The Conclusion

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere."

This year has been sensational, filled with stress, heated discussions, and of course laughter! Ninth Grade Honors English will always be remembered with the crazy adventures with Ms. Smith, the helpfulness of spark-notes, hilarious stories of Ms. Gilman's little girls, and the ridiculous amount of annotations. But, like the quote above we do all go different ways but, we take with us the silly memories everywhere.

The funniest thing I've noticed throughout my blogs as the year progressed is that they got shorter and shorter and shorter. The want to show off to my classmates left,  quite fast in fact, and personally, I think the prompts got easier! But, I know that as a writer I've evolved because I've learned to refuse whats seen on the outer surface but to go deeper and deeper, then deeper again. 

We started the year of with the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. This book was probably one of the most touching books I've read. With the intensity of scenes and the ignorance of characters, this book left an outstanding message about overcoming judgments and learning to accept.As we continued to read from book to book, I began to see that reading became easier. I kept the techniques I had from the previous book, and from there it built upon one another. So, to this today I still hold my "special reading techniques and things to look for"  with me. 

From reading The Importance of Being Earnest to Animal Farm  even though very different in almost every matter, shared the idea of how uncontrollable power can become damaging to many aspects of life. The soul purpose of blogging was so express our thoughts, in an new and creative way. And that's what it did. While reading Romeo and Juliet, the blog gave me the chance to compare and contrast. In Great Expectations, I created a strong outline and guide to my conclusion. For me, the blog became the thing that I began to like doing. It allowed for creativity in a structured manner. I got to see what my classmates thought about certain issues and I think this overall helped me deepen my understanding in what we were reading. With each book came along different things to focus on, which meant the blogs would always be different. In an odd way I'm going to miss my blog, as well as reading others!

Overall, the blog served as a vehicle to show my understanding of the books read. It was the one thing that allowed me, Adora, to write my thoughts and opinions about conflict, themes, characters, and many different elements in a book. It has been a year of remarkable experiences and the blog only added to it. I wish everyone has a great and meaningful summer! As I leave this blog for the last time, I'd like to close by saying these forceful words, " the end is never the end, for it is only the beginning."  

Memorable Assignment

While I reflect back on my Freshman year of high school, the late study session and essay writing comes to mind. My most memorable part of English was making projects, for example the video I made for Great Expectations. This project really allowed me to have fun, while earning loads of extra credit! This assignment was a trailer to the movie version of Great Expectations. This video included some great eerie scenery shots and fun clips that all tied into the ghostly theme of the book.

What made this project worth while was learning about film-making in the process. It also gave me the opportunity to see the novel in a different perspective. I found different takes on the book, all while having fun!  This whole project was most memorable because I enjoyed myself while doing it. Through out the whole experience many laughs were shared. Hard-work and effort went into the making of this movie, thankfully in the end our greatest expectations were fulfilled.

A Good Experience with Poetry

My initial perception of poetry was something that was beautiful and romantic language shared only between lovers. This was based on my limited interest in culture. But, as my interest grew I learned more about poetry, I was exposed to the whole English language as a whole. My first introduction to poetry was by my fifth grade teacher. She was an eccentric English lover, she had a passion that was so contagious. From there my fascination for writing began. She introduced to me a world that abled me to express myself by not talking, a way that kept me from disrupting the class. From here my love for poetry took off.

From then to now, my interest in poetry has changed. Surprisingly I write a lot of poetry on my own. It may be the tellings of the day. A challenge I faced ad now conquered. But, mostly I allows me to look back and channel the feeling a had then. Some sad and other joyous. But, I seem to be incorporating it in my everyday, whether thats in the daily emails from Google apps or friends sending corny inspirational poems. Its amazing to know that people have really shaped their lives around poetry.

To be honest, I don't have an astonishing experience with poetry, but  collectively the times I spent in the presence of poetry has given me a better understanding of it. If come to truly love poetry and what it does and can do for people. Also, its something has been around for centuries. I can't express how thankful I am to my tattoo barrieing, phsycodelic fifth grade teacher for the foundation for writing that she gave to me.

