By this time my group has agreed to read up to the middle of the book, which is around pg. 200-225. Though, as the book has been so good, and quite exciting up to this point, I couldn't help but to read ahead a little bit. But, I tried to pae myself as I did not want to get too far ahead into my readings.
Our group discussions, thus far have been really well. I think that we have progressed a lot as a group as we talk more, and we help each other build up to questions. We learn with every group discussion and I am very proud of my group.
Some of the things we talked about, as we were still not quite exactly divulged into the real story behind the book, I presume, are the settings and the many different themes that this book has, as well as the main words that could be used to describe this book, and the layers and connections behind what has been happening so far. For our past discussions we used the words conflict and darkness as we thought that those two words have been the most fitting to our discussions. We talked about the conflict between Katherine and Mal'akh and Robert's conflict with the entire situation, and we mixed in how darkness is incorporated through Mal'akh's possible intentions.
Does evil or fear lead one to the following; experience of violence, infliction of violence and/or observation of violence?
Yes. By now, we have learned that Mal'akh went after the family years ago Mrs. Solomon. However, after Peter Solomon had chased him down and made Mal'akh run off a cliff into an icy river. This perhaps, made him extremely upset, which is why he chose to come back after him. Howevery, I am sure that something else must have happened previously for him to want to come in and kill the Solomon family.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
summative #2
On Monday (April, 4th), we all had a chance to do some silent reading and the people in my group either finished the novel or only had a few chapters left to go. Afterwards we quietly worked on the worksheet where we found individual quotes from the book. This week, we really focused on imagery, so the quotes had to incorporate poetic devices such as metaphors, and similies to help build on the imagery used in this novel. This eventually lead to our discussion about how this imagery is used to really develop the themes, as well as the many layers of this novel. Though we did not have as much time as we would have liked to discuss everything, what we did get to talk about were some of the major points as this novel has such an immense amount of imagery.
One part of the novel that we focused many of our quotes on, were from the climax of the story. Robert Langdon, and Katherine Solomon have been tricked and are captured by Mal'akh. Katherine has been tied up, and Robert has been placed inside a coffin like box that is slowly filling up with fluid.
That scene reminds of episodes of fear factor where the contestants are placed in boxes and the are filled with/ or are being filled up with fluids/ bugs. I can only imagine that the fear that they had to go through is what Robert Langdon. must've felt as well. In these shows, you can see that the contestants or their partners are desperately trying to do everything they can to get the contestant out of the box. Which is like how Katherine pleaded for Mal'akh to let him go, or how Robert, with lack of thinking, considering his circumstances, thought extremely hard and told Mal'akh how to solve the pyramid.
We didn't really focus on the characters too much this time, as we mostly focused on how the imagery especially helped with the mood, and the setting. It also helped express the different layers that were occuring during these past few chapters. Considering the events that were happening it is easy to see that as a first layer it conveyed scenes and moods of evil and darkness. The imagery really helps build on the why's. Why is this evil and darkness being portrayed. Piece by piece the story was finally coming together, and Mal'ahk's reasonings started to become unveiled. If we peel another layer off, I believe that emotions would be next and Mal'ahk's raw feelings of frustration, and hatred really shine through. The imagery also helps us connect with the characters feelings throughout the novel, like when Langdon says that, "his lungs felt you can like they were filled with sand." When one attempts to imagine that, you can imagine yourself feeling extremely heavy, and all you want to do is reach out, get the the weight out of your lungs, and get air to breathe in. Which is presumably what drowning feels like and is exactly what Mr. Langdon was feeling at the time.
On Wednesday, Katie and I were not present for a majority of the class due to Chimo.
One part of the novel that we focused many of our quotes on, were from the climax of the story. Robert Langdon, and Katherine Solomon have been tricked and are captured by Mal'akh. Katherine has been tied up, and Robert has been placed inside a coffin like box that is slowly filling up with fluid.
That scene reminds of episodes of fear factor where the contestants are placed in boxes and the are filled with/ or are being filled up with fluids/ bugs. I can only imagine that the fear that they had to go through is what Robert Langdon. must've felt as well. In these shows, you can see that the contestants or their partners are desperately trying to do everything they can to get the contestant out of the box. Which is like how Katherine pleaded for Mal'akh to let him go, or how Robert, with lack of thinking, considering his circumstances, thought extremely hard and told Mal'akh how to solve the pyramid.
