Con-cluzi-own

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Wow, I'm so glad we got a week to write up each one of these, I only now realize how many there are! I've learned so much in Honors English this year, all of those poetry terms, how to read Shakespearean, and learning how to find symbolism and motif. It feels weird now to think that I hadn't known these things just a year ago. My writing style has also evolved a bit over the course of the year. I still write with my personality and thoughts, but my writing is slightly different because I'm so much more knowledgeable(giving me different insight to situations and a slightly sophisticated point of views). But what does this all mean? The end of the year has approached us, and my conclusion is that I've become "smarter"? No. Because of our amazing teacher (Mrs. Gilman) I personally feel like my boundaries in writing have multiplied by some infinite number. As the year went on, even my grade improved, which is, in fact, solid data that not only my vocabulary, but my writing style improved immensely. my word choice and confidence was raised as we worked tirelessly on essay writing styles. An example of my work when writing about the poem "Lobsters", I wrote, "Quite frankly I was puzzled that the author would bring up such gruesome details in the poem. This was brought up about halfway through the discussion..."(11/19/10). Even though I wrote this myself, it's extremely boring to read. '...he brought up that which was brought up in the discussion...' blah, blah, blah, I'm so grateful that I've been given the opportunity to learn how to write 'with style'. It's so odd to see how incapable I really was when it came to journalism. A more recent example of my writing potential can be found as I look back at the Great Expectations novel. I explain, "Because of this, I was able to write more and think more about the way Charles Dickens expressed the characters and the symbolic meanings that were commonly found in it.(6/10/11)." My vocabulary is much more varied and I have an easier time expressing what I am trying to say. This is an emotional time for everyone in Mrs. Gilman's class I'm sure. All of the assignments I'm fond of, all of the tricked out Gadgets I'll miss fooling around with, and of course the lovely memories of our oddly humorous class discussions, and our trouble with screws...(ha ha). But this blog symbolizes the transfer of energy that left me every night I had to type in it. It symbolizes how far I've come academically over the course of a year. This blog holds my deepest thoughts about the English language, and of the many historical authors (including play writers and poets) that have squeezed themselves into the lives of the learning youth. Whether or not I'm excited to complete my last post, the knowledge I now possess, will stick with me because of the incredible time I had writing about such experiences, in class, and in books.  

Memorable Assignment

     I think my most memorable assignment was the The Importance of Being Earnest assignment. This is because it was my favorite book (...well, play...) to read in class.The humor in it is great and there's really a lot that you can talk about that relates to the play. It was also incredibly fun to act out in class. Though if a teacher wanted to find a good example of my work it would probably be in my Great Expectations Questions. We did these when we were not too far into the giant project, so I wasn't yet sick of the novel. Because of this, I was able to write more and think more about the way Charles Dickens expressed the characters and the symbolic meanings that were commonly found in it.
    Surprisingly, I think I might have worked harder on the Great Expectations project. I don't really know why, but I really did enjoy writing those thought provoking questions :). Still, the project took a lot more time than I wanted it to take, I began to become sick of the book and I'm sure that with this, the quality of my work was also lacking a bit. Ahah! This brings me to a conclusion! I probably didn't work as hard on The Importance of Being Earnest project because we reread every scene in class, meaning I spent just as much (if not then more) time on it as Great Expectations. This relates to my odd pattern of "slacking off when I spend more time on essays and homework assignments", meaning that a teacher would probably find my best grades in the shortest project time periods, even if some of the longer ones were fun to work with.

