Literature Analysis #2

1. Exposition: Emily Bronte starts the book off with a character named Lockwood who buys a house called Thrushcross Grange in the country of England. In Thrushcross Grange, he meets his landlord, Heathcliff who lives in an ancient house called Wuthering Heights. Lockwood asks Nelly, his housekeeper, to share with him her stories while she was living in Wuthering Heights as servant for the Earnshaw family.

Inciting Incident: Nelly starts off with her childhood and how Heathcliff came about Wuthering Heights. One day, Mr. Earnshaw brought home a little orphan boy named Heathcliff to Wuthering Heights. Initially, everybody despised the dark-skinned boy but Catherine, the youngest of the family, grew fond of him and soon fell in love with him. As they grew older, they become inseparable.

Climax: After Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley the oldest of the Earnshaw family, takes over Wuthering Heights and gets married to a woman named Frances who soon finds out that she is pregnant. When Frances dies after giving birth to her son, Hareton, Hindley becomes an alcoholic and begins to display his abusive side especially to Heathcliff. After being bitten by a dog, Catherine stays in the Grange to recover and meets a man named Edgar whom she later becomes infatuated with. She and Edgar marry and Heathcliff runs away from Wuthering Heights.

Falling Action: After returning back to Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff plans on taking revenge on those who have done him wrong. Hindley dies and Heatcliff inherits the ancient home of Wuthering Heights. Catherine dies shortly after giving birth to her son and Heathcliff begs her spirit to remain on Earth. He then marries a woman named Isabella Linton whom he treats very brutally.

Resolution: Edgar Linton dies and Heathcliff invites Nelly and Catherine back into Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff forces Cathy to be his servant in Wuthering Heights. He also buys Thrushcross Grange for Lockwood. Catherine and Hareton continue to live in Wuthering Heights.

2. The theme of the novel is mainly revenge because after Heathcliff returns back to Wuthering Heights, he seeks revenge on everybody who wronged him. This also leads to a love versus hate theme because the only reason he takes revenge on people is because he built up a lot of hatred and anger toward people who have done him wrong, but nothing could have hurt more than abandonment and betrayal of his one true love, Catherine Earnshaw.

3. I chose this book because a lot of people have recommended it to me, but honestly it really isn't my type of books because I felt like it was really confusing and dark. The only reason I kept reading was because I loved the passion and admiration Heathcliff and Cathy had for each other although it didn't last.

4. The book was definitely realistic; a lot of the events in the book could happen to anyone in this world. The only connection I made with this book was through Heathcliff and Catherine's relationship. It reminded me of how my sister liked this boy and he liked her back, but he just left her for somebody else while they were still talking which complicated their relationship.

5. The novel has a bit of a dark and gloomy tone to it especially when Heathcliff is around.
"And what if she should have slipped in clambering among them," Ellen (Nelly)  reflected, "and been killed, or broken some of her bones."
"Ah," said she, "you are come a seeking your little mistress! Don't be frightened. She's here safe: but I'm glad it isn't the master." (about Heathcliff)

6. "Missis walked in," Catherine said, "as chill as an icicle..." (Simile) (pg 281)
"...as high as a princess" (Simile) (pg 281)

CHARACTERIZATION

1. Indirect: "I've no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn't have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him; and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am" (86). Catherine admits to Ellen that she loves Heathcliff but cannot think of marrying him because he has been degraded by Hindley. Heathcliff hears this speech, and he leaves Wuthering Heights, not to return for three years.

Direct: "Keep your eft's fingers off; and move, or I'll kick you!" cried Heathcliff brutally repulsing Catherine.

2. After returning home after three years, Heathcliff changes and so does his way of speaking. In the beginning he was more of a soft-spoken guy, but at the end he lets his anger get to him; therefore he yells very often. 

3. Heathcliff is definitely a dynamic character. Initially, he is a very nice, sweet, romantic guy but at the end he turns into a very angry man who yells often and acts very cruelly toward those who wronged him.

4. After reading the book, I was left with a strong hatred for Heathcliff. I felt as if I were in the book and he was saying all of those brutal things to me.

ENDURING MEMORY

From this book, I realized that I have to choose carefully on who I fall in love with because sometimes people are not who you think they are. If you make one mistake, it can lead to many problems kind of like how Catherine led Heathcliff on and then married Edgar.

