Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Journal #3 - Growth and Development of Characters
As we near the end of our book, we have discussed the growth and development of the characters. This week, we looked at the relationships between Ishmael and Hatsue, as well as Kabuo and Carl. We notice how in their early years, their relationship was strong, yet they would eventually fail due to the growth of the characters. We connected this with the word "destruction" as well as the question "is destruction necessary for growth?" In this case, the relationships between the characters are being destroyed as the characters develop through the book. Looking at Ishmael and Hatsue's case, their relationship was very strong when they were young. They thought they could be with each other forever and nothing could possibly alter that. However, the growth shown from Hatsue starts the hinder this relationship. As Hatsue grows older and is brought up by her Japanese family, she realizes that her relationship with Ishmael can't work out the way she would like. Her Japanese heritage does not allow her to be together with a white man, but another Japanese man instead. This moral develops deeper within Hatsue, swaying the outcome of her relationship with Ishmael. My group discussed how Hatsue developed as a character and eventually found herself a Japanese man to marry, this being Kabuo. Looking back at the question, yes, destruction can be necessary for growth, and this situation is a prime example of it. Essentially, Hatsue destroyed her strong relationship with Ishmael, however it was for the better as she found herself a man who suits her morals.
This week I feel my group has progressed well. As we complete our book, our understanding of it is much more clear than it was last week. The book all came together in the end, helping us come to a better understanding. Our discussion this week was rich, which included the development and growth of the characters throughout the story. I think I have fulfilled my goal from my last journal entry, as I have tried hard to build upon my group members ideas and thoughts. Overall I have been a responsible group member, listening attentively to my group. I have also done a good job this week contributing my thoughts and ideas and I have helped spark our conversation with questions.
This week I feel my group has progressed well. As we complete our book, our understanding of it is much more clear than it was last week. The book all came together in the end, helping us come to a better understanding. Our discussion this week was rich, which included the development and growth of the characters throughout the story. I think I have fulfilled my goal from my last journal entry, as I have tried hard to build upon my group members ideas and thoughts. Overall I have been a responsible group member, listening attentively to my group. I have also done a good job this week contributing my thoughts and ideas and I have helped spark our conversation with questions.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Response
Good work. You are on the right path, I agree your book is challenging in the beginning. You have some good points to discuss and you can also look at what was happening in the world around them at that time as well. good support. the one thing I would try and do is bring in a connection as well. this will help round out your writing adn deepen your understanding. good support too.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Journal #2 - Pain and Conflict
This week my lit circle group was able to have a good discussion on the book "Snow Falling On Cedars." However it has been difficult to create lengthy, in-depth discussions about the book, as it has started off fairly slow. We have not yet come across much activity in the book as the author has taken his time describing the different characters and their pasts. Luckily though, our lit circle group was able to discuss a few questions regarding pain and conflict. A question that we discussed was "what are different ways of experiencing conflict?" The story so far is about a fisherman that has died. There is a trial occurring to try and figure out if Kabuo Miyamoto was responsible for the fishermans death. This mystery as well as the setting represents a lot of conflict. The setting in the beginning is a courtroom, which represents conflict as many perspectives of different situations are assessed by a judge and jury. This causes conflict because both the defendant and prosecutor "battle" one another to try and win the trial. Our group discussed this as well as minor conflicts between characters. For example, a character by the name of Ishmael confronts Kabuo's wife, Hatsue. It is shown that there have been past conflicts between the two as she is not excited to see him. " 'Go away,' repeated Hatsue Miyamoto. Then she'd turned her eyes, once again, from [Ishmael]." (pg 8) It is shown later on in the book that in their younger years, Hatsue and Ishmael had relations between one another. However, now that Hatsue is married to Kabuo there is conflict between Ishmael and Hatsue. Our group connected this with another question about pain: "What are different ways of experiencing pain." In this case, Ishmael is experiencing emotional pain as it clear that he still has feelings towards Hatsue. When she ignored him like she did during the trial, it hurt Ishmael emotionally. "He remained uncertain afterward what her eyes had meant - punishment, sorrow, pain."
Overall, this week our group had a decent discussion. All members of the group were active, sharing thoughts and ideas. A group goal that we all have in common is to try and find deeper meanings towards the text and have lengthier discussions. I'm confident that as we dive further into the book, we will be able to achieve this goal. From my personal assessment this week, I was involved with the group discussions by asking and answering questions, relating peer comments to my own thoughts, and adding points of my own. However, a future goal for me would be to contribute deeper opinions and insight to the book.