Poetry Background

     I have no exciting poetry background that I know of, and I'm really hoping that that won't effect my grade (at least not in a negative way -haha). No nostalgic poems or rhymes that I remember from childhood, no poetry contest that "changed my life". If anything, I'm horrible with poetry because I'm extremely horrible with memorization. But I do enjoy reading Poems just the same. I can respect a poet, and I do in fact enjoy watching people perform poems. The nice thing about poetry is that you can express a ton of meaningful things/theories within a few ''sentences'', if you will. I don't go to poetry readings (or recitings) but I'll listen to a poem if someone tells one to me.
     My favorite thing to do (dealing with poems) is analyzing and sometimes writing them. This is because of the many views you can get, even if you're the one who wrote the poem. Because everyone thinks differently, a poem is that much more capable of holding these deep suggestions. I would say more, but I can feel myself becoming rather repetitive. This positive feeling is really towards poetry itself, which is why I can't just pick out a poem and a poet's name. Though when you dig into the types of poems, I must say that I'm not a big fan of meaningless, "fun" little rhymes. "Fire and Ice" is in fact on the edge of this boundary(Sorry Mrs. Gilman!). Yes you could definitely fight me on the 'meaningless' part, but I think I have a hard time enjoying it because there isn't much that you can get out of it. It's very literal if you ask me.
     Overall, I enjoy the poems I can pick apart and I'm not so great when it comes to reciting. Still, I envy those who can do so with emotion, and I can still respect a poem when I see (or hear) one. When I hear the word "poetry" in the classroom I think of memorization, which has become a danger to my grade (so not a very happy thought). But when I hear "poetry" anywhere else, it reminds me of an unfathomable work of art.

Conflict in and between R&J

     One major conflict in Romeo and Juliet is family relations. In fact, it is because of their families that Romeo and Juliet can't be together. Expected to be as obedient and understanding as a dog, they suffer their parents' rulings. This is especially the case for Juliet. Juliet's father (Capulet) is the complete opposite of understanding. Juliet has grown up being the most respectful and obedient kid alive. In meeting Romeo she "falls in love" and because this is against her father's plans, Capulet is outraged and turns against his loving daughter. He shouts in anger, "Hang thee, young baggage, disobedient wretch! 3.5.166"(page 167). This row of insults is incredibly rude and hurtful; for her own father to say this to her face is just dreadful. This is a major conflict for Juliet because she is forced to pick between her family and her love. Her choice further develops the theme of everlasting love in this play. This conflict was also important for Juliet because it forced her to grow some independence and listen to her own thoughts and opinions. Realizing the unreasonable, Juliet had to 'take matters into her own hands' and listen to what she really felt was right. Romeo's main conflict was that he loved a girl based off of her beauty, and he's too full of himself to realize that what he does has an affect on the world, and particularly, Juliet's life. Even Friar Lawrence is surprised at Romeo's behavior, saying, "Thou hast amazed me. By my holy order,--I thought thy disposition better tempered.--Hast thou slain Tybalt? 3.3.124" (page 149). Romeo kills Tybalt as self satisfaction, and doesn't even think about how this completely screws with Juliet's life. I believe that Romeo's conflict is the oddest to decipher because not only does he get into physical fights with people, but he seems to have trouble with his own life, and even thinking straight.
     Even though Romeo makes himself look mentally insane, I think a lot of people in the real world struggle with society. It can be really hard to understand other people, especially when you fell like everyone is telling you to do a different thing. Juliet wants to love and marry Romeo, the Montagues want him to help quench their vengeful thirst, and the Capulets are only just learning of him, and hate him still. Though this web of social issues probably isn't what people go through today, we all find ourselves stuck in a web at some point. There doesn't seem to be many options in dealing with something like this anyways. When you're stuck with someone you disagree with, it's easy to get tired of it all. A more modern version of this could be table groups and partners for class projects in school. Not as drastic, I know, but it can be hard to compromise and get through things with other people. And through all of that, you have to also be good with handling yourself. This was tough for Romeo too, at one point he even says he wants to kill himself. Depressing, yes, but it's one of those conflicts you need to work through. Otherwise, you are going to end up with no friends or family members that want to support you. Juliet had this problem with her father (though slightly different). A lot of teenage girls especially have problems agreeing and working with their parents. Juliet feels constantly controlled by her parents, and when she tries to take a step back and look at things for herself, she finds that she doesn't agree with everything that's being laid down. Noticing this, her father makes a failed attempt to keep her close and obedient. His abusive rants just push Juliet farther and she learns to make her own decisions. I know for a fact that there are people who disagree with their parents, and that their parents want the best for their children, but Shakespeare dramatically exaggerates this to show this common teen/parent relationship. Generally people deal with this conflict by just giving each other space for a while. Sometimes parents take away privileges to show the child where certain boundaries lie. This is reflected in the passage through a more serious privilege of picking a husband. Because it isn't up to Juliet who she marries, Romeo and Juliet's love grows even sweeter, turning into a forbidden love, instead of just love at first sight.

