Link:
http://choprariddhicatcherintherye.blogspot.com/
Final Personal Reflection
Although this project was oftentimes stressful, it provided me with valuable preparation for the AP exam. I chose to analyze J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and its portrayal of adolescence in various aspects. I enjoyed the book immensely because of its ability to attract any type of audience through its relatable portrayal of society, especially in the late 1940s and early 1950s. When preparing my materials, I mostly followed the order given in the guidelines. Although I tried my best to meet all due dates, I was sometimes not able to succeed, resulting in hectic attempts to catch up. Once my materials were completely prepared, I felt confident in both my writing and presentation. I was not nervous prior to presenting because I was secure in my knowledge of the novel, author, and theme and was certain that this would easily guide me. Indeed, my expectation proved me correct and I performed exceptionally well.
As mentioned previously, I may have been better able to apply my knowledge of literature into the research paper and the two essays had I been more efficient in managing my time. Additionally, I believe I did not analyze the two poems as well as I intended. Even when presenting to the class, I merely summarized the poems and avoided any analysis until relating them to my novel. While my introductory statistic was powerful, I believe I did not deliver it with enough authority to accentuate its meaning to the audience, as they seemed relatively unaffected by the morbid fact. A few other students used comic means to engage the audience and thus elicited a more positive response. There is not much I would alter if given the chance to re-do this project. I was proud of my work and grade that I received and believed that it accurately reflected my commitment towards this project. To prepare for the AP exam, I find the multiple choice questions on others’ blogs helpful to practice both surface-level and deep analysis of prose and poetry. My extensive knowledge of The Catcher in the Rye now allows me to be fully educated on one particular theme and novel should I choose to use this for my open question essay. Before the exam, however, I will take a practice multiple choice test and review the frequent terms and concepts that may help me on the essay sections.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Blog #23: Hamlet Act 4 "Reviving Ophelia" Literary Criticism
Dear Followers,
Why is it that the most abhorrent of emotions affect the purest of heart? Those that have no place to pity themselves with their striking beauty come to a resolution of insanity derived from the authority they are obligated to. Oh sweet Ophelia! "I did love you once" (3.1.115), my fair lady. "You should not have believ'd me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I lov'd you not" (3.1.117-119). I stay "a prince out of [your] star, yet [you were] willing to bide [your] time patiently, waiting for [my] formal proposals" (Seng 218). I pray you retain your beauty beyond the limits of life, from the grave you collect back the innocence your acute father wickedly stole, yet accusing me of the crime. Your "father and brother have had their share in the spoliation of [your] mind's purity and [your] child-like trust" (Seng 220). Though it pains me to see you covered in the Denmark's glacial grounds, knowing that "a certain convocation of politic worms are e'en at [you]" (4.3.19-20), I shall not feel sorrow at your heart as a breeding ground for mistrust. The first of the family gone, who reared the "accusation of guilt where no guilt has been" (Seng 220), surely a "shock to [your] gentle nature which believed men were what they seemed to be" (Seng 220). What a foolish faith! You and I have much in common, my dear. For us both, "Denmark has become a prison" (Seng 218), though you now are held captive for a timeless period, but nevertheless engendering our insanity. As for your father, I feel no remorse. "[He] find'st to be too busy is some danger" (3.4.34) as he finds himself "too willing to sacrifice morals to political expediency" (Seng 221). I understand not your madness over the venal character, him standing at the trench of the deepest sea as my father rules over the skies, worthy of sacrificing sanity. Perhaps it is, for some peculiar reason, the same love I shed for my father that you sense. "There lives within the very flame of love a kind of wick or snuff that will abate it" (4.7.111-112). Your flame, too feeble to withstand the strong gusts of emotion, abated by your own drowning into an incessant adherence to your father.
