15. Discuss the use of quotations from literature in Fahrenheit 451. Which works are quoted and to what effect? Pay specific attention to "Dover Beach", the Bible, and quotes from Shakespeare. Explain using specific examples from the text in your arguement.
I think Ray Bradbury uses quotes from literature that have been very influential and important throughout history. I think he wants to prove how significant books are and why it is so awful that there are firemen that have the job of burning the books. He predicts in the future more and more people will pay less attention to these books and their significance won't be acknowledged. On page 55, Bradbury talks about how Hamlet was shortened even though it was a classic by Shakespeare "But many were those whose sole knowledge of Hamlet... whose sole knowledge, as I say, of Hamlet was a one-page digest in a book that claimed: now at last you can read all the classics; keep up with your neighbors." He is making a point that even great classics like Hamlet is shortened to only one page because people don't find it necessary to read and study it. Beatty thinks that Shakespeare is insignificant "Why don't you belch Shakespeare at me you fumbling snob? 'There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, for I am arm'd so strong in honesty that they pass me as an idle wind, which I respect not!'" (Page 119) I think Bradbury is also saying that
Shakespeare is so well-know that even the head of the firemen is knowledgeable in his work.
On page 76, Ray Bradbury talks about how the Bible might not even be considered a valuable piece of literature in the future. "How many copies of the Bible are left in this country?... How many copies of Shakespeare and Plato? None! You know as well as I do. None!" No Bibles left in the enitre country proves how little importance it has. Montag's wife gets mad at him for trying to keep the Bible because she thinks she is much more important than a book. On the last page of the book (page 165) the Bible is quoted ad Montag and the men move back toward the war damaged town. "And on either side of the river was there a tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." Montag remembers this quote from the Bible because it has meaning to him. This quote is inspiring him to want to rebuild his town. A book can have so much meaning to a person that they can connect it to their lives and let it inspire them and I think that's what Ray Bradbury is saying with this quote.
How influential books can be is another thing Bradbury mentions. On page 99, Montag reads a poem, Dover Beach, to Mildred and her friends who don't read literature and aren't familiar with much of it. "Ah, love, let us be true... Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light... swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, where ignorant armies clas by night." After Montag finished reading the poem one of the ladies, Mr. Phelps, starting crying. I think she was so overwhlemed by the beauty and meaning of the poem because she had never heard something like that before. I think Ray Bradbury is trying to prove how much of an effect literature can have on a person. When Montag and the other firemen must burn a woman's house she refuses to leave. She quotes Latimer "'Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.'" (Page 36) This is what Latimer said to Nicholas Ridley as they were being burnt alive. I think Bradbury is comparing being burnt alive to burning books and saying they are equally awful. The fact that the woman would rather be burnt with the books than survive also says how important they can be to a person. Books can be so meaningful and emotional and they should hold a special place in all our hearts.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Tu Tuesday- Local
http://www.guilderlandspotlight.com/news/2012/may/15/perfect-game-all/#h100549-p8
A couple from Rotterdam, Donna and Ed Shappy, decided to host six baseball players of the Albany Dutchmen Baseball League during the summer. The couple is older and they thought it would be interesting and fun to host college baseball players. Donna Shappy said "“I thought, our son’s grown and out of this house and … I love to have people in. I thought it would make the summer interesting and it certainly did.” The boys come to play baseball from all different states. Two boys were from Florida and one was from Louisiana, one from Kansas, one from Arizona and one from Connecticut. For the Shappy's to allow six college boys to stay in their house is such a nice gesture and really shows that they enjoy helping others. “My husband and I are in our mid-50s, so bringing six college guys into our home definitely made life different, but it was a good different.” Denise Polsinelli explains what the host family's responibilities are "“The commitment is just to provide a home atmosphere for the boys and some meals. The team does feed them after each game but they’re going to need breakfast and lunch material.” So not only did the Shappy have to house six boys they had to feed them too! It couldn't have been easy and it must've took much effort. Polsinelli also explains that the Shappy's took an extra step "Most families take one player, some take two or three, but few take on six like the Shappys." In reward for their services the Shappy's were allowed to attend all games for free and were invited to any bonding event like a pinic or family fun day.