More recently, as we have dived further into the book our group has been able to have richer discussions. In the past week, we have discussed conflict in the book. It is revealed that in their teen years, Ishmael and Hatsue had a "secret" relationship. Their feelings for one another were very strong, however they could not express their feelings in public due to issues within society at that time. It was during World War II, when the Japanese had recently bombed Pearl Harbor. This caused conflict throughout the whole world, especially on San Piedro Island where Ishmael and Hatsue lived. Many Japanese immigrants lived here, and due to the surprise attack, the locals had issues with the Japanese. They were seen as traitors to some, as they could have easily been spies for the Japanese army. This is another example of conflict in the book because now the Japanese were treated differently. For example, Mrs. Heine did not want to sell any of her property to the Miyamoto family, strictly because they were Japanese. " 'They're Japs,' answered Etta. 'We're in a war with them. We can't have spies around.' " (p. 126)
This issue also caused conflict with Ishmael and Hatsue's relationship. Since Ishmael was white, and Hatsue was Japanese, it was wrong for them to be seen together in public. Society deemed it wrong due to prejudice and the actions at Pearl Harbor. They could not hang out together at school, after school, or anywhere in public. They had to go their secret place in order for them to talk to each other. This is one of the main examples of conflict that my group discussed. Their parents would punish them severely if they found out of their relationship, and they both knew that there would be consequences if they were caught. However their love for each other was so strong that the consequences would not matter to them. At the same time, Hatsue is experiencing conflict within herself, as she is questioning her Japanese heritage. She wonders whether her relationship with Ishmael could ever be real, and if she should be with a Japanese boy instead like her parents want her to. This causes Hatsue to have doubts about who she really is. " 'No,' she said. 'No, Ishamel. No, Ishmael. Never.' " (p. 214) Ishmael tries to kiss Hatsue before she leaves, but her conscience tells her this whole relationship is wrong. The conflict between Ishmael and Hatsue can be connected with couples all over the world. Society might not see it fit that these two people are together, however their love for each other is so strong that this doesn't matter to them. Unfortunately, society's views could have a negative impact on these relationships, just like it has in Ishmael and Hatsue's case.
In conclusion, our group has been able to pull together richer and deeper discussions about our book this past week. This includes discussions about pain and conflict, as well as destruction. The book is starting to get more interesting for me, and my understanding is becoming more clear. The first week was indeed challenging for me, however now it is becoming easier to interpret the layers within our book. A goal I feel I have accomplished is a deeper discussion with my group members as well as a lengthier one. Overall I have been contributing well to my groups discussion, and listening well to my group member's ideas and thoughts. A goal for the future can be to try and build further on my member's thoughts.
* To make my journal better, I have included a few more points about conflict that my group members and I have discussed. I included quotes and examples for support and evidence, and I have explained my points. Another thing I have done is that I have included a connection and explained my connection. Also I have added an appropriate title to my journal.*
Overall, this week our group had a decent discussion. All members of the group were active, sharing thoughts and ideas. A group goal that we all have in common is to try and find deeper meanings towards the text and have lengthier discussions. I'm confident that as we dive further into the book, we will be able to achieve this goal. From my personal assessment this week, I was involved with the group discussions by asking and answering questions, relating peer comments to my own thoughts, and adding points of my own. However, a future goal for me would be to contribute deeper opinions and insight to the book.
More recently, as we have dived further into the book our group has been able to have richer discussions. In the past week, we have discussed conflict in the book. It is revealed that in their teen years, Ishmael and Hatsue had a "secret" relationship. Their feelings for one another were very strong, however they could not express their feelings in public due to issues within society at that time. It was during World War II, when the Japanese had recently bombed Pearl Harbor. This caused conflict throughout the whole world, especially on San Piedro Island where Ishmael and Hatsue lived. Many Japanese immigrants lived here, and due to the surprise attack, the locals had issues with the Japanese. They were seen as traitors to some, as they could have easily been spies for the Japanese army. This is another example of conflict in the book because now the Japanese were treated differently. For example, Mrs. Heine did not want to sell any of her property to the Miyamoto family, strictly because they were Japanese. " 'They're Japs,' answered Etta. 'We're in a war with them. We can't have spies around.' " (p. 126)
This issue also caused conflict with Ishmael and Hatsue's relationship. Since Ishmael was white, and Hatsue was Japanese, it was wrong for them to be seen together in public. Society deemed it wrong due to prejudice and the actions at Pearl Harbor. They could not hang out together at school, after school, or anywhere in public. They had to go their secret place in order for them to talk to each other. This is one of the main examples of conflict that my group discussed. Their parents would punish them severely if they found out of their relationship, and they both knew that there would be consequences if they were caught. However their love for each other was so strong that the consequences would not matter to them. At the same time, Hatsue is experiencing conflict within herself, as she is questioning her Japanese heritage. She wonders whether her relationship with Ishmael could ever be real, and if she should be with a Japanese boy instead like her parents want her to. This causes Hatsue to have doubts about who she really is. " 'No,' she said. 'No, Ishamel. No, Ishmael. Never.' " (p. 214) Ishmael tries to kiss Hatsue before she leaves, but her conscience tells her this whole relationship is wrong. The conflict between Ishmael and Hatsue can be connected with couples all over the world. Society might not see it fit that these two people are together, however their love for each other is so strong that this doesn't matter to them. Unfortunately, society's views could have a negative impact on these relationships, just like it has in Ishmael and Hatsue's case.
