chapter 16-27

Chapter 16 -- It’s All About Sex...
Chapter 17 -- ...Except the Sex
OK ..the sex chapters. The key idea from this chapter is that “scenes in which sex is coded rather than explicit can work at multiple levels and sometimes be more intense that literal depictions” (141). In other words, sex is often suggested with much more art and effort than it is described, and, if the author is doing his job, it reflects and creates theme or character. Choose a novel or movie in which sex is suggested, but not described, and discuss how the relationship is suggested and how this implication affects the theme or develops characterization.

 

 In the movie Bonnie and Clyde, the two characters have sexual intercourse many times but only shows them starting off kissing on the bed. Everyone knows where it leads to, and I believe it represents something more than just hooking up. Bonnie and Clyde commit horrible crimes and do bad things, therefore their love for one another is the only thing that truly is real to them. They may both be crazy, but their crazy about each other.

 

Chapter 18 -- If She Comes Up, It’s Baptism
Think of a “baptism scene” from a significant literary work. How was the character different after the experience? Discuss.


 

Chapter 19 -- Geography Matters...Discuss at least four different aspects of a specific literary work that Foster would classify under “geography.”
 

No Country for Old Men would classify under geography because of where it takes place, which is the desert. It represents the struggle and pain that is caused; the suffering throughout the movie.

Star Trek, because the setting of space and galaxies shows the feeling of the whole movie and that is the unknown and the curiosity of the future.

The Notebook, because where it takes place at is the fairytale of every girl's dream romance. Taken place in a small town in the 1940's, very vintage, where two people fall in love.


Chapter 20 -- ...So Does Season
Find a poem that mentions a specific season. Then discuss how the poet uses the season in a meaningful, traditional, or unusual way. (Submit a copy of the poem with your analysis.)

Winter
trees stand bare
looks for coats to wear
hovers together seeking
a refuge from the icy winters air.
      -Heather Burns

Burns uses winter in an traditional way, describing what happens to trees during the winter, but it carries more meaning by describing how the trees feel from the weather, therefore making it unusual.
 

Interlude -- One Story
Write your own definition for archetype. Then identify an archetypal story and apply it to a literary work with which you are familiar.

a story that has been imitated.

The movie Percy Jackson is an imitation of the old story from the bible called David and Goliath. Percy has to get an important belonging back from a giant Cyclopes, by fighting him to get it back.
 

Chapter 21 -- Marked for Greatness
Figure out Harry Potter’s scar. If you aren’t familiar with Harry Potter, select another character with a physical imperfection and analyze its implications for characterization.

Harry Potter's parents were killed by Voldermort when he was a baby. After Voldermort killed his parents he walked over to Harry and looked at him. Trying to strike him, but didn't kill him, just simply scarring his head. Voldermort saw tremendous power in him, knowing he would be destined for greatness.  

 

Chapter 22 -- He’s Blind for a Reason, You Know
Chapter 23 -- It’s Never Just Heart Disease...
Chapter 24 -- ...And Rarely Just Illness
Recall two characters who died of a disease in a literary work. Consider how these deaths reflect the “principles governing the use of disease in literature” (215-217). Discuss the effectiveness of the death as related to plot, theme, or symbolism.

In My Sister's Keeper, the older sister dies from cancer. I believe it was a symbol that she died to show her family something....to not take things for granted. Her family was so stressed into everyone else's problems, they were forgetting about hers. Finally her speaking up and saying that she wants to go ahead and die, opened their eyes.

Chapter 25 -- Don’t Read with Your EyesAfter reading Chapter 25, choose a scene or episode from a novel, play or epic written before the twentieth century. Contrast how it could be viewed by a reader from the twenty-first century with how it might be viewed by a contemporary reader. Focus on specific assumptions that the author makes, assumptions that would not make it in this century.

In Bonnie and Clyde, the two characters are fornicating secretly and never get married. In the old days that was considered horrible and frowned upon, but to society in the present time would generally accept the fact that the two characters are having a sexual relation without being married, because in this day in time, many people are doing such a thing. When someone from the present does not comprehend why everyone in the movie thinks what they are doing is so bad, when they need to reconsider the place and time the movie is set in.
 

Chapter 26 -- Is He Serious? And Other Ironies
Select an ironic literary work and explain the multivocal nature of the irony in the work.

In the television show American Horror Story, there is one episode where a woman is trying to become famous and wants to be well known. Well her teeth are out of line so she decides to go to the dentist. What she doesn't know is that the dentist is a murderer. Therefore, when she goes to the dentist being the pretty woman she is, the dentist decides to kill her, have sexual contact with her, cut her up in pieces, then dump it in town somewhere. Over all, the woman becomes famous by being murdered which is very ironic.
 

