A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

GENERAL 
1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read, and explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).

This book is about many characters but it highlights on Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. Sydney Carton is an English man who has essentially given up on his life and is a somber guy until he shows the reader another side of him. His last actions were selfless and dramatically different from who he was before.   Charles Darnay was a French aristocrat who feels sorry for the poor and does not like the class discrimination.The novel goes through a time of the heating of the French Revolution and the bubbling of the Revolution.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.

Opposites or doubles. This theme is presented to us in the very beginning and the title even suggests it with its two cities. There are two main settings (cities), Paris and London and there are two main protagonists, Carton and Darnay. They are opposites but their lives collide and they love the same women. The beginning suggests this collision when it says "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." The two coexist in the same time period although they are opposite.

3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).
In this novel Dickens' tone is grim and gloomy because it has to do with "the worst of times"

Pg 36 or 35 on the online version.

Pg 119 or 117 online

Pg 281 or 272 online

4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)

Flashback- This flashback occurs when Mr. Lorry observes Miss Manette and remembers when he took her once her mother died.

Pg. 24 or 23 online

Metaphor-This metaphor compares the two Jerrys to monkeys both with appearance and actions.

Pg. 70

Foreshadowing- the spilled wine is foreshadowing of blood when chaos comes to the city. 

Pg. 35-36 or 34 online

Narrator- The narrator steps in and does not just talk about what the characters are thinking or saying but he also makes his voice known. This is prevalent in the first chapter of the first book.

Personification- The carriages seems to take a life of its own in this example.

Pg. 135 or 132 online

Anaphora- Monseigneur is continually repeated so as to emphasis his "importance".

Pg. 128 or 126

Imagery- The narrator creates a powerful image in our heads with this example.

Pg. 261 or 253

Irony- There is irony where french people think that the revolution will benefit them but really it is very chaotic and terrible.


CHARACTERIZATION 
1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.  Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end?

Direct- The author uses direct characterization to introduce a new character or to add on the an existing character. In the case of Madame Defarge on pg. 38 (she is introduced) and on pg. 322 (she is added on to)

Indirect- The author shows this with dialogue or actions. On pg. 436 dialogue shows how Madame Defarge is bossy and a "chief".


2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character?  How?  Example(s)?

The author takes his time when describing a character. He uses easy syntax and diction when focusing on a character but his sentences tend to be lengthy.

Pg. 24 or 23

3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.

Sydney Carton is a very dynamic character because at the end of the book he sheds his lazy hopeless man and becomes important to others and himself.

4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character?  Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.
I think Carton was the most relatable character because he turned out to be dynamic and because he professed his love to Lucie which is a difficult thing to do since she was about to get married. We pity him, we praise him and in the end I was sad that he got killed but remembered that this was a book and that the author killed him off for a purpose. In order to get a theme across of being "recalled to life"

Allegory of the Cave Sonnet

With shackles tight and knowledge slim, there is no way out

Shadows dance across the wall and voices speak 

This is their reality and their truth, their minds have no doubt
Their thought process is very weak

The world continues outside the cave
With its complex life and ever growing findings
One escaped and once introduced, the truth hit him like a wave
He was enlightened and free from is mental bindings

The Allegory is true for every being
We are all mentally controlled, limited and confined
They allow us to view what they want but we are never really seeing
When we accept the truth, only then can we see where we were once blind

Question all that is around you
and expand your point of view

"The Cave" Allegory: Lecture Notes

You are the ward of your on prison and you have the key to free yourself.

Learning is remembering
absolute forms-we reconnect and remember the ideas
The world is imperfect
The world of absolute perfect forms is perfect
Cave-place of ignorance
Shackles-limitations, filters,
Shadows- ppl will feed you images and you have to question if they are real
Ignorance is bliss
Preston left the cave came back and he is in the cave with us and now he's telling us that there is much more outside the world

3 phases of truth
It is ridiculed
Violently opposed
Excepted as self evident
Johnson C. (?)

Prisoners are defending the right to stay in the cave. Vision is very narrow in the cave

We don't like to not feel like we know what's going on
We look for pieces of info that reinsure us and makes us comfortable. We make stuff up in our head like patterns out of nothing in order to reassure ourselves

How do cave ppl get free?
They need to want to go out in order to actually leave.
It takes the first few ppl in order to set an example.
His questioning allowed him to break free.
The truth is an uncomfortable process!
What does success have to do with comfort?
You must be uncomfortable in order to be successful--no one would ever achieve anything if we laid on the couch forever
metaphysical- reality is self deceiving and there are different versions of the truth

This is part of what we talked about. My fingers couldn't keep up with all the ideas but I hope this is helpful!

Plato's Allegory of the Cave

1. According to Socrates, what does the Allegory of the Cave represent?
The Cave represents society and how some people in it have their minds locked in a cave where they only see shadows of things and do not see the whole picture.

