Johnny Coulanges
Creative Writing- Praise of the Humble Comma
In the passage Praise of the Comma, the author Pico Iyer demonstrates that people do not necessarily take into consideration the importance the comma. He explains that the common comma is a tool which helps make transactions occur smoothly rather than being obligated to come to a complete stop(period) every time a new thought might come to mind. It is very accessible and has made tremendous impact in the world of writing; it is a bold statement that allows you to capture the readers’ interest without necessarily giving up all the information at once. He uses several literary techniques in regards to the comma.
Iyer wants the comma to get the respect that it deserves. When he writes “, and, of a sudden, the mind is, quite literally, given pause to think” the reader is given a demonstration of the power of the comma. Reading the essay allows us to feel the importance of breathing while we read a comma. He also compares the use of the humble comma to a traffic light, letting us know as readers to pace ourselves and be prepared for a halt. It shows that the consequences of not using the comma can result in collisions or even in an accident. Punctuation is essential and can be a very important factor in communication.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Reflection piece
Johnny Coulanges
Reflection Paper
When I take time and reflect upon this journey we like to call high school I begin to appreciate the tremendous impact this last English class experience has left with me. I believe this year has helped me become a better writer as well as interpreter of the art of literature. Prior to this year I could not imagine that I would be writing this much through the course, also surprised at the fact that we(technically speaking) flew through most of the books we read this year, considering the fact that I was not at all into reading. As the school year went by it begin feeling more like a will to do so, as opposed to feeling obliged to read and share. Looking back I noticed an increase of skills in terms of organization, defining the prompt, use of vocabulary, comparing and contrasting etc.., in which all made it much easier to express my self through writing. Throughout the course I discovered different forms of writings which benefited me on the long run over the course of years to come.
For instance we were asked to do several video critics where as we evaluated if the visual demonstration lived up to the book’s immense feel, with its score (music) use of angles, and lighting. In terms of the visual perspective it allowed me to write more and in more depth because it was based on something I could see visually .After doing so I became accustom to using this particular technique, which is very helpful and allows a different point of view. This year has helped me depict and break down the key components of a novel so that I may better understand and comprehend what is going on. It allows you compare and relate directly to the characters of the book, and voice in your opinion. By using this technique it challenged me to think differently, I’ve noticed after quite some time exercising it, when I read I am able to paint a picture in my head of how it might look, and the feel that is intended to be portrayed.. Therefore you can go about including what you saw through out the process of the completion of the assignment. I have to say that I really appreciate the choice of books to read although at the moment when I had first been presented to the type of books we were looking to read through out the year. I was not too found or interested of whatever it may be. But the fact of the matter is that these books were fairly confusing at times it challenged you to think critically as well as having an open mind, and II wanted nothing to do with that (sounded like too much work). But after actually considering following through partially at first because I was obligated to. I can honestly say the following books The Namesake, The Stranger, and of course some of Shakespeare’s work so far is the most powerful influential mind blowing books I have ever read in my lifetime. These thoughtfully selected books let alone the teaching style and positive learning environment created through out this year is a gift that will stay with me as long as I pursue with my work of literature. I have been enlightened to how I perceive things about society and individuals of it. Most of the books chosen to evaluate this year were consisted of outcast to what is claimed to be “society” whether positively or negative. Books like these are very powerful and invite you to consider thinking about certain things differently given the main character’s situation. It’s ironically comical how our teacher Mr. Gallagher quotes either before or during teaching that this would change our lives if we allow it, and that it’ll be a life lesson. I know me myself laughed at the fact that he would say such things, and my classmates may not have taken his word seriously. But I come to realize if not changing ours lives, the experience of this psychological experience would definitely leave an impact. Of course not to be boastful but when you let the forms of art do their work, such as poems, books, dance, music, verbal demonstrations and written compositions. They tend to have a greater purpose/message whether it be a true story or what really is important in this polluted world that unfortunately does not get much attention. Altogether I thank my teachers and my peers for having a permanent influence on me that will last.