Chapter 27 -- A Test Case
Read “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, the short story starting on page 245. Complete the exercise on pages 265-266, following the directions exactly. Then compare your writing with the three examples. How did you do? What does the essay that follows comparing Laura with Persephone add to your appreciation of Mansfield’s story?


 

chapter 10-15

Chapter 10 -- It’s More Than Just Rain or Snow
Discuss the importance of weather in a specific literary work, not in terms of plot.

 

In the notebook, Noah and Allie have a decision about their love never dying for each other but it is too late to be together, then it starts raining very hard which symbolizes, cleansing, and they feel renewed then begin to kiss.

 

Chapter 11 --...More Than It’s Gonna Hurt You: Concerning Violence
Present examples of the two kinds of violence found in literature. Show how the effects are different.

 

 In No Country for Old Men, the murderer Anton Chigurh, kills many innocent people which is horrid violence, in a case to where it affects the whole story of the way Anton truly is. He kills as a pleasure. In Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn innocent Bella Swan is pregnant with an immortal human and it is so strong that it is killing her; therefore very violent and different from No Country for Old Men, because people in the story did not expect this to happen, and the baby isn't intentionally hurting the mother.
 

Chapter 12 -- Is That a Symbol?
Use the process described on page 106 and investigate the symbolism in something we have read this year (short story or novel).

In Perks of Being A Wallflower, at the end of the book, Charlie climbs into the back of the truck and stands up letting go of the truck, letting the wind hit him, while going through the tunnel. That symbolizes that Charlie has let go of his past, the wind is blowing all of his problems away, and him letting go of the truck means that his is confident in where he stands in his life. He is steady.

 

Chapter 13 -- It’s All Political
Assume that Foster is right and “it is all political.” Use his criteria to show that one of the major works assigned to you this year is political.

In Perks of Being a Wallflower, one political issue that is represented in the novel is homosexuality. Sam's brother, Patrick, is gay, and is open about it. It is very controversial not only in the political world but the whole world itself.

 

Chapter 14 -- Yes, She’s a Christ Figure, Too
Apply the criteria on page 119 to a major character in a significant literary work. Try to choose a character that will have many matches. This is a particularly apt tool for analyzing film -- for example, Star Wars, Cool Hand Luke, Excalibur, Malcolm X, Braveheart, Spartacus, Gladiator and Ben-Hur.

 In the Chronicles of Narnia, the lion Aslan represents a Christ like figure by being good to the children that accidentally enter Narnia. He is the good ruler of Narnia, and he sacrifices himself for the children then arises on the third day of death.

 

Chapter 15 -- Flights of FancySelect a literary work in which flight signifies escape or freedom. Explain in detail.

In the movie Bridesmaids, they hop on a plane for a weekend away from the wedding coming up, and the maid of honor is angry with one of the other bridesmaids. The flight represents freedom and determination as she is going to show the other bridesmaid up as well as getting away from the stress of helping plan her best friend's wedding.

 

Chapter 8 & 9

Chapter 8 -- Hanseldee and Greteldum
Think of a work of literature that reflects a fairy tale. Discuss the parallels. Does it create irony or deepen appreciation?

 

The movie "Something Borrowed" has the reflection of Cinderella because there are two friends and one always gets what she wants, but the nice friend never gets anything, and is always forced to do the mean friend's dirty work. One day the mean friend gets a boyfriend and all along the nice friend had a crush on him. In the end, the nice friend ends up with the guy which is irony at its truest. it relates to Cinderella because at first she does all of her sisters dirty work, and then at the end, turns out to be the princess and get the prince, happily ever after.

 

Chapter 9 -- It’s Greek to Me
Write a free verse poem derived or inspired by characters or situations from Greek mythology. Be prepared to share your poem with the class. 

 

I arose in the Flower of Time

and stayed dear from blossoming

You, my love, are sweet as tulips

the music of love in your wild heart beat

down to the pit went gods of gloom

oh please take me as your Aphrodite

to be your true one and only

for I am the goddess of love

and all I seek is sweetness from thee

 

 

chapter 6 & 7

Chapter 6 -- When in Doubt, It’s from Shakespeare...
Discuss a work that you are familiar with that alludes to or reflects Shakespeare. Show how the author uses this connection thematically. Read pages 44-46 carefully. In these pages, Foster shows how Fugard reflects Shakespeare through both plot and theme. In your discussion, focus on theme.