As always, with devotion,
Hamlet
Why is it that the most abhorrent of emotions affect the purest of heart? Those that have no place to pity themselves with their striking beauty come to a resolution of insanity derived from the authority they are obligated to. Oh sweet Ophelia! "I did love you once" (3.1.115), my fair lady. "You should not have believ'd me, for virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I lov'd you not" (3.1.117-119). I stay "a prince out of [your] star, yet [you were] willing to bide [your] time patiently, waiting for [my] formal proposals" (Seng 218). I pray you retain your beauty beyond the limits of life, from the grave you collect back the innocence your acute father wickedly stole, yet accusing me of the crime. Your "father and brother have had their share in the spoliation of [your] mind's purity and [your] child-like trust" (Seng 220). Though it pains me to see you covered in the Denmark's glacial grounds, knowing that "a certain convocation of politic worms are e'en at [you]" (4.3.19-20), I shall not feel sorrow at your heart as a breeding ground for mistrust. The first of the family gone, who reared the "accusation of guilt where no guilt has been" (Seng 220), surely a "shock to [your] gentle nature which believed men were what they seemed to be" (Seng 220). What a foolish faith! You and I have much in common, my dear. For us both, "Denmark has become a prison" (Seng 218), though you now are held captive for a timeless period, but nevertheless engendering our insanity. As for your father, I feel no remorse. "[He] find'st to be too busy is some danger" (3.4.34) as he finds himself "too willing to sacrifice morals to political expediency" (Seng 221). I understand not your madness over the venal character, him standing at the trench of the deepest sea as my father rules over the skies, worthy of sacrificing sanity. Perhaps it is, for some peculiar reason, the same love I shed for my father that you sense. "There lives within the very flame of love a kind of wick or snuff that will abate it" (4.7.111-112). Your flame, too feeble to withstand the strong gusts of emotion, abated by your own drowning into an incessant adherence to your father.
As always, with devotion,
Hamlet
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Blog #22: Hamlet Act 3 Soliloquy Form & Mis En Scene
Soliloquy Analysis
The initial setting of the tone and focus of the soliloquy occurs in lines 55-59 during which Hamlet argues with himself on whether or not he is worthy of life and existence and the choice between a painful and calm death. The metaphors "To take arms against a sea of troubles" (3.1.58) and "suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" (3.1.56-57) are contrasting each other in the way man approaches his struggles, either patiently or with force and determination. The next shift occurs during lines 59-63 when Hamlet perceives death as a peaceful retreat from the struggles of life as it may "end the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks" (3.1.60-61). Additionally, he utilizes pathos when paralleling death to sleep, "to die: to sleep" (3.1.59) and directly correlating one another to appeal to his conscious emotion. This same technique is used with the same statement at the beginning of the next shift from line 63-67. Hamlet is now hesitating over his perception of death as a peaceful escape by wondering about the mysteries of the afterlife, "what dreams may come when have shuffled off this mortal coil" (3.1.65-66). Through his diction, Hamlet introduces the next shift, lines 67-74, by addressing life as a "calamity" (3.1.68) that we only respect because of fear of the unknown. He uses logos to make this comparison of life and its struggles to a calamity. "Who would bear the whips and scorns of time" (3.1.69) is presented as ethos to provide credibility to the superhuman character that would be capable of having the knowledge. The next shift, lines 74-80, present another ethos, "the dread of something after death" (3.1.81), through the assumption that Hamlet's personal fear applies to others as well. The closing lines of the soliloquy, lines 81-86, allows Hamlet to expose his emotions regarding the revenge scheme, in which his conscience prevents him from taking action until the truth is confirmed. He again uses imagery and pathos to convey the cowardice of man in which the "native hue of resolution" (3.1.82) no longer exists and is replaced by a "pale cast of thought" (3.1.83). The final line of the speech reinforces the purpose as a whole- Hamlet's inability to act in the name of justice by "los[ing] the name of action" (3.1.86).