Persepolis Argumentative Essay

I strongly believe that the non-fictional graphic novel, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi should be taught in every school. It is the case that I go against Johan Bennett's argument and prefer Persepolis to be taught at school not only because it helps you think twice about calling Iranians, “terrorists”, but because it teaches you about things that can actually happen to you-- whether its teenage struggles or conflict during adulthood. Unlike my opinion, Johan Bennett, the chief executive officer of SMJUHSD believes that Persepolis should be banned from every school in the district saying, “... let me be clear – we are banning this book from our schools.” In her graphic novel, Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi elaborates on what it was like to live in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It became obligatory for women to wear veils in public in 1979, men couldn't show their wrists, women couldn't wear make up, and couples weren't to be seen in public. This book clearly shows how hard it was to live in Iran during the revolution. This side of the novel really helped me value and be grateful for what I have. We are given the chance to express ourselves here by wearing and saying what we please. It's always important to throw your input out there because you should always have the right to have justice which is something they lacked in Iran. Marjane also explains what her life was like – what choices and mistakes she made throughout her life. In life, we all make mistakes; nobody is perfect. Satrapi tells us about the bad choice she made in her youth and in her adulthood. For instance, when she leaves to Austria and makes friends who she thinks were a great choice, but later finds out that she was wrong. We've all done this and this also helped me realize that I need to start being more careful on choosing my friends. Marjane also explains how she attempts to fit in with the crowd, but later finds out that she has failed doing so. It's important to always be ourselves no matter what. She then talks about her suicide attempts and how she felt at the moment. Personally, I wouldn't blame her for wanting to commit suicide considering all the things she's dealt with – having family members and friends dying, having to live life with so many restrictions, having no friends or a place to live for a while. There are people in the world going through situations like these, but it's important to go on in life and make the most of it. It's also important to choose the right paths, wisely. It is the case that I prefer Persepolis to be taught in school because it helps you think twice about calling Iranians “terrorists” and because it teaches you about real obstacles that may cross your path someday.  

Vocabulary Sentences #11

1. Hopefully the football players don't perturb us tomorrow night at their last game against Righetti.
2. I think it's ludicrous for girls to wear veils everyday because they should have the right to express themselves.
3. I always act cordially to everyone especially people I've only met.
4. I had a predicament last night about finishing my difficult AP World History homework.
5. My grades are beginning to descend due to all of these extra-curricular activities.
6. I am always demure around people I don't know.
7. I used to think sushi was absolutely repugnant, but now I've grown to like it.
8. Last night I pondered why dogs have four legs and we don't.

Vocabulary Sentences #10

1. The class bemoaned Mr. Hook assigning SPICE notes over the weekend.
2. I was very pensive about why we have to dress up in costumes as a way of celebrating Halloween.
3. My brain was devoid of fear as I approached a guy dressed in a Michael Myers costume even though I've been afraid of him my whole life.
4. She was very melancholy after her breakup with her boyfriend who she's been with for four years.
5. I mollify my dog when she has nightmares at night.
6. Whenever I go to Disneyland, I like to bring back myself and some friends a memento.
7. Thank goodness nobody did anything illicit tonight.
8. One day I hope to ascend Mount Everest.

Vocabulary Sentences #9

1. The savory piece of fudge cake made my mouth water.
2. I am always so enticed to use my phone during class.
3. The tactless child asked his mother, "Why are some people fat?"
4. I show integrity by doing my work each day and showing up to class daily ready to learn.
5. If get good  grades, you are compensated with an award and a patch for your letter-man jacket.
6. I often act aloof in class which is why I don't understand some of the concepts.
7. It is not a good idea to goad a wrestler; they will challenge you to a wrestling duel.
8. I really enjoy spending time with my cohorts because they make me happiest.

Definitions:

1. Savory (adj.): delicious
2. Entice (v): to tempt
3. Tactless (adj.): insensitive
4. Integrity (n): self-worth/self-respect
5. Compensate (v): to pay for services
6. Aloof (adj.) disinterested/spaced-out
7. Goad (v): to taunt
8. Cohort (n): friend

Vocabulary Sentences #8

1. Although the tumor was extremely malignant, the man seemed to survive another year.
2. My ornery sister always becomes impatient with kids too easily.
3. I was feeling very indolent; therefore, I started my homework at 9:30pm.
4. The teacher belittled the student by calling his work lackluster.
5. If you smoke, you are pretty much jeopardizing your life.
6. His demise began when he started smoking at age ten.
7. Things always go awry when we go on family road trips.
8. If you want to live frugally, you should not buy an iPhone 5 let alone an iPhone 5c.

