One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
I really enjoyed reading this novel for a few reasons. First of all, I liked that is was set in another culture. I learned a lot about the people of the South American culture, and how their way of life changed in the past one hundred years. Next of all, I liked the format. Originally, all of the different characters and family trees confused me. After I got the hang of it, I liked how the different stories were based on different characters, and the stories had nothing in common but the characters they revolved around were related and all part of the same family. The other thing that I liked about the format were that the stories never really followed an entire plot, but were all sort of separate instances. I think that this gave me a better understanding of the characters and their habits and how they affect the people around them. By not following a major plot, this gives me something else to focus on instead of the plot, which was the characters. I think the lesson of this novel is to be aware of who is around you and how you influence them, and I saw this more clearly by viewing the plain everyday non-major events in all of the different people's intertwining lives, but not activities. The final reason that I enjoyed reading this novel was that it was very interesting. I was always into the short story that I was reading about.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 7, Post A
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
As I was reading this week the cultural difference that stuck out to me was the belief in myths. In the Mexican culture, there are many more sayings and myths that are illogical but seem to be the best or most pleasant explanation for something that isn't as commonly accepted. For instance, the South Americans and South American author said, "She had gone into the silver shop and her mother told her that little Aureliano was nobody's child because he had been found floating in a basket. Although the version seemed unlikely to them, they did not have any information enabling them to replace it with the true one" (439). Because there was no better explanation, the baby was no-one's because he "was found in a basket." In the American culture, people do not use those myths and instead, they speak the truth, no matter how harsh it can sometimes be. Although the term orphan is not extremely respectable, it is used over an illogical "floating in a basket" concept.
As I was reading this week the cultural difference that stuck out to me was the belief in myths. In the Mexican culture, there are many more sayings and myths that are illogical but seem to be the best or most pleasant explanation for something that isn't as commonly accepted. For instance, the South Americans and South American author said, "She had gone into the silver shop and her mother told her that little Aureliano was nobody's child because he had been found floating in a basket. Although the version seemed unlikely to them, they did not have any information enabling them to replace it with the true one" (439). Because there was no better explanation, the baby was no-one's because he "was found in a basket." In the American culture, people do not use those myths and instead, they speak the truth, no matter how harsh it can sometimes be. Although the term orphan is not extremely respectable, it is used over an illogical "floating in a basket" concept.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 6, Post B
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
I would like to respond to a quote that jumped out at me while I was reading this week. "Without consulting her husband, she packed her bags, put the three changes of clothing that her daughter would need into a small suitcase, and went to get her in her bedroom a half hour before the train arrived" (316). I find this interesting because my conceptions of the people of the Mexican culture were that they did not believe in divorce and valued the strong sanctity of marriage. There were many instances where women would leave their families to go off on their own or to leave their husbands. It surprised me when they did these things because I assumed that it was looked down upon. Either the women in this novel are more liberal than average or the times and perceptions have changed. The other thing that makes me question if the author is truly portraying reality is shown in the families' response to their mother or wife leaving. Some do not notice, others do not care, and when the woman returns home, no words are exchanged, it is not discussed, and life goes on.
I would like to respond to a quote that jumped out at me while I was reading this week. "Without consulting her husband, she packed her bags, put the three changes of clothing that her daughter would need into a small suitcase, and went to get her in her bedroom a half hour before the train arrived" (316). I find this interesting because my conceptions of the people of the Mexican culture were that they did not believe in divorce and valued the strong sanctity of marriage. There were many instances where women would leave their families to go off on their own or to leave their husbands. It surprised me when they did these things because I assumed that it was looked down upon. Either the women in this novel are more liberal than average or the times and perceptions have changed. The other thing that makes me question if the author is truly portraying reality is shown in the families' response to their mother or wife leaving. Some do not notice, others do not care, and when the woman returns home, no words are exchanged, it is not discussed, and life goes on.
Outside Reading - Week 6, Post A
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
In this week's reading, I noticed that the Mexican culture differs from the Americans through modes of transportation. In Mexico, transportation is much less advanced than in America, and there are far fewer options of getting somewhere. For instance, "At five o'clock in the afternoon, when they had come to the last station in the swamp, she got out of the train because Fernanda made her, They got into a small carriage that looked like an enormous bat, drawn by an asthmatic horse, and they went through the desolate city in the endless streets of which, split by saltiness, there was the sound of a piano lesson just like the on the Fernanda heard during the siestas of her adolescence" (317). Here, in order for a mother anddaughter to move to another city, they have to take a train, then a horse and buggy. Many Americans have not ever been on a train. If they want to get somewhere, they either fly in an airplane or drive in their own car. In American society, transportation is much more modern.
In this week's reading, I noticed that the Mexican culture differs from the Americans through modes of transportation. In Mexico, transportation is much less advanced than in America, and there are far fewer options of getting somewhere. For instance, "At five o'clock in the afternoon, when they had come to the last station in the swamp, she got out of the train because Fernanda made her, They got into a small carriage that looked like an enormous bat, drawn by an asthmatic horse, and they went through the desolate city in the endless streets of which, split by saltiness, there was the sound of a piano lesson just like the on the Fernanda heard during the siestas of her adolescence" (317). Here, in order for a mother anddaughter to move to another city, they have to take a train, then a horse and buggy. Many Americans have not ever been on a train. If they want to get somewhere, they either fly in an airplane or drive in their own car. In American society, transportation is much more modern.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 5, Post B
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The writing style of Sr. Marquez continues to amaze me. Originally, the story started off with no background, it just jumped into things with this quirky group of people, supposedly a family, supposedly living in Mexico. Nothing really major happened, and I assumed that the plot would take off and go somewhere, but it never did. That's when I realized that this weird story was about the main characters, and that the story was the main plot. Still, though, as I read on, I became more and more interested with the little stories about the Buendias that comprised their life. Marquez's writing style is that in which keeps you interested, looking for the bigger picture. I definitely was not bored although the story was going nowhere, which takes talent to plot out. I still wonder if something big will happen, and there will be dialogue about it, or if the entire plot will be about this same family and their little day to day fascinations?
The writing style of Sr. Marquez continues to amaze me. Originally, the story started off with no background, it just jumped into things with this quirky group of people, supposedly a family, supposedly living in Mexico. Nothing really major happened, and I assumed that the plot would take off and go somewhere, but it never did. That's when I realized that this weird story was about the main characters, and that the story was the main plot. Still, though, as I read on, I became more and more interested with the little stories about the Buendias that comprised their life. Marquez's writing style is that in which keeps you interested, looking for the bigger picture. I definitely was not bored although the story was going nowhere, which takes talent to plot out. I still wonder if something big will happen, and there will be dialogue about it, or if the entire plot will be about this same family and their little day to day fascinations?
Outside Reading - Week 5, Post A
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
"From then on, even in the bloodiest periods of the war, the two commanders would arrange truces to exchange prisoners" (146). In this passage we see the difference in fighting wars. Slightly earlier in the chapter, it was mentioned how a colonel could "persuade" his troops and fight wherever and however he wanted. In the old Mexican culture, war was unfair, and the rich were not involved or harmed. Now, in America, warfare has many rules, and the enemies rarely communicate. Also in America, there is no negotiating for prisoners, as they did in Mexico. The American government does not want to give in to terrorist demands at all, where as in Mexico poor prisoners were negotiated like pawns in the power struggle of the rich and powerful.