We didn't really focus on the characters too much this time, as we mostly focused on how the imagery especially helped with the mood, and the setting. It also helped express the different layers that were occuring during these past few chapters. Considering the events that were happening it is easy to see that as a first layer it conveyed scenes and moods of evil and darkness. The imagery really helps build on the why's. Why is this evil and darkness being portrayed. Piece by piece the story was finally coming together, and Mal'ahk's reasonings started to become unveiled. If we peel another layer off, I believe that emotions would be next and Mal'ahk's raw feelings of frustration, and hatred really shine through. The imagery also helps us connect with the characters feelings throughout the novel, like when Langdon says that, "his lungs felt you can like they were filled with sand." When one attempts to imagine that, you can imagine yourself feeling extremely heavy, and all you want to do is reach out, get the the weight out of your lungs, and get air to breathe in. Which is presumably what drowning feels like and is exactly what Mr. Langdon was feeling at the time.
On Wednesday, Katie and I were not present for a majority of the class due to Chimo.
This journal is better because I added a connection as well as some details.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Formative Journal # 3
On Monday (April, 4th), we all had a chance to do some silent reading and the people in my group either finished the novel or only had a few chapters left to go. Afterwards we quietly worked on the worksheet where we found individual quotes from the book. This week, we really focused on imagery, so the quotes had to incorporate poetic devices such as metaphors, and similies to help build on the imagery used in this novel. This eventually lead to our discussion about how this imagery is used to really develop the themes, as well as the many layers of this novel. Though we did not have as much time as we would have liked to discuss everything, what we did get to talk about were some of the major points as this novel has such an immense amount of imagery.
One part of the novel that we focused many of our quotes on, were from the climax of the story. Robert Langdon, and Katherine Solomon have been tricked and are captured by Mal'akh. Katherine has been tied up, and Robert has been placed inside a coffin like box that is slowly filling up with fluid.
We didn't really focus on the characters too much this time, as we mostly focused on how the imagery especially helped with the mood, and the setting. It also helped express the different layers that were occuring during these past few chapters. Considering the events that were happening it is easy to see that as a first layer it conveyed scenes and moods of evil and darkness. The imagery really helps build on the why's. Why is this evil and darkness being portrayed. Piece by piece the story was finally coming together, and Mal'ahk's reasonings started to become unveiled. If we peel another layer off, I believe that emotions would be next and Mal'ahk's raw feelings of frustration, and hatred really shine through.
On Wednesday, Katie and I were not present for a majority of the class due to Chimo.
One part of the novel that we focused many of our quotes on, were from the climax of the story. Robert Langdon, and Katherine Solomon have been tricked and are captured by Mal'akh. Katherine has been tied up, and Robert has been placed inside a coffin like box that is slowly filling up with fluid.
We didn't really focus on the characters too much this time, as we mostly focused on how the imagery especially helped with the mood, and the setting. It also helped express the different layers that were occuring during these past few chapters. Considering the events that were happening it is easy to see that as a first layer it conveyed scenes and moods of evil and darkness. The imagery really helps build on the why's. Why is this evil and darkness being portrayed. Piece by piece the story was finally coming together, and Mal'ahk's reasonings started to become unveiled. If we peel another layer off, I believe that emotions would be next and Mal'ahk's raw feelings of frustration, and hatred really shine through.
On Wednesday, Katie and I were not present for a majority of the class due to Chimo.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
response
Why was homework done during class? Hmmm??? Why do we question these things about darkness? WHy should we accept them? True both exiist, but could we not strive for a perfect worls? Although everyones peception differs one can work towards it. Is that not why hope exisits? Can yoyu try and bring in some more specific egs in your writing as well. GOod thoughts and points that you have mentioned.
Why is there darkness in humanity?
