Final writting Exam

Inherit the Wind

Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee

To this day, freedom of speech and of thought are still not permitted in many countries around the world. Not so long ago, the law in the United States of America seemed to prohibit it as well. In 1925, the prosecution of a high school teacher for teaching evolutionism to his class, an action that went against the the Butler Act which made it criminal “to teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals”, drew a lot of media attention. This trial was and is considered a major turning point in the American creation-evolution controversy; thirty years later, Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee based their play “Inherit the Wind”on it, illustrating the importance of freedom of speech and not necessarily who is in the right or wrong.

Firstly, to understand the significance of some of the final statements that are made in this play, you must know a little about the characters and their views. Bertram Cates is a young man who teaches biology in a small town high-school; he does not seem to be have any strong religious or scientific view, but he appears to question things that others take for granted. When he is arrested for teaching evolutionism to his class, he doesn’t bow down to the law and pretend he didn’t question Creationism; he stands up for what could be possibly be, with the help of Henry Drummond. This key character, a defence lawyer from Chicago, represents Cates opinion throughout the trial, by arguing for freedom of thought. He, like Cates is not a “believer” of creationism or evolutionism, he simply is fighting for human progress. The next character of whom it is important to understand the views, is Matthew Harrison Brady. This man unlike Cates, is one who has a very strong Faith in the Lord and does not want to hear anything about other theories or hypothesis about the origins of the Universe. He judges himself as quite a knowledgeable man when it comes to the Bible, and believes every word in it in a literal way. He receives an enormous amount of support from the people of the town from beginning to end of the play, because they voted for him in all the elections he participated in. E.K. Hornbeck is a character that holds a very important part in the final scene of the play who despises Brady’s religious fundamentalism and the way the townspeople accept Brady’s views. Nevertheless, both Brady and Cates’ opinions are what seem to create the main issue throughout the play.

Now that you know the basic facts about the antagonist and protagonists beliefs, we can proceed with the final statements that resume the theme of this play. Since I do not have access to the play itself I cannot cite but, I will do my best to paraphrase as accurately as possible. When the trial is over and Cates has “lost” , Brady has a heart attack and dies; at that moment, the focus of the play shifts to a conversation between Hornbeck and Drummond. Hornbeck makes some wisecrack about how the world is better off without another fundamentalist and Drummond answers that he had as much right to his beliefs as anyone else. Hornbeck reacts to Drummond’s answer by saying that he is a hypocrite and that he is no better than Brady. The final comment that Drummond makes is what holds together the whole meaning of the play: It does not matter what you think as long as you do not impose that thought on others and let them think freely.

Words: 600

Merry Christmas M. Bonkowski!!!!

LEL 3-4

Course 3: Synonyms and Antonyms practice 1
1. I thought that this test was relatively interesting; because, it made you think about what each word meant and about the slight difference in each one's meaning that is so important when trying to find a synonym or antonym for a word.
2. It was relatively easy
3. I didn't learn much, because i couldn't review my mistakes.
4.80% average, 90% on the synonyms and 70% on the antonyms.
5. I give this test 9/10

Course 4: Synonyms and Antonyms practice 1
1. This test was slightly more difficult than the previous one, so it made me think more and concentrate on the slight differences between the definitions of the words.
2. As I mentioned above, I found this evaluation slightly harder than the first one, but it's level of difficulty helped sustain my interest more.
3. As I said for the first test I didn't get to review my mistake and thus, couldn't really learn from my mistakes.
4.95% average, 100% on the synonyms,90% on the antonyms.
5. I give this course a rating of 9/10

11 sexy ways to introduce a literary essay

Background Thesis Statement is necesssary (TS)

- TS is an interpretation

- TS is based on literary elements: -Plot, characterization, setting, symbolism, theme, dialogue, imagery, naration

-TS is not a fact

-TS never uses i think

- TS needs proof based on quotations

1. biographical info: In a. Bierce's. «Occurence at...», he takes the view point of his enemy, a confederate-even though he was a federal soldier- to show the horrors.

2. Quotation «i'm not mad, no i'm not.» Why did the narrator say this ? Was he really sane?

3. Definition: according tothe dictionary the word lottery means a random draw with money as a prize.In s Jacksons «Lottery» the prize is very macabre indeed; death by stoning.

4. a literary element: imagery is a powerful way to express powerful emotions and feelings.

