One Hundred!

As of today, if you have completed every one of the journal assignments, you will have completed 100 journal entries. This serves as a record of your thoughts and feelings about the topics that were covered in this course over the entire academic year (even if you delete your blog, I have saved it all). Whether you realized it at the time or not, this journal writing was one of the most important elements of this class. It was intended to encourage you to think on your own terms about the topics we covered in class, and to express those thoughts in writing. Looking back at the experience of keeping this journal, write about how you feel about the practice of writing daily about your life, whether related to school or not. Do you think it is a valuable habit? Why or why not? Explain.

I think writing daily about our lives is in fact a valuable habit. The act of actually writing down our thoughts and emotions regarding specific topics, events, or even day-by-day occurrences, allows us to process our thoughts, filter them, think them thoroughly, and print them legibly on paper. This is great practice for future writing, where ideas must be quickly processed in order to write quick essays, and is also good for our mental selves, keeping us mentally alert, thoughtful, and keeps the rust off our minds.

For me, journal writing can also be a form of spirituality; I sometimes think about religious thoughts and my spiritual self, and it's a wild jumble of emotions, fears and confidences. As a result one method I've learned to process these thoughts is to write them down, and through this even worship God.

I think the journal writes this year were valuable in that they helped my writing skills, and generally this year journals are one of the few opportunities in this class to practice.

Final Exam

How do you feel about your final exam? Are you ready? What parts do you feel unsure about? What parts are you confident about. If the teacher were to say as he was passing out the exams, "Don't worry, this exam is very easy," how much would you want to kill him?

I feel pretty confident about this final exam. I'd say I'm pretty ready for it, since I think I know the elements pretty well and can analyze the short stories we have read with relative ease. I read over the Nigerian folk tale we are supposed to analyze for the final, and understand it pretty well.

I haven't put much focus on the story 102 Minutes, however, so I'm hoping that there won't be many questions on that. Even comprehension questions may come a little hard for me. But after taking the finals I realized there weren't many multiple choice questions and zero short answer questions relating to the story.

For this test I wouldn't be as angry, as I spent a short amount of review time but not even close to an excessive amount. I think that my study time reflects the toughness of the test as it was described to me before and after the test. However, if the teacher of, say, AP Biology said that I would most definitely kill him.

Group Work

Yesterday you were asked to write about situations in which strangers had to work together for a common goal. Many times as students you are put into groups to perform various tasks. How do you feel about group work? Do you like it more than working by your self, or less? Why? What makes it better or worse? Do you think you are a net contributor to the groups you are in, or do you tend to just let others in the group do most of the work? Why do you think teachers make students do group work so often? For example, do you think they are really trying to teach students to learn how to work together, or are they just making their own jobs easier by reducing the number of projects to grade? How do you think group work in school will prepare you for life after high school? Given the fact that in college you might have to work in groups even more than you have had to in high school, and after college you will certainly have to work in groups, how do you feel about the value of group work?

I think group work in school is good practice for college, and later for our careers. In this world, and especially during this time and age, people need to work together in order for progress to occur. Whether it is on a global level as we experience global integration of cultures and skills, on the career-based level within a company or research team, or on the individual level, cooperation must occur.

It's obvious how group work can be important, as skills may need to be shared and labor equally divided. However I'm not exactly fond of group work. In the past I've always been the hard-working self-starter who did most projects and assignments on my own, and even now I sometimes have this attitude. I think it spouted from my sense of security - trusting in my own ability was easier than trusting someone else.

Nevertheless, in recent years I've gotten rid of this attitude and learned to (though tentatively) trust others much more than I would have. However I still hate the fact that most of the time, the group is given credit as a whole; even if I'm the one who's free-riding, I would hate it because it feels that it was not deserved.

I think that teachers claim it helps in life, but in reality their first thought is that it is easier to grade.

Strangers Together

Throughout “102 Minutes” the authors emphasize that people are strangers and that they are alone. However, they also point out that the rescue depended on the efforts of many people. What main idea is suggested by these two points? Can you think of an example from your own life or experience of how people can simultaneously be both strangers and collaborators
 
It is pretty universally known that in certain situations people must work together in order to overcome obstacles and achieve success. In times of dire circumstances or during crises, this idea is emphasized even more. However during times of crisis, the people who work together may dislike each other or may be complete strangers.

Yet these men collaborate for the idea of greater good and a goal that is beyond the relationship that exists between them. It is an idealistic belief, but I believe that people must realize that when lives are at stake, everything (especially politics) must be put aside in order to address the situation.

Back in my days at Bethany, we used to go on missionary trips to the east coast, teaching aboriginal children English, playing games with them, and helping the villagers. When we were down there, we would sometimes work with church workers. We did not know each other, yet we were similar in that we shared a common purpose.

On one particularly memorable occasion, we worked together to set up a stage, sound equipment, and lights for a worship event. The worship was a huge success, and I think we were all emotionally touching.

Project Reflection

What did you learn by doing the project on the book of your choice? How would you characterize the level of effort it took to read the book? How much effort did you put into the effort? How long did it take you to complete? In the final analysis, do you feel like the exercise was worthwhile? If so, why? If not, why not? Could it have been a deeper learning experience in some way? Did your own participation and effort have an effect on the value of the project as a learning experience?

The biggest thing I learned was to not procrastinate and put projects off - I left my report off and part of my poster to do last, which ultimately led to me staying up late to finish the project to the best of my ability. I think I put a reasonably solid effort into the creation of this project; I think I was able to effectively and thoroughly analyze the literary elements and feel as if I was able to procure most of the themes from the book.

I put in probably close to five total hours worth of time into the project - probably a couple hours for the report and another couple to create the visual. Overall I'm satisfied with the effort I put in - I just wish some of it didn't feel rushed and last-minute. But that's my own fault.

I think that reading Night provoked some deep questions for me, and as a result I think I was able to analyze the themes and symbols of the story with competence. The themes part of my final analysis is what I'm most content with. Yes, I think this was a worthwhile assignment as it is a broad review of what the class as taught over the course of the year and was able to show how well we knew the material.

I would have liked more emphasis placed on symbols and meaningful themes, but everything that should have been included was included, and ultimately what each person wrote in each section of the literary analysis was based on the person's participation and own desire to explain what he or she learned.

911

There is no doubt that the terrorist attacks of September 11 were terrible. What about the aftermath? Considering the state of world affairs today, what effect do you think 911 has had? Did the United States respond appropriately? Is the world now a safer place? Now that Bin Laden has been killed, do you think that the survivors and those who lost loved ones in the attacks feel better

American society was changed radically following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I don't believe any American was expecting an attack upon their own land, especially in this time and age. It was even more shocking to see a display of aggression against thousands of innocent civilians, affecting thousands of lives through the deaths of loved ones. Following the attacks, President George W. Bush approved the Patriot Act, a controversial act that is seen by some as an infringement upon our freedoms, that allows the government all access to private communication means for the sake of security. Airport security was beefed up and security was maximized, and to protect civilians in the air, Air Marshall frequency increased It is without doubt that following the attacks, America was shocked and insecure, and the government retaliated with a major crackdown on security.
However, the US also united through their patriotism and loyalty to one another. I don't think Americans are more united in their nationalism and comradeship unless it is in the face of disaster and unity against a common enemy - in this case, bin Laden and the Al-Qaida.

I think the US responded relatively appropriately. They unified in the face of disaster against a common enemy, and responded by increasing security. However, the US invasion of Iraq was completely unjustified and utterly uncalled for.

Buried Alive

Today we will begin reading a true story about two men who were trapped in the rubble of a collapsed building. What do you think it would be like to be buried alive or trapped in some life-threatening way? What thoughts do you think might go through your mind? Who would you like to have the chance to send a message to? Would you want to have done something differently in your life? If you were trapped with others, do you think that you would all work together to try to survive, or would it be “every man for himself”?

I can't say what it would feel like to be buried alive. I'm not a fan of tight spaces and am slightly claustrophobic, so I think the ordeal would be less-than-pleasant for me. The thought of being trapped an infinite amount of feet underground is rather frightening, and I imagine that those trapped underneath rubble and dirt who survived needed to harness a great amount of mental discipline to suppress their fears. If I were trapped in such a situation, I would probably start crying prayers while wondering whether or not it is my time to leave this world.

If I could send a message the people who would want to hear from me the most would be my parents - therefore for their sake (not mine), I would contact them. I think I would regret all the times of procrastination and inaction, for being lazy and distracted from doing the work i should be doing.

If I were trapped with others, I would rather we work together to survive. Since we're all in a hellhole together, a little comradeship to keep each other accountable wouldn't hurt.

Jargon

Jargon is terminology which is especially defined in relationship to a specific activity, profession, group, or event. In "Into Thin Air" Krakauer uses jargon to describe some of the equipment and activities involved in mountain climbing. Try to recall some of the terms he uses that are particular to mountain climbing, then try to think if you use any jargon yourself. Is there any activity you take part in that has it's own vocabulary or slang? What about being a student? Are there special terms that are particular to that? Hint: sometimes we are so immersed in our activities that we don't even realize that we are using specialized language.


