5/17-The Apology

"Do you imagine that you are prosecuting Anaxagoras, my dear Meletus? Have you so poor an opinion of these gentlemen, and do you assume then to be so illiterate as not to know that the writings of Anaxagorsas of Clazomenae are full of theories like these?"

I chose this quote because it show Meletus at a poor place in the agrument. Meletus is trying to prove Socrates a an Atheist, but confuses him with another philosopher Anazagroas. This makes Meletus look unprepared and not look like he knows what he's talking about. It also makes Socrates look better.

5/15 The Apology

1)Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.1A)
"Well then, Meletus, you've given ample proof that you have never bothered your head about the young; and you make it perfectly clear that you have never paid the slightest attention to the matters over which you are now indicting me."
I chose this quote becuase it showed Socrates doing what he does best, Dialectics. Meletus anwers all Socrates question just how Socrates knew he would. Then Socrates shows the flaw in his judgment.

5/15 Pericles Funeral Oration

Make a list of some of the Athenian values that you encountered in the text. Choose one a write a couple of sentences (or more) about why it might be good for the trial of Socrates.

• "It seemed to them a mark of honour to our soldiers who have fallen in war that a speech should be made over them" This show freedom of speech. According to the Athenian values, it's okay for Socrates to say what he want's because it's freedom of speech.
• "Our belief in the courage and manliness of so many should not be hazarded on the goodness or badness of one's speech."
• "We do not get into a state with our next-door neighbor if he enjoys himself in his own way, nor do we give him the kind of black looks which, though they do no real harm, still do hurt people's feelings."This value show that Socrates shouldn't have been killed for his ideas.

4/24-"Jigsaw Activity"

1) Give a quick explanation of the topic and propose a debate resolution of the topic. (a couple of sentence)
This topic is about the Patriot Act increasing censorship in the United States. “The Patriot Act violates the right of Americans to freely express their opinions”

2) Explain why it is an important topic. You choose what to write about, but here are some suggestions if you are stuck: How does it impact your constitutional rights? Can it impact your daily life? Does it empower or disempowered you as an individual? Does it promote or inhibit public discussion? Does it help or hurt people getting along with one another? (short paragraph)
The Patriot Act is allowing the government to request information from libraries and book stores about reading material of American citizens. The Patriot Act was created to “help” the government predict any terrorist attacks. First FBI and police had to show probable cause that some one had committed a crime to receive information, but the Patriot Act now allows them to receive information on people with no probable cause at all of any crime. Another down side is that bookstores or libraries cannot tell or warn anyone the investigation, including suspects. The punishment for violators is jail.

3) Write one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the con side and one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the pro side (2-4 sentences total).
“‘Right after 9/11, American s seemed eager to learn more about the world,’ says Larry Siems, director of International Programs at the PEN American Center. ‘They were reading, buying and checking out books on Islam…But the administration’s overall approach discourages people form seeking information. It is counterproductive. We end up with a society that is more isolated, less able to respond to the rest of the world.’”

4/23 - The press in times of crisis

I wrote out the hardcopy and already showed mr.jana!

4/18 Don Imus Controversy

1. According to the NAACP, why should Imus be silenced?

The NAACP thinks Don Imus should be silenced for making racist, sexist and homophobic comments. Imus was suspended and recently fired for making unnecessary comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team after they lost in the NCAA finals.

2. According to Frank Rich, why should Imus not be silenced?

Frank Rich believes Imus shouldn't be censored because he makes fun of everybody, not just a certain race or sex. "Sometimes he aimed invective at me personally. I wasn't seriously bothered by much of it, even when it was unfunny or made me wince, because I saw him as equally offensive to everyone."(Everybody Hates Don Imus, Frank Rich).Rich feels that if he was making racist jokes to a certain race he should be silenced, but since he isn't he should have freedom of speech.

3. Do you think Imus should be silenced? Why?

Dom Imus was recently fired for making racist and sexist comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team after they lost in the NCAA finals. Though I feel that what Don Imus said was impropriate, he shouldn’t have been fired. It was bound to be said by someone else if not him. There are so many other comedians and artists who have said similar comments that have received not punishment. Why should Dom Imus?
I feel to avoid the situation in the first place; Dom Imus shouldn’t have said those comments, even if he’s “making fun of everyone”. On the other hand, Frank Rich believes that the comments are okay because he makes fun of everyone, "Sometimes he aimed invective at me personally. I wasn't seriously bothered by much of it, even when it was unfunny or made me wince, because I saw him as equally offensive to everyone."(Everybody Hates Don Imus, Frank Rich). I believe that though funny, any racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. comment are inappropriate and contributes to unmoral behavior in society.
Some people believe if Dom Imus was a different race, such as African-American he would have gotten off easier. I believe this is true in a way, such as the whole controversy with the “N word” and how it’s okay for black people to say, but if anyone else does it’s offensive. I believe no one should be calling anyone that. Everyone who commits the crime should all pay the same punishments. Just because you’re making fun of your own race, or making fun of everyone doesn’t mean it’s okay. That is the problem with our society today, if one person won’t say it, someone else will.
In conclusion, I feel Dom Imus shouldn’t have been fired. I also believe, Imus nor anyone else should be making such crude comments. Like I said earlier, to avoid these situations, racist, sexist, homophobic, etc comments should not be said. You don’t know how others will respond or feel about comments like that, which can end you up in trouble.