Literary Analysis #1

The Lovely Bones
By: Alice Sebold

1. The book starts off with Susie Salmon, the main protagonist of the story, walking home from school. On her way home, she is stopped by her neighbor, Mr. Harvey, who wants to show her something in the cornfield. Susie trusts this man because her parents know him, but unfortunately, she's wrong. When he finally shows her what it was he wanted to show her, Mr. Harvey murders and rapes Susie. After being killed, Susie is immediately sent to heaven where she meets Franny, her guide in the afterlife. Everyday, Susie looks upon her gazebo and down at her old high school. There she witnesses old friends creating relationships with boys, including her sister, Lindsey, who becomes indistinctly depressed after her sister's death. Susie also watches her parents drift apart. Her mother, Abigail, wants to run away from her feelings, whereas her father, Jack wishes to confront them. Not only is her family affected, but some classmates are as well. Ruth and her old crush, Ray Singh are impacted by Susie's death. Ruth claims that she has felt Susie's presence and has dreamed about her numerous times. Susie watches as her sister lives some of her biggest milestones in life, wishing she could actually be there to live them with her. Lindsey shares her first kiss with a boy named Samuel Heckler whom she marries after college. Susie's father, Jack, is more than positive that Mr. Harvey is the one who killed Susie, but has no evidence to prove his assumptions. To help prove her dad's suspicion, Lindsey breaks into Mr. Harvey's house and finds a diagram of the underground. However, she is forced to leave when Mr. Harvey arrives back at his house. Thinking that Mr. Harvey is out in the cornfield destroying more evidence, Jack goes out to the cornfield armed with a baseball bat, but then finds out that it is Clarissa, Susie's old best friend. Jack also finds out that she's not alone when Brian, her boyfriend, starts beating him which leaves Jack with a broken knee that can only be recovered through surgery. While he's recovering, Abigail cheats on Jack with the detective of the case and abandons the family. Years later, Jack suffers from a heart attack and Abigail decides to visit him. She feels guilty after having an argument with her younger son, Buckley for not being there through most of his childhood. Susie's charm bracelet is found at the end of the story but nothing is done with it because the people who found it don't know of its significance.

2. Themes:
-You don't know what you have until it's gone: Many characters, especially Susie's father, wish they would've told Susie they loved her before her death or they had wished they had lived another unforgettable moment like she and Ray shared.
-Isolation: All of Susie's family isolate themselves in their grieving instead of talking about Susie's death openly.

3. Tone:
In my opinion, the underlying tone is serious and poignant. Alice Sebold makes us mourn for Susie through the characters. For example, when Ruth asks Lindsey if she misses Susie she replies, "More than anyone will ever know." When I read that, my heart wretched a bit because everyone in the family hasn't expressed their feelings toward Susie's death and Lindsey finally opens up about how she feels.
Another example would be when Susie's father went into the basement and started smashing bottles that he and Susie would put ships in. He began breaking them out of anger and as a way to express his despair. He says, "Susie, my baby, my little sailor girl, you always liked these smaller ones." He's reminiscing the moments he shared with Susie making those ships.

4. Literary Techniques and Devices:
-"The hallway was tiny, my door like all others, hollow enough to easily punch a fist through." This quote shows how the author uses imagery to give readers a better understanding of how the hallway and the doors looked.
-"...the lights from the nearby houses spotted the hills." Sebold uses personification to give us a better understanding of how the hills looked.
-"Her brain was a storm." This quote shows how the author used a metaphor to compare Ruth's brain to a storm. A storm is going in different directions and they're usually really fast. Ruth's mind was racing because she was confused about Ray holding her hand.

Vocabulary Sentences #7

1. Keeping the two girls apart will inhibit future distractions in class.
2. The aberrant pop quiz took the students by surprise.
3. I loathe the cold weather; however, I do like wearing over-sized sweaters.
4.My friend, Jessica, shows her prowess when she's on the wrestling mat.  
5. Their conversation was incoherent because they were whispering.
6. On her epitaph the words, "You will be missed" were written.
7. The attorney asked her to elaborate on her side of the story.
8. By the look of her countenance, I could tell she was afraid of the dog.

The Monkey

1.   If you had three wishes, what would they be?  Why?  (No wishing for more wishes.)  Explain each response: My first wish would be to have front row and meet and greet tickets for a One Direction concert (: My second wish would be to have a lifetime supply of money so I wouldn't have to work. My final wish would be for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to not be so expensive. 
2.    Is there anything that you are superstitious about?  Explain.  (If not, explain whynot.) : If I make the last serve when warming up for tennis, I know it's going to be a good game. 