In conclusion, our group has been able to pull together richer and deeper discussions about our book this past week. This includes discussions about pain and conflict, as well as destruction. The book is starting to get more interesting for me, and my understanding is becoming more clear. The first week was indeed challenging for me, however now it is becoming easier to interpret the layers within our book. A goal I feel I have accomplished is a deeper discussion with my group members as well as a lengthier one. Overall I have been contributing well to my groups discussion, and listening well to my group member's ideas and thoughts. A goal for the future can be to try and build further on my member's thoughts.
* To make my journal better, I have included a few more points about conflict that my group members and I have discussed. I included quotes and examples for support and evidence, and I have explained my points. Another thing I have done is that I have included a connection and explained my connection. Also I have added an appropriate title to my journal.*
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Darkness
Why is there darkness in humanity?
There is darkness in humanity because it is a part of our race, just like light is. Without darkness, there would be no meaning to light, and without light there would be no meaning to darkness. We need one another to be able to distinguish one from the other. Without darkness we can't describe what light means to us. With both dark and light, humanity has a basis for bad and good. Darkness makes the good times even better. If there was no darkness, our "good" would just feel normal. We need darkness in order to make the good what it really is. Overall, darkness is within all of us, because it is natural thing within our race.
There is darkness in humanity because it is a part of our race, just like light is. Without darkness, there would be no meaning to light, and without light there would be no meaning to darkness. We need one another to be able to distinguish one from the other. Without darkness we can't describe what light means to us. With both dark and light, humanity has a basis for bad and good. Darkness makes the good times even better. If there was no darkness, our "good" would just feel normal. We need darkness in order to make the good what it really is. Overall, darkness is within all of us, because it is natural thing within our race.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
ORAL PRESENTATION REFLECTION- Macbeth
One essential question that Macbeth relates to is "How far is one willing to go to get what they desire the most." Macbeth displays his desire to be king in several different ways that go beyond the norm. It all starts when Macbeth encounters the witches. ''All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter.'' (I, iii, 50) When they tell him that he will be king, his ambition for power blossoms. However, Macbeth realizes that in order for him to become king, he'll need to murder King Duncan. Macbeth goes through with a plan that Lady Macbeth created, and he murdered Duncan during the night. This murder was so significant because of many reasons. For one, Duncan was Macbeth's guest for the night, and its very rude to kill your own guest. Macbeth swore loyalty to King Duncan as a kinsman. Also, when people discovered the death of King Duncan, Macbeth lies and states the guards killed the King because they were drunk. He continues to lie and states that he murdered the guards as an act of revenge for Duncan. "O, yet I do repent me of my fury, that I did kill them." (II, iii, 106-107) Due to these reasons, Macbeth's actions of killing King Duncan were extraordinary. This is just one of many examples of how Macbeth goes too far to get what he desires.
Another essential question that Macbeth relates to is "How does power corrupt?" Towards the beginning of the play, Macbeth was a very loyal and bright person. However, when Macbeth becomes king, his traits change completely. Macbeth becomes more dark and depressed. The power Macbeth obtained once he became king began to corrupt him, affecting his personality and actions. For example, Macbeth was so worried that he would lose his power, he murdered Banquo so that he wouldn't lose his power. Another example is when Macbeth discovers that Lady Macbeth commits suicide.
"She should have died hereafter. There would have been a time for such a word. Tomorrow and tomorrow and to morrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time, and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!" (V, v, 17-23)
This quote displays how much Macbeth has changed throughout the play. Once a loyal man, but now he has changed into a more ruthless being as he shows no love for Lady Macbeth. In this quote, Macbeth talks about how life is short and how he believes it's pointless. Macbeth also starts to treat his servants poorly. All these are examples of how Macbeth's power corrupts him, changing his personality and actions.