Plato Assignment-4/17

1) What is your reaction to the ending of the section? What is good and/or bad about the type of society outlined by Socrates?
I feel that restricting plays and art in general can have bad effects on people. It won't let people express themsleves creativly and also block others opinions. This will just cause more rebellion and the end of his society. I not excatly sure whats good and/or bad about this, but people will realize that restrictions will always be broken.

4/16 - Best Blog Comments

JESSi said...
well like i said before, this brought tears to my eyes. I liked how you used diolouge, or however you spell it. One thing that you can improve on is useing more descriptive words. I think that will get your enraged mood across even more.
I felt that this comment was helpful because Jessi told me to add more descriptive words and why ("enraged mood across even more"). So next time I write a descriptive assignment I will know to use more descriptive words to get my mood across better.

Dulce Garcia said...
I really liked what you wrote. You put a lot of thought and description to what you wrote.
This comment on the other hand wasn't too helpful. It was very nice, but it didn't give me any suggestions on what I could do to improve on.

Plato Assingment Pg. 67-76

Why do you think Plato (or anyone else) would want to censor Hesiod?
I think that Plato would want to censor Hesiod because they had different beliefs and didn't want conflict.

a. What are Homer and Hesiod guilty of?
Homer and Hesiod are guilty of misrepresenting the gods and heroes of their time.

b. What are the two main characteristics of “god” and what are the laws/principles of story telling based on those characteristics?
God is just and does only good. God doesn't not do unjustly/bad things.

4. Compare what you wrote in your personal reflection above (#1) with what Plato
wrote. How close were you to what Plato wrote?
My personal reflection was the same in the sence that they had different belifes, but Socates/Plato thought that Hesiod and Homer wrote untrue statments about god.

3/21-Republic Assignment

1) What do you think is the best definition of justice? It can be one of the views expressed in The Republic, a modification of one or more of them, or something completely different.
I feel that all the definitions of justice tend to have a flaw in them, but I most agree with justice is telling the truth and paying ones debts. In the Republic, Socrates reveals the flaw of this definition by giving an example. Let’s say you barrowed a weapon from a friend. But, your friend just happened to be crazy, so you wouldn’t want to return the weapon (paying ones debts) because who knows what he would do with it. Another example is, what if you where held hostage and the only way you could be set free was if you told the person holding you hostage where someone dear to you was, such as your mother. You know were she is, but don't want to tell them because they'll go off and kill her, but at the same time you want to be let free. So what do you do? Lie. This way you are set free and your family member isn’t harmed.

3/20-Republic Assignment

In your opinion, how can acting “right” (i.e. justly) help or harm the achievement of happiness? In your answer you need to first establish, in true Socratic fashion, what you mean by "right" (justice) and what you mean by happiness. What do you think Socrates would say about what you wrote and/or what do you think Thrasymachus would say?
"Right/justice" all depends on who's saying it. My view on "right/justice" is being truthful and not harming anyone. Though I believe this is justice, I do believe are is a time to but unjust. The only time I feel you can be unjust is when someone is hurting you first and your harming them back in self defence. Also being untruthful if it were a matter of life or death. But, if no one was harming others or being untruthful in the first place there would be no use in being unjust. I know achieveing justice is a dificult thing, and almost impossible due to human error and mistakes, but if we all tried to achieve justice society would be better.

3/19-Republic Assignment

1) Notice that our reading on Thrasymachus is divided into two parts. The first part is entitled – “First Statement and Criticisms”. In this first part, what are Socrates’ main argument(s) against the idea that justice is whatever the strong (i.e. the government) says it is?
Socrates points out that most politicians and leaders make decisions based on their best interest, thus saying anything against their best interest is against the law. But, what if one of the strong gives out a wrong order by accident that ends up hurting them, it is against the law, but the leader gave that order so the people must obey it.