5. Life experience ( author)

6. Plot

7. Philosophical or sociological concept

8. Historical background

9. Claim to fame

10. Using imagery

11. Allusion

Book Review

After being published in nine different segments, “Yukiguni 雪国” made its appearance in bookstores all over Japan as a single piece in 1947. Ten years later, it was translated to English by Edward G. Seidensticker, its title becoming “Snow Country”; a literal translation of its original one. In 1957, this wonderful work of art led Yasunari Kawabata, its author, to being nominated and consequently becoming, the first Japanese novelist to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. The story that unfolds throughout this book is one of a relationship between a geisha and a dilettante from Tokyo.

For me, this story forms a slightly unbalanced mix of good and bad elements. On one side of the scale there is the imagery and culture integrated into the book; and on the other, there is a mass of subliminal messages and lack of explicitness. First of all, I'll state some of the facts that bothered me most. Throughout the book, there seems to be parts that are missing or pieces that don't connect or follow the flow of the story. At first I assumed that this strange delivery was the consequence of a faulty translation; after some research, I found that it could also be the result of the very segmented past of this piece. Since it was published progressively in nine parts, it may just be lacking in fluency because of the time span between each ones creation; or maybe the author was in a different emotional state when he wrote the separate segments of the story, which could cause the slight discontinuity and jump from one mood to another that is present at many times in “Snow Country”. This fault may be the cause of certain elements of the story that, regardless of the creative style of the author, seem to lack explicit explanations and thus, leave me a very confused reader. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the two following elements of this novel to a great extent : the Japanese culture and the very image rich vocabulary.

This first element interested me because this novel being written originally in Japanese, did not present the objects and scenery as if they were being presented to a foreigner, but took for granted that you knew what they were. At the beginning of the book I had a few rough moments trying to comprehend, but as the story wore on I lost the incertitude I had and just let my mind bathe in this unknown world, universe, climate and culture. The second element I appreciated, was the language that was used and the genre that resembled slightly the Haiku. The similarity that recalled the Haiku form was that of the fusing of opposite or incongruous terms, the fusing of the senses.Here are a few examples: a roaring silence, the round softness of running water...

This last example demonstrates wonderfully the mastery with which Yasunari Kawabata unites multiple senses so simply.

Over all, it was a good book; but I would not recommend it to anyone who is easily confused.

Inherit the wind

Characters:
1. Bertram Cates, 24,hs teacher,defendant, he believed in evolution
2. Matthew H. Brady, politician, prosecution, very christian, hero
3. Henry Drummond, devil, Defense, city guy
4. E.K. Hornbeck : Cynical journalist, portrays Cates as a hero in his article,city guy,for Cates, against Brady
5. Reverend Brown,: fundamentalist christian, fire and brimestone
6. Rachel Brown: 22, elemenmtry teacher, daughter of reverend, romance with Cates
7. Judge: impartial...ish,
8. Townspeople :

QUESTIONS

1. How does Howard and Melinda’s interaction at the beginning of the play foreshadow

the major issues of the play? I don't recall this scene.

2. What does Meeker, the bailiff’s, willingness to let Cates out of jail to meet with Rachel

tell us both about his offence and the town? He isn't very dangerous to anyone physically but the town is very close-minded and persecutes him for being open minded.It tells us that the offence isn't very serious and not a threat physical to the town.

3. What kind of town does Hillsboro seem to be in its preparations for Brady’s arrival?

A very republican one and pious one. A very religious one, and proud to show it by desplaying banners and singing christian songs.

4. What does Brady’s relationship with his wife tell us about his character?

She seems to baby him a lot. It shows that brady is dependant and submissive.

5. What does Brady’s conversation with Rachel, and subsequent behaviour afterwards tell

us about his character? He is a backstabber, he is trying to use Rachel trust to his advantage.

It tells us that Brady could be untrustworthy, conniving and manipulative.

6. How is Drummond characterized by the townspeople? Later when we meet him do

they seem to be correct? They think he is devil. When we meet him, he just seems like someone who wants things right.Drummond is depicted as the Devil or Evil incarnate because he had previously defended hard core criminals; however we find him to be free-thinking and a man of principal.

7. What role does Hornbeck play in the action of the play? What is the significance of the

way he speaks? He keeps the balance in the support for Cates and he brings info to the rest of America, he portrays Cates as a hero.Hornbeck shows another point of view that is seemingly more open-minded but isn't. He was more articulate, but he was not superior despite what he might think.

8. Do the elements of the trial seem fair to you? Why or why not? The jury could be bias as well as the judge, so it isn't fair.

