Kestler 1
Haley Kestler
Dr. Preston
AP English Literature and Composition
9 June 2015
Masterpiece Academy Question
Having been assigned to read Montaigne's Essays, all 1,000 pages, over summer along with
other literary works literally scared the crap out of me. I was not challenged very much in my prior
English course so you can imagine my fear of not being able to handle all of the assignments Dr.
Preston would require. I'm sitting here now laughing at my early senior year self because I had
absolutely no idea what kind of class I was actually enrolled in. In the school year's inception, I
believe that we did earn the great deal of choice that we were dealt because everyone's summer
homework was quality work. However, as the weeks went on we failed to honor this privilege that was given to us because other AP courses became more rigorous and everyone caught a bad case of
senioritis. Eventually we learned that we could get away with completing assignments in any medium and opted for those that required less effort. By the time it was second semester, I personally feel as if we didn't deserve the privilege anymore but Dr. Preston was incredibly generous and understanding of everyone's spiraling stress and ascending anxiety. I'm not saying that every assignment was poorly executed, but we definitely slacked off at times.
A few months in to the school year, Dr. Preston began describing this huge passion project, known as a Masterpiece, that was expected of us at the end of the school year. When he explained what it was, he was extremely vague and all I could really interpret was that we would present it to the class right before we graduated and it had to involve something that we loved. Having a type A personality and never being exposed to Open Source Learning before, I was a little frustrated that there was no structure for the Masterpiece project because I had no idea what was expected or even where to begin.
Kestler 2
It was a bit difficult trying to think of something I cared enough about to do an entire project on, but then it hit me. I have always enjoyed interior design (I've been addicted to HGTV since junior high) but have never really pursued my passion as much as I wanted to. My father was an architect and I practically grew up in his office, so his career highly influenced my passion. My original Masterpiece agenda didn't work out, so I switched it up and educated the class on the importance of comfy dorm room design along with a few inexpensive hacks to truly live the college experience. I was admitted to San Diego State University as an undergraduate in their Interior Design program, but have been encouraged by my parents to pursue a career in Business Administration as it is more economical and sensible. I actually enjoyed studying Microeconomics, but I hope to incorporate interior design somehow in my future and without this course, I would have never considered it. The Masterpiece Academy was a very unique and enlightening experience as I was able to see in to the futures of my class mates. It was exciting to watch them present with passion because you knew they didn't see it as just a project that needed to be completed by the dead line. One thing I did notice that was shocking in the best way possible was that it appeared as if a lot of people genuinely wanted to help others. For instance, Megan seemed so determined to write nothing but the truth when she pursued a career in journalism, Val wanted to be able to teach children about the history of our country in the most exciting way possible, Connor knew exactly what his customers wanted and was willing to produce the clothing necessary to satisfy them, Chrystal and Tia wanted to reveal both sides when it comes to our personal education system, and I just want to create spaces for people to enjoy and make coming home a little bit sweeter. We were given complete freedom with this assignment and I was astonished at the amount of work carried out that benefited others besides the Masterpiecer. Others were centered around personal interests or even comedy, which was clearly displayed in Lukas and Eric's Masterpiece. Their video actually made me laugh out loud because of my ability to relate, it was a pretty great moment and feeling knowing that I wasn't the only awkward person on this planet.
I am aware that for MLA format, everything needs to be double spaced along with my last name and the page number at the top right-hand corner of every page, but my computer is acting up and won't allow that :) Also, I cannot fix the format of the first paragraph for some reason.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Masterpiecin' the Puzzle Together
Prezi: https://prezi.com/8ex9i8komeas/edit/#8_13415665
Houzz Ideabook: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48171983/thumbs/college-dorms
Pinterest Dorms: https://www.pinterest.com/kaybear20/dorms/
Pinterest Dorm DIYs: https://www.pinterest.com/kaybear20/dorm-diys/
Houzz Ideabook: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48171983/thumbs/college-dorms
Pinterest Dorms: https://www.pinterest.com/kaybear20/dorms/
Pinterest Dorm DIYs: https://www.pinterest.com/kaybear20/dorm-diys/
Monday, April 13, 2015
Macbeth Notes #1
-The "great chain of being" influences everyone's actions in plays, right and wrong, etc.