Snippets of Poem by Adora Nwankwo:

A Path of Uncertainty

.....I feel lost sometimes
To be frank, I feel lost all the time
but, only I can help myself.
But, where am I to start?
I've been told many times
that the best place to start is the beginning
so I turn back to were I once was,
down the path of uncertainty
we call life.

Conflict in Romeo and Juliet

        An example of conflict in Romeo and Juliet that I've noticed is between  the two "star-crossed lovers" and fate. This "man vs destiny" conflict is helping to solidify the theme of fate, being very controblable. Throughout the play, the conflict between of Romeo and Juliet against fate is displayed from the first page as the chorus sings warning the audience of the tradgey ahead. The conflict that these two seems to encounter is driven by the many forces fighting against them. Their parents, society and their own consciences. But, something they seem to be forgetting are the many forces working for them, the nurse, the friar, and oddly enough death(free will). The goal is to be together, happily and love together. Yet, through all the endeavors Juliet and Romeo have struggled through, its Juliet who, in my opinion, that has shown growth and maturity. Juliet has stepped out of her parents shadow and is showing, little by little, initiative. Fate in the play is something controlled by each characters actions. "I still will stay with thee; And never from this palace of dim night depart again ... I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars from this world-wearied flesh."(5.3.6) This explains the choices the Juliet's the purposeful decisions they make. The choice to break away from parents, Juliet's choice to let Romeo in, Romeo's choice to stop fawning over Rosaline, Friars choices to marry them, friars choice to give the poison, the nurses choice to relay messages. Its all about the choices each character has made. Fate is each characters free will being shown. Fate is this drama is each individual choice and decision. 

        The tale of Juliet and Romeo is a story most have heard of or seen intertwined throughtout the society. Conflict can be a daily and everyday thing. the small battle against you and the alarm clock, but would Romeo and Juluet help? Most likely not, unless you take the literal meaning and belief that death will come to you because your actions were unsatisfactory. But Honestly, this conflict can be really only be seen in a religious perspectuive because knowing that your own actions, the actions decided by the freewill of a higher being is what takes us places through life. This conflict gives us a outlook on unrational thinking and how to better handle situations in our life.

Romeo and Juliet: It's Everywhere

Romeo and Juliet is an epic tale of love and death written by William Shakespeare. Through his many pieces, Shakespeare has influenced modern day culture. This influence can be seen through movies, books, media, TV shows, sports teams and many more aspects of the 21st century. In the 1997 movie, Titanic, we are introduced to two people Rose and Jack, (whose intials are very similar to Romeo and Juliet; J and R). Also, quick interest and short relationship. Instead of two families, they come from two classes. The theme of forbidden love is central in both. As well as a a third person Caledon (Titanic) and Paris (Romeo and Juliet), both are striving the young girls heart. Sadly, both stories add in tragedy.

Connecting with Romeo & Juliet

Throughout the play, Romeo and Juliet, I seem to be enjoying and reading regularly so far. This book is somewhat fun and especially different from Great Expectations. Also, I haven't found the need of Spark-notes this far. My favorite character within the play is Benvolio. I love his use of words and the way he's portrayed in the novel. He seems to be a helpful and peaceful with it comes to fighting and predicaments that others find themselves in. Benvolio is a close comrade to Romeo. In this relationship, he gives Romeo advice about his love life. I personally find a connection between Benvolio and me. His way is charming and has thoughtful things to say. All Benvolio's intentions seem to be pure and true.

When it comes to reading at home and discussing in class, I find it very helpful! It is giving me a better understanding for the assigned reading. The play is fun and drama filled, which is exactally what I like about it! For me its the kind of reading that is I can picture today, or with more modern characters. Overall, this is probably my favorite novel, in English all year!

