IT Was: draining, stressful, required.
IT Was: triumphant, incredulous, eye opening.
IT Was: IB Language and Literature.
IT Was: what caused me to stay up on a Sunday night.
IT Was: what caused me to realize that literature isn't solely for entertainment.
IT Was: for conveying a message about society.
IT Was: the first class that asked us to understand the language choices a writer made.
IT Was: the first class that made us analyze a text on such a deep level.
IT Was: the first class that asked me to understand the question-why?
IT Was: the first class in which I learned it was okay to think that the curtains are just blue.
IT Was: the class where I learned about power, race, religion, sexuality, and mass media.
IT Was: the class that integrated problems in our society and the cultures of other societies.
IT Was: my transition into a higher appreciation of literature.
IT Was: a transition from seeing the curtains as blue to seeing them as navy, light, and Carolina blue.
IT Was: a transition from having a teacher to having a teacher that was excited to teach.
IT Was: the struggle to learn how to write in the IB way.
IT Was: the struggle to analyze texts in the way IB analyzes texts.
IT Was: the struggle to limit my opinion when writing to an analysis of the text.
IT Was: tiring, hard, and ultimately could drive one insane.
IT Was: application, analysis, rewarding.
IT Was: IB Language and Literature.
it was ib language and literature
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
Post Fourteen: Whitman
Walt Whitman's journal reveals what Whitman thought about when writing his poetry. It can be assumed from looking at the journal that Whitman was a scatter brain as there are various types of text in the journal such as notes of appointments, written poetry with slashes through some works, and visual images of Whitman's self. There appears to be various notes of appointments that he needed to hold in the front of the journal. His slanted writing throughout the journal can represent the fact that he did not formally his education and educated himself before moving on to teach students. The text is controversial in the time it was written as it questions religion, discovery (ships), and freedom. Many times in the journal, the word "libertad" appears and represents Whitman's ideals about society of equality is stressed throughout his writing. In addition, the drawings towards the end of the journal represent what Whitman may have visualized himself as a facilitator of peace, change, and equality within the United States.
After reviewing what Whitman actually wrote in his journal. I still find him to be a scatterbrain. He writes what he thinks, but then is seemingly able to connect his ideas to each other. When not being able to clearly make out what is written in the journal, the language seems unconnected, but when looking at the analysis and receiving greater understanding of the historical context, one is able to see that Whitman's writing is truly an extended metaphor for the events that happen in life. I think that not knowing what Whitman truly intended when writing and drawing in his journal allows the audience to imagine why Whitman made these decisions.
After reviewing what Whitman actually wrote in his journal. I still find him to be a scatterbrain. He writes what he thinks, but then is seemingly able to connect his ideas to each other. When not being able to clearly make out what is written in the journal, the language seems unconnected, but when looking at the analysis and receiving greater understanding of the historical context, one is able to see that Whitman's writing is truly an extended metaphor for the events that happen in life. I think that not knowing what Whitman truly intended when writing and drawing in his journal allows the audience to imagine why Whitman made these decisions.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Post Thirteen
1. I believe that the American Dream is for individuals to be able to find a place for themselves in society, and to prosper within this place. Their place in society should be self-chosen, and within this place, the dream is to be self-sufficient, being independent of others, but being sufficient enough in this place to be able to support other individuals if desired.
2. Wealth extends further than the generally accepted definition of wealth as a substantial accumulation of money or possessions. The definition of wealth should be to have the happiness, the mental quality, the physical health quality, and all other goals met that a person desires. Wealth should not be taken for granted, but should be seen as a layer of clouds that you rise to and float on comfortably. Wealth should be defined as comfortable living, and that definition should be defined by each individual.
3. I believe Americans have one of two opinions about wealth and poverty. An American can either view it as a set of categories in which people can be placed, and use this system of categories to hold themselves to standards above or below other people; or view wealth and poverty as a grey scale that is not a determining value in a person's worth.
4. I think wealth and poverty are tricky subjects. I strongly feel that wealth and poverty should not define an individual, but I am able to recognize that within our society, they are frequently defining factors, as their are limitations that social classes have unfortunately imposed on others. I think that Wealth and Poverty should be understood to be fluctuating aspects of life, that can change instantaneously, and should not be taken for granted.
