Final Reflection

1- What are the three most important things you learned this year?

2- What is something we did this year that you think you will remember for the rest of your life?

3- What was the nicest thing someone in our class did for you this year?

4- What is something you taught your teacher or classmates this year?

5- In what area do you feel you made your biggest improvements? What is something you accomplished this year that you are proud of?

6- What was the most challenging part of this year for you?

7- What was the best piece of writing that you did this year? Why do you think it is your best?

8- Of the books you read this year, which was your favorite? Why?

9- What advice would you give students who will be in this class next year?

1) Three of the most important things that I would have learned this year would have been definitely been working with TIQA formatting. Never before had I worked so often with one type of writing format. TIQA has truly allowed me to organize my writing in an effective manner that has allowed me to improve my writing. Another important thing that I have learned this year would be the importance of remembrance, as shown throughout our Holocaust unit. Never before had I experienced such a great focus on possibly one of the most terrifying parts of our history. This unit has taught me not only more, factually, but also on an emotional grounds in regards to the society we live in and the one that was lived in. Despite this, I believe that the most important things I have learned have been taught through our AoWs. The AoWs that we have received have allowed me to become a more worldly person and much more empathetic with the situations of others. I feel that this is a very important thing for people to learn and I am glad that I am aware of this. 

2) There were several memorable moments that were part of my eighth grade experience, but without a doubt my favorite would have been our To Kill A Mockingbird "feast." As is my reading of To Kill A Mockingbird was fascinating as was but it was even more so when I was able to share that with my friends. There was something about the ability of enjoying a book and the idea of simply having a true example as to what the characters experienced and the time period in which they lived that was amazing. It is truly something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. 

3 & 4) Trying to pinpoint one of the nicest moments someone in our class did, proves to be difficult. If I were to find an exact portrayal of this would be saying it's like trying to find a needle in a stack of needles (in a good way of course.) There have been several occurrences this year and the one previous, that while surrounded by about 20 other caring people it's difficult to say one exact thing. I think a huge thing would definitely have been simple jokes that we've made either in class or with people from class. It's something rather unmemorable to some but it has definitely caused a huge turn on my outlook about my day, knowing a new joke or adventure is waiting for me. A very special thanks to Jenna and Gustavo for being a strong source of this year's laughter! This in return leads me to lessons I feel have been learned mutually from both my classmates and myself. I feel that we, as a whole, have been able to understand the importance of finding a joy in everyday life and the importance that not everyday is a good day but there is something good in everyday. This lesson would definitely have been impossible if it were not for the kindness of my classmates and friends.

(To Jen & Gus) When I felt like this:

And days were like this:

You made me feel:

5&6&9) Personally, I feel that one of the most challenging portions on this year was staying on top of my work. Due to the several events that have occurred in the seemingly busy eighth grade year, it took a bit more effort to manage my time. With this in mind, I feel that it is important that future eighth graders and seventh graders understand the importance of time management. One must always be aware of what there workload will be like. Along with this, one must be willing to place an extra effort into things and work ahead if possible to avoid later frustration. This extra effort has also allowed me to immensely improve. Personally, I feel that trying to be proactive at times can be a strenuous task. At times it may be difficult to juggle several things at once, because of this I am definitely proud that I have been able to turn in all projects and assignments on time. Though this is a small accomplishment it is something I have truly been proud of.

7&8) This year, I believe, was one of my best yet in regards to my writing. Personally, my favorite piece this year was my ending of "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe. Through my personal spin off, "The Bitter Taste of the Drink" I felt that I was truly able to somewhat impersonate the writing style of Edgar Allan Poe. Due to the large amount of effort I had placed into the piece, I feel that it also truly embodied the type of writing style I most enjoy. In addition, The Cask of Amontillado was definitely one of my favorite reads this year. There is a certain uniqueness in the manner in which Edgar Allan Poe writes that allows one's mind to imagine freely. Due to this rare trait, I feel that it is nearly impossible to surpass the value of Poe's work. 

Tuesdays with Morrie: Final Project

"Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent."

Without Tuesdays with Morrie  a large variety of aphorisms are offered to us from the point of view of Morrie. Without a doubt, I feel that the aphorisms offered throughout "The Sixth Tuesday - We Talk About Emotions" speaks in volumes. Throughout the sixth week of Mitch's class with Morrie, they speak of detachment. Morrie informs us of the importance of detaching one's self from the objective world. Morrie informs us that by detaching ourselves from the materialistic world allows us to be fully penetrated by the experiences we have lived and that of others.  In order to be fully penetrated by these experiences, Morrie says, "Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent." This ideology, offered by Buddhists, means that if we would like to truly experience the world, we mustn't let ourselves be held down. In the world we reside in, it is easy to hold onto the materialistic world, but we cannot live this way. We must understand the importance of letting go the materialistic side of life and experiencing all of life, the good and the bad.