"Into Thin Air" makes use of some jargon associated with mountain climbing. Phrases and terms such as "short-roping" and "rappelling" were used to describe specific mountain climbing activities. This use of jargon would mean little or nothing to someone who has no knowledge of mountain climbing.


I guess I also take use of jargon, sometimes without realizing it. As students, we also utilized jargon by simplifying class names/textbook names and pronouncing them based on their acronyms ("lant" refers to LANT - Language Arts, "a-push" refers to APUSH, AP US History, "psych" refers to Psychology, and our "LOL" refers to our "Language of Literature" textbook).


We also utilize internet jargon when we IM our friends or read blog posts. Acronyms such as "lol" (laugh out loud), "ftj" (fuel the jet), and "rofl" (roll on floor laughing) are just three examples of countless phrases of internet jargon, many of which I have never heard before. In addition, the creation of emoticons by linking specific keyboard symbols together may also be deemed a type of internet jargon.


When I am gaming with friends, we also utilize a kind of jargon. Words like " 'nade" (grenade), "spawn-killing" (picking off opponents right as they enter a battle), "camping" (picking off opponents from one specific location), and "tea-bagging" (crouching repeatedly over the dead body of an opponent, a derogatory act in the video-gaming world) are thrown around the room.

Risk for a Reason

In the event of a disaster, would most people risk their lives to save a stranger? Think of true stories you have heard about people who, facing danger and death, save the lives of strangers. Why do some people risk their own lives to save others? Why do some people look out for themselves first? Which do you think you would do? Do you think that the reason for the disaster would make a difference? For example, if there is a disaster because people foolishly put themselves at risk, would you be less willing to help than if the victims had no responsibility for their situation, such as in a natural disaster?

In the event of an immediate disaster, most people act on impulse to save others - it seems a burst of adrenaline or other hormones prompt an immediate "flight or fight" response that, for some people, causes them to rush to save others. In cases where one is able to think clearly about the pros and cons for helping others in a situation, one is much less likely to extend a helping hand. However, even for an immediate situation, I think a split second of decision is made, albeit subconsciously.

Some people, I believe, just possess an innate nature of selflessness. Other quote en quote "sensible" people will carefully weight the options before deciding whether rescue is worth it. People look out for themselves first because it's human nature to do so - simple economics (and Darwin, I guess) will teach you that everyone acts in their self-interest in order to compete and survive. However humans - and animals as well - aren't always self-centered. In some events, we will commit altruistic actions that seem to contradict the theory of rational self-interest, to protect the general welfare of others.

The reason for the disaster can prompt people to be more or less responsive to aid. For example, if a fireman is to put his life at risk to save a man who tried to climb Taipei 101, he would probably be suppressing a grumble as he climbs the ladder, as opposed to if he were saving a screaming infant in a burning mansion.
In addition, the person he is saving will affect his decision as well. Between saving a drug addict and a dedicated World War II veteran, one would probably choose the latter. In addition, how much the individual can later contribute to society can affect the decision as well. Like in the film Saving Private Ryan, everyone was reluctant to save the one life of James Ryan - and at the end of the film, Tom Hanks' character tells him to "earn it."

Nevertheless, each life saved is still a human life. I would like to believe that in the split second when aid is necessary I will be able to provide it. If I am thoroughly capable of helping another, I hope I will do so. But I was taught never to save a drowning man and never do mouth-to-mouth, for fear of dying yourself and procuring AIDS, respectively.

Why Take Risks?

What does Krakauer say about why mountain climbers take such risks? Think of the kinds of risks people take, both physical and otherwise. Do his conclusions apply to other risk takers as well? In your own experience, when you have taken risks or seen others take risks, what do you think the reasons were? Do they match up with what Krakauer says?

Krakauer states that mountain climbers have little prudence, as they undergo great challenges for seemingly little reward. This is, of course, from the perspective of a third-person. I have to say that most risk-takers are like this. Since risk generally means that the probability of success is low, accepting risks can be seen as acting on a lack of prudence. In most cases, risks are taken when there is a (albeit small) possibility to gain more than what one already has.

People are also drawn to risk because of its excitement. Taking risks release a wild combination of hormones that stimulate the mind, leading to periods of pleasure. This can be derived from the anxiety of possibly taking losses, or from the feelings of living life on the edge, focusing on only the important things in life and savoring each minute. Common life is uninteresting and dull, and risks stimulate our minds.

Some take risks to embark on a sort of spiritual journey, or a way to get back in touch with their humanity. Our current society is replete with distractions - bills, taxes, trivial relationship issues - that it is too easy for us to forget our priorities in life. Taking risks sometimes may allow us to put the world and our lives in perspective and remember the characteristics of our lives that really matter.

Still others take risks to be able to boast that they have lived through them. Mountain climbers, bungee jumpers - these are the people who take unnecessary risks, most of the time so that they can retell their experiences to others. This is mentioned by Krakauer as well.

Cause and Effect

One way that a story-teller moves the story forward is by relating the events to each other. This can take the form of cause-and-effect relationships. There are many different ways to describe this relationship: focus on causes, focus on effects, or focus on both. Sometimes and effect has many causes, sometimes only one of several possible causes is sufficient to have an effect. Many times the cause and effect relationship takes the form of a complex chain in which several causes create an effect that in turn creates other effects. In the excerpt from Into Thin Air, try to examine what happens and why. What are the causes of the events that happen? What are the effects?

In the excerpt from Into Thin Air, a multitude of people die on the mountain due to a sudden storm that catches the climbers off guard. This catastrophe occurred for a couple of reasons. Mountainous weather is capricious and hard-to-predict, and this is the underlying (the final) cause for this event. Even if there wasn't a storm, it would have still been exceedingly difficult to navigate their way back to the camp.

However the choices the mountaineers made also contributed to their unfortunate deaths. The decision to finish climbing the mountain despite being behind schedule, and how they wasted precious time on the apex were such choices. The prideful or confident thinking of the mountain climbers also attributed to their deaths; some chose to continue up the slope despite the dangers involved, and one member died because he decided to wait for their team leader to return down the slope.

Krakouer's difficult journey down to camp was also hindered because of his ailing medical and physical conditions. Furthermore, a blunder on the behalf of one of his group members caused him to rapidly waste a large portion of his oxygen, causing him more harm.

Compare Disasters

Think about the Krakauer story and the story of the Titanic. How are they similar? How are they different? What about the way they are told? Are there similarities and differences in the narrative accounts?

Both disasters occurred in an environment where here was already known danger - the Titanic in the Atlantic and Krakauer on the tallest mountain in the world. Both disasters took place in circumstances that could have been foreseen and prevented, but weren't, and both disasters were foreshadowed in the story.

The differences are obvious - the settings are different, the numbers of casualties are far from being similar. The Titanic incident also occurred due to human error (the Titanic refused to heed to iceberg warnings; the pride of its occupants and the laziness of the ship's designers and crew caused the deaths of many; social class prejudice allowed more lower-class men to die; the Californian did not respond to any of the conspicuous signs radiating from the Titanic). Krakauer was caught in a violent storm that was not predicted, and people perished because they were not aware of the impending danger. This was not an incident that directly occurred as a result of their actions.

The styles are similar in that the story is told in strict chronological order, giving exact times, specifying exact locations, mentioning specific people. The Titanic story does not use dialogue, however, and the perspectives from which the stories are told are also different; one is third person limited and is a secondary source, whereas the other is a first-person narrative and is a primary source.

Participation

Jon Krakauer went on the Everest expedition as a paid observer for a magazine. This is called “participatory journalism,” and it can be quite dangerous. What do you think the job of a journalist is or should be? What challenges might a journalist face who writes about an event in which he or she is also a participant? Where do you draw the line between being an observer—outside the event—and being a participant—inside the event? How does a journalist deal with events such as disasters without becoming emotionally involved?

 According to my old social studies teacher, the job of a journalist is to investigate events, ideas, and trends and relay that information to the public. Dangers are sometimes associated with investigating such issues, but in my opinion despite these hazards a journalist should persevere in obtaining information for the sake of public knowledge. When dealing with international issues, war zones, or human rights violations, I believe in this doctrine 100% (speaking of which, journalists probably need to be paid more). Challenges vary depending on the assignment at hand. A journalist may battle against natural events, face opposition from humans, or both. As a participatory journalist, there may be severe consequences. The journalist may be untrained or under-trained to handle a fragile situation, may be caught inside a violent situation, or may be poorly-equipped for life-threatening situations.

To be a participant of the event, one must take on a role within the conflict. They are to take part in whatever situation they are reporting on. Krakauer, for example, is a participatory journalist as he was part of the expedition. An observer journalist would be like a photographic journalist who takes pictures from the sidelines without getting directly involved with the situation.