9. What do you think Rachel’s motivations for asking Cates to drop the trial and admit

his guilt stem from? Her indecision between her father and Cates, she does't know who to chose.

10. What does Brady’s intervention in Reverend Brown’s sermon say about him? Does

this contradict what you thought about him as a character? He seems to think that they are being harsh but he is portrayed as a fire and brimstone sort of man.

11. What is the central issue that Drummond is arguing for in the courtroom?

He thinks that people should be allowed to think.

12. Do you think it is fair that none of Drummond’s expert witnesses are allowed to act as

witnesses? No, it isn't.

PLAN

Thesis Statement :

The story uses 2 elements, setting and symbolism to hint at the topic of " abortion "without explicitily stating it.

Paragraph 1 : Setting introduces a tence atmosphere, Spain 1920's. The author uses a quote about the hills and the station.

Paragraph 2 : Hard decision to make about "it" , he makes a parrallel with the railroads going in 2 different directions and the 2 options you can take.

Paragraph 3 : The hills are compared to white elephants= baby pregnant belly /unique and uncommon

Paragraph 4 : fields and trees = fertility and fruitfulness

Mid-Term Test: Story Of An Hour

Part A

1. What is Louise Mallard’s opinion of marriage? Indicate the paragraph that suggests it?

Louise Mallard has a relatively low opinion of marriage; in fact, she views it as a type of business arrangement in which women must obey the will of their husbands. In the following quote, the author exposes Mrs. Mallard's feelings about marriage: “There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature.”(paragraph 12)

2. Why does Louise Mallard suddenly stop crying? Indicate the place in the text?

The end of Louise Mallard's tears was caused by a sudden realisation; she was free. She didn't have to live her life for anyone but herself anymore. Although she was sad that her husband had died, she no longer had to abide by the binding laws of marriage and obey him, which filled her heart with joy and freedom."Now her bosom rose and fell tumultuously. She was beginning to recognize this thing that was approaching to possess her, and she was striving to beat it back with her will--as powerless as her two white slender hands would have been. When she abandoned herself a little whispered word escaped her slightly parted lips. She said it over and over under the breath: "free, free, free!" The vacant stare and the look of terror that had followed it went from her eyes. They stayed keen and bright. Her pulses beat fast, and the coursing blood warmed and relaxed every inch of her body." (paragraph 10)

3. How does she feel about her future as a widow? Cite the line in the text, using just the first few words, then a series of dots …? Her feelings about being a widow are very clear; she feels that she will live a long, happy and free life."Her fancy was running riot along those days (...) breathed a quick prayer that life might be long(...)

5. Why is there so much description of what is outside the window when Louise is alone in her room? I think that the abundant presence of description in this section of the story is a way of demonstrating her new, yet unconscious, taste for life. She seems to be noticing all the tiniest details, like that of someone stepping in to a new place and marveling at it.

Part B

This story is full of ironic situations; however, many don’t seem so at first glance.

The first ironic element that we come across when reading it is, the view from Mrs. Mallard’s window. Kate Chopin, the author, describes everything through the main characters senses and puts to use language that could only be used by someone who is very attentive and whose senses seem to tingle with alertness and life :"She could see (…) the tops of trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air.(…) The notes of a distant song which someone was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves.” However, she should be in the devastated state women are in after receiving such news, which is what makes this moment ironic.

When Louise closes herself into her room, her sister and Richards’ worry about her: they think she is grieving and will “make yourself ill”, but in fact she is relishing her newly found freedom. Not unlike the previously presented aspect of the story, Louise is celebrating her long life ahead of her, when all “good” spouses should have been grieving at the loss of their husband. “She breathed a quick prayer that life might be long. It was only yesterday she had thought with a shudder that life might be long.” This example shows us that you shouldn’t expect people to follow what the general public usually does, people don’t always care about others the way they seem to and every event that takes part in your life can have a big impact on the way you view life.

Kate Chopin starts off the story with a simple line: “Knowing that Mrs. Mallard was afflicted with a heart trouble, great care was taken to break to her as gently as possible the news of her husband's death.” She tosses it at the reader as though it is not of great importance, and moves on with the story; however, she ties up the story with a sentence that recalls that first one, “When the doctors came they said she had died of heart disease--of the joy that kills.” This simple statement gives a whole new significance to irony: in my opinion she did not die from the joy of her husbands return but from the shock and realization that she was losing all her new found freedom and love for life. She could take her husband’s death, but she could not take his return and what it meant she would have to sacrifice.