Acting Analysis
The scene begins with a wide-angle shot showing Hamlet's full body. It is initially over-the-shoulder and in a tight frame, symbolizing Hamlet's emotional entrapment as he stands at the edge of the frame. This component allows the audience to have both a personal and a distant connection with the character, as we can sense ourselves behind him and thus sympathizing with him but not being able to understand his emotions, as symbolized by the full-body shot. He begins to move closer to the mirror but the scene maintains the initial setting. As he pulls out a knife and moves it towards his face, the camera shifts solely to a close-up through the mirror, ignoring the over-the-shoulder aspect. Branagh's choice to film the character's close-up as a virtual image represents the audience's inability to truly comprehend his internal conflicts, viewing them only on the surface. There is a slight hint of background music in the scene since Hamlet delivers the speech in an increasingly personal whisper as it concludes. However, the bright lighting of the hall serves as a reminder for the audience of the presence of others in the scene and only a seemingly solitary environment.
Kenneth Branagh, as an actor and a director, portrayed the soliloquy in the most authentic manner out of the three. Laurence Olivier's portrayal did not show any indication of potential eavesdroppers and utilized dramatic music and computer-generated imagery to an unnecessary extent. However, because of Hamlet's harmony with nature (turbulent sea reflecting his emotions) and pauses at appropriate moments, I rank this depiction second. I tremendously disliked the Ethan Hawke portrayal because of its complete lack of authenticity in relation to the actual play. I disapprove of the director's choice to place Hamlet in the 21st century setting of a Blockbuster store as it removes the essence and purity of Shakespeare's work.
The initial setting of the tone and focus of the soliloquy occurs in lines 55-59 during which Hamlet argues with himself on whether or not he is worthy of life and existence and the choice between a painful and calm death. The metaphors "To take arms against a sea of troubles" (3.1.58) and "suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" (3.1.56-57) are contrasting each other in the way man approaches his struggles, either patiently or with force and determination. The next shift occurs during lines 59-63 when Hamlet perceives death as a peaceful retreat from the struggles of life as it may "end the heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks" (3.1.60-61). Additionally, he utilizes pathos when paralleling death to sleep, "to die: to sleep" (3.1.59) and directly correlating one another to appeal to his conscious emotion. This same technique is used with the same statement at the beginning of the next shift from line 63-67. Hamlet is now hesitating over his perception of death as a peaceful escape by wondering about the mysteries of the afterlife, "what dreams may come when have shuffled off this mortal coil" (3.1.65-66). Through his diction, Hamlet introduces the next shift, lines 67-74, by addressing life as a "calamity" (3.1.68) that we only respect because of fear of the unknown. He uses logos to make this comparison of life and its struggles to a calamity. "Who would bear the whips and scorns of time" (3.1.69) is presented as ethos to provide credibility to the superhuman character that would be capable of having the knowledge. The next shift, lines 74-80, present another ethos, "the dread of something after death" (3.1.81), through the assumption that Hamlet's personal fear applies to others as well. The closing lines of the soliloquy, lines 81-86, allows Hamlet to expose his emotions regarding the revenge scheme, in which his conscience prevents him from taking action until the truth is confirmed. He again uses imagery and pathos to convey the cowardice of man in which the "native hue of resolution" (3.1.82) no longer exists and is replaced by a "pale cast of thought" (3.1.83). The final line of the speech reinforces the purpose as a whole- Hamlet's inability to act in the name of justice by "los[ing] the name of action" (3.1.86).
Acting Analysis
The scene begins with a wide-angle shot showing Hamlet's full body. It is initially over-the-shoulder and in a tight frame, symbolizing Hamlet's emotional entrapment as he stands at the edge of the frame. This component allows the audience to have both a personal and a distant connection with the character, as we can sense ourselves behind him and thus sympathizing with him but not being able to understand his emotions, as symbolized by the full-body shot. He begins to move closer to the mirror but the scene maintains the initial setting. As he pulls out a knife and moves it towards his face, the camera shifts solely to a close-up through the mirror, ignoring the over-the-shoulder aspect. Branagh's choice to film the character's close-up as a virtual image represents the audience's inability to truly comprehend his internal conflicts, viewing them only on the surface. There is a slight hint of background music in the scene since Hamlet delivers the speech in an increasingly personal whisper as it concludes. However, the bright lighting of the hall serves as a reminder for the audience of the presence of others in the scene and only a seemingly solitary environment.