 

Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is reflected through many stories of present day time. The movie "Titanic" has the same theme carried throughout the story which is forbidden love. As Romeo and Juliet were not allowed to be together, neither did Jack and Rose from the titanic. All falling into Shakespeare's creative masterpiece of the couple falling in love and then Romeo dies. This alludes with the movie by Jack and Rose happily falling in love and then Jack dies.

 

Chapter 7 -- ...Or the Bible
Discuss 3 Biblical allusions that appear in a film, short story, or novel other than "The Lame Shall Enter First." Be creative and imaginative in these connections.

 

In the movie "Evan Almighty" there are many biblical allusions that occur. One is where Evan is playing the role of Noah and is building an arc just like in the bible. Another is where someone plays the role of God and gives Evan such powers that the bible says that God Almighty holds. One more is how Evan plays the good role and does ultimately what God does him to do, for the better.

How to Read Literature like A Professor- Chapters 1-5

Chapter 1 -- Every Trip Is a Quest (Except When It’s Not) List the five aspects of the QUEST and then apply them to something you have read (or viewed) in the form used on pages 3-5.

a) A quester

b) A place to go

c) A stated reason to go there

d) Challenges and trials en route

e) A real reason to go there

 

a) Our quester- a twisted older man, who is in search of vengeance to get money and get even with the people who set him up. (killing people) From the Book, "No Country For Old Men"

b) A place to go- Aton, the killer, doesn't have one certain place to go, but to go where the money is, and to attempt to kill everyone along the way he comes in contact with, betting their lives on chance whether or not to kill them.

c) A stated reason to go there- Aton has been sent to retrieve the money and take it back to the man who sent him, but he soon finds out he has been traded.

d) Challenges and trials- Aton experiences types of challenges and trials of which whether to kill a person or not, based off of chance, and a coin flip, as well as chasing after the money, and continuously failing to get ahold of it.

e) The real reason to go- After Aton has been betrayed he then decides to go after the money, not to bring it back to the man that hired him, but to bring justice to himself, and finish the job, as one could say.

Chapter 2 -- Nice to Eat with You: Acts of CommunionChoose a meal from a literary work and apply the ideas of Chapter 2 to this literary depiction.

In the beginning of "The Lame Shall Enter First" It starts off with a meal between the father and son, and the son eventually starts to cry from his father talking firm to him and then pukes from eating an odd combination of food. This is an example of communion, to where dinners played out in novels mean so much more. It can be used as a foreshadowing element for this particular short story because it is "Broken Communion" and foreshadows that the rest of the story is going to be bad, or something bad is going to happen.

Chapter 3: --Nice to Eat You: Acts of Vampires
What are the essentials of the Vampire story? Apply this to a literary work you have read or viewed.

That a nasty old man, attractive but evil, violates a young woman, leaves his mark on her, steals their innocence, and leaves them helpless in sin.

Chapter 5 --Now, Where Have I Seen Her Before?
Define intertextuality. Discuss three examples that have helped you in reading specific works.

Intertextuality is the relationship between texts especially literary ones. For example, the book "Perks of Being A Wallflower" and "Looking For Alaska" have similar story lines, and similar conflicts that flow through out both books. Another example is Christ like figures that take Intertextuality from the bible. An example of that is "No Country For Old Men" because the killer, Aton, sort of represents the devil, taking lives, and the traditional hero, Sheriff Bell, tries to save all the people being endangered by Aton. Another example, is from "No Country For Old Men" by relating to other mass murdering movies, such as "Halloween" with Michael Myers.

No Country for Old Men

Themes

1. Death

2. Greediness

3. Misfortune

Meaning of the Work as a Whole

You can’t spend your whole life trying to fix the bad people in life, or try to get rid of them because you will waste all your time. The bad will never get caught; it will keep coming around, and around.

3 Important Quotations: Type out each quote and in 3-5 sentences explain how/why that quote is significant to the overall meaning

“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” – This quote relates because it tells you that sometimes bad luck saves you from even more bad luck. Just like with trying to stop all the bad. If you’re out of luck trying to stop the bad, maybe that was a good thing.

“People complain about the bad things that happen to em that they don't deserve but they seldom mention the good. About what they done to deserve them things” – This quote relates because people rarely are thankful for the good things in life, and always see the negative. Maybe people should stop worrying so much about the bad, because regardless its always going to be there, so to have self-comfort, focus on positive.