Journalists need to train themselves not to give in too much to empathy. Some journalists take part in observing and recording immense suffering around the world, and if they give themselves over to the grief it could most likely result in negative consequences. The army achieves this by dehumanizing targets; journalists most likely do not do this, as a job of a journalist is to stay humane, clear-minded, and passionate. They must, however, have hope and faith. Possible many find comfort knowing that the information they bring back can be used to educate or prevent the current situation from occurring.

Risk

Why do you think some people are drawn to risk and adventure? What is the attraction to danger? Do you like to take chances? Why or why not? Describe a risk or adventure you have had or would like to have—perhaps due to something you have seen someone else do.

To be completely straightforward, life is boring. Sure, you may have the occasional surge in adrenaline as you dodge a scooter on the streets, or you may have to fight a mental breakdown when you realize you’re out of instant coffee powder, but generally speaking our typical, everyday lives are blunt, unstimulating, and blissfully eventless. People are drawn to risk and adventure because some like to live on the edge – they want to be capricious, to live without boundaries, and most importantly to experience how life is without constants. They want to experience events where their very lives hang on a thread, where they have no idea when their next meals will be, or where they have nothing to trust except for themselves and luck. Experiencing life in the great unknown is mentally stimulating and extremely exciting, and essentially becomes one large game of Chicken.

Taking chances is risky, scary, and unpredictable, and logically unappealing in every possible way. Most people hate taking chances and taking risks (HARDCORE ASIANS!), which makes them very unsuitable for Vegas. I don’t gamble with money and I will probably never visit Vegas (I hope), but given the correct circumstances I like taking chances. They’re exhilarating and put you on the edge, and I believe some risk is necessary for a person to make discoveries, gain experiences, learn about life, and to create opportunities. In the words of Morgan Spurlock, “If you take chances and if you take risks, in those risks will come opportunity. I believe when you push people away from that, you are pushing people towards failure. I feel that when you train your employees to be risk averse, then you’re preparing your whole company to be reward challenged… We need to encourage people to take risks. We need to encourage people to not be afraid… We need to embrace fear.”

There exists a balance, however, between a slow and peaceful life and an exciting and stimulating one.

I want to have the opportunity to travel to another country to conduct community service activities. I want to experience another mission trip, where I was challenged spiritually and physically.

Free Write

Write about a topic of your choice. Be sure to write at least 200 words.

So... Hm. I guess I could say exactly what's on my mind, but considering the fact that this is a class assignment and is published on the internet for peers and strangers alike to view, I think that would be a bad idea. The last thing I want is a mob of angry PAS-ians chasing me through the school halls - and there are only a couple halls, which would make it a very short chase scene. If anyone's going to chase me, they should do it across a large city-scape and incorporate multiple free-running sequences. Like that scene in Casino Royale where Bond chases Mollaka to the Nambutu embassy (which is, apparently, a fictional country).

It's actually ridiculously hard to write something without a set of guidelines. While we're on that topic...

People, I believe, are actually happier given no choice when they have a choice at all. It's not even a belief, it's actually a scientifically proven psychological phenomenon that was introduced on TED.com a couple of months ago. An experiment showed that if a person has to choose to do something and is forced to stick to that decision, he is happier than the person who has a choice to change a previously made decisions. For example, one test brought together two classes of photography students, who were told to take pictures around a school campus and choose two best photos. One group could only keep one, and the other would be confiscated. The second group could only keep one, but was able to switch their photo for the other at any time. The first group displayed an immense amount of satisfaction with their photo sample. The second group was dissatisfied with their photo.
This test displays the most common thought process amongst all people: we value something that we don't have more than if we have it. Old people are often seen incorporating this thought process, as they continually claim that "the good old days" were much better than today, when in reality the "good" old days were probably just as violent and liberal.

Fascists were apparently well aware of this. They just took it a step further and disallowed all freedoms. You can't even choose your photo to keep.


Another psychological test said that people who tell others their goals are less likely to achieve them compared to people who aspire to achieve their goals without telling anyone. Apparently the act of telling people and receiving their positive reinforcements "relieves" the brain and tricks it into thinking that it has taken a step towards accomplishing the goal.
I would think this as silly, and that I would be able to have the mental capability of overpowering these feelings, but this has happened to me over and over again, which is both embarrassing and disappointing.

Now I feel guilty again. I need to get back in shape, start studying instead of scrolling through Facebook, study my APs more instead of slacking, and start rebuilding my spiritual self. Yes. That's what I should do. But I know I won't be able to bring myself to do these things. After I click "Publish Post," this motivated mindset will disappear.

And I hate myself because of that.

A Challenge

Do you enjoy challenges? What kind of challenge do you enjoy? Physical? Mental? Why do you think this is so? Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced, or one you would like to face? How about a challenge you would not like to face. If you don’t like challenges, explain why you don’t.


I believe that the human body was not created to idly stand by and needs to be exercised and stressed to its limits. I also believe in the philosophy of "healthy body, healthy mind" and that  physical challenges help us stay agile and sharp-minded. When the body is not properly worked out, our muscles waste to atrophy and brain chemicals will be unbalanced, leaving us tired and unhappy. Similarly, when a mind is not worked out and gathers rust, the person becomes sick.

Some people like to test the limits of their physical or mental capabilities by committing themselves to accomplishing the extreme. Other more passive individuals dislike hardships but accept them as necessary and possible to overcome, and some dance around challenges without ever facing them.

I hardly ever go searching for challenges (unless I am very bored - like I have been for the last three-and-a-half quarters in PAS), and when I encounter them involuntarily, I usually respond with extreme irritation.
When the challenges pass, however, I realize how beneficial they are as they taught me new skills and added to my life experiences.

Challenges stimulate the body, either mentally, physically, or both. I enjoy challenges as long as I know I have the ability to solve them. Aiming to run a mile under 6:20 (my record was 6:22 or so), for example, is a physical challenge I can think of.

The mission trips I went on in my Bethany days are examples of challenges as we were to lead a class with activities and teach them English over the course of a week.
A physical challenge I have encountered was when I was river-trekking in Wulai. With water temperatures near freezing in addition to the ridiculously fast-moving and deep water currents, I was clinging to the surfaces of the rocks for dear life.


A challenge I would like to face is to do community service in another country through Rustic Pathways or a similar organization.

Highwayman

In “Typhoid Fever,” Seamus says that there is a similarity between what happens to Frankie and what happened to the highwayman. What is the similarity? Do you agree with Seamus’s conclusion? Why or why not? Explain how Frankie’s situation might be compared to a romantic story, and how it is different.

The similarity is that the poem can be applied to match their situation. Like the Highwayman in the poem was drawn to Bess, the landlord's daughter, Frankie was drawn to Patricia (not entirely in the same circumstances, but drawn to her because she was the only company he could have and could keep him entertained). By stretching the connection, as the Highwayman and Bess fell in love, Frankie's relationship was drawn closer to Patricia as she enticed him with poetry.

Though this is probably not revealed in the story, in the poem a stableboy (ostle) betrays them to the authorities (like Nurse Kerry turns them in to the nuns). Patricia dies soon after as well.

The main similarity, I believe, is that Francis had created a relationship with the girl in the next room, who could very well drop dead the next day. It was a very unhealthy relationship, to say the least, and a forbidden one as well. In the same way, the Highwayman fell in love with the landlord's daughter, which was a forbidden romance as well. In this similarity, Frankie's story can be seen as "romantic"

Humors Role

Angela’s Ashes is a novel filled with sad events, yet the author’s style always adds a touch of humor. In the scene we read, the nurse from Kerry asks, “What is there to laugh about?” What is there to laugh about in this story? What role can humor play in a sad story? Look up the word “catharsis” and see if you can use it in your explanation.

The Lord created us with a wide array of emotions. Fear, unhappiness, and humor are just three of the many emotions we are designed to feel and carry during the correct circumstances. It seems pretty incongruous to place tragedy and humor together on the same page, and it is pretty obvious as to why this is. Humor is, however, used to express a number of tragic events both fiction and nonfiction. Shakespeare incorporated humorous characters in his tragedies, such as the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet and the "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern incident" in Hamlet (it's pretty dark humor, but humor nonetheless), and in Frank McCourt's memoir Angela's Ashes, subtle humor is also utilized.

A person may look back at a past hardship and tragedy with feelings of sorrow and depression, but may be able to notice some ironic or subtle humor that occurred during these events. In any
tragedy, whether it’s a national crisis or a broken heart, humor plays a vital
role in helping us keep our sanity and regain our perspective. Humor helps us
process painful events. It is important for us to process emotions of sadness and depression, and we need to psychologically resolve the tragedy and move beyond it. Humor allows us to overcome the stress that is associated with the event.

Catharsis is the purging of emotions. The act is a way of experiencing a strong emotion, then renewing the mind of the individual. The action of indulging in negative emotions can be a form of this, and humor (it could even be morbid humor) finishes off this process as the individual learns acceptance and is able to renew his or her mind.

The story contains some humor in juxtaposition with the tragedy that would have served as a form of escape or relief for Frank. The subtle remarks about the nuns, the characters' style of speech and the small humorous remarks the characters make all contribute to this. Examples include the imitation of the nuns' conservative habits and the mini-argument over poetry styles. As Mark Twain (I think it was Mark Twain) once said, "Humor is tragedy plus time." It helps us pass time, it helps us think past our states of misery, and it helps us anticipate a future with hope.

