Exploring my process of writing this essay is somewhat like the schooling system. At first it was like preschool, I knew nothing, I was confused as to why I was here, and all I wanted to hear was "nap time!" But as the process continued, I was more knowledgeable, I knew where I wanted my piece to go and what I wanted to do with it. Of course the good first chunk of time was spent researching, i'd call my researching to writing ratio a 60:40. It took a lot! The more I researched I felt the easier it would be to write my essay. I think a lot of my peers struggled because they tried to jump right into the writing process. I researched in every single lab day. Of course yes, I was scared to look at the folder of the class and see paragraphs written on other peoples essays, and to see my sad little document blank. But, I didn't let it get to me too much, as I did all my writing fairly quickly outside of class with the strong research in front of me. Now here is recess. A time to forget about what just happened in school. Not a care in the world, running free, hair in the wind, BBBRRRRIINNGGG. Recess is over. And the critical lens essay is back into play. Comments are made and final drafts are being made. The final draft process was a lot of back and forth work. Rubric, essay, rubric, essay, repeat. Changes were made to not so strong sentences, but my main point of the essay remained. Now here I am in my cap and gown. I have learned all about the many lens' in the critical lens world, and I have learned that all the lens' can be applied to the littlest of details in a book. Once I receive my diploma (my final grade) I will have officially graduated the critical lens schooling system. I may or may not apply my learning of these lens' into the real world.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Blog Post #30: Critical Lens Final Draft
Here is a link to my final draft if you are oh so curious to learn about The Dead by James Joyce in a New Historical lens view point: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gi60HVZ-QMO2Sjz0hFkdMcsTOZLcDClpvSfbBxMXV1E/edit
Exploring my process of writing this essay is somewhat like the schooling system. At first it was like preschool, I knew nothing, I was confused as to why I was here, and all I wanted to hear was "nap time!" But as the process continued, I was more knowledgeable, I knew where I wanted my piece to go and what I wanted to do with it. Of course the good first chunk of time was spent researching, i'd call my researching to writing ratio a 60:40. It took a lot! The more I researched I felt the easier it would be to write my essay. I think a lot of my peers struggled because they tried to jump right into the writing process. I researched in every single lab day. Of course yes, I was scared to look at the folder of the class and see paragraphs written on other peoples essays, and to see my sad little document blank. But, I didn't let it get to me too much, as I did all my writing fairly quickly outside of class with the strong research in front of me. Now here is recess. A time to forget about what just happened in school. Not a care in the world, running free, hair in the wind, BBBRRRRIINNGGG. Recess is over. And the critical lens essay is back into play. Comments are made and final drafts are being made. The final draft process was a lot of back and forth work. Rubric, essay, rubric, essay, repeat. Changes were made to not so strong sentences, but my main point of the essay remained. Now here I am in my cap and gown. I have learned all about the many lens' in the critical lens world, and I have learned that all the lens' can be applied to the littlest of details in a book. Once I receive my diploma (my final grade) I will have officially graduated the critical lens schooling system. I may or may not apply my learning of these lens' into the real world.
Exploring my process of writing this essay is somewhat like the schooling system. At first it was like preschool, I knew nothing, I was confused as to why I was here, and all I wanted to hear was "nap time!" But as the process continued, I was more knowledgeable, I knew where I wanted my piece to go and what I wanted to do with it. Of course the good first chunk of time was spent researching, i'd call my researching to writing ratio a 60:40. It took a lot! The more I researched I felt the easier it would be to write my essay. I think a lot of my peers struggled because they tried to jump right into the writing process. I researched in every single lab day. Of course yes, I was scared to look at the folder of the class and see paragraphs written on other peoples essays, and to see my sad little document blank. But, I didn't let it get to me too much, as I did all my writing fairly quickly outside of class with the strong research in front of me. Now here is recess. A time to forget about what just happened in school. Not a care in the world, running free, hair in the wind, BBBRRRRIINNGGG. Recess is over. And the critical lens essay is back into play. Comments are made and final drafts are being made. The final draft process was a lot of back and forth work. Rubric, essay, rubric, essay, repeat. Changes were made to not so strong sentences, but my main point of the essay remained. Now here I am in my cap and gown. I have learned all about the many lens' in the critical lens world, and I have learned that all the lens' can be applied to the littlest of details in a book. Once I receive my diploma (my final grade) I will have officially graduated the critical lens schooling system. I may or may not apply my learning of these lens' into the real world.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Blog Post #28: Reflection
So, the process of drafting my Critical Lens essay..
