Siarra Williams
April 1, 2009
AP English III Period 11
Homework
Comprehension: Hughes offers a list of famous rivers in his poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” These rivers are located all over the world. These rivers were possibly chosen because they represented the timeline of Hughes’ life. He feels they represent what makes up the kind of person he is. He can relate these rivers back to his home. The Congo river represents his African heritage, the Nile represents his perseverance to strive for the best and the Mississippi represents Hughes’ ancestors gaining their freedom. All of these representations show how the rivers make up Hughes’ life.
Comprehension: In “I, Too” by Langston Hughes, he speaks of a darker brother and by that he means that he is the brother to the white man but just darker. Hughes states that he eats in the kitchen to display to the reader that the white man feels he was not worthy enough to sit and eat at the dining table, so they kept the black man in the kitchen. He also states that he will eat in the kitchen tomorrow showing optimism and having hope for the future. He believes that his day for eating at the table is bound to come. The significance of the title “I, Too,” is to show that Langston Hughes is also an American citizen. He, too, should be able to eat at the white man’s dining table.
Context: The Harlem Renaissance goals were contradicted when Hughes wrote the poem “Mulatto” because the Harlem Renaissance was all about creative expression of the world around you. Not the bad experiences of the past.
Context: ******
Context: In “Note on Commercial Theatre” Hughes is talking about the white race stealing the musical styles and talents of the black race and not giving them credit for it. These same issues aren’t really relevant today because the U.S. developed stricter patent laws and someone could file a civil suit for their rightful property.
Exploration: I think Hughes writes so often about America rather than Africa because Hughes was the kind of poet to write about what he knows and what issues he can identify with while also making it known to the public.
Comprehension: The Harlot refers to Africa and McKay uses this word to show how people view and treat Africa. They see Africa as being something you can use when it’s convenient for them however they see it as nothing good or positive. They treat Africa as a harlot, degrade what it represents and have no respect at all for its culture, people, or environment.
Context: When McKay uses animal images, he is referring to the white population. He describes them as being “mad and hungry dogs.” The images change as though a scene by scene play. Starts off with a group of black men surrounded by mad white men who wanted them dead. The black men soon stand tall and fight back with courage and dignity. They also die with courage, dignity and respect. I associate hogs with filth, lower class, poor, terrible manners, and noisy. The images of the dogs relate to slavery because it almost uses symbolism to describe the scene of a mob lynching a black man.
Exploration: ******
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Apply: Tone
Someone i admire is my mom. I admire the sacrifices she makes for us, her children. She sacrifices her own desires and wants to be able to supply our own needs and wants. I feel this quality is what makes up her personality. She is the most generous, caring person that i know because she continually puts others before her. I can only hope that when i get older that her selfless wisdom will be passed down onto me.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
"Eyes" "Project Quote
Siarra Williams
March 11, 2009
AP English III Period 11
“Eyes” Quote
The book, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, is about a young lady named Janie and her growing up and developing relationships with these guys. The themes portrayed throughout this book are relationships versus independence and the role of women, and money and power versus love. “They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down.” (Hurston, Page 50) This quote stood out to me throughout the whole book because of the contradictory statement that it is making. It makes you questions the way you see things and it makes you wonder how the book views status. What opinion does the book wants the reader to develop about the theme of status and power. When Hurston writes, “They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down,” she creates a theory for the reader. She wants the reader to dig deeper and actually analyze what makes Jody so powerful. Is it because of the things he does for his town or is it because of the reaction that the town people are giving to what he does? For example, based on that quote, Hitler became a dictator because of the bands of Germans that he was able to conspire to side with him, not because of all the hard work he put in to create interment camps or things as such. People have this nature about them, where they only do things because of how the people around them react. If it weren’t for the town pumping up Jody’s head and making him feel like a king because he built a store, he would not have developed insecurities; feeling as though he had to always uphold this image of being the greatest man ever. If the Germans had morals and acted on those morals, Hitler would not have been able to create Anti Semitism among an entire nation. But because Jody and Hitler were influenced by their peers, everything they did was for a show and so that they can be seen as powerful men. Jody was a man powerful man on the outside but as he got older, he developed insecurities on the inside. He was insecure with his looks compared to Janie’s looks. “His prosperous- looking belly that used to thrust out so pugnaciously and intimidate folks, sagged like a load suspended from his loins.” (Hurston, Page 77) Jody’s physical appearance changed and he was jealous of Janie’s young appearance. He became an old man who was no longer intimidating. He felt since he didn’t have that young, vibrant, powerful look that the men of the town wouldn’t show him respect anymore or admire him like they use to. So the quote makes you question the cause and effect of things throughout the book. Which was the cause of Janie leaving town, the fact that people had concerns for her marriage to Tea Cake or the fact that her marriage to Tea Cake raised concerns within the townspeople?
March 11, 2009
AP English III Period 11
“Eyes” Quote
The book, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, is about a young lady named Janie and her growing up and developing relationships with these guys. The themes portrayed throughout this book are relationships versus independence and the role of women, and money and power versus love. “They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down.” (Hurston, Page 50) This quote stood out to me throughout the whole book because of the contradictory statement that it is making. It makes you questions the way you see things and it makes you wonder how the book views status. What opinion does the book wants the reader to develop about the theme of status and power. When Hurston writes, “They bowed down to him rather, because he was all of these things, and then again he was all of these things because the town bowed down,” she creates a theory for the reader. She wants the reader to dig deeper and actually analyze what makes Jody so powerful. Is it because of the things he does for his town or is it because of the reaction that the town people are giving to what he does? For example, based on that quote, Hitler became a dictator because of the bands of Germans that he was able to conspire to side with him, not because of all the hard work he put in to create interment camps or things as such. People have this nature about them, where they only do things because of how the people around them react. If it weren’t for the town pumping up Jody’s head and making him feel like a king because he built a store, he would not have developed insecurities; feeling as though he had to always uphold this image of being the greatest man ever. If the Germans had morals and acted on those morals, Hitler would not have been able to create Anti Semitism among an entire nation. But because Jody and Hitler were influenced by their peers, everything they did was for a show and so that they can be seen as powerful men. Jody was a man powerful man on the outside but as he got older, he developed insecurities on the inside. He was insecure with his looks compared to Janie’s looks. “His prosperous- looking belly that used to thrust out so pugnaciously and intimidate folks, sagged like a load suspended from his loins.” (Hurston, Page 77) Jody’s physical appearance changed and he was jealous of Janie’s young appearance. He became an old man who was no longer intimidating. He felt since he didn’t have that young, vibrant, powerful look that the men of the town wouldn’t show him respect anymore or admire him like they use to. So the quote makes you question the cause and effect of things throughout the book. Which was the cause of Janie leaving town, the fact that people had concerns for her marriage to Tea Cake or the fact that her marriage to Tea Cake raised concerns within the townspeople?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Two Page Lit Response: Trifles
Siarra Williams
February 12, 2009
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response
In the script for the play Trifles: a Play in One Act by Susan Glaspell, it consists of plenty of visual elements. Glaspell uses props and the actions of the characters to get across the visual elements to the reader. With these visual elements the reader is able to develop their own meaning for the story and the motive for why Mrs. Wright murdered her husband. The description of the characters’ actions helps the reader to get an idea of each of the characters’ perspectives on the murder.