Antigone Compare/Contrast

In the play, Antigone, by Sophocles, Antigone and Creon conflict so much because they are so different; yet so alike. They are both loyal to what they care most about and suffer from having excessive pride which leads to a tragic situation. 

Sophocles explains how Antigone and her uncle Creon contrast each other. Antigone is loyal to her family and the gods while Creon is loyal to the state and not his family. Antigone says, "I am not afraid of the danger if it means death. I will not be the worst of deaths -- deaths without honor" (Prologue. 87-88). Antigone is sacrificing her life just so her brother could have a proper burial. Ismene, Antigone's sister, agrees that Antigone is loyal to her loved ones saying, "But a loyal friend indeed to those who love you" (Prologue. 91). She is saying that Antigone is willing to do anything for her loved ones. Antigone is not only loyal to those who love her but to the gods. In scene two, Antigone says that she refuses to follow Creon's law because it wasn't based on the gods. Antigone believes that Creon's law is unfair and does not follow god's proclamation. When it comes to the state, Creon is the most loyal.  He shows his loyalty by saying, "For you honor a traitor or not, and equal in blood. He made war against his own country "(2. 126-128). In scene 3, Creon states that Polyneices, Antigone's brother, was a traitor for going against his own city so he does not wish to give a burial to someone who is not loyal to his city. 

Despite  Antigone's and Creon's differences, they both suffer from excessive pride. Antigone says, "Then I beg you kill me. I should have praise and honor for what I have done. All these men here would praise me were their lips not frozen shut with fear of you" (2. 109-115). Antigone reveals her hubris by owning up to her actions and being proud of them. She also claims that everybody would praise her doing this, but they'd be too afraid of what Creon would do to them. Antigone also shows her arrogance by not obeying the law Creon has made for Theban citizens: no one can bury Polyneices. In the prologue, Antigone says that she is determined to bury Polyneices no matter what obstacles choose to stand in front of her not even Creon. Creon's arrogant pride won't even show mercy to Antigone and Ismene even though they are related. This is justified on page 786, when he sentences death for both of the girls saying, "For they are but women, and even brave men run when they see death coming" (2. 184-185). He also shows his prideful side in scene 5 when he contradicts Tiresisias who was believed to be one of the smartest men in Greece at the time. Both Antigone and Creon have exaggerated pride which leads to a lot of conflict throughout the play. 

Antigone and Creon both share the blame for the tragic outcome because they take what they care most about to heart and sometimes push it to the edge. Antigone wishes to bury her brother Polyneices, but it's against Creon's law. Creon believes Polyneices is a traitor and uses his law against which angers Antigone and brings the worst out of her. Antigone begs for death which Creon almost immediately grants which leads to the "flesh-for-flesh" prophecy. Since Creon is the cause for Antigone's death, someone from his family has to be killed. Not only did the prophecy kill his son Haimon, but his wife Eurydice. 

Vocabulary Definitions

#1 Debunk (Prove something false) Imminent (about to happen) Affluent (wealthy) Routine(ordinary, normal) Benign (harmless) Enlighten (to teach something new) Malevolent (evil) Inquire (to ask)

#2 Perplexing (confusing) Resilient (tough/determined) Amend (to fix/to change) Fickle (indecisive) Benevolent (good) Desist (stop doing something) Listless (tired/lazy) Lackluster (not impressive)

#3 Dwindle (to reduce in number or amount) Subtle (not obvious) Gullible (willing to believe anything) Erratic (unpredictable) Condescending (conceited/talking down to someone) Aspire (to seek to become or achieve) Pristine (untouched/in perfect condition) Nettle (to annoy or bother)

#4 Hapless (unlucky) Scrutinize (To look closely) Domicile (home) Clarify (to explain more clearly) Asinine (stupid/idiotic) Infer (to figure out without being told) Eloquent (well-spoken) Strife (conflict)

#5 Plaintive (Very sad) Flaunt (to show something off) Distraught (emotionally upset) Queue (a line of people or things) Accrue (to gather over time) Relentless (never stopping) Leery (untrusting) Crass (rude/vulgar/having bad manners)

#6 Inevitable (going to happen no matter what) Phobia (a strong fear) Seclude (to hide away from others) Rebuke (to criticize publicly) Notorious (famous for something bad) Fluctuate (to change often) Candid (honest/sincere) Sophomoric (immature)

Vocab Sentences #6

1. AVID tutorials are inevitable unless the world ends.
2. I have a major phobia of insects especially spiders.
3. Generally, I like my seclusion when I study; however, AP world history study groups are an exception.
4. I rebuked my sister after her bad haircut.
5. Lindsay Lohan is notorious for her drug incidents.
6. Because the weather in California fluctuates too much, I sometimes can't decide what to wear.
7. We should always be candid to everybody no matter what.
8. The sophomoric teacher has very crass humor.

