Over the past seven weeks I was forced to emerge myself into a new type of technology-blogging. At first I was a little reluctant. I was apprehensive to the fact that my work would be read by the any one in the class. For one I knew that some people would cheat off my work, and sometimes I had ideas that I didn't want to share with the class.
Furthermore, when we had to comment on people's work it was no way to keep track on who you commented to and sometimes that would unfairly be reflected in my grades. I grew annoyed trying to remember who I commented on. If there was any way to keep track of who you commented to, that would be of great help. I also think that the posts should be graded on grammar, on sentence organization (basically the syntax of our work). I want the blogs to be graded harder so that we can grow as writers.
Nevertheless, I've come to find that the pros outweigh the cons in this situation. Because I know had the responsibility of blogging, that challenged the quality of work. I felt that because I'm not the only person who is reading the post, I can't publish bad quality work because that would be a reflection on me.
I found that just as blogger can be a means for some people to cheat, blogger can be a great way to discover different perspectives of classmates. When I read some of the posts I found that a lot of people in my class are great writers. From my classmates posts I saw what worked for them and how I could apply what they did to better my work. Additionally, I learned how to correctly comment on posts; I used to just say 'good job' and leave it at that. Now I learned how to look into people's work and see how they can improve their work. That helped me as a writer because many of the corrections I saw were things that I did.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Reflections on "The Great Gatsby"
"That was always my experience—a poor boy in a rich town; a poor boy in a rich boy's school; a poor boy in a rich man's club at Princeton…I have never been able to forgive the rich for being rich, and it has colored my entire life and works."
–F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Life in Letters
Throughout "The Great Gatsby" F. Scott Fitzgerald portrayed the life of a "poor man living in a rich man's town." Nick was from a well-off background, but paired against the extravagant lifestyles of his extended family and friends in Long Island, he was horribly poor in comparison. As the reader I never felt as if he belonged to the group. Nick was physically in the rich group, yet he never belonged because he was never as rich as the crowd.
Nick came to New York City to have a chance at expanding his wealth. Later in the book he disclosed to the reader that he wasn't a vital tool at his workplace. I remember thinking: Nick came to the East to grow his wealth, and if he's not a main contributor to his job he's not accomplishing his goal that led him to the East; and if he's not handling his business why is he wasting his time in West Egg, Long Island anyway?
I felt like he was behaving juvenile, by trying to be a part of the in-crowd. He could be labled as a "wannabe," he 's the person who tries to be in a group that doesn't accept or truly care about him. I feel that he didn't have any goals for himself he was just floating through life. Additionally, with the amount of time and energy spent around the people he didn't care for, helped me see how superficial he was
Nick resented the same group that he was trying to be a part of..."You're better than the whole bunch of them" is what he said to Gatsby, uncovering his true feelings for the rich group. Maybe another reason he associated with them was because they lived in a state that he someday hoped to achieve. He was using the extended family and friends in both East and West Egg for his personal gain. Nick never expressed a true love towards those people that he was constantly with. Nick was using Tom, Daisey and Jordan just like the party-goers constantly used Gatsby.
I feel that Nick will never truly be successful at his job because he is not passionate about his work. In a way, he felt that money would be the solution to all of his problems; I infer that Nick will not truly live his life until he finds his love.
–F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Life in Letters
Throughout "The Great Gatsby" F. Scott Fitzgerald portrayed the life of a "poor man living in a rich man's town." Nick was from a well-off background, but paired against the extravagant lifestyles of his extended family and friends in Long Island, he was horribly poor in comparison. As the reader I never felt as if he belonged to the group. Nick was physically in the rich group, yet he never belonged because he was never as rich as the crowd.
Nick came to New York City to have a chance at expanding his wealth. Later in the book he disclosed to the reader that he wasn't a vital tool at his workplace. I remember thinking: Nick came to the East to grow his wealth, and if he's not a main contributor to his job he's not accomplishing his goal that led him to the East; and if he's not handling his business why is he wasting his time in West Egg, Long Island anyway?