“You fix what you can fix and you let the rest go. If there ain't nothin to be done about it, it ain't even a problem. It's just an aggravation.” – This quote simply states that no matter how hard you try, you can’t fix something that doesn’t want to be fixed. Same with trying to fix all the bad in the world; no matter how hard one can try, it will always be there. So don’t get aggravated, just keep on moving forward.

Character Analysis

Sheriff Bell- He is a man who has old school morals, and isn’t used to the new technology coming into his life. He is a humble man with good purpose.

Llewellyn Moss- he is the guy who was at the right place, at the wrong time. Finding the money, then running away from people he didn’t mean to get involved with. He is a fighter, and won’t go down without a fight. He wants to make things right, but don’t care to have moral flexibility to keep his life.

Anton Chigurh- he is a clever hit man, who has a twisted and demented mind of killing people; has an obsession with luck, and believes life layouts out on it.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: Choose 3 Chapters and Connect those chapters to the movie. Go into specific detail as to how each chapter connects to a part of the movie.

Symbolism, Quest, Christ-like Figures
 

reflection

• What have you learned about English/Literature over the past 9 weeks?

I have learned many things, such as analytical skills, writing skills, and life skills. Mrs.Endicott is a great teacher that touches our lives with educational skills, and life skills, and how to be an over all, well rounded person. She let us read a couple books that have influenced my peers as well as myself, in a tremendous way. She also let us read parts of a book that helps analysis for literature which has helped a lot.

• What have you learned about your classmates?

I have learned many things about my fellow classmates I have never known before. I have learned about their feelings, and their biggest fears. Each and every one of them let their walls down and felt comfortable in the classroom, almost as if it wasn't a class anymore. It was a family intervention.

• What have you learned about life?

I have learned that life is hard, and that it will throw anything at you to knock you down so you will stay down. But you see, I have learned that you cant just sit around and just let life keep throwing you down and give you bruises. You have to stand up, push throw every battle, enjoy the ride, and keep on moving.

• Did you enjoy the novel unit (Perks of Being a Wallflower and Looking for Alaska)? Would you recommend I use those two novels next year? What assignments changes would you make (if any)?

Yes, I would use both cause they represent good examples of real life in them, and I don't think you should change any assignments.

• What should I change for next year's class?

Absolutely nothing, keep it as heart felt as you can!

• What area of the AP Exam do you feel that you need to work on the most?

the essay part

1. Read your tone handout. Explain three tone shifts in JK Rowling's speech "The Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination". Where does the shift occur? Why is it important?

One tone shift in Rowling’s speech is at the beginning, when she starts off with a couple of jokes to get the audience’s attention; to hook them into forwarding all their attention to her. Her tone shifts when she begins to acknowledge the audience about failure, and how it has influenced her life dramatically. This shift is important because it draws the listeners in, and makes them pay attention to what Rowling is truly saying. Another shift occurs when she begins speaking about imagination. She begins speaking about it, after talking about her life and failures, and simply draw imagination into the speech because it is something that has helped her rebuild from her failure; hopeful and optimistic. One last change in her speech is at the end. After all of the serious and important information she had shared with her audience, and keeping their attention, Rowling simply ends with a joke, that enlightens the audience, to make them laugh. 

2. JK Rowling uses an impressive vocabulary throughout her speech. Choose three words that are unfamiliar or challenging and include the definition.

Extol- to highly praise

Paradoxical- seemingly absurd or self-contradictory

Vicissitudes- a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant

1. What is failure to you?
2. How do your favorite quotes relate to your life?
3. What failure in life has taught you a lesson, that not only benefitted you, but someone else?
4. In what ways has failure influenced your life, and your point of view of yourself today?
5. Does your own imagination influence your life in any way?

"Ultimately, we all have to decide for ourselves what constitutes failure, but the world is quite eager to give you a set of criteria if you let it."
 I believe this quote touches my life because I feel like the world has thrown so many battles my way, and no matter what, I believe I have found a way to push through, because no matter how bad the world wants to get me down, I will always fight my way, and be ultimately successful.

"Climbing out of poverty by your own efforts, that is indeed something on which to pride yourself, but poverty itself is romanticized only by fools."
 This touches my heart because as well myself have experienced poverty, and pretty much being homeless, and it is absolutely true that you have to climb out by your own efforts, to get out of the problem, not only with poverty, but everyday life. With any problem, the only way to get out of it, is by your own motivation. You have to want to change for the better.

