I am a die-hard fan of Gavin DeGraw. Die-hard? Let me explain:
1- His homepage is the first on my list of 'favorite websites.'
2- I have a shirt with his name and logo on it.
3- I can sing along with EVERY one of his songs.
4- Second row at his concert in Columbus!
5-My English 251 notebook has two lines of lyrics from various Gavin DeGraw songs on the bottom of all the pages.
6- My background picture on my phone is a picture I took of him singing-- and has not changed for almost a whole year.
It is a great feeling to find a singer out there that you really connect with. I love how he writes his own music, because that passion comes through as he sings. Singers should write their own lyrics, just as a President should write their own inaugural address. Obviously, it is not as serious, but how can you put as much emotion into something that someone made up for you? Music is very important to me, and I am excited that we get to learn about Hymns in class this week. =)
I just want to suggest that everyone listens to Lover Be Strong, the best song ever.
that's all.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Birth & Death
"The birth of the reader must be at the cost of the death of the author." -Roland Barthes.
I am not sure how I feel about this quote.
On the one hand:
When people spend all their effort in researching about the life of the author, and WHY they wrote what they did, it may take out the creativity of a reader. They will just willingly and effortlessly agree on what the author says. Readers may use knowledge and experiences of the author to excuse, or validate what the author says. If the author is unknown, no feelings are superficial or completely biased.
On the other hand:
Working on my author spotlight project had me become more interested in authors. Nathaniel Hawthorne was a great guy from what I have read, and not only that, and there is so much purpose in his writing. Learning about his life helped me read and understand his statements better. Even if writing is fictional, or about someone completely random, I believe that the author is somehow strongly related to their characters in most cases.
I am not sure how I feel about this quote.
On the one hand:
When people spend all their effort in researching about the life of the author, and WHY they wrote what they did, it may take out the creativity of a reader. They will just willingly and effortlessly agree on what the author says. Readers may use knowledge and experiences of the author to excuse, or validate what the author says. If the author is unknown, no feelings are superficial or completely biased.
On the other hand:
Working on my author spotlight project had me become more interested in authors. Nathaniel Hawthorne was a great guy from what I have read, and not only that, and there is so much purpose in his writing. Learning about his life helped me read and understand his statements better. Even if writing is fictional, or about someone completely random, I believe that the author is somehow strongly related to their characters in most cases.
Poetry?
"How to Recognize a Poem When You See One" by Stanley Kish was very interesting to read, amusing even. He described how one day, he put the following on the board:
Jacobs-Rosenbaum
Levin
Thorne
Hayes
Ohman (?)
Then, he had his classes explain what it was. The more technical class recognized right away that they are all names of linguists, but his poetry class came up with a pretty deep interpretation. The class was explaining the symbolism to Christ.... Jacob is in the Bible, thorns pierced Christ's head, and one boy even pointed out that the most prominent letters are S O and N, as in Son of God. Imagine their reactions as they all realized that they are all names of linguists, rather than a symbolic poem.
Stanley Kish said that "Poems are an ongoing accomplishment," which I agree with. Poems mean different things to different people, and I love hearing the views and ideas of others. Sometimes I pick apart the ideas to enhance what I think, and sometimes I disagree with other stances completely.
There is a point where poems become over-analyzed, but for the most part, I think poems are a form of expression. Once the words/expressions are out there, readers are entitled to make their own assumptions of the poem, and allow it to influence them how they wish. Poems are not written to satisfy others, rather to lay out feelings, and hopefully touch another life in the process. I love how William Wordsworth says "Fill the paper with the breathings of your heart." That is how I recognize poems; when it is genuine, when the words are real and they make me feel. Some may read it as a list of names, but others may read it as a poem that helps them come closer to Christ.
Jacobs-Rosenbaum
Levin
Thorne
Hayes
Ohman (?)
Then, he had his classes explain what it was. The more technical class recognized right away that they are all names of linguists, but his poetry class came up with a pretty deep interpretation. The class was explaining the symbolism to Christ.... Jacob is in the Bible, thorns pierced Christ's head, and one boy even pointed out that the most prominent letters are S O and N, as in Son of God. Imagine their reactions as they all realized that they are all names of linguists, rather than a symbolic poem.
Stanley Kish said that "Poems are an ongoing accomplishment," which I agree with. Poems mean different things to different people, and I love hearing the views and ideas of others. Sometimes I pick apart the ideas to enhance what I think, and sometimes I disagree with other stances completely.
