Tricks Book Review!

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins introduces five teenagers: Eden, Seth, Whitney, Ginger, and Cody. Each of these teenagers struggle with themselves, as well as their families, and decide to try the world on their own. Ellen Hopkins' purpose in writing the book is that when you go at the world alone, you can end up in some serious trouble-like prostitution in which all five teens get sucked into. They don't do it on purpose, it starts out as just a way of making extra cash because their families so desperately need it, but then it becomes a lifestyle-something they can't find their way out of.

The theme of the book was choices. All five of these teenagers had a choice to either tough it out themselves, or do something a little riskier to help their situation. Eden ends up being sent to a missionary because her parents believed a demon was inside her for falling in love. Seth is gay and finally comes out to his father, and ends up being kicked out of the house. Forced to find his way out of being homeless, he found a man who needed arm candy and was willing to pay him for it. Whitney needed love, and she found it with a photographer who made her feel gorgeous in every possible way, but soon he began using her for money and Whitney began using Heroin. Ginger's story is different. Her mother was a prostitute and actually had guys pay to sleep with Ginger without Ginger knowing. Ginger got fed up and moved to Vegas with her friend Alex and started working for an escort service (aka legal prostitution). Finally, Cody. He has lived a pretty great life, until his stepfather dies and the bills start piling up and then his brother gets arrested. Cody turns to gambling first to earn a few bucks, but when that isn't enough, he goes to an escort service- the same one that Ginger goes to. These teenagers had a choice, but for them, the lines of good choices and bad choices were blurred, and they ended up in trouble. The style of the book was written in narration. I think this style is effective because it tells a story while incorporating facts as it goes.

In my opinion, I believe all Ellen Hopkins' books are fantastic, so I'm a little bias, but I really like how this book really showed the major consequences of people's actions and talked about a growing issue in the nation today that not a lot of people like to face. I didn't not like anything at all. Ellen Hopkins really hits the topics I love- and they don't involve vampires. I wouldn't change anything about this book, it is perfect the way it is and it is unlike all the other books I've read.

3 Article Summaries (:

Reading To Write Summary:
This article gives you a short-ish summary of Jane Eyre in paragraphs. In between the summaries of the book, there are examples of how to write a paragraph for each section.

Jane Eyre Summary...:
This article also gives you a short summary of the novel. It also provides some information about why Charlotte might have written what she did in the book.

Jane Eyre and History Summary:
This article gives examples of the text from the book and then provides reasoning for what that character did and why due to the historical times.

Jane Eyre Approach! Biographical...I think I spelled it right.

A: What aspects of the author's personal life are relevant to this story?
- Jane Eyre was written as an autobiography of Charlotte's life, so I think that the hardships are relevant to Jane Eyre.

B: Which of the author's stated beliefs are reflected in this work?
- One of Charlotte's beliefs that is reflected in Jane Eyre would be hope. In the story, I think Jane really clings to hope and believes that if she still has hope, than life can't be all that bad and that it will get better.

C: Does the writer challenge or support the values of her contemporaries?
- I think Charlotte supports the values of her fellow writers because she shares some of the same beliefs as they do.

D: What seems to be the author's major concerns? Do they reflect any of the writer's personal experiences?
- I believe Charlotte's major conerns would be that some people don't stand up for themselves. Jane got the courage to stand up to Mrs. Reed the day that she told Mr. Brocklehurst that she was a bad seed and needed to be watched. I think that this encounter did really happen in Charlotte's life.

E. Do any events in the story correspond to events expereienced by the author?
- I think every major event in the story corresponds to the events experienced by Charlotte in her actual life.

F. Do any of the characters in the story correspond to real people?
- I'm pretty sure that each character in the story was inspired by people in Charlotte's life.

Thesis: I believe that Jane Eyre was inspired by Charlott'es personal life since it is an autobiography; we can learn a lot from the book about that time period.

Wuthering Heights Blog #12

The conflicts in Wuthering Heights are class and revenge. Catherine loves Heathcliff, ut wants to be in a higher class and the only way she can do that is to marry Edgar. Catherine tells first tells Mrs. Dean, "'To-day, Edgar Linton asked me to marry him, and I've given him an answer. Now, before I tell you whether it was consent or denial, you tell me which it ought to be.'" (pg:77 p:4). She really cares about Mrs. Dean's opinion. When Mrs. Dean says she can't possibly have the answer Catherine says, "'I've not more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if the wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn't have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how much I love him: and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am.'" (pg:80 p:5). Heathcliff plans revenge against Hindley after he humiliates him at a dinner party. Heathcliff says to Mrs. Dean, "'I'm trying to settle how Is hall pay Hindley back. I don't are how long I wait, if I can only do it at last. I hope he will not die before I do!" (pg:60 p:2). The revenge Heathcliff seeks on his brother leads him to become cruel and full of hate.

Wuthering Heights Blog #11

The tone of Wuthering Heights is violent. Heathcliff, as well as the other characters, are violent towards one another. The violence starts out slow, beginning when Heathcliff first arrives at Wuthering Heights. Hindley would hurt Heathcliff, and in turn, Heathcliff would threaten to tell Mr. Earnshaw saying, "'You must exchange horses with me: I don't like mine; and if you won't I shall tell your father of the three thrashings you've given me t his week, and show him my arm, which is black to the shoulder.'" (pg:39 p:2). By threatening Hindley, Heathcliff usually got what he wanted. Hindley was no stranger to violence himself. When his wife, Frances, dies while giving birth to their son, Hareton, Hindley loses it. Hindley comes home drunk one night. Mrs. Dean tries to keep Hareton from seeing it, but Hindley puts a knife in her mouth. Mrs. Dean described, "He held the knife in his hand, and pushed its point between my teeth: but for my part, I was never much afraid of vagaries. I spat out, and affirmed it tasted detestable-I would not take it on my account." (pg:73 p:5). Heathcliff and Hindley were both violent people. In my example for Heathcliff, he was not physically violent towards Hindley, but was psycologically violent with his threats. Hindley was physcially violent in his example.

