In the introduction to Ann Petry's novel, The Street, she uses personification, imagery, and figurative language to show Lutie Johnson's relationship to the weather and urban setting. Perty's use of musical devices throughout her introduction gives the reader a sense of if they were reading lyrics to a song or lines of a poem. The beautiful language juxtaposes the ugly weather and bleak city setting, by emphasizing how unpleasant it is outside on the street.
Throughout the introduction, Perty uses an abundance of personification to give the scene movement and life. A couple of the many examples are phrases such as: "Fingering its way along the curb, the
wind set the bits of paper to dancing high in the air", "stuck its fingers inside their coat collars", and "It found every scrap of paper along the street". All of these examples are discussing the biting wind on the street, and by calling the wind "it," Petry gives a sort of life to the wind as it plays with the passers-by on the street. Personification is an important tool that allows the author to turn the wing into something more than just that: something meaningful, and alive.
Secondly, Ann Petry uses imagery to paint concise pictures of the screen on the street and the weather affecting the passers-by on the street. As the reader reads, "A few hurried pedestrians who bent double in an effort to offer the least possible exposed surface to its violent assault" they gain a feeling as if a memory of having to cover all their body so the biting wind outside will not be able to rip the warmth off of their skin. "Her eyeballs were bathed in a rush of coldness and she had to blink in order to read the words on the sign swaying back and forth over her head," is another example of Perty using distinct feelings such as being cold to paint such a vivid picture of the screen. The most vivid of all sentences in this excerpt would have to be, "because its original coat of white paint was streaked with rust where years of rain and snow had finally eaten the paint off down to the metal and the metal 55 had slowly rusted, making a dark red stain like blood," due to the scenes graphic description of the slowly receding pain and the stains that were left in the original paints place.
Finally, Petry used an abundance of figurative language in this excerpt of The Street, by doing so it makes the scene feel like that of one that would be in a song or poetry. The abundance of figurative language can be seen in sentences like, "It even took time to rush into doorways and areaways and find chicken bones and 20 pork-chop bones and pushed them along the curb." The wind did not literally rush into doorways and find chicken bones and exactly 20 pork-chop bones, Petry simply wrote this to explain how strong the wind was, in that it could have picked up and taken away the bones. Another example is, "It found all the dirt and dust and grime on the sidewalk," because yet again the wind did not literally lift up all of the dirt. Although the wind pay of scooped up plenty of dirt and make it swirl throughout the air, the figurative language allows the reader to imagine a scene of chaos and whether attacking the streets of this city.
The Street, by Ann Petry is a beautiful literary work that shows an abundance of musical devices such as, personification, imagery, and figurative language to paint the picture of a cold and windy day in the city. With that being said, Petry did a wonderful job of showing the reader exactly what she wanted them to see on that unpleasant November day in the city.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Responce to Class Material
In the last month of school in AP Lit we have covered how to analyize readings. We have done this by learned about DIDLS and ways to read literature productivly. In class we read "A Grocery Store in California", "I, Too", and "America Singing", and in each poem we were to analyse the writing and the deeper meanings behind the words. "A Grocery Store in California" talked about the American dream and questioned what it was, and how the capitalism of the 50s affects life. In "I, Too" and "America Singing" it is discussed what America is made up of, and who contributes to America. As a class we also read "A Jury of Her Peers" and It was about how women have to stick together and how women were ignored, if you will, by the men of the time. That story produced a great class discussion about if the murder of her husband was justified if he was abusing her.
As a class we also read "How to Read Literature Like an English Professor" and That really hellped with the in class readings that we did, becuase the book covered what certian things are supposed to/ commonly mean. This book also helped alot with out closed promt responce for oour pracitce AP essay that we posted on our blogs.
In "The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing" we learrned/ reviewed the basics of writing for colleges- hence the name of the book. I will definatly keep this in mind as I am writing my common app essay.