The county attorney was cruel and presumptuous about the whole situation. The entire time he was at the Wrights’ farm, he spent looking around for things; anything to prove that Mrs. Wright is the one that murdered her husband. Rather than just take the room as is, he kept assuming there was more to the room. Of course this thought was fueled by his belief that Mrs. Wright killed her husband. Atop of that, the county attorney was very rude and critical of the Wrights’ home. He referred to it as not being a cheerful place. He criticized Mrs. Wrights “homemaking instincts.” He was disgusted with the look of the place. “He goes to the sink, takes a dipperful of water from the pail and pouring in into a basin, washes his hands. Starts to wipe them on the roller-towel, turns it for a cleaner place.” (Glaspell) Glaspell uses this visual element to give a vivid description of the actions of the county attorney. These actions show that he was disgusted with the way that Mrs. Wright kept her home.
Mrs. Peters was a very timid woman who believed the law was word and bond; nothing could impenetrate it. Of course she was the sheriff’s wife so thinking otherwise would be an inconsistency. She was always scared of speaking her mind. “In a frightened voice.” (Glaspell) Glaspell uses this action to describe how scared Mrs. Peters feel. Mrs. Peters is frightened at the idea that Mrs. Wrights could have actually had the guts to kill her husband.
February 12, 2009
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response
In the script for the play Trifles: a Play in One Act by Susan Glaspell, it consists of plenty of visual elements. Glaspell uses props and the actions of the characters to get across the visual elements to the reader. With these visual elements the reader is able to develop their own meaning for the story and the motive for why Mrs. Wright murdered her husband. The description of the characters’ actions helps the reader to get an idea of each of the characters’ perspectives on the murder.
The county attorney was cruel and presumptuous about the whole situation. The entire time he was at the Wrights’ farm, he spent looking around for things; anything to prove that Mrs. Wright is the one that murdered her husband. Rather than just take the room as is, he kept assuming there was more to the room. Of course this thought was fueled by his belief that Mrs. Wright killed her husband. Atop of that, the county attorney was very rude and critical of the Wrights’ home. He referred to it as not being a cheerful place. He criticized Mrs. Wrights “homemaking instincts.” He was disgusted with the look of the place. “He goes to the sink, takes a dipperful of water from the pail and pouring in into a basin, washes his hands. Starts to wipe them on the roller-towel, turns it for a cleaner place.” (Glaspell) Glaspell uses this visual element to give a vivid description of the actions of the county attorney. These actions show that he was disgusted with the way that Mrs. Wright kept her home.
Mrs. Peters was a very timid woman who believed the law was word and bond; nothing could impenetrate it. Of course she was the sheriff’s wife so thinking otherwise would be an inconsistency. She was always scared of speaking her mind. “In a frightened voice.” (Glaspell) Glaspell uses this action to describe how scared Mrs. Peters feel. Mrs. Peters is frightened at the idea that Mrs. Wrights could have actually had the guts to kill her husband.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Narrative Worksheet (Make-Up Missing Work)
Meaning:
Why did Orwell shoot the elephant? Because he did not want to be humiliated by the “natives.”
Describe the epiphany that Orwell experiences in the course of the event he writes about. Orwell has an epiphany when he realizes that when the white man turns into a tyrant, he destroys his own freedom.
I think Orwell means that he is glad that the coolie is killed because it gave him a legitimate reason to kill the elephant even though he killed the elephant for all the wrong reasons.
Purpose and Audience:
The purpose of this essay is for Orwell to tell his story of being part of the British government and how you can lose yourself in the job
The narrative gains***********
Method and Structure:
The first and second paragraphs serve as introduction paragraphs but they also give vivid details of the setting, helping the reader to understand the background of the plot.
*******
************
Language:
When Orwell says the elephant had gone must he means that the elephant had gone mad and broke loose from his chains.
Orwell’s use of adjectives is very effective in describing the death of the elephant. I was really visualizing the elephant being helpless, just lying in the field, dying a slow death. These adjectives shows pathos and Orwell no longer could take the sad feeling he had after shooting the elephant. The adjectives show that Orwell felt like he made the wrong decision.
Why did Orwell shoot the elephant? Because he did not want to be humiliated by the “natives.”
Describe the epiphany that Orwell experiences in the course of the event he writes about. Orwell has an epiphany when he realizes that when the white man turns into a tyrant, he destroys his own freedom.
I think Orwell means that he is glad that the coolie is killed because it gave him a legitimate reason to kill the elephant even though he killed the elephant for all the wrong reasons.
Purpose and Audience:
The purpose of this essay is for Orwell to tell his story of being part of the British government and how you can lose yourself in the job
The narrative gains***********
Method and Structure:
The first and second paragraphs serve as introduction paragraphs but they also give vivid details of the setting, helping the reader to understand the background of the plot.
*******
************
Language:
When Orwell says the elephant had gone must he means that the elephant had gone mad and broke loose from his chains.
Orwell’s use of adjectives is very effective in describing the death of the elephant. I was really visualizing the elephant being helpless, just lying in the field, dying a slow death. These adjectives shows pathos and Orwell no longer could take the sad feeling he had after shooting the elephant. The adjectives show that Orwell felt like he made the wrong decision.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Two Page Lit Response: Bernice Bobs Her Hair
Siarra Williams
January 21, 2009
AP English III Period 11
Bernice Bobs Her Hair Two Page Literary Response
In the story Bernice Bobs Her Hair, the author uses realism to describe the women in the story. The characters are vividly described and their dialogue just intrigues me more and I find out more about the character’s personality that way. Marjorie is described as being this shallow girl who is only interested in people’s looks and their popularity status. She is, what we call in the modern days a “mean girl.” She treats those who she considers to be less attractive as though they were beneath her. She was insensitive, sarcastic, egocentric, sidity, and conniving. She was really mean-spirited to her cousin, Bernice. Every conversation that she had with Bernice, she would have a negative comment to say or a rude put-down. Even though they were related, Marjorie did not treat her as family at all. It was as if Bernice were her own charity case. Marjorie showed no respect for her just because she was considered boring, the exact opposite of what Marjorie represents. The author uses the character Marjorie to represent the new age woman; the woman that was into dancing, being courted, showing skin, and having fun.
Another character, Bernice, was also vividly described. She, as was stated earlier, was the exact opposite of Marjorie. She was quiet, smart, articulate, naïve, sensitive, boring, rich, reserved, and conservative. She spent time reading books rather than being courted by guys. Bernice was nice and polite and she was fine with her status in the world. She came from money and that’s all that she knew. Back in Eau Claire, she was known for that and that was all that mattered. She did not see the purpose in dressing and acting like Majorie because she was unfamiliar with Marjorie’s way of life. Bernice represented the old woman. The woman that was very conservative, showed little skin, and spent time serving her husband making sure he is happy.
