The final blog!

Looking back at all my blog posts made me realize the importance of blogging. Throughout the year I never looked forward to the weekly blog, but now I see that a blog is a way to express yourself. Everyone got to type their opinions and share them with the many other students in Mrs. Gilman's English class; even the quiet students who rarely ever share were given a voice. My blog has taught me to open up and share my ideas. After reading my blog I noticed that the first few were very organized and sounded like an essay, but as the year progressed my writing style and voice transformed. My writing began to sound more like I was speaking to the reader or like the reader was listening to my thoughts; I could see where I began to feel more comfortable expressing my own view on a situation. Also, my opinions have definately changed. While reading my past blogs I continually disagreed with what I wrote, for example in the "Writing About Reading" blog I wrote that I can read in loud places, but once I read that I immediately realized that now reading isn't an easy task for me when there's noise surrounding me. One of the blogs that I read that I was amazed by was the Animal Farm project. For the project I wrote a poem and the thing that amazed me was the little details that I put in it; I felt proud that that was the poem I had written. Speaking of animals, I noticed that I used birds as metaphors quite a bit...okay well only twice, but those were about the only two times where we had to think of a metaphor for the book we were reading in class. Throughout the year the blog has helped me develop a multitude of skills. It has taught me a new way of writing, embedding/citing quotes, supporting my main points, creating imagery, finding themes, literary analysis, and many more skills that will help me throughout my english(and possible college) career. Seeing my development through the year is a great experience. I get to see that I have learned and matured throughout my year in honors english. Also, we blogged about almost every book we read in class and we had to discuss the literary analysis behind each book multiple times. I discovered just how much I worked on analyzing those books and how it paid off in the end. By reading the blogs for the books I saw that Great Expectations was definately the book that I seemed the understand the most, even though it was very long. I feel that this blog is about self expression and learning how to state your opinions and feelings. Don Miguel Ruiz once said, "The freedom we are looking for is the freedom to be ourselves, to express ourselves." By expressing ourselves we find who we are. The blog has made my voice louder; I've learned that sharing your ideas not only helps your brain develop, but it also helps you develop who you are.

Essay Writing: Challenges and Congquests

Am I an accomplished essayist? Well, throughout the year I've definately learned and aquired the skills to write a good essay, but I don't consider myself an accomplished essayist. There are still things that I could do differently and many skills that I will learn in the years to come. Also, and accomplished essayist should feel confident of there work, and that is one thing that I lack. Literary analysis is the process of delving into the book and understanding not only what is happening, but what everything within the work means. Sometimes it can be challenging because it isn't always obvious. Often times you have to dig down deep to find the true meaning. The reward is that you understand the book and you have used the skills you have developed; overall you feel accomplished and smart.

The conclusion is most likely the thing that would bring my paper down to a B. Yes, it concludes the paper, but it sounds a bit choppy and rushed. It seems like it lowers the essays quality. The essay is also lacking in transitions between my points, which is something that is necessary in order to seperate the ideas from one another. I might have drifted from the thesis a bit, but overall I stayed with it. Plus, my quotes weren't properlly embedded because I didn't place a "slash"(/) after the end of a line, but I plan to fix that before turning it in. Overall, this essay was a challenge, and without the skills of literary analysis it would have been nearly impossible.

Summer Reading!

The first book that's on my reading list is The Deep End of Fear by Elizabeth Chandler. I've read a few books by that author and I haven't found one that I didn't enjoy! The book is about a girl named Kate whose sister drowned 12 years ago in her old home. Now Kate is returning to that home to tutor a boy named Patrick. Throughout her stay Patrick is doing dangerous and life threatening things because "Ashley dared him to." Also, the boy who Kate loves admits a dark secret that connects him to Ashley. Kate must push aside her fears of her sister in order to save everyone from her the evil that is supposedly her "sister."


Another book I would like to read is The Pianist by Wladyslaw Szpilman. This story is a true story about the author and his surviving the Holocaust thanks to a Nazi. He was a famous Jewish pianist before him and his family were sent to a death camp. When they were getting into the train that would take them off to their dath a friend of his who was a Jewish police officer pulled him out of the crowd and told him to run. For the next few years of the Holocaust he has people hide him in various homes, but he is caught by a Nazi; however, the officer hears him playing the piano and decides to help Szpilman survive. Without the officers realization that he's just a man trying to live, he wouldn't have survived through the holocaust. The Holocaust is the one thing in history that I am fascinated with. What the Jews went through was terrible and I find it amazing that some had the will and strength to survive.

