English Blog: A Seperate Peace

The past couple months in English, we've been reading the novel A Separate Peace by John Knowles. This novel follows the lives of a group of high school boys who attend a boarding school--Devon--in northern New Hampshire during 1942, in the midst of World War II. The narrator of the novel is Gene Forrester, and he returns to Devon as an adult, reflecting upon his life when he was a teen at school. The focus of the novel is directed towards Gene and his best friend Phineas (referred to as Finny). These two boys prove to be polar opposites, yet bond together in a cohesive and complex way.

Gene Forrester is a southern-boy from Georgia, and he soon bonds with Finny, a boy from upstate Boston. In the summer of 1942, Finny and Gene form the "Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session". The initiation process of this society involves each member to jump out of a large, high tree into the Devon River.

It's important to understand the nature and characteristics of both Gene and Finny in order to analyze and understand their relationship, as well as their thoughts and actions. Gene is highly academic and intelligent, and he's a very thoughtful and cautious boy. Once again, this is the opposite of Finny, who is a stellar athlete and loved by everyone he meets. Finny is considered to be one of the most popular and candid boys at Devon, and he gets away with almost anything--which coincides perfectly with his rebellious streak and compulsive need to have a good time. Although Finny and Gene's friendship seems almost perfect, Gene's character slowly starts to develop and he begins to grow envious towards Finny, which ultimately results in bitter hostility and what can sometimes be interpreted as abhorance. Finny remains oblivious to Gene's deep-seated anger towards him though, and Finny continues to view Gene as his best friend. 

Eventually, Gene's hostility comes to life in physical form when one day he and Finny are jumping off the tree into the river together. As the boys are about to jump, Gene heinously jounces the limb and Finny falls off, shattering his leg. This act of violence evokes Gene to feel utter contrite when he finds out Finny is unable to play sports again, and Finny refuses to admit that it was Gene who caused his injury, even after multiple confrontations regarding the situation. At the end of chapter 11 (where I last left off), Finny had fallen down a flight of marble stairs after a meeting set up by Brinker Hadley, in his attempts to force Gene into admitting he was responsible for Finny's accident. 

I think a major theme in this novel is that of inner conflict, and the inner enemy that can harbor inside a person. Gene is the perfect example for this inner conflict, which he feels regarding his friendship with Finny. It's apparent that Gene is hostile towards Finny, and disapproves of most of his actions. Yet Gene continues to act as his best friend, while struggling with his internal confusion. A possible question raised when analyzing Gene's problem is how closely outer and inner conflicts are tied together, and how does one effect the other? 

http://nienkehinton.blogspot.com/2007/01/inner-conflict.html

This blog has a list of quotes and analyses on the nature of inner and emotional conflicts, and I think many of them relate to Gene's situation--his secret anger, hatred, and animosity for Finny, as opposed to his continuation to be Finny's best friend. 

Another very prevalent theme in the novel is that of war. World War II has a heavy impact on Devon and all the boys that go there. Many of the boys' fears surface from their fear of war, and being enlisted. During a time of political and world turmoil, the boys are forced to struggle with the realization that they must grow up, and face the events that may await them--specifically the war. 

Today, everyone in America is fully aware of the Iraq and Afghanistan war that the United States is involved in, and there are evident effects of these wars on children and teenagers across the world. While reading A Separate Peace, it's easy to see the kind of effects World War II has on the boys at Devon, and these same effects can be seen in kids today, especially in places where the war is actually happening. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/06/iraq.topstories3

This article highlights the lives of children living in Iraq, and the way the war effects their lives and family, an issue that seems to constantly be prevalent throughout the world, then and now. 

English Blog Week Five

This past month in English, we have been reading William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, about a Roman dictator who rises to power and, as a result, is assinanated by a group of conspiring Roman senators.

There are various themes in the play: the main one being the acts of persuasion between the different characters in Julius Caesar. The "most evil" conspirator, Cassius, is a master of persuasion and he convinces Brutus to join him in the conspiracy against Caesar. Brutus is essentially the main character of the play, and he appears to be the tragic hero.

Although Brutus is a strong and intelligent being, there is an evident nuance between him and Cassius: he still falls under Cassius's hand because Cassius--an even more intelligent individual--is able to out-wit Brutus and adamantly convince him of the dangers of Caesar's growing power: "No, Caesar hath it not; but you, and I and honest Casca, we have the falling-sickness"(1.2.252-254). This quote exemplifies Cassius's ability to entice Brutus into the mindset that him and his comrades are weak mortals compared to the almighty Caesar, and as a result, Brutus starts to think that perhaps he is falling under the reign of Caesar--in a negative way. Thus, Brutus is somewhat justified in his motives to assassinate Caesar.





