Antigone was a story that reminded me of multitudes of other famous stories and events from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” to the actions of Gandhi and even Braveheart. I feel like the plot of the two lovers dying in the end can relate to that of “Romeo and Juliet”, but I say that she reminds me of Gandhi and Braveheart because of her willingness to go through so much and even risk death for her ideals and beliefs. Antigone was a very strong willed woman. She was very stubborn in her ideas and was set on what she planned to do. The three things that stood out to me about Antigone was her strong conviction, her courage, and her unselfishness.
She knew that Creon’s law stated that no one was to have a religious burial and that it was punishable by death. Antigone believed that a proper ceremonial burial consisted of the sprinkling of dust over the body. She wanted her dead brother to have the proper burial. Although her sister tried to convince her not to do it, she was determined to not let the laws of man govern the laws of her religion. This is very admirable. I used to be a Jehovah’s Witness when I was younger and I wasn’t permitted to celebrate birthdays, holidays, or even pledge allegiance to the United States. Growing up and constantly having to feel out of place because all the other kids were eating birthday cake or saying the pledge of allegiance every morning, I know how hard it is to try and do what you believe is right. Honestly, if the teacher said she was going to kill me if I didn’t eat the cake, I would definitely eat the cake, and that just shows how strong willed Antigone was. She didn’t fear the threat of death and that’s a quality that I wish I possessed.
When Antigone was captured, she had the courage to say directly to the king that she was guilty of breaking the law. She never lied to get out of trouble and she didn’t try to bring others down with her. Her sister Ismene said she was willing to join her and share her fate but Antigone denied her and made sure that only she was punished for her actions. Antigone was such a strong person and her determination to do what she felt was right is very admirable.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Bartleby's facebook
Bartleby’s facebook would probably be the most boring facebook in the world. Honestly, I don’t even think he would have a profile picture and definitely wouldn’t have pictures of him sent by other friends. If he did actually take enough time to take a picture of himself and upload it, I think it would be one of those pictures where the person is holding the camera by both hands and starring straight into the lens. He wouldn’t be smiling or making a funny face, just a blank stare. The caption would be, “me”. If u looked at his information, the only things he would have up would be all the basic information needed to create a facebook. He wouldn’t describe who he is or what he likes to do. At most, it would probably say, “My name is Bartleby “.
The only friends he would have would be random girls who add guys they don’t know to feel popular and maybe even try to start an online relationship. He may also have Ginger and Nippers, but not Turkey because Turkey wouldn’t add him. Bartleby’s facebook wouldn’t have any upgraded applications and for his current “what are you doing right now”, it would say, “Bartleby prefers not to respond”. His wall posts would probably only have a handful of comments just from those random girls saying thanks for the add or “hey”. He would only check his facebook once or twice a week because he doesn’t really care much for it. He’d prefer to actually not have one.
The only friends he would have would be random girls who add guys they don’t know to feel popular and maybe even try to start an online relationship. He may also have Ginger and Nippers, but not Turkey because Turkey wouldn’t add him. Bartleby’s facebook wouldn’t have any upgraded applications and for his current “what are you doing right now”, it would say, “Bartleby prefers not to respond”. His wall posts would probably only have a handful of comments just from those random girls saying thanks for the add or “hey”. He would only check his facebook once or twice a week because he doesn’t really care much for it. He’d prefer to actually not have one.
Monday, October 20, 2008
God's Gradeur
Gavin Banks
Pro. Hageman
English Lit
13 October 2008
God’s Grandeur
The poem, “God’s Grandeur,” written by Gerard Manley Hopkins, touches upon many aspects of human existence on Earth and humans’ relationship with God and nature. To truly appreciate Hopkins’ poem, first the question should be addressed, “Do you believe in God?” Many people do believe in a God, whether it be the “right” God is all a matter of opinion, but one can argue the fact that a supreme being does exist. There are so many unknown factors in the universe to account for our existence and the creation of our planet that the idea of a creator of all things almost seems to be the most reasonable explanation. Hopkins is addressing this fact that we as humans cannot explain or even fathom the beginning of time, how the universe was made, and who or what made it unless you take time to look around and think that the only way we are here is because of a God. There can be many different outlooks on the meaning of this poem. I feel that the main concept of this sonnet is that mankind has become increasingly unaware of the presence of God on Earth and ungrateful of nature’s beauty. Each line has a specific meaning with its own identity that differs from person to person. By analyzing the poem, the conclusion can be made that Hopkins is commenting on mankind’s lack of appreciation for God’s creations on Earth and nature’s beauty.