Finally, as a class we worked on our textbook asignments, which really cemented the concepts that we learned in class. The homework went over how to form a thesis, how to form a theme sentance, and got us to look deeper into the syntax and diction of the pieces that we were reading.
As a class we also read "How to Read Literature Like an English Professor" and That really hellped with the in class readings that we did, becuase the book covered what certian things are supposed to/ commonly mean. This book also helped alot with out closed promt responce for oour pracitce AP essay that we posted on our blogs.
In "The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing" we learrned/ reviewed the basics of writing for colleges- hence the name of the book. I will definatly keep this in mind as I am writing my common app essay.
Finally, as a class we worked on our textbook asignments, which really cemented the concepts that we learned in class. The homework went over how to form a thesis, how to form a theme sentance, and got us to look deeper into the syntax and diction of the pieces that we were reading.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Closed Prompt 2
This excerpt from, Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai, the author uses literary devices such as language, point of view, and several actions to show the reader how uncomfortable Arun is in his surroundings. By doing so, it forces the reader to sympathize with Arun and his new surroundings, hence making it more clear to the reader what Arun is experiencing.
Language is a strong literary device used throughout the whole excerpt to illustrate the emotional setting. In the first paragraph, Desai describes Arun as despondent- in low spirits due to loss of courage. This sets up the excerpt with a sad and lethargic setting. later on in the excerpt when Arun is outside he sees " these grasses stirring with insidious life, and bushes with poisonous berries." This description of nature is written in such a way that you can feel how uncomfortable Arun is with being outside. The language that Desai uses throughout the excerpt paints a picture of an uncomfortable boy in a foreign environment. By using more of a more dark and unhappy vocabulary, the writer shows us exactly how her words should illustrate how uncomfortable Arun is.
The excerpt, written in third person, allows the reader to witness Arun and his surroundings in an unbiased manner. This excerpt is primarily showing Arun's experience and how he sees and thinks. If the story had been told in a first person view than the reader would only be able to feel and think as Arun does, but by writing in third person it allows the reader to perceive situation in their own way- and allows them to draw their own conclusions. A good example of a situation that would of changed if written in first person is, "Melanie and Arun follow silently. they try to find a way to walk that will not compel them to stand side by side or in any way close together. Who follows whom? Is is an awkward problem." The reason this is a good example is because it allows the reader to contemplate why they can't stand side by side? why do they feel awkward with each other? If this had been written in first person then it would of only explained one view leaving the rest of the picture neglected.
Lastly, Desai uses the actions of her characters to highlight Arun's discomfort. the interactions between Melanie and Arun show the awkward and forced nature of their relationship, "Melanie comes to the door, dressed in her bathing suit with a big shirt drawn across her shoulders, and she stares at him challengingly, he starts wildly to find an excuse." Here Melanie is trying to get Arun to go sailing with herself and the rest of his host family, and Arun is trying desperately to find a way out of doing so. Even an exchange as simple as that shows the readers how Arun feels and how he views the common activities of his host family.
At first glace the except of fasting, feasting, seems lighthearted and like a family trying to go sailing on a nice day. After looking a little deeper it is made clear that Arun, the main character, is uncomfortable with his family and going outside. Desai uses actions of characters, point of view, and language to contribute to the emotional profile of Arun.
Language is a strong literary device used throughout the whole excerpt to illustrate the emotional setting. In the first paragraph, Desai describes Arun as despondent- in low spirits due to loss of courage. This sets up the excerpt with a sad and lethargic setting. later on in the excerpt when Arun is outside he sees " these grasses stirring with insidious life, and bushes with poisonous berries." This description of nature is written in such a way that you can feel how uncomfortable Arun is with being outside. The language that Desai uses throughout the excerpt paints a picture of an uncomfortable boy in a foreign environment. By using more of a more dark and unhappy vocabulary, the writer shows us exactly how her words should illustrate how uncomfortable Arun is.