Reflection Paper
When I take time and reflect upon this journey we like to call high school I begin to appreciate the tremendous impact this last English class experience has left with me. I believe this year has helped me become a better writer as well as interpreter of the art of literature. Prior to this year I could not imagine that I would be writing this much through the course, also surprised at the fact that we(technically speaking) flew through most of the books we read this year, considering the fact that I was not at all into reading. As the school year went by it begin feeling more like a will to do so, as opposed to feeling obliged to read and share. Looking back I noticed an increase of skills in terms of organization, defining the prompt, use of vocabulary, comparing and contrasting etc.., in which all made it much easier to express my self through writing. Throughout the course I discovered different forms of writings which benefited me on the long run over the course of years to come.
For instance we were asked to do several video critics where as we evaluated if the visual demonstration lived up to the book’s immense feel, with its score (music) use of angles, and lighting. In terms of the visual perspective it allowed me to write more and in more depth because it was based on something I could see visually .After doing so I became accustom to using this particular technique, which is very helpful and allows a different point of view. This year has helped me depict and break down the key components of a novel so that I may better understand and comprehend what is going on. It allows you compare and relate directly to the characters of the book, and voice in your opinion. By using this technique it challenged me to think differently, I’ve noticed after quite some time exercising it, when I read I am able to paint a picture in my head of how it might look, and the feel that is intended to be portrayed.. Therefore you can go about including what you saw through out the process of the completion of the assignment. I have to say that I really appreciate the choice of books to read although at the moment when I had first been presented to the type of books we were looking to read through out the year. I was not too found or interested of whatever it may be. But the fact of the matter is that these books were fairly confusing at times it challenged you to think critically as well as having an open mind, and II wanted nothing to do with that (sounded like too much work). But after actually considering following through partially at first because I was obligated to. I can honestly say the following books The Namesake, The Stranger, and of course some of Shakespeare’s work so far is the most powerful influential mind blowing books I have ever read in my lifetime. These thoughtfully selected books let alone the teaching style and positive learning environment created through out this year is a gift that will stay with me as long as I pursue with my work of literature. I have been enlightened to how I perceive things about society and individuals of it. Most of the books chosen to evaluate this year were consisted of outcast to what is claimed to be “society” whether positively or negative. Books like these are very powerful and invite you to consider thinking about certain things differently given the main character’s situation. It’s ironically comical how our teacher Mr. Gallagher quotes either before or during teaching that this would change our lives if we allow it, and that it’ll be a life lesson. I know me myself laughed at the fact that he would say such things, and my classmates may not have taken his word seriously. But I come to realize if not changing ours lives, the experience of this psychological experience would definitely leave an impact. Of course not to be boastful but when you let the forms of art do their work, such as poems, books, dance, music, verbal demonstrations and written compositions. They tend to have a greater purpose/message whether it be a true story or what really is important in this polluted world that unfortunately does not get much attention. Altogether I thank my teachers and my peers for having a permanent influence on me that will last.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Johnny Coualnges -Literary Analysis
Synthesis Essay Prompt
In the passage The Stranger the authored Albert Camus uses several techniques suggesting that Mersault is an outcast to society. Beginning with the “opening scene” involving Mersault’s mother death Camus demonstrates where the character stands on the outlook of society, as well as the significance of his reactions. He is portrayed to be indifferent and to some can typically considered abnormal. The tone that Camus utilizes allows the reader to see clearly how different think we are, but in fact we are honestly all awkward and very similar.
The quote towards the beginning of the book after the occurring death of Mersault’s mother states pg.3 “Mother Deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.” That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday. This is indicating his abnormality and reactions to things which might be considered very significant to others. Several times throughout the book Mersault demonstrates abnormality7 within his persona, following his sense of carelessness. It is a matter of perspective and choice is what Mersault makes clear to us. Perspective plays a tremendous role through out the novel, especially since the story is being told in Mersault perspective. There is a battle of perspective, in this case Mersault vs. society. He tends to act however he feels, opposed to a society acted curricular.
Camus allows to relate to Mersault as we go through his predicaments and conflictions along with him. We are the primary source witnesses to them, which allow us to feel what he feels although to some he may be thought of as awkward. Especially through Mersault’s tone and reactions throughout the book so far. He has a sense of irrelevancy towards everything he comes across considering his own mother’s funeral not much of a societal expected emotion was taken place. Which I believe was tactical act done purposely by the author by the author complementing Mersault’s persona as well as the theme.