Kenneth Branagh, as an actor and a director, portrayed the soliloquy in the most authentic manner out of the three. Laurence Olivier's portrayal did not show any indication of potential eavesdroppers and utilized dramatic music and computer-generated imagery to an unnecessary extent. However, because of Hamlet's harmony with nature (turbulent sea reflecting his emotions) and pauses at appropriate moments, I rank this depiction second. I tremendously disliked the Ethan Hawke portrayal because of its complete lack of authenticity in relation to the actual play. I disapprove of the director's choice to place Hamlet in the 21st century setting of a Blockbuster store as it removes the essence and purity of Shakespeare's work.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Blog #21: Hamlet Act 2 Social Media Assignment
Dear Followers,
Manners Maketh Man.
Oh, how does one display indifference?
Remain tranquil in a time of horror?
As Harry Hart did not utter a word in light of global bloodshed,
Oblivious to the deceits surrounding him,
His very own leader defrauding him, killing him!
How this refined feature resembles the rottenness in Denmark,
A leader, an uncle, a ruler, beloved to all
Except those that possess the misfortune of knowing the facts,
"For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak with most miraculous organ" (2.2.556-557).
The mystery of the classified agents, so intriguing in which one could not conclude
Who carries ill and who carries good,
Until all is exposed, and light sheds the darkness of the mountain.
When shall that day come forth in Denmark?
A season of fresh harvest in lieu of the stale tension,
Till then what am I to do? Incapable of fury upon my own father's murder,
Full of nothing but remorse at my deficiency.
"Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!" (2.2.542-543)
A boy from streets flashed more audacity than me!
A boy from streets recognized treachery ahead of me!
A boy from streets rose to power after the departure of his idol!
Am I no more than a boy from streets?
"I, the son of a dear father murdered,
Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell," (2.2.546-547)
Am deemed unfit by my own conscious to take vengeance against my kin,
Upholding the sanctity of the throne of Denmark, this prison that engulfs me.
"Tis none to [others], for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.
To me it is a prison" (2.2.249-251)
A mannered gentleman sacrificing his history for mankind, dead at the speed of a bullet!
Have mercy, Fortune! Us mortals "on Fortune's cap...are not the very button" (2.2.219).
Let it be. I must prepare myself.
I too will put on a wise disposition, becoming Eggsy,
Let me neglet the antics of my previous strategy and attack the true villain with wit.
As always, with devotion,
Hamlet
Tweets
- "For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak with most miraculous organ" (2.2.556-557)
Playing Operation for the first time. Didn't expect surgery to be this noisy #horseinhisleg #thisguyneedsmentalhelp
- "Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!" (2.2.542-543)
Name: Hamlet
Occupation: Prince of Denmark
Hobbies: Reading the thesaurus
#imsofancy #youalreadyknow #iminthefastlane #fromdenmarktowittenberg
- "I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell" (2.2.546-547)
Dad keeps giving me more chores. Won't be able to make it to the bar tonight :( #sorryguys #princelydutiesandallthat
- "Tis none to you, for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. To me it is a prison" (2.2.249-251)
Almost 30 and still living in my parents' basement. Probably should have gone back to school. #prisoncastle #unemployed
- "on Fortune's cap...are not the very button" (2.2.219)
Dad died. Mom doesn't care. Uncle is a criminal. My life is so perfect. #badluckbrian
Manners Maketh Man.
Oh, how does one display indifference?
Remain tranquil in a time of horror?
As Harry Hart did not utter a word in light of global bloodshed,
Oblivious to the deceits surrounding him,
His very own leader defrauding him, killing him!
How this refined feature resembles the rottenness in Denmark,
A leader, an uncle, a ruler, beloved to all
Except those that possess the misfortune of knowing the facts,
"For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak with most miraculous organ" (2.2.556-557).
The mystery of the classified agents, so intriguing in which one could not conclude
Who carries ill and who carries good,
Until all is exposed, and light sheds the darkness of the mountain.