January 21, 2009
AP English III Period 11
Bernice Bobs Her Hair Two Page Literary Response
In the story Bernice Bobs Her Hair, the author uses realism to describe the women in the story. The characters are vividly described and their dialogue just intrigues me more and I find out more about the character’s personality that way. Marjorie is described as being this shallow girl who is only interested in people’s looks and their popularity status. She is, what we call in the modern days a “mean girl.” She treats those who she considers to be less attractive as though they were beneath her. She was insensitive, sarcastic, egocentric, sidity, and conniving. She was really mean-spirited to her cousin, Bernice. Every conversation that she had with Bernice, she would have a negative comment to say or a rude put-down. Even though they were related, Marjorie did not treat her as family at all. It was as if Bernice were her own charity case. Marjorie showed no respect for her just because she was considered boring, the exact opposite of what Marjorie represents. The author uses the character Marjorie to represent the new age woman; the woman that was into dancing, being courted, showing skin, and having fun.
Another character, Bernice, was also vividly described. She, as was stated earlier, was the exact opposite of Marjorie. She was quiet, smart, articulate, naïve, sensitive, boring, rich, reserved, and conservative. She spent time reading books rather than being courted by guys. Bernice was nice and polite and she was fine with her status in the world. She came from money and that’s all that she knew. Back in Eau Claire, she was known for that and that was all that mattered. She did not see the purpose in dressing and acting like Majorie because she was unfamiliar with Marjorie’s way of life. Bernice represented the old woman. The woman that was very conservative, showed little skin, and spent time serving her husband making sure he is happy.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I HAVE A DREAM RHETORICAL ANALYSIS
1) Alliteration- the commencement of two or more words of a word group with the same letter.
Allusion- a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication: an allusion to Shakespeare.
Metaphor- a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance.
Simile- a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using like or as.
2) Abe Lincoln, Gettysburg shows relation to Lincoln and everything he stood for.
3) ***************
4) ****************
5)****************
6)****************
7) this figure of speech is metaphor and he uses pathos to feed off of the audience's emotions
8) "We can never be satisfied...". "With this faith....."
9)It gave the audience a feeling of empowerment and enlightment
10)************
11) *************
12) Police brutality, living in the ghetto, segregation
13) American Dream- The idea of having this "fruitful," luxurious life without being discriminated against. Equal opprotunity for everyone.
14) To give logos and cite his sources
15)Yes i do because he was a great orator and considering that time period, i would agree with all that he said. He was putting into words the actions that were taking place to increase discrimination agaist races. which was not considered the "American Dream."
16) Racism- discriminating against someone due to the color of their skin
17)***************
18)*********************
19)**************
Allusion- a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication: an allusion to Shakespeare.
Metaphor- a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance.
Simile- a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared using like or as.
2) Abe Lincoln, Gettysburg shows relation to Lincoln and everything he stood for.
3) ***************
4) ****************
5)****************
6)****************
7) this figure of speech is metaphor and he uses pathos to feed off of the audience's emotions
8) "We can never be satisfied...". "With this faith....."
9)It gave the audience a feeling of empowerment and enlightment
10)************
11) *************
12) Police brutality, living in the ghetto, segregation
13) American Dream- The idea of having this "fruitful," luxurious life without being discriminated against. Equal opprotunity for everyone.
14) To give logos and cite his sources
15)Yes i do because he was a great orator and considering that time period, i would agree with all that he said. He was putting into words the actions that were taking place to increase discrimination agaist races. which was not considered the "American Dream."
16) Racism- discriminating against someone due to the color of their skin
17)***************
18)*********************
19)**************
Monday, January 12, 2009
Intro To Modernism and Poetry- Project Letter
Siarra Williams
January 11, 2009
AP English III Period 11
Intro to Modernism and Poetry
Dear Whoever This May Concern,
The name is Anna Smith. The date is March 3, 1900. These new innovative inventions just changed the whole world as I know it. When the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, it was like my whole world expanded. I was opened up to new modes of transportation, new linking systems, and new cultures. I was able to travel to different regions and learn more of the traditions of different heritages. It was like the world had opened doors for me and encouraged me to learn more about the treasures that it possesses. I couldn’t help but accept this great offer. I mean, the world transformed from slow-moving to rapid speed. It is a great revolution that I feel is necessary. The states were filled with inhabitants, and it is only essential that the technology changes and increases to fit the lifestyle of the people that it serves. The Brooklyn Bridge was one great way to enhance the way of transportation, but we can’t forget the infamous “S” curve that they concocted to amplify traveling via trains. I consider this to be very proficient so that the rail cars can turn corners and travel on curves when necessary. This invention makes it possible for others to create ground-breaking gadgets that could increase the elements of railroad travel. Trains are able to travel in two different directions side by side and even switch over from one rail to another when needed. This is quite an accomplishment. The exhilarating feeling that I have when I think of the world’s possibilities is just so overwhelming. I’ve become a joyous and optimistic person just waiting to get word of a new development. Now the next thing I’m going to inform you of will knock your socks off. It was unbelievable, unheard of, unforeseen, and even unprecedented. That’s right; I’m talking about the subway. The subway people! It was an underground way to travel via train. I personally considered the “S” curve to be enough but the subway just really opened my eyes to all sorts of possibilities. I was excited! The idea of not having to stand outside in cold, rain, sleet, or snow just to travel to work and home. I can still go where I need to without being affected by the weather. It has really been an extraordinary and pioneering couple of years during this time. And so I just thought I’d share my passion and love for new technology with you, people of the future. I know that if you feel how I feel, this letter would be much appreciated and of use to you. Who knows, you just may be an inventor looking for inspiration when this letter comes into your hands. I hope that I can help you understand that life during my time period was full of great advancements and I can only wish that it will progress throughout my years and yours.