A song that I believe that relates to, "Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent" is "Wings" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The song itself is based upon feelings upon anti-consumerism told from the view of a young boy. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis tell the story of a boy who grew to have an intense love for shoes. For this boy, the shoes he wore had made him feel unique, he also felt that they enhanced his ability to play. After a series of events that the boy experiences such as when his friend's brother is killed for shoes, "my friend Carlos' brother got murdered for his Fours, whoa." The boy's who life is detailed in the song demonstrates the pain that materialistic things may cause (though all things will not lead to death) due to our clinging. We must see that, such as Morrie says, clinging to objects, especially those that give us short term happiness is not for the better. We must learn to see that anything we hold onto at some point will be taken away such as the shoes in the music video or such as the sand in the image of my aphorism. 

Personally, I believe this aphorism to be rather telling and inspiring. I feel that it can be taken into account when dealing with both the subjective world (memories) and the objective world (shoes, clothing, money, etc.) The quote contains a great truth that I completely agree with both out of personal experience and the experience of others.  Morrie seems to show a great dependence upon this aphorism as he says, "if you don’t allow yourself to go all the way through them—you can never get to being detached, you’re too busy being afraid." As we read the story we see the importance of controlling emotions for Morrie. The older man seems to always make a point of properly handling his feelings by never letting them overwhelm him. I feel that this ability is the key to live a happy life. By detaching oneself and by not clinging to things we are able to truly understand the lives we live, which will in return, help us improve our lives. 

Personal Aphorism: Lead your own life or others will lead it for you. 

Tuesdays with Morrie: Week of 4/27

Based on the 6 Tuesdays you have read about in Tuesdays with Morrie, choose which topic (The World, Feeling Sorry For Yourself, Regrets, Death, Family, or Emotions) that has had the most impact on you or inspired you. On your blog discuss the importance of this topic with your own opinions, including textual evidence (direct quotes) from the book.

Throughout the book Tuesdays with Morrie, several topics of important interest have been brought up. Morrie has covered important topics of such as worldly conflicts, sympathy for one's self, regret, how to deal with death, the importance of family, and dealing with emotions.  These chapters have been a true insight as to the type of person Morrie was and the manner in which lived his life. The topics have offered a profound impact for the reader and have allowed them to realize the importance of the topics listed above.

Morrie's explanations and view on life are something I have never previously seen. Due to this and his rather interesting point of view on death, I have found fourth Tuesday to be on of the most important. Throughout this section we are able to see the importance of accepting death and the number of years we have been given. As Morrie portrays through Tuesdays with Morrie, there is an importance in realizing, “once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” Meaning that previous to our impending death, it is best we come to terms with the life that we have lived in order to improve what is left of it. Personall, I have always found a certain importance in appreciating life, something that Morrie constantly does. In several levels, I find it easy to empathize with the older man, seeing as I understand several of his points. 

In further detail, I also found "The Fourth Tuesday - We Talk About Death" to be important due to the change in Morrie's character. Morrie himself is a rather dynamic person, but there is a certain essence to him that has been captured through this section. I feel that this is the first section in which both Morrie and Mitch have come to a true concensus on death. It feels that for one of the first times they are on the same page, in regards to Morrie's illness and the outcome of it. We are shown this as we the comparisons between the situations Mitch can appreciate and the one Morrie can appreciate. It seems that Mitch is finally able to understand the toll death has on a person but the change in manner seeing as they are more grateful, in the end.

Tuesdays With Morrie: Week of 4/20

The Curriculum- The Second Tuesday
Location 621 of 2081 (29%)


It seems to me that we have  merely taken a glimpse into the life of Mitch and Morrie, and I am already captured by their characters. Without a doubt, the idea of this memoir to some maybe, cheesy, but in fact it's better that one could imagine. When beginning my reading of Tuesdays with Morrie, I was unsure as to what the story would involve and found myself completely unprepared. Despite this, once beginning my reading it seemed that several ideas simply aligned. I truly believe that  Tuesdays with Morrie, is the type of reading that seems to come once in a lifetime that completely changes your thinking. Morrie's aphorisms such as, "“Accept what you are able to do and what you are not able to do,” has allowed a different thought process when reading his story. I feel that Tuesdays with Morrie is not so much of a reflection of Morrie's life as much as it of ours. We, simply a few pages into the book, have been thrown into a chasm forcing to think of the life we have led. Morrie's story is simply a calling to all people, a reminder, a reminder to enjoy life and to care for others. The elderly man has seem to struck a chord in my heart, as I find him to be rather similar to my own grandfather.