Wuthering Heights #10

The themes of Wuthering Heights are revenge, love, and society and class. Heathcliff seeks revenge on Hindley because of his cruelty towards him. In chapter seven Heathcliff vows, "'I'm trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don't care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last. I hope he will not die before I do!'" (pg:60 p:1) after Hindley repeatedly insults him and sends him to his room. Love is a major theme in Wuthering Heights, even though it's a little bit twisted. Catherine claims to love Edgar, but not in the way she loves Heathcliff-it's different. She says to Mrs. Dean, "'Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He's always, always, in my mind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being." (pg:82 p:1). The third theme in Wuthering Heights is society and class. Catherine marries Edgar just so she can get a leg up in the society as well as in class. Heathcliff is included. He is descriminated against because he is not like the rest of the people in Wuthering Heights. It only gets worse when Mr. Earnshaw dies and Hindley demotes Heathcliff to a farmhand.

Wuthering Heights Blog #9

The characters in Wuthering Heights are Heathcliff, Catherine Earnshaw Linton, Hindley Earnshaw, Hareton Earnshaw, Catherine Linton Heathcliff, Edgar Linton, Isabella Linton, Mrs. Dean, Lockwood, Joseph, Frances Earnshaw, Mr. Green, Dr. Kenneth, and Zillah. Heathcliff is the main character in Wuthering Heights. He was adopted by Mr. Earnshaw and suffered abuse by everyone living in Wuthering Heights besides Mr. Earnshaw and Catherine. As the story goes on you see Heathcliff fall in love with Catherine and also become more violent with the passing years. Catherine Earnshaw is someone we meet in the very beginning of Wuthering Heights when Lockwood found her diary. Catherine wrote, "'An awful Sunday, I wish my father were back again. Hindley is a detestable substitute-his conduct to Heathcliff is atrocious-H. and I are going to rebel-we took our initiatory step this evening.'" (pg:20 p:2). Here, we can see the slow beginnings of the love Catherine has for Heathcliff. Hindley Earnshaw is definitely a jealous person. He doesn't like the fact that Mr. Earnshaw took in Heathcliff and loves him. As soon as Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley becomes the owner of Wuthering Heights and quickly demotes Heathcliff to a farmhand while Catherine is away at Thrushcross Grange. Hareton Earnshaw is the son of Hindley and Frances and once his mother dies, he becomes the target for everyone's revenge. Catherine Linton Heathcliff is the daughter of Edgar and Catherine. Their daughter grows up without a mother, but takes on someof her traits, as well as others her mother and father did not possess. Edgar Linton can be described as well-behaved and rich. Catherine marries him for the social position, not out of love. He's in love with Catherine even though she hits him. Isabella Linton is Edgar's sister who ends up marrying Heathcliff. She gets abused and often leaves Heathcliff, but always comes back. She can't stand to be away from him. Mrs. Dean was the housekeep at both Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange and she knows about both families. She tells Lockwood stories about them. Lockwood is the main narrator, but the position switches from him to Mrs. Dean. He's really here to give his take on the events that go on in Wuthering Heights. Joseph is also a servant at Wuthering Heights. He can be described as laszy and a pain to have around. Frances Earnshaw is Hindley's wife and the mother of Hareton. Her background is a mystery like Heathcliff's. She dies soon after she starts living at Wuthering Heights. Mr. Green is Edgar's lawyer. He favors Heathcliff and alters Edgars will so Heathcliff can have the property after Edgar dies. Dr. Kenneth is the doctor in Wuthering Heights. Zillah is another servant at Wuthering Heights. She helps Mrs. Dean tell the stories of the families.

Wuthering Heights #8

How accurately does this novel relfect events in history? What responsibilities does the author believe exist between various groups in society, such as workers and bosses, men and women, blacks and whites? What people, ideas, and events probably influenced this author? I think Wuthering Heights was very accurate with reflecting events in history, even though there was not any historical events listed, but Emily followed the time inthe eighteen-hundreds very well. I think Emily believes taht women were lower than men, therefor women have more responsibilities than men. Women have to do the cooking, cleaning, they must cater to other people before themselves. Men just have to be the man of the house and work. I also think Emily believes that white people have different responsibilites than those of a different race. Mrs. Dean described that Heathcliff looked like he was of Spanish descent, so he was discriminated against. I think the author believes that people of the white race have the respobsibilities of ruling over the people who are not of their color and they people of different races have to be their servants and do whatever they say. I believe that some events in Emily's life influenced Wuthering Heights. I think maybe some of the things she witnessed as a child and an adult helped create the story line.