Sick

Have you or anyone you have known ever been very sick? Have you ever been hospitalized or visited anyone in the hospital? If so, try describing the experience. Use your five senses, as well as your emotional response to the experience. If you have never had any such experience, try to imagine what it is like and describe it. Try to create a mood using your own personal style.

I've never been sick to the point of being on the brink of death. I have been hospitalized before, however, due to a severe asthma attack in the fifth grade, though I view this as a relatively insignificant event in my life as a whole.

My grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer three or so years ago. He underwent chemotherapy and was in and out of the hospital depending on the time of the year and his health state.
A year or so after his diagnosis, he was hospitalized and my father raced our family to the Chiayi hospital as fast as he could. When we arrived, my grandfather was laying in bed, awake but weak. He had no tubes (my father later told me that he had specially requested for this. I assume that my grandfather did this because thought if he were to pass, he should be allowed to do so with dignity. Or it could simply be he doesn't like tubes running into his body - I know I don't) and had difficulties breathing. Within the hour, he passed into a coma.


The experience was emotionally devastating for me. I spent the days in Chiayi in quiet remorse, regretting the lack of time I had spent with him, fearing the the moment when the ECG would emit a slow beeping. The second afternoon of his hospitalization, I staggered over to his bedside. I softly whispered in his ear who I was, telling him that he had been important to me in my life, and that from then on a part of me would be playing sports and committing to my work in his honor. The teary-faced relatives watched on. My grandmother looked close to having a nervous breakdown (which she would, later at the funeral processions).

He passed away two hours later.

Perspective

How can our perspective contribute to the meaning of an event? In what way does a writer’s relationship to the people, places, and events she describes influence her writing? How might a memoir differ from a biography or a historical account? Why do you think perspective has the effect it does?

Our perspective of an event determines its significance in our life and what kind of an impact the event will imprint on us. For instance, we may perceive a school transfer as either a positive opportunity for change and building new experiences, or we can view it as something dreadful and unappealing. Perspective also plays a part when observing specific people and places, determining the feelings and emotions that are associated with such.

The writer's relationship to the people, places, and events described may influence the writing greatly. This may result from past experiences the author has underwent with these people or in these places or events. Depending whether the experiences are positive or negative, the author may portray the people, places, or events in the light or with prejudice. These feelings associated with such people, places, or events may be revealed through the author's tone.

A memoir differs from a biography or a historical account because it reveals the author's feelings regarding the events, people, and places in their lives. A biography or a historical account can't take on the perspective of the subject they are writing about. This is why memoirs have a huge advantage over biographies or historical accounts.

Writing in a Style

You arrive at school and find that there is a big mess in the sofa area. Someone has left garbage from take out food, some clothing, textbooks, half-empty cups, and various papers scattered all over the area. Right away emails start to fly around in the discussion of the mess. For this journal, create three short email messages that might be sent by different people at school to discuss the mess. You can choose any three people from school that you want: teacher, student, parent, staff, or administrator. Write the “email” in a style that reveals the personal qualities of the person sending it. Try to imitate their speech patterns, tone, and diction.

Sub: Mess in the Sofa Area

PAS students:

This morning I arrived at the school to see a lobby in a complete mess. The amount of filth and trash in the room is totally unacceptable, and I will expect that those who were involved in creating the mess, or those who know who was involved in the event will step forward and admit their knowledge or fault. Those who are involved will be punished severely. In PAS, we do not commit such indecent acts that lack dignity and moral standards. To ensure that this problem will not happen again, I repeat: there will be no food and drink anywhere on the school except for the cafeteria. Anyone who is caught doing so will be subject to detention. No one will be allowed to stay after 3:30 unless they have special permission from the office. If you cannot take care of the campus, then you should not be allowed to lounge around whenever you feel like it. You all should know better than to make a mess out of ourselves, and neither should you have the time to spend doing nothing and making messes in the hallways. There will be a punishment until the people responsible are held accountable.

Sub: lobby looks like sht

dude did you hear about the lobby? terhe's like trash everywhere, totally looks messed up man. pamela's gonna be pissed.

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Re: lobby looks like sht

you serious? how bad is it and who did it, do you know? 500 says that Pamela's gonna hold another assembly in the morning...

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Re: re: lobby looks like sht

pretty bad. There was like garbage everywhere, like the bien dang boxes and the drink bottles n stuff. Papers everywhere, and even saw some jen joos on the ground along with some tea. The magazine stack is overturned too. and it's not one part of the lobby, its the entire thing. no idea man, i asked smeone and he said liek some of the juniors and some seniors did it.  LOL YEAH... that's bs dude well we weren't involved in it nyways so she cant blame us...

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Re: re: re: lobby looks like sht

Yeah but you know how well she takes this kind of stuff. Everyone's responsible. Goddamn it. So wtv happens later is their fault.

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Re: re: re: re: lobby looks like sht

yeah man. there's gonna be a show 2mrw.

Sub: Keeping Clean in PAS

Dear PAS High School:

It is essential to keep a school clean and tidy in order to promote efficiency and keep a good profile. So far in PAS we have not had such an incident taking place. I need to remind you that PAS is a decent school, and I entered this school believing that this is true. Remember that we at PAS present ourselves as a school that is clean and has dignity. We set ourselves apart from other schools and aim to be the best. This morning, we entered the school campus to see a completely untidy sofa area. We do not do this at PAS. Now Ms. Pamela has set a few rules in order to promote an orderly learning environment that can be kept clean. Let me stress to you that these rules will be enforced and that I will be doing my best to guide you in creating a clean and orderly environment.

Two Lives?

Most of you have a combination of cultural backgrounds. For example, you are ethnically Chinese, but you live in Taiwan and you go to an American school. Some of you have lived in other countries. Each of these backgrounds has an effect on you, and the synergy created by two or more creates yet an additional influence. Try to describe the different cultures which influence you, and how they influence you. Which of your backgrounds do you think has the most influence on you? If you were a writer, how do you think this might affect your style?

I am Chinese by heritage; sometime or another, whether it was during or before the Chinese Civil War, my past family came from China to settle in Taiwan. Despite my heritage, my parents decided to place my sister and me under the American educational system. They did not want my sister and me to be consumed by the unilateral, uncreative, and stressful system of education most of Asia has, and as a result generally encourage Western ideals and cultures.  What results is a juxtaposition of two different cultures and a lifestyle that may seem paradoxical at first glance.

Due to this American/Taiwanese cultural background, I live in a fairly moderate state between the two cultures. For example, my parents never pushed me to excel in school (they trusted that I would have the innate motive to do so), but they still expect me to succeed. However, sometimes I tend to side with one belief or another; for example, I strongly disagree with Taiwan's competitive and fanatically stressful educational agenda. I believe that while studying is crucial, a student's life should also be balanced out with extracurricular activities and fun and engaging events. This is probably the belief that decreases my popularity in this school, since PAS doesn't seem to share my point-of-view.

A third cultural influence is that of religion. I have personally accepted Christian doctrines, but I still hold incense sticks, burn paper money, and join in pray to Buddhist gods alongside my family, out of respect for them and for my culture.

Because I mainly affiliate with so called "American culture," some of my family members whisper and grumble behind my back (something I am more than aware of). Some, mostly the older folk, dislike the fact that I am "throwing my heritage away" while others disagree about sending me to college overseas.

I'm not entirely sure how this would affect my style. Perhaps after years of mental stimulation and intrapersonal learning practice, I am forced to think in more empathetic, yet rational means before I write.

Nature's Role

Think of an experience you had with nature or something you observed in nature. Maybe you were camping, or hiking, or maybe just going for a walk. Did anything surprise you? What role does nature play in our lives? How can nature surprise us? Can you think of how a writer might approach the subject of nature, and how it might be approached stylistically? How could different styles depict nature differently?

In modern times most young people aren't spending as much time in nature (possibly due to the rise of consumer electronics and indoor entertainment systems), and when they do go out they are bored by what they observe. This is most unfortunate, considering the physical and spiritual pleasures that nature can bring. Nature has its surprises; from a tree that is over a millennium old to observing the diversity of animal life and their unique characteristics, nature is widely diverse and extremely intricate.

Nature holds a spiritual role in some people's lives. Some feel that through observing nature, one can find inner peace and balance in life. Others use nature as a means to get closer with God, feel his presence, and observe his creations. Nature also holds a physical role in life. Because of its value and its importance to the Earth, many promote the protection of nature for the enjoyment of future generations. The great diversity and the puzzling mysteries within nature also prompts humans to attempt to study and understand such aspects of nature. All of the physical and natural sciences are based on the idea of understanding the natural world around us.