 Acts of persuasion--seen in Julius Caesar--can lead to horrible results, which people inadvertently condone themselves for, because they were persuaded, or brainwashed, to do so. One example of this is the way in which the media (television, magazines, movies, and music) persuades teenagers--specifically girls--into altering their lifestyle and day-to-day habits in order to become more like a model or movie star.

The ads and campaigns in the world are essentially persuading young girls to change themselves in order to be "beautiful", which is ultimately similar to the way Cassius persuades Brutus to assassinate Caesar in order to be "powerful".

Another theme in Julius Caesar is the prevalence of character faults. Each character in the play suffers from an "unattractive" quality, or one which degrades their character a little less. For example, Caesar is extremely egotistical and as a result, he is liked less by those who personally know him--forming rancors towards Caesar. Caesar believes that he is extolled by all, immortal, god-like, and he thinks that he possesses greater power than anyone else--he even erects monuments throughout Rome in honor to himself. The day of Caesar's assassination, he is warned by his wife to stay home, but Caesar says "Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictions Are to the world in general as to Caesar"(2.2.29-30). This quote personifies the carelessness Caesar shows towards his wife's thoughts and feelings, and his eagerness to go to the capitol is simply due to the fact that he is going to be crowned king, demonstrating the true cares of Caesar. And as a result of this carelessness, Caesar was forced to face his inexorable fate.

It is this egotistical nature that prompts Cassius to recognize the "threat" Caesar may bring to Rome, because perhaps Caesar wasn't interested in the well-being of Rome, but simply the well-being of himself, and his wealth, glory, and power.

Today, many people debate over the so-called egotistical nature of those in politics, such as presidents, senators, and legislators. Some say these people are simply out to improve their own positions in government, other than striving to improve the actual government and country itself. 

http://dailycaller.com/2011/05/13/gop-defense-authorization-bill-bans-monuments-to-me-with-taxpayer-dollars/

This article can compare to Caesar's situation, in that these senators possess numerous monuments to themselves, much like Caesar's own monuments. And as a result, both of their motives are being questioned. 

english blog week four

This week in English, we met up with our book club group and discussed our outside reading books, which the class will have an in-class essay on at the end of the month. My group is reading the novel The Secret Life of Bees, which, like Lord of the Flies, I have already read, but it's always nice to re-read a book and process it in a different way. The Secret Life of Bees is probably one of my favorite novels, not only because of its mysterious story-line and vivid descriptions of small town life in the South, but also because of the emotional themes and symbols presented throughout the novel. 

One of the major symbols of the novel, and my favorite one, is that of beehives. The main significance of this symbol is the way it relates to the Boatwright house, and the way the house functions with the sisters: August, June, and May, as well as Rosaleen and Lily. In a beehive, female bees dominate the bee community similar to the novel, in which females, namely August, dominate the family. August Boatwright can be depicted as the "Queen Bee", with her copious amount of selfless help for her family. 

At the beginning of each chapter, Monk Kidd writes an epigraph, taken from various books written on bees, and applies it to the theme of each chapter. At epigraph for Chapter 8 is "Honeybees depend not only on physical contact with the colony, but also require its social companionship and support. Isolate a honeybee from her sisters and she will soon die", from The Queen Must Die: And Other Affairs of Bees and Men. This quote relates so perfectly to the relationship between the Boatwright sisters, as well as the   relationships between Rosaleen, Lily, and the sisters. 

While Lily was growing up, she viewed Rosaleen as a mother-figure, obviously needing her companionship and womanly advice whenever she felt ostracized. When Rosaleen and Lily leave T-Ray's and come to Tiburon, they seek refuge at the Boatwright house, specifically with the gregarious character of August. May Boatwright requires the help of both candid June and lovable August, and as time goes on, every single one of the women needs one another, comparable to the epigraph in Chapter 8, saying a bee will die when isolated from her sisters. The women in the novel work together much like the bee community.

This video illustrates the bonds between the females in the novel, and the happiness each brings to one another.