Wuthering Heights Blog #7

What techniques does the author use to engage the audience and make the story effective? I think Emily uses suspense and mystery to keep the audience hooked. In chapter four, Lockwood goes to Mrs. Dean for some background on Heathcliff and this is what she said, "'It's a cuckoo's, sir-I know all about it: except where he was born, and who were his parents, and how he got his money at first. And Hareton has been cast out like an unfledged dunock! The unfortunate lad is the only one in all this parish that does not guess how he has been cheated.'" (pg:35 p:8). So, no one really understands exactly where Heathcliff came from or how he ended up in London. All they know is that Mr. Earnshaw took him in and now he is a permanent fixture in their lives. That really makes this book mysterious. Another technique Emily uses is suspense. In chapter thirty-four, Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights the entire night. When he comes back, Cathy tells us that he seems different. The suspense builds when Heathcliff says, "'When day breaks I'll send for Green. I wish to make some legal inquiries of him while I can bestow a thought on those matters, and while I can act calmly. I have not written my wdill yet; and how to leave my property I cannot determine. I wish I could annihilate it from the face of the earth.'" (pg:321 p:5).

Wuthering Heights Blog #6

Why do we still read this book? What is so timeless about its message and characters? What can we learn from reading this novel? I think we still read Wuthering Heights because it is a classic and we can learn a lot from the characters about what was acceptable in that time and what was not, how people were treated, and so much more. The message in Wuthering Heights is that love does conquer all, and sometimes, in the worst way. I think the message is timeless because it still happens today. People literally kill out of love, and sometimes the person they love is the one they kill or hurt. I think in chapter seven, the change that Catherine made when she came back from Thrushcross Grange set things in a downward spiral. Hindley said, "'Why, Cathy, you are quite a beauty! I should scarcely have known you: you look like a lady now. Isabella Linton is not to be compared with her, is she, Frances?'" (pg:52 p:1). The characters do not have fairytale personalities. They have personalities that can withstand time and can be relatable even today. I believe all of this is why we still read Wuthering Heights today and is why this book is so timeless.

Wuthering Heights Blog #5

How does this novel reflect the history, behavior and social issues of the time period and setting? What is the book's symbolic and thematic significance? Wuthering Heights was written in the eighteen-hundreds. I think this novel reflects history of the time period because women were considered lower than men. They were usually not treated with respect. I think some social issues happend in the house when Heathcliff was first brought to the house, and then they spiraled downward after that. When Mr. Earnshaw died(the man who "adopted" Heathcliff), Hindley became much worse to Heathcliff saying he was no better than a servant. The issue would be that nobody in the house liked outsiders and Heathcliff, indeed, was an outsider. When Catherine came home from Thrushcross Grange after her father's death, the first thing Hindley said to Heathcliff was, "'Heathcliff, you may come forward. You may come and wish Miss Catherine welcome, like the other servants.'" (pg:53 p:2). Another issue was race. When Heathcliff and Catherine were caught spying on Thrushcross Grange, they were brought in. Heathcliff was discriminated against because of his race. The wife of the owner said when she saw that they were friends, "'Miss Earnshaw scouring the country with a gypsy! And yet, my dear, the child is in mourning-surely it is-and she may be lamed for life!'" (pg:50 p:2). I think Wuthering Heights's symbolic and thematic significance is the moors becase they represent the cycle of love and violence in this book.

Wuthering Heights Blog #4

Who is the "hero" in this book and what are some of his/her traits? What does he/she accomplish, and how is he/she portrayed? Does the hero represent an abstrat idea such as goodness, truth, ocurage, or evil? The hero in Wuthering Heights would have to be Heathcliff. I would describe him as greedy, violent, demanding, and caring. Heathcliff is greedy and demanding because he is always wanting something, whether that something is his or not. If it is not, then he plots until it is. Often, if Heathcliffe does not get what he wants, or gets mad, he resorts to violence. Heathcliff is caring because he came back after Catherine was histerical over his leaving. He cared for her and she for him. When Catherine learned this she said, "'Oh, Edgar, Edgar!' she panted, flinging her arms round his neck. 'Oh, Edgar darling! Heathcliff's come back- he is!' And she tightened her embrace to a squeeze." (pg:94 p:8). Heathcliff accomplishes his wish to be buried next to his love, Catherine when he dies in the final chapter. I think Heathcliff is portrayed as a heroic antagonist because he really is not looking to fix any problems- just make them bigger. I think Heathcliff does represent the abstract idea of evil because he is violent and mean overall, and in my opinion, that is the definition of evil.

Wuthering Heights Blog #3

What universal themes does this book address? What does the author understand about human nature? I think Wuthering Heights addresses the universal themes of violence and love. An example of the theme violence would be when Heathcliff was first introduced into the family. Mrs. Dean said, "'He seemed a sullen, patient child; hardened, perhaps, to ill-treatment: he would stand Hindley's blows without winkings or shedding a tear, and my pinches moved him only to draw in breath and open his eyes, as if he had hurt himself by accident, and nobody was to blame,'" (pg:38 p:3). An example of love is when Catherine discovered her father's death. "'I shall bid father goodnight first,' said Catherine, putting her arms round his neck before we could hinder her. The poor thing discovered her loss directly-she screamed out-'Oh, he's dead Heathcliff! he's dead!' And they both set up a heart-breaking cry.'" (pg:44 p:2). I think Emily understands about human nature that violence and love, in a way, sort of fit like puzzle pieces. Love can lead to violence in a break-up when someone is not over their partner, as well as, when someone fights for a girl, it can lead to love. Sometimes we don't understand it, but that is how it goes.