Authors can approach the topic of nature with different styles. For instance, a religious or more spiritual writer will want to embody powerful and emotional words and descriptions that describes his view of nature. A more emotional writer can describe how nature possesses deep metaphors and symbols and wondrous life processes that deserve contemplation and a great deal of admiration. A more down-to-earth writer can write about nature by simply describing the physical observations. This point of view would not deliver the more emotional and "deep" style of the previous author.

How Do Artists Convey Style?

Look at the painting on p. 445 of your textbook and answer the questions 1-5 on p. 444 and 1-4 on p. 445 (some are duplicates--you don't have to answer twice). In your own words describe the style the artist used in creating this picture.

1) What is the painting about? Is it a still scene or is there action? The painting is a depiction of the interior furnishings of an American domestic home. It is a still life painting; it is a work of art that depicts inanimate subject matter (furniture and a few dishware).

2)  Consider the manner in which the painting's subject is presented. Is the subject depicted in a realistic or nonrealistic way? There are no abstract or obscured objects that are out of proportion, shadows are drawn accurately, and fine details are added. The painting's subject is presented in a realistic way. After doing some light research, I found out that Charles Sheeler was known for his realistic style of painting, which further reinforces that the painting is realistic.

3) Identify the author's technique. How does the artist use color, texture and shapes to show the subject matter?
The artist includes certain details and designs in his painting of the carpets, the dishware, and uses precision in representing lighting and shadows. He also predominantly utilizes the color brown and similarly darker colors (with the exception of the plates on the night-table). The shapes are well defined, and everything possesses a rather smooth or soft texture. This overall design allows the painting to have a feeling of warmth, comfort, and oddly a sense of reliability.

4) What mood is created by the artist's use of light and shadow?
The cast shadows formed by the furniture blocking the light source off-image (which is relatively dim, as with a setting or rising sun) gives the painting a well-defined feeling and contributes to a mood of security, comfort, and sophistication.

5) How is the painting different from other paintings of similar subjects? Other paintings tend to have softer edges, blurred details, lighter colors, lighter, and less-defined shadows. While some paintings also use similar color schemes, they do not convey the mood of being sophisticated, yet not overtly contemporary or conservative, as many other paintings make me feel.

Style

What do you think of when you hear the word “style” or “stylish”? How do you recognize whether someone or something has style? Or does everyone have style? How does one reveal one’s style? How do you evaluate between “good” style and “bad” style? Is style more permanent, or more temporary? Do you have a style? What is it, and how do you manifest it?

To me, the word "style" means a certain type of mannerism and how something is carried out by the person. A style can be connoted through a person's behavior, and with some more perceptive people, through the manner in which they dress.

"Stylish," on the other hand, has a completely different meaning. To me it refers to being up-to-date on the latest fashion, and having elegance in manner and being discriminant in their choice of clothing. To put it in easier terms, everyone has a style, but not everyone is stylish.

A style can be anything such as the manner in which they speak (a rapid style of speech, a punctuate manner, etc), their choice of fashion, and the mode in which they live their lives. I believe everyone carries themselves with a certain style, based on their mannerisms and how they live their life; even being bland is a style (though, granted, not a very interesting one). 

The distinction between a good style and a bad style is, essentially, based on the style of the person who is judging. To me a good style is one that balances between a conservative and a progressive attitude, and is classy but also knows when to be free and have fun. To be stylish is to live in a contemporary house and listen to jazz on Sunday nights.

Style, I would say, is reasonably permanent, but is very prone to change. For instance, a few years ago I listened and enjoyed contemporary music. Now, I may recognize modern singers on the radio, but I only listen to jazz, classic rock, soft rock, and Oldies in my free time. My choice of clothing is also fairly reserved, and I hate ostentatious clothing with wild colors and symbols, something that my mom says is "not natural" for my age.

A Daring Adventure

Helen Keller, the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” Write what this quotation means to you. What is fate? Who or what controls fate? What gives a particular event meaning in our lives? What gives meaning to our lives as a whole?

I agree with the quote in that life can be viewed as a continual strive for progress and change, relying on our own independence and wild freedom. When fate comes into the picture, however, then it starts becoming slightly debatable.

Fate refers to destiny, which then refers to a future event that is inevitable. Whether or not one believes in this is up to the religious background of the individual. Some Protestants asset that life is predestined by God, whereas others believe that there is only free will in the world. I personally believe a combination of both. For me, fate is split into choice and purpose. My choice is the free will I exercise every day (what subject I will major in, whether I should drink Coke or Sprite, what kind of religion I choose to believe in), but because of my religious beliefs, I believe that I have a specific purpose, both in a spiritual and physical sense, that is set out for me by a higher force. This unique purpose is the purpose of my life, and I believe it to be the purpose of most people's lives.

Ultimately it is a person's individual values that gives a particular event meaning. An event only impacts us significantly if we allow it to do so, and it usually occurs because we either value it greatly or not enough. It is based on individual views of values. In the same way, a person's values gives meaning to one's life. For me, I value religion, so my religious purpose is the ultimate pursuit of my life, while at the same time working hard now so that I can play a positive role in society. Others without a clear purpose may be working for material wealth and worldly success, as they continue their education with the goal of making money in the future. Others strive to seek their purpose, some want to play a role in society and help others, and still others abide by the rule of "eat and drink and be merry, for tomorrow you will die." No guesses as to what kind of raucous behavior these people get themselves into.

Memories

What do you remember from your childhood that was important, unusual, or funny? Write about an early memory from the perspective of your childhood self. Be sure to use vivid images and descriptive detail. Are our strongest memories formed by happy or sad events? Why do you think this is so?

I think that it is up to the personality of the person; some are optimistic and remember happy times, other more down-to-earth people tend to recall negative events easier. I personally think our strongest memories are formed by events that bring sadness or a similarly negative emotion. Though happy events tend to suffice for quite a period of time, events that truly bring about a negative emotion will etch a mark on your heart and will bring about a greater change in you, whether good or bad. Many people try to push away bad memories and neglect their existence; however, the mere act of pushing them away indicates that we remember them. For me, negative events tend to form a dark cloud over the positive events, and though I continually push them out of my mind, the lessons or ideas that these events have taught me affect me in ways greater than positive influences. Though we tend to focus on the good things in life, we can recall the negative emotions easier.

I personally don't think negative events are supposed to be brooded over. Whoever does that is emotional, narrow minded, and simply stupid. Negative events, I believe, are God's methods of teaching us lessons - to point out morals, ideals, changes that need to be made to oneself, or simply to remind us that life is not easy

For some reason the events in my childhood were relatively happy, while the more recent years have been bordering on the negative. I remember the time (must've been only three-and-a-half at the time or four) when my mother was going to give birth to my sister. I spent the night at a friend of the family's house, where their kid Jake was my "best friend" (that is, he pushed me around and used simple means of coercion to bend my choices and my personality to suit his pleasure). Anyways, I bawled my eyes out at that first sleepover. I have always hated change, even at that age. When something at their house was different from mine (e.g. the sleeping bad I slept on was different or something related) I would start bawling. Then I started bawling when I realized I couldn't see my parents. Needless to say, I was a pretty hard to handle kid at that age. I even woke up in the middle of the night and, remembering the state of affairs I was in, I gave a single sob before falling back asleep.
My father picked me up in the morning, to the delight of Jake's parents, to go home. I was more than happy to comply.
The next day was sunny, but the weather was nice and cool. We walked to the hospital (Galveston has only one hospital, and it was close enough to home to walk) to see my mother. This was the first recorded time of me going to a hospital and learning what a "C-session" was. I saw my sister for the first time as well, in the nursery alongside other bawling and sleeping babies. I remember looking at her with a sense of wonder that I can hardly describe in words and can't fully recall either, but I know that it was too much for a 4 year old to comprehend and I shook it off quickly. Interesting memory. I can't believe I just remembered that.

Your Role

Describe your role in the class Of Mice and Men video project. What is your job or jobs? What have you done so far? Has it been a good experience, or have you had some frustrations? What is left for you to do? What is your opinion on how the final project will turn out? Give an honest appraisal of your own level of effort so far.

My role in the Of Mice and Men video project seems to have deviated from what I originally signed up for. I originally wanted to be involved with the video shooting or editing, and actually requested to be a video editor. Somehow, though, I am now an actor. I love watching actors through various forms of literature representations and media, but I don't like acting. It's a self-conscious thing.
The jobs of others include acting roles, screenwriters, a cinematographer, a video editor, and of course our beloved director.

To state it bluntly, we have done little or nothing. Oh sure, the script is written and the character roles are assigned. Mostly. And sure, we've talked about how the cinematography will be and how the scenes will be set up. Mostly. But have we actually implemented any of those ideas in reality? Well, no. Has everything been planned and scheduled meticulously and has every minute detail regarding the film, including costume design and props, been addressed and taken care of? Hardly at all. What is left for us to do? Everything.

So, how well do I think it will turn out? Well, I don't know exactly what is there to do. That's why I'm not the director. But I think I have the sensibility to know that a lot is missing and that we need a more punctuate plan. And we need to get started on filming, but because of the different extracurricular activities each person has after school, this has been difficult. How do I think it will turn out? Now it seems like production is in development hell. We'll see if things work out at all.