"There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction."
  This one quote has so much impact. It impacts me specifically because of the situation with my mother. She is on drugs, and that has impacted me tremendously, in every aspect of my life, but just because of what she has done, doesn't mean I can blame her for my failures in life. No one can choose where they come from, but they sure can decide where they go from there. I am my own person and make my OWN mistakes.

Paige and Julius: Group Work

1. I believe the true significance of the title of the novel, "Looking For Alaska" in my opinion, is that Alaska's friends don't stop looking for her even though she is dead. They are searching even harder for every important piece of information they can find that will help them understand the person she was and help understand what led to her death. They are looking for her in the metaphorical sense. They are searching for a peace at heart that helps make it possible to go on and live a productive life even though the tragedy caused so much heartache for them.

 8. In the novel "Looking For Alaska", I (Paige) believe I relate most to Alaska. In some ways, I can see myself of how she comes to blaming herself and feeling guilty for her mother's death; where in my shoes, I blame myself for my mother's drug addiction, and the brokenness of my family. one other aspect that relates us is that Alaska doesn't share her real feelings with people. She is like a mystery. Where I don't share my feelings with much people. I go about everyday acting happy sometimes when I am upset on the inside.

14. In the novel, "Looking For Alaska" the main character, Miles "Pudge" Halter, is related to the main character, Charlie, in "Perks of Being A Wallflower" by facing the same situations such as, many instances of heartbreak which are the heartbreak of Charlie losing his friends for a while, and Pudge , danger, death, and many moments of decision, all of which affect the rest of their stories. Not only have they both experienced the same situations, but they also started off inexperienced with life, and sheltered in some way, and in both stories it shows how both characters are "saved" and taken in by important friends in the books. One more addition comparison is that both say a meaningful quote that helps influence the book. Pudge says "seeking a great perhaps" and Charlie says "I feel infinite." Both quotes are very powerful, and not only help carry out the stories, but kind of show Charlie and Pudge as who they are.

Songs From Charlie

Heroes- David Bowie
-This song is played when they go through the tunnel. Sam gets out in the back of the truck and stands up, and just enjoys the presence, the wind going through her hair. Charlie enjoyed the song, as the lyrics said, "We can be heroes, even just for one day." Charlie said he felt infinite, and he did. He felt excepted and loved. It influences the overall meaning, of how he feels alone, but he is now excepted. It helps us understand him.

Dear Prudence- The Beatles
-This song is on Charlie's playlist, I believe, because of Sam. Charlie is

The Overall Meaning: Perks of Being A Wallflower

What is the overall meaning of "Perks of Being a Wallflower" (the Book)?

To show the kids who are in the background, who get ignored, and that are like Charlie, to just keep going. In this book, it gives three strong examples of teens who face heart-wrenching situations that make them feel like giving up, but they keep on going.

Does the movie emphasize or change the overall meaning? How so?

I believe it emphasizes and changes the overall meaning. The movie gives the perfect example of a kid who is in pain and feels like no one is there, and emphasizes that he finds other people who share things in common with him, and he connects with them, which makes him better. But, the movie also changes the whole meaning by leaving out small details that help out the big picture. For example, in the book, Charlie's parents do not whatsoever pay him any attention, not on his first day of high school, or even his birthday which helps play out Charlie's feelings, and part of why he is the way he is. But the movie shows Charlie's mom make his favorite food on his first day, and they have him a humongous cake on his birthday in the movie which takes away from the movie which is broadcasting Charlie, and how he feels.

PART B- Choose a letter from the book. Write a letter back to Charlie 

(I chose the first letter in the book)
 Dear Charlie,
I can understand that you don't want to give out too much information, but I do want you to know that I am always here to give some advice. I am so terribly sorry about your friend Michael. It literally breaks my heart to hear about someone so young, go so quickly, and not enjoy life. I know it must be hard for you to deal with, but just know, it will get better. Also, it sounds that you have a really good bond with your older brother which is wonderful. It seems to me that he is helpful and cares about you. Your Aunt Helen sounds great as well. Is she your best friend? Because it sounds like to me, she is there for you Charlie! And also whatever has happened to your Aunt Helen,  I am also so terribly sorry. Charlie, you can always write me, anytime, because I will always be willing to help you in anyway, and give you any advice, just ask me! Talk to you soon!!
Love,
Paige

MY SONG TO SOMEONE
my song would go to Julius, and it would be "Always be my Baby"
hahhahaaha (Im fighting my competition Mrs.Endicott!! lol)

Part One

Characterization

Charlie- He is Dynamic, because he changes drastically throughout the book, especially when he meets Sam and Patrick. He becomes more open and makes more friends, actually falls in love with someone, and finds out the truth about his childhood and becomes at peace with the situation.