"From then on, even in the bloodiest periods of the war, the two commanders would arrange truces to exchange prisoners" (146). In this passage we see the difference in fighting wars. Slightly earlier in the chapter, it was mentioned how a colonel could "persuade" his troops and fight wherever and however he wanted. In the old Mexican culture, war was unfair, and the rich were not involved or harmed. Now, in America, warfare has many rules, and the enemies rarely communicate. Also in America, there is no negotiating for prisoners, as they did in Mexico. The American government does not want to give in to terrorist demands at all, where as in Mexico poor prisoners were negotiated like pawns in the power struggle of the rich and powerful.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 4, Post B
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
After reading for four weeks, I have noticed that there is a common theme of absent-minded-selfishness in a majority of the main characters, starting with Jose Arcadio Buendia. Firstly, he is always in his laboratory. Secondly, he does not care about his wife's feelings, because he is too busy doing alchemy. He doesn't realize that she is upset about him ruining her fortune, he doesn't notice that she is sad some days in general, he doesn't care that his wife is worried about their son who is running around with gypsies, or about his other son when his wife asks him to talk to him about growing up, and lastly he does not realize that his wife has left until two weeks later his neglected baby starts crying. Next, there is Jose Arcadio, who is selfish in his own ways. First, he wakes up his little brother every night to go meet his lover Pilar. Then, when Pilar gets pregnant, Jose Arcadio abandons her and their unborn child to go live with the gypsies, also hurting his mother. Next is Aureliano, who is absent-minded. He takes after his father and goes in to the laboratory and doesn't come out for days, doesn't eat and because of the sickness spreading through the village, doesn't sleep either. Next is their mother, Ursula. She runs off to go find her son, paying no care to her baby daughter she is leaving, or the household she is leaving.
After reading for four weeks, I have noticed that there is a common theme of absent-minded-selfishness in a majority of the main characters, starting with Jose Arcadio Buendia. Firstly, he is always in his laboratory. Secondly, he does not care about his wife's feelings, because he is too busy doing alchemy. He doesn't realize that she is upset about him ruining her fortune, he doesn't notice that she is sad some days in general, he doesn't care that his wife is worried about their son who is running around with gypsies, or about his other son when his wife asks him to talk to him about growing up, and lastly he does not realize that his wife has left until two weeks later his neglected baby starts crying. Next, there is Jose Arcadio, who is selfish in his own ways. First, he wakes up his little brother every night to go meet his lover Pilar. Then, when Pilar gets pregnant, Jose Arcadio abandons her and their unborn child to go live with the gypsies, also hurting his mother. Next is Aureliano, who is absent-minded. He takes after his father and goes in to the laboratory and doesn't come out for days, doesn't eat and because of the sickness spreading through the village, doesn't sleep either. Next is their mother, Ursula. She runs off to go find her son, paying no care to her baby daughter she is leaving, or the household she is leaving.
Outside Reading - Week 4, Post A
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The element that differed from the Mexican to the American cultures that I noticed while reading this week was the how the Mexicans believe in at home remedies to cure all ailments. There is a fix for everything from physical sickness to mental oddities to eating dirt, "She put some orange juice and rhubarb into a pan that she left in the dew all night and she gave her the dose the following day on an empty stomach. Although no one had told her that it was the specific remedy for the vice of eating earth, she thought that any bitter substance in an empty stomach would have to make the liver react" (47). It goes on to say that Ursula's mother taught her all of these potions and what they cure. From what I have seen, these cultures develop these "cures" because they don't have the money or the expertise to go to a doctor or practice medicine, where in our culture, doctors are readily available, and there are insurance programs available for those who can't pay.
The element that differed from the Mexican to the American cultures that I noticed while reading this week was the how the Mexicans believe in at home remedies to cure all ailments. There is a fix for everything from physical sickness to mental oddities to eating dirt, "She put some orange juice and rhubarb into a pan that she left in the dew all night and she gave her the dose the following day on an empty stomach. Although no one had told her that it was the specific remedy for the vice of eating earth, she thought that any bitter substance in an empty stomach would have to make the liver react" (47). It goes on to say that Ursula's mother taught her all of these potions and what they cure. From what I have seen, these cultures develop these "cures" because they don't have the money or the expertise to go to a doctor or practice medicine, where in our culture, doctors are readily available, and there are insurance programs available for those who can't pay.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 3, Post B
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Dear Jose Arcadio Buendia,
What interests you so much in all of your inventions? When you hear something about a new phenomenon, you do all that it takes to experience it. Is it that you are easily swayed, or have a high interest in it, or are you trying to prove yourself? Or is it simply your niche and just what you do out of habit? And why do you not care at all about what your wife and family think? You know your son is running off with a hooker and it upsets your wife, yet you do nothing to stop him or comfort her. And you also know that your wife does not want to do some of the things that you ask her to do, but you still make her do them. I guess maybe it was just the times? But you seem selfish. You do not accept that your younger son isn't interested in alchemy as you are, and you force him to be. He wants to make his own name, like you want to make yours. At least your first born wants to help in the family business. And about that business and your wife, you carelessly spent her entire fortune trying to double the gold, and you didn't apologize for it. Are you really that selfish? Or is she just being to understanding and not hard enough on you? I guess I will have to find out.
Monika
Dear Jose Arcadio Buendia,
What interests you so much in all of your inventions? When you hear something about a new phenomenon, you do all that it takes to experience it. Is it that you are easily swayed, or have a high interest in it, or are you trying to prove yourself? Or is it simply your niche and just what you do out of habit? And why do you not care at all about what your wife and family think? You know your son is running off with a hooker and it upsets your wife, yet you do nothing to stop him or comfort her. And you also know that your wife does not want to do some of the things that you ask her to do, but you still make her do them. I guess maybe it was just the times? But you seem selfish. You do not accept that your younger son isn't interested in alchemy as you are, and you force him to be. He wants to make his own name, like you want to make yours. At least your first born wants to help in the family business. And about that business and your wife, you carelessly spent her entire fortune trying to double the gold, and you didn't apologize for it. Are you really that selfish? Or is she just being to understanding and not hard enough on you? I guess I will have to find out.
Monika
Outside Reading - Week 3, Post A
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The cultural element I noticed in reading this week was the sense of community that everyone in the village had with each other. When Jose Arcadio Buendia decided that it was time to move the village to a better spot in terms of communication with the outside world, everybody believed his reasons and followed him over the mountains in search of the ocean. They named their new village together, and worked together throughout the move. "At the beginning of the road into the swamp they put up a sign that said MACONDO and another larger one on the main street that said GOD EXISTS" (47). In our culture, a family doesn't even move together, different members are split up all across the country, let alone friends moving cross state together.
