Untitled

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Writers' Choice

I recently read an article about a 74 year old woman who had been diagnosed with carcinoma cancer in her right leg. The only operation possible was to amputate her leg, completely cutting out the disease. Remarkably, her body was able to fight off the cancer and after about 20 weeks, she was completely cancer free. This article made me think about how the clones are created with organs in Never Let Me Go. With all of the new technology these days, I can see the possibility of discovering how this woman's body fought off cancer and scientists being able to place vital “DNA” or “gene” in every one of us. Could the world possibly be cancer free in a short period of time?

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150306-the-mystery-of-vanishing-cancer

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Revised "Fighting Tofu" Adaptation

The chapter “Fighting Tofu,” from Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, brings to attention some of the many distractions that come up during the writing process, as well as ways to avoid the distractions. It is human nature that we take the path of least resistance. If we have a choice between doing something that we enjoy and doing something that is boring, tedious, and at times hard, we will almost always choose the more enjoyable activity. we also find ways to avoid tedious tasks, such as writing through procrastination. The author also mentions suggestions as to how she is able to deal with her difficulties of starting to write. One way was just simply sitting down and writing. Even if she couldn't think of something, she would just write down thoughts on her mind. She would next rip up her paper, however, by this time, she was already committed to the writing process and therefor would accomplish her goal. Rewarding herself was also a way that she could write for long period of times. A little reward here and there after getting some work done. Getting started on this very assignment is similar to the inner conflict the author is writing about. Writing every day is something that is not easily done. There are so many things that can get in the way of writing, such as electronics, the boringness of writing, and the wandering minds that we all have. This problem of making progress on writing is a term referred to as “fighting tofu.” The struggle of beginning an essay presented by Goldberg is one that I can relate to. First off, I usually find myself starting an essay at the last minute. Already that is an obvious sign of problems to come because I will feel rushed by the deadline closing in on me. This sense of feeling rushed may further lead to the problem of not getting all of my thoughts down or having those thoughts butchered in some way. Another thing that I find myself doing is creating distractions for myself; cell phone, tv, etc. I always tell myself that work needs to be done at a certain time, but as soon as that time rolls around I find myself doing something distracting. For example, if I am watching tv and I tell myself I have to start writing at 3:00 PM, but look at the clock when a commercial hits and that time has passed to 3:02, I usually say “okay well I guess I will start at 3:15.” By doing this, I am taking the easy way out, something Goldberg wants us to avoid. Writing is supposed to be challenging. Putting all of your thoughts down on paper to is neither the easiest thing to do, nor the most exciting. Aside from the techniques Goldberg mentions, I have found that the environment in which we write in is key to our writing success. For me sitting in a quite space with my headphones in is most beneficial. Listening to songs I do not know the words to, because I tend to sing a long and that distracts from my thoughts I need to get down. Sometimes even just having the area around me be very neat and clean allows me to think better. Somehow the clear desk represents a clear mind with no distractions. It does not matter how strange a person’s way of starting the writing process is. As long as it helps the individual and you are able to “fight the tofu,” then you have succeeded.

Goldberg, Natalie. “Fighting Tofu.” Writing Down the Bones. 1986. Boston: Shambhala. Print.

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Analysis Review

C3: Confusing idea Original: “In a way, Prospero is a slave to island and doesn’t know much about it. The only reason he knows his way around is because Caliban showed him.” Revision: Prospero does not know much about the island he lives on. In fact, the only reason he is successful on the island is because of Caliban, who showed him around the island, giving him vital knowledge in order to succeed.

G1: Idea that is too broad Original: “However, the knowledge he gained led him to reflect on his appearance and his life in general. This self reflection added even more to the human quality of the monster.” Revision: The monster lived hidden amongst the cottagers, hoping to learn from their actions and emotions. However, the knowledge he gained about the humans led him to reflect on his appearance as well as his purpose in life.