January 11, 2009
AP English III Period 11
Intro to Modernism and Poetry
Dear Whoever This May Concern,
The name is Anna Smith. The date is March 3, 1900. These new innovative inventions just changed the whole world as I know it. When the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, it was like my whole world expanded. I was opened up to new modes of transportation, new linking systems, and new cultures. I was able to travel to different regions and learn more of the traditions of different heritages. It was like the world had opened doors for me and encouraged me to learn more about the treasures that it possesses. I couldn’t help but accept this great offer. I mean, the world transformed from slow-moving to rapid speed. It is a great revolution that I feel is necessary. The states were filled with inhabitants, and it is only essential that the technology changes and increases to fit the lifestyle of the people that it serves. The Brooklyn Bridge was one great way to enhance the way of transportation, but we can’t forget the infamous “S” curve that they concocted to amplify traveling via trains. I consider this to be very proficient so that the rail cars can turn corners and travel on curves when necessary. This invention makes it possible for others to create ground-breaking gadgets that could increase the elements of railroad travel. Trains are able to travel in two different directions side by side and even switch over from one rail to another when needed. This is quite an accomplishment. The exhilarating feeling that I have when I think of the world’s possibilities is just so overwhelming. I’ve become a joyous and optimistic person just waiting to get word of a new development. Now the next thing I’m going to inform you of will knock your socks off. It was unbelievable, unheard of, unforeseen, and even unprecedented. That’s right; I’m talking about the subway. The subway people! It was an underground way to travel via train. I personally considered the “S” curve to be enough but the subway just really opened my eyes to all sorts of possibilities. I was excited! The idea of not having to stand outside in cold, rain, sleet, or snow just to travel to work and home. I can still go where I need to without being affected by the weather. It has really been an extraordinary and pioneering couple of years during this time. And so I just thought I’d share my passion and love for new technology with you, people of the future. I know that if you feel how I feel, this letter would be much appreciated and of use to you. Who knows, you just may be an inventor looking for inspiration when this letter comes into your hands. I hope that I can help you understand that life during my time period was full of great advancements and I can only wish that it will progress throughout my years and yours.
With great optimism for the future,
Anna Smith
Anna Smith
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Crap!
John A. Roebling is best known as the designer and civil engineer of the Brooklyn bridge. Completed in 1883, It took ten years to build this innovative and greatly appreciated linking system . For many years the Brooklyn Bridge was known as the longest structure in the world stretching to 1,595 feet long. This bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn making it easier for transporting things as well as for people to travel.
What would life be like before the advancements in transportation in the late 1800s/early 1900s? What effects did such technological breakthroughs have on individuals in their local and larger worlds?
Life would be different without the advanced transportation in the late 1800s/ early 1900s. The people in certain regions would be deprived of economical needs before the advancements in transportation was very slow moving and time consuming. It took well over weeks to transport people and supplies across the United States. They traveled via ferries and horse-drawn carriages. (The effect that this lack of technology would have on individuals locally is ???????? <-----Khadija i need help here.) The effect that this lack of technology would have on individuals in a larger world is that they will not learn of other cultures and societies. They would not be able to share their knowledge with other parts of the world as well as vice versa.
My adjective is innovative. I choose innovative to describe the rise of transportation during the late 1800s/early 1900s because it was something new, creative, and original to improve the shipping of goods.
What would life be like before the advancements in transportation in the late 1800s/early 1900s? What effects did such technological breakthroughs have on individuals in their local and larger worlds?
Life would be different without the advanced transportation in the late 1800s/ early 1900s. The people in certain regions would be deprived of economical needs before the advancements in transportation was very slow moving and time consuming. It took well over weeks to transport people and supplies across the United States. They traveled via ferries and horse-drawn carriages. (The effect that this lack of technology would have on individuals locally is ???????? <-----Khadija i need help here.) The effect that this lack of technology would have on individuals in a larger world is that they will not learn of other cultures and societies. They would not be able to share their knowledge with other parts of the world as well as vice versa.
My adjective is innovative. I choose innovative to describe the rise of transportation during the late 1800s/early 1900s because it was something new, creative, and original to improve the shipping of goods.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Short Answer Study Packet
The relationship that European explorers had with the Native Americans was one of acquaintances. They were warm and friendly around each other. The explorers were optimistic to learn of the ways of the Native Americans. They even took part in the daily life of Native Americans by dressing as them and eating as them.
European colonizers used their narratives to mediate their relationships with authorities back in Europe by relying on ethos and pathos. They vividly described the lives of these Native American tribes so that the authority figures would feel pathos. They describe the life of Native Americans as being less fortunate than the lives of those back in Britain. Especially with the colonies constantly stealing land from the tribes. The colonizers rely on pathos throughout their narratives to get the authorities to stop the colonies from taking land from the tribes.
The Europeans envisioned the New World as being a place where they can star anew. They were surprised to see that the New World was not as advanced as Britain. They had to plow the land themselves and go hunting for food. These preconceptions affected their experiences in the Americas because they were not prepared for what they found when they got there. The Native Americans occupying the land before the Europeans were a definite surprise to them. They were not prepared to fight for land nor the new diseases that they came across.
I think the narrator suggests answer rather than providing it so that the reader analyzes the story more. The narrator wants the reader to get a latent meaning of the story; to think for themselves. When the reader finds the hidden message of the story, the plot comes together more and they begin to notice the writer’s style of constructing a story line.
Due to Chopin’s restraint on how Desiree and the baby died the reader learns of the deaths, not through her writing, but through their own analysis of the story. This affects the reader quite a bunch. Depending on the reader’s experience and knowledge they may come to the conclusion that Desiree and the baby died or that they made it through the willows to the other side of the bank.
European colonizers used their narratives to mediate their relationships with authorities back in Europe by relying on ethos and pathos. They vividly described the lives of these Native American tribes so that the authority figures would feel pathos. They describe the life of Native Americans as being less fortunate than the lives of those back in Britain. Especially with the colonies constantly stealing land from the tribes. The colonizers rely on pathos throughout their narratives to get the authorities to stop the colonies from taking land from the tribes.
The Europeans envisioned the New World as being a place where they can star anew. They were surprised to see that the New World was not as advanced as Britain. They had to plow the land themselves and go hunting for food. These preconceptions affected their experiences in the Americas because they were not prepared for what they found when they got there. The Native Americans occupying the land before the Europeans were a definite surprise to them. They were not prepared to fight for land nor the new diseases that they came across.
I think the narrator suggests answer rather than providing it so that the reader analyzes the story more. The narrator wants the reader to get a latent meaning of the story; to think for themselves. When the reader finds the hidden message of the story, the plot comes together more and they begin to notice the writer’s style of constructing a story line.
Due to Chopin’s restraint on how Desiree and the baby died the reader learns of the deaths, not through her writing, but through their own analysis of the story. This affects the reader quite a bunch. Depending on the reader’s experience and knowledge they may come to the conclusion that Desiree and the baby died or that they made it through the willows to the other side of the bank.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Grammatical Comparison
Professional
Student
# of words
935
529
# of sentences
50
120
Longest sentence
49
41
Shortest sentence
6
5
Avg. sentence length
28
13
<10 words over the avg. length
3
4
% of sentences over the avg. length
6%
3%
>5 words below the avg. length
22
2
% of sentences below the avg. length
44%
2%
Paragraph length
- longest paragraph
3
8
- shortest paragraph
1
5
- average paragraph
2
6
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/04saturn.html?_r=1&ref=us
Student
# of words
935
529
# of sentences
50
120
Longest sentence
49
41
Shortest sentence
6
5
Avg. sentence length
28
13
<10 words over the avg. length
3
4
% of sentences over the avg. length
6%
3%
>5 words below the avg. length
22
2
% of sentences below the avg. length
44%
2%
Paragraph length
- longest paragraph
3
8
- shortest paragraph
1
5
- average paragraph
2
6
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/business/04saturn.html?_r=1&ref=us
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Two Page Lit Response: Of Our Spiritual Strivings
Siarra Williams
November 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response: Chapter 1, Souls of Black People
In the first chapter of the Souls of Black Folk by W.E. B. DuBois, he speaks of the slaves’ view of the status that they hold in the world. He speaks from a first person’s point of view of how he remembers the first time that he realized he was different from the other kids, in terms of his skin color. He also inferred that he was going to be like the white people when he gets older, when he began to talk about his future professions.