A rather relevant theme throughout Tuesdays with Morrie, seems to be the idea of a death wish and what seems to be a bucket list. Something that we would like to be completed after our death or previous to it. It seems to me that Morrie's would be to give his final course, no longer on sociology, but on the philosophy, something that he seems to major in, without a degree. Morrie, through experience, has focused on the importance of living life to fullest. In my opinion, one of the most easiest manners in which he could keep track of this would be through a bucket list. In honor of Morrie, I would like to share with you my current bucket list:
1) Travel around the world. (To at least three other continents & 15 other countries)
2) Go to at least 10 different concerts, for different bands.
3) Write a book, have it published.
4) Ride a ferris wheel.
5) Ride a ferris wheel, without freaking out after I remember my fear of heights.
6) Get a tattoo.
7) Live in another country, for the minimum of a year.
8) Attend Oxford University for at least a semester.
9) Be on T.V.
10) Write a skit with Jimmy Fallon.
11) Meet Jimmy Fallon.
12) Creating a painting, have it placed in an art museum.
13) Meet Ed Sheeran! 🇬🇧
14) Read the Harry Potter series in spanish.
15) Spend a Christmas in New York City.
16) Inspire someone to follow their dreams.
17) To follow my dreams. Do what I want because I want to. Not let myself become another person in another business suit.
18) Improve the lives of my parents and grandparents, whether that be financially or in any other way.
19) Live a life I won't regret, while being happy.

Life Is Beautiful vs. Night: Week of 4/13

Based on the Holocaust literature and poetry we have read, what connections can be made between Life is Beautiful and our reading?  What events, scenes, or situations are similar or different? What is similar or different about the mood or tone of the pieces?

How is life shown as beautiful throughout the film. Pull out at least two examples from different parts of the film and explain your rationale.

     Throughout both Life is Beautiful  and Night, an abundance of connections may be made between both the media and the novel. These similarities may be categorized between the physical examples and the ones perceived by the audience. For example, throughout Night there is a strong focus on the bond between father and son. In Night Ellie and his father have a nearly identical relationship as to the one that Guido and Joshua maintain in Life is Beautiful. The role this father-son remains to be one of the most important, due to the fact that through this bond, the main characters survive. As Guido takes the steps to protect young Joshua's innocence he starts a game and is always sure to feed him extra food he may come across by. This relationship is nearly identical to that between Elie and his father, except in reverse as Elie attempts to find extra nourishment for the older Wiesel. 

     Despite the emotional connections between the characters of both sources, there is also a difference in tone and mood portrayed through both movies. Night contains a rather melancholic tone and a never ending feeling of depression. This shown through Elie's loss of faith and the loss of innocence as he faces the unthinkable. In contrast, Life is Beautiful offers a bittersweet tone with an occasional touch of appropriate humor. This is also shown by the different thinking among characters, for example Elie Wiesel believes, "Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere." Yet, Uncle Leo seems to believe the complete opposite as he states, "Silence is the most powerful cry." The ideas portrayed in the movie such as the protection of innocence and the power of silence is a stark difference to that offered to us by Wiesel. In several way, it seems that Wiesel has given up on the person he used to be and embraced the new character he has gained. Guido, seems to be an exact foil of Elie. Guido fights the change that may overtake him in order to protect the things he cares more about than himself, his family.

     The difficulty to maintain life beautiful throughout one the possibly the darkest of moments in our history, seems to be one of the most impossible things to occur. Despite this, Guido constantly strives, throughout the film to better life for his son, wife, and others around him. In the beginning of the film, we quickly witness the joy that falling in love with Dora has caused for Guido. We are able to view the upside that has been brought by a series of surprises and the power of will, as demonstrated through "surprising feats" acted out by Guido himself. As the film continues on, for some, life does not continue to be beautiful once he is in the camps with Joshua.  Despite this notion, I feel that this is when the beauty has truly begun. The fact that a father is willing to protect his son and able to make an evil into a game in which he can possibly win, is truly amazing. A bond between father and son so strong that despite leading him to his demise is his ultimate goal. One must be able to surpass the death of Guido and focus on the joy of a child that has been brought through sacrifice. In truth, I feel that Guido understood his chances of survival, in spite of this he was willing to love and care for his son more than he ever did himself. This self-sacrifice allowed one of Joshua's greatest wishes to come true, a tank, thanks to his father. Guido, from the beginning and up until the end was an optimist in the darkest of times, this certain faith and will is what truly makes life beautiful.