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Literary Adaptation

The Tempest Act 1 Scene 2

In this act, Prospero finally tells Miranda why he was usurped from his position of the Duke of Milan. In the original test, Prospero is not involved in the political side of his position and often took his job lightly. While Prospero was not doing his job, Antonio decided to go on the attack and take the position from Prospero. Antonio and his army successfully drove Prospero out of Milan, to an island where he and his daughter Miranda live.

Miranda “You have often begun to tell me why we are on this island, but you have always stopped.” Prospero “I guess it is time that you are finally informed Miranda.” “I was a man with no morals.” Miranda “What do you mean father?” Prospero “Well Miranda, while I was the Duke of Milan, there was lots and lots of money was coming in a and out of the kingdom.” Miranda “Of course there was. You were the Duke. The most wealthy man in Milan.” Prospero “Yes I was, but not all of the money that came into the kingdom was mine.” “You see, the people of Milan were forced to pay taxes and that money was supposed to all go to the betterment of Milan.” Miranda “Father, you had the best kingdom I have ever seen and everybody loved you and the royal family.” “You must have been spending the money wisely.” Prospero “I did spend the money wisely to create one of the best kingdoms known to man, but you were young and I have yet to tell you the real reason why we live on this island.” Miranda “Well go on with it then father.” Prospero “Miranda, I was stealing a lot of the tax money and using it to better our lives.” “All those servants we had, I payed with the tax dollars.” “All of those cars I had, I payed with the tax dollars.” “A lot of the ways in which we lived, was bought threw the tax dollars of others.” Miranda “What….”

Prospero “I was found out one day when my loyal subject Gonzalo walked in on me taking money from the vault.” “He swore to tell everybody in the kingdom of the crime I had committed so I knew we must flee.” “That night, I took you with me and we sailed to this island where we have lived since.” “It was either this life we now live, or face execution back in Milan.” Miranda “How could you…” “You are not the man I always thought you were.” *Miranda runs away to a new part of the island

Analysis My adaptation sheds a new light on the type of person Prospero was. In the original text, Prospero was depicted to be a normal person who was usurped when he really didn't deserve to be usurped. He was thrown onto an island with his daughter in order to escape Antonio. This text gives the readers a sense of sympathy towards Prospero. Maybe he wasn't doing his job completely right, but was that worthy enough to be forced to live on an island? While living on the island, Prospero uses Ariel and Caliban to gain his success, which we don't really view as wrong because he was wrongfully usurped. But as soon as the Prospero’s character was shown differently, using others would add even more to the idea that Prospero is a terrible person. He would be using others for his success just as he used other people’s money to get wealth. In a way, we rooted for Prospero on his quest to get his position back as the Duke of the Milan, based on the original text. However, the adaptation makes the readers hope that he never gains his position back. Living on the island alone with his daughter is justified. A simple adaptation of a small scene in the novel can lead to a completely new understanding of a character, as well as the outcome of the rest of the novel.

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Analyses 4

By describing [Professor Golightly] both as [reliable] and [knowledgeable], [Golightly chose to ignore the interruption. He knew, and the President knew, that his support-or at least, his silent acquiescence-would be critical in winning undecided whites over to the selective service scheme.] seems to support [Golightly has ideas in mind in which he desperately needs to show to the President, or else he will make a poor decision based on what others say.] However, [I doubt whether the Secretary of the Interior would willingly offer up his family and friends if the Space Traders sought them instead of me and mine.] contradicts this notion. This evidence implies instead that [Golightly must not only win over the President, but other members of the cabinet and an entire race of people.] This means that [the fate of the entire African American race relies in the hands of Golightly] and encourages the readers to consider [how strange of a decision this would be. Without question would the answer always be to keep the African American race rather than receive resources in todays society.]