2. What are the key elements in the imagery used in the allegory?

3. What are some things the allegory suggests about the process of enlightenment or education?
Learning new perspectives is hard because you have to let go of the old ways of thinking. You'll probably have to be forcefully shown this education because ignorance is bliss and we don't like to leave or comfort zones.

4. What do the imagery of "shackles" and the "cave" suggest about the perspective of the cave dwellers or prisoners?
It is very limited and restricted. They will only ever understand a small scale of what the world is made of.

5. In society today or in your own life, what sorts of things shackle the mind?
Expectations, ignorance, conformity...

6. Compare the perspective of the freed prisoner with the cave prisoners?
Wider, broader, much more enhanced, and just a much deeper understanding of life.

7. According to the allegory, lack of clarity or intellectual confusion can occur in two distinct ways or contexts. What are they?
Either from being exposed to a broader perspective or a much narrower perspective, both of which has a shock factor associated with it.

8. According to the allegory, how do cave prisoners get free? What does this suggest about intellectual freedom?
The prisoner was forcefully shown the truth and forcefully dragged into the outside world. This suggests that intellectual freedom sometimes must be forced and it is very shocking at first but one must get used to it.

9. The allegory presupposes that there is a distinction between appearances and reality. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Yes, because ignorance of the whole picture causes us to misjudge and miscalculate. When we see the appearance of someone, we often judge them to be in a certain group but the reality can be much different.

10. If Socrates is incorrect in his assumption that there is a distinction between reality and appearances, what are the two alternative metaphysical assumptions?
Ignorance is bliss but it can be very dangerous. The prisoners wanted to kill the man who came from the outside because he spoke nonsense and didn't want to accept what they accepted to be true. The truth will hurt and it will be shockingly blinding but once you adjust your eyes, a world of knowledge will unravel before you. 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

GENERAL

1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read, and explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose.

Jane Eyre is an orphan being raised her aunt and after being put in a bad situation, she is sent away to school. She attends Lowood School and she is satisfied with her life much more than when she was living with her aunt. After 8 years she becomes a governess at a manor for a French girl. Rochester is Jane's employer, who she saves from a fire one night and she starts to fall in love with him. The mystery is that he blames his servant Grace Poole for starting the fire but because he never fires her, Jane speculates there is more to the story which leaves the reader guessing. Rochester brings home Blanche Ingram, a beautiful woman who Jane believes Rochester will propose to but he surprises her when he asks Jane for her hand. On the day of the wedding, it is revealed that Rochester is actually married and keeps his wife hidden because she is crazy! After the mystery of the fire is solved, Jane runs away. After struggling to find her place in life, she is taken in by St. John Rivers and his two siblings where she finds a job as a teacher. Jane finds out that her uncle, John Eyre, died and bequeathed her 20,000 pounds. With this news she also discovers that the Rivers are related to her and shares the fortune. One night she hears Rochester's voice calling her and she travels back to Thornfield where she finds that it was burned to the ground by Rochester's wife. She finds Rochester blind and without a hand but alive and they live happily ever after! The book fulfills the author's purpose of a critique on social classes during this time.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.

Finding equality (and love) in a relationship builds a good marriage. This theme is evident in the book because Jane and Rochester only marry when the tables are turned and both have tasted and lived different sides of social standings. In the beginning, Rochester was rich and Jane poor which made Jane feel indebted to him and this could not have made an equal standing marriage. I believe the author caused the wedding to crumble because it did not have a good balanced foundation. Although it did not work out due to the huge secret Rochester had, this was only a reminder to Jane that they were not equals. Only when Jane finds love in herself and not with Rochester would she hear his voice calling out to her and finally with Rochester's new humbled self established they found a good marriage.

3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).
The authors tone is quiet, almost like its not there because it blends in with the narrative. I forget there is an author and only think of Jane's narrative because her tone is subtle. It feels as if her voice (and personality sometimes) and Jane's are one.

"Ere long, a bell tinkled, and the curtain drew up. Within the arch, the bulky figure of Sir George Lynn, whom Mr. Rochester had likewise chosen, was seen enveloped in a white sheet: before him, on a table, lay open a large book; and at his side stood Amy Eshton, draped in Mr. Rochester’s cloak, and holding a book in her hand." 

4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)

Antagonist- There is no clear antagonist in the book but a set of antagonists who suppress Jane's feelings or Jane in general. Aunt Reed, Mr. Brocklehurst, Mr. Rochester and Blanche Ingram are all antagonists at one point in the book but they all stop Jane from being herself.