-"fair is foul and foul is fair" many people think that this is the theme of Macbeth (example of chiasmus, paradox, contrast, etc) and this quote was spoken by witches who were actual things and taken seriously back then
-produced and published in 1606 and two years prior any for of witch craft was a criminal offense
-the devil was very real during this time and taken very seriously
-witches serve as indirect characterization of Macbeth and considered evil in this play and drives himself crazy because of his reflection on his actions and such and condemned by others as well
- at the inception of the play, Macbeth is described with gore as he tears through the battlefield and those who stood in his way
-the evil character in this play is lady Macbeth because she manipulates Macbeth without remorse whereas Macbeth at least feels bad about his actions
- Banquo is jealous about Macbeth receiving his prophecy without anything for Banquo
- "come what come may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day."
Sunday, April 12, 2015
"Young Goodman Brown" Essay
The world we live in allows no time for us to waste on useless matters that are irrelevant to our lifestyles. Humans have a strong tendency to participate in activities they think will provide them with a great future or those that are purely entertaining. Humans are also a nosy species; curiosity seems to influence an abundance of their decisions. However, this curiosity is selective as people don't exert their valuable time and effort on frivolous matters. The objects or ideas that one is eager to learn about can expose their raw character, even the parts they buried. Goodman Brown does a fabulous job at illustrating just how much his inquiries revealed more about him than the answers he was searching for.
In the inception, Young Goodman Brown wanted to believe in the goodness of the people surrounding him because he thought he knew their authentic personality. He grew up with everyone he would eventually find in the forest and was not expecting to confront them at the devil's playground. For instance, he believed that the minister, Goody Cloyse and Deacon Gookin held impenetrable religious values before the devil revealed that Goody Cloyse was in fact a witch and Deacon Gookin was a follower of his. This devil that he encountered also informed Young Goodman Brown that he knew both his grandfather and father, which shocked Goodman Brown beyond belief. As if the name of his wife, Faith, didn't explicate her nature and purity enough, Goodman Brown still questioned her righteousness once the old man explained the details of the ceremony. Even a lifetime spent with his loved ones wasn't enough for Goodman Brown to disregard one possible fictitious night.
Young Goodman Brown was forever changed after he fell asleep that night in the forest. Of course he wasn't entirely sure if it was all just a dream or the sick, twisted reality of his little Salem village, but that didn't matter to him. He still pretended to believe in the decency of his fellow villagers but continued to debate their morality.This constant internal dispute of which character he saw as he looked into the eyes of those he recognized that one night destroyed him. People started to slowly gravitate away from him and wonder what had changed. Goodman Brown could have easily forgotten his sightings that contradicted his entire life, but he continued to let his curiosity get the best of him. His intense inquisitiveness exposed what he was actually concerned about. The devil had so much of an impact on Young Goodman Brown, that he allowed him to virtually control the rest of his life. Goodman Brown was obsessed with judging those specific people in his village that he lost the man he was before the dreaded illusion. Clearly, his religion and ideals were easily corruptible if one night with the devil was able to completely transform Goodman Brown from the man he was previously. All of this questioning disclosed Goodman Brown's top priorities that contravened his portrayal of a man he wanted everyone to believe in.
In the inception, Young Goodman Brown wanted to believe in the goodness of the people surrounding him because he thought he knew their authentic personality. He grew up with everyone he would eventually find in the forest and was not expecting to confront them at the devil's playground. For instance, he believed that the minister, Goody Cloyse and Deacon Gookin held impenetrable religious values before the devil revealed that Goody Cloyse was in fact a witch and Deacon Gookin was a follower of his. This devil that he encountered also informed Young Goodman Brown that he knew both his grandfather and father, which shocked Goodman Brown beyond belief. As if the name of his wife, Faith, didn't explicate her nature and purity enough, Goodman Brown still questioned her righteousness once the old man explained the details of the ceremony. Even a lifetime spent with his loved ones wasn't enough for Goodman Brown to disregard one possible fictitious night.