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Writer's Choice

I recently saw the movie American Sniper and can connect it to our class by comparing Chris Kyle and the monster in Frankenstein. Chris Kyle was a legend in the army for being one of the best snipers ever. In his lifetime, he was able to takedown more than 160 people who were threatening the lives of his men. He was a killing machine who did anything he had to in order to protect his country. The enemy viewed him as a monster who just killed for a job, but we look at him as a hero for doing what he did and his kills are justified. The monster’s enemies in the novel viewed him as an evil person as well, until we see the conversation between him and DeLacey. The monster is well spoken and all he wants is a partner in life. In a way, viewing the monster as a human being justifies the monsters killings, because how is anyone supposed to go through life without any support or friends.

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Analyses 3

How to make stress your friend, a TED talk by Kelly McGonigal brings to the light the idea that stress is not necessarily a bad thing. In this talk, McGonigal starts off by bringing up a point that our idea of stress as harmful, is all wrong. Statistics and several case studies are the main evidence given in her talk. In one of the studies, 30,000 people were surveyed regarding their stress levels. The people that said they were under heavy stress within the last year, were 43% chance more likely to die. Then she goes onto a more positive statistic saying “ stress speeds up our heart rate, allowing us to be more focused and more productive.” As long as we learn to harness it, stress is nothing but positive.

For me, the words “stress” and “death” are two I do not particularly like. When I think of stress, I think about all of the emotions that arise and how hard it is for me to put stress in the back of my mind. Physically and mentally I feel tired, which causes me to not get any work done. In an article from The American Institute of Stress, some true effects are shown. Some include, “depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility to infections, and a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold to more serious disorders.”

No matter what you do, stress will almost always arise. Some people may be able to use stress as a motivator such as McGonigal is implying. However, For me stress is something I do not embrace, but something I want to avoid at all costs. When it comes down to it, the individual is ultimately responsible for how they deal with stress.

Sources https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend#t-240745 - http://www.stress.org/stress-effects/

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Notes 4

While looking at my Analyses 1 and my one-on-one feedback, I was able to notice a few areas of improvement, as well as ways to expand my thoughts and ideas. The feedback specifically told me I should work on expanding my ideas, which I agree with. For example, the idea that not only did the monster realize his appearance was different, but that he could not speak like the other villagers as well. I could have commented on how it even more heavily added to the human characteristic of the monster. I also realized that some of my implications were on the right track information wise, but the depth was not there. I do agree that in some cases I do not expand on my ideas very weel and it is an area I need to work on.

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Analyses 2

Leader vs. Slave

Prospero is clearly the leader of the island and shown with the most authority out of any other character. He even has two slaves named Caliban and Ariel, who do pretty much anything he asks of them.

Complication

The only reason Prospero is on the island is because he was usurped from his position of power as the Duke of Milan. In a way, Prospero is a slave to island and doesn't know much about it. The only reason he knows his way around is because Caliban showed him. A lot of the power Prospero has comes from those who work for him and obey him.

Evidence

“Dost thou forget. From what a torment I did free thee.” - Prospero to Ariel

- The only reason Ariel even works for Prospero is because he freed him from an evil witch.

- If Ariel was not freed and Prospero lost to the witch, Prospero would be nothing.

“I’ll show thee every fertile inch o’ th’ island; And I will kiss thy foot: I prithee, be my god.”

- This implies that Caliban despises Prospero and will do anything to see his power be taken away

- This also implies that the key to success is to know the island, which Prospero only knows thanks to Caliban.

Claim

The only success and power Prospero has comes from others. He relies on his spirit Ariel and his servant Caliban to do a lot of the dirty work for him. If his spirits and magic were to fail, so would Prospero.

Analytical Paragraph

Prospero is always thought to be the most authoritative figure on the island, controlling Ariel and Caliban to do his work. However, as shown by the quote “my charms crack not, my spirits obey,” most of the success stems from Ariel and Caliban. If his charms were to crack and Ariel were to disobey him, it brings up the idea of failure for Prospero. Caliban also showed Prospero the island which gave him knowledge he desperately needed. All of these implications lead me to believe that Caliban has the most power on the island and only serves Prospero out of fear. The so called slaves of Prospero turn out to be the ones with all the power and could easily lead to another usurpation of Prospero.

