Thursday, September 20, 2012
Crooks symbol
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Essential question #2, Importance of dreams
Sophia Abi-Saad
Mr. Beattie
Honors English 1
19 September 12
Important dreams
Dreams are
important to have in life because they are motivating, they give people something for look
forward to, and help cope with loneliness. In the novella, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, the main characters, George and
Lennie, have the same dream to own a small ranch with all kinds of animals, which motivates them to strive for their dreams. For
instance, when Candy hears about Lennie and George’s plan to have a cottage
Candy says, “Tha’s three hundred, and I got fifty more comin’ in a month”
(Steinbeck 59). This proves how much Candy is devoted and motivated by this new
idea in his life, and how he wants to be apart of it. Also this proves that it
can become a reality if Candy joins because his money will reach the goal of
buying the land, thus having something to look forward to. For example, when
Lennie recently came back from being with Slim’s pups he asks George, “How
long’s it gonna be till we get that little place an’ live of the fatta the
lan’-an’ rabbits?” (Steinbeck 56). This exemplifies the fact that Lennie is
constantly looking forward to having a small house with rabbits that he could
pet. Also this shows that not only is this just Lennie’s dream its George’s dream as
well, which means they both get to look forward to their dreams together and
work for their dreams together. Since they both have to work for a common goal
it makes them feel needed and wanted for something important. For example, when
George and Lennie were talking about their dreams and life, George says, “ Guys
like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no
family, and don’t belong” (Steinbeck 13).
This shows how people like them, (ranch workers) who don’t have dreams to
aim for are very lonely, and don’t feel like they belong. This proves that
these dreams for Lennie and George give them both a sense of belonging and a
purpose in life. Overall in order for
humans to feel they lived a fulfilling life they will need to set goals to,
have a motivation, something to look forward too and to help cope with
loneliness.
Monday, September 17, 2012
The relationship between George and Lennie
Sophia Abi-Saad
Mr. Beattie
Honor English 1
17 September 2012
The relationship
of George and Lennie
The novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck illustrates
the relationship between the two main characters, George and Lennie, as one
having brotherly, caring, and helpful qualities. The brotherly qualities that
George and Lennie share are their display of affections that sometimes appear
to be like a father and son. For example, when Lennie was very thirsty and
started to drink still water, George warned him, “Never oughta drink water when
it ain’t running” (Steinbeck 3). This exemplifies George’s brotherly qualities
because he was trying to keep Lennie from becoming sick. The two men also share the trait of caring for
one another. For example, when Lennie always causes George to lose his job,
“Always doing bad things and I got to get you out of it “ (Steinbeck 11). This
shows us that even though Lennie is always messing up, since George is caring
and has a heart, he never gives up on Lennie and always gives him another
chance. As well as the brotherly loving
qualities they both share for each other, they are also both helpful. For
example, when they were trying to make dinner Lennie, “Went behind the tree and
brought out a liter of dried leaves” (Steinbeck 10). This illustrates that
Lennie helps out by getting wood and kindling to create a fire to cook their
dinner. Overall Steinbeck portrays the
relationship between Lennie and George, as caring, helpful, and loving
brothers.
Catching Fire
Sophia Abi-Saad
Mr. Beattie
Honors English 1
16 September 12
Catching Fire
Speedily darting from the contaminated
fog, we can’t stop or else we will die. With that frightening thought in our minds we keep running,
even though our bodies are deteriorating, as we know it. Before we can comprehend
what is happening one character decides that she cannot take it any longer and runs
right into the fog. In the
thrilling novel Catching Fire by
Suzanne Collins, Katniss the main character overcomes major obstacles that
impede her goal of returning Peeta home.
In this page turner Katniss shows her love for Peeta which made it so
much more exhilarating, by adding a twist. The novel Catching Fire should be read by all freshmen because it teaches important
lessons of courage, love, and fighting for human rights.