Romeo and Juliet- Everywhere

     Two stereotypical teenagers with controlling parents, wow. That's been used in pretty much every high school based movie or television show. A lot of producers have used this conflict as a base to their productions too. Whether it be about background, religion, or even race; the stars of the show, the "perfect couple" is forcibly separated from one another and the effect is horrifying.  This, of course, is just what the producers go for. Any exciting or dramatic thing is great as long as it keeps viewers interested in what's going on. One example of this seperation might be Shades of Ray (About a guy named Ray) who's father doesn't want him to marry a white woman. I keep telling people that stories with a comparable theme to that of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet just get on my nerves. By that I mean that the stereotypical problems are so predictable that there's hardly a point in watching the show. Even so, every time some modern, romantic-comedy appears on the T.V. I am oddly interested in the outcome. I know it seems crazy, but it works. Shakespeare must have been a pretty smart guy to have a story this popular, centuries after his death.

Connecting with Romeo and Juliet

1. Personally, I'm having trouble agreeing with the characters in Romeo and Juliet. Romeo just seems so stuck up and oblivious, while Juliet doesn't even seem to care about the way her life turns out. Typical teenagers? I don't think so. The only thing that remotely relates is the parental issues. Still, Romeo doesn't really have a part in the family feuds, he's always out and about feeling sorry for himself while everyone else in his family is struggling with the Capulets. Romeo makes this stuck up decision to let his family deal with their problems while he moans about his life to his knowledgable and caring cousin (Benvolio, obviously). I suppose that Benvolio is the only person I can relate to, and even so I mean that I can understand him more than I can relate to the position he's in. Benvolio works hard to help his family and takes the time to listen to and even advise his snobby cousin (Romeo). I approve of his actions, and can tell that he actually thinks things through. If it weren't for him, I think I'd be remarkably annoyed with the first act of this play.

2. I'm getting most of the ''stuff'' when reading just at home. Though the lines can be weirdly worded at times, I'll find myself discovering double meanings and puns, making this reading all the more enjoyable. And when that fails, I can always use the definitions on the left hand side of the page (which is very helpful, I'm so glad I bought the Folger edition). Rereading the pieces in class is pretty useful. I guess the story "sticks" better if you read it twice. My favorite part of reading this play though, is the group work. Well, really the group discussions. It's really nice to here all of the unique points of views. People can see things so differently, I always enjoy discovering their understandings because most of the time I wouldn't have seen these things the way that person does (and other people do).

Wrapping Up Great Expectations

     I believe that the overall theme of the novel Great Expectations is of responsibility. This is a consistent problem for Pip, and is used throughout the entire novel. Everybody at some point in their life struggles internally, whether it be over a label or over indecision. Pip feels both and represents the many possibilities of things that can happen to an ordinary person. I seriously think that Dickens created Pip to teach readers how to respond in situations, and how to have responsibility. Even though all of the horrible things that happened to Pip probably won't happen to an ordinary person, Pip represents many predicaments and instructs how to deal with each of them. From reading this book, I got that you need to have responsibility to gain respect and that there's a boundary where you need enough pride to take this responsibility, but not so much that you seem cocky and rude. Though it's quite straight forward, this is something you need to do and are capable of doing at any time/place. There's no need to wait until someone is brutal towards you, start demonstrating your reliability by being responsible all of the time.