There is a point where poems become over-analyzed, but for the most part, I think poems are a form of expression. Once the words/expressions are out there, readers are entitled to make their own assumptions of the poem, and allow it to influence them how they wish. Poems are not written to satisfy others, rather to lay out feelings, and hopefully touch another life in the process. I love how William Wordsworth says "Fill the paper with the breathings of your heart." That is how I recognize poems; when it is genuine, when the words are real and they make me feel. Some may read it as a list of names, but others may read it as a poem that helps them come closer to Christ.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Holding out for a hero
On February 18, we talked about heros in class.
What does it take to be a hero? "He's gotta be soon and he's gotta be strong and he's gotta be larger than life...." not necessarily. =)
There are three sections to a hero's journey-- departure, initiation, and return.
I had never formally classified a hero's journey that way, but it is true. Everyone has different heros, but they all have to depart to chase after their dreams, save a life, etc. Initiation is the most essential part of becoming a hero, and then return was questionable to me. Some heros will die on a journey whether they have accomplished their goals or not.
Then, I decided to not take 'return' so literally. Returning does not have to be in a physical sense, heros can return in memories or stories to help others. Heros are not fleeting champions, rather, they make legendary impacts.
What does it take to be a hero? "He's gotta be soon and he's gotta be strong and he's gotta be larger than life...." not necessarily. =)
There are three sections to a hero's journey-- departure, initiation, and return.
I had never formally classified a hero's journey that way, but it is true. Everyone has different heros, but they all have to depart to chase after their dreams, save a life, etc. Initiation is the most essential part of becoming a hero, and then return was questionable to me. Some heros will die on a journey whether they have accomplished their goals or not.
Then, I decided to not take 'return' so literally. Returning does not have to be in a physical sense, heros can return in memories or stories to help others. Heros are not fleeting champions, rather, they make legendary impacts.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Langston Hughes
Theme for English B
--I find it interesting that he actually wrote this when he was 50. It is so convincing that he is a student, I would never have known. The line with the most impact, to me, is "So will my page be colored that I write?" I think that really sums up the reason behind his poem.
Negro Speaks of Rivers
--There is a recording of Langston Hughes actually reading his poem online, and he also gives a little background information. His grandma had said that "To be sold along the Mississippi River is one of the worst things." All the rivers that he speaks of have symbolic influence, for example, the Euphrates is also mentioned. This river was a part of the beginning of civilization, so it puts black people at the beginning of civilization. This poem is introspective, and powerful when stating, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers."
I, Too
--I saved this poem for last, because it is my favorite of Hughes' poems that we have read in class. It shows his faith that colored people will eventually be recognized as Americans too. This is very prophetic, as we mentioned in class, because it was written in 1926, long before civil rights. I admire the fact that he "laughs, eats well, and grows strong," even though his circumstances are unfortunate. I like the optimistic view toward America, even though he still is not accepted as an American. He IS American though, and therfore he is beautiful, just as the song "America the Beautiful" suggests. Hughes wants everyone to see that within him, because he has already learned it for himself.
introspective- to look into or examine one's own internal state, or feelings
--I find it interesting that he actually wrote this when he was 50. It is so convincing that he is a student, I would never have known. The line with the most impact, to me, is "So will my page be colored that I write?" I think that really sums up the reason behind his poem.
Negro Speaks of Rivers
--There is a recording of Langston Hughes actually reading his poem online, and he also gives a little background information. His grandma had said that "To be sold along the Mississippi River is one of the worst things." All the rivers that he speaks of have symbolic influence, for example, the Euphrates is also mentioned. This river was a part of the beginning of civilization, so it puts black people at the beginning of civilization. This poem is introspective, and powerful when stating, "My soul has grown deep like the rivers."
I, Too
--I saved this poem for last, because it is my favorite of Hughes' poems that we have read in class. It shows his faith that colored people will eventually be recognized as Americans too. This is very prophetic, as we mentioned in class, because it was written in 1926, long before civil rights. I admire the fact that he "laughs, eats well, and grows strong," even though his circumstances are unfortunate. I like the optimistic view toward America, even though he still is not accepted as an American. He IS American though, and therfore he is beautiful, just as the song "America the Beautiful" suggests. Hughes wants everyone to see that within him, because he has already learned it for himself.
introspective- to look into or examine one's own internal state, or feelings
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Beginnings
This is the beginning of my sonnet.... in 7th grade, my teacher would have us pick up our pencils and just write whatever came to mind for 5-10 min. This is what I did, and then just pieced my sonnet together from here....