The excerpt, written in third person, allows the reader to witness Arun and his surroundings in an unbiased manner. This excerpt is primarily showing Arun's experience and how he sees and thinks. If the story had been told in a first person view than the reader would only be able to feel and think as Arun does, but by writing in third person it allows the reader to perceive situation in their own way- and allows them to draw their own conclusions. A good example of a situation that would of changed if written in first person is, "Melanie and Arun follow silently. they try to find a way to walk that will not compel them to stand side by side or in any way close together. Who follows whom? Is is an awkward problem." The reason this is a good example is because it allows the reader to contemplate why they can't stand side by side? why do they feel awkward with each other? If this had been written in first person then it would of only explained one view leaving the rest of the picture neglected.
Lastly, Desai uses the actions of her characters to highlight Arun's discomfort. the interactions between Melanie and Arun show the awkward and forced nature of their relationship, "Melanie comes to the door, dressed in her bathing suit with a big shirt drawn across her shoulders, and she stares at him challengingly, he starts wildly to find an excuse." Here Melanie is trying to get Arun to go sailing with herself and the rest of his host family, and Arun is trying desperately to find a way out of doing so. Even an exchange as simple as that shows the readers how Arun feels and how he views the common activities of his host family.
At first glace the except of fasting, feasting, seems lighthearted and like a family trying to go sailing on a nice day. After looking a little deeper it is made clear that Arun, the main character, is uncomfortable with his family and going outside. Desai uses actions of characters, point of view, and language to contribute to the emotional profile of Arun.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Closed Prompt 1
2A: After reading student A's response, I would agree with the AP reader, and give them an 8. The reason for me giving them an 8 versus a 9, would be due to the lack of direct quotes from the reading. Other than that, their response was very concise and showed their deep understanding of the reading. Student A did a good job taking ideas that the characters shared within the reading, and comparing them to one another. In addition to the ideas the characters shared, student A looked into the meanings of what they were saying and how it contributed to their overall outlook on the power division. Along side everything else, student A did an excellent job finding the metaphorical meaning of all the symbols in the passage, such as how playing cards was to symbolize marriage. Finally I would thank student A for having legible handwriting, because if they had written in chicken-scratch then it would of a. made my score decrease and b. made it a lot harder to read and understand their response.
2B: Student B's response was okay, and yet again I believe the AP reader graded them fairly in giving them a 5. If student B had used their quotations more purposefully, that would bring them up to a 6 and to get them to a 7 if they had used their concise quotations in a way that would have added to the meaning not just recite themes within the reading. Student B showed a basic understanding of the meaning of the reading, but nothing more than the basics. Although student B determined what the quotes that the characters were saying, they failed to get the deeper meaning. Student A found the metaphorical meaning behind their quotations, whereas student B simply recited the quote and said what it meant. This shows that they can comprehend the reading, but they fail to give it practical meaning as to how it adds to the depth of the character.
2C: Student C's response is the only response that I read that I disagreed with the scoring of the AP reader. I did not disagree by much, but I believe that they deserved a 4 more than just a 3. The reason for this disagreement is that I believe, although shallow, Student C was able to make a deeper meaning out of the reading, which implies some level of understanding. The one thing I really appreciated about student C's response was how neatly it was written! The neat writing made it A LOT easier to read. Student C's main downfall within their response was how they did not stay 100% focused on their prompt that they were supposed to answer. If student C had focused more so on how the meanings of what the characters had said, contributed to the meaning and depth of the reading, versus how the reading connected to real life problems; the piece could of become a 4 if not a 5.
2B: Student B's response was okay, and yet again I believe the AP reader graded them fairly in giving them a 5. If student B had used their quotations more purposefully, that would bring them up to a 6 and to get them to a 7 if they had used their concise quotations in a way that would have added to the meaning not just recite themes within the reading. Student B showed a basic understanding of the meaning of the reading, but nothing more than the basics. Although student B determined what the quotes that the characters were saying, they failed to get the deeper meaning. Student A found the metaphorical meaning behind their quotations, whereas student B simply recited the quote and said what it meant. This shows that they can comprehend the reading, but they fail to give it practical meaning as to how it adds to the depth of the character.
