Blog 6

The Southern family [Doodle and "Brother" are a part of] believes in superstitions. Upon Doodle's birth, Aunt Nicey thinks the boy is holy because he was born in a caul, "Jesus's nightgown." Additionally, the mother of both boys does not think it will rain because she hadn't heard the call of a "rain frog." What other superstitions are shared in the story? How do you think they affect the developments in plot? Can you think of other superstitions you believe/ have heard others believe?

Another superstition is when Aunt Nicey says that dead birds are bad luck, especially the red birds. They affect plot by having what happens contradict or support their theory on the superstition. The dead, red bird was bad luck because: Doodle died. I have heard that black cats are bad luck, broken mirrors, and spilling salt. These are all examples of superstitions. A common one is, "Step on a crack, and you'll break your mothers back." Many people believe in, knocking on wood,  ladybugs landing on you meaning good luck, and pennies heads up. A strange one is: seeing an ambulance is very unlucky unless you pinch your nose or hold your breath until you see a black or a brown dog. There is a poem that goes along with it: touch your toes, touch your nose, never go in one of those, until you see a dog.

Blog 5

Answer the following questions for Richard Wright's short story, "The Man Who Was Almost a Man" in complete sentences, with as much detail as possible [this might mean a short paragraph]:

1. After reading the first paragraph, identify the narrator, the point of view, and the dialect.
This is in third person point of view, and the narrator is an omniscient narrator. This means that the narrator is inside Dave's head, and he knows his personal thoughts and feelings. The narrator is able to read the peoples minds and is not an actual part of the story, but more of a mind reader. The type of dialect that this story is written in is in a southern country way. This is why some of the words appear as slang, and they are not proper english.

2.What is Dave's mother's response when he asks her if he can buy a gun? How does he ask her?
She says no to the gun and then he keeps pushing her. She says his father doesn't even have a gun, and there is no need for him to have one either. She finally gives in after he makes many promises to her. He asks her by showing her the catalogue and showing what he wanted. She said he needed to save the money for school clothes for winter, but he says it is his money so he should get it.

3. What is Dave's reaction when pressed to tell the truth? What is the crowd's reaction when he tells?

Dave gets very nervous and he lies. After he told the truth though, Hawkins said he has to buy the mule. Everyone laughs at him because they say he has to purchase a dead mule, and they find it funny.

4. Think of the train as a symbol. What do you think it represents?
I think the train represents his life ending as far as the people from his town are aware of. Although he is not actually killing himself, he is getting away from the life he once had. In a way, he is ending his own life, without actually killing himself. He is also proving that he is man enough to live on his own and take care of himself.

5. Is society better off without individuals like Dave? Should they celebrate his departure?

No, they should not celebrate his departure because Dave is what makes the society the way it is. One person affects the society drastically, and his accidents should not make the people hate them. The society is not better off without him, but he is better off without them. This is true because they were rude to Dave and laughed at him when he was very upset. The society didn't treat him well, and nobody deserves to be treated like that.

Blog 4

What were your thoughts about the ending of this short story? Could Mary Maloney get away with the same crime in today's current society? Why/why not? 

Your response to this blog should be two-three paragraphs [at least 5-6 sentences].

At the end of this short story, I found it very shocking how Mary got away with it, and the cops had no clue. She basically begged them to eat the food which was her way of throwing away the evidence. She was very smart and was able to pull off her act very well. Mary did not seem like she was lying to the cops, she was very upset and acted like a normal wife would after her husband died. I find it appalling how somebody could get away with that so easily.

In modern times, Mary probably would not have gotten away with this because, this story is realistic-fiction. Although this seemed like it could happen, it didn't. The cops would have searched the whole house much more thoroughly and taken the lamb and question whether or not it could have struck someone with such a heavy blow. They also would have questioned the wife, because nowadays women and husbands have be known to kill each other. They could have done an investigation to see whether or not the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Maloney was okay.

Blog 3

The GAC words for this week are: aggressive, authentic, contradict, extravagant, flounder, hone, perceive, quirk, saunter, and summon.

Use four (4) of these vocabulary words in a one-paragraph response to your reading over the weekend. What portions of the story did you find compelling [moving] in Chapters 34-40? Challenge: Include a quotation from the text.

