End of the Semester!

I honestly can’t decide whether or not taking this class was a good idea. Mrs. Wilkinson seemed to have a bit too much confidence in me. Although at the same time, I feel like this is a class that will definitely help prepare me for college. So in the end I really hope it does help, otherwise I’m going to be very frustrated. I’ve really enjoyed the pace and classroom setting. I thoroughly enjoy learning around people that are along or above the same level as I. I feel like it is more beneficial because people are more willing to challenge and express views when they actually know what is happening. Which is GREAT. I guess I can say that overall I’ve done pretty well. My grade isn't suffering like I thought it would and I’ve been able to keep up fairly well. I kind of feel like my writing still isn’t up to par but it’s never been my strongpoint. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one that has crappy confidence when it comes to writing papers in this class. Oh well. I hope that my skills will continue to improve. One thing I don’t particularly enjoy is the major work data sheets. They irk me :( Dumb senioritis is still plaguing me. 

Bring on the Satire!!!!!

I must admit that I am completely thrilled that we've started satire in class. It is by farrrr my favorite kind of writing whether it’s dark or lighthearted.  I thoroughly enjoy reading pieces that reflect the vices in society. It is at times nice to know I am not the only one that thinks and feels the way I do. There are very few satirical writings that I've read that I didn't enjoy. I might as well add that Mark Twain is a literature GENIUS. But of course, I am sure that everyone knows that. ;) I've also figured out that modern day satire is just as good as the classic stuff, if not better. The Onion has become a frequent source of entertainment for me; if I didn’t hate writing so much I’d even consider writing for it. I encourage everyone and anyone to visit the site. It’s well worth your time. Another good satirical piece I've read recently was “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift. Enough with the critiquing though, go read satire!!! :D

Too Personal????

I’d like to start off by informing you of the fact that biographical writings have never been of any interest to me. Although my views may be skewed because of this, I’ll try not to make this blog completely crammed with personal opinion. From a logical point of view, I've never understood why anyone who is alive would allow a stranger to march into their home and write about everything and anything they do. Viewing the human race as a whole, you’d assume that 99.9% of people would find that extraordinarily awkward. Even in the case of a publicity craving (like many celebs out there today..*cough* Jersey Shore) allowing someone from the media into your personal life often leaves the public with a not so good opinion about you.   More often than not, these press writers, etc. find the most controversial information they can then they display it for everyone to see. First off, I think that’s morally incorrect, so shame on them. But why? Why would you want everyone up in your business? I believe privacy is one of the elements of life that keeps us sane.  I feel like there should be some kind of boundary when it comes to authors and biographies on the living. I don’t think people living in the high light should allow it and I don’t think author’s should be trusted as much as they are. Look at what happened to Petraeus. Is it really worth it?

Ban "The Most Dangerous Game"? *Facepalm*

I want to start out by saying that people are ridiculous. There are some individuals that make me want to live on a different planet due to their ignorance. This lady upset about a story is one of them. I understand that the content of the STORY can be controversial. However, let me emphasize this again, it’s a STORYYYYYY. I am attempting to understand her point of view, and I will admit that I’m struggling. Maybe I’m an inconsiderate dummy? Literature is not usually written to purposely evoke negative, riotous events. “The Most Dangerous Game” has been taught in schools for decades and never has it been proven to evoke violence in those who read it. In my opinion it actually repels thoughts of murder, etc. The sick idea that someone would hunt humans is utterly disturbing. I don’t know a lot of people who would read that and react with a desire to kill or a desire to be anything like the characters in the story. I’m sorry that this woman is upset but at the same time I do believe she is blowing this situation WAY out of proportion. I wish people like herself could understand that stories in fact have hidden motifs and underlying messages. They weren't targeted to corrupt everyone. Sometimes people irk me. :/   

No me gusta...

Although this is kind of off topic from the current studies in our English class, I have come to an odd realization. It seems as if children’s books are not what they used to be. In my psychology class, we were assigned to create a toy or children’s book (we’re studying child development). As I browsed the web searching for a bit of inspiration, I stumbled upon several odd pieces of literature. I remember the classic Dr. Seuss stories we all loved as a kid, and the brightly colored stories whose plot attempted to teach some valuable moral lesson. I haven’t found this to be particularly true to books published in recent years. Although they still posses the aesthetic appeal that all young humans enjoy, their messages are serious and solemn at times. To me it seems like today’s generation wishes to grow up a lot quicker than they need too. I don’t ever remember seeing books in classroom or library that dealt with alcoholic parents (I Wish Daddy didn’t drink so Much by Judith Vigna) or disabled people (Who Cares about Disabled People Illustrated by Pam Adams). It’s almost kind of offensive to me. Although these are issues in modern day society, I don’t think it’s ok to write books about these subjects aimed at young children. Am I crazy for thinking that??? 