Darkness can be viewed in a literal form and/or in an emotional and implicational form. Literally, darkness is an essential part of life that has to occur in order for everyone to have a full day. However, if we look at it like a connotation it is still just as essential in life as it is literally. Darkness/evil, happens, I believe because we let it happen. But, if we didn't let it happen we could possibly be living in a stereotypical, 'perfect world' which from experience that we have learned that it cannot exist, and darkness will eventually come in, and over power whatever eutopia like life we had. It will always be a part of our lives, so why do we question it.
Monday, November 15, 2010
ACT ONE ; Scene 6&7 Understanding
The EQ's that my group has decided to use for our project are:
What is integrity? & How do we deal with conflicting elements within our personalities?
Act One; Scene Six
This is the scene where King Duncan arrives at Macbeth's and there he is greeted by Lady Macbeth. She greets him with utter respect and politeness, as a hostess should and as he is the King. This scene is extremely controversial and questions Lady Macbeth's integrity as she treats him with such politeness in this scene, but in truth she is just acting this way and really plans to murder him in his sleep. This is why we chose the question, "What is integrity?" Integrity is a moral or a principle, it is a virtue. It's a sense of wholeness, and honesty which Lady Macbeth has clearly lost, as she is willing to go through with murder, to fulfull her desires.
Act One; Scene Seven
In this scene Macbeth decides that he no longer wants to procede with the murdering of King Duncan. He has come up with numerous reasons and as he explains to Lady Macbeth, she becomes very upset and accuses him of his weak nature, and how he is a coward, and that she has more courage than he does. She eventually convinces him that this is their desire, and that they must continue on with the murder. With this scene we decided to ask the question, "How do we deal with conflicting elements within our personalities?" It seemed to be a fitting question as Macbeth is in a conflict with his personality and his desire. Though he wants to be King, as he is an honest, and loyal person, he must weigh over his options. What is more important? His desires, or his integrity?
What is integrity? & How do we deal with conflicting elements within our personalities?
Act One; Scene Six
This is the scene where King Duncan arrives at Macbeth's and there he is greeted by Lady Macbeth. She greets him with utter respect and politeness, as a hostess should and as he is the King. This scene is extremely controversial and questions Lady Macbeth's integrity as she treats him with such politeness in this scene, but in truth she is just acting this way and really plans to murder him in his sleep. This is why we chose the question, "What is integrity?" Integrity is a moral or a principle, it is a virtue. It's a sense of wholeness, and honesty which Lady Macbeth has clearly lost, as she is willing to go through with murder, to fulfull her desires.
Act One; Scene Seven
In this scene Macbeth decides that he no longer wants to procede with the murdering of King Duncan. He has come up with numerous reasons and as he explains to Lady Macbeth, she becomes very upset and accuses him of his weak nature, and how he is a coward, and that she has more courage than he does. She eventually convinces him that this is their desire, and that they must continue on with the murder. With this scene we decided to ask the question, "How do we deal with conflicting elements within our personalities?" It seemed to be a fitting question as Macbeth is in a conflict with his personality and his desire. Though he wants to be King, as he is an honest, and loyal person, he must weigh over his options. What is more important? His desires, or his integrity?
ACT ONE - Response
How far is one willing to ''go'' to get what they desire most?
All of us desire something, or at least we have one point in out lives. Whether it be it be for material objects such as food, or clothing, or technology, or for future dreams, hopes and goals. With most people, when we desire something, we are able to overcome whatever obstacle that may be in our way, and reach what we want to acheive, or obtain. Some of these may be small obstacles. For example, if a person wanted to buy an I-pod, and did not have any money, they could wait for their birthday, or Christmas ( if celebrated ), or, they could find a job, save and buy it. However, only some of our desires are like the example given. Other desires that people have take much patience and persistence. But, at what lengths are people willing to go, and get what they desire?
Macbeth desires to be the King, but sees no reason to have to commit the crime of murder in order to obtain that title. He instead comes up with reasons not to do so. He states that he is the king's "kinsmen"(pg.57 - 13) and "subject"(pg.57 - 13), and that he is the "host"(pg.57 - 14), and that as a host he should turn his head against murder, and protect the king, and not be the murderer himself. As he lists reasons in his mind as to why he should not murder the king, he realizes that he has "no spur" to kill the king, except for his ambition to be the king. As he Lady Macbeth enters, he explains to her his thoughts about not killing the king. She is terribly distraught at this idea as she wants to be queen herself, and reminds Macbeth of his desires to be King. She questions his manhood, as he had promised her to go through with this plan that they had created. She also convinces him that he himself wants to be king, and how he is supposed to be king as the witches showed them this, as his fate. Now, even though Macbeth was supposedly loyal to the king, they are both commited to the idea of Macbeth becoming the next king, and are willing to commit the sin of murder to obtain their greatest desire.