First off looking at the process as a whole I would say the majority of the drafting occurred in one day. Now, don't fret. The other days I spent reading and researching. While it was quite scary seeing many of my other classmates getting paragraphs done during class, I knew that my solid research days would call for a pretty smooth draft day.
Was it difficult?
In all honesty YES. I was struggling to find evidence and even what to write about! I think I switched lens about 3 times! The writing process was easier than the research process for sure.
All the questions I have are with regard to the essay as a whole. Did I back up my thesis, did I write it correctly? No questions fall under the category of comprehension of the project, my only questions are if I successfully wrote the essay.
I think I enjoyed my topic! Haha, I mean I found it quite interesting and I like how I just focused in on two particular parts of the piece of work to write a whole essay. The Dead was my favorite read of all the options so I definitely do believe I would of enjoyed it better than if I were to choose a different book!
Overall, I mean, it was just a draft. Ill get back to you when the final product is done! ;)
First off looking at the process as a whole I would say the majority of the drafting occurred in one day. Now, don't fret. The other days I spent reading and researching. While it was quite scary seeing many of my other classmates getting paragraphs done during class, I knew that my solid research days would call for a pretty smooth draft day.
Was it difficult?
In all honesty YES. I was struggling to find evidence and even what to write about! I think I switched lens about 3 times! The writing process was easier than the research process for sure.
All the questions I have are with regard to the essay as a whole. Did I back up my thesis, did I write it correctly? No questions fall under the category of comprehension of the project, my only questions are if I successfully wrote the essay.
I think I enjoyed my topic! Haha, I mean I found it quite interesting and I like how I just focused in on two particular parts of the piece of work to write a whole essay. The Dead was my favorite read of all the options so I definitely do believe I would of enjoyed it better than if I were to choose a different book!
Overall, I mean, it was just a draft. Ill get back to you when the final product is done! ;)
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Blog Post 27 Parados
The significance of Dirce's Stream is that it was named after a woman, whose two grandnephews killed by tying her to the horns of a bull. Dirce's stream runs near Thebes, and another family on family killing is occurring with Antigone's brothers, Eteocles and Polyneices.
I think "windy phrases" means phrases that somewhat "pumps up" or inspires maybe his soldiers? The use of them is confusing to whom Polyneices is rousing, but the fact that Choragos is speaking not the chorus makes me think it is not the townspeople to whom Polyneices is rousing, or exciting.
"His wings their shields of snow"- Metaphor
"Rose like a dragon behind him shouting war" -Simile
As I mentioned above I think "them" is Polyneices army. Polyneices is rousing them, exciting them for war. And the use of "their" for example, "His wings their shield of snow" shows that Polyneices is their leader, their commander like stated in line 92.
Personification
"Against our seven gates in yawning ring"
"The frown of his thunder blasted"
"His" refers to Polyneices because the Chorus is now speaking.
I think we are suppose to think that bray means bad. "God hates utterly the bray of our bragging tongues" I looked it up and it means a loud harsh cry of a donkey or mule. So i guess bray might suggest ignorance, or unimportant.
"His" is God. It is mentioned in line one and Charagos is speaking so it is not Polyneices. "Their first man from our walls" "Their" is Polynieces army once again.
In lines 119 to 122, I think what is occurring is the fighting of the armies ceased, and what was left was only the brothers fighting. "Mirrored death"- They killed each other.
I do not think line 124 can be personification because it states "chariots sing for joy" however people are what are in chariots therefore it is not personifying an object it is describing the people.