My favorite theme in The Secret Life of Bees is the emphasis on female roles, a theme not usually seen through famous novels. This novel gives females a sense of pride, showing that a male figure is not necessary in order to operate a community or household. The Boatwright's bee business is a prime example of the women's independence, and it is this independence that draws Lily and Rosaleen to August and her sisters, and that keeps the women living their lives each day, with each other at their sides, never considering to jettison one another. 

english blog week three

This past week in english we've discussed characterization in Lord of the Flies with the main characters of Jack, Ralph, Piggy and Simon. The boys' characters are deepened through an assembly that Ralph calls to order, and the problem of the "beast" on the island is discussed. The angry and agitated nature of Jack is developed further when he tells the littluns that there is absolutely no beast on the island, and he approaches the situation by castigating the boys with jeers and rude comments, making them feel stupid for ever believing in a so-called beast. Jack's rough explanation of the beast is due to his avarice to prove he's not afraid and that he's fearless, which are characteristics of a leader-- the one thing Jack wants to be most. Ralph, however takes a different approach by empathizing with the littluns and telling them he too feels afraid, and he reassures them that they're isn't a beast on the island, and that they're just letting their nightmares get the best of them. Ralph and Jack's differing explanations illustrate the prominent contrasts between the two characters, on top of their disagreements with the importance of being rescued and hunting, therefore adding to the resentment Jack feels toward Ralph and his role of leader.

Simon's character also grows deeper throughout these chapters, giving readers a glimpse at his compassionate nature. Simon finds a spot in the middle of the jungle where he goes when seeking peace and relief from the stressful situations among the boys. Simon's ability to recognize the need for "peace and quiet" and "alone time" demonstrates his maturity and calm nature. When the boys are in the assembly discussing the beast, Simon takes a different approach than Ralph and Jack, saying that there possibly could be a beast on the island. When Simon reveals this thought to the rest of the boys, he is met with harsh banter and is left feeling defenseless against the boys, none of which he seems to identify with. 

Piggy's character also develops as the novel progresses, and a new characteristic of Piggy is identified. Before Ralph calls the boys to assembly and he is assessing the situations on the islands, he comes to the conclusion that Piggy is indeed valuable; even though he lacks the qualities of a leader, he possesses one attribute most of the boys on the island don't: a brain. Piggy's intelligence is noted when he gives his input on the matter of the "island beast", plainly stating that there is simply no beast, for what would it eat? If they've traveled the whole island, wouldn't they have spotted a beast? And if there were something dangerous on the island, wouldn't someone be there for fix it and make everything alright? Piggy's logic and reasoning of the situation is a clear example of his intellect. 

The boys' fear of the beast on the island is a classic example of people's "fear of the unknown". Because the littluns-- and biguns as well-- are alone on an island without any adults, there's bound to be a certain amount of fear and perhaps the boys dreamt of the idea of a beast in order to place their fear on a specific idea that seems plausible to them, instead of constantly feeling scared without any rhyme or reason. Situations like this are evident in today's world, an example being the ever popular talk of 2012-- "Doomsday", or the end of the world. 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/21/doomsday/index.html

I myself don't believe in the end of the world coming any time soon, but I know many people do and it may be because we all know death will come, but we don't know when or if the world will ever end and this "Doomsday" may be a way of reassuring people that there's a set date of the end of the world, similar to the boys' reasoning of a furtive beast and where it lives and when they hear it at night. 

english blog week 2

This past week in english, our class has started the novel Lord of the Flies, by William Golding.

Even though I've already read this book two summers ago, I am excited to study the book with the whole class and discuss the underlying themes, something that readers don't usually do while individually reading a book. So far in the book, we have been introduced to a group of young school boys, stranded on an island after a plane crash.

Pictured above is the island, with the different places labeled according to the boys' view. So far in the novel, the boys have identified the scar.

 Our essay prompt on LOFT is based on Golding's characterization throughout the novel, which is seen and noted in the very beginning sentences of chapter one. The first main character introduced is Ralph, described as a twelve year old boy, golden-bodied, well-built, mild-mouthed, with eyes that speak no devil. Right away, readers have a vision of a strong, mature, handsome adolescent. Golding characterizes Ralph, portraying the boy as non-chalant, relaxed, and self-assured.

The second character introduced to the novel is that of "Piggy". Piggy contrasts with Ralph, being described as short and fat, adorned with thick spectacles. Golding illustrates Piggy's character through his nervous, worried, almost insecure state of being. 

Already in the first half of the first chapter, readers can predict conflicts arising from the differing personalities and individuality of the characters Piggy and Ralph. When Piggy tells Ralph that the kids at school called him Piggy and he expressed his dismay over it, Ralph immediately broke into laughter, showing no compassion for Piggy and his insecurities. Piggy also seems to be extremely compliant and almost desperate for attention, especially Ralph's attention, perhaps setting up a conflict in which Ralph coerces Piggy by utilizing the weak nature of his character for Ralph's own benefit. 

     Later in the chapter, Piggy and Ralph find a conch, and use it to summon the rest of the boys on the island. 