Wuthering Heights Blog #2

What are the causes, gains, and losses dealt with in this book? The causes of the conflict in this book would have to be violence. Heathcliff, in my opinion, hurts people whenever he does not get his way, but, I guess he became that way because he was treated so badly by everyone in the house except Mr. Earnshaw and Catherine. A loss of this cause would be that when Mr. Earnshaw dies, Hindley becomes the owner of Wuthering Heights and demotes Heathcliff to a farm hand and calls him a servant say, "'Heathcliff, you may come forward. You may come and wish Miss Catherine welcome, like the other servants.'" (pg:53 p:2). Really, Hindley's comment brews even more anger in Heathcliff. Due to Hindley degrading Heathcliff so much, Catherine does not want to marry him, but confides in Mrs. Dean, "'It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him,'" (pg:80 p:5). Sadly, Heathcliff only heard the first part of Catherine's confession and he leaves, so that would be another loss. A gain would be that when Heathcliff dies, he got to be buried by his love, Catherine. Lockwood said, as he looked at Edgar, Heathcliff, and Catherine's headstones through the window, "'Together, they would brave Satan and all his legions.'" (pg326 p:1).

Wuthering Heights Blog #1

What does the writing reveal about the author's values and attitudes? From what perspective does he/she write? I think Emily's writing shows that she values two totally different things: love and discipline. Her attitude seems dark, given all the violence going on in Wuthering Heights. Emily writes in first person, switching the narrator throughout the story. In chapter three, we see Emily's value of love when Lockwood describes his dream to Heathcliff of a ghost knocking on his window. Heathcliff starts crying and says, "'Cathy, do come. Oh, do-once more! Oh! my heart's darling! hear me this time, Catherine, at last!'" (pg:29 p:1). Lockwood is the narrator until chapter four when he meets Mrs. Dean and she tells Lockwood stories of Heathcliff. The second value Emily shows in chapter four is discipline-at least a contorted version of it. Mrs. Dean tells Lockwood about the time Mr. Earnshaw brought the orphan, Heathcliff, home. No one wanted Heathcliffe there. Mrs Dean says, "'They entirely refused to have it in bed with them, or even in their rooms; and I had no more sense, so i put it on the landing of the stairs, hoping it might be gone on the morrow.'" (pg:37 p:2).

Jane Eyre Blog #8

How accurately does this novel relfect events in history? What responsibilities does the author believe exist between various groups of society, such as workers and bosses, men and women, blacks and whites? What people, ideas and events probably influenced this author? I think Jane Eyre reflects events in history well for what little history it mentioned. I think it only mentioned a Typhus outbreak at Lowood due to poor location and not very clean living quarters. I think Charlotte believes that the men have more respobsibilities than women, like having a real job besides cooking like women do. Also, servants and their bosses have different responsibilities. Servants have to do more of the dirty work for their bosses, like taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning, and sometimes teaching the children. The bosses' responsibilites would be more along the lines of making the money. I believe Charlotte's events that happend in her life influenced the events in Jane Eyre given that this is an autobiography , as well as the stories other people told her like Helen Burns when she described herself as "forgetful of rules and disobediant." (pg:68 p:8). I think this molded the way Jane looked at the world.

Jane Eyre Blog #7

What techniques does the author use to engage the audience and make the story effective? Charlotte uses mood(IWT pg:1 p:3) and point of view(IWT pg:1 p:5) to make the story effective and engage the audience. In the final chapter of Jane Eyre the mood was happy(IWT pg: 1 p:5). Jane wrote, "I have been married ten years. I know what it is to live entirely for and with what I love best on earth. I hold myself supremely blessed- blessed beyond what language can express; because I am my husband's life as fully as he is mine." (pg:522 p:2). Charlotte also uses point of view(IWT pg:1 p:3). She writes as the main character and also the one telling her story. Jane tells the story and includs Charlotte's outlook on things like cruelty. In the second chapter, Jane explains, "The fact is, I was a trifle beside myself; or rather, out of myself, as the French would say; I was conscious that a moment's mutiny had already rendered me liable to strange penalties, and , like any other rebel slave, I felt resolved, in my desperation to go all lengths." (pg: 17 p:1) when she got in trouble for yelling at John Reed for hurting her. Both these techniques engage the reader because they help the reader understand how the author or main character feels about a certain situation.

Center of Teaching and Learning. "Interpreting Writing Techniques." Interpreting Writing Techniques. The University of Alabama, 2011. Web. 08 Aug. 2011. http://www.ctl.ua.edu/CTLStudyAids/StudySkillsFlyers/Reading/interpretingwritingtechniques.htm.

Jane Eyre Blog #6

Why do we still read this book? What is so timeless about it's message and characters? What can we learn from reading this novel? I think we still read Jane Eyre today because it is inspiring. Jane Eyre is an autobiography by Charlotte Bronte- these things really actually happend to her. She perservered and overcame the people that told her she could not and she made something of herself. This novel is so timeless because the events that went on in this book are still happening today. We still have people who tell us no we can't and have people who really hate us for no real reason, but we also have people like Miss Temple and Helen Burns who care about others like Miss Temple and the people who take their punishment with their head held high like Helen Burns. I thin we can learn a lot from this novel. We can learn that no matter what, you should believe in yourself because a lot of people are out there who just want to tear you don like Mrs. Reed and John Reed. We can learn to be more caring and accepting like Miss Temple because you do not know what the person you are making fun of has been through.

Jane Eyre Blog #5

How does this novel relfect history, behavior and social issues of the time period and setting? What is the book's thematic and symbolic significance? Jane Eyre reflects history in the eighteen-hundreds by the way the characters dress. Mr. Brocklehurst's daughter went to Lowood for a visitand described the girls as, "'plain...with their long pinafores, and little Holland pockets outside their frocks.'" (pg:43 p:1). Holland is a type of fabric, like linen. The behavior in this book reflect the eighteen-hundreds because, like in the book, everyone was very proper; especially the women. Women were allowed to go to school, but they did not learn the things we learn in school today. They were taught t read, be elegant and proper, sew and crochet, and a little bit of math. They were not allowed to have the same jobs as men. The social issues in Jane Eyre were mainly between classes, just as they were in the eighteen-hundreds. Lower class and higher class people rarely socialized unless a lower class person was working for a higher class person. Needless to say, lower class people really were not treated fairly. I think Jane Eyre's symbolic and thematic significance is probably fear and courage. The red-room represents both because it shows very early that Jane will have many struggles, but, like in the red-room, she will show fear, but with fear comes courage and she will be able to go on to do great things.