I haven't been giving much. My role in the project has been minimal, and so far all there is to do is participate in the group discussions (which, you can see, have always been productive, since we've had several weeks to prepare but have not started filming yet).

Cruel or Kind?

In the novel Of Mice and Men, the characters often act cruelly to each other, but at other times we see acts of kindness. Describe at least one act of cruelty and one act of kindness from the novel and explain what you think the character’s motivation was. Are some characters only cruel? Only kind? Or is there a mixture of both?

 An obvious act of cruelty in the novel is when Curley intimidates Lennie. Curley, taking advantage of Lennie's passiveness in battle and childlike behavior, picked a fight with Lennie and pushed him around a bit before Lennie finally retaliated by breaking his hand. Granted, Curley got the punishment he probably deserved, but Curley still lit the spark to the conflict and greatly distressed Lennie's childlike mind. Curley's motivation for picking on Lennie was purely because of his jealousy for men with a bigger build, and because he saw Lennie has an easy target and took advantage of the fact for his own pleasure.

An act of kindness done by the characters in the novel is when George agrees to let Candy take part on his and Lennie's quest to own land (and, on Lennie's behalf, rabbits). George was agreeing to let a third man come into the plan that had already been so carefully dreamed and thought out, and by doing so would rearrange his plans but also gave Candy a new sense of hope, belonging, and companionship with George. George probably had already thought this through in his head and allowed Candy to join them because of this (and also because now there would be another source of money invested for the project).

I think that if we analyze most of the characters in the novel, each has a good side and a cruel side. For example, George is often cruel to Lennie and acts exasperated with him, but the fact remains that he loves Lennie and cares for him, and most of the "cruel" acts he commits against Lennie are for his own good. Crook, who sets himself out to be the cynical stable-boy, also puts on a mask of indifference and cruelty, but in reality all he wants is company to spend time with. Finally, Curley's wife indisputably has the secret desire to rouse action amongst the men by drawing them to her. However, as her conversation with Lennie revealed, all she may really want is a kind company who won't take her suspiciously or treat her ill.

Will to Survive

As you read about the sinking of the Titanic, think about other stories, movies, or books in which a character (real or fictional) has to choose between saving himself or herself and saving others. How does one balance the will to survive with the urge to help others? Do you think this is a conscious choice, or do people act on instinct in an emergency situation and only think of the danger to themselves later? How do you think you would act in such a situation?

In the world, most people believe in the phrase "every man for himself." According to economics, every action of man is done in his self-interest, and in times of survival man will generally do anything it is to keep himself alive. It's a good thing that most people have a good heart and a clear conscience to be able to put others in front of themselves and help people in times of need; however, in life-or-death situations, we cannot really be sure whether we would help others or save our own necks (since in most cases when we help people, we never endanger ourselves too much for their sake).

From a young age, I was taught to never try and save a drowning person, never go into a fire to help someone, and in general never to interfere with dangerous affairs to save others that may endanger my life. The rationale behind this, I think, is reasonable; attempting to save a drowning man could potentially cause me to drown if the man was struggling, and going into a fire is plain suicide. However, if I had the necessary skill sets - for example, a lifeguard license - then rescuing people would probably be fine. I still believe that the balance between maintaining one's life and saving other people is one that is precarious, a combination of both rational thinking and acting on impulse. It's hard for me to say which one usually prevails, however I can say that sometimes people make stupid decisions to save people which cost them their lives, and at other times people are able to commit acts of heroism and, occasionally, sacrifice, where they give their lives up to save others for the greater good.

It would really depend on the situation to see what I would do. I think that if it is in anyone's power to save others, they should do so. This belief was obviously absent during the sinking of the Titanic.

The Band Played On

What did the band members on the Titanic do as the lifeboats were being loaded? Why do you think they made that decision? Do you agree with their decision? Have you ever heard of people reacting in a similar way when faced with life-threatening danger? How do you think you would react in a similar situation?

 When the Titanic was sinking, as pandemonium ensured across the deck and lifeboats were being loaded with women, children, and anyone who had a sufficient pocketbook, the band onboard the Titanic stood in the midst of the commotion, and on the tipping deck they played their musical pieces. Together, the band composed of orchestral instruments played ragtimes, waltzes,"Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "In the Shadows". These men played under such grave and terrible circumstances and in the face of certain death, and some sources even state that they never ceased playing and did not try to escape until the ship finally went down.

There are a few possibilities as to why they did what they did, but we can never know what was going on in the hearts and the minds of those men. Maybe they did so because they knew they would probably die, and stayed behind to hold onto what they loved the most. Maybe they did so because they wanted to lose themselves in the music and accept what they knew was probably inevitable. Perhaps they had already made their peace to God and accepted what was to come. In any way, the action of playing their instruments in response to their almost certain deaths is very inspirational and emotionally-jerking, and whether or not they really did play their string until the end is trivial in my mind.

I cannot say what I would have done and cannot say whether I agree or disagree with what they did, since I was not there when the event occurred. Some might say that they were stupid to not try and live, while others would say that they should be admired for their resoluteness. I tend to agree with the latter.

In many disaster films, they usually portray certain people who, despite facing possible death, choose to stay behind and accept what is to come. It is usually the presidents, who wish to stay behind with their people, and the religious groups, who group together to pray and make peace. I do not think that these people should be judged for not valuing their lives. I think that they should be praised for their acceptance of what is to come, how they have made peace with the idea of death, and how much they love what they are staying back for.

I  think that if I were in such a situation, it would really depend on the situation to determine what I would do. If I were aboard the Titanic at that time, I think my primary instinct would be to flee, but somewhere deep within me, a part of me would tell me to stay behind. Nevertheless, it would take a great deal of courage and commitment to do what those band members did aboard the Titanic. I would like to think that I would stay behind; although I fear the means of death, I can honestly say that I do not fear death itself because of the ideals I believe in.

Bad Choices

The sinking of the Titanic is a famous disaster. Versions of the story have appeared in songs and movies—some accurate, some highly fictionalized. Write a few sentences about what you know—or think you know—about this event. Comment on the choices that were made in the course of the disaster. What choices do you think led to so few people’s surviving the sinking of the Titanic?

I know so much as to that the Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic and went down slowly. The passengers were not fully aware of the danger they were in, partially because many still thought the ship was unsinkable, and also because the ship's crew did a poor job of informing everyone, especially the lower class passengers. I also know that there were too few lifeboats for everyone on the ship, and when added to the fact that the individuals who got on these lifeboats usually took way too few people along with them, many more died than they should have. I also know that neighboring ships were called to the Titanic's aid, but they were still a distance away. The closest one was close enough to have conducted a rescue, but had an absent operator and hence did not receive the Titanic's SOS call.
I have also heard somewhere that the Titanic's captain had accelerated the ship in order to get to New York faster, and this aided to the inability to turn the Titanic before it hit the iceberg. I also heard that the ship's crew barred the lower-class passengers from escaping.

The bad choices in this event are evident. First off, the confidence of the ship's designers caused them to place too few lifeboats aboard, and the clear prejudice between the rich and the poor also caused the deaths of the many lives lost. The operator of the neighboring ship also made a bad decision to leave his post. In addition, some of the fault can be placed on the ship's captain; he ignored the iceberg warnings and by doing so was not cognizant of the potential dangers.

Sources

Do you know what the difference is between primary and secondary sources? Discuss what you think each one is and how they differ from each other. Give examples of what you think might qualify for each. Then think of a significant historical event, like the 921 earthquake (集集大地震), and think of what might qualify as a primary source of information about it, and what might be a secondary source.


I know that a primary source is a document or physical object that was written or created at that moment in the past, while a secondary source is one that is secondary information; it compiles different sources and/or makes an analysis of the information at hand. Therefore, primary sources are directly from the time period under study, and include diaries, speeches, letters, first-hand accounts/interviews, original pottery or other relics, etc, whereas secondary sources are those that interpret the primary sources and are, in contrast, not directly obtained from the event/time period in question. These sources include encyclopedias, magazine articles, our textbook, etc etc.

In the Jiji earthquake, primary sources may include the seismographic images obtained from the earthquake, a speech by the president of the ROC at the time (Lee Tung-Huai), or by the presidents of the international countries that send aid to Taiwan, and interviews conducted of relief workers or those affected by the quake. Secondary sources may be newspaper articles from the time period highlighting or discussing the earthquake, a chart explaining the affected areas of the quake, a list of dead, injured, or missing civilians, a textbook article detailing the earthquake, its origins, and its power, etc etc. In general, secondary sources are compiled a time after the event or time period in question has occurred, and interprets, analyzes, and synthesizes multiple primary sources.

Bosom Buddies

Describe the relationship between George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men. How would you characterize it in terms of the benefits one friend derives from the other? Does one friend benefit more or less? Who and why? Considering the definition of plot, how does their relationship function to move the plot forward? Consider your own relationships and describe one or more of them. Do you have any relationships that resemble that of George and Lennie? Are you more of a George, or more of a Lennie?