2. Wealth extends further than the generally accepted definition of wealth as a substantial accumulation of money or possessions. The definition of wealth should be to have the happiness, the mental quality, the physical health quality, and all other goals met that a person desires. Wealth should not be taken for granted, but should be seen as a layer of clouds that you rise to and float on comfortably. Wealth should be defined as comfortable living, and that definition should be defined by each individual.
3. I believe Americans have one of two opinions about wealth and poverty. An American can either view it as a set of categories in which people can be placed, and use this system of categories to hold themselves to standards above or below other people; or view wealth and poverty as a grey scale that is not a determining value in a person's worth.
4. I think wealth and poverty are tricky subjects. I strongly feel that wealth and poverty should not define an individual, but I am able to recognize that within our society, they are frequently defining factors, as their are limitations that social classes have unfortunately imposed on others. I think that Wealth and Poverty should be understood to be fluctuating aspects of life, that can change instantaneously, and should not be taken for granted.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Post Twelve: Translations
Translations:
#1:As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.
#2:Gregory Samsa woke from uneasy dreams one morning to find himself changed into a giant bug.
- diction (connotation/denotation): Removal of the word transformed creates a tone of indifference while other language appears more matter of fact and less narrative than in translation #1.
- syntax: The condensed sentence allows the author to me more direct in conveying the plot.
- imagery/details: One morning contrasts the ordinariness to the intrigue of becoming a giant bug.
- structure: As an introduction to the text, it is concise and prohibits limited interpretations of the plot events.
- any other stylist/figurative elements: The name Gregory appears to be a western name which contradicts the eastern last name of Samsa, which confuses the audience slightly.
#3:When Gregor Samsa awoke from troubled dreams one morning he found he had been transformed in his bed into an enormous bug.
- diction (connotation/denotation): The change from uneasy dreams to troubled dreams indicates that they could be considered concerning to the eyes of the audience and not just to the opinion of Gregor.
- syntax: The smooth syntax conveys the fast pace of the plot of the book.
- imagery/details: The description of enormous bug emphasizes the shocking nature of the transformation Gregor experiences.
- structure: The sentence appears to have an introduction within it, as it begins with "when" and then continues to explain what happened during the "when."
- any other stylist/figurative elements: The use of the word awoke symbolizes a transition in plot events.
#1:As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.
- diction (connotation/denotation): Simple language is used in order to convey the events of the plot in an easily understood manner.
- syntax: A fluid form allows the reader to understand the gravity of the situation, however a lack of punctuation indicates that this is an account written by the central character, as if in his thoughts.
- imagery/details: Transformed emphasizes the scientific concepts of his metamorphosis while descriptive language such as gigantic indicates the main characters surprise.
- structure: A seemingly passive structure suggests that the books genre is science fiction as it takes on a scientific, reserved/removed tone.
- any other stylist/figurative elements: The author includes the uneasy dreams as a way of foreshadowing the metamorphosis.
- syntax: A fluid form allows the reader to understand the gravity of the situation, however a lack of punctuation indicates that this is an account written by the central character, as if in his thoughts.
- imagery/details: Transformed emphasizes the scientific concepts of his metamorphosis while descriptive language such as gigantic indicates the main characters surprise.
- structure: A seemingly passive structure suggests that the books genre is science fiction as it takes on a scientific, reserved/removed tone.
- any other stylist/figurative elements: The author includes the uneasy dreams as a way of foreshadowing the metamorphosis.
#2:Gregory Samsa woke from uneasy dreams one morning to find himself changed into a giant bug.
- diction (connotation/denotation): Removal of the word transformed creates a tone of indifference while other language appears more matter of fact and less narrative than in translation #1.
- syntax: The condensed sentence allows the author to me more direct in conveying the plot.
- imagery/details: One morning contrasts the ordinariness to the intrigue of becoming a giant bug.
- structure: As an introduction to the text, it is concise and prohibits limited interpretations of the plot events.