The cultural element I noticed in reading this week was the sense of community that everyone in the village had with each other. When Jose Arcadio Buendia decided that it was time to move the village to a better spot in terms of communication with the outside world, everybody believed his reasons and followed him over the mountains in search of the ocean. They named their new village together, and worked together throughout the move. "At the beginning of the road into the swamp they put up a sign that said MACONDO and another larger one on the main street that said GOD EXISTS" (47). In our culture, a family doesn't even move together, different members are split up all across the country, let alone friends moving cross state together.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 2, Post B
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Dear Sr. Marquez,
I am interested with this novel, it has started off with quite an unconventional beginning. I am aware that many people like this book, along with your other book Love in the Time of Cholera, and that you have won the Pulitzer Prize for your writing. I am just curious to see where the story goes, or even who it will follow (which character). In the beginning there was a family tree and so far a few of the characters have been incorporated into the plot, but in 100 years, will the main character change? And I did not know if I would be motivated to read this novel, but I am interested so far, the only obstacle is finding the time to read it. I am also fascinated by the setting, being a Spanish speaker and dreaming of going to Mexico to experience the culture. So far, I am somewhat confused on what Jose Arcadio Buendia will do next because he has gone on small, meaningless adventures as of yet. Maybe they will tie together in the end, I guess I will have to continue reading to find out!
Monika
Dear Sr. Marquez,
I am interested with this novel, it has started off with quite an unconventional beginning. I am aware that many people like this book, along with your other book Love in the Time of Cholera, and that you have won the Pulitzer Prize for your writing. I am just curious to see where the story goes, or even who it will follow (which character). In the beginning there was a family tree and so far a few of the characters have been incorporated into the plot, but in 100 years, will the main character change? And I did not know if I would be motivated to read this novel, but I am interested so far, the only obstacle is finding the time to read it. I am also fascinated by the setting, being a Spanish speaker and dreaming of going to Mexico to experience the culture. So far, I am somewhat confused on what Jose Arcadio Buendia will do next because he has gone on small, meaningless adventures as of yet. Maybe they will tie together in the end, I guess I will have to continue reading to find out!
Monika
Outside Reading - Week 2, Post A
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
One cultural difference I noticed was the belief in myths and old wives's tales. In this passage, Ursula's great-great-grandmother believed that pirates would come to attack her, haunted by an experience she had as a child. She became frightened by the ringing of alarms and bells which resulted in her freaking out and igniting herself on the kitchen stove. For the rest of her life, she would be consumed with the irrational fears of random pirate attack, "Finally he sold the business and took the family to live far from the sea in a settlement of peaceful Indians located in the foothills, where he built his wife a bedroom without windows so that the pirates of her dream would have no way to get in" (19).
One cultural difference I noticed was the belief in myths and old wives's tales. In this passage, Ursula's great-great-grandmother believed that pirates would come to attack her, haunted by an experience she had as a child. She became frightened by the ringing of alarms and bells which resulted in her freaking out and igniting herself on the kitchen stove. For the rest of her life, she would be consumed with the irrational fears of random pirate attack, "Finally he sold the business and took the family to live far from the sea in a settlement of peaceful Indians located in the foothills, where he built his wife a bedroom without windows so that the pirates of her dream would have no way to get in" (19).
Global Issue
I have chosen the global issue of treatment of POWs, more specifically in the last 60 years since the Geneva Conventions.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 1, Post B
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
So far, the protagonist in this novel is Jose Arcadio Buendia, and he has a mind of his own. His stubbornness is shown many times, and it is always swayed by the gypsies. In one instance, Jose is convinced that he can multiply gold, and without considering the circumstances he takes his wife's gold and ruins it. He is also stubbornly unreasonable when he tries to make a potion to get the gold back contrary to every one's diminishing faith in him. His mind of his own is also apparent when he finds a new invention. He will always do whatever it takes to try an experiment, sacrificing his family's fortune and home. Jose does not realize that his trial might not work out, so he does whatever it takes to accomplish what he thinks is right. He is also stubborn when it comes to his children, he doesn't understand that they might not want to do what he does, and Jose has trouble accepting that. The final instance of his un-open-mindedness is shown early on with the ice. Jose paid a lot of money to just touch the ice, the greatest invention of mankind says he, and will fight for everything that he believes in no matter how unconventional it is. I suppose you could say he is a risk taker, but I see it more as not seeing clearly.
So far, the protagonist in this novel is Jose Arcadio Buendia, and he has a mind of his own. His stubbornness is shown many times, and it is always swayed by the gypsies. In one instance, Jose is convinced that he can multiply gold, and without considering the circumstances he takes his wife's gold and ruins it. He is also stubbornly unreasonable when he tries to make a potion to get the gold back contrary to every one's diminishing faith in him. His mind of his own is also apparent when he finds a new invention. He will always do whatever it takes to try an experiment, sacrificing his family's fortune and home. Jose does not realize that his trial might not work out, so he does whatever it takes to accomplish what he thinks is right. He is also stubborn when it comes to his children, he doesn't understand that they might not want to do what he does, and Jose has trouble accepting that. The final instance of his un-open-mindedness is shown early on with the ice. Jose paid a lot of money to just touch the ice, the greatest invention of mankind says he, and will fight for everything that he believes in no matter how unconventional it is. I suppose you could say he is a risk taker, but I see it more as not seeing clearly.
Outside Reading - Week 1, Post A
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The differences between American and Mexican cultures that I noticed was in the response to modern technology. There are gypsies that come through town with new inventions and the entire community, including those that are opposed to modernization, comes out to see what new things have been found. One new "invention," among many more absurd, is ice. In America, ice was common at that time period, but in Mexico, without the climate and knowledge, ice is unconventional. The enthusiasm is shown when Jose Arcadio Buendia pays over 30 reales to "touch the cake" (18), and then he exclaims, "'This is the great invention of our time'" (18). An American would never say or think something like that in that time period because they were educated to know the phenomenon of ice even if they hadn't experienced it firsthand.
The differences between American and Mexican cultures that I noticed was in the response to modern technology. There are gypsies that come through town with new inventions and the entire community, including those that are opposed to modernization, comes out to see what new things have been found. One new "invention," among many more absurd, is ice. In America, ice was common at that time period, but in Mexico, without the climate and knowledge, ice is unconventional. The enthusiasm is shown when Jose Arcadio Buendia pays over 30 reales to "touch the cake" (18), and then he exclaims, "'This is the great invention of our time'" (18). An American would never say or think something like that in that time period because they were educated to know the phenomenon of ice even if they hadn't experienced it firsthand.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Outside Reading - Quarter 4, Explanation
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
This book is written by a Colombian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I chose it for a few reasons, the first being its country of origin. In Colombia they speak Spanish, a language that I have been speaking since I was in Kindergarden. I am also familiar with the South American culture through experiences in Spanish class and also through my aunt. She is a Spanish teacher that is very familiar with the Mexican culture, has lived abroad in Spain, and has immersed me in the culture as well through people that she knows and places she's been. Another reason as to why I chose this novel was because other people have reccomended another book by this author, Love in the Time of Cholera. This author is also a nobel prize winner, which speaks volumes about this book. The final reason for me choosing this novel was because a while ago, my friend's dad, a book addict, said, oh read this book, you might want to read it over the summer, it's one of my all time favorites, you would love it. I wanted to check it out, and the opportunity arose when I saw it on our list.