Hopkins starts out his poem by saying, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God”(Hopkins 1). I interpreted this as the world is alive with God’s greatness. Charged often refers to electricity or something being revitalized, awakened. This idea of using electricity to create life can be paralleled to Frankenstein’s Monster. It’s almost as if God was like the scientist and we were the experiment. To create life, so many things have to be calculated to the most smallest of details. If the Earth was just a few feet closer to the sun, the surface would be too hot for life but if it were a few feet farther away, it would be too cold. By saying that God gave life to the planet, the idea of repaying God, in a sense, can be drawn from the text. As humans, we shouldn‘t necessarily have to pay back God materially, but emotionally, by taking notice to his work and showing an honest appreciation for it and that is what Hopkins is asking for. The creations are so amazing that it they can only be created by an almighty God.
As the poem goes on, Hopkins integrates mankind. “Crushed, why do men now not reck his rod“(4). At first, I wasn’t sure what “reck” meant. I looked it up online and found it to be the abbreviated form of recognize. After finding that out, I figured that Hopkins is asking why mankind doesn’t recognize God’s work. The poem was written in 1918 which was around the time of WWI. There was so much pain and suffering that many people didn’t take the time to take in the beauty around them. With all the death, the most seen to that extent, it can be easy to overlook nature’s gorgeous surroundings. Hopkins’ didn’t want people to be jaded by the darkness around them. He is saying that there is such obvious evidence of God’s work, that people should recognize it. In generations past, religion played such a significant role in peoples‘ lives. During many time periods including ancient, medieval, and early American times, the government was greatly influenced by the teachings of the church but in more modern times, church and state have been separated. People have become more and more influenced by science and what they can see rather than religion and beliefs. It is becoming increasingly rare for people to actually recognize God’s work.
“Generations have trod, have trod, have trod (5)” is a very dramatic line that emphasizes mankind’s drudgery through life. By repeating “have trod”, it plays on the idea of an endless march, so lacking in energy and joy. The repetition makes the reader almost bob their head in an up and down motion, like someone trudging along. Treading by definition means to step or put a foot on something, especially so as to crush or damage it. Hopkins uses this word to symbolize how people have been treating the planet. Industrialization, urbanization, and pollution are all ruining the world. There is so much killing with wars destroying families, cities, and landscapes. Wherever people are, damage is done, and this is demonstrated through this line.
Hopkins continues by saying that “for all this, nature is never spent”. He is saying that even though there has been so much damage done to the planet and pollution created by man, the world is still in tact. He is commenting on the fact that man can come and go, but the world will always be there. The planet has been around for billions of years and realistically, men have only been on the earth for a blink of the eye. There has been a world full of life before man and there will be one after man. Hopkins’ poem “God’s Grandeur” evokes many ideas on mankind and God. He shows how much the world ahs been changed by the presence of man’s “toil”. They don’t appreciate all that God has done and created and have lost their connection to nature. He is almost warning people to realize God’s world and to take care of the planet for the short time that they inhabit it.