A couple from Rotterdam, Donna and Ed Shappy, decided to host six baseball players of the Albany Dutchmen Baseball League during the summer. The couple is older and they thought it would be interesting and fun to host college baseball players. Donna Shappy said "“I thought, our son’s grown and out of this house and … I love to have people in. I thought it would make the summer interesting and it certainly did.” The boys come to play baseball from all different states. Two boys were from Florida and one was from Louisiana, one from Kansas, one from Arizona and one from Connecticut. For the Shappy's to allow six college boys to stay in their house is such a nice gesture and really shows that they enjoy helping others. “My husband and I are in our mid-50s, so bringing six college guys into our home definitely made life different, but it was a good different.” Denise Polsinelli explains what the host family's responibilities are "“The commitment is just to provide a home atmosphere for the boys and some meals. The team does feed them after each game but they’re going to need breakfast and lunch material.” So not only did the Shappy have to house six boys they had to feed them too! It couldn't have been easy and it must've took much effort. Polsinelli also explains that the Shappy's took an extra step "Most families take one player, some take two or three, but few take on six like the Shappys." In reward for their services the Shappy's were allowed to attend all games for free and were invited to any bonding event like a pinic or family fun day.
Monday, May 28, 2012
6.Should Memorial Day be a time to remember only veterans or all those who have died?
I think Memorial Day is a time to remember all those who have fought for our country whether they are still alive or have passed away. Just because there are soldiers who aren't alive anymore doesn't mean there is any less reason to honor what they did for us. They have done just as much as the veterans still alive today. The soldiers who died during the war aren't as fortunate as the soldiers who were able to survive through the war. All the soliders are the reason why we live in such an amazing country and why we all have freedoms. It's important to honor and remember every single man and woman who have risked their own life for every person in the United States. In times of war these men and women have stepped up to serve our country even if it meant that they might not survive. It is an honor to be a soldier and each one should be recognized and remembered for what they have done. Memorial Day should be a time to realize how fortunate we are to live in America and be able to have freedom. We wouldn't be living the way we are today if it weren't for the soldiers who have fought for our freedom and our rights. I consider myself and every other person living in this country exremely fortunate and I thank the people who have made this possible for us today.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
What is Crippling Us?
John Taylor Gatto presents his opinion on how public education cripples children by telling his experiences with education. He is a retired school teacher, and was once a student in school himself, so he has had much experience with children in the classroom, both his peers and students of his. Gatto explains how children have become so uninterested in school and how they don't seem to care about it. In his article Against School he says "They said the work was stupid, that it made no sense, that they already knew it. They said they wanted to be doing something real, not just sitting around." School has become so boring for kids and even for their teachers. Gatto shares his experience of being a teacher "Boredom is the common condition of schoolteachers, and anyone who has spent time in a teachers' lounge can vouch for the low energy, the whining, the dispirited attitudes, to be found there. When asked why they feel bored, the teachers tend to blame the kids, as you might expect." He also thinks that the way children are taught in school isn't as effective and there are other ways to learn. "...six classes a day, five days a week, nine months a year, for twelve years. Is this deadly routine really necessary?" This is how children get bored because they spend so much time sitting in a desk. Gatto doesn't think it's necessary to be in school for so long and kids can get an education in better ways.
In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury expresses a similar opinion that people have become bored with learning and learning is being replaced by more interesting things and by fun. Ray Bradbury presents his thoughts in this science-fiction novel and creates a story of what he believes might become of the future. He predicts that no one will want to take the time to sit and read books anymore or try to learn new things because it takes too long an is too boring. On page 54 he says "Classics cut to fit fifteen-minute radio shows, then cut again to fill a two-mintue book column, winding up at last as a ten- or twelve-line dictionary resume." Bradbury seems to believe that in the future no one will want to relax and take their time. Everything will be rushed and fast-paced. No time to slow down or sit and talk or think and have time to yourself. "Speed up the film, Montag, quick. Click, Pic, Look, Eye, Now, Flick, Here, There, Swift, Pace, Up, Down, In, Out, Why, How, Who, What, Where, Eh? Uh! Bang! Smack! Wallop, Bing, Bong, Boom!... Whirl man's mind around about so fast under the pumping hands of publishers, exploiters, broadcasters that centrifuge flings off all unnecessary time-wasting thought!" (Page 55). Bradbury even goes to extremes and describes bilboards that have to be stretched out so people can read them because they're driving so fast to get somewhere.