Wrapping Up Great Expectations

             The theme that shines throughout the entire book is that materialistic pursuits lead to loss of identity and perspective. This whole book is about the hopes and dreams and where they take you. Dickens had this utmost desire to put forth his knowledge and possibly his personal experience. Perhaps to just write a book, but maybe more. To tell young people that selfish thoughts and haphazard aspirations can lead you to a place where you didn't intend to go. I never really thought this book meant anything to me, but as I write this I feel like I should be proactive to do something like Pip. Even thought he stumbled a lot and for a long time, he found himself in the end and isn't that what matters? Through the work that Dickens created many people most likely have changed their own ways to stop the unwanted destruction of there lives. I know that a lot of the time we haven't completely changed our lives but, there are ways to apply the overall message to your life. I think the theme and the intend message are completely different. The theme: Desires takes you to inadvertent extremes. The intended message: Don't let you petty wants and hopes get the best of you. Ultimately to achieve anything great, you must suffer first to understand the real growth made.

Great Expectations - Thoughts on Reading

Great Expectations is one of those books I would have never read out of  pure pleasure. The wording didn't make sense at most times. And a lot of the time I would find myself reading not knowing what was going on. I think because I read it in class, it wasn't enjoyable. I thought of it as an assignment, which is sad because I know the book had good morals and elements that were exciting and thought-provoking. The one that I did gain from reading Great Expectations, is a new and refreshing topic and genre. When I choose a book to read it usually falls into the category of Realistic Fiction, Romance, and especially Drama. It was nice to read something that made me think, something so different. Charles Dickens, isn't my favorite author and most likely won't ever be but I have earned a new respect for him and can now say I have read a book by him. He has phenomenal writing skills and adds thrills and suspense to his books. He did a great job on creating characters that were believable and not so believable (Miss Havisham). Of all the characters, Estella is my favorite. She is a beautiful girl, whose austere presence confuses people. This doesn't necessarily relate directly to me but, a majority of the time we judge people on how they look and talk but, not  really with what they put forth into the world.

I have to admit, some nights I didn't read. And other nights I read more than I needed too. My daily routine of reading started by me going to Sparknotes.com, where I would read a summary of the chapters, to get a general idea of what I was reading. From there I attempt to read the book. Some nights I lay in bed reading, while others included skipping pages and asking freinds "What happened in last night's reading?" or worst of all ... I sometimes had to re-reading the whole chapter...
Overall, the general idea of the book was conclusive and this story didn't help me grow but, I think through this year in English I've learned how to look for things, decipher words and the true meanings.

Photo Post

Throughout the novel, Great Expectations, there seems to be a common theme of love as well as broken hearts. These pictures that I have posted will help aid the concept of love; the good and the bad that aspects that are intertwined through the book. As we read the novel we see a deeper emotion for love being created by the author. To begin with, Estella and Pip's relationship has the idea of being betrayed is all around. Their mutual friend is Miss Havisham, who wants their relationship to never be emotionally satisfying. As we look into Joe and Mrs. Joe's relationship the essense of love is shown but, is somewhat put aside by the other interations and events happening in the novel. The true nature of their relationship is shown when Mrs. Joe dies. Its sad that the reader only sees the love they had when its gone. This ultimately leaves Joe heartbroken. Charles Dickens' book also has relationships that aren't only about sadness and the loss of love but, of true endearment. It is seen in Wemmick and Miss Skiffins' relationship also Herbert and Clara's. Their affection is shown by the fact that they don't come from money nor is their relationship based on gaining social status. But what do all theses things do to define the concept of love and how does love give a better understanding of the book? When we take into consideration the pictures and how one expresses love and how the other expresses the loss of love, it paints a picture of what we all really want. Love.

           

Making Connections

Charles Dickens' book has the central idea of not letting obstacles,wise or foolish, get in your way of your dreams and pursuits. This novel is Dickens outlook on his life, opinion, experiences as well as expectation all wrapped up into one. The connection I made between Great Expectations and 21 seemed obvious to me. One, because the guy in the center, Ben Campbell, is what I picture Pip as. And two, he looses his head in the idea of earning, really cheating money out of the hands of casinos, much like Pip does (except minus the casinos).