Jane Eyre Blog #4

Who is the "hero" in this book and what are some of his/her traits? What does he/she accomplish, and how is he/she portrayed? Does the hero represent an abstract idea such as goodness, truth, courage, or evil? The hero in Jane Eyre is Jane. I would describe her as obediant, strong-willed, honest, and admirable. Jane accomplished many things, such as escaping the Reeds', going to school, getting a job, reconnecting with her family, and getting married. I think Jane is portrayed as the protagonist because she is trying to solve problems and make situations better, instead of make them worse as some antagonists tend to do. I think Jane does represent some abstract ideas: goodness and courage. I believe she represents goodness because I do not think she got into trouble by her own accord, it was more because Mr. Brocklehurst wanted people to believe that she was evil. He once said to Mrs. Reed when he visted Jane for the first time, "'Deceit is, indeed, a sad fault in a child, it is akin to falsehood, and all liars will have their portion in the lake burning with fire and brimstone. She shall, however, bewatched, Mrs. Reed. I will speak to the teachers.'" (pg:42 p:6). I also believe Jane represents courage because she really had to be brave throughout the story. It took an enormous amount of courage to stand up against Mrs. Reed and to leave Mr. Rochester after finding out he had another wife. All these acts make Jane a hero.

Jane Eyre Blog #3

What universal themes does this book address? What does the author understand about human nature? Jane Eyre addresses smoe major themes like marriage, education, and society and class. Blanche Ingram only wanted to marry Mr. Rochester because he was rich, but Jane does not. She loves him for who he is, and he feels the same. Mr. Rochester once said about Jane, "'Because, I sometimes have a queer feeling with regard to you, especially when you are near me, as now; it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted it a similar string situated somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in teh corresponding quarter ofyour little frame. And if that boisterous channel, and two hundered miles of so of land, came broad between us, I am afraid that cord of communion will be snapped; and then I've a nervous notion I should take to bleeding inwardly. As for you, you'd forget me.'" (pg:295 p"4). Education is also a major theme. In this book, education provides a way for lower class people to move up in class as well as society. It worked for Jane, at least. Finally, class and society. In Charlotte's time, class and where you stood in society was everything. People of higher class and society were able to make better money to live longer. If you were a lower class, you did not get all that, so in a way, it made your life more difficult. I think Charlotte understand that everyone has their flaws, and there are some you can't fix, but if you strive to betteryourself, you can correct some of those flaws.

Jane Eyre Blog #2

What are the causes, gains, and losses of the conflicts dealt with in this book? There are many cuases in Jane Eyre such as abuse, education, and love. Jane was abused in the beginning of the book by John Reed. There really are not very many gains with this cause, but one. She learned to be strong and stand up for herself which she did, saying, "'Wicked and cruel boy! You are like a murderer- you are like a slave-driver- you are like the Roman emperors!'" after he hit her and threw a book at her head. I think there is more losses than gains dealt in this conflict. Jane was just a girl, and getting in trouble for silly things made her scared. The second cause, education, has more gains than losses. Jane received an education and later on, became a governess, so that is good, but a loss would be that sometimes her boss, Mr. Rochester would not let her mingle with other since it was a lower class job. The final cause is love. The gain would be that she fell in love with a man who loved her for her and they got married, but the loss would be that before they got married, Jane had a big trust issue and left him for a long time.

Jane Eyre Blog #1

What does the writing reveal about the author's values and attitudes? From what perspective does he/she write? I think the writing in Jane Eyre shows that Charlotte definitely believes in standing up for yourself as well as others. In the novel she took control and stood up to Mrs. Reed. "' I am glad you are no relation of mine; I will never call you aunt again as long as I live; I will never come to see you when I am grown up; and if anyone asks me how I liked you, and how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick, and that you treated me with miserable cruelty,'" (pg: 45 p: 8). Charlotte also believes in honesty. Jane had to break off her wedding to Mr. Rochester the first time because he legally had another wife and she did not want to be seen as the woman Mr. Rochester was cheating on Bertha with and she did not trust him anymore. I think Charlotte kept Jane's attitude positive the majority of the novel because she was as she went through these events. This book was written in first person because Jane is narrating the story. I think Charlotte's values and attitudes make Jane seem more sophisticated for her ages in the book.

Jane Eyre Blog #11

In the final chapters of Jane Eyre we meet some more characters: Bertha Mason, St. John Rivers, Diana and Mary Rivers, and Rosamond Oliver. Bertha Mason was Mr. Rochester's first wife who had been ultimately labeled as insane in chapter thirty-six when she set fire to Jane's old bed, and committed suicide. St. John Rivers is a clergyman who takes Jane in after she flees from Thornfield and collapses from exhaustion and malnutrition on his doorstep. He describes Jane, "White as clay or death. She will fall-let her sit.," (pg:391 p:4). Diana and Mary Rivers are St. John Rivers' sisters and they immediately like Jane. St. John Rivers and his sisters help nurse Jane to health and St. John Rivers even agrees to help Jane find a job which he succeeds in doing. He gets Jane a job as a teacher at Mr. Oliver's schoolhouse. Now, Mr. Oliver has a daughter, Rosamond. Rosamond really likes St. John and St. John feels the same way, but, sadly, nothing happens between the two of them. As we reach the end of the book, we find out that Jane, St. John Rivers, Diana and Mary are all cousins. St. John explains that, "You are not perhaps, aware that I am your namesake?-that I was christened St. John Eyre Rivers?" (pg:445 p:4).