Pro. Hageman
English Lit
13 October 2008
God’s Grandeur
The poem, “God’s Grandeur,” written by Gerard Manley Hopkins, touches upon many aspects of human existence on Earth and humans’ relationship with God and nature. To truly appreciate Hopkins’ poem, first the question should be addressed, “Do you believe in God?” Many people do believe in a God, whether it be the “right” God is all a matter of opinion, but one can argue the fact that a supreme being does exist. There are so many unknown factors in the universe to account for our existence and the creation of our planet that the idea of a creator of all things almost seems to be the most reasonable explanation. Hopkins is addressing this fact that we as humans cannot explain or even fathom the beginning of time, how the universe was made, and who or what made it unless you take time to look around and think that the only way we are here is because of a God. There can be many different outlooks on the meaning of this poem. I feel that the main concept of this sonnet is that mankind has become increasingly unaware of the presence of God on Earth and ungrateful of nature’s beauty. Each line has a specific meaning with its own identity that differs from person to person. By analyzing the poem, the conclusion can be made that Hopkins is commenting on mankind’s lack of appreciation for God’s creations on Earth and nature’s beauty.
Hopkins starts out his poem by saying, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God”(Hopkins 1). I interpreted this as the world is alive with God’s greatness. Charged often refers to electricity or something being revitalized, awakened. This idea of using electricity to create life can be paralleled to Frankenstein’s Monster. It’s almost as if God was like the scientist and we were the experiment. To create life, so many things have to be calculated to the most smallest of details. If the Earth was just a few feet closer to the sun, the surface would be too hot for life but if it were a few feet farther away, it would be too cold. By saying that God gave life to the planet, the idea of repaying God, in a sense, can be drawn from the text. As humans, we shouldn‘t necessarily have to pay back God materially, but emotionally, by taking notice to his work and showing an honest appreciation for it and that is what Hopkins is asking for. The creations are so amazing that it they can only be created by an almighty God.
As the poem goes on, Hopkins integrates mankind. “Crushed, why do men now not reck his rod“(4). At first, I wasn’t sure what “reck” meant. I looked it up online and found it to be the abbreviated form of recognize. After finding that out, I figured that Hopkins is asking why mankind doesn’t recognize God’s work. The poem was written in 1918 which was around the time of WWI. There was so much pain and suffering that many people didn’t take the time to take in the beauty around them. With all the death, the most seen to that extent, it can be easy to overlook nature’s gorgeous surroundings. Hopkins’ didn’t want people to be jaded by the darkness around them. He is saying that there is such obvious evidence of God’s work, that people should recognize it. In generations past, religion played such a significant role in peoples‘ lives. During many time periods including ancient, medieval, and early American times, the government was greatly influenced by the teachings of the church but in more modern times, church and state have been separated. People have become more and more influenced by science and what they can see rather than religion and beliefs. It is becoming increasingly rare for people to actually recognize God’s work.
“Generations have trod, have trod, have trod (5)” is a very dramatic line that emphasizes mankind’s drudgery through life. By repeating “have trod”, it plays on the idea of an endless march, so lacking in energy and joy. The repetition makes the reader almost bob their head in an up and down motion, like someone trudging along. Treading by definition means to step or put a foot on something, especially so as to crush or damage it. Hopkins uses this word to symbolize how people have been treating the planet. Industrialization, urbanization, and pollution are all ruining the world. There is so much killing with wars destroying families, cities, and landscapes. Wherever people are, damage is done, and this is demonstrated through this line.
Hopkins continues by saying that “for all this, nature is never spent”. He is saying that even though there has been so much damage done to the planet and pollution created by man, the world is still in tact. He is commenting on the fact that man can come and go, but the world will always be there. The planet has been around for billions of years and realistically, men have only been on the earth for a blink of the eye. There has been a world full of life before man and there will be one after man. Hopkins’ poem “God’s Grandeur” evokes many ideas on mankind and God. He shows how much the world ahs been changed by the presence of man’s “toil”. They don’t appreciate all that God has done and created and have lost their connection to nature. He is almost warning people to realize God’s world and to take care of the planet for the short time that they inhabit it.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Rough Draft
Gavin Banks
Pro. Hageman
English Lit
13 October 2008
God’s Grandeur
The poem, “God’s Grandeur” written by Gerard Manley Hopkins touches upon many aspects of human existence on the Earth and their relationship with God and nature. There can be many different outlooks on the meaning of this poem. I feel that the main concept of this sonnet is that mankind has become increasingly unaware of the presence of God on Earth and unappreciative of nature’s beauty. Each line has a specific meaning with its own identity that differs from person to person. By analyzing each line, the conclusion can be made that Hopkins is commenting on mankind’s lack of appreciation for God’s creations on Earth and nature’s beauty.