This book is written by a Colombian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I chose it for a few reasons, the first being its country of origin. In Colombia they speak Spanish, a language that I have been speaking since I was in Kindergarden. I am also familiar with the South American culture through experiences in Spanish class and also through my aunt. She is a Spanish teacher that is very familiar with the Mexican culture, has lived abroad in Spain, and has immersed me in the culture as well through people that she knows and places she's been. Another reason as to why I chose this novel was because other people have reccomended another book by this author, Love in the Time of Cholera. This author is also a nobel prize winner, which speaks volumes about this book. The final reason for me choosing this novel was because a while ago, my friend's dad, a book addict, said, oh read this book, you might want to read it over the summer, it's one of my all time favorites, you would love it. I wanted to check it out, and the opportunity arose when I saw it on our list.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 7, Post B
You Know You Love Me, a Gossip Girl Novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar
I just started this book, and so far it is every entertaining! This is the second in a series of 10 books in the Gossip Girl books, so I am already familiar with the characters and the storyline somewhat. There is also a T.V. show based on these novels with the same name, and I started watching the show before I read the books. My friend has all the books and she lent them to me after I started to watch and get interested. They are a little juvenile I must admit, but they are fun to read, and everybody talks about them so it's good to be in the know. It is different watching the show first and then reading the books, because they set the show up to be different than what it says in the books, so it is hard to follow two different stories, but fun at the same time. The good thing about seeing the show first is that now I can put faces with names, although normally when I read the book first the movie ruins it for me. Part of the fun of reading is imagining what everything looks like and what will happen, but because of the writer's strike it has not been on for a while, and now that I am seriously reading the books that's not a bad thing.
xoxo, gossip girl
I just started this book, and so far it is every entertaining! This is the second in a series of 10 books in the Gossip Girl books, so I am already familiar with the characters and the storyline somewhat. There is also a T.V. show based on these novels with the same name, and I started watching the show before I read the books. My friend has all the books and she lent them to me after I started to watch and get interested. They are a little juvenile I must admit, but they are fun to read, and everybody talks about them so it's good to be in the know. It is different watching the show first and then reading the books, because they set the show up to be different than what it says in the books, so it is hard to follow two different stories, but fun at the same time. The good thing about seeing the show first is that now I can put faces with names, although normally when I read the book first the movie ruins it for me. Part of the fun of reading is imagining what everything looks like and what will happen, but because of the writer's strike it has not been on for a while, and now that I am seriously reading the books that's not a bad thing.
xoxo, gossip girl
Outside Reading - Week 7, Post A
You Know You Love Me, a Gossip Girl Novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar
VOCAB
-cropped (59)- to cut off the ends or a part of
-nosed (108)- to move or push forward with or as with the nose
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1) "They were better than nothing" (40). This is a cliche, it is overused to the point that is has no meaning.
2) "But Dan had eyes for only one girl" (60). This is a metaphor, Dan looks at other girls but he doesn't like other girls like he likes this one.
3) "He lay back in the grass and looked up at the orange autumn leaves fluttering in the trees overhead" (73). This is imagery, painting the scene, but it is also personification, giving the leaves the ability to flutter.
QUOTE
"Blair crossed her arms over her chest. 'We don't have two hours.'" (139). This quote shows the attitude that Blair has about herself. It shows that she thinks everyone should wait on her and she is entitled to everything. This quote is important because all of the kids in this book act and feel the same way.
THEME
You can't always get what you want.
VOCAB
-cropped (59)- to cut off the ends or a part of
-nosed (108)- to move or push forward with or as with the nose
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1) "They were better than nothing" (40). This is a cliche, it is overused to the point that is has no meaning.
2) "But Dan had eyes for only one girl" (60). This is a metaphor, Dan looks at other girls but he doesn't like other girls like he likes this one.
3) "He lay back in the grass and looked up at the orange autumn leaves fluttering in the trees overhead" (73). This is imagery, painting the scene, but it is also personification, giving the leaves the ability to flutter.
QUOTE
"Blair crossed her arms over her chest. 'We don't have two hours.'" (139). This quote shows the attitude that Blair has about herself. It shows that she thinks everyone should wait on her and she is entitled to everything. This quote is important because all of the kids in this book act and feel the same way.
THEME
You can't always get what you want.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 6, Post B
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
Yet again, all I can do is comment on the ingenious fabulosity of this book. It is somewhat challenging to continuously blog week after week on a book that I have been finished with for a few weeks already (note the extensive use of very descriptive, page filling, adjectives), but I finished in such a short time because believe me, it was truly that good, and if you haven't read it already, there should be nothing stopping you: go for it (note the McCarthy style of "setting the scene," I am very influenced by the books that I am currently reading). For instance, while I was reading DaVinci, all I could think about was what was going to happen next, and when I wasn't reading, I wanted to be; following the intensive as well as intricate story line was an entire thought process on its own. Another example of my delving into my current books was when we were reading Much Ado About Nothing, I started speaking in Shakespearean language, saying, "why, have not you read that book of great stature," as Benedick would say, or some might argue that Yoda could have also said that. But seriously, that book did a lot of good for me, now I know much more about European history and also the fictional story of the history of my religion, and if anybody ever questions it, I have the knowledge now to argue a convincing debate (and that knowledge also came from our debates in L.A, how fitting). Enough language arts jokes, I'm giving up and signing off.
Yet again, all I can do is comment on the ingenious fabulosity of this book. It is somewhat challenging to continuously blog week after week on a book that I have been finished with for a few weeks already (note the extensive use of very descriptive, page filling, adjectives), but I finished in such a short time because believe me, it was truly that good, and if you haven't read it already, there should be nothing stopping you: go for it (note the McCarthy style of "setting the scene," I am very influenced by the books that I am currently reading). For instance, while I was reading DaVinci, all I could think about was what was going to happen next, and when I wasn't reading, I wanted to be; following the intensive as well as intricate story line was an entire thought process on its own. Another example of my delving into my current books was when we were reading Much Ado About Nothing, I started speaking in Shakespearean language, saying, "why, have not you read that book of great stature," as Benedick would say, or some might argue that Yoda could have also said that. But seriously, that book did a lot of good for me, now I know much more about European history and also the fictional story of the history of my religion, and if anybody ever questions it, I have the knowledge now to argue a convincing debate (and that knowledge also came from our debates in L.A, how fitting). Enough language arts jokes, I'm giving up and signing off.
Outside Reading - Week 6, Post A
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
VOCAB
- caliber (360)- the diameter of something of circular section, esp. that of the inside of a tube
- anaphylactic(363)- exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign protein resulting from previous exposure to it.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "If you're smart enough to read it, you're permitted to know what is being said" (205). This is a cliche, it is used as sarcasm and is not fitting in this context.
2. "A piece of this puzzle is missing, Langdon thought" (207). This is a metaphor using the puzzle as a comparison for the mystery at hand.