Catching
Fire should be a must read because of the portrayal of great courage,
throughout the book, by the main
character, Katniss. For instance after
the Quarter Quell is announced Katniss states, “At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and
face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.” (Collins
118). This statement indicates Katniss’s
approach to life, that she is not afraid of anything that comes her way. It also implies that she feels that if
she keeps running from her fears she will never get over them and life will be
worse. Another example of courage presented
in the novel is when Katniss says,
“Let them go, I tell myself, say good-bye and forget them, I do my best
thinking of them one by one, releasing them one by one like birds from the
protective cages inside me, locking the doors against their return.” (Collins 189). This exemplifies the fact that she has
shored up all the power in herself to say good-bye to her loved ones so she
could go into the games and concentrate on keeping herself and alive, so as to
return to her loved ones who would suffer so much if she were to die. This also demonstrates that Katniss had fierce
love in her heart for her family and friends, but she has to let the worry go
for the moment in order to live. Not only does the novel Catching Fire teach of the value of courage, it also teaches of the
importance of love and loyalty, which are also important lessons for high school
freshmen.
All freshmen should read this novel for it illustrates
the significance of love and loyalty in a meaningful life. For instance when Peeta states, “If you die, and I live, there's no
life for me at all back in District Twelve. You're my whole life. I would never
be happy again. It's different for
you. I'm not saying it wouldn't be hard. But there are other people who'd make
your life worth living."
Katniss doesn’t respond aloud to this but thinks, “I realize only person will be
damaged beyond repair if Peeta dies. Me.” (Collins 352). These statements show the great love
that these two characters share, however, Katniss has more people at home that
love her, and because of that Peeta feels is is more important to save Katniss’
life rather than his. True love is
when you value someone else’s life more than your own. Another example of love beween Katniss
and Peetas is exemplified when Katniss proclaims, “I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now and
live in it forever.” (Collins 245). This
demonstrates how much she enjoys spending time with Peeta when they are not worrying
about who will die next or how their love will be torn apart. This also
shows that she would be happy with a life with just Peeta because he supports
her and cherishes her, which is enough to make Katniss’s life whole. Many important life values
are portrayed by characters in the novel Catching
Fire, not only courage and love, but also for fighting for your rights;
another reason for all freshmen to read this novel.
The novel Catching Fire should be read by all
freshmen because it teaches the importance of fighting for your rights. For example, when Katniss was talking to
Plutarch Heavensbee, the game maker, Katniss thought how she is, “The bird, the
pin, the song, the berries, the watch, the cracker, the dress that bursts into
flames. I am the mocking jay. The one that survived despite the capital’s
plans. The symbol of the rebellion.” (Collins 386-387). This statement indicates that Katniss
represents the rebellion. The
people of Panem admire Katniss for standing up against the government for her
beliefs regardless of the trouble it may bring to her life. It also exemplifies the fact that Katniss
outsmarted the capital by saving herself and Peeta and initiating an uprising,
unbeknownst to her at the time. When Plutarch Heavenbee said, “While you live,
the revolution lives.” (Collins 386), shows that Katniss is the source of all
of this commotion, due to her stance against the rules which resulted in both
her and Peeta coming out of the hunger games alive. Throughout the novel
Katniss is a powerful icon of change and revolution. Her endeavours encourage
people to fight for their freedom and a better life. Fighting for your rights is an important lesson for all ages
and another reason for freshmen to read this book.
All freshmen should
read the novel Catching Fire because
it teaches lessons about courage, love, and fighting for your rights. In
“Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins, Katniss the main character displays all of
these great qualities. Katniss’ determination
to make a better life for people that she loves makes this an exhilarating and
important novel to read. As
consciousness started to slip away, the hovercraft that was to pick up the dead
tributes, floated above. Searching
for Peeta to make sure he was alive was the main priority, soon realizing that he was nowhere to be found.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Writing WorkShop Body Paragraphs
M: The consequences that came with
Leigh's decision led to the family being more open.
E: It made them all happier
A: They became interested in Michael and
wanted to know more
A: He had a happy outlook on everything
that made them more full of joy.