Hopkins starts out his poem by saying, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God”. I interpreted this as the world is alive with God’s greatness. Charged often refers to electricity or something being revitalized, awakened. Hopkins is saying that God gave life to the planet. He continues on by saying that it will shine like “shook foil”. When things are charged and electric, they are vibrant. Shook foil is bright and shiny so he is using the foil to show that the world is shining from the work of God. God has created things that are so beautiful and amazing that they shine and radiate. The creations are so amazing that it they can only be created by the almighty God.
As the poem goes on, Hopkins integrates mankind. “Crushed, why do men now not reck his rod (Hopkins)”. At first, I wasn’t sure what “reck” meant. I looked it up online and found it to be the abbreviated form of recognize. After finding that out, I figured that Hopkins is asking why mankind doesn’t recognize God’s work. The poem was written in 1918 which was around the time of WWI. There was so much pain and suffering that many people didn’t take the time to take in the beauty around them. With all the death, the most seen to that extent, it can be easy to overlook nature’s gorgeous surroundings. Hopkins’ didn’t want people to be jaded by the darkness around them. He is saying that there is such obvious evidence of God’s work, that people should recognize it. It “shines like foil”. The next line, “Generations have trod, have trod, have trod (Hopkins)” is a very dramatic line that emphasizes mankind’s drudgery through life. By repeating “have trod”, it plays on the idea of an endless march, so lacking in energy and joy. The repetition makes the reader almost bob their head in an up and down motion, like someone trudging along. When Hopkins says that “all is seared, bleared, smeared” he is saying the planet has been damaged by all the work that mankind has done to it. Industrialization, urbanization, and pollution are all ruining the world. Wars destroy families, cities, and landscapes. “Seared” relates to burning or scorching. People burn the land for farming and construction. They willing destroy the creations of God, “searing” it away. The words “bleared and smeared” convey images of blood being smeared around. By having the words rhyme, he is showing how they all relate to each other. Man has replaced the natural world by destroying the land and urbanizing it. The pollution and industrialization has replaced the world’s “smell” with its own. Even the soil is bare now because man has stripped the land. They wear shoes so that they can’t feel the ground. They aren’t in touch with nature and that’s why Hopkins’ says “nor can foot feel”. People in the past and even in recent times like Native Americans, were more in touch with the world and lived off the land. Society has become so artificial and unnatural that many people wouldn’t survive in the wild.
Hopkins continues by saying that “for all this, nature is never spent”. He is saying that even though there has been so much damage done to the planet and pollution created by man, the world is still in tact. He is commenting on the fact that man can come and go, but the world will always be there. The planet has been around for billions of years and realistically, men have only been on the earth for a blink of the eye. There has been a world full of life before man and there will be one after man. When he says “and though the last lights off due black west went oh, morning” he is talking about a renewal or regeneration of life. Then he says, “the holy ghost over the bent world’s broods with warm breast” evokes the feeling of warmth and care, as if God himself is watching over the world. Many bird’s watch over their nest of chicks with care and protection. It compares God almost to a mother bird. He says “bright wings” as if God is like a guardian angel.
Hopkins’ poem “God’s Grandeur” evokes many ideas on mankind and God. He shows how much the world ahs been changed by the presence of man’s “toil”. They don’t appreciate all that God has done and created and have lost their connection to nature. He is almost warning people to realize God’s world and to take care of the planet for the short time that they inhabit it.