I felt like he was behaving juvenile, by trying to be a part of the in-crowd. He could be labled as a "wannabe," he 's the person who tries to be in a group that doesn't accept or truly care about him. I feel that he didn't have any goals for himself he was just floating through life. Additionally, with the amount of time and energy spent around the people he didn't care for, helped me see how superficial he was
Nick resented the same group that he was trying to be a part of..."You're better than the whole bunch of them" is what he said to Gatsby, uncovering his true feelings for the rich group. Maybe another reason he associated with them was because they lived in a state that he someday hoped to achieve. He was using the extended family and friends in both East and West Egg for his personal gain. Nick never expressed a true love towards those people that he was constantly with. Nick was using Tom, Daisey and Jordan just like the party-goers constantly used Gatsby.
I feel that Nick will never truly be successful at his job because he is not passionate about his work. In a way, he felt that money would be the solution to all of his problems; I infer that Nick will not truly live his life until he finds his love.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Journal of The Great Gatsby
Chapter 1
Nick grew up in the Midwest where his family was well-off. His prior generations owned a hardware store that has been successful for generations. Nick attended New Haven college in Yale University (his father's Alma mater)and fought in WWI. Nonetheless, he went to the East, New York, to become rich in stocks and bonds. He lived in the less-fashionable West Egg, next to Gatsby's fabulous mansion.
Nick some how gets in contact with his second cousin (once removed) named Daisy Buchanan,her macho husband Tom Buchanan and meets pro-golf player Jordan Baker. Tom is very insecure despite his physical masculinity and his extreme wealth. It is obvious to everyone that he is cheating, because the woman calls his house.
Gatsby is a loner it seems as he stands on his property looking solemnly at the green light at sea...what was that light that seemed to have entranced Gatsby?
Chapter 2
Nick and Tom are riding on a train and Tom forces Nick to see his mistress. It turns out his mistress is also married, her name is Ms. Wilson. Her husband has an almost subservient attitude towards his wife.
Later when they reach the Morningside apartments that Tom had for her when they had their affair. Nick met Ms. Wilson's sister and a party soon begins; after much drinking and several guest arrive the woman talk of their love interest and How Ms. Wilson cannot stand her husband.
The party ends with Tom breaking Ms. Wilson's nose because she kept speaking of his wife, and the guest found their way out after that scene.
I'm surprised on how Mr. Wilson acts toward his wife, he acts like he is in a daze, he must know that his wife is cheating...or maybe he doesn't care.
Catherine says that Tom has been Ms. Wilson's first sweetheart in years- they talk awfully casual about the affair going on...but maybe its because they are drunk
What is the significance of Dr. J. T. Eckleburg?
Chapter 3
Gatsby sent his chauffeur to Nick's home to invite him to his "little party". Nick describes Gatsby's immense wealth and living conditions: Rolls Royce, orchestras, opera singers, rich food, drink and other entertainment.
I know the man is wealthy, but how much wealth does he have, so that he can call a party with orchestras,opera and extreme entertainment little?
What I found strange was that most of the people invited themselves; perhaps the party would have been little. For "high-class" people, party-crashing seems uncouth. Additionally, most of the people at the party didn't even know who the host was and people made rumors about aspects in his life (he killed a man, was a German spy etc.)
Gatsby knew Nick from the war but Nick really couldn't remember him. Nick also got closer to Baker and at one point thought he had feelings for her, but he found out the she was dishonest (he didn't care too much about that aspect)
Gatsby invited Nick to go out with him on his hydroplane....what is that anyway, a boat?
How could Gatsby remember Nick, they weren't even in the same battalion?
Something is strange/ different about Gatsby, why doesn't he talk about his past?
Why does he throw such big parties, it seems as if he's frivolous with his fortune?
I felt pitied Gatsby, because it seemed to me that even amongst all of that land and money, he was lonely ...or maybe he's just fine with the party crashers and the rumors and he enjoys life.
Why did Gatsby want to talk to Jordan Baker in private...why does he favor her, what did they talk about?
I noticed that there are many drunks in that time, especially among the upper-class, I find it strange that many so-called 'dignified' people were constantly drunk and rowdy at parties.