All of us desire something, or at least we have one point in out lives. Whether it be it be for material objects such as food, or clothing, or technology, or for future dreams, hopes and goals. With most people, when we desire something, we are able to overcome whatever obstacle that may be in our way, and reach what we want to acheive, or obtain. Some of these may be small obstacles. For example, if a person wanted to buy an I-pod, and did not have any money, they could wait for their birthday, or Christmas ( if celebrated ), or, they could find a job, save and buy it. However, only some of our desires are like the example given. Other desires that people have take much patience and persistence. But, at what lengths are people willing to go, and get what they desire?
Macbeth desires to be the King, but sees no reason to have to commit the crime of murder in order to obtain that title. He instead comes up with reasons not to do so. He states that he is the king's "kinsmen"(pg.57 - 13) and "subject"(pg.57 - 13), and that he is the "host"(pg.57 - 14), and that as a host he should turn his head against murder, and protect the king, and not be the murderer himself. As he lists reasons in his mind as to why he should not murder the king, he realizes that he has "no spur" to kill the king, except for his ambition to be the king. As he Lady Macbeth enters, he explains to her his thoughts about not killing the king. She is terribly distraught at this idea as she wants to be queen herself, and reminds Macbeth of his desires to be King. She questions his manhood, as he had promised her to go through with this plan that they had created. She also convinces him that he himself wants to be king, and how he is supposed to be king as the witches showed them this, as his fate. Now, even though Macbeth was supposedly loyal to the king, they are both commited to the idea of Macbeth becoming the next king, and are willing to commit the sin of murder to obtain their greatest desire.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Identity Poem
Identityby Julio Noboa Polanco
Let them be as flowers,
always watered, fed, guarded, admired,
but harnessed to a pot of dirt.
I'd rather be a tall, ugly weed,
clinging on cliffs, like an eagle
wind-wavering above high, jagged rocks.
To have broken through the surface of stone,
to live, to feel exposed to the madness
of the vast, eternal sky.
To be swayed by the breezes of an ancient sea,
carrying my soul, my seed,
beyond the mountains of time or into the abyss of the bizarre.
I'd rather be unseen, and if
then shunned by everyone,
than to be a pleasant-smelling flower,
growing in clusters in the fertile valley,
where they're praised, handled, and plucked
by greedy, human hands.
I'd rather smell of musty, green stench
than of sweet, fragrant lilac.
If I could stand alone, strong and free,
I'd rather be a tall, ugly weed.
--------------------------------------------------
EQ: What does it mean to be an Insider or an Outsider?
In a stereotypical sense, to be an "insider" is to be the 'popular' one. The one that everybody knows, and treats well. Whereas being an "outsider" is to be the 'outcast'; the person looking in through the window. Though, realistically speaking, is it really that much better to be the insider? Perhaps, the insider is the person looking out through the window. I think that being an insider requires many expectations, and does not allow much room for change. However, an outsider, without having much expectations to be something, has a lot of room to explore, grow, change.
This poem is a perfect example of being an insider and an outsider. In this poem the flowers are the insiders and the weed is the outsider. Where the flowers are pampered with water sprinkled upon them daily, and being adorn by all those who pass by. These flowers are expected to be looked at, an eye catcher if you will, and the minute they begin to wilt a lot, they will be replaced with new flowers. On the otherhand, the weed that is standing outside on the cliffs, has survived through rainstorms, heavy snowfalls, and has gotten to experience the beautiful rays of sunshine. It stands "strong and free" (21), and unlike the flowers, will not be replaced because it is no longer good enough to be an insider. Perhaps being an outsider, isn't all that bad at all.
Let them be as flowers,
always watered, fed, guarded, admired,
but harnessed to a pot of dirt.