Thoughts on Reading

Sorry this is a bit late! I thought we didn't have a blog this week because of the extra credit projects posted above it and when I recently checked again to make sure I wasn't missing anything I found that we did in fact have one, so here's my thoughts on reading the novel:
        The story itself was pretty depressing. I think I pitied the characters more than anything else though, and the author too! What is it that brings the creepy and emotionally overwhelming stories into your head? What did Charles Dickens have to endure to suffer the thought process of creating Great Expectations? Most of the mysteries I was able to figure out on my own with the exception of a few surprises. Orlick; yes he's a crazy stalker but I never thought he would actually kill Mrs. Joe or even try to kill Pip. Not only the literal mysteries but the bits of symbolism and meaningful sentences were frequently skimmed over too. It was incredibly helpful to talk it all over in class discussions and to have our awesome teacher (Mrs. Gilman) explain Dickens' motives and use of language. Most of the characters in Great Expectations had problems I've never had to go through, so you couldn't exactly say I sympathized with them, but I could respect them as I imagined what they were each going through and how draining it would be (even just emotionally).
     I might of skipped a page or two as I forced myself through the boring passages but I definately read enough to understand the novel. Reading outside of class felt really time consuming and was hard with all of  my other class work and outside of school dedications. I normally read at night and used it as a wind down because reading  can make me extremely tired. Unfortunately though, this didn't work too well with a book I was only reading for a grade (that I was reading after exhausting myself with other school activities -homework mainly). It's surprising I know but I do take five classes besides English :) . Each night I ended up snuggling in my bed with eyelids weighing my body down into the mattress, with another night's worth of English homework still to be completed. This definately affected the way I read the book because instead of taking the time to place myself in the narrator's shoes, I found myself searching for symbolism and themes that are otherwise irrevolent yet mysterious things that would keep me reading -if I didn't have to find them first. Having no extra time in the morning I made an effort to get to bed early and read late each night, though every once in a while a chapter would flood into the next day. I'm just glad I could keep up with every Friday.

Great Expectations; a Symbol for the First 2 Parts of the Book

     The mysteries, the confusion. All of the little parts that takes forever to read but has hidden meanings that results in ironic symbolism. The convicts, Pip's donor, confusing relationships and scary people. Compeyson (former convict) stalks Pip and Magwitch, taking court to a much greater extent. Yet while worrying about his life, Pip still feels haunted by his abusive sister's ghost (the lighter vs. darker people in the picture represent his disturbed soul). Poor puzzled Pip feels depressed and anxious as he loses his battle for Estella and realizes that leaving home was a big mistake.

Making Connections

Pictures at bottom

Great Expectations on left Jane Eyre on right

A novel similar to Great Expectations would be Jane Eyre. At first you might say "Whaat? But Pip's a boy and Jane is a girl, where's the connection? Helloooo?" But the plot and themes are very close and many chapters seem like a rewritten form of the other book. First of all, Jane an Pip are both orphans, both taken care of be the nearest relative(s) of age. Though Jane's aunt -Mrs. Reed- absolutely hates her; likewise Pip's sister (and guardian) is very irrational and abusive towards Pip. Jane eventually finds a friend and teacher that supports her and helps her learn in order to gain a future and maybe become a governess. Pip is given money from a mysterious donor so as to carry on and develop a career. Later in Jane's life she meets Mr. Rochester whom she loves and is ignored by. Mr. Rochester knowingly lets other women flirt with him to make her feel jealous and relationships get quite tangled for a while. Correspondingly, Pip is emotionally and psychotically abused by Estella. In the mist of all this confusion Jane gets a letter saying her abusive Aunt Reed is on her deathbed, and wants to see her again; Jane accepts this invitation and her aunt eventually dies. Pip gets a letter saying that his abusive sister has passed away and visits shortly to console his brother in law and (ex)best friend, -Joe-.

