Friday, January 28, 2011

Dishonesty in The Importance of Being Earnest

Dishonesty is a major theme in The Importance of Being Earnest. Epigrams occur quite often in the dialogue where the character will contradict him or herself in a humorous way. Oscar Wilde paints the picture of the upper class being spoiled and snobbish, often lying to get there way no matter who they may hurt or what problems may ensue. The title of the play itself is a contradiction. Earnest means to be truthful, serious, and polite, which none of the characters in this story are. The characters lie about their identities and pretend that they have friends or relatives to visit so they can escape from their everyday lives.

Oscar Wilde, to me, seems to be saying that lying and being dishonest is okay. Even after almost all of the characters are revealed to be liars, none of them face any consequences for their actions and they all live happily ever after. He might be saying that dishonesty can never be eradicated from our lives so we should instead live with it and even use it to our personal advantage.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

10 Evaluations

1. Enola
Video
It was mostly just a listing of character's while the song Beasts of England played. I didn't understand how this conveyed examples of literary elements.

2. Aaron
Picture
I thought it was a very creative idea for a project. He had a unique way of conveying literary elements. Was a good representation of the cycle the characters go through.

3. Galen
Comic
Fun to look at. Successfully demonstrated understanding of literary elements.

4. Daryl
Picture
Demonstrated his memory and understanding of discussion topics. Showed his understanding of the connection of the story to the Russian Revolution.

5. Olivia
Picture
Very cute and funny. Conveys understanding of literary elements (though it may be a bit of a stretch.)

6. Emma
Collage
Nice symbolism. Conveys understanding of literary elements.

7. Matt
Picture
Fun to look at but I... didn't... get it. I don't think it showed understanding of any literary elements.

8. Joel
Picture
Demonstrated irony effectively, but not much else.

9. Catherine
Picture
Named characters and demonstrated her understanding of their social standing, but I'm not sure it met requirements for literary elements.

10. Porter
Comic
Very funny. Demonstrated his understanding of irony.

Well what can I say? I don't really think I'm fit to judge my classmate's projects in the first place. I think the majority of them did very good jobs. I probably should have payed closer attention to the project requirements. I do think that I used a creative project idea that few people chose.

New Year's Resolution

Normally I never make new year's resolutions. My dad says that people shouldn't use a holiday as an excuse to change themselves. People can change whenever they want. But,for the sake of this post, I will pinpoint one of my many flaws and go over how I can make myself better.
I guess my worst flaw is how I procrastinate. It's human nature to procrastinate, we all do it, but I seem to have a big problem with it. Whenever I get a project, I usually do it at the last minute. I do this because whenever I get a project I become very anxious. I get worried that I'll make mistakes, turn in poor work and end up getting a bad grade. So what I do is instead of tackling the project early and doing it calmly and carefully, I avoid it because I'm afraid of failure.
I've known this about myself for a long time and believe me I've tried fixing it, but its been very difficult. So maybe I need a battle plan. I could start making to-do lists so I don't have to worry about forgetting things I'm supposed to do. When I get a project, I could try cutting up the work into smaller pieces so the task doesn't seem so intimidating. These strategies should prove to be very helpful.
By not procrastinating not only will my work be better, but I'll also fell less stressed about school. The idea of impending projects won't keep me up at night anymore because I will have them taken care of. I think just the reward of better grades and less stress will keep me sticking to this resolution.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Animal Farm Creative Project

Animal Farm Poem

Beasts of England from far and near,
listen if you'd please
We would like to say
that on this day
Farmer Jones has run off in fear
After a gunning
we sent his men running
they can no longer do us harm
And so we must cheer
so loud and clear
Hurrah for Animal Farm!

Animal Farm, where pastures are green
and where no danger shall dwell
Where our motto is right, uptight, and tright
"All animals are equal"

Comrades we shall lead you,
but please have a heart
We must eat your apples and your milk
to keep us strong and smart

All the rumors that've spread
That Snowball's not dead
Are complete and utter lies.
He is a flicker of dust
A metal to rust
A tyrant with no alibis.
But now a hero is in our midst
We must hail his name as one
A pig with power
To light our dark hour
All hail Napoleon!

Animal Farm, where the pastures are cut by the admirably obedient,
Where the leader is good, who saves our food,
Napoleon was heaven-sent!

You will begin work on the windmill at a quarter to eight,
No breaks, how do you think we will last if we do not work these hours straight?
Your tired hooves are no matter to our Big Brother, Napoleon,
You will work, and work, and Work, and WORK, until construction is done!

So build the windmill on our Animal Farm that will provide electricity,
The things you've heard of Snowball are false, our leader thought the windmill up, see?!

Our leader is sad to announce that there are traitors amongst our kin,
So let the dogs out, his secret police, to punish them for their sin!
This is what happens when you disobey what our loving leader has said,
We rip your throats, and steal your oats,
Stay in line or we'll have your head!

On Animal Farm where we labor for free, and work all through the night!
Take the good horse Boxer for example:
"Napoleon is always right!"

It's sad to hear that strong Boxer has died while the windmill was being made,
But mourn not, for there is work to be done,
While we engage in trade!
One dead horse for "precious supplies", get to work, you have a year.
While your hooves are prying, your old ones dying,
We pigs pour a cup of beer!

Animal Farm, where the pigs and dogs exert complete control,
And those who say WE disobey are WRONG, you ought to know!

Ladies and gentlemen, the civilized, may I have your attention please?
Napoleon is proud to say that our subordinates are on their knees.
They work, they sow, they obey, and they can never do us harm,
So good farmers of England, let's have a drink, courtesy of Manor Farm!

Animal Farm, it was formerly called, now ceases to exist.
We drink and smoke and engage in trade,
How can good humans resist!?