Jane Eyre Blog #10

In chapters sixteen through twenty-six there is conflict. The conflict is external because it is between two people: Mr. Rochester and Jane. Mr. Rochester has asked Jane to marry him and Jane says yes, but when they arrive at the church to get married, something happens. The priest gets to the part where people can object to Jane and Mr. Rochester marrying and someone does: Mr. Briggs. He says, "I affirm and can prove that on the 20th of October, A.D-Edward Fairfax Rochester, of Thornfield Hall, in the country of-, and of Ferndean Manor, in
-shire, England, was married to my sister, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, daughter of Jonas Mason, merchant, and of Antionetta his wife, a Creole-at-church, Spanish Town, Jamaica. The record of the marriage will be found in the register of that church-a copy of it is now in my possession. Signed, Richard Mason," (pg:338 p:14). Mr. Rochester legally had another wife. Mr. Rochester tells the priest, as well as those who are in the church that, yes, he is still legally married to Bertha, but she was crazy. He claimed that Bertha tricked him into marriage before he realized she was certifiably insane. Mr. Rochester invites everyone to go see what Bertha is like. Back at Thornfield they see Bertha crawling around on her hands and knees and growling like an animal. After everyone sees, Mr. Rochester makes everyone leave. Jane goes up to her room and thinks. She doesn't trust Mr. Rochester anymore, and even though she loves him still, she knows she has to leave.

Jane Eyre Blog #9

In the first fifteen chapters of Jane Eyre we meet some interesting characters: Jane, Mrs. Reed, John Reed, Georgiana Reed, Bessie, Mr. Brocklehurst, Miss Temple, Helen Burns, Mrs. Fairfax, Adele, and Mr. Rochester. Jane is really the author of this book. She starts out as a quiet, obediant ten-year-old orphaned girl living with her aunt, but as the chapters go on, she attends school at Lowood and eventually becomes a governess. Mrs. Reed is Jane's aunt and when Jane was living with her, she wanted nothing to do with her. She was hateful and believed everything was Jane's fault. She once locked Jane in the red-room for defending herself against John Reed. John Reed is a very greedy boy who abused Jane in her childhood. He once said to her, "You have no business to take our books; you are a dependant, mamma says; you have no money; your father left you none; you ought to beg, and not live here with gentlemen's children like us, and eat the same meals we do, and wear clothes at our mamma's expense. Now, I'll teach you to rummage my bookshelves; for they are mine, or will do in a few years. Go and stand by the door, out of the way of the mirror and windows," (pg:15 p:8). Eliza and Georgiana Reed are John Reed's sisters and act like they don't notice John when he hurts Jane. Bessie was Jane's nursemaid while she was living with the Reed's. She was very stern, but friendly with Jane. Bessie came to visit Jane before she left Lowood to work as a governess. Mr. Brocklehurst ran Lowood. He came to visit Jane before she moved into the school. He was very strange and it showed more when he visited Lowood. He made the girls cut their hair if he felt it was too long. Mrs. Temple was a teacher at Lowood who loved Jane. She was very sweet and nurturing. Helen Burns was one of Jane's first friends at Lowood. She got picked on by Miss Scatcherd for silly things, but held her head high whenever she received her punishment. In the spring, she caught Typhus and died. When Jane was eighteen she put out an advertisement as a governess looking for work and Mrs. Fairfax hired her. Mrs. Fairfax is an old woman that is sweet and gentle, but strict. She really cares about Jane, I think, and introduces Adele- the girl Jane would be teaching. Adele is a girl who came to England from France with Mr. Rochester. She is a very spoiled girl who is used to getting her way on everything. Mr. Rochester is an old man who took care of Adele after her mother had abandoned her. He isn't sure if Adele is his daughter or not, but he wants the best for her even if he doesn't show it. He takes an interest in Jane.

Why Read The Classics Blog #8

What is your reaction to the essay? Is it an emotional one or a logical one? My reaction to Why Read The Classics would have to be a logical one. I liked having to read the whole essay in order to find the thesis. I learned a lot from Calvino and I respect his opinions. Before I read this essay I thought the classics were, in a way, pointless. I didn't really understand why people kept reading them over and over and now I do. You can read them again and again and still learn something different each time. The definition Calvino put at the very beginning of the essay: The classics are those books about which you usually hear people saying: 'I'm rereading...' never, 'I'm reading...'(pg:3 p:1) makes sense now that I realize you actually can learn more than one ting from a classic as you grow older. I think now, I will read a classic over and over as I get older once I find one I reallly like. Calvino really put into perspective for me that it is possible to read a classic written in Old English without it being pointless because you cant learn something if you try.

Why Read The Classics Blog #7

What authority does the author have as a writer? I think Calvino's power is explanation. In the essay, he puts definitions all over. Here is one from the middle of the essay, "The classics are those books which constitute a treasured experience for those who have read and loved them; but they remain just as rich an experience for those who reserve the chance to read them when they are in the best condition to enjoy them,"(pg:4 p:2). Then, in the following paragraph, he elaborates on what the definition meant. He explains the definition by saying, "For the fact that the reading we do when young can often be of little value because we are impatient, cannot concentrate, lack expertise in how to read, or because we lack experience in life,"(pg:4 p:3) I think he is saying that we don't want to rush into reading a classing becaue we wont enjoy it as much if we rush through it and don't fully concentrate on the words and details. We should wait for a time when we are older, have more life experience, and know we could concentrate and understand the text of the book because we will enjoy it then, not only because we might have been through a similar version of what a character in the book is going throught, but also because things become a little easier to understand as you grow up.

