I thought it was interesting that Mary Shelley had three distinct dreams in which she combined the contents for the plot of her story and she identified herself most with the creature because of her childhood and life. I liked finding out how she came up with the name from a nearby castle she once stayed at. It was surprising that the novel went through three publishers before it was published, because it is such a beautiful story.
The documentary describes Frankenstein phenomenon "as becoming 'out of control'," because everybody wanted to "cash in" by putting on plays, movies, and writing books based on it, like Harry Potter and Twilight, the popular series of today. Like Mary Shelley, Stephenie Meyer also had a distinct dream about her monster, Edward Cullen.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Elephant Man
This is a very sad movie and thought provoking about the outer and inner goodness. If you tell someone they are ugly, they will develop a complex about it and feel ugly. John was treated like an animal his whole life and didn't really reach his humanity and potential intelligence until someone showed him kindness. John says to his guests, "People are afraid of what they don't understand" and "I am not an animal," summarizing his story extremely well by showing he is a real person, but misunderstood.
This film, like Frankenstein, also takes a swipe at science and machines, saying "You can't reason with them." I cannot help but compare the lives of the Monster in Frankenstein to John Merrick. I wonder if Frankenstein's monster had someone who showed him compassion despite his looks, would he had lived a happier life like Merrick. It is better to build someone up rather than try to break them down.
This film, like Frankenstein, also takes a swipe at science and machines, saying "You can't reason with them." I cannot help but compare the lives of the Monster in Frankenstein to John Merrick. I wonder if Frankenstein's monster had someone who showed him compassion despite his looks, would he had lived a happier life like Merrick. It is better to build someone up rather than try to break them down.
Reading Frankenstein
Growing up watching the Frankenstein films, I always viewed the monster with green skin as brainless killing machine who didn't know right from wrong and couldn't be reasoned with. In the book by Mary Shelley, this yellow-skinned monster has intelligence, has real feelings and emotions, and creates diabolical plans of revenge and murder for his creator.
The tortured souls in Frankenstein are only happy when they are blissfully naive, unaware of their shortcomings. Frankenstein is happiest at childhood when he is thirsty for knowledge. I thought it was funny in chapter 3, when Frankenstein's professor asks him, "Have you really spent your time in studying such nonsense?," which only makes Victor want to learn more. When he created the monster, which should have been one of the most happiest moments of his life, his scientific curiosity died. Victor is tortured with his decisions, knowing he overstepped his boundaries as a human being, after the Monster murder his brother and his bride.
The monster is the happiest working for the people in the cottage. He compares his relationship with Frankenstein with Adam's relationship with God from Paradise Lost, wondering if God abandoned Adam the way Victor did to him. I thought it was interesting that he identifies himself with Satan. He lives in the shadow of his creator's rejection and declares Victor his enemy, like people who have lashed out at God after they feel God has let them down. A constant theme is nature versus science, as well as God versus man. Can anyone just enjoy their humanity or do we enjoy playing God? Why as humans, do we feel the need to have more power over our own lives and world than we actually have?
It's obvious her deceased mother Mary Wollstonecraft had a huge effect on Mary Shelley as a writer, because Shelley use lines in her story from her mother's writing. I wonder how much more her mother would have effected Shelley's writing process if her mother had lived.
The tortured souls in Frankenstein are only happy when they are blissfully naive, unaware of their shortcomings. Frankenstein is happiest at childhood when he is thirsty for knowledge. I thought it was funny in chapter 3, when Frankenstein's professor asks him, "Have you really spent your time in studying such nonsense?," which only makes Victor want to learn more. When he created the monster, which should have been one of the most happiest moments of his life, his scientific curiosity died. Victor is tortured with his decisions, knowing he overstepped his boundaries as a human being, after the Monster murder his brother and his bride.
The monster is the happiest working for the people in the cottage. He compares his relationship with Frankenstein with Adam's relationship with God from Paradise Lost, wondering if God abandoned Adam the way Victor did to him. I thought it was interesting that he identifies himself with Satan. He lives in the shadow of his creator's rejection and declares Victor his enemy, like people who have lashed out at God after they feel God has let them down. A constant theme is nature versus science, as well as God versus man. Can anyone just enjoy their humanity or do we enjoy playing God? Why as humans, do we feel the need to have more power over our own lives and world than we actually have?