The movie starts off with us being introduced to the character, with a very humble background, trying to pursue his dream of graduating from MIT and later attending Harvard Medical School. The correlation between 21 and Great Expectations is that:
 

Ben - Pip

Harvard Medical School - Estella

Mother - Joe

Professor Micky - Mrs. Havisham, (at times Jagger)

Miles& Cam - Biddy

Kate - Herbert

As Pip grows in the book, we see that he is little by little detaching from his family. He gets caught up in the idea of attaining social status and becoming a gentlemen. We see Pip loosing himself and becoming a man full greed and selfishness.Much like Ben does in 21. He also gets caught up in the game of 21. Counting cards, behaving badly in order to get the money. His intention start out pure. Earning money to pay for Medical School, saving his single mother from working hard to pay only a small fraction of the tuition. Pip, only wanted the gentlemen title in attempts to win Estella andgainthe respect that he never recieved while leaving with Gargerys, but he lost his focus and used his power for selfish things.

The writer of both 21 and Great Expectations had one main purpose to show how easy it is  to caught up with the sensation of wining and gaining. In the end both characters are looking for something to fill the emptiness, which coincidentally has to do with the absence of parents. In, 21 he ended up happy because he learned his mistake, I'm hoping that will happen with Pip in Great Expectations.

The Second Stage of Great Expectations

As the book progresses into the second stage, I feel the novel is now becoming boring and drags on. I don't like Pip anymore, I hate everything he's done to the only people that love him, and really don't like Pip. Pip has become the kind of person who is obsessed with gaining social status. Self- absorbed, only impressed by the people who are something. The characters that are being introduced are people who mean "something" to society. Jaggers, the best attorney in London, The Pocket family, which includes Mr. Pocket, Pip's tutor, and Herbert, Pip's friend. Together these new characters are here to aid Pip is his social advancements. Then again, others just might have hidden motives. Herbert, has become a confidant to Pip. One, real friend Pip has made on his own. Herbert isn't of very high society but, has etiquette and poise which Pips seeks after. At dinner Herbert, while explaining the story of Miss. Havisham's behavior and attributes, shows Pip the appropriate way of behaving when in society. Herbert, unknowingly, gives pointers to Pip about holding his wine glass and dealing with a dinner napkin. Herbert's actions and suggestions are teaching Pip by example what it is to be of London society.


Doubles and contrasts is a huge aspect of the novel. I think these doubles and contrasts; Biddy and Estella; Joe and Herbert; Mrs. Joe and Joe: Mr. and Mrs. Pocket are all representing the options that Pip has to take. The paths or journeys that he has to chose between. Each decision that Pip has made has impacted his life, his journey to becoming a gentlemen. Meeting Herbert has enhanced theme of personal growth because Pip is using Herbert develop himself futher into society. This doesn't necesiarily mean that this has changed Pip for the better, but it certainly has changed him. Ever since Pip was introduced to the upper class, he has envied them and secretly wants what they have. He even confides in Biddy, a childhood friend, his dreams of becoming a gentleman. And, he finally now has that opportunity to do so.

A Turning Point for Pip

In the last line of chapter nine, I didnt think of it as Pip speaking to me but, Charles Dickens. I felt as if Dickens was sending a message to his readers through his book. The message that whether circumstances are good or bad, they confine you in and don't allow you to grow. I think the day Pip encountered Mrs. Havisham dramatically change Pip's life. It was the turning point in which he realized that society means something. It gives you the authority, that he wants. The authority he never could take advantage of before.


In the beginning of the novel, the character, Pip is juvenile, and naive about the surroundings of the word. He's begin raised in a household with out much. Pip didn't know about what went on just miles outside his own town, he was stuck in his own world. A world which is far better then the one he was recently introduced to. The presence of High society to Pip has evolved his own way of thinking. Its given him false hopes of things he never would have never thought twice about. Pip, in my opinion has lost himself. And I'm assuming that it will be very hard for him to find that Pip, later in life. The worst part of it all is "playing" with Mrs. Havisham was forced on him. 