2) In the second part – “Second Statement and Final Refutation” – what are Thrasymahcus’ two main points and what are Socrates’ two main points in response?
Thrasymachus main points: justice is the interest of the stronger party and that injustice is the interest and profit of oneself
Socrates main points: no one really wants authority and with it the job of righting other people's wrongs, unless paid for it and all wise men would prefer the benefit of this service at the hands of others rather than the labor of affording it to others themselves

3) In your opinion, is it ever right to harm somebody? Why or why not? What would Socrates and/or Thrasymachus say in response to your answer?
There is a time and place for fighting. But, if nobody ever fought or harmed anyone there would be no need for fighting others. I feel that the only time to harm someone is in self-defense. If you are getting beat up are threatened, you would fight back to live right? But going around fighting people for no reason or stupid reasons is very unjust.

Friday 3/16 Class Work

1) Answer the questions below:

A) In your opinion, is Polemarchus definition of justice, derived from the poet Simonedes, an improvement from his father’s definition?
I’m not really sure, but if I had to pick I guess I would say it’s deriving from Simonedes.

B) What is Simonides definition of justice? Has Polemarchus interpreted him correctly?

Simonedes believes that justice is to help your friends and hurt your enemies. Polemarchus did interpreted him correctly.

C) What problem does Socrates see in the phrase, “helping one’s friends and harming ones enemies”? Why is this not an accurate definition of justice?

Socates sees that a friend may not be good and an enemy might not be bad, it’s just what humans like and dislike. Though this may be the case it doesn’t stop someone from helping your friends and hurting your enemies.

D) What lesson do you think Socrates/Plato is trying to prove by having Polemarchus give in to Socrates when his father (Cephalus) would not?

I think Socates/Plato is trying to prove that the less experienced are more likely to give in on something that and the more experienced.

E) Whose argument do you find more convincing, Polemarchus or Socrates? Why? (This should be a longer response, short paragraph, about 5 sentences).

Well, I didn’t see it much as an argument because all Socrates was doing wass saying Polemarchus was wrong. He just kind of persuaded Polemarchus into thinking he was wrong.

3/16 Republic Assignment

Who are Cephalus and Polemarchus?
Cephalus is the father of Polemarchus. They are friends of Socrates who he visits.

What is the profession of Cephalus?
He is a business man

What was Cephalus doing right before the discussion that took place?
Cephalus was getting ready to go to the daily sacrifice.

According to Cephalus, what are the virtues of old age?
Cephalus says that when you are old you have already been down the road that the young have not, you are wiser and more experienced. On the con side, you are closer to death and many older men are afraid, feel less appreciated and miss there better physical abilities from when they were young.

What are Cephalus’ view of justice?
He thinks justice is telling the truth and paying back your debts.

What is Socrates response?
He responses to him by giving him a situation where you have borrowed a weapon from a friend, but that friend just happens to mad/crazy. So you shouldn't return the weapon (paying back the debt) because who knows what they'd do with it. So basically Socrates was trying to prove that there are situations where you have to lie or not pay back debts.

II. Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Do you agree with Cephaus or with Socrates? Why? If you don't agree with either of them, write about which one you think makes the stronger argument - even if you think it is not "right" - and why?
I must say, though I think that justice is being truthful and paying back debts I must agree with Socrates. Yes being truthful and paying back debts are right, but some cases you must lie or not pay back debts. Socrates example was great. Another example is if you where held hostage and the only way you could be set free was if you told the person where a dear family member was. You know, but don't want to tell them because they'll go off and kill them, but at the same time you want to be let free. So what do you do? Lie. There are just sometimes in life where you must do these things.

III. Try to give this a shot, if you can’t answer it that’s okay: What do you think Cephaus represents? What is particular or unique about his view of justice compared to the others you have discussed in class?
I'm not really sure.

3/15 Similie of the Cave Reading Questions

Compare and contrast what Socrates says in “The Simile of the Cave” with Fahrenheit 451. How are characters like Mildred similar to characters in “Simile of the Cave”?

The Fahrenheit society is exactly what Socates is talking about. They are the prisoners who believe that shadows are real. They believe every word their government tells them. These people such as Mildred also don't object their way of living. If they felt there was something else out there, a truth they would ask questions, wonder about things, but instead the just sit in front of their parlors watching the "family". Books in the Fahrenheit society are like the outside world in The Republic, they open up your way of thinking and keep you informed. And the other governments in Fahrenheit 451 that the main society's government is at war with are the people fighting for power. These are some of the things that are similiar.

3/14 - Personal Reflection (Plato)

Recall a time that you heard a statement of “fact” that was later found to be untrue. It can be from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a government official, a book, or a film. How did you find out it was untrue and how did it make you feel? Did it change your outlook on anything?

