Final Presentation

Reflection on the Class

          In high school, I took pre-ap English classes which all seemed to focus on analyzing literature, but this was usually done in a question and answer format both on paper and in class discussion instead of in essays. Because of this, It was hard for me to convey my ideas in writing and shape them into a cohesive and organized essay. This class has helped me to start learning how to put my ideas into words, I also learned more terminology for analyzing satirical works.

          I had read A Modest Proposal  prior to this class, but I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. At the beginning of this semester, we had an assignment about what makes a good reader. In this assignment, I said that although I enjoy rereading quality books, that I didn't think it was an essential component of being a good reader. Although I still don't think it is necessary, I do think that reading a piece of literature again at a different time in your life can give you a fresh perspective on the work. Overall, I liked the readings in this class. White Noise is not something, I normally would have picked up given the odd writing style, but I ended up really appreciating it. I think its good to read books outside your normal reading spectrum. The readings made me realize how much I like satire, and I think I'll look into getting some other novels similar to the books we read this semester.

          I think my writing has improved some throughout the course of this class. Having to write a little each week in blog posts, has helped me to get my ideas out into words easier. I'd also say that the three essays helped my writing as well, I suppose getting experience and practice with anything will help to a degree. I think if I would have given myself adequate time to write and revise, my writing would have reflected more improvement than it did. Although I learned quite a bit from ENG102, I think the biggest thing I've taken from this is that I really need to work on my time management. I've been able to get decent grades with my current condensed writing process, but it is quite stressful and after looking back on my work, I can't help but feel I could have produced much better work If I'd had more time to put in more effort. I don't think I can continue on with this fault in the future because I can only assume that college will get harder as I go on. This class brought that to light, and I'm going to work on this problem during the summer in preparation for next year.

          I want to congratulate everyone on making it through this class and thank you all for your blog posts. They were wonderful and I really enjoyed reading them. Good Luck in your future classes and reaching your bigger goals.   

          As I mentioned, I want to read some books similar to those we read during this class, so I'm providing a link to a list of popular satirical pieces of literature. To conclude this post, here is a pug in pug slippers. I know Mrs. Cline has pug babies and I wanted to thank her for being a fantastic teacher and providing such a good online learning experience. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wombatarama/5355178819/in/set-1655071

Online Learning

       I've taken online classes before, but they weren't set up the same way that this one was. In my prior online experiences there would be material assigned each week to read along with quizzes and every so often a test. I think this difference is mainly due to the fact that these were math, and intro level history and social science classes where the main goal is just taking in information, not analyzing it. So it makes sense to me that there were no writing assignments or steps taken to encourage social interaction between the students themselves or even the teacher. I think the majority of online classes are like what I just described; however, I also believe that teachers are striving to make online classes a bit closer to the in-class experience and encouraging interaction by requiring students to comment on assignments, much like Mrs. Cline did. Ignoring the obvious science classes, I think English is one of the more challenging classes to take and teach online. Although you still get the lectures through videos, you miss out on the discussion that accompanies these lectures in person. Posting about the material and commenting on other people's posts allows us to simulate the conversation a bit, but the formality of it changes it. I think maybe a forum where students just talked about any ideas and thoughts on the reading material would potentially be a good way to mimic the sort of in-class discussion that we  miss out on.

       I think the blog was most beneficial to me, as well as learning how to embed links into my writing, which I've actually already used in some of my other classes. The reason the blog helped me was that it forced me to start thinking about the material throughout the reading process and before my writing process. At first the blog was pretty confusing, but I think I've got the basic qualities of it figured out. I'm sure there is a bunch of fun more advanced stuff you can mess around with though. I'd always been curious about blogs, but I had no idea how they worked really, so I didn't bother. Seeing that in this we had to make a blog, I no longer have that block of not knowing how to use one, so I can definitely see myself using blogs as a way to document parts of my life. For example, I've always wanted to travel, I think keeping a blog during that time would allow for my family and friends to see what I was doing, as well as to allow myself to reflect on what I was seeing in a deeper way. It'd also be good for memories afterwards I suppose. :)

I found a New York Times article in the opinion pages that addresses the downside of online learning. I also found some letters to the editor written in response to this article, they're pretty interesting and give more insight into other people's experiences with online education. 

http://www.blogging4jobs.com/job-search/was-online-education-made-for-geny-students/

Reflection on Revision

http://laughingpics.com/stressed-no-why-do-you-ask/

            As I've mentioned in my mid-term reflection post, I'm a huge procrastinator when it comes to writing assignments. So no surprise I'm still no where near being done with my paper, so I'm going to keep this short....