If you were to take a stroll around, or even sit on a stump somewhere, and just think, look at your surroundings, it would be easy to realize how blessed you are. I've often heard events/things described as not a big deal, and it's true- some things don't change who we are, or destiny, or fate. But little things add up and make a difference, even if they start out small. Things like the sound of one guitar. A stranger sat on a lonely bench and made my day more beautiful through sharing a song. Every penny I find in a parking lot makes me one cent richer. It doesn't seem like a lot, and it's not, but it's one more wish that can come true once I throw it in a fountain. Or 24 more days like that, and I will have enough for a gumball. One mile seems shrunken in the vast land before us, but every extra mile you run can strengthen you. It will make you stronger if you let it. And it is worth the extra distance required to visit an old friend. Even if it is a quick trip. I remember following a recipe precisely, and then double-checking with my mom when I saw one of the listed ingredients. She assured me that it belonged, and those cookies would not have tasted half as delicious without one teaspoon of sal. A single simplistic pavillion can be an oasis from a storm one day. They are little graces that help us to see that things will work out. Mending, healing, and moving forward are possible. Every bolt, screw, and nail plays its' parts. An extra 'Z' if sleep can result in a better mood, and a better resolve to be productive. Yes, all small things have a difference and a does, If little things don't, make a difference, what does
There it is-- completely in free verse/ the drafting and thinking stage.
If you were to take a stroll around, or even sit on a stump somewhere, and just think, look at your surroundings, it would be easy to realize how blessed you are. I've often heard events/things described as not a big deal, and it's true- some things don't change who we are, or destiny, or fate. But little things add up and make a difference, even if they start out small. Things like the sound of one guitar. A stranger sat on a lonely bench and made my day more beautiful through sharing a song. Every penny I find in a parking lot makes me one cent richer. It doesn't seem like a lot, and it's not, but it's one more wish that can come true once I throw it in a fountain. Or 24 more days like that, and I will have enough for a gumball. One mile seems shrunken in the vast land before us, but every extra mile you run can strengthen you. It will make you stronger if you let it. And it is worth the extra distance required to visit an old friend. Even if it is a quick trip. I remember following a recipe precisely, and then double-checking with my mom when I saw one of the listed ingredients. She assured me that it belonged, and those cookies would not have tasted half as delicious without one teaspoon of sal. A single simplistic pavillion can be an oasis from a storm one day. They are little graces that help us to see that things will work out. Mending, healing, and moving forward are possible. Every bolt, screw, and nail plays its' parts. An extra 'Z' if sleep can result in a better mood, and a better resolve to be productive. Yes, all small things have a difference and a does, If little things don't, make a difference, what does
There it is-- completely in free verse/ the drafting and thinking stage.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
No Hope
Isn't it incredible that one of the most well-known and quoted poets of American history had "no hope" written next to her name on the class roll? Not only is "no hope" incorrect, but "average" is a litote as well. Class last Thursday has deeply impacted the way I think of Emily Dickinson, though I have always loved her writing. On my bulletin board above my bed at home (you know, where I put all my important things, like a picture my younger sister drew for me, tickets from Gavin DeGraw's concert, a few favorite photos, etc) I have the quote by Emily Dickinson,
"They might not need me; but they might. I'll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity."
No hope?
The 1,700 poems that she had written were not discovered until after her death, and to me that says a lot about her character as well. Sister Steadman said that one of the best ways to describe her is ambiguous. I would like to add geniune as well. Emily Dickinson did not write to become famous, or to have people love her poetry. She did not write to prove anything to anyone, or to make something of herself. She wrote to express herself, to pass time doing something she loved. This is very powerful to me, and inspiring as well. Poetry to me, is very personal, and should be written as though you are writing for yourself to read, or those who are close to you. Let the critics make slashes in your poetry, outsiders turn their heads. Let "no hope" be written next to your efforts. If you write what is in your heart, and end up with a sincere poem in front of you, there is not much else as satisfying.
ambiguous- having several possible meanings or interpretations.
litotes-understatement
"They might not need me; but they might. I'll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity."
No hope?
The 1,700 poems that she had written were not discovered until after her death, and to me that says a lot about her character as well. Sister Steadman said that one of the best ways to describe her is ambiguous. I would like to add geniune as well. Emily Dickinson did not write to become famous, or to have people love her poetry. She did not write to prove anything to anyone, or to make something of herself. She wrote to express herself, to pass time doing something she loved. This is very powerful to me, and inspiring as well. Poetry to me, is very personal, and should be written as though you are writing for yourself to read, or those who are close to you. Let the critics make slashes in your poetry, outsiders turn their heads. Let "no hope" be written next to your efforts. If you write what is in your heart, and end up with a sincere poem in front of you, there is not much else as satisfying.
ambiguous- having several possible meanings or interpretations.
litotes-understatement
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