Well, I used to think that a parakeet was a type of weasle. I don't know why I thought that, I just sounds like thats what it would be. Anyways a parakeet was somehow metioned in a conversation I was having with my friends. They said it was a bird and I was confused..."A parakeet is a bird? I always that it was a weasle type animal." In result I felt really dumb because I thought a parakeet was something else, but in the end I look back at it and laugh.

3/1-Personal Reflection

Write about a time that your pride had negative consequences (or related to that, your inablity to forgive). You can also write about someone else or write about pride in another book.How was your pride, or the other person's, similiar or different to that of Achilles?

When I was in fifth grade I worked very hard at playing the violin in so I could be the best violinist in the class. I achieved my goal and bragged a lot about it to my family and friends. When the year was almost over I had applied to S.D.S.C.P.A (San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts). Normally you would have to audition to get in but I was “so good” that I got a recommendation, was automatically accepted in and got a spot in the orchestra. I would brag and brag and brag about how I didn’t have to audition because I was better than everyone else. So, when sixth grade began I went to my orchestra class expecting to be better than everyone else and still be number one. I was very wrong. I learned that I had to be humble and not brag because I wasn’t the best anymore. Granted I was competing against much older and experienced kids.

My pride was similar to Achilles because it sort of clouded my judgment and made me see myself as higher than other people. But in the end it led to my downfall because I was not number one anymore. In Achilles case he saw others lower than him and didn’t think he could be defeated, but eventually he was.

3/1-Iliad Assignment

1) What does Patroclus propose to Achilles and what is Achilles’ response? Why does Achilles grant Patroclus’ request?
Patroclus proposes Achilles to send him into battle instead of Achilles, since he refuses to. Achilles agrees with Patroclus and gives him his armor, weapons and horse.

2) On p. 413 line 35 (approximately), Patroclus tells Achilles that Achilles is “cursed in [his] own courage.” What does Patroclus mean by that and do you agree with him?
Patroclus meant that Achilles thinks so highly of himself. He is sure that he is the best warrior and see's himself higher than others. His confidence and courage changes the way thinks also changing his judgment.

3) Either ask questions about the text or write down vocab words from the text with definitions.
Why did Achilles let Patroclus go to battle if he was his best friend and knew he would die? In earlier books Achilles wouldn’t let Patroclus go, why now?

2/27-Iliad Assignment

1. Write a question. It can be an interpretive question that you have an opinion on or something about the text that you don't understand. You do not need to write the answer.
Who was Phoenix?

2. What was your opinion of Achilles before reading Book 9? Does it change after reading Book 9? Explain why or why not.

My opinion doesn't change at all. Achilles is just being stubborn and arrogant like before


3. At various points in the text some characters attempt to persuade other characters to take a course of action. Examples of characters using persuasion include Nestor, Odysseus, and Ajax. Make a list of the persuasive strategy used by these characters, following this format:
Who is speaking?
What does that person say and to whom does he say it? What persuasive strategy is it?
Why is it an example of that strategy?
Do this at least three times with different examples.
Remember the persuasive strategies include:
Appeal to reason (logic - does it “make sense” to do what the speaker says)
Appeal to emotion (does it try to make you happy, sad, angry etc… in an attempt to get you to act or think a certain way)
Appeal to ethics (right and wrong, moral principals - does it get you to think that a particular thought is morally right or wrong to get you to act or think a certain way)

Who is speaking? Ajax

What does that person say and to whom does he say it? He is trying to persuade Achilles to help the Greeks

What persuasive strategy is it? Appeal to Reason

Why is it an example of that strategy? This is a exampleof appeal to reason because Ajax is telling Achilles that he is not handling the situation well, and that he is being un-honorable for unhelpful the Greeks.

2/26-Iliad Assignment

1. Write a question. It can be an interpretive question that you have an opinion on or something about the text that you don't understand. You do not need to write the answer.
I don’t really understand what Agamemnon is saying in the beginning, are they going to stop fighting?

2. What was your opinion of Agamemnon before reading this section? Does your opinion of him change after reading it? Why or why not?
Before reading this section I personally didn't like Agamemnon. I thought he was selfish, egotistical and took advantage of his power. I thought it was so rude and self-centered when Agamemnon couldn't have his own war prize so took someone else’s instead. My opinion really hasn’t changed much, because though he sort of redeemed him self in sending Achilles many great gifts which couldn’t be refused, he is still the same old Agamemnon. “All this- I would extend to him if he will end his anger. Let him submit to me! Only the god of death is so relentless, Death submits to no one-so mortals hate him most of all the gods. Let him bow down to me! I am the greater king, I am the elder-born, I claim- the greater man.”

2/22 Iliad Reflection - Book One

If you were an ancient Greek, which of the following statements would you agree with?