3. "Langdon began to stand up but paused, spying the small, spent pistol shell on the floor beside the truck's precision-crafted door sill" (209). This is an example of imagery, using very descriptive words to describe an extremely intense situation.
QUOTE
"'I'm sorry about this' he said. 'I really have no choice'" (207). This quote is a direct speaking quote from the novel that really illustrates the suspense throughout this mystery. Brown puts cliff hangers at the end of each chapter and then switches to a different point of view. This was placed at the end of the chapter, right as the main characters are about to get shot, you don't know if the survive or not.
THEME
The overall theme is you never know what you will find if you just keep looking.
VOCAB
- caliber (360)- the diameter of something of circular section, esp. that of the inside of a tube
- anaphylactic(363)- exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign protein resulting from previous exposure to it.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "If you're smart enough to read it, you're permitted to know what is being said" (205). This is a cliche, it is used as sarcasm and is not fitting in this context.
2. "A piece of this puzzle is missing, Langdon thought" (207). This is a metaphor using the puzzle as a comparison for the mystery at hand.
3. "Langdon began to stand up but paused, spying the small, spent pistol shell on the floor beside the truck's precision-crafted door sill" (209). This is an example of imagery, using very descriptive words to describe an extremely intense situation.
QUOTE
"'I'm sorry about this' he said. 'I really have no choice'" (207). This quote is a direct speaking quote from the novel that really illustrates the suspense throughout this mystery. Brown puts cliff hangers at the end of each chapter and then switches to a different point of view. This was placed at the end of the chapter, right as the main characters are about to get shot, you don't know if the survive or not.
THEME
The overall theme is you never know what you will find if you just keep looking.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 5, Post B
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
Dear Dan Brown,
Thank you for writing this amazing mystery novel! It kept me entertained for weeks, three very short weeks. Now I have nothing to write about for the last four! It was very deserving of the British Book of the Year Award, and many more that I am sure it will come to win. It was extremely well written; I can't imagine coming up with a plot even half as extensive as that. I loved all of the suspense, and the writing techniques you used to convey that mood, like the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, and even from page to page. Also, I liked the way you wrote it from multiple viewpoints, it gave the novel more perspective and background.
I also liked all of the historical references you incorporated. Now I feel like I have more understanding of those artworks mentioned and historical figures and groups. I have learned about a few of them and I am sure I will learn about more in the future, and now I have a point of reference, and also a deeper understanding of those people.
-Monika
Dear Dan Brown,
Thank you for writing this amazing mystery novel! It kept me entertained for weeks, three very short weeks. Now I have nothing to write about for the last four! It was very deserving of the British Book of the Year Award, and many more that I am sure it will come to win. It was extremely well written; I can't imagine coming up with a plot even half as extensive as that. I loved all of the suspense, and the writing techniques you used to convey that mood, like the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, and even from page to page. Also, I liked the way you wrote it from multiple viewpoints, it gave the novel more perspective and background.
I also liked all of the historical references you incorporated. Now I feel like I have more understanding of those artworks mentioned and historical figures and groups. I have learned about a few of them and I am sure I will learn about more in the future, and now I have a point of reference, and also a deeper understanding of those people.
-Monika
Outside Reading - Week 5, Post A
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
VOCAB
-tinny(7)- lacking in timbre or resonance; sounding thin or twangy
-subterranean(189)- existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "Sophie sensed an unexpected glimmer of contentment in his eyes"(186). This is imagery, a glimmer of contentment is a very sensual and descriptive phrase.
2. "A familiar, lopsided grin crossed his face"(186). This is personifying grin, giving it the ability to cross.
3. "On the cement floor below, hundreds of identical plastic crates lay aligned on a n enormous grid... like rows of small coffins in an underground crypt" (189). This is a simile comparing the crates to coffins.
QUOTE
"Sophie needed only to read the first line to know Langdon was correct" (186). This is how most of the book is written. You don't know what the characters are talking about until the next chapter. On the next page you find out a crucial code. It is an example of the cliffhanger found at the end of virtually each chapter.
THEME
Sometimes you come across unexpected circumstances, per fate, and it is best if you just roll with them.
VOCAB
-tinny(7)- lacking in timbre or resonance; sounding thin or twangy
-subterranean(189)- existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "Sophie sensed an unexpected glimmer of contentment in his eyes"(186). This is imagery, a glimmer of contentment is a very sensual and descriptive phrase.
2. "A familiar, lopsided grin crossed his face"(186). This is personifying grin, giving it the ability to cross.
3. "On the cement floor below, hundreds of identical plastic crates lay aligned on a n enormous grid... like rows of small coffins in an underground crypt" (189). This is a simile comparing the crates to coffins.
QUOTE
"Sophie needed only to read the first line to know Langdon was correct" (186). This is how most of the book is written. You don't know what the characters are talking about until the next chapter. On the next page you find out a crucial code. It is an example of the cliffhanger found at the end of virtually each chapter.
THEME
Sometimes you come across unexpected circumstances, per fate, and it is best if you just roll with them.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 4, Post B
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I finished this book over the past few days, and WOW, it truly lives up to the expectations that people placed on it. It was one of the most well written novels I have ever read. I really liked how the plot seamlessly flowed along, and how it all fit together so perfectly in the end. With each new chapter there was a turn of events, which made the plot seem more confusing but even more exciting as well. Thinking back on all of the questions that I had, all of them were answered. When they made no sense earlier, they are very obvious now. The only thing I didn't like was how it was written from multiple perspectives. It was similar to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close in that the narrator switched constantly, but in ELIC the change was very confusing, but in The Da Vinci Code the transitions were very clear and smooth. It is also similar to the movie Vantage Point because the event is witnessed from the "vantage points" of nine different people. In the movie, the transitions are confusing, but as I said earlier, they aren't in The DaVinci Code. However, I didn't like these changes in the novel because the view would switch during such a climactic part of the story, I wanted to know what would happen next and be in on the action, not listening to someone else's conversations. I suppose it was all a technique to create suspense, and it worked because I was on the edge the entire time I was reading, and i couldn't put it down.
I finished this book over the past few days, and WOW, it truly lives up to the expectations that people placed on it. It was one of the most well written novels I have ever read. I really liked how the plot seamlessly flowed along, and how it all fit together so perfectly in the end. With each new chapter there was a turn of events, which made the plot seem more confusing but even more exciting as well. Thinking back on all of the questions that I had, all of them were answered. When they made no sense earlier, they are very obvious now. The only thing I didn't like was how it was written from multiple perspectives. It was similar to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close in that the narrator switched constantly, but in ELIC the change was very confusing, but in The Da Vinci Code the transitions were very clear and smooth. It is also similar to the movie Vantage Point because the event is witnessed from the "vantage points" of nine different people. In the movie, the transitions are confusing, but as I said earlier, they aren't in The DaVinci Code. However, I didn't like these changes in the novel because the view would switch during such a climactic part of the story, I wanted to know what would happen next and be in on the action, not listening to someone else's conversations. I suppose it was all a technique to create suspense, and it worked because I was on the edge the entire time I was reading, and i couldn't put it down.
