Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to tell anyone.
5. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to take care of her children and treat them kindly.  Beowulf then gave the necklace to Hygd.
6. So many men remained in the beer hall to sleep because they were oblivious to the danger that lurked outside of the hall.  This was a mistake because Grendel's mother wanted revenge for her dead son and went on an attacking spree.
Another Attack
1. Grendel's mother went to Heorot to seek revenge for her dead son. 
2. Hrothgar summoned Beowulf to rid Heorot of another monster and made it his responsibility.  Grendel's mother killed Hrothgar's friend and counselor.
3. The mere is a lake, where Grendel's mother keeps her lair.  It's described as swampy and horrifying.
Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother
1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond by  taking care of the Geats and to return his property to Hygelac if he should be killed.
2. Before Beowulf enters the mere, he and other soldiers discover Aeschere’s head lying on the ground.
3. Beowulf prepares himself for combat by covering himself with armor and and weapons. Unferth loans him the great and seasoned sword named Hrunting.
4. When Beowulf enters the mere, he is attcked by Grendel's mtoher.  I was surprised that the monsters lived at the bottom of the mere.
5. The sword from Unferth id unable to pierce Grendel's mothers' head. 
6. Beowulf escapes by hurting Grendel's mother.
7. Beowulf kills Grendel's mother by slitting her throat with the sword for giants.  After she has died, Beowulf decapatates her.  Beowulf takes her head and the sword to Hrothgar.  The sword he used to kill her was starting to melt.
8. When Beowulf returns to the surface, the Geats take off his armor and emrbrace him.  They didn't expect him to return. 
Further Celebration at Heorot
1.  Beowulf brought Grendel's mothers' head and the sword for giants to Hrothgar.
2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf that he has united the Geats and the Danes in ties of friendship and loyalty. He presents Beowulf with twelve treasures.  He also mentions that Beowulf is nothing like Heremod because Heremod was overthrown and killed by his people because he didn't protect them.  This teaches the lesson that no bad deed goes unpunished.
3. Beowulf bequeaths his sword to Unferth.
Beowulf Returns Home
1. hrothgar predicts a successful and bright future for Beowulf.
2. Hygd is Hygelac’s wife.  She isn't like Modthryth because she killed many innocent people while Hygd never did. 
3. Beowulf plans to do that because he predicts that the sight of the legendary possessions of each worn by the relative of the other will lead to memories of the deep and lengthy feud between the Danes and the Heathobards to surface, so that they won't be able to keep themselves from persuing to fight.  I feel that this is a new side of Beowulf because he doesn't seem manipulative.
4. No Beowulf wasn't accurate about his adventures.  He emphasized a lot.
5. Beowulf gives a lot his treasure to his king.  Hygelac gave him lots og treasure and land of his own to rule.
Beowulf  Dragon Wakes
1. Part to takes place nearly fifty years later.  In the meantime, Hygelac has died. New dangers that exist is who will take the throne sice Beowulf declined it and is taking care of Hygelac's son, and the dragon.
2. The dragon is angry because someone stole it's goblet.  The thief took the goblet because he was a slave on the run from a hard-handed master and probably just wanted to by food and clothes.  The treasure was put there by the last survivor of an ancient race because he didn't need it because he/she knew he/she was going to die.
3. That evening the dragon destroyed villages and homes in search of it;s treasures.
4. Beowulf thinks his home was burnt because he thinks it's a punishment from God for the things he has done. He orders a new shield to protect himself from the heap of punishments.  He will fight his battle without a large army.  I think he won't be successful in the attempt.
5. Hygelac dies in combat in Friesland.  after his death, Beowulf declined the throne and became guardian of the young prince.
6. Hygelac's son was raised by Beowulf. For revenge he wants to fight Grendel bare-handed. 
7. Beowulf only brings one companion.
8. Haethcyn accidently killed Herebeald.  Their father Hrethel died of the grief while Haethcyn is killed in battle. 
Beowulf Attacks the Dragon
1. Beowulf wishes his companions luck in the fight with the dragon.
2. The first time Beowulf tries to fight the dragon he notices he isn't as strong as it used to be as they wrestle.  Noticing the struggle his companions run in terror.  Wiglaf stays with Beowulf, reminding the other soldiers of their loyalty and oaths.  Wilgraf continues to rush to his aid and attacks the dragon as well. 
3. Beowulf has been venemously bitten by the dragon.  He stated that he could feel himself dying anf ordered Wiglaf to show him the treasure before he passed.  Beowulf killed the dragon. 
4.  Beowulf asks Wiglaf to show him the treasure. He then thanks God for the treasure that he has won for his people.  Beowulf wanted the pyre to be  built high and decked with armor.
Beowulf's Funeral
1. When the soldiers return they are yelled at by Wiglaf.  He explains that Beowulf's generosity was wasted on them because they didn't come to his rescue.  He also predicts that their cowardice will be greater than just the life of a great ruler.
2. The messenger tells the city Beowulf has died that the hostile Franks and the Frisians will certainly attack them. 
3. Wiglaf tells the crowd that they can look once more on the hoard of treasure and then make a bier for Beowulf.
4. The dragon's body was thrown into the water. 
5. During and after the funeral celebration, people take time to remember that their king was kind and generous.
6.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Socratic Seminar

Although I planned on paticipating today,  I just couldn't find myself to interrupt the debate between Connor and Alex.  It was comical! I couldn't interrupt the stand up comedy before me.  The way they handled the debate was respectable yet humorous. 