A) Achilles’ rage is justified and I support his decision not to fight, even if it means the Greeks might lose lots of men, or even the war itself.
Or
B) Agamemnon is the commander, as such he is in the right, and I support his decision to ask for Achilles’ war prize Briseis – even if it means that Achilles will sit out the war.

If I were an anciet Greek, I would support Achilles side (side A). Though Agamemnon is the commander, he is just being selfish and taking Achilles war prize because he can't have his own. He's taking advantage of the power he has by taking what doesn't belong to him and embarassing Achilles. "Atreus' son Agamemnon, for all his far-flung kingdoms-the man disgraces me, siezes and keeps my prize, he tears her away himself!"(Pg. 89, lines 420-422)

Achilles worked hard to get his prize just to get it taken away from Agamemnon that didn't even move a muscle. "NOt so quickly, brave as you are, godlike Achilles-trying to cheat me. Oh no, you won't get past me, take me in that way! What do you want? To cling to your own prize while I sit calmly by-empty-handed here? Is that why you order me to giver her back? No-if our generous Argives will give me a prize, a match for my desires, equal to what I've lost, well and good. But if they give me nothing I will take a prize myself- your own, or Ajax' or Odysseus' prize-I'll commandeer her myself and let that man I go to visit choke with rage!"(Pg. 81-82, lines 152-164)

Writing Assignment 2/21-Disagreements and Fights ...

I've gotten into many fights and disagreements with people. One of the worst fights I can remember was when my friend was calling me too much. She was beginning to bugging me. She would call and call and call until I would answer. I told her to ease up on the phone calls, because my minutes were starting to build up and I didn't want parents angry with me. Instead of taking it well and agreeing to not call so much she denied everything. She kept telling me she rarely called and we rarely talked. I was beginning to get frustrated with her. Not only did I see her everday at school, but I talked to her for hours on the phone at home, and most of the time it pointless conversations about nothing. I told her I felt she was being very clingy and it really anoyed me. She kept denying her actions and started to blame me. I called her a hypocrite and that when all hell broke loose. Some pretty mean things were said some I regret and some I don't. But I haven't been friends with here since that day. And if you think about it, it was over something super lame like calling too much.

2/13 Iliad Assignment

1.Reread what we have read so far from The Iliad. That's lines 1-118 pp. 77-80. Ask any questions you have and any other comments or observations.
Why did the Achaean ranks want to accept the gifts, but Agamemnon?
Why didn't the Achaeans realize right away that Apollo sent the plague among the army because they wouldn't give back the daughter?
When Achilles says "Son of Atreus, now we are beaten back, I fear, the long campaign is lost. So home we sail... if we can escape our death-if war and plague are joining forces now to crush the Argives. But wait: let us question a holy man, a prophet, even a man skilled with dreams-dreams as can come our say from Zeus-come, someone to tell us why Apollo rages so, whether he blames us for a vow we failed, or sacrifice. If only the god would share the smoky savor of lambs and full grown goats, Apollo might be willing, still, somehow, to save us form this plague." does this mean the Greeks are going to give back the daughter?

2/3 Iliad Notes

1. Summarize with one or two quick bullet points per stanza - ones that you will be able to understand when you read your notes later.
Chryses, Apollo’s preist leaves in fear from Agamemnon
Chryses talks to Apollo and asks him to punish the Achaeans
“Hear me, Apollo! God of the silver bow who strides the walls of Chryse and Cilla sacrosanct-lord in power of Tenedos-Smintheus, god of the plague! If I ever roofed a shrine to please your heart, ever burned the long rich bones of bulls and goats on your holy altar, now, now bring my prayer to pass. Pay the Danaans back-our arrows for my tears”
Apollo hears Chryses prayer and come down from Olympus’ peaks
Apollo shoots and arrow through the Achaean army, it lasted 10 days
Achilles speaks to all the ranks
“Son of Atreus, now we are beaten back, I fear, the long campaign is lost. So home we sail…if we can escape our death-if war and plague are joining forces now to crush the Argives”

2. Ask questions about the reading from one or more stanzas
What are Argives?
Why does Achilles give up?

3. Predict what will happen next
Apollo will stop sending arrows down and forgive them

My Rage-Cause

Everything was going great. I was at the front of the side stage...I was so excited!...PIERCE THE VEIL. The pit was going to be crrrrraaazzzyyy. I felt my phone ringgg in my pocket..."CRAP!" It was my mom, I had forgot to call her before the show started.
"Bianca, your in trouble"
"What? Why?"
"We got an email from you teacher..."
"I'm sorry mom, really i am"
"I think I should just go and pick you up right now"
"NO! Please don't...please please please, I'll never do it again. I'll be quiet, anti-social in class"
"Okay, but when you get home we are going to have a talk."
"THANKKKKK YOUUUU!!!!"
*10 seconds later*
riiiiinnnngggggg
"Mom?"
"Go outside, I'm getting you in 10 minutes!"
...
"NO!"
"Don't worry Bianca, we'll go to another one."
"Bye, Paige"