It's obvious her deceased mother Mary Wollstonecraft had a huge effect on Mary Shelley as a writer, because Shelley use lines in her story from her mother's writing. I wonder how much more her mother would have effected Shelley's writing process if her mother had lived.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
First Block Finals
I read Fields of Home and Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes. I started reading American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld. It's loosely based on the life of Laura Bush.
I found out my spanish professor Sr. Compton used to work at Sears the same time my mom did. Small world! Mom remembers him as being a good artist who could speak spanish. For my spanish class, I had four orals and we played a game with vocab. For our final today, we went to Rancherito's for breakfast. I had a breakfast burrito, which was pretty good. After my final, I went and got my books for second block. I start second block on Monday.
"Muchos temian miedo de que esta dose no terminara nunca"
(Many feared this class would never end).
I found out my spanish professor Sr. Compton used to work at Sears the same time my mom did. Small world! Mom remembers him as being a good artist who could speak spanish. For my spanish class, I had four orals and we played a game with vocab. For our final today, we went to Rancherito's for breakfast. I had a breakfast burrito, which was pretty good. After my final, I went and got my books for second block. I start second block on Monday.
"Muchos temian miedo de que esta dose no terminara nunca"
(Many feared this class would never end).
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Shadow
On Wednesday afternoon, Mom and I went to the Davis County Animal Shelter and got a kitten. We named him Shadow. He's a black and white cat and is only eight weeks old. He loves to be held and very affectionate. He's done some pretty funny things in the past couple of days like turning on the DVD player with his paw and being jumpy around big noises.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Patches
This afternoon, we had to put Patches to sleep because she was getting worse and weaker. She was falling when she walked, whimpering,and still wasn't eating on her own. When I got home from school, I sat with her on the front porch and held her for a while. It was pretty sad holding her, kissing her on the head, and putting her in her carrier for the last time. Dad took her to the vet and then buried her in the backyard garden. We buried Patches in a cardboard box with her head on her little heart pillow she slept on. I am going to miss her so much. She slept on my bed with me every night and was my little shadow. I take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is with her original owner, my Grandma Wayment, who will take good care of her in heaven.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Fablehaven
Fablehaven a series of five books by Brandon Mull. The series features two teenage children named Kendra and Seth who go to stay with their grandparents for the summer and realize the farm is full of magical creatures, such as witches, fairies, goblins, and trolls.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Biographies
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Kamikaze by Yasuo Kuwahara
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl
Papa Hemingway by A.E. Hotchner
Kamikaze by Yasuo Kuwahara
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl
Papa Hemingway by A.E. Hotchner
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Socialism
Cooper, Michael. “‘Spreading the Wealth’ as Both Accusation and Prescription.” New York Times. 19 October 2008.
In this article, Michael Cooper covers the tight race between John McCain and Barack Obama for the Presidency. Cooper reveals McCain believes Obama is "a quasi socialist who wants 'to redistribute wealth' and whose tax cuts are a 'government giveaway.'" McCain also tells the crowd at a rally, “I’m going to spend a lot of money to bring relief to you.” Cooper believes McCain is sending "mixed messages."
In class, we learned socialism means the government owns means of production. We also learned how farmers boycotted the taxes being placed on them by the government and how Andrew Mellon helped the rich rather than the poor. If these same people were alive today, they would be glad Obama is trying issue tax cuts to people who make less than $250,000 a year and give them the same health care benefits the rich are receiving.
In Obama's presidency so far, he has been quite socialist in helping out banks and car manufacturers, and trying to get universal health care for American citizens, but he also has been raising taxes to pay for it. For several years, our previous presidents have been trying to do the best they can with the information they have at the time. They wouldn't have ran for president if they didn't care about the country. Some of their decisions have made things worse and some have changed our country for the better. Whether Obama is successful or not in his decision making, only time will tell.
In this article, Michael Cooper covers the tight race between John McCain and Barack Obama for the Presidency. Cooper reveals McCain believes Obama is "a quasi socialist who wants 'to redistribute wealth' and whose tax cuts are a 'government giveaway.'" McCain also tells the crowd at a rally, “I’m going to spend a lot of money to bring relief to you.” Cooper believes McCain is sending "mixed messages."
