Close Reading 12/16

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/18/opinion/the-gun-challenge-reason-for-hope.html?hp&_r=0

America has been through tragedy after tragedy. Recently, there was a shooting of an elementary school and 20 children were shot and killed. This article is based off of this event and it is making the point that America needs to change and adjust with regards to gun control laws. There needs to be some sort of adjustment made in America to overcome these tragic events because America has become so modern and the use of guns needs to be reduced. the use of detail, diction, and language assists the idea and voice being portrayed.

The detail in this piece contains examples of tragedies in America's history and how we have over come them. For example, the author said that we are a "country that recoiled in horror at the Triangle shirtwaist factory and took steps to protect the lives of factory workers". This is showing the efforts out forth to change the way America was running; it's time to change gun laws. What about discrimination? This country went to great measures to create equality for all. All of this detail describing American adds to the idea of gun control needing more regulation.

This editorial also contains superb diction. For instance, the phrase "find hope in the determination" is used to create a major effect that was brought upon an innocent elementary school. Even "Democrats with 'A' ratings" are discussing the change that is in sight due to gun violence. The phrase above is great diction because it describes the Democrats as very highly ranked, and this is used as evidence that a change is needed.It is important to include such strong words because it helps create the strong voice of the piece.

The voice would not be as strong without the use of language. When one hears the words "murders of 20 children", there is a sort of cringing, twist of the stomach emotion that is evoked. It is such an unbelievable event that the right language helps to persuade the audience of the importance of gun control. The author even criticizes Obama's failure to do anything about the gun control laws. By using the phrase "mass killing during his tenure, people are drawn away from the Obama administration's doings because nobody is pleased by the words "mass killing". Emotion is strongly evoked throughout the language of the piece.

The fact that America needs to take a stand against gun violence is constructed here, and the voice of the piece is enhanced by the use of detail, diction, and language.

Open Prompt 12/9

1970 Also. Choose a work of recognized literary merit in which a specific inanimate object (e.g., a seashell, a handkerchief, a painting) is important, and write an essay in which you show how two or three of the purposes the object serves are related to one another.

"The Great Gatsby" is a novel of great literary merit, and it has been used time and time again as a representation of America's history. Not only does the novel itself contain examples into the past of America, but it also creates symbols that are used to portray these ideas. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock showcases the many thoughts of Jay Gatsby and more importantly America.

As Jay Gatsby looks across the water from his own land, he admires the green light that comes from the end of Daisy's dock. Gatsby and Daisy have a history between them, which Gatsby cannot seem to get off of his mind. As he looks into the glow of the light he reminisces on his past, and he remains hopeful for the future. All of his hopes and dreams for the future are presented through this one, important symbol. His love for Daisy is prominent throughout the entire novel. The green light is only a symbol of his adoration.

The American Dream seems to be a major theme throughout the novel, as well. Gatsby's longing for the unattainable (Daisy), is symbolic of the way America has been. For instance, many American's look forward to the picture perfect lifestyle; a family, stable job, and money. However, for many American's this is a difficult goal to reach. Because the green light symbolizes Gatsby's goals for the future that are unlikely, it is clear that the American Dream is portrayed through the light, too.

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is such a simple roadmap that guides us through the novel's ideas. Nevertheless, it is quite important to the understanding of the story. The green light is entirely basic, but it creates great themes and meanings throughout the play, and portrays America and a man's hopes for the future. 

Death of a Salesman Analysis 12/3

Author: Arthur Miller

• From New York City
• Studied at University of Michigan

Tone: kind, yet honest

• Takes the sensitive scenes into a kind, tender way
• Ensures that it is still honest

Symbols:

• Stockings-Linda versus Woman, main issue in the affair
• Rubber Hose-Willy is planning on committing suicide
• Diamonds-represents the materialistic view point in America

Setting: 

• 1940s with daydreams into Willy's past
• Loman Household
• Brooklyn, New York
• Trips to Boston

Plot:

Willy Loman is a salesman in New York, and he has two aspiring sons. One of his sons Biff, has been Willy's "favorite"and Willy has the greatest expectations for Biff. However, Biff doesn't always agree with his father, and therefore they argue a lot. Willy has many daydreams to his past, and the way he ideally thought life was going to go for him; he was caught in a dream. Biff discovers his father having an affair and loses trust. The book is centralized around materialism and the effects of materials on society. 

Significant Characters:

• Willy: salesman, father, husband, caught in a dream, suicidal
• Biff: son of Willy, trying to be independent, wants to be on his own, tries to get his point across to Willy

Quotes:

"Why is he crying"-Willy Loman

• He says this while Biff breaks down and cries to him because of the life he has lived, and he is trying to help Willy to see reality. Willy takes meaning to Biff's crying and feels almost complete and important to his son's life.

"Diamond is hard and rough to the touch."-Willy Loman

• A diamond is a symbol for money and the materials yearned for in society. There is difficult to reaching a diamond, as it is to earn money.