Rochester-"The fact is, once for all, I don’t wish to treat you like an inferior: that is (correcting himself), I claim only such superiority as must result from twenty years’ difference in age and a century’s advance in experience." Pg 129

Irony- Jane at first needs Rochester but at the end of the book the tables have turned and Rochester is of great need of Jane. Pg 449

Pathos-We feel sorry for Jane when her wedding day is ruined because Rochester's secret comes out. Her life is finally starting to look up when it crashes down. 

CHARACTERIZATION

1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization.  Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?

"I hardly know where I found the hardihood thus to open a conversation with a stranger; the step was contrary to my nature and habits: but I think her occupation touched a chord of sympathy somewhere; for I too liked reading, though of a  frivolous and childish kind; I could nor digest or comprehend the setious or substantial." Pg 44

This quote is direct because  it describes that she is not an outgoing person and rarely talks with strangers. It also directly says she likes to read.

 "While arranging my hair I looked at my face in the glass felt it was no longer plain there was hope in its aspect life in its colour and my eyes seemed as if they had the fount of fruition and borrowed beams from the ripple I had often been unwilling to look at my because I feared he could not be pleased at my but I was sure I might lift my face to his now and cool his affection by its expression I took a plain but and light summer dress from my drawer and put it on seemed no attire had ever so well become me because had I ever worn in so blissful a mood."Pg. 256

This quote is indirect because she is saying she is only happy with herself when someone else is happy with her. She did not think well of herself until Rochester proposed and this means she had a low self esteem.

"To be sure I am distantly related to the Rochesters by the mother's side or at least my husband was he was a clergyman incumbent of Hay that little village yonder on the hill and that church near the gates was his The present Mr Rochester's mother was a Fairfax and second cousin to my husband but I never presume on the connection in fact it is nothing to me I consider myself quite in the light of an ordinary housekeeper my employer is always civil and I expect nothing more." Pg 95

She directly characterizes herself by explaining part of her family tree and indirectly explains that she thinks she is less worth than the Rochesters just because they are richer than she is.

2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character?  How?  Example(s)?

No, I kept this question in mind as I read but the authors syntax and diction seemed to flow the same everywhere. She describes characters more indirectly than directly and with this she doesn't need to use easier to understand words.

3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic?  Flat or round?  Explain.

She is dynamic because she goes from being this poor,self conscience young girl to a self respected women who values herself and does not let others judge her worth.

4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character?  Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.

I loved Jane's character and could relate to her in many ways. The author did a wonderful job in creating a believable character in a believable setting by being detailed in her characterization.

"Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart!" Pg. 252

This is my favorite quote because I think its great that she stands up for herself and finally shows her self respect. She sees that they are equals maybe not class wise but with the size of their hearts and souls

 

Vocab Remix

adumbrate

bauble

exculpate

faux pas

opportunist

bicker

dogmatic

licentious

noxious

polemic

populous

probity

repartee

truncate

acerbity

immaculate

resplendent

vainglory

volition

charisma

labyrinth

narcissism

rapport

xenophobia

consensus

constrict

dichotomy

Sonnet Analysis Part I

Sonnet to Homework by ~blackmage607,
Oh dearest homework, I do loathe you so,
Some days I just throw you against the wall,
And your work deeply affects my brain flow,
Nothing on your pages can I recall.

Your small numbers in math put me on edge,
So confusing they are hurting my head,
You make me want to jump off a high ledge,
Knowing that you're here makes me full of dread.

You are so mean and just plain tortuous,
And your weekly vocab drives me insane,
You always make me use a thesaurus,
It seems you just like to enjoy my pain.

Making sure you're done in time is a chore,
Can't you see you're not welcome anymore?!

I googled "sonnet to homework" and I really wasn't expecting something as accurate to my feelings for homework as this! This is a funny sonnet where the author explains how much s/he loathes homework. It isn't complicated, it's catchy and it's just fun to read! 

Big Question

Does disorganization of your room, binder, desk or other belongings mean your mind is unorganized or chaotic? 

Fall list #11

Affinity- natural liking or sympathy for someone or something.

Bilious- Affected by or associated with nausea or vomiting

Cognate- of the same nature

Corollary- A proposition inferred Immediately from a proved proposition with little or no additional proof 

Cul-de-sac - a passage with access only at one end.

Derring-do- a daring action

Divination- The art or practice that seeks to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge due to the interpretation of omens 

Elixir- A substance capable of prolonging life indefinitely 

Folderol- a useless accessory 

Gamut- an entire range or series

Hoi polloi- the General populace

Ineffable- incapable of being expressed in words 

Lucubration- to study by night

 
Mnemonic- intended to assist memory

Obloquy- abusive language

Parameter- an independent variable used to express the coordinates of variable point and functions of them

Pundit- a learned man 

Risible- provoking laughter

Symptomatic- having the characteristics of a certain disease but arising of a different cause

 
Volte-face- a reversal in policy