Night: Week of 3/30

Focus Question: How do Elie's experiences during the Holocaust change him as a person?
Significant character changes and focus on important aspects, such as: his personality, morality, beliefs or values.
At least two major changes, and 'prove' using textual evidence and interpretation, how Eliezer transforms by the end of his memoir. Please use TIQA as your tool for organization.

Throughout Night I have an exponential amount of character change, as shown through Elie. At every constant turn of a page I must quickly remind myself that Elie is a real person. The problem is that things such as his faith and religion seem to buckle under the pressure he is placed. Throughout the beginning we are introduced to devout and faithful young boy prepared to learn about his religion. We see this when we are first introduced both Moshe the Beadle and Elie, “Why did I pray? Strange question. Why did I live? Why did breathe?” (Wiesel 4.) Elie's thoughts and conversation with Moshe allow us to see the fact that Elie truly cared about his religion. Wiesel, at the time, was ready and prepared to ignore his father's pleads to pursue one of the things he was completely sure of, his faith. Despite this, we see that once he arrives to Auschwitz, his faith dwindles. For the first time in his life, Ellie has experienced the true cruelty, in an area in which it is believed no god chooses to interfere. Upon his arrival in Auschwitz, Elie is quick to understand his surroundings, and once he does he states, "Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes," (Wiesel 34.) The possibility that in what seems to be less than an hour after arriving in Auschwitz he is willing to doubt all he has known, is astonishing. This effect later on snowballs to a point in which he no longer accepts to fast or believe that his God is willing to do anything for him. Elie elaborates further on this point as he states, "And then, there was no longer an reason for me to fast. I no longer accepted God's silence," (69.) A certain sadness continues to fill the words of Wiesel as he speaks about God in this section, one of the last sections in which he truly address his God. After this, it seems that the sorrow of losing his father has damaged him beyond repair.

Night also progresses as we see the great change in Elie's willingness to vocalize his displeasure towards his situation. In the beginning, we find that he is stunned as to the world he is currently living in. The idea of his home being taken over is something that he never previously thought of. Despite being a relatively obedient son, Elie, (along with other prominent members of the community) at first, questioned his father on the events that occurred. We find that, "the community came to consult with my father..." and later on mentioning that, "wanted to know what her thought of the situation," (Wiesel 11.) This displays that at the beginning people, including Elie, were truly willing to speak of their discomfort. Despite this, as Elie continues on explaining his life we find that once Auschwitz the vocalizing of discontent changes thoroughly. As Elie experiences life in the camp witnesses his father being beaten, after seeing this, he states, "I had watched it all happening without moving. I kept silent," (54.) This situation is dramatically different, in respects to Elie's reaction, from when Wiesel's father was previously beaten, in which he stated, "“I stood petrified. What had happened to me? My father had just been struck, in front of me, and I had not even blinked. I had watched and kept silent,”
 (39.) It seems that as we continue on throughout the story that as the silence of characters continues on so does the indifference of the people in the camps (including Elie.) This ever present silence continues between Elie and his father seeing as when the elder Wiesel lay on his death bed, Elie did nothing. His father yet again was violently attacked by an officer while at Buchenwald, but Elie stayed silent, “He had called out to me and I had not answered,” (Wiesel 112.) Throughout the story there is an apparent difference in the manner people stand up one another. In the beginning all seems bright & hopeful and will to advocate for others is strong but suddenly others no longer matter and silence rises as they fight for survival.

"At Terezin" by Teddy Butterfly Project

Comments: Gabe, Jenna, Citlalli

Night: Week of 3/23

Write a letter from the main character to someone else from the story.

Dear Moishe,

How I regret not listening to you. It seems that if I were to listen to you and to your words I would not be where I currently am. I doubt that any place you were sent to compared to Auschwitz. The place lurks with the smell of the dead and their faces curling into the smoke. It seems very difficult to turn anywhere without finding what should not be found. I am frieghtened to say I will no longer find happiness, not in this life.

Father believes we will be fine. He thinks that what we have gone through is no problem in comparison that of others. I now find myself confused on what to do and how to do so. I can longer tell the diffferenve between the two ideas, at least not now. Moishe, it seems all I canask now is that you were taken  granted for as we ignored you we didn't believe. It was a great change from one end to the other especially when you pain was not noticed by others.