I agree with both Gatto and Bradbury. Our lives and our daily routines are becoming so fast-paced and especially with new technology no one wants to wait for anything. No one even has to the patience to wait. Everyone wants something at the press of a button. I can relate to this because I never feel like I have any free time. I'm always going to school or rushing to finish homework before or after practice or going from one practice to the next or to a party or an event. Adults are even more of a rush getting to work, leaving work to pick up kids it never ends! Gatto is right that kids have trouble sitting in school for six hours a day without getting bored. When you're sitting in a class taking notes for an hour and twenty minutes it's hard not to get distracted. I think both of their opinions are accurate predictions of the future. There won't be much time to slow down and relax and certain things will probably change because of this like public education.
In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury expresses a similar opinion that people have become bored with learning and learning is being replaced by more interesting things and by fun. Ray Bradbury presents his thoughts in this science-fiction novel and creates a story of what he believes might become of the future. He predicts that no one will want to take the time to sit and read books anymore or try to learn new things because it takes too long an is too boring. On page 54 he says "Classics cut to fit fifteen-minute radio shows, then cut again to fill a two-mintue book column, winding up at last as a ten- or twelve-line dictionary resume." Bradbury seems to believe that in the future no one will want to relax and take their time. Everything will be rushed and fast-paced. No time to slow down or sit and talk or think and have time to yourself. "Speed up the film, Montag, quick. Click, Pic, Look, Eye, Now, Flick, Here, There, Swift, Pace, Up, Down, In, Out, Why, How, Who, What, Where, Eh? Uh! Bang! Smack! Wallop, Bing, Bong, Boom!... Whirl man's mind around about so fast under the pumping hands of publishers, exploiters, broadcasters that centrifuge flings off all unnecessary time-wasting thought!" (Page 55). Bradbury even goes to extremes and describes bilboards that have to be stretched out so people can read them because they're driving so fast to get somewhere.
I agree with both Gatto and Bradbury. Our lives and our daily routines are becoming so fast-paced and especially with new technology no one wants to wait for anything. No one even has to the patience to wait. Everyone wants something at the press of a button. I can relate to this because I never feel like I have any free time. I'm always going to school or rushing to finish homework before or after practice or going from one practice to the next or to a party or an event. Adults are even more of a rush getting to work, leaving work to pick up kids it never ends! Gatto is right that kids have trouble sitting in school for six hours a day without getting bored. When you're sitting in a class taking notes for an hour and twenty minutes it's hard not to get distracted. I think both of their opinions are accurate predictions of the future. There won't be much time to slow down and relax and certain things will probably change because of this like public education.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Tried and True
http://writingprompts.tumblr.com/post/17477297690/my-28-most-tried-and-true-writing-prompts
tumblr_lz9qr0ttTk1qz4e4a
Always be kind.
Be happy.
Consider all the possibilites.
Don't let one thing ruin your whole day.
Enjoy some time to yourself every once in a while.
Find something you love to do.
Give more than you get.
Help people who are less fortunate than you.
It's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Just be yourself, in the end you'll know who likes you, for you.
Keep your best memories with you forever.
Laugh as much as possible.
Make new friendships.
Never underestimate anyone.
Open your mind to change.
Positivity is key.
Question the unknown.
Remember your past mistakes so you don't make them again.
Surround yourself with people you love.
The little things shouldn't stress you out.
Understand your mistakes.
Venture to new experiences.
Work for your goals.
Xanadu's should be visited often.
You can always improve.
Zealous people are fun to be around.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
TU Tuesday- Commencement Speech
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2008/06/text-of-j-k-rowling-speech/ http://teamcoco.com/content/watch-conan-give-dartmouth-college-commencement-address
In order to succeed in life you have to fail at some point. J.K. Rowling knows that failure is an important part of success. "On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure." Some people might question this and wonder how in the world failure can help you succeed. Failure can push you to succeed, to be better and to over come your mistakes and misfortunes. "You might be driven by a fear of failure quite as much as a desire for success." Many people are afriad of failure and so was J.K. Rowling "What I feared most for myself at your age was not poverty, but failure." I believe that you can't fear failure because then you will never be able to achieve your goals because you're too scared of dissapointment. Instead of fearing failure you should accept it. Accept that it is a part of life and let it be the force propelling you to be successful.