Part Two

"and in that moment, I swear we were infinite." (page 39)
- This shows that Charlie is happy. He is finally enjoying being noticed, and loved.
"but because things change. and friends leave. and life doesn't stop for anybody." (page 145)
-This shows that no matter what happens, you have to move on, and keep on going.

"'I would die for you. but I won't live for you.'" (page 169)
-Sam says this to Charlie because she can't make him enjoy life, or enjoy it for him, she wants him to experience it himself.

My Personal Mixtape

1.  Don't Rain On My Parade by Barbara Streisand, from the famous Broadway Show "Funny Girl" in 1964. It is a major part of my day, especially before school because it reminds me that no matter what will come my way that day, I WILL NOT let it rain on my parade; let it rain on my personality, on my self array, my happiness, my dreams, my goals. EVERYTHING that I believe in myself, I refuse to let someone tear me down.

 

2. Take me to the King by Tamela Mann because I am a true believer in God, and I consider myself a Christian. God is my everything, without him I am nothing. With this song, it describes that life can get you down and you feel like when u come to church all the time, you kind of get churched out cause their is no spark, but it reminds you that when you get down and feel like no one is there, God is, and you take it all to him, you take it to the king.

 

3. Belief by Gavin Degraw, because it reminds you that belief in something makes something or someone stronger in someway. This song is kind of depressing song, because he is talking about how his lover is a hard pill to swallow but yet he still believes she is amazing and she is his world.

 

4. So Beautiful by Musiq Soulchild, because it reminds me of the good in love. It reminds me of the sweet, passionate, fun relationship I have with the love of my life. He always brings me joy, and laughter.

 

5. The Way I am by Ingrid Michelson, because in this song it describes what she would do for the ones she loves, such as "if you were falling, then I would catch you" and in the end all she wants in return is to love her for the way she is. I believe this relates to my life very much.

 

6. Round and Round by Imagine Dragons simply because it is about depression and about all the people who feel left out or rejected in life. Everyone goes round and round, escaping the same way, and in the end we just want someone to tell us to lift our head up high because life itself has a purpose.

 

7. Hey Jude by The Beatles because it is about A girl who is sad, and the Beatles tell her to keep calm and just breathe, and turn something sad into something happy. It reminds you that for all that you do for someone, even if they don't appreciate it, just go on and be thankful for the good person you are.

 

8. Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, I love this song just because it brightens my day and has a great tune and meaning to it.

 

9. I'll be seeing you by Billie Holliday because this song touches my heart and gives me a thought of reminisce to the 60's, with the vintage and love, and just a soothing sound to my ears. I almost try when I listen to it.

 

10. Don't Rain on My Parade by Barbara Streisand. The classic Broadway song that brightens my day. I listen to it before I start my day and when I end it, so it is repetitive, and simply because it reminds me that I will not, EVER, let anyone tear down my goals and dreams; nor my personality, my happiness, my love.

What exactly does it mean to be a "wallflower"? 

to know everything that goes on, keep quiet, and understand

Characterization

Who is the protagonist? How would you characterize him?

Charlie; he is a curious but awkward teen who is transforming into high school, trying to make friends and feel excepted.

Which characters are round and flat? 

Charlie is round, Patrick and Sam are round, Brad is round, Charlie's brother is flat. Bob is flat, and Bill the teacher is flat.

Examine the family dynamics in "Perks". Would you classify Charlie's parents as good or bad? What textual evidence do you have to support this?

I believe they are good, but they don't make enough attention to Charlie. In the book, it constantly says how the parents are proud of the older brother, and talk about how good he is.

 

POV

• What point of view is used and what style? Why would the author chose this method? How is it effective?

Personal narrative, it is from first person; Charlie. Because it makes the reader feel how Charlie feels and thinks.

Plot

• What conflicts exist in this novel so far?

He likes Sam and he is trying not to. His parents aren't recognizing him, and making friends.

• What do you notice about the exposition of this story? Does it grab your attention? How?

somewhat, because you want to know how the story plays out with his new friends he has made.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor

Which chapters apply so far?

Communion.

Quotes

Discuss these quotes in your groups. What do they REALLY mean?

- when someone has something bad happen to them, it can either affect their future or not.

- when you feel like u deserve crap, you will only except crap.

- he likes his life, but their is some parts that he don't like.

Things I've Learned....

I have learned many things since school has started. Mrs. Endicott has taught me a lot about how to analyze a story, and find clues that help indicate the depth of a story. A lot of what has helped me is class discussions and the book "How to Read Literature Like A Professor".