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Notes 3

Justice

Summary

The theme of justice is reoccurring throughout the novel. In the very beginning, Prospero is run out of his position by Antonio and forced to move away to an island. On the island, he encounters a witch named Sycorax and quickly kills her. He then takes two servants on the island, named Caliban and Ariel who are forced to do whatever he asks them too. There is in fact no justice taking place in Prospero’s quest to claim back his power.

Sparknotes, The Illusion of Justice

“The Tempest tells a fairly straightforward story involving an unjust act, the usurpation of Prospero’s throne by his brother, and Prospero’s quest to re-establish justice by restoring himself to power.”(Sparknotes Themes) The need for power Prospero has while living on the island, clearly shows that Prospero still craves the position that was taken by Antonio. Unfortunately for Ariel and Caliban, they feel the brunt of Prospero’s wake. Prospero knows how it feels to have power stripped in a unjust way, yet he strips the power of his two slaves.

Comparison

It is clear that Prospero’s viewpoint of justice is very hypocritical. In the beginning of the play Prospero acts like he owns anything and everything by the use of his magic. If it is not the way he wants it, he will make sure it turns out that way. However, Prospero’s view of justice changes as the novel continues. Prospero has been in control of Miranda the entire play, but suddenly lets her marry Ferdinand. This shows that his idea that everything must be about him has changed. Although Prospero might not have the best idea of what justice is or how to live a just life, it definitely changes for the better towards the end of the novel.

[davidxma-blog]

For my editorial material, I decided to use Appendix D: 2. The Edinburgh Magazine. This review mentions people’s desire for adventure and outrageous improbability, resulting in their fascination with the book. However, Shelley was able to incorporate realistic aspects into this wild fantasy by...

[embarrett96-blog]

I found the realistic details to be very interesting and hadn't thought about it at all until I read this. The realistic details were definitely to help the audience relate. Being able to relate allows for more depth.

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Analyses 1: 3-4 on 1

Pre-Writing

“When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, then, a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled and whom all men disowned?” (Chapter 13)

Mini summary of immediate context- This quote comes from the monster. The monster has been watching the actions of the cottagers and listening to their language. He even starts to do some self reflecting.

Mini-summary of broader context- The monster had been living right next to Felix and Agatha’s cottage and had been studying them daily along with the other cottagers. He studied their actions, their language, their emotions and then used that knowledge to look at himself as a human.

Focal word/phrase - “Was I then, a monster.”

Strand of evidence - “Heard none like me.”

Binaries/divisions - human/monster, teacher/student

2 possible implication of the quotation

- A possible implication of the quote could be to show that the monster is becoming more human than previously thought.

- He is learning about life and emotions through others and experiences just as normal human beings do.

2 possible implications of focal phrase

- “Was I then, a monster,” implies that the monster knows that he is not the same as the other humans he looks at.

- The monster reflects on himself and realizes he would not be accepted into society for a variety of reasons, not just appearance.

Reference from text - "I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflicted upon me.” (Chapter 13) With the new realization, the monster believes that his life is worthless. If he cant fit into society, then what has he made for. The knowledge the monster wants to gain in his life, end’s up bringing him sorrow and pain.

Analytical Paragraph

“When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, then, a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled and whom all men disowned?,” sheds a new light on the human quality of the monster. All the monster had been trying to do as of late is learn the ways of the cottagers so he could attempt to fit in. Gaining knowledge was the ultimate goal for the monster. However, the knowledge he gained led him to reflect on his appearance and his life in general. This self reflection added even more to the human quality of the monster.

Reflection

The pre-writing process made it easier for me to look at the monster in a new light. I was able to recall past quotes in the novel and how it applied to my chosen quote. Writing down possible implications allowed me to get my immediate thoughts down, while still contemplating other implications. Thinking in depth with this process was much easier.