Everyone experiences failure at some point in their lives, famous people, professional athletes, even people who have graduated from Yale or Harvard. Conan O'brien said in his commencement speech at Dartmouth University " But today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality." J.K. Rowling shared her experience with failure in her speech "Now, I am not going to stand here and tell you that failure is fun. That period of my life was a dark one, and I had no idea that there was going to be what the press has since represented as a kind of fairy tale resolution. I had no idea then how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality."
You may experience failure early in life, J.K. Rowling said "I am not dull enough to suppose that because you are young, gifted and well-educated, you have never known hardship or heartbreak." That failure that you experience can be life changing. It can make you see the world in a new way. For J.K. Rowling failure meant courage. " I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realised, and I was still alive." No one is perfect. Perfect is boring. If we were all perfect what would we have to live for? Our failures are what make us who we are. The type of person you are is how you respond to failure, whether you let it tear you down or make you a new person. In Conan O'Brien's commencement speech at Dartmouth University he said "It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can be a catalyst for profound re-invention." You may become the most successful and accomplished person in the world, but you will never get there without failing first.
In order to succeed in life you have to fail at some point. J.K. Rowling knows that failure is an important part of success. "On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure." Some people might question this and wonder how in the world failure can help you succeed. Failure can push you to succeed, to be better and to over come your mistakes and misfortunes. "You might be driven by a fear of failure quite as much as a desire for success." Many people are afriad of failure and so was J.K. Rowling "What I feared most for myself at your age was not poverty, but failure." I believe that you can't fear failure because then you will never be able to achieve your goals because you're too scared of dissapointment. Instead of fearing failure you should accept it. Accept that it is a part of life and let it be the force propelling you to be successful.
Everyone experiences failure at some point in their lives, famous people, professional athletes, even people who have graduated from Yale or Harvard. Conan O'brien said in his commencement speech at Dartmouth University " But today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality." J.K. Rowling shared her experience with failure in her speech "Now, I am not going to stand here and tell you that failure is fun. That period of my life was a dark one, and I had no idea that there was going to be what the press has since represented as a kind of fairy tale resolution. I had no idea then how far the tunnel extended, and for a long time, any light at the end of it was a hope rather than a reality."
You may experience failure early in life, J.K. Rowling said "I am not dull enough to suppose that because you are young, gifted and well-educated, you have never known hardship or heartbreak." That failure that you experience can be life changing. It can make you see the world in a new way. For J.K. Rowling failure meant courage. " I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realised, and I was still alive." No one is perfect. Perfect is boring. If we were all perfect what would we have to live for? Our failures are what make us who we are. The type of person you are is how you respond to failure, whether you let it tear you down or make you a new person. In Conan O'Brien's commencement speech at Dartmouth University he said "It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can be a catalyst for profound re-invention." You may become the most successful and accomplished person in the world, but you will never get there without failing first.
Monday, May 14, 2012
98. Just When I Think I Am Done
Lately it seems as if every time I finally accomplish something, I realize I have another thing to do. I've been so stressed out from soccer, lacrosse, school and homework it feels like that's all I'm ever doing and I never get time to relax anymore! I also don't much sleep. It's a rare occasion when I get to bed before 11 p.m. on school nights. The only days I don't have soccer, lacrosse or school are Sundays which I spend doing homework and trying ot catch up on sleep. This sounds like a lot of complaining but I really just need a break from it all! When I'm done with school, I have a lacrosse game and when I think I finally get to go home I realize I have soccer practice after that. Just when I think I'm done with tests for the week another teacher schedules one or assigns an essay or a project. Just when I think I can finally sleep in on the weekend I find out I have a soccer game on Saturday in Long Island, four hours away. Just when I think I can finally go to bed I have to stay up to write letters to college coaches for my soccer tournament the next weekend. It never ends. The only break I get is when regents week is over in June, and just when I think I am done, my break ends and school soccer starts in August.
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