When shall that day come forth in Denmark?
A season of fresh harvest in lieu of the stale tension,
Till then what am I to do? Incapable of fury upon my own father's murder,
Full of nothing but remorse at my deficiency.
"Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!" (2.2.542-543)
A boy from streets flashed more audacity than me!
A boy from streets recognized treachery ahead of me!
A boy from streets rose to power after the departure of his idol!
Am I no more than a boy from streets?
"I, the son of a dear father murdered,
Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell," (2.2.546-547)
Am deemed unfit by my own conscious to take vengeance against my kin,
Upholding the sanctity of the throne of Denmark, this prison that engulfs me.
"Tis none to [others], for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.
To me it is a prison" (2.2.249-251)
A mannered gentleman sacrificing his history for mankind, dead at the speed of a bullet!
Have mercy, Fortune! Us mortals "on Fortune's cap...are not the very button" (2.2.219).
Let it be. I must prepare myself.
I too will put on a wise disposition, becoming Eggsy,
Let me neglet the antics of my previous strategy and attack the true villain with wit.
As always, with devotion,
Hamlet
Tweets
- "For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak with most miraculous organ" (2.2.556-557)
Playing Operation for the first time. Didn't expect surgery to be this noisy #horseinhisleg #thisguyneedsmentalhelp
- "Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain!" (2.2.542-543)
Name: Hamlet
Occupation: Prince of Denmark
Hobbies: Reading the thesaurus
#imsofancy #youalreadyknow #iminthefastlane #fromdenmarktowittenberg
- "I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by heaven and hell" (2.2.546-547)
Dad keeps giving me more chores. Won't be able to make it to the bar tonight :( #sorryguys #princelydutiesandallthat
- "Tis none to you, for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. To me it is a prison" (2.2.249-251)
Almost 30 and still living in my parents' basement. Probably should have gone back to school. #prisoncastle #unemployed
- "on Fortune's cap...are not the very button" (2.2.219)
Dad died. Mom doesn't care. Uncle is a criminal. My life is so perfect. #badluckbrian
Monday, February 15, 2016
Blog #20: Hamlet Act 1 Social Media Assignment
{Write an entry as if you were Hamlet... about bumping into the
ghost and the "antic disposition" you're going to put on.}
Dear Followers,
Ever since I have examined and spoken to my father's ghost, I remain agitated and anxious about the forthcoming future. While I have explicitly told my dear friends, Horatio and Marcellus, to not speak about the happenings "For [their] desire to know what is between us" (1.5.142), I am conflicted as to how to hide my emotions now that I know of the King's true reason for death. What do I say when approached by Claudius, my uncle and now father? Before my father's passing, I would confer in my mother on my troubles and conflicts. But now, she will most certainly support her husband, who so evilly and cannily seduced to the throne. "My fate cries out/ And makes each petty artery in this body/ As hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve" (1.4.86-88). Is this in true sense my fate?
Ah how I remember that hour I spent in the ghost's presence. His demeanor so like my father, yet the cold aura so unlike his alive and warm character. Had I listened to my companions' advice and not followed the looming creature, I would not be in such combat against my own mind. I do express remorse over my affirmation to them "Why, what should be the fear?" (1.4.68). This fear in the incestuous blood that runs through my veins surpasses all others. Yet I still do not repent my doings as now I am able to rightfully take my revenge and partake in warfare against my own kin. Oh my father -his soul, a vision perhaps- how I thank thee for escaping the "prison house" (1.5.14) that entangles during daytime and singing as a canary the song of terror to your loyal, mournful son. So correct you were when you said "So art though to revenge when thou shalt hear" (1.5.7). I shall avenge your murder, father. No force in the land will avert me from this intention, not vile Claudius nor my vulgar mother.