In chapter 34, two girls from Riva's barrack were called in front of everyone. They summoned for some authentic food, and not the petit amount that they normally receive. The girls had not had an extravagant meal in forever, and decided to steal some potato peels from the garbage. The commandant made the one sister whip the sister, and if she disobeyed, the commandant would whip her in a much more aggressive manner. At first the sister floundered at whipping her sister, but she knew she had to for both of their well beings. After the whipping was done, the girls were sent away. This part of the story was compelling because it showed how no matter what the situation was, even family members had to hurt each other. The girls stole, and then had to be whipped. It made me think about which is worse, being whipped by your sister, or having to whip your sister.

Blog 2

Yesterday, we explored twenty-eight concepts that pertained to the Jewish Holocaust, and as a class, we constructed a dictionary of terms. 

Which of these twenty-eight entries were you most surprised that you had not heard of before? ...the least? [If you were not surprised, then write about the one you would like to find out more about.] Include the description of the concept [or definition] and your thoughts/feelings.

This entry may be one longer paragraph [at least 7-8 sentences].

Out of all the entries we researched in class, the one that I had not heard about before was the Kristallnacht. I thought it was surprising that I never heard about that. It is also known as the night of broken glass, but I had not heard of that either. All I know is that when the Nazis destroyed all Jewish stores and homes by breaking the glass in the windows and doors. I would like to learn more about this because it is a cruel thing to do. Also, I found it really interesting and want to research it more. I'd like to know where it started, why they did it and when. The thing that bothers me the most is that the Nazis would stoop so low to bothering the Jews by destroying their stores.

Blog 1: Part 1 Reflection

Part I of Ruth Minsky Sender's The Cage explores the experiences Riva and her siblings have while living in the ghetto. Part II of the personal memoir will unveil her horrors in the camps.

What portion of Part I stood out to you in your reading? Provide a page number and short analysis of the excerpt.

Page 90

In Part 1, the part that stood out to me the most was the part when Riva's brother was dying. Her brother, Laibele had been fighting his disease, and his time was done. He could not fight any longer, and it showed the bond between sister and brother. Riva was crying because he was dying, and there was nothing she could do about it. She held him in her arms as his time was fading away, but she had to let go to let him know he could die peacefully.

Another thing about this part was that, she was screaming for him to keep fighting and letting go. In the beginning she told him not to give up, but then she realized it would be easier for him to die if he could go peacefully. " 'Riva, you are sinning. You are not letting him die in peace. You are calling him back, again and again. This is a great sin you are committing. Let him go, darling. Maybe he will be better off than we are' "(Sender 90). Riva realized that she needed to let him go to put him out of his pain. This was a very emotional part of the book and it showed her growing up as a person. She handled the situation like a mature adult would.

Blog 16

Pretend you are a Nazi journalist and you witness the events that occurred in Chapter Four of Ruth Minsky Sender's The Cage. Write a detailed news report [the type that would be printed in a German newspaper] on the incident(s) in your reading. Include specifics about the situation: dates, location, etc.

This posting should be approximately TWO paragraphs in length, (5-6 sentences in each paragraph). You should include one quotation from the text to support your story; this quotation can be used as a witness to the events that happened.

Be sure to stay true to journalistic writing! If you need help with this style, go here: How to Write a News Article.

Today is April 16, 1943 and here at in Lodz, Poland, the Nazis are trying to keep people in line. The disgusting attitudes the Jewish people are giving to us Nazi's in charge is not going to be tolerated anymore. The Nazi's are doing the right things, but the Jews are just being ignorant. This is ludicrous and will not be acceptable. The people are trying to frustrate us and that will not be good for them. One female yelled today, "Please, have pity. Let him be. He is a deaf mute."

The Jews need to realize that mercy will not be granted to them. They do not deserve the same treatment as everyone else. Their religion and what they want is wrong. They should not be granted the same rights as everyone else since they are not of the same level as us. Also, the rules are not the same for every person and the Jews are no exception. The ignorance they give off just angers us more and makes the Nazis act more vicious towards them. We are doing what is best for the country and most people are on our side. The Jews need to accept what is going on.

Blog 13

*After listening to the audio of Act V, scene ii*:

At the end of Act V, scene ii, Katherina makes a famous speech about the relationship husbands and wives should have. What three (3) lines did you find particularly interesting [especially since you have read about Katherina's transformation]? What is noteworthy about what she DOES NOT mention in her speech?

I found these following lines interesting because, they are contradicting what she says in the beginning of the play.

"A woman moved is like a fountain troubled, muddy, ill seeming thick, bereft of beauty.