Through Mersault the author makes the assumption that society is awkward for acting the same and not thinking for themselves. He challenges our thoughts as the reader to view our characters and individual character as a society/community. Mersault is used in a unique way; people believe he is weird when he is in fact showing them a flaw within themselves. We are trained to become accustom to societal views and ways to go about situations. Which leads me to this question “Is Mersault really that different?? Indicating that people formulate what they want to believe is ethical. Which is a technique used by the author, the power of manipulation.
We are simply just robots to society, where as we act and do everything the same and are in a way close minded to what is different to societal views. Mersault is only a society drop out and is led by his individuality. Likewise to everybody else’s situation, but we are unfortunately blinded, and sometimes might not be aware.
Albert Camus repeatedly demonstrates the abstract thinking of our main character Mersault in regards to what he goes through. Often in situations he might not have planned to be in such as committed murder etc…situation like such he normally doesn’t attempt to repent of solve, which I find really interesting. Why is it that his relevancy outlook on everything is the same? I mean you would think that a certain situation like such would be more considered a serious matter. But what we have to remember is the fact that the book was written in Mersault’s perspective,. So we frequently are engaged with his ways of doing things and as we read along begin to question them less and less, because we now are coming to an understanding although not totally agreed. What is the lesson being taught by the Author?
On pg. 65 it states “Nevertheless I answered that I had pretty much lost the habit of analyzing myself and that it was hard for me to tell him what he wanted to know. I probably did love Manman, but that didn’t mean anything. At one time or another all normal people wished their loved ones were dead”. Through reading and analyzing this quote one might assume that he in fact did not love his mother, but its ironic how he never exactly show what he feels.
In conclusion although it might be considered “awkward” the way Mersault is to react to several things in different scenarios, it’s not always true. Unfortunately most are quick to judge and label, opposed to thoroughly looking at the situation.
Synthesis Essay Prompt
In the passage The Stranger the authored Albert Camus uses several techniques suggesting that Mersault is an outcast to society. Beginning with the “opening scene” involving Mersault’s mother death Camus demonstrates where the character stands on the outlook of society, as well as the significance of his reactions. He is portrayed to be indifferent and to some can typically considered abnormal. The tone that Camus utilizes allows the reader to see clearly how different think we are, but in fact we are honestly all awkward and very similar.
The quote towards the beginning of the book after the occurring death of Mersault’s mother states pg.3 “Mother Deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.” That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday. This is indicating his abnormality and reactions to things which might be considered very significant to others. Several times throughout the book Mersault demonstrates abnormality7 within his persona, following his sense of carelessness. It is a matter of perspective and choice is what Mersault makes clear to us. Perspective plays a tremendous role through out the novel, especially since the story is being told in Mersault perspective. There is a battle of perspective, in this case Mersault vs. society. He tends to act however he feels, opposed to a society acted curricular.
Camus allows to relate to Mersault as we go through his predicaments and conflictions along with him. We are the primary source witnesses to them, which allow us to feel what he feels although to some he may be thought of as awkward. Especially through Mersault’s tone and reactions throughout the book so far. He has a sense of irrelevancy towards everything he comes across considering his own mother’s funeral not much of a societal expected emotion was taken place. Which I believe was tactical act done purposely by the author by the author complementing Mersault’s persona as well as the theme.
Through Mersault the author makes the assumption that society is awkward for acting the same and not thinking for themselves. He challenges our thoughts as the reader to view our characters and individual character as a society/community. Mersault is used in a unique way; people believe he is weird when he is in fact showing them a flaw within themselves. We are trained to become accustom to societal views and ways to go about situations. Which leads me to this question “Is Mersault really that different?? Indicating that people formulate what they want to believe is ethical. Which is a technique used by the author, the power of manipulation.
We are simply just robots to society, where as we act and do everything the same and are in a way close minded to what is different to societal views. Mersault is only a society drop out and is led by his individuality. Likewise to everybody else’s situation, but we are unfortunately blinded, and sometimes might not be aware.
Albert Camus repeatedly demonstrates the abstract thinking of our main character Mersault in regards to what he goes through. Often in situations he might not have planned to be in such as committed murder etc…situation like such he normally doesn’t attempt to repent of solve, which I find really interesting. Why is it that his relevancy outlook on everything is the same? I mean you would think that a certain situation like such would be more considered a serious matter. But what we have to remember is the fact that the book was written in Mersault’s perspective,. So we frequently are engaged with his ways of doing things and as we read along begin to question them less and less, because we now are coming to an understanding although not totally agreed. What is the lesson being taught by the Author?