But besides these most obvious plot correlations, there are many thematic relationships. One may be Guilt. Guilt is found in many situations. The feelings of regret, anxiety, sadness, and fear all hold guilt within them. Both Pip and Jane grew up being told "you aren't good enough" and "why can't you be like someone else". Being innocent and young, their human conscience couldn't help but feel at least a little guilty for being a baron to others. It wouldn't be a good feeling to be told constantly that you make other's lives harder without intending to. Deception and Mystery are both reocurring themes. Pip and Jane are both decieved by false love through their "lovers". Additionally, many mysteries (involving the convicts and unidentified donors) are in Great Expectations, and (attempted murder and relationship confusions) in Jane Eyre. Both stories reflect morals of human nature concerning respect, and listening to that inner voice -versus the abuser's.

Chains of Great Expectations

      Pip is talking about actually realizing when something that's done is life changing. Being able to think about what you recently went through and say "Wow, if this didn't take place would I still understand things the way that I do now?" Going to Miss Havisham's house has got to be a life changing experience for Pip. Even the house itself contrasts Pip's past life experiences. All the benefits of the work Pip does is given to his greedy sister.  He doesn't have a chance to grow or learn or even feel appreciated. In visiting Miss Havisham, Pip discovers what it's like to be forced to grow. Even the garden there is rotten because it hasn't been cut back. Pip knows he is mistreated, but now he also gets to see the other end at it's extremes. Eventually I hope Pip finds that these two approaches need to be balanced though i don't believe he's come to that yet. It might be just me, but I think that after his experience at Miss Havisham's, Pip is more open and curious to what others think and do. Though his change in character of innocence is slight. Pip is still feeling guilty when other people are hurt, but mainly now when he's slightly involved. For example, in chapter sixteen, pg 121 "It was horrible to think that I had provided the weapon... I suffered unspeakable trouble while I considered and reconsidered whether I should at last dissolve that spell of my childhood and tell Joe all the story." Pip is more thoughtful and though his conscience is troubled, it is for good reason.
      "Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day." In fourth grade I chose to play the viola. Before then I had no clue what I was interested in, and therefore hadn't chosen a career path. Looking back, if I hadn't taken that simple step, I wouldn't know who or what I wanted to be to this day. I find myself more and more interested in music, if it weren't for a simple decision in my premature mind, I wouldn't have been close friends to the members in the string quartet(we formed). Because of the hobby that turned into an obseesion I met some really amazing people and found my passion. It's almost scary -the consequences of reactions- and it makes me think more about them.

Whaaaat?

Joe tells Pip they have to keep their learning to read a secret from Mrs. Joe. Page 47 to 48 Joe says "...she ain't over partial to having scholars on the premises, and in partickler would not be over partial to my being a scholar, for fear as I might rise." In chapter seven. What is it that Joe doesn't know that Mrs. Joe is afraid he'll learn? This scenario is a lot like how people would treat slaves, but if Joe loves Mrs. Joe I don't see why she would have to hide things from him.

My Paragraph

What's new in my paragraph: I added the second reason as to how Prism's three volume novel fits into the thesis. I also reworded the top few sentences a little so they made more sense.
How Buddies can help: If you could look it over and make sure it actually flows that would be great! I've been really time tight lately and the only times I've had to type is like nine to eleven at night so I probably swerved off the road every once in a while. Haha, as long as everything makes sense that's cool. Plus, if you have any ideas on how I can add-on better to the paragraph please say so. Thanks!

A third character that’s symbolized in Wilde’s play would be Miss Prism. Prism is constantly lacking motivation. Full of neglect, she is satisfied with even her own unfinished work. When her three volume novel is lost, Miss Prism just shrugs her shoulders and waves away her wasted hours of unnecessary work. When telling of this latest occupation, she clearly states, “The manuscript unfortunately was abandoned. I use the word in the sense of lost or mislaid.” (Wilde 39)The matter is just wiped aside! The carelessness of losing the book can be looked upon as unlucky, but being so lazy to not even look for it shows it really meant nothing to her in the first place. It seems that finding the three volume novel would be worth your time, especially sense it might sell for a good amount of money. This book in a way also represents Miss Prism and her life. Being in the upper class, Prism has the advantage of knowledge and knowledge is power. Lower classes in the Victorian Era rarely and usually never had the opportunity of gaining such intelligence. Prism becomes the governess of Cecily and tries to teach her many things, but gives in when all that’s needed is the final step of enforcement. At one point, Prism tells Cecily to do her work but Chasuble comes along and Cecily insists that Miss Prism leaves. Instead of asking Chasuble to sit with them while she looks over Cecily and her work, Prism gives in and leaves Cecily to walk with him. The three volume novel is just a way of pointing this out. Prism spends time writing the tale to be published, but when she suddenly loses her work she sits back and pretty much says, “Well that’s too bad.”  In this way, the three volume novel is just a written replica of Prism’s life reactions.