Young Goodman Brown was forever changed after he fell asleep that night in the forest. Of course he wasn't entirely sure if it was all just a dream or the sick, twisted reality of his little Salem village, but that didn't matter to him. He still pretended to believe in the decency of his fellow villagers but continued to debate their morality.This constant internal dispute of which character he saw as he looked into the eyes of those he recognized that one night destroyed him. People started to slowly gravitate away from him and wonder what had changed. Goodman Brown could have easily forgotten his sightings that contradicted his entire life, but he continued to let his curiosity get the best of him. His intense inquisitiveness exposed what he was actually concerned about. The devil had so much of an impact on Young Goodman Brown, that he allowed him to virtually control the rest of his life. Goodman Brown was obsessed with judging those specific people in his village that he lost the man he was before the dreaded illusion. Clearly, his religion and ideals were easily corruptible if one night with the devil was able to completely transform Goodman Brown from the man he was previously. All of this questioning disclosed Goodman Brown's top priorities that contravened his portrayal of a man he wanted everyone to believe in.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Bells for John Whiteside's Daughter (John Crowe Ransom)
Prompt: In a brief essay, identify at least two of the implications implicit in the society reflected in the poem. Support your statements by specific references to the poem.
Death takes place on a daily basis and is one of the few inevitable occurrences for humans, yet it is still difficult to comprehend and handle. It forces us to realize the most blatant characteristics about humanity that we never actually think about.
Life is a precious thing that we take for granted everyday because of our sense of entitlement. Of course we all have our own lives to build and live, but there are so many diversions that can unexpectedly alter or even cease our path along the way. The first four stanzas of this poem describe the little girl and how her energetic actions amused all who observed her. The cheerful diction allows the reader to understand that those who watched her play outdoors were thoroughly entertained and filled with joy when she would wake the geese. These animated stanzas were juxtaposed with the last stanza of this poem detailing everyone's anguish as the little girl was "primly propped". Ransom describes this little girl as having a superfluous amount of energy through the lines, "There was such speed in her little body,..." and "For the tireless heart within the little Lady..." suggesting that she would be the least likely to be permanently laid to rest. She took part in various juvenile activities such as "...she took arms against her shadow..." and "The lazy geese... Tricking and stopping, sleepy and proud...For the tireless heart within the little Lady with rod that made them rise..." that an occurrence associated with seniority seemed entirely impossible. The society in which the little girl belonged to didn't know how to manage the death of a beloved youthful child as they never thought twice about how fragile life is. They took that for granted everyday and failed to realize that they were all only mortals, destined to the same fate.
This society appeared to have the same relationships that family members share. Even though the author didn't know the little girl personally or on a first name basis, since she was described as "John Whiteside's Daughter" in the title and "little Lady" in the poem, the reader could still feel his sorrow as the bells rang. This society was so captivated and accustomed to the numerous children enjoying their adolescence and the orchards blooming with animals roaming freely that they had forgotten to appreciate it. They failed to remember that no one is granted immortality, especially with the death of the little girl, but what hit them the hardest was that they couldn't escape death either.
Death takes place on a daily basis and is one of the few inevitable occurrences for humans, yet it is still difficult to comprehend and handle. It forces us to realize the most blatant characteristics about humanity that we never actually think about.