As Pip ages through the book you see how unhappy Pip now is. While he is working as an apprentice to Joe, his attitude has taken an 180 degree turn. The world that Pip has be acquainted with has a many negative effects of Pip, as well as those around him. Joe is being affected by this, because his apprentice doesn't want to be there, therefore not putting in all the necessary effort. Overall, I feel Pip's attitude is plain bitter. 


When I look back on it, the time when everything changed was the period during Barrack Obama's campaign and election. Its the time when I really began looking into US history, discussing issues that had meaning to me, and issues for people who had no voice. Also, it provoked many ideas about the future of the United States and my own personal goals that I have for myself. As I finished up the chapter it occurred to me while reading this that now Pip is confined to his low social status. The title of the book, finally makes sense. Pip's great expectations for himself in society. Its becoming so clear now!!!

Great Expectations - Question about a Passage

For Mrs. Gilman, thanks again for allowing me to post the blog late!

While reading Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens I've been filled with confusion throughout the book. So any guidance would be appreciated!

My questions are: Why is Pip referring to one of the convicts as his own? Is the author trying to convey some underlying message or even foreshadow things later to come? Also, of the two which is actually his own convict? Are there any distinctive traits between them?

This quote mostly refers to the first question: "... men went down into the ditch to help the sergeant and dragged out, separated, my convict and the other one..." p.34

Group Essay Collaboration

Dear Kayla and Catherine,
First I'd like to ask how your weekend has been? I hope your enjoying and spending your time wisely. To start off with, there isn't anything new with my paragraph since I haven't touched it since Friday. I plan on fine tuning everything for Monday and also added the conclusion and the transition between paragrph which I think I will need lots of help! I have an idea of what my transtion between paragragh should be, still a little sketchy though. Good Luck, and I'll see you on Monday!!! From reading Catherine's I need to know if anyone has an aphorism, since I have an epigram? Any ideas on how to wrap up the paragraph? Kayla I need you to email/facebook your pragraph to me! Thanks:)

Dishonesty in The Importance Of Being Earnest

In the play, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde dishonesty and deceit are employed throughout the entire play.  In my perspective I feel that the restrictions and standards of Victorian Society lead that particular group of people into behaving the way they did. If it weren't for society's restrictions people of high society wouldn't feel the need to lie and hide feeling and thoughts. Nearly every line in the play was a pun, epigram, or implied some sort of irony. Dishonesty in marriage is expressed in Lady Bracknell's line, "... I am not in favor of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of finding out each other’s character before marriage, which I think is never advisable." I think this justify the fact that marriage wasn't about love, but the appearance of it. Two people living under one roof, putting on a show for those around them. Dishonesty is boldly seen because Jack the main character , has been lying about his name." Jack?... No there is very little music in the name Jack, It does not thrill... the only really safe name is Ernest." This example of dishonesty goes beyond a reference to the name Ernest but, also adds humor to the idea of love. Love isn't based on name, or social standings but of pure attractions between one another. Deceitfulness in the pursuit of pleasure is seen in our everyday lives. The dreams we set for ourselves are all our pursuit of pleasure. But, I think the main example of the  pursuit of happiness in the play is Jack pretending to be Ernest. It is for his own selfish reasoning that he lies and it is for his own personal gain. He didnt think about the longterm effects, he just thought about himself.


In The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde uses satirical writing style to poking fun at the foolishness of Victorian society. But, I think he's also poking fun at the fact that lying, if done well, ends well. For example, if he would have lied and never truly let known who he was he would have still lived a promising life with his wife and family. He is mostly creating an alternate ending to his life, the happily ever after that he never received. I feel that he is also, trying to express his feeling that lying only separates people farther from one another.

Animal Farm Project Evaluation

Annie: Video

I enjoyed Annie and Austyn's Video of their depiction of Animal Farm. The idea and concept of animal Farm was shown mainly through the words and caption in the movie. The scenes with the animals throughout the movie conveyed a strong sense of relevance to the book.