“It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity.” (DuBois Page 45) Dubois uses great detail to describe the way a Negro slave looks at himself. He uses a various amount of metaphors and words to connect the same idea that a Negro man does not have a unique definition for himself. The slave does not know how to view himself in a society that condemns him for the color of his skin before he even speaks. He is already discriminated against without having the opportunity to prove that he is more than what you see.
“One ever feels his two-ness,—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” (DuBois Page 45) Dubois has a sassy tone when describing the American Negro slave. He starts off the statement by asking “One ever feels his two-ness.” It’s almost as though he states this already knowing you never have felt this man’s “two-ness.” It never occurred to you to see that he’s not just a slave, not just what you see. He continues by describing that this “two-ness” is hard to control and keep under way. For a man to have to decide which side of him he should allow to be seen by those surrounding him is time consuming if not aggravating at times. When a person has to conceal a piece of their identity, it becomes harder for them to find their true selves. It’s even harder when all society ever tells you is that you are worthless and you will never amount to anything. Not only does this “two-ness” pains him externally but internally is even worse. He has two thoughts and two ideas running through him and all he may ever get the chance to do is speak of one, if even allowed that.
November 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response: Chapter 1, Souls of Black People
In the first chapter of the Souls of Black Folk by W.E. B. DuBois, he speaks of the slaves’ view of the status that they hold in the world. He speaks from a first person’s point of view of how he remembers the first time that he realized he was different from the other kids, in terms of his skin color. He also inferred that he was going to be like the white people when he gets older, when he began to talk about his future professions.
“It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity.” (DuBois Page 45) Dubois uses great detail to describe the way a Negro slave looks at himself. He uses a various amount of metaphors and words to connect the same idea that a Negro man does not have a unique definition for himself. The slave does not know how to view himself in a society that condemns him for the color of his skin before he even speaks. He is already discriminated against without having the opportunity to prove that he is more than what you see.
“One ever feels his two-ness,—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” (DuBois Page 45) Dubois has a sassy tone when describing the American Negro slave. He starts off the statement by asking “One ever feels his two-ness.” It’s almost as though he states this already knowing you never have felt this man’s “two-ness.” It never occurred to you to see that he’s not just a slave, not just what you see. He continues by describing that this “two-ness” is hard to control and keep under way. For a man to have to decide which side of him he should allow to be seen by those surrounding him is time consuming if not aggravating at times. When a person has to conceal a piece of their identity, it becomes harder for them to find their true selves. It’s even harder when all society ever tells you is that you are worthless and you will never amount to anything. Not only does this “two-ness” pains him externally but internally is even worse. He has two thoughts and two ideas running through him and all he may ever get the chance to do is speak of one, if even allowed that.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Two Page Lit Response: The Atlanta Exposition Address
Siarra Williams
November 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response: Booker T. Washington
In the Atlanta Exposition Address by Booker T. Washington, he address the people at the expo and give a speech on his view of the coming together of the races of the South. He believed that the races would eventually come together and realize that they depend on one another for survival. He expresses in his speech his values and ideas for this new union of races.
“To those of my race who depend on bettering their condition in a foreign land or who underestimate the importance of cultivating friendly relations with the Southern white man, who is their next-door neighbour, I would say: ‘Cast down your bucket where you are’- cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom we are surrounded.” (Washington Page 1) Washington includes this example of “Casting down your bucket” to show that every man should be open to help from others, even the people who you feel have betrayed you in the past. He wants the colored people to have an optimistic outlook on things because he believes that the way to get ahead is with the help from those who know more about the surroundings than them, no matter the past situations or the setbacks that they have experienced. He feels the only way to grow as one and move on is through unity.
“I think, though, that the opportunity to freely exercise such political rights will not come in any large degree through outside or artificial forcing, but will be accorded to the Negro by the Southern white people themselves, and that they will protect him in the exercise of those rights.” (Washington Page 7) Washington includes this opinion to show that he believes that the only way a colored man will be able to share in political rights is if it was offered to him. And not just offered to him by any white man, it must be a Southern white man, so that the white man will support this decision and protect the colored man as he is exercising these political rights which were presented to him. He believes at the end of the day that if the Southern white man agrees with the colored man taking part in political rights then everything will be ok. If the public requests that a colored man be offered any form of political rights, the Southern white man will feel obligated to consent. The obligation to give a colored man any type of rights is the most degrading thing a Southern white man could find himself doing. He feels this way because it pains him to see a man who was just beneath him, rise to a higher level in society. And it just pushes the knife in deeper when the rest of the country compels this man to give this Negro any sorts of rights, when just last week he was working the plantation. Washington was only stating that in order for the Negro to receive any sort of political rights, he must do so at the consenting of the Southern white man if he wishes to keep peace while doing so.
In conclusion Booker T. Washington’s address at the Atlanta Exposition gave a whole new view on the relationship between the Southern white man and the colored folks. He showed that colored people did not receive all their freedom at once. And although they were no longer property of the white man, they still depended on them mentally so that they may get ahead or even are on a leveled playing field with the white man. He brought to light that the colored man still needed the aid and approval of the white man.
November 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response: Booker T. Washington
In the Atlanta Exposition Address by Booker T. Washington, he address the people at the expo and give a speech on his view of the coming together of the races of the South. He believed that the races would eventually come together and realize that they depend on one another for survival. He expresses in his speech his values and ideas for this new union of races.
“To those of my race who depend on bettering their condition in a foreign land or who underestimate the importance of cultivating friendly relations with the Southern white man, who is their next-door neighbour, I would say: ‘Cast down your bucket where you are’- cast it down in making friends in every manly way of the people of all races by whom we are surrounded.” (Washington Page 1) Washington includes this example of “Casting down your bucket” to show that every man should be open to help from others, even the people who you feel have betrayed you in the past. He wants the colored people to have an optimistic outlook on things because he believes that the way to get ahead is with the help from those who know more about the surroundings than them, no matter the past situations or the setbacks that they have experienced. He feels the only way to grow as one and move on is through unity.