Pro. Hageman
English Lit
13 October 2008
God’s Grandeur
The poem, “God’s Grandeur” written by Gerard Manley Hopkins touches upon many aspects of human existence on the Earth and their relationship with God and nature. There can be many different outlooks on the meaning of this poem. I feel that the main concept of this sonnet is that mankind has become increasingly unaware of the presence of God on Earth and unappreciative of nature’s beauty. Each line has a specific meaning with its own identity that differs from person to person. By analyzing each line, the conclusion can be made that Hopkins is commenting on mankind’s lack of appreciation for God’s creations on Earth and nature’s beauty.
Hopkins starts out his poem by saying, “The world is charged with the grandeur of God”. I interpreted this as the world is alive with God’s greatness. Charged often refers to electricity or something being revitalized, awakened. Hopkins is saying that God gave life to the planet. He continues on by saying that it will shine like “shook foil”. When things are charged and electric, they are vibrant. Shook foil is bright and shiny so he is using the foil to show that the world is shining from the work of God. God has created things that are so beautiful and amazing that they shine and radiate. The creations are so amazing that it they can only be created by the almighty God.
As the poem goes on, Hopkins integrates mankind. “Crushed, why do men now not reck his rod (Hopkins)”. At first, I wasn’t sure what “reck” meant. I looked it up online and found it to be the abbreviated form of recognize. After finding that out, I figured that Hopkins is asking why mankind doesn’t recognize God’s work. The poem was written in 1918 which was around the time of WWI. There was so much pain and suffering that many people didn’t take the time to take in the beauty around them. With all the death, the most seen to that extent, it can be easy to overlook nature’s gorgeous surroundings. Hopkins’ didn’t want people to be jaded by the darkness around them. He is saying that there is such obvious evidence of God’s work, that people should recognize it. It “shines like foil”. The next line, “Generations have trod, have trod, have trod (Hopkins)” is a very dramatic line that emphasizes mankind’s drudgery through life. By repeating “have trod”, it plays on the idea of an endless march, so lacking in energy and joy. The repetition makes the reader almost bob their head in an up and down motion, like someone trudging along. When Hopkins says that “all is seared, bleared, smeared” he is saying the planet has been damaged by all the work that mankind has done to it. Industrialization, urbanization, and pollution are all ruining the world. Wars destroy families, cities, and landscapes. “Seared” relates to burning or scorching. People burn the land for farming and construction. They willing destroy the creations of God, “searing” it away. The words “bleared and smeared” convey images of blood being smeared around. By having the words rhyme, he is showing how they all relate to each other. Man has replaced the natural world by destroying the land and urbanizing it. The pollution and industrialization has replaced the world’s “smell” with its own. Even the soil is bare now because man has stripped the land. They wear shoes so that they can’t feel the ground. They aren’t in touch with nature and that’s why Hopkins’ says “nor can foot feel”. People in the past and even in recent times like Native Americans, were more in touch with the world and lived off the land. Society has become so artificial and unnatural that many people wouldn’t survive in the wild.
Hopkins continues by saying that “for all this, nature is never spent”. He is saying that even though there has been so much damage done to the planet and pollution created by man, the world is still in tact. He is commenting on the fact that man can come and go, but the world will always be there. The planet has been around for billions of years and realistically, men have only been on the earth for a blink of the eye. There has been a world full of life before man and there will be one after man. When he says “and though the last lights off due black west went oh, morning” he is talking about a renewal or regeneration of life. Then he says, “the holy ghost over the bent world’s broods with warm breast” evokes the feeling of warmth and care, as if God himself is watching over the world. Many bird’s watch over their nest of chicks with care and protection. It compares God almost to a mother bird. He says “bright wings” as if God is like a guardian angel.
Hopkins’ poem “God’s Grandeur” evokes many ideas on mankind and God. He shows how much the world ahs been changed by the presence of man’s “toil”. They don’t appreciate all that God has done and created and have lost their connection to nature. He is almost warning people to realize God’s world and to take care of the planet for the short time that they inhabit it.