E: They became more talkative
A: The Family was off their phones more
A: They had more family dinners and
talked about their day
T: After Leigh invited mike in the
house, the home felt more like a home and was more open.
M:
The consequences that came with Leigh's decision led to, inspiring
others that through work comes success.
E: His determination in Football
A: His little brother would train him to
get into shape
A: He did whatever he was told the first
time and listened to the coach
E: Did whatever he could to protect his
family
A: Saved his little brother life in the
car accident
A: Protected his older sister when boys
were ganging up on her
T: Michael’s determinate personality
inspires others.
M: The consequences that came with
Leigh's decision led to that giving improves others lives tremendously.
E: Gave him happiness
A: Gave him love from the family
A: Gave him a home, and food to eat
E: Leigh gave him a chance at anything
he wanted to peruse
A: Agreed with football for mike which
he loved
A:
Got him a tutor so he could graduate, and peruse the one thing he truly
loved, football.
T: Leigh gave Mike love that improved
his own and also others who witnessed it.
Having mike being invited into Leigh’s
house led to the family being more open, the inspiration of others that through
work comes success, and that giving improves others lives tremendously. With
the help of Leigh, Mikes life will be changed forever, she has shown him what
love is, and how to give. Not only has Leigh taught mike lessons. Mike has
taught the family lessons as well, he has taught them how to be compassionate, and
to never give up, and to protect the ones you love. Strutting up to the podium,
I feel a sensation of accomplishment. As I look out to the ones who gave me
support and love through tough times, and think about how much my life would be
different without them. That’s when I realize I have a real family, which for
me is all that matters in life.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Analytical Writing Workshop Intro
Slowly trudging down the beat up back road, I feel the spine tingling bitter rain rolling off my bare skin. No jacket, no place to go, and all alone. What should I do? Where should I go? I just keep walking ahead until a stranger pulls up in a car and my life is forever changed. In the film "The Blind Side" written and directed by John Lee Hancock, Leigh, the main character, takes it upon herself to make a decision that will impact the entire family. Leigh's caring and helpful personality requires her to help Michael, the stranger she finds walking the street, and take him into her home. Her actions have wonderful results for both Michael and the family. The consequences that came with Leigh's decision led to The family being more open, inspiring others that through work comes success, and that giving improves others lives tremendously.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Points to a fulfulling life
No matter who you are, in life there is going to be set backs and mistakes that will make it hard, but the determined, loving, happy, and caring people are going to be the ones who's life will be impacted in better ways by those mistakes. The purpose of life is to have it be fulfilled and full of happiness and good times. Many people don't complete the task at hand, those are the lazy and unhappy people who don't have goals to work towards. The majority of people just complain about how they need a new car or a new phone, and that takes money so for most people, money is their goal and their meaning of a fulfilled life. I believe the key to a fulfilling life would be to attain happiness and that will affect you and the people in your life, by improving their lives as well as yours. Live your dreams and don't let anyone tell you that anything is impossible and don't be a follower, be a leader! Finding your life's mission is also important. Try many things and search for your perfect career or future. Finding your purpose is one key to true happiness. Being your self is another key. Don't do things you don't want to do just because someone else may think it is what you want or need. Being yourself is a major factor in finding happiness and leading a fulfilled life. Trying to be someone you are not sets you up for a very unfulfilled life as you will never be comfortable in your own skin. Another great trait to hold on to is perserverence. Trying and not giving up just because something may be difficult does two things. One, it shows that it can be done and therefore gives you more self confidence, and also gets you to any next step that the difficult task may lead you to.
I intend to set my major goal in life as happiness. Everything else will follow. To attain happiness I will need to get a great education, maintain great friendships, help others that are less fortunate and keep very close to my family. My life will be fulfilled!
I intend to set my major goal in life as happiness. Everything else will follow. To attain happiness I will need to get a great education, maintain great friendships, help others that are less fortunate and keep very close to my family. My life will be fulfilled!
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