Don't judge people because they may not have had the opportunities as you
Nick grew up in the Midwest where his family was well-off. His prior generations owned a hardware store that has been successful for generations. Nick attended New Haven college in Yale University (his father's Alma mater)and fought in WWI. Nonetheless, he went to the East, New York, to become rich in stocks and bonds. He lived in the less-fashionable West Egg, next to Gatsby's fabulous mansion.
Nick some how gets in contact with his second cousin (once removed) named Daisy Buchanan,her macho husband Tom Buchanan and meets pro-golf player Jordan Baker. Tom is very insecure despite his physical masculinity and his extreme wealth. It is obvious to everyone that he is cheating, because the woman calls his house.
Gatsby is a loner it seems as he stands on his property looking solemnly at the green light at sea...what was that light that seemed to have entranced Gatsby?
Chapter 2
Nick and Tom are riding on a train and Tom forces Nick to see his mistress. It turns out his mistress is also married, her name is Ms. Wilson. Her husband has an almost subservient attitude towards his wife.
Later when they reach the Morningside apartments that Tom had for her when they had their affair. Nick met Ms. Wilson's sister and a party soon begins; after much drinking and several guest arrive the woman talk of their love interest and How Ms. Wilson cannot stand her husband.
The party ends with Tom breaking Ms. Wilson's nose because she kept speaking of his wife, and the guest found their way out after that scene.
I'm surprised on how Mr. Wilson acts toward his wife, he acts like he is in a daze, he must know that his wife is cheating...or maybe he doesn't care.
Catherine says that Tom has been Ms. Wilson's first sweetheart in years- they talk awfully casual about the affair going on...but maybe its because they are drunk
What is the significance of Dr. J. T. Eckleburg?
Chapter 3
Gatsby sent his chauffeur to Nick's home to invite him to his "little party". Nick describes Gatsby's immense wealth and living conditions: Rolls Royce, orchestras, opera singers, rich food, drink and other entertainment.
I know the man is wealthy, but how much wealth does he have, so that he can call a party with orchestras,opera and extreme entertainment little?
What I found strange was that most of the people invited themselves; perhaps the party would have been little. For "high-class" people, party-crashing seems uncouth. Additionally, most of the people at the party didn't even know who the host was and people made rumors about aspects in his life (he killed a man, was a German spy etc.)
Gatsby knew Nick from the war but Nick really couldn't remember him. Nick also got closer to Baker and at one point thought he had feelings for her, but he found out the she was dishonest (he didn't care too much about that aspect)
Gatsby invited Nick to go out with him on his hydroplane....what is that anyway, a boat?
How could Gatsby remember Nick, they weren't even in the same battalion?
Something is strange/ different about Gatsby, why doesn't he talk about his past?
Why does he throw such big parties, it seems as if he's frivolous with his fortune?
I felt pitied Gatsby, because it seemed to me that even amongst all of that land and money, he was lonely ...or maybe he's just fine with the party crashers and the rumors and he enjoys life.
Why did Gatsby want to talk to Jordan Baker in private...why does he favor her, what did they talk about?
I noticed that there are many drunks in that time, especially among the upper-class, I find it strange that many so-called 'dignified' people were constantly drunk and rowdy at parties.
Friday, March 6, 2009
THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS
1)
The poet, Langston Hughes, was born to a Black abolitionist family. He was born in 1902, a time when racial tension was especially high. He also was born into wealth at a time when blacks were not thought to be able to achieve wealth. He studied in Columbia for a while to appease his father but, he soon decided to go into writing and he traveled across the world. His writings focused on the lives of blacks Americans of that era and the lives they lived.
In his poem "The Negro Speaks of the Rivers" the setting is ancient Africa, before the expansive slave trade and when the continent was full of life. He writes this poem to show that the Africans-Americans do have a history... He wrote this poem for the Blacks who felt that they were worthless, by showing them the came from royalty and a beautiful land that thrived before human-kind was created. By describing the rivers he symbolizes the unity between all Blacks because of their history. Hughes topics were based on the lives of Black people in his lifetime and because of his passion and the supplication of his history gave the essence and the reality of his poem- every word of his poem was true.