While Ralph is speaking to the younger boys, Piggy is going around to each one, asking them for their names. In the middle of this scene, a group of boys all dressed alike appear out of the jungle, headed by an older looking boy, described as tall, thin, freckled-face, red-haired, with light blue eyes. Here, Golding introduces another main character, Jack.

Jack seems to be angry, agitated, and somewhat dogmatic when he speaks. His dominance is noted, through the jaundiced way he speaks to the choir boys and talks to Ralph in a demanding tone. As the boys vote Ralph to be chief of the island, Jack is angered, showing his desire for leadership. Once again, a clear conflict can be inferred at this point in the novel between Jack and Ralph. Both desiring chiefdom and power, an obvious problem will arise between Ralph, the current leader, and Jack, the one who desires chiefdom and power the most. Perhaps Jack will become an anathema to Ralph, or vice versa.  

  Another character is also introduced; one of the boys in Jack's choir group. Another main character is born in Simon, small, skinny, with coarse hair.

Simon seems to be shy, and throughout the novel, his character may be the one which develops the most. 

   Looking back on the possible conflict between Piggy and Ralph, it's easy for me to make a connection with their relationship to the friendships I witness at school. I know many pairs of friends where one person is clearly dominant, whereas the other person is more of a follower, desperate for acceptance and willing to go to extreme measures to be accepted. This kind of relationship can be toxic, and when someone is taken advantage of, they may suffer extreme ignominy and in the end, tragic results could ensue. 

     Another issue prevalent in the world today is that of bullying, seen through the castigation of Piggy by the other boys on the island. Piggy is ostracized because of his weight, obvious through the name of Piggy, and young boys don't seem to realize the effects of laughing at Piggy may have on him. I observe situations like this almost every day at school. I hear people making fun of somebody, perhaps not realizing the effects it may have, or not realizing that what they're doing is called bullying. 

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/04/new-cnn-poll-13-of-teens-have-been-personally-bullied-23s-report-that-friends-have-been-bullied/?hpt=T2

In this news report, the facts show that 1/3 of teens are bullied in schools, demonstrating just how gauche kids are today, not even realizing what careless banter can escalate to. 

english blog week one

This past week in Honors English 10, we have been discussing and preparing for our upcoming in-class essay on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Over the summer, our assignment was to create nine text logs on the themes of To Kill a Mockingbird: race relations, rural poverty, and childhood innocence. For the essay, we were to choose one of these themes and explore it in depth and how it relates to the big picture of the novel and essentially, the world. I chose the theme racism, or race relations, a prevalent topic and issue that reappears more than several times throughout the novel. After  comprehending this theme and thinking about what it really is and what it means, I've realized that racism occurs all the time in the world; on television shows, the news, in the media, magazines, music and especially in my own school with my own peers. I've never been a victim of racism, but I do know people who have been and it seems like most of the time, they play it off as a joke. I can see though that it's not a joke at all, it's hurtful and destructive and can tear people apart, much like racism tore apart Atticus Finch and his friends and neighbors, just because Atticus chose to defend an innocent black man.

I see incidents like that happen at school almost every day; a friend making or abetting someone someone else to make racist comments to another friend that are completely extraneous,  not realizing that their words are harmful and hurtful. Looking outside my own community, I see racism occur most often when it comes to our country's president, Barack Obama. Our society has come a long way by electing the first black president, but it certainly has taken a long time. And even after two years in office, Obama is still the main target of racial animosity. 

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Obama/racism-obamas-america-year/story?id=9638178

During the 1930's, the time period of To Kill a Mockingbird, people were obviously extremely racist and dogmatic about their beliefs, and while our country has come a long way, parts of society still will not, and probably never, accept a different race than whites. In the novel, the build up of racism ended in the death of an innocent black man. Just a quick shot and it all ended. The death of Tom Robinson can be compared to the controversial story of the BART shooting back in 2009. A BART police officer shot a black man who was in possession of a knife, and all in an instant, his life was taken away. 

ttp://www.sfexaminer.com/local/bay-area/2011/07/bart-shooting-video-shows-thrown-knife-not-threat-man-posed

The whole country is still in a controversy to this day about the shooting, and no one really knows why or how it all happened, or what the police officer was thinking. Some say he only killed the man because he was black, some say he fired the gun in defense. New information is constantly being divulged, but it's a mystery as to what's true or not. 

I'm looking forward to this upcoming week in english, where we will continue to dig deeper into the themes of the novel and the world. My understanding and most of all compassion for racism has most definitely grown over the summer and the first week of school, due to the compelling novel of To Kill a Mockingbird.