In class, we learned socialism means the government owns means of production. We also learned how farmers boycotted the taxes being placed on them by the government and how Andrew Mellon helped the rich rather than the poor. If these same people were alive today, they would be glad Obama is trying issue tax cuts to people who make less than $250,000 a year and give them the same health care benefits the rich are receiving.
In Obama's presidency so far, he has been quite socialist in helping out banks and car manufacturers, and trying to get universal health care for American citizens, but he also has been raising taxes to pay for it. For several years, our previous presidents have been trying to do the best they can with the information they have at the time. They wouldn't have ran for president if they didn't care about the country. Some of their decisions have made things worse and some have changed our country for the better. Whether Obama is successful or not in his decision making, only time will tell.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Slavery and Beyond
Swarns, Rachel L. and Jodi Kantor. “In First Lady’s Roots, a Complex Path From Slavery.” New York Times 7 October 2009
In this article, Swarns and Kantor reveal details about the ancestry line of Michelle Obama, starting with her great-great-great-grandmother Melvinia Shields, a slave in Southern Caroline. She had relationship with an unknown white man which was "consummated some two years before the Civil War" and "represents the origins of a family line that would extend from rural Georgia, to Birmingham, Ala., to Chicago and, finally, to the White House."
In class, we learned about the difficult process during the American Revolution, Civil War, and beyond in which black people fought against slavery and discrimination due to the color of their skin. They were raped, murdered, tortured, and oppressed in the fight for freedom to vote, holding office, owning land, and being paid for their work. It was remarkable that enough change passed through this once divided country to elect Michelle Obama's husband as President of the United States.
If they hadn't fought as hard as they did, who knows what situation Michelle Obama would be in today and whether she would have the freedom to be the first lady of the United States. It definitely shows how far America has come and the people, who fought for freedom, did not fight in vain. I can't help but think Shields and her offspring would be proud of their legacy and their role in history.
In this article, Swarns and Kantor reveal details about the ancestry line of Michelle Obama, starting with her great-great-great-grandmother Melvinia Shields, a slave in Southern Caroline. She had relationship with an unknown white man which was "consummated some two years before the Civil War" and "represents the origins of a family line that would extend from rural Georgia, to Birmingham, Ala., to Chicago and, finally, to the White House."
In class, we learned about the difficult process during the American Revolution, Civil War, and beyond in which black people fought against slavery and discrimination due to the color of their skin. They were raped, murdered, tortured, and oppressed in the fight for freedom to vote, holding office, owning land, and being paid for their work. It was remarkable that enough change passed through this once divided country to elect Michelle Obama's husband as President of the United States.
If they hadn't fought as hard as they did, who knows what situation Michelle Obama would be in today and whether she would have the freedom to be the first lady of the United States. It definitely shows how far America has come and the people, who fought for freedom, did not fight in vain. I can't help but think Shields and her offspring would be proud of their legacy and their role in history.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Movie Survey
What sorts of movies do you enjoy the most?
Answer: Adventure, Comedy, Horror, and Musical.
How often do you see movies in the theatre?
Answer: Rarely, I saw three films in the theatre last year.
If you enjoyed the movie in the theatre, how likely are you to buy it on DVD later?
Answer: It depends on the movie.
Which of the aspects do you feel is most important to a good movie?
Answer: good special effects, great acting, and a good story.
Do you feel re-makes of old films are a good idea?
Answer: No. Hollywood needs to come up with original ideas.
Who is your favorite director/directors?
Answer: Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Alfred Hitchcock, Tim Burton
How do you feel about movie sequels?
Answer: the best one was The Godfather Part II.
Do you think it's a good idea to colorize black and white films?
Answer: No
Do you watch foreign language films in the original dialect?
Answers: I have seen La Vita Bella, Amelie, and Lulu & Jimi. I tend to hit mute if the film has subtitles so I can read them.
How important is the soundtrack to the movie?
Answer: it can sometimes make a scene.
Favorite soundtrack?
Answer: Dirty Dancing, The Lion King, Back to the Future, and Center Stage.
Which sort of soundtrack do you prefer?