On pg. 65 it states “Nevertheless I answered that I had pretty much lost the habit of analyzing myself and that it was hard for me to tell him what he wanted to know. I probably did love Manman, but that didn’t mean anything. At one time or another all normal people wished their loved ones were dead”. Through reading and analyzing this quote one might assume that he in fact did not love his mother, but its ironic how he never exactly show what he feels.
In conclusion although it might be considered “awkward” the way Mersault is to react to several things in different scenarios, it’s not always true. Unfortunately most are quick to judge and label, opposed to thoroughly looking at the situation.
Johnny Coulanges - Notebook Entry
Argumentative Essay
Early on the book “Ibsen’s A Doll’s house I’ve developed the impression that Nora is a very mischievous and conniving character. I had no sense of empathy for her at all, I felt that her actions were much selfish and ungrateful for everything she had. In addition to that there were several examples in the book that help me feel stronger for my opinion. So for me Nora is the least sympathetic character in this excerpt for several reasons.
Torvald is happily married to his wife Nora, who he happens to feel strongly for. When looking from Torvald’s perception I feel that he is constantly reaching g out in a sense to his wife, but he doesn’t receive much in return. It’s as if Torvald treats her to whatever she wants as if she were his child, and ironically Torvald addresses his wife as his little skylark. I felt that the author did that purposely to give a clue to the readers questioning their marriage stability. There’s evidence that Nora might be taking advantage of the fact that Torvald now holds a higher position concerning his occupation. She is real careless of their financial issues and more concerned about what she might want at the moment, which is a bit childish.
I also wanted to address the fact that she was willing to jeopardize her husband’s position in order to protect herself of her wrong doings. The lack of communication between the married couple doesn’t have me convinced that there is a form of trust. Instead of explaining to her significant other about her situation she decides to per say (beat around the bush) and not be fully truthful. That disturbs me knowing that she would be willing to do such a thing in order to protect herself, leading me to question their love in marriage. Personally I believe you ought to be truthfully honest to your significant other not because you are obliged to but because it’s for the best.
Although Nora is actions do not display that she might feel for Torvald as he is for her. Later on in the book she has come to a realization that she really does not love him. I think she wanted to believe that she loved him but the truth hit for the best. She is still the least sympathetic character for me, because in a way she used Torvald to her advantage knowing she didn’t not love him.
Argumentative Essay
Early on the book “Ibsen’s A Doll’s house I’ve developed the impression that Nora is a very mischievous and conniving character. I had no sense of empathy for her at all, I felt that her actions were much selfish and ungrateful for everything she had. In addition to that there were several examples in the book that help me feel stronger for my opinion. So for me Nora is the least sympathetic character in this excerpt for several reasons.
Torvald is happily married to his wife Nora, who he happens to feel strongly for. When looking from Torvald’s perception I feel that he is constantly reaching g out in a sense to his wife, but he doesn’t receive much in return. It’s as if Torvald treats her to whatever she wants as if she were his child, and ironically Torvald addresses his wife as his little skylark. I felt that the author did that purposely to give a clue to the readers questioning their marriage stability. There’s evidence that Nora might be taking advantage of the fact that Torvald now holds a higher position concerning his occupation. She is real careless of their financial issues and more concerned about what she might want at the moment, which is a bit childish.
I also wanted to address the fact that she was willing to jeopardize her husband’s position in order to protect herself of her wrong doings. The lack of communication between the married couple doesn’t have me convinced that there is a form of trust. Instead of explaining to her significant other about her situation she decides to per say (beat around the bush) and not be fully truthful. That disturbs me knowing that she would be willing to do such a thing in order to protect herself, leading me to question their love in marriage. Personally I believe you ought to be truthfully honest to your significant other not because you are obliged to but because it’s for the best.
Although Nora is actions do not display that she might feel for Torvald as he is for her. Later on in the book she has come to a realization that she really does not love him. I think she wanted to believe that she loved him but the truth hit for the best. She is still the least sympathetic character for me, because in a way she used Torvald to her advantage knowing she didn’t not love him.
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