Vocabulary Sentences #5

1. I was plaintive when I received a bad test score on my history test.
2. He always flaunts his intelligence and good grades.
3. I was upset when I received my test score, but not distraught.
4. We told her to wait in the queue while we go grab a snack.
5. After saving money since Freshman year, my college fund accrued.
6. Her hair was all over the place because of the relentless wind.
7. I am leery about people who keep things away from you.
8. The student's crass comments were not well-received by the teacher.

Vocabulary #4

1. After the wrestler lost the match, she felt hapless.

2. After scrutinizing the dead body, the investigator found lots of evidence.

3. Since his domicile is being fumigated, he and his family and have to stay at my aunt’s house.

4. Since Mr. Hook said my answer was too vague, I tried to clarify my answer by elaborating on it.

5. Because she thought the song was asinine, she changed it rapidly.

6. Because she was mute all day, we could infer that her day didn’t go well.

7. Because he was so eloquently, he  convinces people easily.

8. If you have strife with your parents, then you should do chores around the house to make them happy.

My Autobiography (:

Hey everybody my name is Emily! My entire family knows me by Mily, but I prefer Emily.  I’ve spent all fifteen years of my life living with both of parents and my twin sister, Valerie. Yes, I do have a twin so if you see somebody who looks exactly like me, be aware that I might not be me, but my sister, Valerie. Just kidding. My twin sister and I look absolutely NOTHING alike. Her hair is dyed, mine’s not. She’s tan, I’m not. I wear braces, she doesn’t. We are complete opposites! 

Seventh and eighth grades were very different for me, not only because I was no longer in elementary school, but because I feel like I kind of broke out of my shell a bit. I was a shy person in elementary school until I joined the AVID program in eighth grade which really helped me grow out of my comfort zone. In eighth grade, I became accustomed to public speaking because we did a lot of that in AVID. I’m really glad I joined AVID because I feel like it really shaped me into the person I am today. 

This summer I volunteered at the YMCA which was really fun. I got to work with other high school kids like me and I also got to work with younger kids who are still in elementary school. It was a very fun and different experience for me considering the fact that I don’t have younger siblings so it was pretty hard to tame the kids at times. Let’s just say I’m not the best with children.  This actually felt like a real job. We got time cards, coffee, and everything! But overall it was very exciting and I plan on doing it again next summer.   

Just today I started wrestling conditioning and it was tiring, but exciting. My sister and a lot of my friends did it last year and said it was pretty fun, so I thought I’d give it a go! My family thinks that I’d make a good wrestler due to my flexibility, but to be honest, I’m a little scared. But I’m pretty sure it’s going to be fun. Let’s see how this goes. :/ Besides it’s always good to learn something new!  I can’t wait til we start the actual thing!  Anyway, high school is alright so far. I always knew it would be just how I thought it’d be–stressful. Stress is something that never goes away when it comes to school, for me at least. Something i learned within these two years is that you won’t always get what you want. I was always a straight-A student up until last year when I got just as many Bs as I did As. This year I requested and was recommended for Honors English, but unfortunately, it wasn’t listed in my schedule. At first, I was very disappointed so I talked to my counselor and she kept telling me it was full. So I decided to stay in English 2 and so far I’m really liking the class.  Besides, two AP classes, Honors English, and AVID is WAY too much for me now that I think about it. So no thanks!  :) 

Once I’m done with and graduated from high school, I’m hoping to get into either UC Davis or UCLA and major in psychiatry. Not only will I be getting my bachelor’s degree, but I’m hoping to get either a Master’s or Doctorate’s degree. I just really hope nothing gets in the way of my dreams. I also want to travel A LOT. New York City has always been a place that I’ve wanted to visit so hopefully it happens one day. Maybe I’ll settle there, who knows? Either there or Boston. Both places really suit my liking. Big cities with lots of shops and people are my favorites! 

Thank you so much for reading! Hopefully, I didn’t bore you.  By the way, have any of you visited NY or Boston? If so, when? If not, would you like to someday?