2/8 Descriptive Writing Assignment

We were picking up speed, going faster and faster. An object appears in the road. It was a man. His innocent face shining in the car headlights, moving closer and closer. There was no warning of the terrible fate coming to him. We were gaining even more speed; we must have been going at 130mph at least. My heart was racing, almost as fast as the beetle. Adrenaline pumping through me. The man realized the beetle speeding towards him and began to sprint towards safety. He stumbled in the streets trying to avoid death. My eyes began to grow as the man was hit and lay flat in the streets like road kill. It was a hit and run. We didn't know if he had a wife, children, anything. We just ran him over and that was that.

2/7 Descriptive Writing Assignment

1. Make a list of the descriptive words in that scene – minimum of 3, but you should be able to find a lot
roar
whined
rushing
high thunder
skimming
whistling trajectory
racing
jittered
sour
plunged
flailing
jerked
flashing glare
swallowed
hurtling
blare
stumbled

2. Write a short paragraph of why you think that scene and the words Bradbury used were effective in representing fear. This is like the assignment from last night expect with Bradbury.
I think the words Bradbury used helped represent fear becuase it helps you invision the scene. When he useds "flashing glare" you can imagine the silver beetle rushing toward you about to run you over and leave you flat like a pancake. Also when Bradbury uses "roar" and "stumbles" you can imagine Montag running and falling into the street way more clearly.

2/6 Hesiod Writing Assignment

1.What do you think this myth tells about the ancient Greeks? What values did they have? Why would a story like this develop?
Well, according to the ancient Greeks, women once ruled over men (matriarchy). For example, Gaea (Mother Earth) gave birth to all the first gods. Though after Gaea married her son, Uranus(Father Sky), ancient Greece became a Patriarchy. Uranus then became the ruler of everything that came into being.

2. What universal needs or desires are represented in this story? What needs/desires might be particular to the Greeks? If you have a hard time determining whether it is particular or universal that is okay, write about why it is difficult to choose.
Desires:
POWER-universal
(Women want) stop eating babies-particular

Necessities:
I can't really think of any necessities for the ancient Greeks, in the story it's mostly about wanting power.

3. Explain how Zeus came to power. Write about these following issues: How is he similar/different to Uranus or Cronos? Is his grip on power secure or fragile? Explain why or why not.
Zeus's mother (Rhea) saved his from his father, who would eat all his children so none of them would over through him. Once Zeus was old enough he came back and defeated Cronos and took power. Zeus is similar to Uranus and Cronos because they all defeated their fathers in order to gain power and control. When Zeus began to rule it became a new era "The rule of the Titans had ended. The rule of the gods had begun." I think is secure, because he ruled differently than his fathers, and learned from their mistakes. He ruled with peace and kindness. "In addition to maintaining peace and order among all of the immortal beings in the world, Zeus taught human beings to be just in their treatment of one another."

Descriptive Writing Assignment

Gleefully- When I think of the world gleefully I think of bright happy things, fun and skipping. I could have just used the word happy, but I feel it just doesn't cover it. It wouldn't have been as strong.

Putrid- The word putrid makes me think of rotten milk or something to that effect. I can just imagine gagging at the horrible smell, when the word is used. I don't think there is any stronger word than putrid when it comes to smell.

Shriek- When I think of a shriek i don't think of a full on scream. To me it's more of a quick, high pitch scream, almost like a dog yelping except more intense.


MY GROUPP!!!

(Google reader shuts down my internet so I only got a chance to see Jessi's cause I know her url by heart<3)

JESSI:
Glacial- I really liked this word, when Jessi used it I could imagine bitter, cold eyes locking in eye contact and staring at you
Piercing Shreik- this word really appealed to my sence of hearing as well as sight. I could hear Jessi screammmm so high pitched and loud that it was painful to hear.