Outside Reading - Week 4, Post A
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
VOCAB
-Baphomet (318)- An idol or symbolical figure which the Templars were accused of using in their mysterious rites
-vellum (323)- calfskin, lambskin, kidskin, etc., treated for use as a writing surface
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. " 'No more false than that of a mathematical cryptographer who believes in the imaginary number 'i' because it helps her break codes' "(342). This is an analogy. Langdon is comparing religious allegory in music to the use of imaginary numbers. He relates the situations to each other as a basis for comparison.
2. " 'We had the correct Pope on our second hit. Alexander.' He paused. 'A Pope' "(392). This is a pun/play on words. Langdon previously thought that by Pope, Jacques was referring to a Holy Father. Truly he was being tricky and referring to Alexander Pope; a different kind of Pope.
3. "Sophie felt as if she were being hurtled through space with no idea where she would land" (304). This is a simile, comparing Sophie's feeling to the sensation of cluelessly being flung through the blackness of space.
QUOTE
"an ancient word of wisdom frees this scroll/and helps us keep her scatter'd family whole/a headstone praised by Templars is the key/and atbash will reveal the truth to thee" (302). This is a riddle that was secretly encrypted into a box deep in a safely guarded vault. It resonates with me because it is in iambic pentameter, which we recently learned was used in formal proclamations, indicating that this riddle is of great symbolic importance.
THEME
Always keep your guard up because you never know what could be coming your way or when there is a turn of events.
VOCAB
-Baphomet (318)- An idol or symbolical figure which the Templars were accused of using in their mysterious rites
-vellum (323)- calfskin, lambskin, kidskin, etc., treated for use as a writing surface
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. " 'No more false than that of a mathematical cryptographer who believes in the imaginary number 'i' because it helps her break codes' "(342). This is an analogy. Langdon is comparing religious allegory in music to the use of imaginary numbers. He relates the situations to each other as a basis for comparison.
2. " 'We had the correct Pope on our second hit. Alexander.' He paused. 'A Pope' "(392). This is a pun/play on words. Langdon previously thought that by Pope, Jacques was referring to a Holy Father. Truly he was being tricky and referring to Alexander Pope; a different kind of Pope.
3. "Sophie felt as if she were being hurtled through space with no idea where she would land" (304). This is a simile, comparing Sophie's feeling to the sensation of cluelessly being flung through the blackness of space.
QUOTE
"an ancient word of wisdom frees this scroll/and helps us keep her scatter'd family whole/a headstone praised by Templars is the key/and atbash will reveal the truth to thee" (302). This is a riddle that was secretly encrypted into a box deep in a safely guarded vault. It resonates with me because it is in iambic pentameter, which we recently learned was used in formal proclamations, indicating that this riddle is of great symbolic importance.
THEME
Always keep your guard up because you never know what could be coming your way or when there is a turn of events.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 3, Post B
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I am so into this book right now! From the last post to this one I have read over 200 pages and I cannot put this mystery novel down! People warned me this would happen and it happened when I read Angels and Demons but I wasn't prepared to speed through this intense plot line so quickly, considering my busy schedule and committments. I don't even know if it will last me to my next post next week? Right now I am in the middle of the quest for the grail, and the police are hot on the adenturers' tails! Will they get caught? How did they escape the DCPJ without getting caught or being seen? And they left all of their stuff at the jet, will they be able to get it back, and will they come clean and the real murderer be found? I don't know, but I'm sure I will find out soon.
I am so into this book right now! From the last post to this one I have read over 200 pages and I cannot put this mystery novel down! People warned me this would happen and it happened when I read Angels and Demons but I wasn't prepared to speed through this intense plot line so quickly, considering my busy schedule and committments. I don't even know if it will last me to my next post next week? Right now I am in the middle of the quest for the grail, and the police are hot on the adenturers' tails! Will they get caught? How did they escape the DCPJ without getting caught or being seen? And they left all of their stuff at the jet, will they be able to get it back, and will they come clean and the real murderer be found? I don't know, but I'm sure I will find out soon.
Outside Reading - Week 3, Post A
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
VOCAB
-Interpol (181)- an official international agency that coordinates the police activities of more than 100 member nations: organized in 1923 with headquarters in Paris.
-lustrous (190)- having luster; shining; luminous
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "Outside, the wind howled in the trees" (257). This is personification, giving the nonhuman wind the ability to howl.
2. "The manservant's words crackled through the intercom on the wall" (258). This is personification giving the nonhuman words the ability to crackle.
3. "...clicking..." (261). This is onomatopoeia. The word clicking sounds like the actual sound it makes.
QUOTE
"You do not find the Grail, the Grail finds you" (295). This is key because Sophie happened upon her grandfather's body and the key, Langdon got called into it, and Teabing was approached by Langdon and Sophie, none of them were in search of the grail and found each other, it worked the other way around.
THEME
Good things come to all who wait.
VOCAB
-Interpol (181)- an official international agency that coordinates the police activities of more than 100 member nations: organized in 1923 with headquarters in Paris.
-lustrous (190)- having luster; shining; luminous
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "Outside, the wind howled in the trees" (257). This is personification, giving the nonhuman wind the ability to howl.
2. "The manservant's words crackled through the intercom on the wall" (258). This is personification giving the nonhuman words the ability to crackle.
3. "...clicking..." (261). This is onomatopoeia. The word clicking sounds like the actual sound it makes.
QUOTE
"You do not find the Grail, the Grail finds you" (295). This is key because Sophie happened upon her grandfather's body and the key, Langdon got called into it, and Teabing was approached by Langdon and Sophie, none of them were in search of the grail and found each other, it worked the other way around.
THEME
Good things come to all who wait.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 2, Post B
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
So far I am really into this book! With every page though i have more and more questions that don't ever seem to get answered. This is okay because they are replaced with newer questions, adding to they mystery and suspense of the novel. After the first 160 pages, nothing has been resolved, the situation just becomes broader and broader with more plot lines developed and problems that seem as if they will never be fixed. Currently my major questions are, where will Robert and Sophie go? Didn't they already tell the taxi driver that they left on the side of the road where they were going so won't they be caught if they go there? Did Sauniere leave more clues at the Louvre that they didn't find? Will they get more answers? What is the deal with this Silas guy and Bishop Aningarosa and why does the story keep cutting to the thoughts inside these men's heads? Will they kill Robert and Sophie? But will R and S ever find out the secret? Will the secret live on? I am sure that with every page I turn these will slowly drift out of my mind and I will only be reminded of them until the very end of the book, and so much will happen between now and then! I have felt like writing down all of these because when they occur in my thoughts they seem vital, but now I can just blog them all out!