I think "windy phrases" means phrases that somewhat "pumps up" or inspires maybe his soldiers? The use of them is confusing to whom Polyneices is rousing, but the fact that Choragos is speaking not the chorus makes me think it is not the townspeople to whom Polyneices is rousing, or exciting.
"His wings their shields of snow"- Metaphor
"Rose like a dragon behind him shouting war" -Simile
As I mentioned above I think "them" is Polyneices army. Polyneices is rousing them, exciting them for war. And the use of "their" for example, "His wings their shield of snow" shows that Polyneices is their leader, their commander like stated in line 92.
Personification
"Against our seven gates in yawning ring"
"The frown of his thunder blasted"
"His" refers to Polyneices because the Chorus is now speaking.
I think we are suppose to think that bray means bad. "God hates utterly the bray of our bragging tongues" I looked it up and it means a loud harsh cry of a donkey or mule. So i guess bray might suggest ignorance, or unimportant.
"His" is God. It is mentioned in line one and Charagos is speaking so it is not Polyneices. "Their first man from our walls" "Their" is Polynieces army once again.
In lines 119 to 122, I think what is occurring is the fighting of the armies ceased, and what was left was only the brothers fighting. "Mirrored death"- They killed each other.
I do not think line 124 can be personification because it states "chariots sing for joy" however people are what are in chariots therefore it is not personifying an object it is describing the people.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Blog Post #26- Mentor Text #3 Read Along
Before reading the text, I would like to point out the layout. Double spaced, block quotes, bold and creative title. I notice these things because I of course will find myself writing my own critical lens essay here in a few weeks.
"For a novella teeming with a masterful use of literary elements, looking through a biographical or post colonial lens limits the reader's experience and understanding of Conrad's work." -I find this sentence intriguing because the author is somewhat explaining why a formalist lens is the best lens to view the Heart of Darkness with. I find that interesting, and I did not see that in any other mentor text we have read.
"Through a formalist lens, Heart of Darkness is no longer just a story of Marlow's journey through the Congo; it becomes a story about Marlow's affinity, even obsession, for truth and his frustration at language's limitations for conveying the truth" - I find this to be the authors claim. Again noticing it is written toward the end of the first paragraph much like the other mentor texts. I am not sure if "The most obvious structural element in the novella that develops this concern for the truth is the fact that the novella is written in frame narrative.", the next line, would be considered apart of the thesis, or even if that merely is the thesis disregarding the sentence before?
I notice that after the author claims the most important structural element used is frame narrative, he goes on to show were the frame narrative is set up early on in the story.
The author uses lots of quotes embedded in his paragraphs and explains why they are important directly after the quote.
The authors diction is above average id say!
The authors conclusion ties back into the intro, and is very simple and understandable. All of his points he chose to argue for mentioned in the conclusion were appointed in the body paragraphs thoroughly and shown through evidence in the text.
Works Cited
Overall a very useful mentor text.
"For a novella teeming with a masterful use of literary elements, looking through a biographical or post colonial lens limits the reader's experience and understanding of Conrad's work." -I find this sentence intriguing because the author is somewhat explaining why a formalist lens is the best lens to view the Heart of Darkness with. I find that interesting, and I did not see that in any other mentor text we have read.
"Through a formalist lens, Heart of Darkness is no longer just a story of Marlow's journey through the Congo; it becomes a story about Marlow's affinity, even obsession, for truth and his frustration at language's limitations for conveying the truth" - I find this to be the authors claim. Again noticing it is written toward the end of the first paragraph much like the other mentor texts. I am not sure if "The most obvious structural element in the novella that develops this concern for the truth is the fact that the novella is written in frame narrative.", the next line, would be considered apart of the thesis, or even if that merely is the thesis disregarding the sentence before?
I notice that after the author claims the most important structural element used is frame narrative, he goes on to show were the frame narrative is set up early on in the story.
The author uses lots of quotes embedded in his paragraphs and explains why they are important directly after the quote.
The authors diction is above average id say!
The authors conclusion ties back into the intro, and is very simple and understandable. All of his points he chose to argue for mentioned in the conclusion were appointed in the body paragraphs thoroughly and shown through evidence in the text.