2)
The rivers are personified in Hughes poem because he says that he's known them. The way he says that he known the rivers symbolizes his knowledge of his roots and and his pride because he knows his worth. Furthermore, he knows the dignity and substance from whence he came. Hughes also uses repetition and simile in the poem when he says that "my soul has grown deep like the river." This phrase helped me to determine he understood where his ancestors may lived, how they thrived and how they created inventions and innovations that has people has accomplished...he knew that he came from an intelligent, strong and rich lineage from all parts of the continent of Africa.
Allusion is used when he described the various rivers, pyramids, cities and even presidents. Allusion gives the reader a sense of validity for the writer and helps us understand the history and the truth of his poem. Additionally, he used an omniscient tone in the poem. The power and the distinctiveness of his voice gives us a reaffirming feeling that his words are genuine.
3)
I, Too
As reader I feel a sense of shame and determination as a I read the poem. the Poet Expresses the way that Blacks were treated as second-class citizens. You can hear the author's hurt and the feeling that he still loves himself. I interpreted the poem as: in the face of all opposition, and in situations where people do not appreciate you, continue to love and appreciate yourself. This poem is inspirational...it instills the ideal that you don't return hate for hate, but you just be the best you are...and then true wisdom will shine through.
4)
The cues that this writer is American is the freedom with which he writes his poetry. Furthermore, the content of his writings suggests he is an American, because the specific struggles he expressed existed solely in America.Basically, the history of his writing implies that he is an American. His vocabulary and dialect in many of his writings, and more clearly, the subjects of his writings suggest that He is American. When he talks about the different struggles of the oppressed black, the beauty the pride of that culture and the injustice of his people, the reader can get a sense that not only is he American but he is African-American.
1)
The poet, Langston Hughes, was born to a Black abolitionist family. He was born in 1902, a time when racial tension was especially high. He also was born into wealth at a time when blacks were not thought to be able to achieve wealth. He studied in Columbia for a while to appease his father but, he soon decided to go into writing and he traveled across the world. His writings focused on the lives of blacks Americans of that era and the lives they lived.
In his poem "The Negro Speaks of the Rivers" the setting is ancient Africa, before the expansive slave trade and when the continent was full of life. He writes this poem to show that the Africans-Americans do have a history... He wrote this poem for the Blacks who felt that they were worthless, by showing them the came from royalty and a beautiful land that thrived before human-kind was created. By describing the rivers he symbolizes the unity between all Blacks because of their history. Hughes topics were based on the lives of Black people in his lifetime and because of his passion and the supplication of his history gave the essence and the reality of his poem- every word of his poem was true.
2)
The rivers are personified in Hughes poem because he says that he's known them. The way he says that he known the rivers symbolizes his knowledge of his roots and and his pride because he knows his worth. Furthermore, he knows the dignity and substance from whence he came. Hughes also uses repetition and simile in the poem when he says that "my soul has grown deep like the river." This phrase helped me to determine he understood where his ancestors may lived, how they thrived and how they created inventions and innovations that has people has accomplished...he knew that he came from an intelligent, strong and rich lineage from all parts of the continent of Africa.
Allusion is used when he described the various rivers, pyramids, cities and even presidents. Allusion gives the reader a sense of validity for the writer and helps us understand the history and the truth of his poem. Additionally, he used an omniscient tone in the poem. The power and the distinctiveness of his voice gives us a reaffirming feeling that his words are genuine.
3)
I, Too
As reader I feel a sense of shame and determination as a I read the poem. the Poet Expresses the way that Blacks were treated as second-class citizens. You can hear the author's hurt and the feeling that he still loves himself. I interpreted the poem as: in the face of all opposition, and in situations where people do not appreciate you, continue to love and appreciate yourself. This poem is inspirational...it instills the ideal that you don't return hate for hate, but you just be the best you are...and then true wisdom will shine through.
4)
The cues that this writer is American is the freedom with which he writes his poetry. Furthermore, the content of his writings suggests he is an American, because the specific struggles he expressed existed solely in America.Basically, the history of his writing implies that he is an American. His vocabulary and dialect in many of his writings, and more clearly, the subjects of his writings suggest that He is American. When he talks about the different struggles of the oppressed black, the beauty the pride of that culture and the injustice of his people, the reader can get a sense that not only is he American but he is African-American.
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