Theme and Motif: Fate

My astrological sign is Virgo. Virgos are perfectionists and that definately holds true for me; I'm not a perfectionist in a way that everything has to be right. For me everything just needs to look neat and orderly; which, brings me to yet another trait that is correct: Virgos are very tidy. Also, they are very practical which is also another one of my personality traits. I tend to look at the true facts rather than be over dramatic about things and think it's the end of the world. My sign is supposedly smart which, yes, I do think I'm smart, but I don't think I'm SUPER smart. Strangely, there are many traits of a virgo that I do have. Virgos pay attention to detail, they're shy and modest, they are patient, they are reliable, and the list of qualities that are common for me could go on for awhile.


After realizing all the characteristics I have in common I believe that there could be possible relevance; however, it could just be a coincidence. Astrology is the same a stereotyping. At times it can turn out to be true but at other times it's the complete opposite. My feelings are mixed. I also believe that the person has most of the effect of "fate". If they get their daily horoscope and truly follow it than their actions will effect what happens in life; however, someone who doesn't follow it won't have such a defined path; they follow their own rules. In Act 3 once Mercutio dies Romeo states,"This day's black fate on more days doth depend."(3.1.124) One person's action has affected everyone's future. I don't call that "fate" because anyone can alter their future by simply changing their ways. Also, Romeo believes that death is better than banishment since he cannot be with Juliet; however, if he had given up he would truly be dead. His time to die wasn't then; his action fought off fate/death. He's given the chance to see Juliet and be with her; I consider that luck; it wasn't something that was going to happend for sure.Yes, one day the time will come when they do die and death is the ONLY true fate for them or anyone. The only thing that predicts our future is our actions, nothing is permanent and set in stone until it happens. The only true "fate" we have is death which is a constant theme throughout the play. Things are born into this world and once they are done, they die.

Culture Shock

Romeo and Juliet by The Killers

A love struck Romeo, sings the streets a serenade
Laying everybody low, with a love song that he made
He finds the street light, steps out of the shade
'n' says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"
Juliet says, "Hey it's Romeo, you nearly gave me a heart attack"
He's underneath the window, she's singing, 'Hey la, my boyfriend's back
You shouldn't come around here, singing up at people like that'
Anyway, what you gonna do about it?
Juliet, the dice was loaded from the start,
And I bet, then you exploded in my heart,
And I forget, I forget, the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
Come up on different streets, they both were streets of shame,
Both dirty, both mean, yes, and the dream was just the same,
And I dreamed your dream for you, and now your dream is real
How can you look at me as if I was just another one of your deals?
You can fall for chains of silver, you can fall for chains of gold
You can fall for pretty strangers and the promises they hold
You promised me everything, you promised me thick and thin, yeah
Now you just say, "Oh Romeo, yeah, you know I used to have a scene with him"
Juliet, when we made love you used to cry
I said "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you till I die"
And there's a place for us, you know the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
I can't do the talks, like they talk on the TV
And I can't do a love song, like the way it's meant to be
I can't do everything, but I'll do anything for you
I can't do anything 'cept be in love with you
And all I do is miss you and the way we used to be
And all I do is keep the beat, 'n the band company
And all I do is kiss you, through the bars of a rhyme
Juliet, I'd do the stars with you, anytime
Juliet, when we made love you used to cry
I said "I love you like the stars above, I'll love you till I die"
And there's a place for us, you know the movie song
When you gonna realize, it was just that the time was wrong, Juliet?
And a love struck Romeo, sings the streets a serenade,
Laying everybody low, with a love song that he made
He finds a convenient street light, steps out of the shade
'n' says something like, "You and me babe, how about it?"

This song does refer to the story of Romeo and Juliet since both names are mentioned in this song; however, in this version Juliet, after having a relationship with Romeo, lost her feelings for him. Romeo is still in love with Juliet though and the only way he can express it is through this "love song." I just recently came across this song and it made me think that Romeo and Juliet would be extremely tragic if they lost their love for one another; the story would lose its appeal.