Life is a precious thing that we take for granted everyday because of our sense of entitlement. Of course we all have our own lives to build and live, but there are so many diversions that can unexpectedly alter or even cease our path along the way. The first four stanzas of this poem describe the little girl and how her energetic actions amused all who observed her. The cheerful diction allows the reader to understand that those who watched her play outdoors were thoroughly entertained and filled with joy when she would wake the geese. These animated stanzas were juxtaposed with the last stanza of this poem detailing everyone's anguish as the little girl was "primly propped". Ransom describes this little girl as having a superfluous amount of energy through the lines, "There was such speed in her little body,..." and "For the tireless heart within the little Lady..." suggesting that she would be the least likely to be permanently laid to rest. She took part in various juvenile activities such as "...she took arms against her shadow..." and "The lazy geese... Tricking and stopping, sleepy and proud...For the tireless heart within the little Lady with rod that made them rise..." that an occurrence associated with seniority seemed entirely impossible. The society in which the little girl belonged to didn't know how to manage the death of a beloved youthful child as they never thought twice about how fragile life is. They took that for granted everyday and failed to realize that they were all only mortals, destined to the same fate.
This society appeared to have the same relationships that family members share. Even though the author didn't know the little girl personally or on a first name basis, since she was described as "John Whiteside's Daughter" in the title and "little Lady" in the poem, the reader could still feel his sorrow as the bells rang. This society was so captivated and accustomed to the numerous children enjoying their adolescence and the orchards blooming with animals roaming freely that they had forgotten to appreciate it. They failed to remember that no one is granted immortality, especially with the death of the little girl, but what hit them the hardest was that they couldn't escape death either.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
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Monday, March 30, 2015
I felt a funeral in my brain: TPCASTT Analysis
TITLE: This poem actually lacks a title, like all of Emily Dickinson's poems. Readers refer to the first line of this poem when giving it a name. The funeral that Dickinson seems to be discussing is her "death"; she is losing herself.
PARAPHRASE: This poem describes Dickinson's downfall. She can feel her initial plunge into darkness and outlines how the "mourners" bring her down past return.
CONNOTATION: As detailed previously, Dickinson refers to the "funeral" as the death of her character. She associates herself with "some strange Race" meaning that she has alienated herself from the rest of society. She talks about the "Plank in Reason" that broke and she fell to her demise; when I think of planks, I think of old wooden boards that aren't very sturdy and are the bridge to one's end once jumped off of.
ATTITUDE: It initially appeared to me that the author was pitying herself and then began losing her mind more and more as the poem continued. The character appeared a bit confused and helpless throughout the transition while as the reader, I was become more and more afraid about what was going to unveil.
SHIFT: A shift occurs during the line that states, "And then I heard them lift a Box..." as before this line, things continued to intensify and this line provided a shift towards her ultimate downfall.
TITLE REVISITED: I now think that the title is referring to the funeral of her sanity. Things in her mind keep escalating beyond her control until she "...Finished knowing..." and the Mourners finished invading her brain.
THEME: The theme of this poem is that your inner demons will consume you if you allow them to. She gave the Mourners the power to tread through her brain, which ultimately caused her downward spiral into insanity.
PARAPHRASE: This poem describes Dickinson's downfall. She can feel her initial plunge into darkness and outlines how the "mourners" bring her down past return.
CONNOTATION: As detailed previously, Dickinson refers to the "funeral" as the death of her character. She associates herself with "some strange Race" meaning that she has alienated herself from the rest of society. She talks about the "Plank in Reason" that broke and she fell to her demise; when I think of planks, I think of old wooden boards that aren't very sturdy and are the bridge to one's end once jumped off of.
ATTITUDE: It initially appeared to me that the author was pitying herself and then began losing her mind more and more as the poem continued. The character appeared a bit confused and helpless throughout the transition while as the reader, I was become more and more afraid about what was going to unveil.
SHIFT: A shift occurs during the line that states, "And then I heard them lift a Box..." as before this line, things continued to intensify and this line provided a shift towards her ultimate downfall.
TITLE REVISITED: I now think that the title is referring to the funeral of her sanity. Things in her mind keep escalating beyond her control until she "...Finished knowing..." and the Mourners finished invading her brain.
THEME: The theme of this poem is that your inner demons will consume you if you allow them to. She gave the Mourners the power to tread through her brain, which ultimately caused her downward spiral into insanity.
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