Many characters in The Importance of Being Earnest show a great lack of seriousness and motivation to pursue what is important. Oscar Wilde symbolizes this carelessness with simple pieces of writing. At the same time he links the characters to the documents, which are representing their personalities in the play. Three characters especially reveal these traits. Miss Cecily Cardew is represented by her diary’s “fantasy land of romance” yet she is ignorant to the rest of her life. Reverend Chasuble has a job of great importance yet the significance of his sermons possesses very little meaning. Miss Prism takes her job seriously but her own life affairs are worth less than what they should be. Cecily is the most out of it between the three, the romantic drama queen.

Cecily: Catherine
Pg. 38-39
Pg. Engagement to Algernon (54-55)
Pg.
Ch.: A.
Pg. 45-46
Pg. 40
Pg.
Prism: K.
Pg. 39
Pg. 38
Pg. Finding the handbag & not really caring what it meant (86-87)

Ideas:
Ignoring , being oblivious, miss prism not going back for baby( too lazy too pursue what is important) absent-mindedness,

Do NOT:
Use word “Theme”
Use question for hook
Repeat Words or phrases
Use too many words

The Importance of Being Earnest Post

          Dishonesty is very common in The Importance of Being Earnest  (TIBE). Oscar Wilde sneaks it into the plot in many different ways. Most are found in silly things that shouldn't really be funny at all. These would be called epigrams. Jack states: "...it is a terrible thing for a man to find out suddenly that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth." (Wilde 89). It seems life should be easier if everyone was truthful, but as pointed out by Algernon "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." (Wilde 14). Jack and Algernon, whose characters are quite opposites, are constantly disagreeing. Jack would be the inner conscience, and Algernon would be the devil on your shoulder. Though on the second to last page of TIBE, it is almost as if Algernon's words are coming from Jack's mouth. Near the beginning Jack seems to be the person who has never done anything wrong, the romantic angel who will do anything to win dear Gwendolyn's heart. Yet when Gwendolyn's mother steps in the way, this dream becomes a lie stricken maze. Jack must lie about his name and conceal the people in his life to get what he wants; Jack's on the pursuit for pleasure.
          Along the way down this dangerous path, Wilde exposes dishonesty through marriage, edution, social class, and religion. Gwendolyn shows that she is commited to Jack when he proposes, but her answer seems a little dishonest with her obsession with "Ernest's" name. "Jack: Darling! You don't know how happy you've made me." Gwendolyn responds "My own Ernest!" (Wilde 20-21). Gwendolyn's mother has a high social status, and in her eyes Jack must be perfect in every way possible for him to marry Gwendolyn. Jack seems to pass her tests in every way, until it comes to the background check. When Jack is unable to provide his parents for her expection, she refuses to let him marry her daughter. She says "...a cloakroom at a railway station might serve to conceal a social indiscretion." (Wilde 27). Jack is only barely on the list because of his lucky jump into a higher status when adopted. This status jump could also be looked upon as dishonesty on Jack's part because he isn't so sure that he's supposed to be where he is in life. Before you know it, Jack lets the lies take over. A professional bunburyist and yet his life seems no more untangled than before. Algernon, though, takes this as an advantage. Upon discovering Jack's true home, he goes there to meet Cecily Cardew, disguising himself as Jack's brother Ernest. The plot for a long while becomes very confusing as there are two "Ernest's" (Jack and Algernon) who are pretending to be the same fake being. More dishonesty. This is ironic because the name Ernest sounds just like the adjective "earnest" which means sincere. When the truth finally falls together Jack becomes his "innocent" self again. He states "On the contrary Aunt Augusta, I've realised for the first time in my life the vital importance of being Earnest!" (Wilde 90). Wilde makes each character's job very clear. He does this by matching their characteristics with their names; Algernon is nick-named "Algy" and Jack is really Ernest even his character is earnest. Their actions and words are also very significant. Cecily is very romantic and makes her own "Bunbury" out of loneliness. Algernon is always being clever, even his words are witty. Jack's simple self doesn't understand half the time what's going on. It all fits, Wilde makes everything amusing but still keeps things similar to a regular romance novel (or in this case play).