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Notes 2: Appendix D

The material I chose to read was by John Wilson Crocker, in Appendix D with all of the reviews of Frankenstein. In this review, Crocker first summarizes most of the plot of the novel and adds a few things in from his own knowledge. One thing that shocked me was that unlike other reviews, Crocker believes the book is a horrible one. He says “it will not even amuse the readers, unless their taste have been deplorably vitiated.” He also goes on to add “he is in doubt whether the head or the heart of the author be the most diseased.” Not only did Crocker attack the novel, but they attacked Shelly as well. This did however shine a new light on the novel for me. Once I read this material, it made me think about some of the issues presented by Crocker and all the issues in Frankenstein that could be looked upon as controversial at the time.

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Adaptation - "Fighting Tofu"

The chapter “Fighting Tofu,” from Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, brings to attention some of the many distractions that come up during the writing process, as well as ways to avoid the distractions. It is human nature that we take the path of least resistance. If we have a choice between doing something that we enjoy and doing something that is boring, tedious, and at times hard, we will almost always choose the more enjoyable activity. we also find ways to avoid tedious tasks, such as writing through procrastination. The author also mentions suggestions as to how she is able to deal with her difficulties of starting to write. One way was just simply sitting down and writing. Even if she couldn't think of something, she would just write down thoughts on her mind. She would next rip up her paper, however, by this time, she was already committed to the writing process and therefor would accomplish her goal. Rewarding herself was also a way that she could write for long period of times. A little reward here and there after getting some work done. 

Getting started on this very assignment is similar to the inner conflict the author is writing about. Writing every day is something that is not easily done. There are so many things that can get in the way of writing, such as electronics, the boringness of writing, and the wandering minds that we all have. For me, starting an essay or some form of writing is always the hardest part. I always tell myself that work needs to be done at a certain time, but as soon as that time rolls around I find myself doing something distracting. For example, if I am watching tv and I tell myself I have to start writing at 3:00 PM, but look at the clock when a commercial hits and that time has passed to 3:02, I usually say “okay well I guess I will start at 3:15.” It is an on going pattern for me and usually results in me staying up way later than I need to be doing my work. 

Reflection

The chapter “Fighting Tofu,” was one that stood out to me right away. After reading it, I realized that I could very easily put myself into the situation the author was speaking about. Procrastination is at an all time high when I am about to start my writing. I first start out by going back and forth about how to even begin my intro paragraph. I did notice while reflecting on this chapter that I will go to my computer and just start typing down some ideas or sentences that I have come up with in my head, just as the author says she does. From there, I am usually able to start constructing my essay because I am focused. However, when I do get away from writing, usually by distractions around me, my short break turns out to be much too long. After so much time has gone by, I lose what I was writing about and my writing generally changes. The idea of rewarding myself after a period writing is one that I think I could put to use. I could just run to the junction by my dorms and grab a smoothie or some candy, but come directly back so I know what I have to keep doing. I think that little reward would keep me motivated and committed to completing my work faster and more efficiently.

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Note 1: Binary in Frankenstein

"To examine the causes of life, we must first have recourse to death.""I must also observe the natural decay and corruption of the human body." (Vol. 1, Chap. 4)

Life and death is just one the binaries I noticed in volume one. When thinking about the causes of life, we tend to look at living people and how they function. However, when Frankenstein examines the causes of life, he studies the decay of the body. This gives us the idea that Frankenstein is a shady and dark man.

"His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! - Great God!" (Vol. 1, Chap. 4)

"Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep." (Vol. 1, Chap 4)

Another binary I noticed was that of human and monster. At first Frankenstein thinks he has created the perfect human being, with amazing features. However, the beauty of the creature starts to diminish before his very eyes. The human he first pictured had become a horrifying thing to look at, a monster.