Works Cited
Overall a very useful mentor text.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Blog #25: Poetry Response #5
Lily Sale
Sort Of A Song By: William Carlos Williams
The first stanza of Williams work is a comparison. He compares a snake waiting for prey, to writing. But Williams does not use the usual “like or as” or even really your basic metaphor to compare. He states, “Let the snake wait under his weed and the writing be of words, slow and quick, sharp to strike, quiet to wait sleepless.” He describes all the characteristics of a snake ready to prey, but says, “Let the snake wait under his weed.” He somewhat pushes the snake aside and gives all the snakes qualities to a piece of writing. The second stanza I had to read several times. It starts with a dash, and contains parenthesis within, a different complexity than the first stanza. This incomplete structure and strange punctuation helps me understand the title of the poem. It’s like notes in a song. All of the words in this poem sort of flow of the tongue pretty easily as well just like a song! The meaning of the second stanza I believe Williams is trying to portray is simply the connection between nature and the creative process of writing, this meaning was apparent in the first stanza as well. “-through the metaphor to reconcile the people and the stones. Compose.” this is very clear to the reader. Consider similarities between people and stones, and write about it! “(No ideas but in things) Invent!” Williams is pushing his audience to see and think more about nature and people. And Williams last line, my favorite line, “Saxifrage is my flower that splits the rocks.” Now I had to look up saxifrage, but it is a flower that only grows in rocky alpine areas and still looks delicate. But nothing grows through rocks without being strong. He compares a flower (nature) to himself (person), again his underlying theme. This theme of comparing nature to man, or even comparing nature to the process of writing seems quite clear to me now. And my mind goes a million directions with all the comparisons that could potentially be made. I think Williams wanted us to think that, again especially when he says, “(No ideas but in things) Invent!”
Friday, December 11, 2015
Blog Post #16
The first lines of the poem already made me have a connection to Gatsby.
"We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men"
The words hollow and stuffed make me think fake. In class we had a discussion about how the people attending gatsby's parties are fake, or are faking having a fun time. They are simply there for their public image.
Again from the poem,
"Remember us-if at all- not as lost
Violent souls, but only
As the hollow men
The stuffed men."
People want to be remembered. Even if it is fake. Again, like the party people in Gatsby.
"This is the dead land
This is the cactus land."
Of course after reading this my mind connected to the valley of ashes. A dark depressing piece of land.
"The eyes are not here
There are no eyes here
In this valley of dying stars
In this hollow valley
This broken jar of our lost kingdoms."
The talk of eyes of course spark the eyes of Dr. T.J Ekleberg.
"The broken jar of our lost kingdoms", Gatsby's failure to get Daisy.
"We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men"
The words hollow and stuffed make me think fake. In class we had a discussion about how the people attending gatsby's parties are fake, or are faking having a fun time. They are simply there for their public image.
Again from the poem,
"Remember us-if at all- not as lost
Violent souls, but only
As the hollow men
The stuffed men."
People want to be remembered. Even if it is fake. Again, like the party people in Gatsby.
"This is the dead land
This is the cactus land."
Of course after reading this my mind connected to the valley of ashes. A dark depressing piece of land.
"The eyes are not here
There are no eyes here
In this valley of dying stars
In this hollow valley
This broken jar of our lost kingdoms."
The talk of eyes of course spark the eyes of Dr. T.J Ekleberg.
"The broken jar of our lost kingdoms", Gatsby's failure to get Daisy.
Blog Post #22
- Russian trader is begging to take Kurtz away.
- Talk of how this Russian trader took care of Kurtz occurs.
- Russian tells Marlow that Kurtz is ill
- marlow encounters severed heads! EW!
- the heads are all facing the same way
- Except 1
- The pilgrims emerge with Kurtz on a stretcher
- Natives come running after with piercing cries!
- Dont worry Kurtz fixed it with his smooth talk.
- Kurtz mistress makes an apperance
- Dang Kurtz tells Marlow he woulda shot his mistress, thats cold.
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