P.S. Here are some links on the subject. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/29/the-creepiest-childrens-b_n_513489.html#s75168&title=Joined_At_Birth

http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/02/the-10-most-unintentionally-terrifying-childrens-books#4


http://allthingsmundane.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/bedtime-stories-gone-awry-really-weird-childrens-books/

Yeah Yeah Yeah...

Oedipus Rex is by far the most entertaining Greek drama piece I've ever had to read. I’m so relieved that the writing style is easier to understand than that of Shakespeare (which honestly kills my brain). Although complex, the story is easy to understand and the hefty use of irony adds a somewhat interesting factor to the work as a whole. What I've never been able to understand, is how someone has the creative ability to conjure up such wonderful pieces of literature, literature with such complex satirical and ironical elements. I envy those that have the gift to write. Even as I sit here, attempting to reach that 200 word mark becomes increasingly more difficult. I’m not one to boast, however, I will admit that I was incredibly proud of myself after seeing my timed essay score. It was not at all wonderful but a decent improvement from the first. It was a bit of a confident booster to see that it wasn't all that bad. :D I praise all of you that improved your scores! It sure feels goooooood!!!!! 

Work, Work, Work...

The procrastinator in me is emerging. I have been dreading the idea of having to do any homework or any of my projects for that matter. It seems as if I don’t ever get time off from school or work. Blah blah blah. I’m done complaining, and I honestly feel satisfied from my little episode of negativity. Anyway, it seems that if my independent reading choice was very wise at this point considering my schedule. Although short it’s definitely interesting. There’s always been a part of me that loves history and attempting to put myself in the shoes of others is intriguing. “One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich” quickly dove into a tense situation which caught my attention. I hate books that over explain. I typically read those that explore into the topic of fantasy or science fiction. A look into reality is a nice change.  I expect this to be a good read, and a real eye opener into a life people generally take for granted. 

To Believe or Not to Believe?

Existentialism has by far been the most attention-grabbing topics we’ve talked about in English. I tend to enjoy academic argument, especially if it is in any way involved with religion. I’m not sure if I’m just weird, but debating is fun. I can definitely describe myself as an existentialist. To be honest, I’m not one that’s regularly involved in religious practices. I find it easier to believe in subjects that have logical and scientific support. It’s fairly easy for me to relate to the characteristics that fall under existentialism. Upon further research I discovered that existentialism is not necessarily connected with positive thinking. However, even though this is the case, it’s based a lot on principle and reason. ME GUSTA. I happened to stumble upon an article online that outlined several beliefs, one of which instantly caught my attention. It stated that “Society is unnatural and its traditional religious and secular rules are arbitrary”. I’m kind of excited to know that there are others out there who think along the same lines as me. Most of the people I’ve met think my opinions on society and religions are crazy. I’m also interested to see whether or not this post gets some kind of argument on religious/existentialism going. Speak your mind and long live existentialists.

Symbol Frenzy

After reading “Where Are You Going, Where have you been?” I wasn’t exactly thrilled. The piece was a bit creepy and seemed lackluster.  I did read it at like 11 o’clock at night though. Maybe that had contributed to the degree of disturbance it caused me. Anyway, after a first read I honestly didn’t like it. I never thought I’d think about it ever again. However, after a long period of boredom at my home I read it again. I was intrigued.  It might possibly be one of my favorite short stories. Stories that contain heaps of symbolism are incredibly interesting to me. It’s kind of mind boggling that someone could sit around and think about all this stuff. It took me a bit of pondering but I came to several conclusions. One, Oates is a complete genius. All the hidden symbolism gives very accurate insight into her view on American Society at the time. I also like that the story wasn’t really a representation of the typical, “women get what they deserve” idea. There was more to it. Two, reading a story just once does nothing for me. And three, actually attempting to analyze a story makes it a million and a half times more interesting. So, kudos to you Mr. Mullins for pushing the whole literary analysis idea. 