So far I am really into this book! With every page though i have more and more questions that don't ever seem to get answered. This is okay because they are replaced with newer questions, adding to they mystery and suspense of the novel. After the first 160 pages, nothing has been resolved, the situation just becomes broader and broader with more plot lines developed and problems that seem as if they will never be fixed. Currently my major questions are, where will Robert and Sophie go? Didn't they already tell the taxi driver that they left on the side of the road where they were going so won't they be caught if they go there? Did Sauniere leave more clues at the Louvre that they didn't find? Will they get more answers? What is the deal with this Silas guy and Bishop Aningarosa and why does the story keep cutting to the thoughts inside these men's heads? Will they kill Robert and Sophie? But will R and S ever find out the secret? Will the secret live on? I am sure that with every page I turn these will slowly drift out of my mind and I will only be reminded of them until the very end of the book, and so much will happen between now and then! I have felt like writing down all of these because when they occur in my thoughts they seem vital, but now I can just blog them all out!
Outside Reading - Week 2, Post A
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
VOCAB
-citadel (149)-a fortress that commands a city and is used in the control of the inhabitants and in defense during attack or siege.
-edifice (150)- a building, esp. one of large size or imposing appearance
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "...as Castel Gandolfo came into view, rising against a star-filled November sky" (149). This is persomification for Castel Gandolfo, as the view got larger, it was tagged as the human action of rising.
2. "Gandolfo resembled a great stone monster pondering a suicidal leap" (149). This is a metaphor comparing the awkwardness of the mansion to a suicidal monster.
3. "Perched at the very edge of the cliff, the castle leaned out over the cradle of Italian civilization..." (149). This is more personification saying that this castle is leaning over a cliff, but is is truly stable.
QUOTE
"'Robert, i have a lot of things to tell you.' She paused, locking eyes with him as the taxi raced westward" (154). This is what Sophie tells Robert and it signals the begining of their more personal relationship, with many vital secrets revealed.
THEME
I amseeing the theme of no matter how fast you think, someone will always be thinking one step ahead of you.
VOCAB
-citadel (149)-a fortress that commands a city and is used in the control of the inhabitants and in defense during attack or siege.
-edifice (150)- a building, esp. one of large size or imposing appearance
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "...as Castel Gandolfo came into view, rising against a star-filled November sky" (149). This is persomification for Castel Gandolfo, as the view got larger, it was tagged as the human action of rising.
2. "Gandolfo resembled a great stone monster pondering a suicidal leap" (149). This is a metaphor comparing the awkwardness of the mansion to a suicidal monster.
3. "Perched at the very edge of the cliff, the castle leaned out over the cradle of Italian civilization..." (149). This is more personification saying that this castle is leaning over a cliff, but is is truly stable.
QUOTE
"'Robert, i have a lot of things to tell you.' She paused, locking eyes with him as the taxi raced westward" (154). This is what Sophie tells Robert and it signals the begining of their more personal relationship, with many vital secrets revealed.
THEME
I amseeing the theme of no matter how fast you think, someone will always be thinking one step ahead of you.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 1, Post B
The Davinci Code by Dan Brown
WOW! Already within the first 50 pages of this novel I am completely absorbed in it. It is very suspenseful and action filled and fast moving, making it a very satisfying read. I previously read Angels and Demons, also by Dan Brown, and it is in a similar setting to The Da Vinci Code. Both occur in major European cities exploring religious history and murders of prominent and powerful people. They also both have in common the villain, and their perspectives. The story of the villain is told from an outside perspective in both situations, thier identity is not really revealed and their motives are always unclear, until they have an encounter with Langdon or another main charcter and their mysteriousness is somewhat cleared up. I have heard so many great things about this novel and am very excited to get into it. I assume it will be as good of a read as Angels and Demons, so that gives me much to look forward too! Another similarity between the two novels is the main character, Robert Langdon, so know I have more background information on him and his characterizations.
WOW! Already within the first 50 pages of this novel I am completely absorbed in it. It is very suspenseful and action filled and fast moving, making it a very satisfying read. I previously read Angels and Demons, also by Dan Brown, and it is in a similar setting to The Da Vinci Code. Both occur in major European cities exploring religious history and murders of prominent and powerful people. They also both have in common the villain, and their perspectives. The story of the villain is told from an outside perspective in both situations, thier identity is not really revealed and their motives are always unclear, until they have an encounter with Langdon or another main charcter and their mysteriousness is somewhat cleared up. I have heard so many great things about this novel and am very excited to get into it. I assume it will be as good of a read as Angels and Demons, so that gives me much to look forward too! Another similarity between the two novels is the main character, Robert Langdon, so know I have more background information on him and his characterizations.
Outside Reading - Week 1, Post A
The Davinci Code by Dan Brown
VOCAB
-pentacle (36)- A five-pointed star, often held to have magical or mystical significance, formed by five straight lines connecting the vertices of a pentagon and enclosing another pentagon in the completed figure. Also called pentagram.
-draconian (46)- of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Draco or his code of laws.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "I'm trapped in a Salvador Dali painting" (19). The italics show that Langdon is thinking to himself.
2. "Fauche carried himself like an angry ox" (21). This is a similie comparing Fauche to an ox.
3. "A scar on the face of Paris" (21). This is personification saying that the nonhuman pyramid is like a scar (made of human flesh) on the nonhuman face of the city of Paris.
QUOTE
"Mr. Langdon," the message began in a fearful whisper. "Do not react to this message. Just listen calmly. You are in danger right now. Follow my directions very closely" (53). This quote is significant because it shows how prevalent and strong the element of suspense is in this novel.
THEME
The current theme is sacrifice because many are sacrificing their lives and time for this plot.
VOCAB
-pentacle (36)- A five-pointed star, often held to have magical or mystical significance, formed by five straight lines connecting the vertices of a pentagon and enclosing another pentagon in the completed figure. Also called pentagram.
-draconian (46)- of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Draco or his code of laws.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "I'm trapped in a Salvador Dali painting" (19). The italics show that Langdon is thinking to himself.
2. "Fauche carried himself like an angry ox" (21). This is a similie comparing Fauche to an ox.
3. "A scar on the face of Paris" (21). This is personification saying that the nonhuman pyramid is like a scar (made of human flesh) on the nonhuman face of the city of Paris.
QUOTE
"Mr. Langdon," the message began in a fearful whisper. "Do not react to this message. Just listen calmly. You are in danger right now. Follow my directions very closely" (53). This quote is significant because it shows how prevalent and strong the element of suspense is in this novel.
THEME
The current theme is sacrifice because many are sacrificing their lives and time for this plot.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Penelope, See You Again - Miley Cyrus
Penelope, Odysseus’ faithful wife, inspires me because she chooses to wait for her husband to return from his journey to Troy. He has been gone for years, and there are no signs that he is still living, but Penelope keeps her hopes up. Although she has many suitors living at her palace, she doesn’t take advantage of those ample opportunities to stray from Odysseus. There was a part in The Odyssey where Penelope talks about her weaving, and when she is finished with her project, she will remarry. Her secret is that each night she unravels her weaving so that she won’t have to find a new husband. I picked See You Again by Miley Cyrus partly because I really enjoy listening to Miley’s music; she has some really fun songs! And partly because I was thinking about Penelope and how she misses Odysseus, and this song immediately came to mind. Penelope will do anything to avoid the idea of remarriage because “she can’t wait to see Odysseus again.”