Answer: something with a beat.
Do you think the Academy Awards nominations make good selections?
Answer: Yes
How do you feel about the quality of movies compared to movies of old?
Answer: The old films are classy. They don't have garbage in them like nowadays.
Favorite movie?
Answer: Jaws and The Godfather trilogy.
Favorite Actors?
Answer: Cary Grant, Al Pacino, Vince Vaughn, Audrey Hepburn, Sandra Bullock, Judy Garland
Favorite movie quote
Answer: "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."
Favorite decade of movies?
Answer: The 80's
Most watched movie?
Answer: The Wizard of Oz
Answer: Adventure, Comedy, Horror, and Musical.
How often do you see movies in the theatre?
Answer: Rarely, I saw three films in the theatre last year.
If you enjoyed the movie in the theatre, how likely are you to buy it on DVD later?
Answer: It depends on the movie.
Which of the aspects do you feel is most important to a good movie?
Answer: good special effects, great acting, and a good story.
Do you feel re-makes of old films are a good idea?
Answer: No. Hollywood needs to come up with original ideas.
Who is your favorite director/directors?
Answer: Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Alfred Hitchcock, Tim Burton
How do you feel about movie sequels?
Answer: the best one was The Godfather Part II.
Do you think it's a good idea to colorize black and white films?
Answer: No
Do you watch foreign language films in the original dialect?
Answers: I have seen La Vita Bella, Amelie, and Lulu & Jimi. I tend to hit mute if the film has subtitles so I can read them.
How important is the soundtrack to the movie?
Answer: it can sometimes make a scene.
Favorite soundtrack?
Answer: Dirty Dancing, The Lion King, Back to the Future, and Center Stage.
Which sort of soundtrack do you prefer?
Answer: something with a beat.
Do you think the Academy Awards nominations make good selections?
Answer: Yes
How do you feel about the quality of movies compared to movies of old?
Answer: The old films are classy. They don't have garbage in them like nowadays.
Favorite movie?
Answer: Jaws and The Godfather trilogy.
Favorite Actors?
Answer: Cary Grant, Al Pacino, Vince Vaughn, Audrey Hepburn, Sandra Bullock, Judy Garland
Favorite movie quote
Answer: "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."
Favorite decade of movies?
Answer: The 80's
Most watched movie?
Answer: The Wizard of Oz
The Great Depression, Longer Biography, and Lots of Reading
For American Civilizations, I read about Jewish immigration, The Great Depression, and Andrew Carnegie.
For Biographical writing, I finished reading Man's Search for Meaning and turned in my longer biography piece.
For Design 2D, I worked on my final project.
For Spanish, I learn the subjuntive and command form of verbs.
I also registered for fall semester and started reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.
For Biographical writing, I finished reading Man's Search for Meaning and turned in my longer biography piece.
For Design 2D, I worked on my final project.
For Spanish, I learn the subjuntive and command form of verbs.
I also registered for fall semester and started reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Influential Books for Young Adults
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Cut by Patricia McCormack
Feed by MT Anderson
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Go Ask Alice
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Just Like Ice Cream by Lissa Halls Johnson
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Memoirs of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Cut by Patricia McCormack
Feed by MT Anderson
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Go Ask Alice
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
Just Like Ice Cream by Lissa Halls Johnson
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
Memoirs of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Labor, Immigration, and Class Cancellations.
For American Civilizations, I read about Martin Luther King Jr, watched a video on "Freedom Summer," read about the textile factory city of Lowell, and Indentured Servants.
For Biographical Writing, I had a quiz on the last 15 chapters of Kamikaze. I started reading Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl.
For Design 2D, I had to create a good monster and start working on my final project. My class was cancelled on Wednesday.
For Espanol, I had a test on Chapter 11 and started learning the vocabulary for chapter 12. My class was cancelled for this morning.
I also registered for summer semester.
For Biographical Writing, I had a quiz on the last 15 chapters of Kamikaze. I started reading Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl.
For Design 2D, I had to create a good monster and start working on my final project. My class was cancelled on Wednesday.
For Espanol, I had a test on Chapter 11 and started learning the vocabulary for chapter 12. My class was cancelled for this morning.
I also registered for summer semester.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)