I learned that working in groups has its pros and cons. Some pros include being able to work with others and seeing their different points of view, and the work can be split up between your group members. Some cons include time management, as it can sometimes be difficult to get together as a group and work outside of class. Overall, something important that I have learned is to communicate well with your group members because then you can organize your time management and other things more efficiently. Something I noticed that I need to work on for next time is to manage my time more wisely, because if I do things at an even pace I have more time to put greater effort and changes toward a group project. Overall, something I'm proud of is the creativity of our video because it presents the play in a more humorous way, and also it is possibly easier to understand because it is simpler. If I were to divide a pie with our group's individual work percentages, I would split it evenly between the three of us. I feel that we all contributed evenly in one way or another. We worked together as a team and there was no point in time where it felt as if someone was lacking effort or participation. We all contributed thoughts and ideas, and did some sort of work towards the final project.
Another essential question that Macbeth relates to is "How does power corrupt?" Towards the beginning of the play, Macbeth was a very loyal and bright person. However, when Macbeth becomes king, his traits change completely. Macbeth becomes more dark and depressed. The power Macbeth obtained once he became king began to corrupt him, affecting his personality and actions. For example, Macbeth was so worried that he would lose his power, he murdered Banquo so that he wouldn't lose his power. Another example is when Macbeth discovers that Lady Macbeth commits suicide.
"She should have died hereafter. There would have been a time for such a word. Tomorrow and tomorrow and to morrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time, and all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!" (V, v, 17-23)
This quote displays how much Macbeth has changed throughout the play. Once a loyal man, but now he has changed into a more ruthless being as he shows no love for Lady Macbeth. In this quote, Macbeth talks about how life is short and how he believes it's pointless. Macbeth also starts to treat his servants poorly. All these are examples of how Macbeth's power corrupts him, changing his personality and actions.
I learned that working in groups has its pros and cons. Some pros include being able to work with others and seeing their different points of view, and the work can be split up between your group members. Some cons include time management, as it can sometimes be difficult to get together as a group and work outside of class. Overall, something important that I have learned is to communicate well with your group members because then you can organize your time management and other things more efficiently. Something I noticed that I need to work on for next time is to manage my time more wisely, because if I do things at an even pace I have more time to put greater effort and changes toward a group project. Overall, something I'm proud of is the creativity of our video because it presents the play in a more humorous way, and also it is possibly easier to understand because it is simpler. If I were to divide a pie with our group's individual work percentages, I would split it evenly between the three of us. I feel that we all contributed evenly in one way or another. We worked together as a team and there was no point in time where it felt as if someone was lacking effort or participation. We all contributed thoughts and ideas, and did some sort of work towards the final project.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Macbeth Blog 2
The scene I am doing with my group is Act 2 Scene 3. In the previous scene, Macbeth murders King Duncan. To my understanding, this scene presents a lot of foreshadowing that helps create later events in the play. For example, we first encounter Macduff as he enters the play from a gate that the porter references as "hell-gate." "If a man were porter of hell-gate, he should have old turning the key" -Porter
This is ironic as well as an example of foreshadowing as Macduff eventually kills Macbeth later in the play.
The 2 EQ's I choose to connect to are "How power corrupts" and "How far one was willing to go to get what he/she desires the most." This scene connects to these EQ's because of the actions of Macbeth to attempt to cover up his evil deeds. Macbeth goes as far as framing the innocent guards and making it seem as if they were the ones to murder the king, in order to keep his evil doing a secret. Macbeth states that he killed the guards on behalf of revenge for the king.
"O, yet I do repent me of my fury, that I did kill them." - Macbeth
Macbeth lies to several people in order to successfully transition into the title of king. These actions show how power has corrupted him, and how far he went in order for people to believe his false story.
This is ironic as well as an example of foreshadowing as Macduff eventually kills Macbeth later in the play.
The 2 EQ's I choose to connect to are "How power corrupts" and "How far one was willing to go to get what he/she desires the most." This scene connects to these EQ's because of the actions of Macbeth to attempt to cover up his evil deeds. Macbeth goes as far as framing the innocent guards and making it seem as if they were the ones to murder the king, in order to keep his evil doing a secret. Macbeth states that he killed the guards on behalf of revenge for the king.
"O, yet I do repent me of my fury, that I did kill them." - Macbeth
Macbeth lies to several people in order to successfully transition into the title of king. These actions show how power has corrupted him, and how far he went in order for people to believe his false story.
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