I have yet to uderstand how this all work . It may be the simple minded father wjo I feel has lost his way. In truth, I've no idea what I can do for myself, for my famiy. You see Moshe, I have seen them attack and abuse my fathers but others as well . The Nazis seem to understand that to make a person lose, you must find something dear to them. They play this card day by day, week by week. I grew sick and lone of tired of this idea. Moishe, I truly need your help.

Sincerely,
Elie Wiesel

Holocaust AoW Impressions: 3/23

Different to any gallery walks previously done, today has definitely been one of the most enlightening. We have viewed topics such as the stories of Holocaust survivors, the lives of former S.S. officers, the establishing of Holocaust Remembrance days, and the manner in which literature has connected to history. This week we have connected both the scientific and the beliefs of survivors. We have also viewed the silver linings in the darkest of time but the tragedy in beauty as well. It may easily be stated that the Holocaust is a genocide that not only had a great impact but continues to have one up until today and continuing on. 

As we discover the horrors of Nazi experiments we are informed of the fact that in certain camps with experiments on babies, "The butt of guns were used to kill babies, with a blow to the head," (Information courtesy of Bela.) Not only this but the "Germans experimented on women to find cures for German soldiers," (from Marisa's AoW.) The Nazis at the time took a scientific interest in those placed in camps, viewing them as guinea pigs that they could experiment on. It was truly something that several would have found to be traumatizing and completely life changing. At times I find a certain difficulty when trying to understand the matter, it's surprising that so much hate and evil could exist at once. To only further my surprise I learned that directly after WWII it was estimated that 7,000 concentration camps/ghettos existed. As of the year 2013, we are aware that 42, 500 camps existed all together, 1,150 of which were Jewish Ghettos. 

Berlin Memorial Reflection

Berlin Memorial Reflection

1- What did you learn?
Today I have learned the extent in which the Nazi party truly went to attack Jews. I have been able to see the evil in humans goes beyond that of concentration camps and ghettos. The evil at the time began in the idea that dehumanization was the correct thing to do. The thought in which the "best possible thing to do" was to take away their daily rights of humans such as being a part of a community. Jewish people were no longer allowed to do things such as go to the movies or join certain clubs due to their heritage. I have learned that what was then at the time, the decrees, was done in a methodical manner so that the change was gradual and unnoticed.

2- Why do you think this monument was built?
This monument allows us to remember these mistakes as we declared such laws. The Berlin Memorial monument is the best reminder of our past mistakes as we continue to move forward with improvement but never forget our previous failures as human beings. As it is with other monuments it also allows to commemorate those who have been wronged and those who have been hurt.

3- What did you notice about the number of laws passed in certain years?
Throughout the activity I noticed large between the time in which laws were decreed. For example, in the year 1933, a large amount of laws against Jews were placed. Along with this, several of the first laws decreed prohibited several luxuries, not necessarily things that were needed in order to survive. For some time, between 1933-1938, some laws were decreed but not many. It was yet again in the year 1938 were several laws were decreed in order to take away all basic human necessities from Jewish people.

4- Which restrictions do you think you would have the most trouble dealing with and why?
I feel that the restriction that I would have the most trouble dealing with would be the expelling of all Jewish children from public schools. Despite the fact that schooling is not a necessity for survival, personally, I feel that education has always taken a large role in my life. I feel that without my education several of the things that have made me, "me," would not be the same. It is also one of the things in which you do not realize the true valued of until it is taken away.

3rd Quarter Reflections

The 3rd Quarter has seemingly passed by rather quickly, in comparison to the 1st and 2nd. It has been during this period of time in which I feel that I have academically grown exponentially. I have seen a progress in my argumentative writing, that I previously could not achieve. My work with argumentative pieces has seen a major improvement and has also been something I am extremely proud of. Personally, I feel that my work with the argumentative piece was a place I struggled in a bit more in comparison to anything else we have done. Throughout my life, I have learned to be accustomed to much more narrative pieces or persuasive. There are truly many more steps and elements that must be taken into consideration when dealing with argumentative work. 

The third quarter has no only been filled with a sense of pride and academic growth, but an underwhelming amount of classic lit as well. For the school year of 2014-2015 it was my goal that I read, rather than 40 books, 15 pieces of classic literature. To this moment, I have managed to read 4 of the 15 I had planned. These books being:
-Lord of the Flies
-Dorian Grey
-Julius Caesar 
-To Kill A Mockingbird

It is my hope that only after purchasing a collection of Shakespeare books I will be able to accomplish my goal and improve as my blogs. I feel that when writing it is a constant progression between content and writing style, and in this year it is my belief that I have advanced on both, and hope to continue to progress. 