Emily: Photoshop Graphic Organizer

Emily's photoshop of art paralleling very obvious, which made her presentation clear and direct. The effect that added to my understanding and cause me to rethink was the different and varied  people who worked throughout the social pyramid.

Kelsey: Comic Strip

Kelsey and Kayla's comic strip really play by played showed the events in Animal Farm. These clips actually cleared up some of my thoughts about the book. Overall, the theme illuminated strongly through there presentation.

Talia: Photoshop Graphic Organizer

Talia's Photoshop picture  took a different perspective of the book. Her paralleling of the Russian Revolution and Animal Farm to many issues today, such as social class. Also, her graphic organizer depicted the social standings of the characters of Animal Farm.

Levi: Video

Levi's video was very amusing to watch! he in a sense paralleled, or more redefined what Animal Farm is in today's world, he touched all the bases of the themes and retold the story of Animal Farm!

Hailey: Poem

Hailey's poem was a poem that was fun an yet informative. She seemed to have mentioned ideas that I noticed while reading the novel and from discussions from class. The poem in general showed a good understanding of Animal Farm.

Angela: Poster

Angela's poster was a graphic organizer which included unique elements. She really paralleled Animal Farm to the present day life.

Sidney: Poem

Sidney's poem was very relevant to the novel, it in face retold the story of Animal Farm. The overall message was strong.

Giselle: Slide show

Giselle's slide show presentation was very well done. The theme of authority taking advantage of power was show clearly and also the symbolism and paralleling shown through.

Daniel: Photoshop Pic

Daniel's picture paralleled the Russian Revolution to the book it was  based of very well. The heads of the founders of the revolution attached to the corresponding animal bodies gave a good understanding of the book.

Adora (me): After looking back on all these projects I think that I did a good job. I put in a decent amount of effort into my poem, "I'm Old and Tired", which was just enough! My project was unique in the sense that I took a perspective of a character not looked at closely enough, which we studied Animal Farm. I think that in general everyone enjoyed doing this and ultimately sharing their own talents with technology intertwined with language arts.

Extra Credit: New Year's Resolution

           New Year's Resolutions seem to always fade by late January and if your really lucky early February. I look the idea of writing a list of things that we feel will make us better, whether that academically, socially, mentally, or physically. Personally, the goals that I've made for myself are to become my physically fit and honestly to learn to mange my time better. As well as maintain my lifestyle, with of course those few adjustments.

  

          Getting healthy and physically fit can be something easy if your mind is in the right place. I plan to continue to play tennis and soccer. This means running regularly exercising and just getting out of the house and maybe a nice walk around the neighborhood. Occasionally, going to the gym, when I can get a ride. Also, eating the right foods and knowing when to cut back as well as what to cut back on. educating myself on what need to be in my daily diet.

           My other goal, is to learn to mange my time. The last year, I was finally getting my act together, for example getting ready for school on time and going to bed on schedule. But, also not procrastinating whether that's with assignments or heading out the mall. I know that in the long run preparing myself ahead of time will lead to the later success in my life. 

Animal Farm Creative Project

         For my Animal Farm Creative Project I decided to write a poem from the perspective of Benjamin, the old and thought to be wise donkey. I took his perspective of what was happening to his home,the farm. The destruction and betrayal of the trusted leaders. It is more of his thoughts on the Napoleon and Snowball and somewhat more explaining his own insight to why he was set on opposing the pigs. Within the poem I really tried to emphasize the theme that there will always be a leader, or social hierarchy, and even with the will of the people, this ultimately leading to abuse of power.

I'm Old and Tired

I'm old and tired,

I'm not gonna be like those young things.

The difference between me and them

Is that I've seen more, I've heard more

I known that in the end leaders will always emerge.

We've seen it science the beginning of time.

Solomon, Hitler, Lincoln.

Some were born good leaders,

While others motives were to gain ultimate power.

I'm old and tired,

I'm not gonna be like those young things

And follow blindly.

I know bad when I see it.

I do want freedom and equality but, this isn't it.

The time will come and maybe I wont ever witness it

But, being old and tired has made me see

That in the end hierarchy will always be.