Theme: The American Dream

• "Well-liked", "attractive" people are successful. You can't get anywhere with out good looks and personality.
• Materialism is prominent in the dream. Money is yearned for, and items are prized.
• Hard work=success
• Willy's Dream vs. His own life

Course Material 12/2

Let's see, where should I begin? Well, "Death of a Salesman" turned out to have similar meanings to "The American Dream", and that must be one of the reasons why we studied it! Making connections. That seems to be what this class is primarily about. I've seen a connection throughout all of the assignments and readings. DIDLS is always around during and outside of class. It has actually been quite useful. It was part of the terms test; it was part of the textbook readings. Annotations revolve around DIDLS, and the in class activities improve our understanding of it. Last "Course Material" blog, I was critiqued (by Matthew Hammerly) that I did not make connections in that blog. However, it made me realize that I need to think about that more and respond to it more deeply. (Thanks, Matthew:)) Anyway, you know what I don't like? Peer responses. I appreciate the feedback, but I don't really like get feedback from my peers; sometimes there seems to be a little bit of competitive edge. However, I suppose it is helpful, and it gives me the opportunity to improve.
We are just starting "Hamlet", and I just don't understand a word of it. That is all. Wish me luck!

Close Reading 11/18

http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/414/using-online-forums-in-language-learning-and-education

It has been studied that the use of Technology enhances the learning of students. This day and age, technology is being developed rapidly, and this article explains just that. Its use of diction, syntax, and detail help to define the use of technology for learning.

The author of "Using Online Forums in Language Learning and Education", Manprit Kaur, uses diction to show the importance of technology for students. "A key reason" is used to point out the idea that forums improve learning and teaching. He used the phrase "rapid development" to help readers determine the actual effect of these online uses, and it helps with the understanding of the main point. The phrase "face-to-face discussion" is used to determine the fact that online assignments help with in class activities because the ideas have already been portrayed on line.

Syntax is used in the structure of the article. For instance, the author organized the article into parts. This makes the article easier to interpret be cause he is answering four main questions in different sections. His sections consist of "What are the benefits of online forums?", "What are the characteristics of a good online forum?", "Do online forums improve students' writing skills", and "Do online forums improve students' communication skills?". He goes on to answer each of these important questions individually.

The detail within the article also falls under the different sections. When he is describing the benefits of online forums, he describes that students are "found to be in favor of the self-paced, self-regulated...discussions". He proves that the online forums are just a different form of discussion where you can get your thoughts down in words and communicate through the internet.

Prompt 11/11

1975 Also. Unlike the novelist, the writer of a play does not use his own voice and only rarely uses a narrator's voice to guide the audience's responses to character and action. Select a play you have read and write an essay in which you explain the techniques the playwright uses to guide his audience's responses to the central characters and the action. You might consider the effect on the audience of things like setting, the use of comparable and contrasting characters, and the characters' responses to each other. Support your argument with specific references to the play. Do not give a plot summary.

Edward Albee wrote the famous play, "The American Dream". He portrays a little American family that is greatly concerned with materialism, consumerism, and sexuality. The use of his characters and text creates a message and a voice that was meant to show his ideas of the real american dream. The setting, and characteristics of the characters shows the idea of Albee's writing.

The setting takes place in the home of Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma. Grandma is a kind character, and she represents the old American dream by the way she is being pushed away from the family. When the young man shows up, he is representing the new american dream. He is young, fresh, and attractive, which is exactly what Mommy and Daddy are searching for, for themselves. The way that Mommy is obsessed with materials shows the idea that America is caught up in materialism and consumerism. Mommy ensures that Daddy is listening to her story about "buying a new hat yesterday" (58). The home and the people living in the home interact with each other in a way that represents society. 

Albee is attempting to give a new perspective to the way society is changing and what people are now accepting as "The American Dream".

Course Material 11/04

We went over "The American Dream" extensively, and at first, it seemed tedious but it really helped understand the meaning (or meanings) of the play. Of course, having discussions everyday about the different elements of the play was not all that exciting; however, it began to make sense. I never would have figured out the hidden ideas that Edward Albee was trying to get through if it wasn't for our discussions. It all connects! Who knew? Along with the play, I was able to get a better grip on DIDLS because we certainly looked for each technique throughout the play, especially during our close reading. DIDLS keeps returning, and it is a reoccurring subject that I am improving on.

Now, how about that terms test? It was killer. However, I think it was a college level analysis, and it was kind of a reality check. I thought I was making good connections with the vocabulary in class activities, but it was not easy to pick out different techniques used in such..unique..pieces of literature on the test. It was just difficult for me. Extra credit? I need it!

As for our blogs, it has been interesting to create my own posts and then read a few others. I never really realized the different writing techniques that people use, and it is good to take a look at what my peers are writing. However, I don't quite like hearing my peers' comments on my blogs; I understand how it is helpful for both parties, though. It can be discouraging when a classmate points out a mistake that seems so silly, but that is also why it is helpful. Otherwise, it is probably beneficial to hear the criticism not matter how much I dislike it. No offense to whoever is responding this time!

Overall, AP Lit is giving me good experience so far, and the material is definitely what I need to be learning in order to prepare for college, even though it is not easy. We are just starting "Death of a Salesman", can't wait to see what is in store this time!