Girl Online: Week of 3/9

Pages: 0-190

Penny

Quirky, resilient, timid, intelligent

A character in life's story

Lover of photography, the cello, and chiseled cheekbones and twinkly, dimply smiles

Who notices the starfish, archways, and the taste of Cherry Coke

Who feels anxiety, mysterious, apprehensive, and strong 

Who learns how to control fear, how to perfect the Downton Abbey look, and how to eat spaghetti

Who says, "“Sometimes you have to face up to your fears to realize that they aren’t actually real.” 

Who used to think that she had to live to deal with the friends she knew but now knows you outgrow             people

Major character in Girl Online

A book that any teenage girl can be able to connect to

Girl Online: Week of 3/06

Prompt: Author’s Writing

Pages: 0-97

This week, unlike any others, is much different for my AoW Impressions blog. Rather than an overview on this weeks events, due to absence, I will be writing on my most recent read, Girl Online. Girl Online, written by one of my favorite YouTubers, is a definite change from some of my most recent reads. Due to the books teenage realistic fiction theme and overall diction is what I feel to be a much needed break from Caesar and the betrayals that occurred to the man. (Though Shakespeare was a great playwright, the 16th century man does manage to confuse his 21st century audience. At least, myself, I’m not sure about anybody else.)

Personally, I feel that Girl Online is a great read! My reading of the novel has barely begun, Zoe Sugg (the author, also known as Zoella,) has already managed some rather heavy topics in an understandable manner. I must also say, that for her first novel, Zoe Sugg is a great author who understands what she is doing. A majority of the impact that Zoe leaves upon the reader is definitely through her key word choice that helps encompass teenage life (and diction) in a perfect manner. This week, I truly wanted to focus on author’s work rather than focus on characters, for the reason that the author’s identity takes a key role on writing. Zoe’s strong personality shows through her writing as it is obvious that she is able to make a connection with a younger audience as she covers topics such as serious emotional distress which includes Penny’s (the main character’s) panic attacks and struggle with friends and school.

Julius Caesar: Week of 2/23

Playlist for Julius Caesar
Read: Act 2-Scene 1-Rome to Act 3- Scene 2- The Forum
🍀Spoilers🍀

My reading of Julius Caesar continues to be a complicated and tedious one. Despite this, I have been able to take what I do understand, or help my understanding by connecting certain sections to song lyrics. Personally, I feel that this is a great way in which a person can further understand a piece of literature. I feel that this a great method, especially when it comes to William Shakespeare. Due to this I have decided that for this week's blog, I would make a soundtrack to Julius Caesar.

1. "King For A Day" by Pierce the Veil

You told me to think about it, well I did 
Now I don't want to feel a thing anymore
I'm tired of begging for the things that I want
I'm over sleeping like a dog on the floor

King For A Day is a song that best exemplifies the first act of the play. As seen in both the song and the book it is apparent that both characters seem to have a problem with the leadership they are placed under. In the music video and in the book, a plot is made against the "leaders" in order to get back at them or to receive what is truly theirs, as seen by the actions of Brutus and Cassius.

2. "Not Afraid" by Eminem

"I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand
We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just lettin' you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel like you've been down the same road

"And I just can't keep living this way

So starting today, I'm breaking out of this cage
I'm standing up, Imma face my demons
I'm manning up, Imma hold my ground
I've had enough, now I'm so fed up
Time to put my life back together right now"

The rap song "Not Afraid" by Eminem encompasses the idea in which Brutus prepares himself to murder Julius Caesar. Throughout the second act we see the struggle in which Marcus Brutus does not know what step to take in regards to hurting Caesar. We see previous to the ides of March, the day in which Caesar dies, Brutus finds himself torn in confusion and lost in what to do. Once he is finally able to make a conclusion, he decides that what is correct is to stand up to the man who he believed to be the end of Rome.

3. "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry

 

"I wish I knew then

What I know now
Wouldn't dive in
Wouldn't bow down
Gravity hurts
You made it so sweet
'Til I woke up on
On the concrete"

& "I'm wide awake

Thunder rumbling
Castles crumbling
I'm wide awake
I am trying to hold on
I'm wide awake

The song Wide Awake, in my opinion, describes the feelings that Caesar felt moments before his death. When reading Act 3, Scene 1, it is plain to see that in several ways Caesar is surprised to find Brutus, a person in which he confided to be part of his death. As Caesar states, *"Et tu Brute? -- Then fall, Caesar." Julius before his death experiences a deception led by those in which he believed he could confide in. Julius Caesar, in the end, was able to open his eyes and realize the falseness that was the  politicians he was surrounded by.