As always, with devotion,
Hamlet
Tweets
- "For your desire to know what is between us" (1.5.142)
When your friends call to hang out but you got family drama at home #maybenextweekend #dadslecturingme #again
- "My fate cries out/ And makes each petty artery in this body/ As hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve" (1.4.86-88)
Just got back from the therapist... Something about putting "too much pressure on myself" #itsmyfateforgodssake #destinyiscalling #nbd
- "Why, what should be the fear?" (1.4.68)
Some say its just the hormones but I like to think I'm pretty badass #testosterone #rebellious #emoteenager #itsnotjustaphase
- "prison house" (1.5.14)
Dad's visiting from hell... Someone wasn't a good boy #didntmakeittoheaven #nogoodfoodinhell
- "So art though to revenge when thou shalt hear" (1.5.7)
Dad's got pretty high expectations for someone who dresses like its the 14th century #getwiththetimes #itsthe15thcenturynow #blackisin
Monday, January 25, 2016
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Blog #17: Daily Fishbowl Comments
Group 1: Response to Ashley Kramer (Jan 21, 2016)
http://kramerashleyaplit2015.blogspot.com/
First of all, the pasta was delicious and the fruit was a nice touch! I loved the originality of your idea in that you incorporated your friends and our current almost-adult situation into the project. Your poster was very well-organized and the baby pictures contributed to the notion of "growing up." As for the discussion, you substantially contributed to your group's topic of cultural clashes and movements within cultures. I especially like your point about physical appearances in Their Eyes Were Watching God and how Janie's hair gave her a sense of power and confidence over the people of Eatonville. I can connect this to Ms. Turner in the novel, who pressures Janie into establishing power and confidence against Tea Cake by using her fairly white skin as a weapon and running off with another man. Overall, all parts of your project, from the video to the discussion, were well-planned and demonstrated the effort you put in.
Group 2: Response to Grace Huang (Jan 22, 2016)
http://huanggraceapenglish2015.blogspot.com/
First of all, those dumplings were the best I've ever tasted! I'll definitely be using that recipe myself! I enjoyed your video and the memoir along with it. Incorporating your American friends when making the Chinese dumplings was a great idea as it coincided with your group's topic, developing one's identity. As for the discussion, I liked your embodiment of Rapunzel and the evolution of her thoughts and actions as her story progresses connecting to her changing identity. It definitely brought a new perspective to the significant subject of Janie's hair in Their Eyes Were Watching God. Overall, you were a vital part of the discussion and provided your opinion and analysis knowledgeably and respectfully.
Group 3: Response to Blake Nissen (Jan 25, 2016)
http://nissenblakeapenglish2015.blogspot.com/
Firstly, the presentation of your food and memoir were fantastic. I really enjoyed listening to your story because of the original yet spirited description of a typical upper class event and your family's role in it. Your poster also creatively highlighted the meaning of your memoir as a whole. You were a crucial member of the discussion, providing many constructively supporting and contradicting ideas to elaborate on others' questions and claims. One point of yours that I thought was particularly perceptive was Logan's role in Their Eyes Were Watching God. After hearing your argument on him empowering Janie the most because of the lack of restrictions he placed on her, I began to see the theme in a new light. I also found interesting the 'nature vs nurture' question you posed to the group in which you highlighted the behavior of the hawk in Ted Hughes' "Hawk Roosting." It led to fascinating developments as each group member provided a different perspective on the complex question. Overall, your entire project was expressive of both your personal experiences and the careful analysis of the texts.
Group 4: No Response/My Group (Jan 26, 2016)
Group 5: Response to Alex Chung (Jan 27-28, 2016)
http://chungalexanderenglishliterature2015.blogspot.com/
First of all, I really enjoyed the creativity of your food and memoir. I thought it was interesting that you chose something as common as coffee yet added your own flair to the presentation. Your poster was also very vivid and engaging in its unique format. As for the discussion, you asked very perceptive questions and offered strong responses to those of others. I particularly liked your question about the "Hero's Journey" and Janie's biggest downfall in Their Eyes Were Watching God. I too thought that with Jody, Janie was the unhappiest and was therefore at the most unstable point in her life. Additionally, your allusions to The Great Gatsby were notable in that you looked beyond the surface of both novels and into the reliability of the narrator. Finally, I found intriguing your argument about Jody pressured to do well in society by the people of Eatonville since we, as readers, tend to focus most of the analysis on Janie and do not give Jody the benefit of doubt. This can connect back to your uncertainty about the narrator as Janie's perspective does not provide us with distinct views into the conditions of other characters. Overall, your presence was significant to the flow of the discussion and your memoir reflected the effort you put into the project.