2C: Student C's response is the only response that I read that I disagreed with the scoring of the AP reader. I did not disagree by much, but I believe that they deserved a 4 more than just a 3. The reason for this disagreement is that I believe, although shallow, Student C was able to make a deeper meaning out of the reading, which implies some level of understanding. The one thing I really appreciated about student C's response was how neatly it was written! The neat writing made it A LOT easier to read. Student C's main downfall within their response was how they did not stay 100% focused on their prompt that they were supposed to answer. If student C had focused more so on how the meanings of what the characters had said, contributed to the meaning and depth of the reading, versus how the reading connected to real life problems; the piece could of become a 4 if not a 5.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Learning To Travel
Learning to travel is as very trial and error process. It could look very thought out on paper but execution you will see you can't fill every second of your day, and you will never pack the perfect amount of clothing, etc.
First step to traveling is finding a place to go that is both fun and budget friendly. By all means if you can afford to have someone plan your trip to Europe and back your bags, be my guest. For the rest of us that probably isn't the case. With that being said you have to learn to pick a location and transportation without breaking the bank.
After you pick a place and the way you're planning to get there, it is time to decide what you want to do while you're there. A good way to help decide what to do is visit TripAdvisor and see what they suggest for your vacation spot. Along the topic of not breaking the bank, try checking Groupon for good deals where you intend to go.
Once you have those two details squared away, it is probably getting close to the time you need to pack up and leave for your vacation! One thing I personally have a huge problem with is over packing. Every time I fly I am afraid I am going to break the weight limit with my luggage (even though I never come close). When packing think about what you NEED, not want, but NEED. You will NEED: pants, shirts, socks, shoes, etc. Once you have what you NEED you can move on to want to bring, like entertainment such as books or electronics. And above all you should be able to fit everything into your suitcase or bag. A good video to help with that is the one I have provided here.
I hope this helps anyone searching for some organization to the process! Happy vacationing,
Olivia.
First step to traveling is finding a place to go that is both fun and budget friendly. By all means if you can afford to have someone plan your trip to Europe and back your bags, be my guest. For the rest of us that probably isn't the case. With that being said you have to learn to pick a location and transportation without breaking the bank.
After you pick a place and the way you're planning to get there, it is time to decide what you want to do while you're there. A good way to help decide what to do is visit TripAdvisor and see what they suggest for your vacation spot. Along the topic of not breaking the bank, try checking Groupon for good deals where you intend to go.
Once you have those two details squared away, it is probably getting close to the time you need to pack up and leave for your vacation! One thing I personally have a huge problem with is over packing. Every time I fly I am afraid I am going to break the weight limit with my luggage (even though I never come close). When packing think about what you NEED, not want, but NEED. You will NEED: pants, shirts, socks, shoes, etc. Once you have what you NEED you can move on to want to bring, like entertainment such as books or electronics. And above all you should be able to fit everything into your suitcase or bag. A good video to help with that is the one I have provided here.
I hope this helps anyone searching for some organization to the process! Happy vacationing,
Olivia.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Learning To Cook
For the last couple of years, I have gotten REALLY into cooking! I have my own recipe book I keep filled with some of my favorite recipes.
If you are someone who thinks cooking is a waste of time or you think you're not any good at cooking. All you need is some practice and the right recipe.
Who doesn't want to be able to cool their favorite meal when they feel like it?
Here I will share with you guys some of my favorite ways to get recipes, and the best way to go about trying them.
sallysbakingaddiction.com Is an amazing link to a blog that is built off of sugar and hard work. This blog contains both sweet and savory recipes and when I first started baking/ cooking on my own this was my number one resource. The reason I love this blog is because it gives you detailed instructions on whatever you are baking and or cooking.