“I think, though, that the opportunity to freely exercise such political rights will not come in any large degree through outside or artificial forcing, but will be accorded to the Negro by the Southern white people themselves, and that they will protect him in the exercise of those rights.” (Washington Page 7) Washington includes this opinion to show that he believes that the only way a colored man will be able to share in political rights is if it was offered to him. And not just offered to him by any white man, it must be a Southern white man, so that the white man will support this decision and protect the colored man as he is exercising these political rights which were presented to him. He believes at the end of the day that if the Southern white man agrees with the colored man taking part in political rights then everything will be ok. If the public requests that a colored man be offered any form of political rights, the Southern white man will feel obligated to consent. The obligation to give a colored man any type of rights is the most degrading thing a Southern white man could find himself doing. He feels this way because it pains him to see a man who was just beneath him, rise to a higher level in society. And it just pushes the knife in deeper when the rest of the country compels this man to give this Negro any sorts of rights, when just last week he was working the plantation. Washington was only stating that in order for the Negro to receive any sort of political rights, he must do so at the consenting of the Southern white man if he wishes to keep peace while doing so.
In conclusion Booker T. Washington’s address at the Atlanta Exposition gave a whole new view on the relationship between the Southern white man and the colored folks. He showed that colored people did not receive all their freedom at once. And although they were no longer property of the white man, they still depended on them mentally so that they may get ahead or even are on a leveled playing field with the white man. He brought to light that the colored man still needed the aid and approval of the white man.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Two Page Lit Response: The Yellow Wallpaper
Siarra Williams
November 17, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response: The Yellow Wallpaper
“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is an interesting short story. She wrote about herself during her depressive state, which was known to her husband and others as a “nervous condition” She and her husband, John, spent their summer in a far off estate so that she would get better. She spent most of her summer cooped up in a nursery turned temporary bedroom with the most disgusting yellow wallpaper. The author uses imagery and dialect to get across to the reader her feelings during her depressive state and how she felt cooped in that room.
The author spent a lot of time describing the wallpaper. It’s intriguing that her first feelings toward the wallpaper were that of disgust and dislike. She expressed to her husband her concerns but he just disregarded them. “It is dull enough to confuse the eye in following pronounced enough to constantly irritate and provoke study, and when you follow the lame uncertain curves for a little distance they suddenly commit suicide—plunge off at outrageous angles, destroy themselves in unheard of contradictions.” (Gilman Page 3) She describes the wallpaper with such imagery and dark words to get across her detestable feelings to the reader. She wants the reader to understand that it was the worst wallpaper she could have ever imagined. She describes it with such dark words to create an odious image of the wallpaper. “There’s one comfort, the baby is well and happy, and does not have to occupy this nursery with the horrid wall-paper.” (Gilman Page 7) The fact that her baby does not have to sleep in the nursery is a high point for the author. She’d rather she sleeps there than her child. Gilman finds the room to be so horrific that she wishes it upon herself rather than her child. Although she hates the room with a passion, she’d rather suffer than have her child see such wallpaper.
“He said we came here solely on my account, that I was to have perfect rest and all the air I could get.” (Gilman Page 2) The author includes this to display how her husband felt that her rest was a necessity. He wanted her to get better and he rented out the estate for her well-being. “John says if I don’t pick up faster he shall send me to Weir Mitchell in the fall.” (Gilman Page 6) The author includes this to show her husbands’ feelings toward her recovery process. If she were not to recover in the time that he allotted he had the control to send her off to another physician. She expressed in her story that she did not wish to see this physician because of the rumors that she heard about from her friends.
In conclusion “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is an interesting story. I love the entire concept of the story. She used so many descriptive words to get her point across. In reading this story I could imagine the yellow wallpaper with all of it s fungus and cracks along the wall. She brought the pages to life and I understood her depressive state more with the intensity in which she described the scene. Her feelings became my feelings, her words became my words. I just connected with her the whole time of the story and throughout her writing style.
November 17, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Two Page Literary Response: The Yellow Wallpaper
“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is an interesting short story. She wrote about herself during her depressive state, which was known to her husband and others as a “nervous condition” She and her husband, John, spent their summer in a far off estate so that she would get better. She spent most of her summer cooped up in a nursery turned temporary bedroom with the most disgusting yellow wallpaper. The author uses imagery and dialect to get across to the reader her feelings during her depressive state and how she felt cooped in that room.
The author spent a lot of time describing the wallpaper. It’s intriguing that her first feelings toward the wallpaper were that of disgust and dislike. She expressed to her husband her concerns but he just disregarded them. “It is dull enough to confuse the eye in following pronounced enough to constantly irritate and provoke study, and when you follow the lame uncertain curves for a little distance they suddenly commit suicide—plunge off at outrageous angles, destroy themselves in unheard of contradictions.” (Gilman Page 3) She describes the wallpaper with such imagery and dark words to get across her detestable feelings to the reader. She wants the reader to understand that it was the worst wallpaper she could have ever imagined. She describes it with such dark words to create an odious image of the wallpaper. “There’s one comfort, the baby is well and happy, and does not have to occupy this nursery with the horrid wall-paper.” (Gilman Page 7) The fact that her baby does not have to sleep in the nursery is a high point for the author. She’d rather she sleeps there than her child. Gilman finds the room to be so horrific that she wishes it upon herself rather than her child. Although she hates the room with a passion, she’d rather suffer than have her child see such wallpaper.
“He said we came here solely on my account, that I was to have perfect rest and all the air I could get.” (Gilman Page 2) The author includes this to display how her husband felt that her rest was a necessity. He wanted her to get better and he rented out the estate for her well-being. “John says if I don’t pick up faster he shall send me to Weir Mitchell in the fall.” (Gilman Page 6) The author includes this to show her husbands’ feelings toward her recovery process. If she were not to recover in the time that he allotted he had the control to send her off to another physician. She expressed in her story that she did not wish to see this physician because of the rumors that she heard about from her friends.
In conclusion “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is an interesting story. I love the entire concept of the story. She used so many descriptive words to get her point across. In reading this story I could imagine the yellow wallpaper with all of it s fungus and cracks along the wall. She brought the pages to life and I understood her depressive state more with the intensity in which she described the scene. Her feelings became my feelings, her words became my words. I just connected with her the whole time of the story and throughout her writing style.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
2 Page Lit Response On The Biography of Kate Chopin
Siarra Williams
October 30, 2008
AP English III Period 11
2 Pages Literary Response: Biography of Kate Chopin
One of the greatest writers of the nineteenth century was Kate Chopin. Her stories had flair with that touch of reality that she shared so often with her audience. She wrote short stories and essays based on personal experiences and acquaintances. She made that connection with the audience that made them want to read more and become more educated of what’s going on in the world. She gave them information while still keeping their attention.
While reading some of Kate’s stories, you may have asked yourself is this real? Is this imaginative? Of course like most authors, the plots are based off of real life situations or experiences. So what real life experience has led Mrs. Chopin to write such a story as “The Story of An Hour?” You might consider the values and morals that society placed on marriages during that time period. For all those without previous knowledge of the 1800s, all women were treated as their husband’s property. They were without rights and opinions. So in “The Story of An Hour,” when Chopin writes “She said it over and over under her breath: ‘free, free, free!” Chopin is referring to the newfound independence that a widow feels after she is free of the oppression that her husband placed on her. Throughout a woman’s marriage she is her husband’s property and therefore she does whatever he gives her to do.