Monday, August 20, 2012

Reflections on Week 1

1.  One factor that will definately affect my participation in this class is my lack of sleep.  It seems that my schedule is as full as it's ever been in my past thirteen years of being a student.  Between being employed, taking three AP classes and have responsibilities at home, sleep is the last thing on my mind.  On a good day I'll get about five hours of sleep, which isn't nearly enough for the long days I have ahead of me.  By noon, the last place I wanna be is at school listening to teachers, when in my mind I am in my own bed sleeping as long as I'd like.  Fortunately for me, this is the only obstacle I have this year in not only this class but in my other ones as well. 
2.  The greatest learning experience of my life was when my baby cousin Christian was born.  After being the baby of our Galindo clan for nearly a decade and a half, I learned that it was no longer, "All about me."  I learned that there was more to life than being that spoiled little grandchild that I was.  Christian's birth taught me that my family is my world, and I should appreciate them more than I choose to show.  After holding him for the first time in the Ventura hosptial, I felt so many different emotions in five minutes I'd never imagine I'd feel in a lifetime.  I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with my mother, aunt, uncle, and grandparents.  Although his birth didn't teach me anything about learning or paying attention, I learned that family always comes first. 
3.  I am looking forward to the socratic seminars in this class, considering who my classmates are.  I may not particpate a lot, but I'll be entertained watching certain people going back and forth with their "ideas".  One thing I am not looking forward to, however, is this whole blog concept.  I'll get better with time, but for now I'm just electronically challenged.  I look forward to our vocabulary lists because I'd like to expand my vocabulary.  This in itself will make a practical difference in my life because I can only benefit from a large and creative vocabulary. 

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Poetry Assignment #1

1) The Laughing Heart by Charles Bukowski.
2) The irony is in the diction and video of this poem.  The point of commercials is to allow companies to show the public why it's necessary for them to invest in their various products.  To make their point valid, companies show the public exactly why they need to buy their products and how investing in them would improve their quality of life. Commercials impose the idea that one can only reach happiness if they buy certain products.  However, this isn't the case with this Levi's commercial.  The narrator clearly states, "You are marvelous, the Gods wait to delight in you."  Well, if I'm so marvelous the way I am, I obviously don't need to purchase a pair of Levi's jeans to improve my appearance.  Not only that, commercials usually show happy people enjoying their wonderful lives, while this comercial does the opposite in a way.  The people in this commercial look depressed and less than delighted in life.  For example, the man rolling down the body of water looked less than happy to have a bought a pair of Levi jeans.
3) This poem certainly reflects Bukowski's perspective on life as well as his repuatation.  After being arrested, battling near- death illnesses, and having a rough up-bringing, Bukowski learned to see that, "There is light somewhere."  After surviving treatment for a fatally-bleeding ulcer, Bukowski knew that, "You can beat death in life, sometimes."  Well, ovbiously he did exactly that.  All of his experiences in life such as alcoholism and an addiction to sex made Charles Bukowski who is today, which is reflected in the content of his literary work.
4) I found the answer to number one by googling, "Who wrote the poem in the Levis 2011 'Go Forth'  commercial?"  From here the search engine took me too, "The Levi's Go Forth with Legacy- The Inspiration Room", which was my first option on the page.  I found my answer to number three by googling, "The life of Charles Bukowski", which took me to a biography of his life on PoemHunter.com.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

AP Lit Comp


I signed up for this course because I gained a lot of knowledge from it my sophmore year.  It opened my mind to new ideas, new subjects, and new ways of thinking.  In this course every assignment served a purpose and it wasn't just busy work.  Each assignment extended one's knowledge further and further in positive ways that were nothing but beneficial.  This year I except the same, plus more.

In the class I look forward to furthering my knowledge and opening my mind to bigger and better ideas.  To be small minded is no way to live, I have found.  However, I would have never realized this without this course to challenge my mind and intellectual ability every day.

Not only that, I plan to improve my writing skills to a university-level and learn how to express my ideas in a more powerful way when writing essays.  I feel as if I have the writes ideas, it's just articulating these ideas that is challenging for me.