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 154-165

1. Ask a question.
I was wondering what was happening on page 158 because I got kind of lost.

2. What does Montag mean when he says, “And when they ask us what we are doing, you can say, we’re remembering” ? Why is this quote important? How does it fit into the novel, what is Bradbury trying to say with this?
I think this quote means that we’re remembering our mistakes so we won’t repeat them. To me this quote relates to the quote on page 163:
“There was a silly damn bird called a phoenix back before Christ, every few hundred years he built a pyre and burnt himself up. He must have been first cousin to Man. But every time he burnt himself up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again. And it looks like we’re doing the same thing, over and over, but we’ve got one damn thing the phoenix never had. We know the damn silly thing we just did. We know all the damn silly things we’re done for a thousand years and as long as we know that and always have it around where we can see it, someday we’ll stop making the goddamn funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them. We pick up a few more people that remember every generation.”
By remembering their mistakes, society will stop burning it’s self over and over again like the phoenix and will be able to live in peace.

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 138-154

Write one or more questions that you have. Don't just say "I don't get it." Ask a specific question about what is happening in the story.
One thing I got did not understand is when Montag wakes up in the barn and he sees a glass of milk, an apple and a pear waiting for him. Then all of a sudden he’s talking about the Hound getting him…?


How has Montag changed from the beginning of the novel to this part?
Well Montag has become more educated and aware about the world where as in the beginning he was ignorant. Also in his new environment he will have more time to think and strategize his next moves against the government where as in the busy city he would be full of distractions and might not succeed in becoming more educate than he already is.

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 126-137

Find a line from the story or a paragraph that you like and explain why you like it.

"God knew, from twelve to sixteen, out whistling, yelling, hurrahing, had seen a man, a very extraordinary sight, a man strolling, a rarity, and simply said, 'Let's get him,' not knowing he was the fugitive Mr. Montag, simply a number of children out for a long night of raring five or six hundred miles in a few moonlit hours, their faces icy with wind, and coming home or not coming at dawn, alive or not alive, that made the adventure."

I picked this quote because I thought it was crazy how 1) children under sixteen were driving and 2) they were so reckless that when they saw Montag in the street just decided to run him over for fun. I also like the descriptive language Ray Bradbury uses when he's describing the children’s "faces icy with wind".

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 110-125

1. Summarize what happens in one or two sentences.
In this sence Mildred and her friends send in an alarm on Montag for having books. Montag is forced to burn his house and books and then he would be arrested. Montag's anger got to the best of him and he burned Beatty and the Hound to death.

2. On your blog, copy down one sentence from this reading selection that strikes you as particularly descriptive. Which of the 5 senses does it appeal to? What verbs, adjectives, or figurative language are used and why are they effective in describing a certain action, person, or thing?
"He cut off it's terrible emptiness, drew back, and gave the entire room a git of one huge bright yellow flower of burning."
I liked how Rad Bradbury described the fire shooting out of the flame thrower a "yellow flower of burning". It makes me think of a bright, huge, flower shaped ball of fire growing and filling up the room.

Fahrenheit 451pp. 91 - 110

1)Give a very short (1-3 sentence) summary of the two main scenes in this section. The first scene was at home in the living room and the second scene was in the fire house with Beatty.

In the first major scene Montag over hears Mildred and her friends conversation about their husbands fighting in the war and how they don’t really care, there husbands will be alright, etc. Montag gets angry about what they’re saying and burst out in rage. He reads them a poem, and one of the women begins to cry. Mildred insists that it was a joke and they should have a party to make up for Montag’s wild behavior, but the other women want to leave. So, Montag yells at them to “Go home and think of your first husband divorced and your second husband killed in a jet and your third husband blowing his brains out, go home and think of the dozen abortions you’ve had, go home and think of that and your damn Caesarian sections too, and your children who hate your guts! Go home and think how it all happened and what did you ever do to stop it?”

In the second scene Beatty is telling Montag about a “dream” he had. In the dream Montag and Beatty where arguing, saying quotes from different books. What Beatty was trying to do was confuse Montag, making sure he would be on his side with the rest of the firemen. Luckily Faber was there to guide Montag through it. The alarm bell rang and they all went out to burn a house. They pull up at the house and Montag realizes it’s his own house he is about to burn.

2) Find a sentence or two that has strong adjectives and/or verbs. Quote the book and explain why these are strong descriptive words and why they are effective. How do they appeal to the senses? What mental images do they invoke?

“The faces of those enameled creatures meant nothing to him, though he talked to them and stood in that church for along time, trying to be of that religion, enough of the raw incense and special dust of the place into his lungs and thus into his blood to feel touched and concerned by the meaning of the colorful men and women with the porcelain eyes and blood-ruby lips.”
I thought this quote was a great example of strong descriptive writing. When they describe the people in the church you can just imagine their perfect white eyes staring at you and their bright red lips. When Montag talked about the “raw incense and special dust of the place” I could imagine him taking in deep breaths trying to get enough of the “special dust” as possible.