“I got my sight set on you
And I’m ready to aim
I have a heart that will
Never be tame
I knew you were somethin' special
When you spoke my name
Now I can’t wait to see you again
I’ve got a way of knowin'
When somethin' is right
I feel like I must have known you
In another life
Cause I felt this deep connection
When you looked in my eyes
Now I can’t wait to see you again…
…The next time we hang out
I will redeem myself
My heart can’t rest till then
Oh whoa ohh
I, I can’t wait to see you again”
“I got my sight set on you
And I’m ready to aim
I have a heart that will
Never be tame
I knew you were somethin' special
When you spoke my name
Now I can’t wait to see you again
I’ve got a way of knowin'
When somethin' is right
I feel like I must have known you
In another life
Cause I felt this deep connection
When you looked in my eyes
Now I can’t wait to see you again…
…The next time we hang out
I will redeem myself
My heart can’t rest till then
Oh whoa ohh
I, I can’t wait to see you again”
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Outside Reading - Week 7, Post B
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
WOW, I never could have imagined how much I would appreciate this book, and enjoy reading it, especially for a school book!!! I could not put it down. Hearing the experiences of Elizabeth Gilbert in her year long journey to find herself kept me enthralled for so many pages! She showed so much discipline while at the ashram by getting up so early and sitting still for so long with few social relationships. It seemed like such a daunting task to be so regimented and disciplined, but it turned out to be good thinking time. At first, it was very hard for Liz to practice these meditations, but she figured out how to block her negative and wandering thoughts, which taught her two things. One: that she was capable of doing what seemed impossible, good for character building and identity finding; and Two: the clear head provided a canvas for Liz to think about herself and what truly made her happy; another way to find herself. In comparison, she then went to beautiful Bali, Indonesia, where everyone is friendly and beautiful and read to help. There are many opportunities for relationships in Bali; mentor, friendship, and romantic relationships. Liz took the time to find a medicine man that she once met in Bali, he remembered her, and put her to good fun work keeping him company and teaching him English. Liz also found a friend Wayann (a healer she met through the medicine man) and they too started to visit daily. Liz was able to help her out by buying her a house, showing Liz her own generosity. Lastly, Liz met a Brazilian man Felipe through a friend of Wayann who absolutely adores her and is completely devoted to her, supporting her self and self esteem. It was a beautiful way to end the memoir of struggles: with solutions. As a final thought, as I was reading Eat, Pray, Love, I wondered to myself how Liz could recount each of these events with such detail, and have enough material for such a novel. For one, she funded the trip by selling the rights to the book before traveling, so she knew to keep detailed notes. Secondly, she had a journal that she would write in everyday, to track her deepest personal thoughts, a way to get everything bad out and only keep the good in. It proved as an excellent reference for this excellent novel.
WOW, I never could have imagined how much I would appreciate this book, and enjoy reading it, especially for a school book!!! I could not put it down. Hearing the experiences of Elizabeth Gilbert in her year long journey to find herself kept me enthralled for so many pages! She showed so much discipline while at the ashram by getting up so early and sitting still for so long with few social relationships. It seemed like such a daunting task to be so regimented and disciplined, but it turned out to be good thinking time. At first, it was very hard for Liz to practice these meditations, but she figured out how to block her negative and wandering thoughts, which taught her two things. One: that she was capable of doing what seemed impossible, good for character building and identity finding; and Two: the clear head provided a canvas for Liz to think about herself and what truly made her happy; another way to find herself. In comparison, she then went to beautiful Bali, Indonesia, where everyone is friendly and beautiful and read to help. There are many opportunities for relationships in Bali; mentor, friendship, and romantic relationships. Liz took the time to find a medicine man that she once met in Bali, he remembered her, and put her to good fun work keeping him company and teaching him English. Liz also found a friend Wayann (a healer she met through the medicine man) and they too started to visit daily. Liz was able to help her out by buying her a house, showing Liz her own generosity. Lastly, Liz met a Brazilian man Felipe through a friend of Wayann who absolutely adores her and is completely devoted to her, supporting her self and self esteem. It was a beautiful way to end the memoir of struggles: with solutions. As a final thought, as I was reading Eat, Pray, Love, I wondered to myself how Liz could recount each of these events with such detail, and have enough material for such a novel. For one, she funded the trip by selling the rights to the book before traveling, so she knew to keep detailed notes. Secondly, she had a journal that she would write in everyday, to track her deepest personal thoughts, a way to get everything bad out and only keep the good in. It proved as an excellent reference for this excellent novel.
Outside Reading - Week 7, Post A
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
VOCAB
caustic (156)-capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue
brooding (156)-preoccupied with depressing, morbid, or painful memories or thoughts
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "...falling through layer after layer of illusion, like an Acton-comedy hero crashing through a dozen canvas awnings during his fall from a building" (200). This is a simile, Gilbert is comparing slipping out of meditation to falling from a building in a comic strip.
2. "At that moment of realization, that's when God let me go, let me slide through His fingers with this last compassionate, unspoken message..." (200). Gilbert is using a metaphor relating slipping out of meditation to God releasing his "grasp" on her; because God did not physically touch her with fingers, this is a metaphor.
3. "The place in which I was standing can't be described like an earthly location. It was neither dark nor light, neither big nor small. Nor was it a place, nor was I technically standing there, nor was I exactly 'I' anymore" (199). This is imagery describing the "indescribable" feeling of being in total bliss and completely balanced.
QUOTE
"Let's cross over" (331). This is the final sentence of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir. It is the English meaning for the Italian word Attraversiamo, Liz's favorite Italian word. She has found happiness and now is ready not just to cross the thresh hold of the boat she is on with her new lover, but she is ready to cross over to a new being, one that is self accepting and stable.
THEME
If I had to pick an overall theme for this book, I would say, You may feel like your identity is lost or missing, but once you find it, you'll realize that it was always somewhere deep inside of you.
VOCAB
caustic (156)-capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue
brooding (156)-preoccupied with depressing, morbid, or painful memories or thoughts
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
1. "...falling through layer after layer of illusion, like an Acton-comedy hero crashing through a dozen canvas awnings during his fall from a building" (200). This is a simile, Gilbert is comparing slipping out of meditation to falling from a building in a comic strip.
2. "At that moment of realization, that's when God let me go, let me slide through His fingers with this last compassionate, unspoken message..." (200). Gilbert is using a metaphor relating slipping out of meditation to God releasing his "grasp" on her; because God did not physically touch her with fingers, this is a metaphor.
3. "The place in which I was standing can't be described like an earthly location. It was neither dark nor light, neither big nor small. Nor was it a place, nor was I technically standing there, nor was I exactly 'I' anymore" (199). This is imagery describing the "indescribable" feeling of being in total bliss and completely balanced.
QUOTE
"Let's cross over" (331). This is the final sentence of Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir. It is the English meaning for the Italian word Attraversiamo, Liz's favorite Italian word. She has found happiness and now is ready not just to cross the thresh hold of the boat she is on with her new lover, but she is ready to cross over to a new being, one that is self accepting and stable.
THEME
If I had to pick an overall theme for this book, I would say, You may feel like your identity is lost or missing, but once you find it, you'll realize that it was always somewhere deep inside of you.
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