The relationship between George and Lennie is almost like that between an older brother and a younger brother. The older brother, George in the case, is exasperated by his younger brother's naive and childlike demeanor and would probably wish to rid his life of such a burden. However, because he is his brother, he not only loves his brother but is obligated to protect and watch after him.

Lennie definitely benefits from being with George. George is the only reason Lennie is able to survive out in the world and helps him in almost all aspects of his life. George is his mentor and his older brother whom he trusts and relies on for support and advice. George also benefits from being with Lennie; Lennie's physical appearance is enough to give him protection, and his strong body is enough to persuade people to give them laboring jobs. I don't think we can assume their relationship in terms of who benefits more; it depends on what you value more. Overall, though, Lennie is definitely more of a hindrance to George, and although the relationship is symbiotic, it borders of parasitism. Their relationship may cause fluctuations in the plot of the novel; if their relationship were to be stressed (e.g. if Lennie disobeys a direct order from George which causes trouble) conflict would arise.

There are many relationships one possesses: relationships with friends, with siblings, with elder family members, and with teachers. Each one has a different level of respect that is required for one to give to the other, and you give and take differently in each situation. Just compare your relationship with your best friend to that of your teacher. I don't think I have a relationship that resembles Lennie and George. The closest I can think of is with my sister and me, and even then I don't have much authority (or gain much) in the situation.

I think that if people are genuinely honest, they will worry that they take more than give in their relationships. In some cases, I am a George, and in other cases, I am a Lennie. It's very moderate and depends on what relationship it is.

Your Lennie

Think of someone who you have known most of your life; someone who is close to your age; your best friend or blood brother/sister; you have always protected each other. Then your friend is in a terrible accident. He/she now has some brain damage. He/She can still do most things; but he/she forgets things; acts very childlike (not childish). Still looks up to you for friendship and protection. Your other friends make fun of him/her and tell you to drop him/her as a friend. Would your friendship end? Why? Why not? How do you protect him/her from the cruelty of society? Can you? Why or Why not?

 If it were indeed my good friend and brother who was injured and has procured irreversible brain damage from the accident, then my friendship with him would continue; it would be a disgrace to myself and to him if I left him. Granted, our relationship would become more stressed and we probably would lose the closeness we had in the past, but I wouldn't desert him for what he has become/who he is. It would feel immoral to do so. Peer pressure wouldn't play a part in my situation; I don't think my friends (who I consider my true friends, I mean) are so cold and cruel. I would understand why they would probably distance themselves slightly, but I don't see why anyone would "drop" their relationship with him. Everything revolves around having patience. It's a hard fruit to bear, and it's understandable that people have different limits when it comes to handling the pressure of maintaining such a relationship.

Despite all this, I don't know if it is my role to protect him from the cruelty of society, as I think it would be arrogant and superior to claim responsibility. Not only this, but protection of an individual from the outside world usually ends in failure. Strict, conservative parents (like the pastor/church parents of some of my old friends) fail because their attempts to "protect" and shield their children fail miserably and invokes rebellion and conflict. In the same way, I can claim responsibility and care for my friend only so much.

To claim full responsibility is not my role: it is the role of his family, and ultimately I can't do too much for him. If it is obvious that he is alone and has no one to care for him, and I have prayed and know in my heart that it is my purpose to care for him, then so be it. However generally speaking, I will not claim full responsibility, and will only help him as much as my jurisdiction allows me to (though I will try to do everything to the extent of my power).

Emotional Setting

Setting is not only the physical time and place, but can also include the emotional atmosphere in which a story takes place. Describe the setting of the novel Of Mice and Men in both senses—physical (time, place, physical features of the environment) and emotional (is the atmosphere friendly, antagonistic, collaborative, dog-eat-dog, etc). In your description of the emotional side, explain what evidence from the text you are basing you interpretation on.

The physical setting of Of Mice and Men is set during the Great Depression, which would be around 1929-mid 1930s, and is apparently set in a sort of a mill or ranch out in the rural areas of California. Knowing this relative time period, we can assume that jobs are hard to come by in the novel, and George and Lennie (and probably every other character they will meet) are willing to do anything, as long as its a job.Again, the American dream of owning land has never died down yet, and is the dream of George and Lennie. In this world, it's pretty much a dog-eat-dog world as most folks, especially those in large cities, where moody and pessimistic workers battled it out to survive off of the meager wages they were paid at work, if they got any work at all.

The emotional environment of the book, however, is slightly different from what you would expect from one that is set during the depression. Despite the hard times, there is a sense of manly camaraderie amongst the ranch workers, and a relative balance of power. It can be compared to a dramatic play's plot: there is order, then characters cause a disorder, and finally that disorder is resolved and order is restored, only more stable than in the beginning. Before the arrival of George and Lennie, there was order. Now with their arrival, the balanced social interactions and relationships, especially regarding Curley, his wife, and the Boss, are being reshuffled.
Curley and his wife play a major part in causing disruption and disorder in collaborative and relatively friendly attitude of the ranch workers.

Base Theme

In 1938 John Steinbeck wrote in his journal, “In every bit of honest writing in the world there is a base theme. Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love. There are shorter means, many of them. There is writing promoting social change, writing punishing injustice, writing in celebration of heroism, but always that base theme. Try to understand each other.” Comment on this quotation, as it relates to what you have read in Of Mice and Men so far. Take into consideration all that you have learned about literary elements.

 The theme of understanding each other and being kind to each other is no doubt very common in literature, and plays a greater role in religion. In Christianity, Jesus said that the one of the two most important laws of the Word was to "Love your neighbor as yourselves." This is hard for many Christians, in one sense because they feel a sense of moral or spiritual superiority compared to those who do not follow their religion, and as a result place themselves higher than others in society, and in another sense merely because they are human and cannot empathize easily. In some of the epistles, the authors discuss this. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul say to  "not take pride in one man over another" (I Cor. 3:6), since nothing makes them different from anyone else, and reminds the Corinthians that love for one another, no matter for someone of the same religion or not, is the most important trait one can have. In another book (I forget which) he basically says to live amongst the people and follow/learn their culture instead of regarding it with indignity. In the Gospels Jesus himself dined with the downcast of society, displaying his desire to want to understand others. In fact, Jesus himself came down and sacrificed himself as a human being, displaying his need to understand man.

In more modern times, Civil Rights activists, poets, and anti-imperialism Americans have also written pieces of literature promoting the need to understand one another.

As it related to Of Mice and Men, George cares for Lennie far too much than what seems natural. He acts as though he is fully responsible for his well-being and his future. While others may display prejudice against Lennie because of his limited mental capacity, George understands his situation and Lennie as a person so much that he (although he probably will refuse to admit it) has a brotherly love for Lennie.
In contrast, George cares little or less for the personality of Curly and cannot empathize (or can't even dream of empathizing) with him, and vice versa. As a result a conflict is imminent. In the same way, the boss's prejudice against the stable boy, a black man, also displays his lack of understanding and respect for the other.

Magic Pictures

Look at the illustrations in your textbook on pages 356, 359, and 361. Choose one, or write about all three. Describe the picture(s) using specific sensory details. Then explain what elements of magical realism are in them (if any). Can you relate anything in the pictures to the story “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”?

In one of the images, there is an ostrich (which appears to be fake) in a doorway on an open street corner, and several young children are sneaking peaks at the ostrich from behind the corner. The ostrich is what any ostrich would look like - a tall, slender, pink neck that barely clears the height of the door, black body feathers, and long, pink legs that look rather strongly built.  The children, who are looking at the ostrich from behind the street corner, seem young - all preteens - and are watching the ostrich with a mix of humor and vivid interest, and though they seem to want to approach the ostrich, they hold back the temptation.

Apart from the ostrich and the children, the street is oddly empty, save for a few background objects (buildings, lampposts, and cars). It seems as though the street is rather old, with decaying buildings, but are relatively tall.

The image isn't exactly sunlit; although it is light enough to see the image clearly, it is obvious the sun is not shining bright.

The children behave the same way the main characters of "The Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" reacted when they saw the old man with wings in their courtyard: a sense of vivid interest, surprise, and were tempted to approach and examine the figure.  In addition, though the old man was thought to be an "angel" due to his appearance, the priest warned that this figure probably was not an angel from the heavens because other factors about his outward appearance seemed to contradict the splendors of the angels that is depicted in the Bible. In the same way, the ostrich is lifelike in its outward appearance, but something about it makes it seem fake.

In addition, the weather of the image also matches that of the short story: cloudy.

Magic Realism

Many young readers have a problem with magic realism. Despite it being an establish genre since the early twentieth century, and one that has received many accolades (such as the Nobel Prize), for some reason many inexperienced readers find it difficult to understand and appreciate. Why do you think that is? Do you have difficulty with magic realism? If so, can you explain it? If not, why do you think others do?

I think young readers (especially teenagers) dislike magic realism on impulse and find it difficult to understand because they tend to think and dream in simpler, narrower terms.