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 81-91

1. Write a question. What are you confused about?
What is Denham's Dentifrice?

2. Faber jokingly proposes a plan of action and then starts to discuss it seriously with Montag. What is the plan of action? More importantly, why does he say it won’t work? Analyze his answer. Why won't it work?
Montag had an idea that they could plant books in different firehouses to “have them all burned across the land, destroyed as hotbeds of treason.” Faber likes the plan, but realizes some cons in it. For example, there would be the problem of trust, they would need accomplices that they could trust to help them plant the books in the houses.

Discriptive Writing- i like people

The tedious sports station blasting the stereo. Is the ride always this boring? YES...but it's worth it. Finally reaching the destination. Kids swarming around, like ants around a cookie crumb. I look across the gray parking lot and see a loud group of people laughing, not in a hurry to anywhere. Then i hear my name "BIANCA!!!!" I smile and walk towards them. Everyones talking, and i join in a conversation. Five minutes pass...8:40, we're late. "We should go to class now"

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 71-80

1. Write a question about the reading. What are you confused about?
One thing I was confused about in the book was Mildred and her "family" and the whole parlor thing. Are they her real family? If so why does Guy question if they love her? I also wondered what was the "Denham" thing about?

2. How will books get us out of "the cave?" What is the cave and how will books get us out of it?
I think what Guy means is that they will be more educated and understand more about why books are illegal and why the government doesn't want people to think for themselves. The books will help Guy and Mildred be more educated so they can get out of "the cave" which I think is ignorance.

If you don't know what a sieve is you can look it up.
Sieve:
1. an instrument with a meshed or perforated bottom, used for separating coarse from fine parts of loose matter, for straining liquids, etc., esp. one with a circular frame and fine meshes or perforations.
2. a person who cannot keep a secret. –verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
3. to put or force through a sieve; sift.

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 40-68

Is it better to be ignorant and happy OR is it better to be aware, educated and disturbed at the world?
It is better to be ignorant and happy because they can still "think" and be happy. Where as when your aware, educated and disturbed you are thinking, but your unhappy.
"Give the people contests they win by remembering the words to more popular songs or the names of state capitals or how much corn Iowa grew last year. Cram them full of noncombustible data, chock then so damned full of 'facts' they feel stuffed, but absolutely 'brilliant' with information. Then they'll feel they're thinking, they'll get a sense of motion without moving. And they'll be happy, because facts of that sort don't change. Don't give then any slippery stuff like philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy." Page 61

Discriptive Paragraph-nobody understands

I turn the shiny silver knob and the door slowly creaks open. I gleefully walk in to the brightly lit classroom, but as soon as I turn around I freeze. Those frightening cold beady eyes staring back at me like a evil doll sitting on a shelf starting at you while you sleep. I say "hello" hoping that he would stop staring, but instead he growls and I quickly back away as if he were some rabies infected animal. I go through the rest of the day avoiding this horrible creature and soon forgeting about the incident earlier that day. Then Math/Physics class comes. I plop down in my seat with my dear friend Jessi Mos, we were so carefree. All of a sudden I smell a putrid sent stinging my nostrils then the laugh like nails on a chalk board goes into my ears and pop my ear drums. I hear Jessi shriek and I know that I'm next. Goodbye cruel world!

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 21-40

Ask a question: What do you find confusing? What is something you don’t understand?
I don't have any questions on the book at the moment.

1) Montag compares Mildred (his wife) to Clarisse and says that Clarisse seems older. In what way does Clarisse act more mature and WHY do you think she is more mature? Why does Bradbury (the author) make the contrast between the two?
Clarisse seems more mature because she thinks about how things work in the world and how things used to be, where as Mildred just thinks about more materialistic and carefree things such as, when the fourth wall in there house will be built and her play. I think Bardbury makes contasts between these two women to show the "typical" and the "abnormal" roles women are suppose to play in their society.

2) How are the people in the novel – both children and adults - similar and/or different from people today?
On page 29 and 30 it describes the culture of the people. Some similarites is that they go to Fun Parks and play games and relax. Though a difference is that in school they only take classes such as TV class, sports, painting where as today we take mainly academics and then one or two electives.

Fahrenheit 451 pp. 3-21

1) Ask a question that you have about what's going on in the novel. What do you find confusing?
A part in the book I didn't really understand is when Montag is talking to Mildred about all the pills she had taken the night before and she won't admit that she took the whole bottle. Why won't she believe what Montag was telling her about what had happened that night? And why didn't Montag tell Mildred that she got her stomach pumped?

2) Even before Montag and his wife Mildred talk to one another we know that they are alienated (distant) from one another. How does the author convey this?
The author conveyed the distance between the couple when Montag is imagining his wife waiting for him in bed, but that acctually hasn't happened in about two years. This shows the distance between them because usually normal couples wait for each other.