- any other stylist/figurative elements: The name Gregory appears to be a western name which contradicts the eastern last name of Samsa, which confuses the audience slightly.
#3:When Gregor Samsa awoke from troubled dreams one morning he found he had been transformed in his bed into an enormous bug.
- diction (connotation/denotation): The change from uneasy dreams to troubled dreams indicates that they could be considered concerning to the eyes of the audience and not just to the opinion of Gregor.
- syntax: The smooth syntax conveys the fast pace of the plot of the book.
- imagery/details: The description of enormous bug emphasizes the shocking nature of the transformation Gregor experiences.
- structure: The sentence appears to have an introduction within it, as it begins with "when" and then continues to explain what happened during the "when."
- any other stylist/figurative elements: The use of the word awoke symbolizes a transition in plot events.
- diction (connotation/denotation): The use of vermin has an ominous tone as it could be any number of things including, but not limited to bugs.
- syntax: The choppy syntax highlights almost a step-by-step process in which the plot reaches this climax.
- imagery/details: Utilizing the phrase found himself, suggests that the realization of the transformation was a greater shock, because it is explicitly stated that he first noticed the transformation.
- structure: The elongated, choppy structure suggests that this would be the introduction into further events in the plot of the book.
- any other stylist/figurative elements: By beginning with the phrase one morning, the author allows the text to take on the feeling that it is being narrated as a story.
Translation greatly affects the significance of text, as a translation is usually directed towards one specific audience. The text is therefore shaped by the scribe to conform to the language or expectations of that audience. Most prevalently, translation affects the syntax and word choice used by the translator. Changing the syntax of the text, a translator can conform the text to the syntax used by an audience which can clarify the text and make it more easily comprehendible. For example, by rearranging the words most notably seen in translation #4, the translator is able to appeal to an audience. The syntax of #4 would appeal to a western audience that uses more descriptive and lengthy syntax, whereas the syntax of #1 would appeal to an eastern audience that uses drier, cleaner syntax/language. Word choice affects the manner in which an audience perceives the connotation of the word. For example several of the above translations utilized the word, awoke, versus woke and awakening. Awoke carries the connotation of a matter of fact event that is described by an outsider recording the story, whereas woke and awakening carry more informal connotations as if being told by the central character of the story.
Translation is difficult, because it so frequently alters the author's intended tone of his/her writing. Altering the tone of a sentence can distort the purpose an author had when writing a piece of literature. In many cases, the word choice affects the tone, and literature that was meant to have the audience feel sympathetic towards the main character may have them actually feeling apathetic towards the main character. I find that translation #4 strays furthest from what the other translations attempt to be conveying as word choice and syntax appear the most different. The translation affects the connotation of the text by making the reader empathize with Gregor and view the text as if it was coming directly from his point of view.
- syntax: The choppy syntax highlights almost a step-by-step process in which the plot reaches this climax.
- imagery/details: Utilizing the phrase found himself, suggests that the realization of the transformation was a greater shock, because it is explicitly stated that he first noticed the transformation.
- structure: The elongated, choppy structure suggests that this would be the introduction into further events in the plot of the book.
- any other stylist/figurative elements: By beginning with the phrase one morning, the author allows the text to take on the feeling that it is being narrated as a story.
Translation greatly affects the significance of text, as a translation is usually directed towards one specific audience. The text is therefore shaped by the scribe to conform to the language or expectations of that audience. Most prevalently, translation affects the syntax and word choice used by the translator. Changing the syntax of the text, a translator can conform the text to the syntax used by an audience which can clarify the text and make it more easily comprehendible. For example, by rearranging the words most notably seen in translation #4, the translator is able to appeal to an audience. The syntax of #4 would appeal to a western audience that uses more descriptive and lengthy syntax, whereas the syntax of #1 would appeal to an eastern audience that uses drier, cleaner syntax/language. Word choice affects the manner in which an audience perceives the connotation of the word. For example several of the above translations utilized the word, awoke, versus woke and awakening. Awoke carries the connotation of a matter of fact event that is described by an outsider recording the story, whereas woke and awakening carry more informal connotations as if being told by the central character of the story.