And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty, will it design to sip or touch one drop of it.

Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, thy head, thy sovereign, one that cares for thee.

And for my maintenance commits his body to painful labor both by sea and land."

Before she was rude and disrespectful but now she is saying how amazing men are. In the beginning, she said she doesn't need a man, but now she loves him so much. She mentions how great of a husband Petruchio is when in the beginning, she hated him. She does not mention the fact that she used to act so rude and ignorant like the other wives that she was lecturing.

Blog 12

Petruchio seems to become the shrew, more so than Katharina ever was. Curtis says, “he is more shrew than she.” Why do you think they have traded personalities? 

As a psychiatrist, write a two-paragraph explanation to Curtis about why his boss has had the change of personality. Be creative!!

Curtis, I know you may be confused about the alternate personalities that seem to be occurring, but the truth is, he is just trying to teach a lesson. Petruchio is not really a shrew, but only trying to prove a point. You may not agree with his actions now that he is a shrew, but that is because he is not really a shrew. He only wants to make everyone see what they are like when they are a shrew.

He's not truly a shrew so you have no worries for he does not mean it. When he acts this way, he only wants to tame her. He is not evil or malicious, he is just trying to tame someone. He is giving her a taste of her own medicine. He is doing what we as psychiatrists like to call, "Reverse Psychology."

Blog 15

In your groups, take some time to collect information and provide each topic below with a thorough explanation. This may be a definition or a small summary of the event.

You are encouraged to include quotations and facts from other websites, provided that you cite them correctly. Try to be as detailed as possible, (i.e. include dates, famous people, etc.).

a. The Jewish Holocaust

The Holocaust was when Adolf Hilter had an idea for a "perfect race", and he wanted everyone to be Christian with blonde hair and blue eyes. Many people were sent to concentration camps and they were killed. Over 6 million died.

b. The Nazi Party

The Nazi's were a mass of people that were put in charge of the Jews in the concentration camps. They had the authority and power given by Adolf to do whatever they wanted and treat them however they wanted.

c. Ruth Minsky Sender

Ruth is a Holocaust survivor that has written three memoirs. She was born in Poland in November. She had two brothers. She was in Auschwitz but was rescued in the Mittelsteine camp.

d. Auschwitz, Mittelsteine, Grafenort

Auschwitz is known as one of the worst concentration camps during the Holocaust

Mittelsteine and Grafenort are two other concentration camps

e. personal memoir

A personal memoir is a written story by a person that lived during a historical time period. Also, it is written about their life and how they lived during the event and how it affected their lives. An example of one is by Ulysses S. Grant.

Blog 14

Petruchio had tamed Kate from the first time they met and changed her drastically. She was originally a cruel and heartless Kate that did not know what is was to be in-love. She had never cared much for anybody and was always nasty when she spoke. After she met Petruchio and was to be married to him, he was furious. She did not like him at all but after the wedding, she began to sing a different tune. 

Petruchio was perfect for her because, he knew exactly what to do. He gave her a taste of her own medicine and showed her what it was like to be malicious and use violent and hurtful words. In the end though, she was sweet and kind and said a long speech about how amazing husbands and men are. She made the other mens wives look bad in comparison. She had changed her attitude and was positive and sweet. 

A famous couple that they are like would be Heidi and Spencer from MTV's "The Hills". Spencer is rude and obnoxious where as Heidi is sweet and soft. She is trying to make him be nice, but it seems like he is turning her into a more cruel and meaner version of herself.

Blog 11 Shakespeare's Language

Before we begin reading Act 1 of William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew as a class, it is important for all of you to become familiar with the playwright's language.

Please answer the following questions in your own blog:
1. What is "blank verse"? Give an example of it from your book.Blank verse is when there is no set rhythm or rhyme but follows the patter of iambic pentameter

"He is no less than what we say he is" Page 11
2. Interpret these Shakespearean lines using your Shakespeare Packet: Reading Shakespeare's English: 
a. "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?" [R&J] 

Hey wait, what time is it?
b. "Thou art more lovely and more temperate." [Sonnets XVIII] 

You are beautiful and hot
c. "If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well." [Macbeth] 

Once it ends and is over, we're better off.
d. "Who wooed in haste, and means to wed in leisure." [Taming of the Shrew]
Who would work hard for a while to earn free time

3. How many creative Shakespearean insults can you come up with? Add "thou" or "thine" to the front of the lists picked up on your way in: "Thou+Column A+Column B+Column C!"
Post your BEST Shakespearean insult as a "comment" below.