http://kramerashleyaplit2015.blogspot.com/
First of all, the pasta was delicious and the fruit was a nice touch! I loved the originality of your idea in that you incorporated your friends and our current almost-adult situation into the project. Your poster was very well-organized and the baby pictures contributed to the notion of "growing up." As for the discussion, you substantially contributed to your group's topic of cultural clashes and movements within cultures. I especially like your point about physical appearances in Their Eyes Were Watching God and how Janie's hair gave her a sense of power and confidence over the people of Eatonville. I can connect this to Ms. Turner in the novel, who pressures Janie into establishing power and confidence against Tea Cake by using her fairly white skin as a weapon and running off with another man. Overall, all parts of your project, from the video to the discussion, were well-planned and demonstrated the effort you put in.
Group 2: Response to Grace Huang (Jan 22, 2016)
http://huanggraceapenglish2015.blogspot.com/
First of all, those dumplings were the best I've ever tasted! I'll definitely be using that recipe myself! I enjoyed your video and the memoir along with it. Incorporating your American friends when making the Chinese dumplings was a great idea as it coincided with your group's topic, developing one's identity. As for the discussion, I liked your embodiment of Rapunzel and the evolution of her thoughts and actions as her story progresses connecting to her changing identity. It definitely brought a new perspective to the significant subject of Janie's hair in Their Eyes Were Watching God. Overall, you were a vital part of the discussion and provided your opinion and analysis knowledgeably and respectfully.
Group 3: Response to Blake Nissen (Jan 25, 2016)
http://nissenblakeapenglish2015.blogspot.com/
Firstly, the presentation of your food and memoir were fantastic. I really enjoyed listening to your story because of the original yet spirited description of a typical upper class event and your family's role in it. Your poster also creatively highlighted the meaning of your memoir as a whole. You were a crucial member of the discussion, providing many constructively supporting and contradicting ideas to elaborate on others' questions and claims. One point of yours that I thought was particularly perceptive was Logan's role in Their Eyes Were Watching God. After hearing your argument on him empowering Janie the most because of the lack of restrictions he placed on her, I began to see the theme in a new light. I also found interesting the 'nature vs nurture' question you posed to the group in which you highlighted the behavior of the hawk in Ted Hughes' "Hawk Roosting." It led to fascinating developments as each group member provided a different perspective on the complex question. Overall, your entire project was expressive of both your personal experiences and the careful analysis of the texts.
Group 4: No Response/My Group (Jan 26, 2016)
Group 5: Response to Alex Chung (Jan 27-28, 2016)
http://chungalexanderenglishliterature2015.blogspot.com/
First of all, I really enjoyed the creativity of your food and memoir. I thought it was interesting that you chose something as common as coffee yet added your own flair to the presentation. Your poster was also very vivid and engaging in its unique format. As for the discussion, you asked very perceptive questions and offered strong responses to those of others. I particularly liked your question about the "Hero's Journey" and Janie's biggest downfall in Their Eyes Were Watching God. I too thought that with Jody, Janie was the unhappiest and was therefore at the most unstable point in her life. Additionally, your allusions to The Great Gatsby were notable in that you looked beyond the surface of both novels and into the reliability of the narrator. Finally, I found intriguing your argument about Jody pressured to do well in society by the people of Eatonville since we, as readers, tend to focus most of the analysis on Janie and do not give Jody the benefit of doubt. This can connect back to your uncertainty about the narrator as Janie's perspective does not provide us with distinct views into the conditions of other characters. Overall, your presence was significant to the flow of the discussion and your memoir reflected the effort you put into the project.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)