Extra Credit Blog: English Reflection

If I were to go back in time and watch myself in Honors English this year I think I would be blown away. When I chose this class I knew that it would be a challenge, but I never would have imagined just how much effort I've had to put into it. It isn't just about reading a book and taking a huge test on it. There are many hidden meanings throughout a story. It's like finding buried treasure: sometimes you find the gold(in this case understanding it and having that "ah hah!" moment) or sometimes you come to find nothing. Ah and the ongoing topic of motif. That was a hard concept to grasp but now picking up on a motif almost comes naturally; in fact, one of my close friends actually finds motifs while we're watching a movie. It'll be completely silent and all of a sudden I'll hear, "That could be a motif!" Also, acting is a big part of English this year from Great Expectation skits to reading The Importance of Being Earnest aloud in class. Reflecting back I realize that yes, English isn't my favorite subject in the entire universe, but it's never the same. It has also taught me many MANY things from something as simple as grammar to something that seems as pointless as diagramming sentences. English has definately brought out the motivation within me.

Skit Prep

One part that I think should be a skit is when Pip first meets the convict when he is a small boy. He's frightened by the convict and helps him out by giving him food and a file. The file is a big motif throughout the book and the whole event is the basis of Pip's ongoing feelings of guilt. The scene also introduces a very important character; although we don't know that he's important during that scene.

Another good scene to act out would be when Pip goes to see Miss Havisham and Estella at the Satis House for the first time. Estella constantly reminds Pip of his common boy traits and it makes Pip very self conscious. Pip's first visiting is the start of his "chain." Without that start he wouldn't have wanted to become a gentleman so badly. He might've treated people with more respect. The skit would show the basis of Pip's feelings throughout the story and his relationship to Estella and Miss Havisham.

The last scene that I suggest is when Pip goes to Wemmick's house for the first time. At his house Wemmick's is cheerful and lighthearted; the complete opposite from at work. Wemmick's at work and at home is a big contrast and really shows his and Pip's relationship. Wemmick's is one of the few people who Pip trusts with everything. Also the Aged Parent shows his caring side!

More Questions About Great Expectations

In chapter 42 Abel Magwitch is telling Pip and Herbert the events of his life. Well while he is concluding discussing Arthur and Compeyson Herbert is writing in a book cover. Within the book cover he is writing a message to Pip that says, "Young Havisham's name was Arthur. Compeyson is the man who professed to be Miss Havisham's lover."(352) So Compeyson is the man who broke Miss Havisham's heart and part of the reason why she is bitter and wants revenge. The thing I don't under stand is the young Havisham Arthur. Yes, he worked with/for Compeyson but since he's a young Havisham is he related to Miss Havisham? Or is it just a coincidence?

Great Expectations: A Question About a Passage

Before I ask whoever is reading this my question I'm going to inform you that the pages in my book do not match up with the ones in the books that most people have. The page I cite will be around the actual correct page though!


When Estella arrives in London her and Pip go to a little room for tea. While in the room Estella's mood turns dark as the topic of Miss Havisham and her aquintances comes up and she says,"It is not easy for even you," said Estella, "to know what satisfaction it gives me to see those people thwarted, or what an enjoyable sense of the ridiculous I have when they are made ridiculous. For you were not brought up in that strange house from a mere baby.-I was. You had not your little wits sharpened by their intriguing against you, suppressed and defenceless, under the mask of sympathy and pity and what not that is soft and soothing.-I had."(267 ch. 33) I understand that Estella has negative feelings towards Miss Havisham's relations. I understand that Estella has negatives feelings for Miss Havisham's aquantences and that they show sympathy and pity for her but since it's a "mask of sympathy and pity" they're covering their true feelings towards Estella. So my question is what are their actual feelings regarding Estella?

Great Expectations: Photo

The picture I chose was of a baby bird leaving its nest for the first time in its life. Think of the itty bitty bird as Pip. The bird must leave its home in order to learn more about the world around it and grow up. Pip must also leave his family and village in order to become a gentleman. He has no idea what lies ahead in his journey, just as a baby bird is oblivious to the ways of the world. As both their knowledges increase they will grow and begin to thrive in various ways. For Pip his growth will lead to him becoming a gentleman and having "great expectations."