Thou knavish lily-livered scullion

Thou wenching motley-minded remnant

Blog 10: trial Point of View

Memoirs of a Judge

By Judge Taylor

It has been five years since my most difficult case, and I wasn't sure if I should have included it in my life story. Five years ago I had a case where a member of the African-American community was accused of raping a caucasian female. The lawyer defending Tom Robinson, the african-american man, was Atticus Finch. He was appointed the case and did a wonderful job on it. Although he lost the case, he still fought till the end and should have won. It still troubles me that our racist community had chosen to place the blame on Tom instead of the girls father. 

It was obvious that Tom was incapable of raping her with his caring emotions towards her. He cared for her because he felt sorry for her. The case is a little bit foggy since I am older now, but the results will last forever. The thing I can remember the most was this: "'She reached up an' kissed me 'side of th' face. She says she never kissed a grown man before an' she might as well kiss a nigger. She says what her papa do to her don't count. She says, 'Kiss me back niggger.'"(194 Lee) When Tom had finished saying this, the crowd was shocked. I remember looking at Mr. Ewell's face seeing the guilt, but nobody else saw it. The jury looked as if they wanted to grant Tom as innocent, but they couldn't turn against their own kind. To this day, I still believe it...Tom was innocent.

Blog 9 TKAM, The beginning of the trial

Pretend you worked very hard through law school, became a lawyer, and you now currently earn a modest living working independently at law.

You are asked by one of your closest friends to defend someone who has been accused of stealing from the PHHS scholarship fund [or another controversial topic]. The people in both communities, Montvale and Woodcliff Lake, believe that this individual committed the crime. The monetary sum of $2,000 was found in the accused individual's bank account the day after the money was discovered to be missing; the accused could not explain why the money appeared in his account.

If you take this case, you will be looked at critically by everyone around you, and you might even lose some of your close friends. People may come to judge you for your choice to defend an individual that looks blatantly guilty.

The accused person is very poor and states that he did not commit the crime. He has no witnesses to support the fact that he is innocent, but he has never been involved in any arrests/suspicious activities before. In fact, his coworkers have only the nicest things to say about him. If you choose not to defend him, no other lawyer will come to his defense.

The question is: Do you take the case? Why/why not? If yes, what would you offer as a defense? If no, what holds you back from this client?

*Challenge*: How is this situation similar to what is occurring in To Kill a Mockingbird? 

i would most likely take this case. I want to be a lawyer when I grow up, and this is a choice that i would have to make in the future. After speaking carefully with my client, I would discuss with them the situation thoroughly, and I would find out the truth. Also, I would try to figure out how one would go about stealing a scholarship. If the co-workers and everyone I speak to have only nice things so say, I would need to decipher the situation very carefully. People are falsely accused for things that they do not commit, and this person should not be charged for something if they are innocent.

This case relates to To Kill A Mockingbird because, Atticus is defending a man of the African American race. People are judging him for his decision and being cruel. He is aware that he may lose his friends or colleagues, but he doesn't care. This book deals with in the past and how it relates to today. Also, Atticus is aware of the circumstances he has to accept for when he defends his client.  There are certain things a lawyer has to deal with to survive in that profession.

Blog 8 NYT

Answer the following questions, either alone or with a partner. Your responses should be three-four sentences in length. You should be making connections between the NYT article and Steinbeck's text.

1. What is the main idea of this NYT article? What is its connection to OMAM?
The main idea in this article is that the country is in recession. The connection to OMAM is that in the story, the men are poor and have to work. Also, people are struggling for money in the story and in our country right now.

2. According to the article, "Some Forecasters See a Fast Economic Recovery," what 'psychological factor' is mentioned as providing the U.S. society with a false sense of comfort?
They are saying that if we think we are going to be okay, we will fix this. We need to think positively that this will end soon. Also, by thinking negatively, it adds depression, and it makes it harder to end this.

3. Is there a similar psychological phenomenon that plays out in OMAM? [Hint: Where do the migrant workers' earnings go? Find support for your answers on pages 76-78 of the text.]
The money goes to gambling, the whore house and good times. They act like everything is okay when it really is not. The money is not saved like it should be, but they are pretending like nothing is wrong.


When you have finished this blog posting, take out your Chapter 4 Focus Questions and review the answers with your neighbors.