“The Story of An Hour” also refers to her father’s death. Chopin’s father was killed while riding a train that crossed a bridge and it collapsed under them. When Chopin writes about the husband in “The Story of An Hour,” he dies in a tragic train accident. She uses what she knows to write about a national issue such as the injustice between the male and female population. She throws in a personal experience as an example of how a woman may lose her husband and become a widow.
Kate Chopin was a great writer and like most authors, she uses personal experiences to get her point across to the reader. She also takes examples from her life because that is what she knows about more, therefore it’ll be easier to write based off of the simple details that she already knows.
October 30, 2008
AP English III Period 11
2 Pages Literary Response: Biography of Kate Chopin
One of the greatest writers of the nineteenth century was Kate Chopin. Her stories had flair with that touch of reality that she shared so often with her audience. She wrote short stories and essays based on personal experiences and acquaintances. She made that connection with the audience that made them want to read more and become more educated of what’s going on in the world. She gave them information while still keeping their attention.
While reading some of Kate’s stories, you may have asked yourself is this real? Is this imaginative? Of course like most authors, the plots are based off of real life situations or experiences. So what real life experience has led Mrs. Chopin to write such a story as “The Story of An Hour?” You might consider the values and morals that society placed on marriages during that time period. For all those without previous knowledge of the 1800s, all women were treated as their husband’s property. They were without rights and opinions. So in “The Story of An Hour,” when Chopin writes “She said it over and over under her breath: ‘free, free, free!” Chopin is referring to the newfound independence that a widow feels after she is free of the oppression that her husband placed on her. Throughout a woman’s marriage she is her husband’s property and therefore she does whatever he gives her to do.
“The Story of An Hour” also refers to her father’s death. Chopin’s father was killed while riding a train that crossed a bridge and it collapsed under them. When Chopin writes about the husband in “The Story of An Hour,” he dies in a tragic train accident. She uses what she knows to write about a national issue such as the injustice between the male and female population. She throws in a personal experience as an example of how a woman may lose her husband and become a widow.
Kate Chopin was a great writer and like most authors, she uses personal experiences to get her point across to the reader. She also takes examples from her life because that is what she knows about more, therefore it’ll be easier to write based off of the simple details that she already knows.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Analysis of Disturbia Character Ashley
In Disturbia the character that caught my eye was the young lady Ashley. Her actions and words were eye catching. The fact that her mom’s ringtone was “Dunh duhn duhn” also known as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony was quiet perturbing. It just makes you wonder what is her relationship with her mother? Will it affect her relationship with other authoritative women who come into her life? These questions were just a few that popped into my head. I figured the only way to answer them were to take a deeper look into her her actions and words throughout the movie. I noticed that she also spent a lot of time alone at home, or at least that is what the movie showed us. She was either swimming in her backyard pool, on her roof reading, or in her room doing yoga. The upside to all of these lonesome activities is that they were calming, relaxing, and constructive. This shows me that she is a bright young lady who likes to educate herself. When she finally goes over to Kale’s house, Shia LeBouf’s character, a different side of her is exposed. You can see that around other people she lightens up and is very outgoing. Although to some she may have seemed demanding when requesting coffee and doughnuts, I believe it was her way of being flirtatious. I mean that is a typical side of girls when they are in the company of the opposite sex.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sojourner Truth Comparision
In the 50 essays book “Aren’t I a Woman” is so different from the article that was printed out titled “Ain’t I a Woman.” The differences go beyond the spelling and language used. In “Ain’t I a Woman,” Sojourner’s character is revealed. She speaks with such dialect and oomph that grabs the audience’s attention. This is relayed back to the reader through the words itself. The tone can easily be detected by the dialect and the words she use. She speaks to the audience with such boldness that you would not have expected out of a colored woman. In “Aren’t I a Woman,” her character is massed by the correction of the spelling of the words. In correctly spelling the words by today’s standard, you do not see the brazen way of her words as much in what she was saying and considering the time period in which she said the words that she did. By layering her speech with today’s spelling standard, it takes away the heart of the message and the character. It also takes away the realization of the time period and how daring of her it was for her to speak in public, let alone say what she did and direct her points to some of the people as she did such as the deacon.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sojourner Truth Discussion Questions
Siarra Williams
October 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Sojourner Truth: Aren’t I a Woman? Discussion Questions Page 424
Sojourner Truth is responding to the white man’s community and their unfair treatments of the minorities, i.e. the women and the color folks.
Sojourner Truth uses personal examples such as that of her working on the plantation and the treatments that she does not receive on a regular basis although she sees that this privilege is received by other women. These points help to establish ethos and help her message of the injustice that she and other women like her receive.
If I were in the audience when Sojourner Truth said her speech, I would have looked at her with a closed mind. It would have been an automatic thought the she was unintelligent due to the way I imagine her looking, like a slave with torn clothing. However after hearing her moving and inspiring speech, I would have been very wrong. The points that she made was that of an intelligent woman and the way she spoke already said to me that she didn’t care what I think. So I would have been wrong right off the bat.
October 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Sojourner Truth: Aren’t I a Woman? Discussion Questions Page 424
Sojourner Truth is responding to the white man’s community and their unfair treatments of the minorities, i.e. the women and the color folks.
Sojourner Truth uses personal examples such as that of her working on the plantation and the treatments that she does not receive on a regular basis although she sees that this privilege is received by other women. These points help to establish ethos and help her message of the injustice that she and other women like her receive.
If I were in the audience when Sojourner Truth said her speech, I would have looked at her with a closed mind. It would have been an automatic thought the she was unintelligent due to the way I imagine her looking, like a slave with torn clothing. However after hearing her moving and inspiring speech, I would have been very wrong. The points that she made was that of an intelligent woman and the way she spoke already said to me that she didn’t care what I think. So I would have been wrong right off the bat.
Sojourner Truth 2 page Lit Response
Siarra Williams
October 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
2-page Literary Response Sojourner Truth
“Aren’t I a Woman?” by Sojourner Truth is truly a work of art. She expresses herself so vividly and she did it in a tone of a woman who has been scorn. In the short speech she expresses her opinion on woman’s rights and Negroes’ rights. Her tone of a respected woman with an attitude is revealed all through the speech. It’s intriguing to read this passage and imagine the way that she captivated the audience’s attention as an African American slave.
Truth uses syntax and punctuation to show how intense she felt about woman’s rights and Negroes’ rights. The reader is then drawn to the page by pathos. When she says “Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud puddles or gives me any best place, and aren’t I a woman? Look at me!” (Truth page 423) The way the sentence is structured to first show what privileges she does not receive, and then ends with the question “aren’t I a woman?” is just so powerful. It almost suggests that she may have said that statement with an attitude. She then goes on to say “look at me!” She commands the audience’s attention at this point, she was no longer asking politely. This suggests that she wanted the audience to know her point of view, did not really matter to her if they understood or not as long as they knew how she felt about the rights of women and the rights of Negroes.