*Today's English: And you to Brutus? In that case, die, Caesar.

AoW Impressions 2/20

Article of the Week Gallery Walk

This week, I have been introduced to a rather recurring theme throughout our Gallery Walk. With topics such as ISIS and gender equality constantly presented throughout articles, repeatedly, it is plain to see the importance that these events take in lives around the world. It seems that our class has found a particular importance in the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians at the hands of ISIS. ISIS, as found through several articles has lead attacks not only in Egyptian but has continued on attack through social media by hacking into certain accounts and terrorizing military families.

Aside from world terrorism we continue on to another recurring topic, as seen by the amount of articles chosen on the topic, would be preparing for the next epidemic. The end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015, seemed to be plagued with the events of epidemics ranging from the flu, to ebola, to measles. It seems that today in history our usual arsenal of vaccines is no longer making the cut due to viral mutations. In all truth, events such as these are something we must be aware of seeing as that our knowledge on these topics allows us the power to turn them around for the better. Along with this, a certain appreciation should be made for informative pieces and the truth that they hold.

Julius Caesar: Week of 2/16

Prompt: Opinion and Quotes

Pages: Act II-Scene I-Rome

My recent reading of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar has left me truly and utterly confused. Unlike several other plays I have read, this one proves to be a bit more difficult. This being due to the rather confusing lingo of 1599. With phrases such as "servile fearfulness" and "this age's yoke." It is a bit more of task to understand to understand Shakespeare diction if one does not have knowledge of the 16th century terminology or a dictionary at hand. 

Continuing on with the play itself, it is truly the exact manner in which I, personally, would imagine the time in which Caesar lived. From the separation by what seems to be a caste system. There is a certain manner in which conversation is directed toward the commoners by the tribunes that demonstrates the true demeanor of certain characters. I have currently just been introduced to Cassius and Casca and it seems, already, that their intentions may not be of the best. 

My primary inspiration for reading Julius Caesar was the fact that my 40 book challenge was lacking a significant amount classical literature. Now, after beginning my reading, my objective is to make some sense of some of its most popular quotes as I may come across them. Barely through the first act, I have already found a rather interesting quote that I believe must be shared with the world, it being, "Men at some time are masters of their fate:/  The fault, Dear Brutus, is not in our stars/ But in ourselves that we are underlings," This is the idea in which not all that occurs to you is because a predestined fate, but because you have yet to attempt to make any changes in your life. This, you can see, is the point in which one sees the beginning of Brutus's betrayal begins to grow.

Comments: Citlalli, Jenna, Leanna

The Book Thief: Book Talk Week of 2/4

Transcript:

I am doing a book talk and so I will be talking about The Book Thief by Markus Suzak. The Book Thief is a piece of historical fiction which takes place in Munich, Germany in the years 1939-1943. Throughout the story we learn about the main character Liesel Meminger and her life on Himmel Street. In the story we learn about Liesel's intense love writing, reading, most importantly and above all words  in general. As Liesel lives in Nazi Germany we see the the struggle which she faces, this being the fact that she is aware of the things her country does and the fact that she cannot read nor write about things she would like. Despite all that she has been prohibited she still continues to write with her adoptive father on all the things she would like, with this in mind the only way one could describe would be valiant, curious and innocent. 

When trying to describe a specific sent in The Book Thief it is very difficult to pinpoint one exact mood. This being due to the fact that The Book Thief covers several different emotions and ideas. We follow Liesel's story on Himmel Street and it covers her most joyous moments along with the most nostalgic. Despite this, the ending of The Book Thief  contains a truly nostalgic mood, which is how one may overall describe the book, which is something that Markus Suzal seemed to be aiming for.

Throughout the book, I feel that diction definitely played a key role in making the books  and its interesting point of view that the author offered which is something that I most definitely remember because I enjoyed it so much. The point of view offered in The Book Thief is definitely something that can not be found anywhere or everywhere else. WIth this in mind it something I would recommend to several people due to the appealing point of view change and it also offers another interesting taking on life during World War II, something fans of historical fiction would absolutely love. Along with this, another strong place was Suzak's diction that was shown throughout the scripture with this in mind, I would like to share a quote with you to demonstrate the amazingness of his work.“The consequence of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both."