I'd rather be a tall, ugly weed,
clinging on cliffs, like an eagle
wind-wavering above high, jagged rocks.
To have broken through the surface of stone,
to live, to feel exposed to the madness
of the vast, eternal sky.
To be swayed by the breezes of an ancient sea,
carrying my soul, my seed,
beyond the mountains of time or into the abyss of the bizarre.
I'd rather be unseen, and if
then shunned by everyone,
than to be a pleasant-smelling flower,
growing in clusters in the fertile valley,
where they're praised, handled, and plucked
by greedy, human hands.
I'd rather smell of musty, green stench
than of sweet, fragrant lilac.
If I could stand alone, strong and free,
I'd rather be a tall, ugly weed.
--------------------------------------------------
EQ: What does it mean to be an Insider or an Outsider?
In a stereotypical sense, to be an "insider" is to be the 'popular' one. The one that everybody knows, and treats well. Whereas being an "outsider" is to be the 'outcast'; the person looking in through the window. Though, realistically speaking, is it really that much better to be the insider? Perhaps, the insider is the person looking out through the window. I think that being an insider requires many expectations, and does not allow much room for change. However, an outsider, without having much expectations to be something, has a lot of room to explore, grow, change.
This poem is a perfect example of being an insider and an outsider. In this poem the flowers are the insiders and the weed is the outsider. Where the flowers are pampered with water sprinkled upon them daily, and being adorn by all those who pass by. These flowers are expected to be looked at, an eye catcher if you will, and the minute they begin to wilt a lot, they will be replaced with new flowers. On the otherhand, the weed that is standing outside on the cliffs, has survived through rainstorms, heavy snowfalls, and has gotten to experience the beautiful rays of sunshine. It stands "strong and free" (21), and unlike the flowers, will not be replaced because it is no longer good enough to be an insider. Perhaps being an outsider, isn't all that bad at all.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Charmer
I am relating this balance scale to the short story, "The Charmer." Balance scales, in everday use are to balance items out, or to see what weighs more. If something weighed more, one side would be closer to the bottom and the other would be higher, closer to the top. However, in this case, I believe that a balance scale is a good way to show power. Though we cannot show power physically, it is easy to see that in this story the power is not balanced out. Zach, clearly has more power, than the family for the most part of the story. It may not really seem like it, but the fact that he was able to do anything he wanted, and get away with it, showed power. He knew how to control his power in order to munipulate others to do what he wanted. In this story Zach would be on the heavier side of the scale, and the rest of the family would be on the other. However, in the end, his father steps up, and uses his authority to tell Zach what his final options were. To help with whatever the family needed, or to leave. Now, the balance scale is more evened, and/or the family side of the scale is higher.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Dear Brother
Bernice Friesen, in her short story, "Brother Dear" created three main characters, each with their own unique identities. The father who never got to achieve his dreams in going to university and becoming a doctor, wants his children to go to university and fulfill dreams he never got to accomplish. Sharlene, the younger sister, wants to travel before going to university but does not want to disappoint her father, and Greg the older brother who chooses his own future, even though his father does not approve. I believe that I relate most to Greg, the elder brother. I think this because within the past few months I too had to make a decision for myself that would disappoint others, but would fulfill my dream. I've wanted to come to McMath since a very young age, but because of boundary areas I was not able to. However, this year I had the opportunity to come with an almost guarantee chance to get into the school. It was a difficult choice because by now, it is my fourth year in high school, and at my former school, I had already created a strong identity for myself. I was the student council president-to-be, I was on sports teams, I did the morning announcements, I was well known and well liked around my school. Though, when opportunity struck, I took a leap of faith and left the school I was now so used to. It was a difficult decision, as I did not want to disappoint my fellow classmates, but I was unhappy. I wanted to do what would satisfy myself, rather than do what I was expected to do. Which is what Greg did as well. He made a decision for himself, even though he knew that it would not please his father. It may sound selfish, and whether we made the right decision or not, I couldn't say, but what I do know is that life isn't about always pleasing others, you're allowed to make your own choices too, even if it's not what everyone else may want. This is why I believe that I relate most with Greg.
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