1st Person-a category used in the classification of pronouns, possessive determiners, and verb forms, according to whether they indicate the speaker; in a story, the speaker is talking about their self

 

3rd Person Omniscient-the speaker is not part of the story, but is able to "know" and describe what all characters are thinking.

 

3rd Person Limited-the speaker is not part of the story, but tells about the other characters but limits information about what one character sees and feels.

 

3rd Person Objective-a story told from the "he/she" point of view, in which the narrator reports the actions and words of the characters, but not their thoughts

 

3rd Person Collective-a story told from the "he/she" point of view, in which the narrator reports the actions and words of the characters, and their thoughts

Popular Mechanics: Rewritten from first person

  I looked outside the window as I was quickly shoving my belongings into my small duffle bag. I recognized it was starting to get dimmer inside, not to mention the strong tension that was arraying throughout the house. Even the dreary white slush beaming off the covered ground outside didn’t illuminate through the window. She was in the other room pacing back forth. I was glad I didn’t have to finally her yelling in my ear, questioning me; I was just sick and tired of the emotion, the mourning. I just had to get away, leave all the chaos of this prison I felt I was being held in. As soon as I got done gathering all I could, I reached for the door handle but she had heard me shuffling up, so insisted on barging in. She said, “I’m glad you’re leaving! You hear me?!” I just pretended that I didn’t hear her. Her voice was piercing to my ear drums. I had a picture of the baby in my hand. I tried to push my way through past her but she stopped me and jerked it away. She darted into the living room with it. I said, “Bring that back now!” She had started to cry, trying to compose herself, screaming, “Just get out!” I began to walk towards the baby and she sprinted to pick it up. I told her, “I’m taking the baby.”

“Are you crazy?” she proceeded.

I stared at her with anger, but I tried to keep myself content. I said, “no…but I want the baby. I will send someone to get his things.”

The baby began to cry as she tried to scream over him saying, “You’re not taking this baby, for God’s sake!”

Without a thought, I reached over towards her to take it out of her arm. She said, “Let go of the baby, get away now!”

I wanted that baby, she wouldn’t get to have him, and I just wouldn’t allow it. The baby was red-faced and screaming. As I was pulling to get him out of her arms, we both knocked down a flowerpot that hung behind the stove. I pushed and pinned her into a corner so I could get him away from her, to break her grip. I held onto the baby and tried so hard to get a good hold of him. I screamed, “Let go of him!”

She shouted at me, “don’t you’re hurting him!”

But I knew I wasn’t. I had to have this baby, one way or another. I finally got her fingers pried off of him, but just as soon as I got him into my arms she grabbed his wrist and pulled back. I insisted that she would absolutely not have this baby. It was coming with me.

As soon as she made the tug on his wrist, as I was fighting back, feeling the baby slipping, in that moment, in this manner, she and I both knew what was before our eyes; what had just happened. The issue was decided.

Self Analysis

I believe I am a dynamic character in the story of my life because the past two years, the reflection of how all the people around me and I see myself has changed drastically. I went from being insecure with my body, my face, my self-esteem, and even my relationship with God. I felt as if I had left everyone down all the time that I was rejected by all, loved by none. I hated myself with pure disgust. I began to let the Devil take over my mind and body. I told myself I was worthless and didn’t deserve anything; therefore I developed really bad depression. My past had a very big impact on my present and future. It could either make me or break me. At the time, I was letting it shatter me to pieces. I attempted to kill myself twice, and am so lucky I didn’t succeed.

Since then my life has changed in the better direction, I have changed for the better. I have gotten closer with God, closer with my family, and have my life on track. I have better self-esteem than I ever would and I feel loved and cared about my friends and family. I am also in a relationship with someone who cares for me and makes me see the fun and happy things in life. He gives me joy and makes me smile just because. Myself as a whole has become two different personalities from then and now. I may not be proud of the person I was, but it has shaped me into the better person I am today.

Character Analysis: A Rose For Emily

Faulkner's very deep short story, "A Rose for Emily" is about an old woman who has lost everything in her life that she could possibly love; her childhood, her father, her lover, and her newer lover, Homer. Emily has a little bit of a twisted mind as she barely comes out of her house, and the townspeople believe she is a little crazy. After Emily’s father dies, that is when she goes downhill. Shortly after that, she begins to date Homer Barron. The townspeople didn’t like the idea so they tried to stop it by bringing in Emily’s cousins. Homer leaves town, and so do the cousins, but then randomly, Homer comes back. He is last seen going into Emily’s home and nor him or Emily were rarely seen coming out of the home for over 5 years. She eventually dies in an old room that never got light, and Tobe, her butler, sets up her funeral. He lets the townspeople into her home, which they have not been in since over 30 years ago. After the funeral, Tobe goes out the backdoor leaving the home to the townspeople. They come to find a rotting body in a bed which is Homer Barron. They also come to find that Emily slept beside Homer every night while he is deceased.