Why Read The Classics Blog #6

Identify the method(s) of introduction. What characterizes the conclusion? In my opinion, the method of introduction in Why Read The Classics is defining a word or phrase (TE p:31). In this case, it is a definition. The definition of a classic is, "The classics are those books about which you usually hear people say 'I'm rereading...' never 'I'm reading...'"(pg:3 p:1) I do not believe it's an actual dictionary definition, I think it's Calvino's definition of a classic. Now, what characterizes the conclusion? I the conclusion restates the thesis in this quote from Cioran: 'While the hemlock was being prepared, Socrates was learning a melody on the flute. "What use will that be to you?", he was asked. "At least I will learn this melody before I die,"'(pg:9 p:4). The melody represents a classic, I think. The classics are something you learn from as the years pass. It may take a few years or a lifetime to fully understand what the classics have to offer and to learn from it, but as Socrates said, "At least I will learn this melody before I die."(pg:9 p:4), you will get it if you go through the text more than once through the years.

Gulcat, Zeliha. "The Essay." Buowl. Sept. 2004. Web. 20. Aug. 2011. http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/students/the%20essay.htm.

Why Read The Classics Blog #5

How is the essay organized? I think the essay Why Read The Classics is organized by giving many examples of what the classics are in definitions. In the essay there are fourteen definitions of what the classics are. Calvino is sure to explain that there are different meanings or versions of classics like definition eleven: 'Your' classic is a book to which you cannot remain indifferent, and which helps you define yourself in relation or even opposition to it (pg:7 p:2). I think Calvino did not start out with a big picture- just examples conveying his idea. Although he does leave us to come to our own conclusion at the end, it works. He ultimately gives us a choice: to read the classics now and throughout our lives, or not to. I think Calvino organized the essay well. He would give a definition and then explain it further in the paragraph after. He does a great job of keeping the reader focused on the thesis and the whole purpose of the essay in every paragraph and definition- he does not get distracted. In my opinion, as a reader, I was able to concentrate on what he had to say because he reminded me of the thesis constantly so I could understand and really see his point.

Why Read The Classics Blog #4

What passages capture your attention, arouse a reaction? The passage, "What this shows is that reading a great work for the first time when one is finally an adult is an extradordinary pleasure,one which is very different(though it is impossible to say whether more or less pleasureable) from reading it in one's youth. Youth endows every reading, as it does every experience, with a unique flavour and significance, whereas at a mature age one appreciates(or should appreciate) many more details, levels, and meanings,"(pg:4 p:2) I like this passgae because it relates to the thesis. Calvino is right when he said, "Youth endows every reading, as it does every experience, with a unique flavour and significance, whereas at a mature age one appreciates(or should appreciate) many more details, levels, and meanings,"(pg:4 p:2) The reading experience is different when you're younger. You don't sometimes understand what the author says or means in their writing and you get confused. As you mature and grow older, the things you once didn't understand, click, and you th ink yourself as silly for being puzzled in the first place. So, when you read the classic for the first time as an adult, you'll enjoy it more than you did when you were younger because the events and details make more sense and you understand them more.

Why Read The Classics Blog #3

What rhetorical devices are used? I think the rhetorical devices used in Why Read The Classics are tone and theme. The definition of tone is: the writer's attitude toward the material and/or readers (LRD p: 58). In the essay, Calvino's tone is gentle and persuading. He wants the readers to read the classics now as well as throughout their lives. His tone is different from Nabokov's which was matter-of-fact rather than gentle. Throughout the essay, you can really tell that Calvino is passionate about the classics and wants other people to be as well. The definition of theme is: frequently reocurring ideas, such as enjoy-life-while-you-can (LRD p: 57). The reocurring theme in Why Read The Classics is how the classics are a great learning experience. In almost every definition Calvino put in the essay incorperates the idea of the thesis. Together, the rhetorical devices tone and theme really help Calvino persuade the readers to at least think about-if not do- actually reading the classics all throughout their lifetime which is the job of rhetorical devices: to persuade the reader. In my opinion, I think Calvino made good use of them and that readers will become as passionate about the classics as he is and read them more often as they grow up.

Veroso, Bryan. "Literary and Rhetorical Devices." Literary and Rhetorical Devices. Worldpress Experts, 2011. Web. 02 Aug. 2011. http://literary.edublogs.org/

Why Read The Classics Blog #2

What is the author's tone? I think the author's tone is a mixture of condenscension and didacticness (AP #'s:6&15). Calvino uses condenscension because he has a sense of superiority and confidence when he gives information (AP #6). He is also didactic because he is trying to teach you about the classics and why you should read them (AP #15). At the beginning of the essay, Italo shows condenscension by putting a definition saying, "The classics are those books about which you usually hear people saying 'I'm rereading...' never 'I'm reading...'" (pg:5 p:1). He is confident in the definition that that is the case the majority of the time. Italo uses didacticness by stating, "Even if the books remain the same(though they too change, in the light altered historical perspective), we certainly have changed, and this later encounter is therefore completely new," (pg:6 p:5). I think he is trying to say that the books will stay the same, but we will change and so will the experience each time we reread a classic. I think that having the mixture of condenscension and didacticness is a good one because they are both very strong tones. Calvino is confident and superior and he really is there to teach you new things about the classics and in a way, sort of motivate you to read them.