New Year's Resolution

Sisterly friendship and fights

       Something I really need to work on this year is the compatibility between my sister and myself. My sister is younger than me and we get into disagreements with each other constantly. Not only is this hard on our relationship, but it's really a drag to come home and immediately feel stressed with my own sibling. I do love her but for some reason we have the hardest time with the smallest things. Once my mom or dad finally steps in, the solution seems so much easier than it did just a minute before. So I suppose I just need to work on actually trying to understand and listen to her. As opposed to trying to prove my point in why this conversation is so unnecessary and a waste of time. You never know, it might even end quicker if I make her feel like her point has been heard. Wow, this may seem weird but this makes so much more sense on paper (...or on my computer...).

Animal Farm Evaluation

Nic: Picture
Totally relates to the book and how manipulative Napoleon really is. But holds a lot of literal meaning with the beer and the clothing, and standing on two legs.

Aqua-Man: Comic strip
Basically a summary of the original story, pretty cool though. It was funny though to see the animals with the little music notes above their heads when Major is supposedly teaching them Beasts of England.

Catherine: Picture
I think it might have been a bit better if it showed more of a relation to the Russian Revolution, like labelling the dogs "KGB" and giving the pigs their names. What is shown doesn't really describe the plot or the relationship between Animal Farm and it's corrupted society.

Conor: Picture
Woah. Looks amazing, shows the reason the book was written (reference to Russian Rev.) and still describes a part of the story (with manipulated commandments).

Maddie: Comic
My main confusion: the last pic is labelled "after taking power". Is this from the pig's perspective? Because the animals didn't really succeed in ridding the world of humans.

Britta: Song/Poem
Gives a good understanding of the book, even to those who haven't read it. Super cool, it even rhymes!

Aaron: Comic/Pic
Was hard to understand at first, the explanation below is very helpful though :) shows lots of understanding of not just the story, but the ironic cycle Animal Farm has become stuck in.

Meghann: Picture
  Hahahaha, that's exactly what it's like! This shows the animal's lack of knowledge, and the pig's ironically powerful ability to abuse power.

Daryl: Picture/Comic
Isn't all that clear but it's still okay since we all read Animal Farm. Shows reference to book with the manipulated commandments, and I got that the whole power by creator reference was Napoleon's way of thinking (he controls therefore he can manipulate).

Galen: Comic
Shows what happened in the book without drawing it out a ton. Information is from the book (accurate) and relates to the animals lives and their mistakes. 

Even after seeing my classmates' awesome projects I still feel pretty good about the time I spent creating mine, and  the effort I put into it. It's really too bad that my project wouldn't work on my blog though, I still don't completly understand what I could have done to make it work. I feel that my electronically produced picture correctly reflected the aspects of Animal Farm, and why it just didn't turn out. It's really cool to see my classmates' reflections on the book and their ideas are all different and inspiring. You can get so many perspectives on the tiniest of things.

Animal Farm

 

Hope this works, I've been having some trouble with it lately:

If "comic-pic" doesn't pop up feel free to try the URL above it.

C:\Users\Kahli\Documents\Animal Farm.docx