As one can tell, Emily is kind of demented and sick in a way. She is the main character of the story. The story is mainly about her and how her life was. From the narrator’s point of view, the townspeople, Emily is a true tragic figure. As the townspeople describe her to be demented and crazy, they don’t know any more about her than the reader does. Emily is how one would say, “impervious” because no one can truly understand her.

Plot and Structure: Literary Terms

Exposition- a description starting off the plot Rising  action-The dramatic structure building up to the climax Climax-The most important, exciting part of the story Falling action- the details that lead to the resolution Resolution- the ending of the story that pulls it all together Flashback- a reminisce of thinking about something that happened a while back Protagonist- the good guy in the story Antagonist- the bad guy in the story Conflict- a problem between people; to be incompatible, or differ, or clash In medias res- into the middle of things

Plot and Structure: The Lame Shall Enter First

In the story “The Lame Shall Go First” the exposition starts off with a simple breakfast between a son and his father. As taught in “How to read Literature like a Professor” states that a simple meal in a story is more than just a meal. It is communion; which tells the reader that the story is going to be biblical based. The communion goes wrong, which kind of sets the mod of the story, which is bad, and demented. The child gets sick of eating all kinds of food and pukes it back up on his own plate.

The rising action starts to build up when Sheppard, the father, goes into description about Rufus Johnson, and how when he came to him in the reformatory, he saved him in his eyes, and made him a better person. This shows Christ like figures. Sheppard looks upon himself as a prophecy. He “saves” people, and makes them better. It gives the readers a taste that Sheppard is full of himself, and infers that he does not believe in the bible or God. He tries to safe Rufus, and offers him to stay at his home anytime he would like by giving him a key to his home. Once again, to him, he is saving Rufus.

Rufus has a prosthetic leg.  It is described descriptively as dirty, old, and black. It is symbolism that takes place here as it represents his personality in a way, and how his life has been horrid. Rufus however is a believer of the bible and decides to share it with the son. He explains that his mother is in heaven, in the sky, and that the only way for good people like Norton, can get there by dying; therefore, Norton falls in love with a telescope and stares into the sky to hope to see her. Which falls into the climax where the readers guess it is when Rufus comes into Sheppard’s home while only his son is there, and makes a ruckus throughout the home upsetting the child; but this story has a messed up Freytag pyramid. The ending concludes with Johnson confronting Sheppard about being crazy, and a strong atheist, and how he did more for him than he did his own son. Sheppard is in guilt and instantly decides to be a better parent towards his son, Norton. He goes up in the attic to find Norton with the telescope, but instead he finds Norton hanging in the Jungle of shadows by a beam, to be with his mother.

Plot and Structure: An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge

The short story “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce has many descriptive details and an interesting plot that sets the story off. All of how the plot is built up and created is by exposition rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. In the story, the exposition begins by a captain and sergeants as well as their other men are at a bridge getting ready to execute a civilian named Peyton Farquhar. Then to follow afterwards is the rising action which the narrator of the story describes how Peyton felt as he stood on the plank waiting, describing his thoughts. Next to follow is the climax, where in the story the reader comes to find out later he is dreaming but in his dream or thought he thinks that when he drops to be hung and executed that the rope breaks and he falls into the stream below, floating away from the armed men, barely alive. So he has escaped and goes on a journey through the forest to find his home and family. In that mere thought, Peyton imagined getting to safety, a thought he wished to happen. After the built up climax, is the falling action; which in the story the narrator proceeds to explain how Peyton describes walking through the woods to find a sense of direction back home “uncanny”. As he walks and describes the pain in his neck, the numbness of his feet, and the thirst of his mouth. How he walks so long that he is sleep walking, and before he knows it, he ends up at the gate of his home. Unfortunately, Peyton is only imagining when he ends up at his house, with his wife at the steps to greet him. In the end, the resolution falls to be that he has this exaggerated thought all in a split second while he is standing on the plank getting ready to plunge to his death. Peyton Farquhar is dead and all the deep descriptions simply feelings inside him; his imagination before his death.