Another good way to get recipes as simple as it sounds, are to go to YouTube. One of my go to channels is a subset of BuzzFeed. The Tasty YouTube channel has LOADS of easy recipes that ANYONE can follow.
Not only does Tasty provide a video walk through, they give you a written out recipe you can use and print out for future.
have fun browsing recipes and I wish you all patience with new recipes.
Remember if you give up you'll never learn those recipes!
Olivia
If you are someone who thinks cooking is a waste of time or you think you're not any good at cooking. All you need is some practice and the right recipe.
Who doesn't want to be able to cool their favorite meal when they feel like it?
Here I will share with you guys some of my favorite ways to get recipes, and the best way to go about trying them.
sallysbakingaddiction.com Is an amazing link to a blog that is built off of sugar and hard work. This blog contains both sweet and savory recipes and when I first started baking/ cooking on my own this was my number one resource. The reason I love this blog is because it gives you detailed instructions on whatever you are baking and or cooking.
Another good way to get recipes as simple as it sounds, are to go to YouTube. One of my go to channels is a subset of BuzzFeed. The Tasty YouTube channel has LOADS of easy recipes that ANYONE can follow.
Not only does Tasty provide a video walk through, they give you a written out recipe you can use and print out for future.
have fun browsing recipes and I wish you all patience with new recipes.
Remember if you give up you'll never learn those recipes!
Olivia
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Learning How To Be In a Color Guard
When I was in 8th grade band, we knew that in the upcoming year we were going to have to be in the High school marching band. With that being said I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do!
Did I want to be a clarinet in marching band? A saxophone? I had no idea, until one day a few seniors came to talk to our band and tell us some of our options. One of which was to join the color guard, at the time I had no clue what a color guard even was.
After learning I got to play with HUGE flags and wear fun makeup and dance around at half time, I WAS SOLD!
We started learning the basics at the end of 8th grade and progressively learned our half time show over the summer. I was hooked! It felt so weird to find something I was so passionate about in just a summer.
Here I am 3 years later, going into my senior year of color guard (In a couple months.) Just this morning I was thinking about what it will be like to be in charge of a whole guard. Although daunting, I am beyond excited to share this experience with my fellow soon-to-be-seniors.
One of the first things I will have to do as a color guard senior will be to go to the middle school and teach the basics to the color guard prospects. In this video they cover some of the basics that we will be teaching the 8th graders this spring.
Did I want to be a clarinet in marching band? A saxophone? I had no idea, until one day a few seniors came to talk to our band and tell us some of our options. One of which was to join the color guard, at the time I had no clue what a color guard even was.
After learning I got to play with HUGE flags and wear fun makeup and dance around at half time, I WAS SOLD!
We started learning the basics at the end of 8th grade and progressively learned our half time show over the summer. I was hooked! It felt so weird to find something I was so passionate about in just a summer.
Here I am 3 years later, going into my senior year of color guard (In a couple months.) Just this morning I was thinking about what it will be like to be in charge of a whole guard. Although daunting, I am beyond excited to share this experience with my fellow soon-to-be-seniors.
One of the first things I will have to do as a color guard senior will be to go to the middle school and teach the basics to the color guard prospects. In this video they cover some of the basics that we will be teaching the 8th graders this spring.
Another part of guard that makes it so cool is winter guard as a sport. Winter guard is just that: color guard in the winter. We practice and preform inside and our routines are more dance-y and our costumes get more intricate and so do the skills that we use. Competitive winter guards are crazy good, they're all so in sync and they all embody perfection.
Now that I have sufficiently nerd-ed out over color guard, I ask you do you know anything about color guard? Have you noticed in the back of the half time show? If so let me know in the comments below :)
Have a wonderful day!
Olivia
Have a wonderful day!
Olivia
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