Friday, October 3, 2008
October 7 assignment
The poem, "In a Station of the Metro'' is the shortest poem I have ever read in my life, but it is still a poem. A poem by definition is "a composition in verse, esp. one that is characterized by a highly developed artistic form and by the use of heightened language and rhythm to express an intensely imaginative interpretation of the subject". The poem uses a lot of descriptive language and sets the reader up for many different images. The author uses the word "apparition" when describing the faces in the crowd. Apparition conveys the idea of ghost like or something relating to the supernatural. I get a feeling that the author is trying to say that the people have become almost dead. The poem was written in 1913 during the time of WWI and this was a time a great sadness and suffering. Ezra Pound could have been commenting on the kind of emotion the world was going through, and the struggle of day to day life. Work life was taking a toll on people and many became zombie- like just going through the 9 to 5. By say "Petals on a wet, black bough" Ezra is saying that the faces have become almost identical. Flower petals are very much the same and there isn't a distinct difference between either one. They are all part this one whole idea, the bough just like the people are all part of the day to day life they live. Looking at the crowd, you wouldn't be able to pick out just one certain face. They make one whole thing, just like the petals on a bough. A bough is like a tree branch which contrasts with the whole idea of the apparition of faces in the crowd. The symbol of a tree with flower petals represents life while apparition symbolizes shadows and darkness. This is a poem because the author uses these forms of symbolism and imagery. It has a lot of meaning behind the words and depth behind just the literal definition of the words.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 2 Assignment
1. I feel like the images from "Casabianca" were very vivid and powerful. I felt like the boy was the main character and the most powerful image. Felicia started the poem out by describing the boy standing on the burning deck. She said the he stood bright and beautiful in the fire, proud though childlike. She was commenting on how he was being so brave and gallant yet, he is still a young boy. The other image that is very powerful is the fire. She talks about how the boy can feel the intense head on his brow. Felicia makes the fire evoke an omonous feeling of iminent danger. There is no escape for the bow because the fire "shone round him and the "flames rolled on".
2. In the beginning of the poem, the boy appears to be more childlike. He is standing in the fire with his "childlike form" and "beautiful and bright" stance. He stood in the fire asking his father what he should do. He didn't know what to do and wasn't sure if he should leave or not. Then, during the end, he realized that he wasn't going to escape the flames. He came to terms with his fate and accepted it. Then, the authoer described him by saying, " Upon his brow he felt their breath, And in his waving hair, And looked from that lone post of death, In still yet brave despair". He faces his end as a man would.
The boy evokes a feeling of despair and a pleading sense of wanted acceptance form his dead father. He wants his father to tell him if he should get the the sword or not. This idea is very common amoung children. Many kids try to p[lease their parents and especially when their parents aren't always there for them. The boy symbolizes a kids desire to please their parents.
3.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Road to State
I titled my blog, "Road to State" because i think my senior track season was the most life changing experience in my life. I had started to run track in 7th grade and i ran on a summer team for the head coach at my future high school, Franklin High School. When i finally started my freshman season, i had gotten to know many of the members of the track team and began to get comfortable with the level of competion offered in high school. I moved up to varsity at the end of the season and my track team and I had worked to become one of the more competitive schools in our section. As the years passed, many of my teammates made it to to CIF State Meet and I had only made it to the meet on the relay team, never on my own. As my senior year approached, I had trained and worked as hard as I could to make my dream of going to the state meet come true. I stated running right after football ended and would lift weights after practice, sometimes to 8pm. As the season started up, I soon became one of the top sprinters in northern California and was undefeated coming into section finals. At section finals, I won the 200m and placed second in the 100m while setting school records in both of my events. I had finally made it to State. When I traveled down to LA for the meet, my father reminded me of what i had done and why I was here. He said, "You're not here to compete, you're here to win." As the first day went by, I had qualified for the finals. When finals came, I placed 3rd in the 100m and 6th in the 200m. Throughout my season, I had gotten publicity and recocgnition in the newspapers and at school. I had run times that qualified my to get a scholarship to UC Davis and I had proven to myself that withe hard work, your dreams can come true.
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