Great Expectations: The First Stage

"Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day." In the quote Pip is referring to his first visit at Miss Havisham's. During his visit Estella says,"With this boy! Why, he is a common labouring-boy!"(60) and follows up later with, "He calls the knaves, Jacks, this boy!....and what coarse hands he has. And what thick boots!"(60) Once Estella says these things, Pip begins to change. He feels ashamed and embarrassed because he doesn't want to be low class and have people react/treat him how Estella had; he doesn't want people to patronize him. After this day Pip was more aware of social standings and how his actions affected that. He constantly worried of people, especially Miss Havisham and Estella, finding out of his "unclassy" behavior and messy job.

A day that began my "chain" was during the summer. Someone close to me, who cannot be named, was taken to the hospital after hurting herself from being unhappy. Once I heard what had happened it definately changed my outlook on life and the way I live. She let stress and unhappiness overpower her and she gave into it. After that day I decided that I never wanted to be in that situation so I changed. I began to think happier and try to not give into stress by doing things that would keep me happy and looking forward. I wasn't going to concentrate on my mistakes anymore; I didn't want to endure that much pain like she had. I also had to step up and become mature so I could watch over her and make sure she stayed balanced, emotionally, and not repeat what had happened.

The Importance of Being Earnest Group Essay

Group Essay Thesis: In the play The Importance of Being Earnest Oscar Wilde uses dialogue to represent the individual styles of each relationship in order to convey the stereotypical relationships in the Victorian Era.

In my paragraph my main topic is Algernon and Cecily's relationship and how it is exaggerated and semi-fake. My first point is how Cecily fell in love with Algernon("Ernest") from hearing about him. In order to love someone you need to meet the person so you can get to know the real person. Plus by hearing about the person you may be told lies in order to make the person seem better and more suitable.

My second point is how Algernon Falls in love with Cecily mainly for her beauty and appearance. Beauty was important in the Victorian Era since a woman who isn't appealing to a man wouldn't be married off quite as easily as a woman who is very pretty. Also beauty can shield one's personality from people and by being "blind" a person might overlook and be oblivious to unpleasant personality traits.

My third and final point in my paragraph is how people, mainly women in this case, make up or fantasize of a relationship to make themselves feel wanted and needed. Like Cecily, women that live in the country don't have many eligible men to meet and flirt with, so they think of their ideal relationship. If they dream and imagine too much they may eventually convince themselves that their ideal made up relationship is reality.

The Importance of Being Earnest/Victorian Research

My research on the Victorian Era has helped me understand the play The Importance of Being Earnest. The research made it so I understood social classes, education, and marriage. Many young girls did not go to school and instead learned daily housework skills for bettering their life as a housewife in their future, however in the play Cecily is taught school subjects such as German. She's not taught skills around the house; most likely since she is of higher class and people of higher class were more often taught lessons than those of lower class because they would have servants if they married into a rich family. Also marriage in the Victorian Era was more of a business deal or arranged rather than out of true feelings. As Lady Bracknell states, "When you do become engaged to someone,I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact.....It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange herself."(p. 23) Gwendolen and Jack ("Ernest") want to be married since they love each other, but they cannot since Jack/Ernest does not have a promising background, instead his background is unknown and seems to have originated in the lower class according to Lady Bracknell.

The different social classes do not generally socialize with one another other than for business. For example, Lane works as a servent for Algernon and doesn't talk to him other than what is necessary like telling of someone's arrival or bring something which he was asked to retrieve. Most of the time Lane just gives an acknowledging answer such as, "Yes sir," and "Name of person arriving." The middle class has more association with those of higher class such as Miss Prism and Dr. Chasuble who socialize with the Worthings, but still have business with them. In the higher class background is very important. If you come from a long line of well-known, important people or from a wealthy family than you're of high class, but if you're in the high class and your background is uncertain, like Jack's (John and "Ernest"), than people may not think quite as highly of you. Because of Jack's unknown background he was not eligible to marry Gwendolen. To be of high class you must come from high decent. The research on the Victorian Era greatly improved my knowledge of The Importance of Being Earnest and made me aware of and understand multiple social situations, circumstances, and restrictions of that era that are within the play.