"AP Tone Words." Google. 2011. Web. 21. Aug. 2011. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites%srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxwcGhzZW5nbGlzaGtvaHxneDo1MGJiYjg3YmNNDQ2YTlk.

Why Read The Classics Blog #1

What is the thesis? Where is it? Is it implicit or explicit? The thesis of Why Read The Classics is that the classics are a great learning resource and as you grow up, you learn more from them. The thesis is not directly stated, I think. It is more summed up which is why I think the thesis is implicit because you have to think about it in order to find it. Calvino does not come right out and highlight it because he wants you to have to think and gain something from the essay. He wants you to figure out that by searching for something, you receive knowledge. It is the same with the classics. If you search through the text more than once, each time you will take with you a new piece of knowledge. Personally, when I read the classic Great Expectations last year for English for freshman year, I found myself going back and rereading different parts of the book and learning something different each time. I bet if I reread Great Expectations now, I would learn something completely different because, even in a year, I have matured and have learned to understand things differently.

Good Readers and Good Writers Blog #8

What is your reaction to the essay? Is it an emotional one or logical one? I think my reaction to Good Readers and Good Writers would be a logical one because I already knew ahead of time what Vladimir would be talking about throughout the essay. He really made it clear in the first two paragraphs that he would be breaking reading and writing down in order to make you a better reader and writer. He was not shy about it. I liked reading what he had to say and I learned a lot that I did not know before, like the three facets of a good writer (pg: 4 p:18). I thought you just had to write about the popular topics that are happening now like vampires and werewolves, but that is not the case. Vladimir said you just need to have a good thought and the magic, story, and lesson will come with it and people will want to read what you write. I also learned some interesting qualities a good reader should have: imagination, memory, a dictionary, and some artistic sense(pg:2 p:7). I could have guessed that imagination would be on the list, but the other three, I was not expecting. Vladimir really opened my mind and taught me many new things that I will remember for a long time.

Good Readers and Good Writers Blog #7

What authority does the author have as a writer? I think Vladimir's power is being an influential writer because he wants to help people better themselves in reading and writing. Vladimir can write an essay on how to be a good reader and writer because he really did his research. He took his time with the details and examples to show people how to better themselves and not many authors can do that very well. Vladimir had other people, such as college students, give their opinion on things like the qualities a good reader and writer should have, and it really put a different perspective into the essay and makes it better. I think the readers of the essay can really gain a lot from Vladimir's essay because he makes it reader friendly. They know how to create better stories as well as learning how to read stories and understand them better by his advice. Vladimir teaches people to go into their minds and really think about what they are reading or writing and either understand what the author is trying to get across to them or what they, as writers are trying to get across to their readers- he forces them to sort of think differently than how they did before and that really opens up a whole new learning experience.

Good Readers and Good Writers Blog #6

Identify the methods of introduction. What characterizes the conclusion? I believe Vladimir uses two methods of introduction: the funnel method (TE pg:1 p:26) and using quotations (TE pg:1 p:45). The funnel method starts out with a broad statement and as the paragraph goes on, the sentences slowly become smaller and lead to the final sentence which is the thesis (TE pg:1 p:27). Vladimir wrote, " 'How to be a Good Reader' or 'Kindness to Authors'- something of that sort might serve to provide a subtitle for these various discussions of various authors, for my plan is to deal lovingly, in loving and lingering detail, with several European Masterpieces." And then, at the end of the introduction, Vladimir stated his thesis, " 'what a scholar might be if one knew well only some half a dozen books.' "(pg:1 p:1) Vladimir also used the quotations method (TE pg:1 p:45). When an author uses the quotations method, the quotation usually matches the thesis and summarizes what the author is trying to say (TE pg:1 p:46). Vladimir executed this method by quoting Flaubert from a letter to his mistress, "Commel' on serait savant si l'on connaissant bien seulement cinq a six livres." After the quote, he summed up it's meaning, " 'what a scholar one might be if one knew well only some half a dozen books.' "(pg:1 p:1) This quotation is his thesis and summarizes what will be learned in the essay. I think the conclusion restates the major ideas that were presented in the essay (TE pg:1 p:52). The author went over what made a good writer and reader- "a wise reader reads the book of genius not with his heart, not so much with his brain, but with his spine," and the the importantce to just have fun while reading too, and "we shall watch the artist build his castle of cards and watch the castle of cards become a castle of beautiful steel and glass."(pg:4 p:18)

Gulcat, Zeliha. "The Essay." Buowl. Sept. 2004. Web. 20. Aug. 2011. http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/students/the%20essay.htm.

Good Readers and Good Writers Blog #5

How is the essay organized? The essay starts out with a generalization of what is in the essay: how to become a better reader and writer, then turns to specifics by breaking down the two main topics into multiple paragraphs. In my opinion, the essay flip-flops between the two main topics. In paragraph six, the author gives a list of definitions of a good reader to college students and tell them to pick four that, in their opinion, makes up a good reader. At the end, he tells the students the "correct" answers. This is just one specific that can help the readers of the essay to become a better reader and writer. Vladimir also gives us "three facets of a good writer" which are magic, story, and lesson (pg:4 p:18). He goes on to tell us that you do not have to write about mythical beings to create a magical story, you just need a strong purpose to the story and the rest will come along the way. This specific is a great help to writers everywhere. I think, all together, the author did not leave us out to dry at the end of the essay. He gives specifics and details in every paragraph that helps both readers and writers tremendously.