“I have plowed, and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me- and aren’t I a woman?” (Truth page 423) She establishes ethos when she credits the work she has done as a slave, even though she is a woman. It is seemed by me that she uses this line to establish the injustice given to women of color. African American women were sent to work just as the men of Caucasian descent and African American descent were. Female slaves, although they are women, did not receive any of the privileges of Caucasian women. As stated before she was less than likely to be helped into carriages or given the best place all because of her status in the world. It’s upsetting that her status was put before her gender, but, like the age old question: which came first the chicken or the egg, which was Sojourner born into first her gender or her status as the world perceives her.
Truth was a moving and powerful speaker. She was well-known for getting her points across to the audience. It is inspiring to me that a woman of color during her time period was so sassy and shameless with her feelings and speaking on them. Truth established her audacious tone through her use of pathos and ethos. She made sure the audience knew of her past experiences and feelings.
October 24, 2008
AP English III Period 11
2-page Literary Response Sojourner Truth
“Aren’t I a Woman?” by Sojourner Truth is truly a work of art. She expresses herself so vividly and she did it in a tone of a woman who has been scorn. In the short speech she expresses her opinion on woman’s rights and Negroes’ rights. Her tone of a respected woman with an attitude is revealed all through the speech. It’s intriguing to read this passage and imagine the way that she captivated the audience’s attention as an African American slave.
Truth uses syntax and punctuation to show how intense she felt about woman’s rights and Negroes’ rights. The reader is then drawn to the page by pathos. When she says “Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud puddles or gives me any best place, and aren’t I a woman? Look at me!” (Truth page 423) The way the sentence is structured to first show what privileges she does not receive, and then ends with the question “aren’t I a woman?” is just so powerful. It almost suggests that she may have said that statement with an attitude. She then goes on to say “look at me!” She commands the audience’s attention at this point, she was no longer asking politely. This suggests that she wanted the audience to know her point of view, did not really matter to her if they understood or not as long as they knew how she felt about the rights of women and the rights of Negroes.
“I have plowed, and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me- and aren’t I a woman?” (Truth page 423) She establishes ethos when she credits the work she has done as a slave, even though she is a woman. It is seemed by me that she uses this line to establish the injustice given to women of color. African American women were sent to work just as the men of Caucasian descent and African American descent were. Female slaves, although they are women, did not receive any of the privileges of Caucasian women. As stated before she was less than likely to be helped into carriages or given the best place all because of her status in the world. It’s upsetting that her status was put before her gender, but, like the age old question: which came first the chicken or the egg, which was Sojourner born into first her gender or her status as the world perceives her.
Truth was a moving and powerful speaker. She was well-known for getting her points across to the audience. It is inspiring to me that a woman of color during her time period was so sassy and shameless with her feelings and speaking on them. Truth established her audacious tone through her use of pathos and ethos. She made sure the audience knew of her past experiences and feelings.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Siarra Williams
October 22, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Frederick Douglas Two-Page Literary Response
Frederick Douglas was an intelligent African American. He learned to read and write at a time when it was illegal. During the time when he was learning all of these skills, he realized that as a slave he was being treated unfairly. His newfound knowledge changed his opinion of the world around him. Throughout the passage Learning to Read and Write his attitude towards slavery is revealed.
Douglas’ mistress was a nice woman who began to teach him to read. “Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch, and no precaution could prevent me from taking the ell.” (Douglas pg. 101) By Douglas’ mistress teaching him to read, he was a step above the rest. He knew more than most slaves and was geared up to continue his knowledge. There was no way that the mistress could just stop him from crossing over the threshold once the door was open and he was invited in. So he found a way to still learn after his mistress had a change of heart.
“As I writhed under it, I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy.” (Douglas pg. 103) After learning to read, Douglas was put into an awkward situation. He knew a lot more about slavery and learned how it was unethical yet he did not learn about how to abolish it. He was not too keen on reading anymore after realizing this. Douglas felt frustrated with learning so much about the situation going on but not having the answer to solve the situation. Reading was his rise and downfall. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“I often found myself regretting my own existence, and wishing myself dead; and but for the hope of being free, I have no doubt but that I should have killed myself, or done something for which I should have been killed.” (Douglas pg. 103) After Douglas realized that he was stuck between a rock and a hard place, he regretted his life. He felt no need to live since he was stuck doing something he hated; and even though he knew the answer to get out of slavery, he did not know the way to get out. He felt hopeless, like there was no way to escape slavery; it was going to be a part of him for life. These realities began to boil over in his mind and he had thoughts of being dead and killing himself. These thoughts appeared because he felt defenseless like there was no solution to his predicament.
Douglas was a bright man. He acquired more knowledge than most slaves during his time. The best part about Douglas’ knowledge was that he used it to help other slaves. He created the paper the North Star as a guide for slaves to escape north. Although at that time he was unsure of what to do with his newfound awareness and he wanted to die, he stuck it out and devised a plan that would help other slaves in the same predicament.
October 22, 2008
AP English III Period 11
Frederick Douglas Two-Page Literary Response
Frederick Douglas was an intelligent African American. He learned to read and write at a time when it was illegal. During the time when he was learning all of these skills, he realized that as a slave he was being treated unfairly. His newfound knowledge changed his opinion of the world around him. Throughout the passage Learning to Read and Write his attitude towards slavery is revealed.
Douglas’ mistress was a nice woman who began to teach him to read. “Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the inch, and no precaution could prevent me from taking the ell.” (Douglas pg. 101) By Douglas’ mistress teaching him to read, he was a step above the rest. He knew more than most slaves and was geared up to continue his knowledge. There was no way that the mistress could just stop him from crossing over the threshold once the door was open and he was invited in. So he found a way to still learn after his mistress had a change of heart.
“As I writhed under it, I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy.” (Douglas pg. 103) After learning to read, Douglas was put into an awkward situation. He knew a lot more about slavery and learned how it was unethical yet he did not learn about how to abolish it. He was not too keen on reading anymore after realizing this. Douglas felt frustrated with learning so much about the situation going on but not having the answer to solve the situation. Reading was his rise and downfall. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“I often found myself regretting my own existence, and wishing myself dead; and but for the hope of being free, I have no doubt but that I should have killed myself, or done something for which I should have been killed.” (Douglas pg. 103) After Douglas realized that he was stuck between a rock and a hard place, he regretted his life. He felt no need to live since he was stuck doing something he hated; and even though he knew the answer to get out of slavery, he did not know the way to get out. He felt hopeless, like there was no way to escape slavery; it was going to be a part of him for life. These realities began to boil over in his mind and he had thoughts of being dead and killing himself. These thoughts appeared because he felt defenseless like there was no solution to his predicament.
Douglas was a bright man. He acquired more knowledge than most slaves during his time. The best part about Douglas’ knowledge was that he used it to help other slaves. He created the paper the North Star as a guide for slaves to escape north. Although at that time he was unsure of what to do with his newfound awareness and he wanted to die, he stuck it out and devised a plan that would help other slaves in the same predicament.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