Hills like White Elephants

I’d like to start out by saying that Hemingway’s way of writing is brilliant. “Hills like White Elephants” is the first Hemingway story I’ve ever read, and it left quite an impression. The story is told through an entirely objective point of view. There are several ways this really enhances the story. It allows the reader to ponder their own situations and create their own questions. There was no definite explanation to what the characters were thinking and the author’s purpose was not blatantly obvious. I honestly really appreciated this. Even though it did not necessarily make the story easy to read and understand, it added a certain aspect of mystery that i enjoyed. I like having to think about what I’m reading; it allows me to remain a more focused reader. I feel like Hemingway wanted a story that provoked readers intellectually, and he was successful. At first, i had gotten the idea that the man and woman in the story were speaking about plastic surgery, or some unnecesary cosmetic procedure. Later into the story, I realized the story was based around a very controversial subject, abortion. This surprised me because abortion was a very serious procedure when this story was written. I was not expecting it to be the topic suggested.

"The Lesson"

So for once since the year started, I’ve decided to write about something we actually referenced in class. Out of every short story we’ve read, “The Lesson” was by far the most uneventful. It was nothing I thought it would be. With the rest of the stories we’ve read, the element of suspense was at least somewhat eminent. “The Lesson” started off slow, I assumed that the plot would grow increasingly complex and something incredible would happen…no. As a reader, one basically follows a group of poverty stricken children that attend a trip to the toy store with their teacher. I know literary fiction isn’t supposed to be entertaining, but this story was tedious. There was nothing that mentally stimulated me. However, I must admit that the theme featured in the story was a good one. Even though it was a bit solemn it’s the truth. I feel like throughout the piece there was a hidden reoccurring idea that those who live in poverty must unfortunately work a lot harder to get the simplest of things. I feel like the teacher was trying to explain to the children that even though their life might be more difficult, the personal satisfaction that they’d reap in the end would be far greater than that of a person who gets everything handed to them on a silver spoon.

Hmmm

Over the last couple of school days, I’ve come to the conclusion that maybe commercial fiction isn’t as amazing as I thought it was. Commercial literature seems like the only category I’ve ever read. Sure literary  books aren’t amazing, but they generate thoughts that have never before entered my mind. Having to think about why a character in a book does something is beginning to be somewhat entertaining to me. I’ve only ever read stories with clear cut endings, where no questions were left unanswered. It’s kind of nice to have a change of pace. For once I’m actually challenging myself to analyze what I read and come to my own conclusions. The fact that the motives behind events in the stories aren’t obvious seems to give the story a new sense of realism. I’m not being handed everything on a silver platter, and that feels nice. I feel like I’ve already grown as a reader and I honestly can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.

      More often than not, my high school English classes are disgustingly boring.  I can honestly say that this year, that is not the case. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed the work we have done (minus writing the essay). I feel like my writing skills lack in more areas than one, and at times that greatly influences my writing. I hope that with this class I can improve my current weaknesses and build onto my strengths.  As I read the sample AP essays I quickly realized my essay was horrible. I’m not embarrassed to admit that. However, some of the sample essays were garbage. My cat could have probably written a better one.

       Apart from the writing, I’m kind of psyched about the huge amount of reading that’s required in the class. I have yet to start my independent reading book, mostly because I can’t make a decision on what to read. TOO MANY AMAZING OPTIONS, not that I’m complaining. Since I’m in a class and probably shouldn’t be working on this right now, I will depart. Adios :)

Does anyone remember the time when life was all about who stole your crayons? Or the time in school when the only question to answer on your paper was “What is 2+2”? I do, and times have certainly changed. I never thought my high school years would pass so quickly. I also never thought I’d end up graduating from a school whose size once frightened me. I suppose that’s what a small town does to a person like me. I’ve never had the desire to write about anything personal or anything at all for that matter. This obviously is not expertly written, but I’ve personally read worse. I’m still attempting to contemplate this senior nonsense. I cannot believe I’m a senior. I feel old now. haha The infamous senioritis virus has already found its way to me, which explains why I’m writing this two hours before it’s due.  Senioritis and procrastination are an appalling combination. My lack of creativity does not make anything easier for me either. At this point in the day, my mind has completely exhausted itself. So, farewell, adios, au revoir, and goodnight. 

P.S. Here's a blast from the past :)