Comments: Aline C., McKenna Z., Keenan W.

AoW Impressions

This week, I have experienced something rather enjoyable through the sharing of our weekly articles. As we shared a rather large variety of articles that have caused great commotion in our world, we were finally able to understand a bit more something we didn't completely understand or know about at all. Personally, I felt that sharing our articles through a gallery walk definitely broadened my knowledge on topics such as climate change in 2014, immigration laws and restrictions in Germany, and global temperature changes.

Our AoW Gallery Walk allowed me see things from a much more worldly perspective. As I learned about the establishment or the want for an establishment of anti immigrant laws in Germany and the ever changing climate whose state only seems to worsen, I was able to see problems that do not only impact America. Recently, the articles (previous to this weeks,) despite having an international connection, still focused heavily on America and how it has (or had) been affected.

The Boy On the Wooden Box: Week of 1/26

Quote & Interpretation

Pages: 80-166

I myself am no stranger WWII and Holocaust based type readings. Due to this, in a way, I have a rather "high standard" when it comes to books based upon these events. Books such as The Book Thief, The Boy Who Dared, The Devil's Arithmetic, and other books have left a realistic, yet still fictitious information on what it was like to live in either a concentration camp or as a German citizen at the time. Despite these reads, I can not remember a time in which I have read something such as The Boy On The Wooden Box (a memoir.) It's influence travels much farther than one would imagine, especially in realization that what Leon Leyson writes, is true.

As Leon continues to narrate his story life and childhood it is difficult to keep one's emotion's in check. Personally, I found it extremely difficult when Leon (both the author & main character) refers to a quote in the Talmud, "He who saves a life saves the world entire." Once reading this, I felt that little people truly knew what some, during the 1940's, went through to save lives. In the case of the book, Oskar Schindler, a German factory owner, risked his life on a daily to save nearly 1, 200 people who were thought to be worthless. Of course, Schindler was not able to save all of those who died in concentration camps but he had the courage to save them either way. By saving 1,200 people Oskar Schindler was able to save us from ourselves. These 1,200 people, after being saved, were another opportunity to remind us of previous horrors as we honored those whose innocent lives were taken away, simply because they did not fit the standards of a fascist country.

This week, my blog is not so much about my book as it is an appraisal. My appraisal to Oskar Schindler, the man who was a walking paradox in the most positive of ways. His disposition kind yet constantly scheming. Schindler's methods of survival were completely unorthodox yet he managed to play by a rulebook only the greatest of minds could understand. By day, Oskar played the part of a proud Nazi, yet by night he was able to speak with all his Jewish workers as if they were like any other person, which they were, but were never viewed as such by others. Without people such as Oskar Schindler our world, as we see it, would be all but nonexistent due to the fact that people such as Oskar are the ones who allows to view the world as it is not as we would like it to be. Oskar's view on the world allowed him to see the horrid actions which were committed and allowed him to save hundreds of lives, something others failed to do.

Comments: Autumn, Citllalli, Steven

The Boy On The Wooden Box: Week of 1/19

Prompt: Write a letter to the main character
Pages: 0-80
(Niklaus is not a real character, The Boy On The Wooden Box is a memoir on the life of Leon Leyson during the late 1930's  and early 40' s.)


Dear Leon, 

    It has been a long time since I have heard of you friend! When will you return to the village of Narewka? Things have been far from the same since your departure to Kraków. Things do seem to be all the much more boring. How long has it been? I last saw you when we were eight, and it has been four year! Who would ever imagine this, the schelmisch boys of the village separated?

    In the four years, little seems to be the same. Leon, I do not know if you understand, but the world we live in is much different from what it was originally.  Previously, they did not care for our hair color, our eye color, our religion, but now it seems all that matters anymore. I have learned a lot recently, I have finally been able to understand why you're cousin Yossel was not allowed to change his name to Józef. I understand why my family would disapprove that I, Niklaus Friedrich, send you mail.

    Narewka has recently had a surge of German polizei who never seem stop bothering us. They tell us that we must forget our Jewish friends because they are not what we thought them to be. They tell us scary stories about what you are, but that's not what I remember you to be! These men are very different to what I am accustomed to, they are harsh, loud, and violent. All of our neighbors have left town, we are told, because they couldn't last anymore time with them. I hope all is well with you and that you do not meet these harsh men, Leon. Remember, I care for you very much and I hope that we will see each other again.

                     Sincerely,
                          Niklaus