Young people tend to do what is easiest and simplest, and in terms of thinking they tend to have a narrow worldview that usually occupies a personality extremity. They cannot extend their minds and think outside the box to envision magical realism because they are used to reading what they expect to read (fantasy with fantasy, action with action). Because magical realism incorporates magic and fantasy so nonchalantly into our own world, most readers struggle over the idea of the plot. That tinge of discomfort when reading magic realism occurs because of its irony and the lack of clear distinction between what is real and what is fantasy, and because we are not used to thinking in such fashion, it is easier for most people to announce, "I don't get it" and push it out of their minds - completely opposite of the feelings the genre intended to produce.

I personally have little problems with magical realism. I think it's a wonderful, surrealist, mysterious, and very very interesting literary genre that provokes within me conflicting feelings of wonder and discomfort, and challenges me to expand my view of the world. In my old school I read a lot of the Bible, and that challenged me to find connections and imbued within me a similar (different of course, since it's the Bible!) feeling of inspiration.

The Unexpected

Think of an unusual or startling event that you witnessed. Write a paragraph about how you reacted, and speculate about whether you would react the same way if the event occurred again.

An unusual or startling event... It's hard to think of a good example at the moment. Wait, I have one. I learned recently that quite a few of my friends down in Taichung entered relationships, and despite it being their first year down there, some entered relationships in just the first/second quarter. Naturally, I responded with great surprise, incredulity, and let accidentally slip a couple of swear words. In this specific situation, I generally felt elated and found the entire situation very, very humorous (on principle I don't necessarily approve of high school relationships). In other situations though, I might respond with fear, panic, or shock.

If the same event occurred again, I don't think I would experience that same jolt that I felt during the first event. I think that if it were the second, I would respond with similar emotions (just not as powerful as the first), but if the event repeated itself for a third time or more, then the event would no longer be "unusual" or "startling", and I would probably respond with, "what else is new?"

Ode

An ode is a lyrical verse written in praise of, or dedicated to someone or something which captures the poet's interest or serves as an inspiration for the ode. You can write an ode to just about anything: your mother, happiness, toast, or a pair of old socks. Think about what you might want to write an ode about. Write down everything that you can think of about your topic. Try to come up with strong descriptive words that make clear images (colors, shapes, smells, tastes, sounds, and emotions). Don’t worry about writing complete sentences or paragraphs, just let the ideas flow out of you.

I think I'll do an ode on kites. As I go through the other disparate and disjunctive objects, places, ideas, or people I can think of, "kites" seems like the most resolute thing to write about. And now that I've got that decided, I don't think I'll reconsider. Kites it is.

I went to a park in Tainan over the Chinese New Year break, and I saw quite a number of people flying kites (the winds were appealing for kite flying that day). Kite vendors sold different kinds of kites, which they flew over their stands - there were dragons, box kites, traditional kites, slender kites, brightly colored kites, dark colored ones, ones with very long tails, others with shorter ones.
Then there were the children, young couples, and families who were flying theirs' over the afternoon zephyr, and if one inhaled deeply he/she would smell the scent of cut grass, the faint saltiness of the ocean, and the wafting scent of sausages from the nearby vendors. It was magnificent, watching the kites flying. The colors, the way in which they flew, all seemed aesthetically pleasing. I sat onto a marble bench beneath a tree's shade and looked up to the sky. A multitude of kites hung in the oh-so-light blue sky dotted with a few clouds, their tails rippling gently against the winds. Across the park, dogs, children, families, and young couples enjoyed each others' company.
Occasionally a kite would abruptly crash to the ground; a child would watch sadly as their kite's string slipped out of their grasp and flew away; or the kite would be a stubborn one, refusing to lift off the ground. I wondered how the kites could represent ones dreams; how sometimes they fail, but under the right conditions they can be cast out and flown.

Another P.O.V.

Write about which character and scene you want to use for your writing assignment on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Answer questions like, why did you choose this character and scene? What does your character look like? What kind of personality does he or she have? How does his/her attitude toward the situation differ from Christopher’s? What effect does Christopher’s words and/or actions have on your chosen character?

 I'm not completely sure which specific character and scene I want to use for the writing assignment on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time yet. I am thinking about using the scene where Christopher's father confiscates Christopher's "book" after a brief scuffle between the two, taking on the perspective of his father. I chose this character and scene because I think it can be a small representation of the troubles in life the father has experienced and his feelings towards them, as he is still hurt by his past, cares for Christopher and fears revealing his secret (his lie) to him. I plan to write the summary primarily focused on the possible emotions and attitude of his father and use that to imply his personality. The father can be described as patient, but with the pressure of recent events and the fear of revealing his lie, his patience and understanding personality is gradually being replaced with anxiety and discomfort. This will be the main focus and idea for the assignment.

Holiday Reality

Your last journal entry was to be about what you would like to do for your holiday. Today you will write about what you actually did over the holiday. Then, write a brief compare and contrast essay discussing how what you wanted to do was like what you actually did, as well as how what you actually did was different from what you hoped to do.

Over Chinese New Year break, I did what I usually do at this time of year: go down to my grandparents' house with my aunts (on my mother's side of course) and uncles. There what usually ensures is a lot of TV-watching, smaller kids running about, food, dishes to wash, and daily sightseeing trips around the local area. Although I brought a couple of textbooks down to Tainan with me with the intent of studying, I did not even open the textbooks, let alone read them. They just became extra luggage weight. In addition, there was a small power struggle over the one computer with internet in the house between my sister and our cousins and me (and, occasionally, some of the adults). Apart from the (dusty) mattress on the floor (uncleaned, because my uncle and my aunt are too busy working and my grandparents' years are preventing them from climbing up three flights of stairs) that my sister and I slept on for the night that triggered my asthma, it was a relaxing time.

The best laid schemes of mice and men go oft awry. This quote perfectly describes the situations in which I often find myself in. I make plans and intend to do them, but circumstances change and motivation is lost, and the "schemes" I laid go "oft awry". Ah, well. As according to Murphy's law, "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong".

Not everything I planned to do went off. In fact, I accomplished the one thing I hoped to accomplish most - relaxing and doing close to nothing, as well as spending time with the family. Sleep, though, was a problem.

In addition, I am proud (actually no. Try guilty) to say that I accomplished zero schoolwork over the break. I would have liked to, but at the time I seemed to lack the motivation or the physical space to do it (my grandparents don't exactly live in a mansion). Or I might just be making up excuses. Either way, it only meant that I spent the entirety of my Tuesday finishing as much work as I think I possibly could have. It also doesn't make me much happier to learn that generally, schools don't require students to study over Chinese New Year. They honor the festivity (which obviously PAS does not... Or some of the teachers don't, anyways).

Holiday Plans

Write about what you would like to do for the holiday. You will also be asked to write what you actually did (when you return), so think about how you can compare your hopes and plans with the reality of what happens.


Whenever there is a holiday or a break, no matter what the occasion, I always wish to spend the entirety of my time relaxing and doing close to nothing. This would probably include sleeping late, watching TV (I would like to pick off from where I left off in season 5 of House), doing some  light reading (my borrowed copy of Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama has been sitting untouched for quite a while now), spending time with my dogs (I don't get to spend much time with them due to schoolwork),  or just sitting around the house. Granted, these actions are regarded as acts that may cause brain degradation, but honestly, I couldn't care less - the purpose of school is to give us mental push-ups, and the breaks are for the intermittent rests.

In addition, since it is Chinese New Year, I intend to spend the greater portion of my time with family. This will be a relatively easy task, considering that I am going down to my grandparents' house in Tainan for the entire break.


Unfortunately, due to external factors, including schoolwork and other related projects, there is no way on Earth I can do "nothing" the entire break. Some teachers gave out no homework for the break, and for that I am most grateful. However, to those who did...


Therefore, quite unfortunately, a portion of my break will be dedicated to completing schoolwork (the assignments that are due), as well as conducting research for the upcoming BeiMUN conference.

Omniscient P.O.V.

“Through the Tunnel” is told from the point of view of an all-knowing, or omniscient, narrator. Although the narrator focuses mainly on Jerry, we also learn some of Jerry’s mother’s thoughts and feelings. How would the story be different if Jerry’s mother were telling it?

"Through the Tunnel" is told from an third-person omniscient narrator.This means that the reader is able to view the sequences of the story from the perspectives of multiple characters and is not limited to a single character, and also provides additional information that is related to the plot at hand.The story focuses primarily on Jerry and his endeavors, but we also are able to view some of his mother's thoughts and feelings (such as near the beginning of the story, where she expresses her fear of being overprotective).

The story would be significantly different if it was told from a first-person point of view from Jerry's mother or from a third-person limited perspective focusing on his mother. For one thing, the plot would be different; instead of a symbolic "rites of passage" story surrounding Jerry and his desire to swim through the tunnel in the underwater rock wall, we would probably be reading something about her mother trying to care for, or improving her plan to care for Jerry with the right combination of freedom and restriction.

Some other aspects of stories - setting (different to match where her mother was during the events of Jerry's story, such as the "safe beach"), tone - may also change.