Translation is difficult, because it so frequently alters the author's intended tone of his/her writing. Altering the tone of a sentence can distort the purpose an author had when writing a piece of literature. In many cases, the word choice affects the tone, and literature that was meant to have the audience feel sympathetic towards the main character may have them actually feeling apathetic towards the main character. I find that translation #4 strays furthest from what the other translations attempt to be conveying as word choice and syntax appear the most different. The translation affects the connotation of the text by making the reader empathize with Gregor and view the text as if it was coming directly from his point of view.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Post Eleven: Practice IOC
Text Analyzed: Lady Macbeth's Unsex Me Speech from Macbeth
Link to Voice Recording: http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cDn3nh1fJa
Criterion A: 9-I believe I accurately portrayed the historical information on which Macbeth is based as well as providing the context of this passage.
Criterion B: 7- I think I made some valid points about what Shakespeare's intentions were when writing this passage, however I think I could have explained more accurately what its effect on the audience was.
Criterion C: 4- My organization was fairly neat in the beginning, I gave context and then jumped into plot, the language, the audience, and then the effect of the language on the audience. However, I think my organization fell apart in the end as I ran out of time to create a solid conclusion.
Criterion D: 3- I think this is my weakest area. The language I used seems repetitive and is not on par for the level of analysis being conducted.
Link to Voice Recording: http://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cDn3nh1fJa
Criterion A: 9-I believe I accurately portrayed the historical information on which Macbeth is based as well as providing the context of this passage.
Criterion B: 7- I think I made some valid points about what Shakespeare's intentions were when writing this passage, however I think I could have explained more accurately what its effect on the audience was.
Criterion C: 4- My organization was fairly neat in the beginning, I gave context and then jumped into plot, the language, the audience, and then the effect of the language on the audience. However, I think my organization fell apart in the end as I ran out of time to create a solid conclusion.
Criterion D: 3- I think this is my weakest area. The language I used seems repetitive and is not on par for the level of analysis being conducted.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Post Ten: Never Let Me Go Covers
I cannot accurately describe the purposes of the different cover art, because I do not know how cover art becomes published. Is it commissioned by the author, made by the author, chosen by the publishing companies, I don't know. However, I could surmise that the intention of the different cover art is to draw in various audiences. A reader who is into more gothic literature or mystery may pick up the cover with the organs or the boat, whereas a reader who desires a romantic, positive story may choose to read the novel with the bright covers. While I find that the colors are categorized to please two different audiences, its interesting how there are no clear images in any of the four covers. There is a slight blur to some aspect of each cover, which I believe serves to highlight the blurred lines between science and humanity, and the many transitions to personal accounts in the plot of Never Let Me Go, that can be portrayed as uplifting or depressing.
Dark, broken, danger, scientific, futuristic. The cover on the left is a dark representative of the plot of Never Let Me Go. It portrays the internal anatomy of a human which is quite significant in the novel; as the clones exist to donate their major organs. This cover depicts the viewpoint of the clones, as they begin to envy their future consisting of donations as time passes. A prime example of characters who would share this viewpoint are Chrissie and Rodney as they question Ruth about delaying the inevitable donations while on their trip to Norfolk. The image is best associated with the scientific culture seen in the donations and cloning of the plot. It is likely that a book with this cover would be chosen by someone who is into medicine, mystery, science, and futuristic literature.
Romantic, cheery, unicorns that poop gold, summer, relaxation. The cover on the right depicts a bright, cheery meadow in Never Let Me Go in which a young girl appears to be thinking to herself. It portrays the students' lives at Hailsham as dainty and carefree. This cover depicts the viewpoint of clones outside of the Hailsham upbringing as seen in the first chapters donor who asks Kathy H. to tell him about what it was like at Hailsham in detail. The cover is associated with the carefree culture of the students at Hailsham, where their education solely consists of the arts, and where they have freedom to roam as one does at a private boarding school, or in college. A book with this cover would be chosen by someone who is looking for a romantic love story, or an uplifting novel about how an individual's life changed for the better.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
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