            I need pressure to get myself to sit down and actually get words out on paper; likewise, the writing process for me is very short, stressful, frustrating and last minute.  I didn't have a paper at all when we were supposed to turn one in for some feedback, so I haven't done any revising. I really wish I had though. I'm going to give a brief description of my frantic writing process.

            When reading the literature for a paper, I like to highlight and take notes on lines that stand out to me. (This actually bit me in the butt this time though because I didn't know what I was going to be writing about so I highlighted way too much stuff) The week that a paper is due, I'll sit down a couple times and try to decide on a topic for my paper and come up with a thesis. Then the day before it is due I will create a vague outline of my essay, much like this. Write any and all ideas and fragments that come to me even if they are unorganized, and don't make much sense. I end up with a jumbled mess of have coherent ideas and mini paragraphs. After this step is done I usually take a break from the arduous task of writing (depending on how much time I have left) and play a little solitaire or do a crossword puzzle for maybe 15 minutes. Then I elaborate upon my random tidbits, reorganize them into an essay that has a little more flow and add quotes where they are needed. Once again I will take another short break, I then print out my paper and read it and revise it as best I can. Sometimes I will have my dad or a friend look at it. After this sad excuse of a revision process I fix what I noted on the paper copy, make sure it meets the requirements and turn it in. 

            I really need to fix this; I think over summer I may force myself to write everyday about whichever book I am currently reading to try to get over this issue.

Non-creative Response to White Noise

By cjohnson7 from Rochester, Minnesota (Flickr) [<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0">CC-BY-2.0</a>], <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AStorm_clouds.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a>

Reading White Noise was an interesting experience. Normally when I read a book I either like it or I don't, it's either interesting or boring; however I have conflicting feelings about White Noise. The story has a bunch of filler that seems unnecessary, off topic and at times monotonous, but somehow I was still entertained. I can't quite explain how I feel about the book which is frustrating but also refreshing. DeLillo managed to create a really captivating and unique feel to his novel, which I think complements the themes and goal of his work.

            The first half of the novel consists mainly of random accounts which when put together develop the characters, it's a quirky approach, but the technique emulates the quality of the characters which I think is brilliant. Although the characters are really weird and not very relatable, certain interactions between them bring to light thoughts and traits that most of us have as humans, some less flattering than others. An example of this would be when Jack says "These things happen to poor people...We live in a neat and pleasant town near a college with a quaint name. These things don't happen in places like Blacksmith" (DeLillo 114). This displays the tendency most people have of feeling we are exempt from certain bad things, thinking things like that could never happen to me. I enjoyed the brief glimpses into genuine human thought that were intermixed with the babble of the Gladney family. 

This link is to goodreads.com the reviews some people wrote for White Noise are really interesting.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11762.White_Noise

Mid-Term Reflection

Dear Mrs. Cline,

            I would have to say that the biggest challenge presented to me in this class has been the essays. I've always had a hard time getting myself to do my writing assignments. When I try putting my thoughts onto paper, nothing sounds quite right or comes out the way I want it to so I end up staring at a blank document for far too long. Due to this I always procrastinate until the last minute (i.e., late Sunday afternoon) because I find the time pressure really helps to push the words out. Its a terrible habit I've tried without success to break. Anyways that is why I've had a hard time with my essays. I don't really think I've had any great triumphs, I suppose that the fact that I'm writing this on Saturday rather than Sunday and have already started working on my essay on A Modest Proposal is a huge win! *sarcasm* At first I wasn't too thrilled by the blog thing, but I think it is a great way to get students to look at other students' opinions and work. Surprisingly, I think there is more interaction with and growth generated by the interplay of classmates than I've experienced in  physical classrooms.

            I've really enjoyed the readings you have assigned. In my experience, you assign works that may not traditionally be assigned (this may just be because this is my first year of college), which spur lots of thinking and reflection in the readers. I haven't done much writing at the college level, so I don't have much to compare literary analysis to in college. Last semester you had us write an I Believe essay which was exclusively personal, where as literary analysis involves interpreting another's work which is much less personal. In high school my English classes actually focused quite a bit on literary analysis. Although I've had the benefit of dipping my toes into literary analysis already, I was not aware of all of the terms and techniques there are in writing. I think learning more about the makeup of literature has improved my ability to analyze literature on a deeper and more educated level.

            My goals for the next half of the semester is to continue to try and succeed at getting my stuff turned in earlier than five minutes before the deadline. I also am planning on writing my essay on Bartleby the Scrivener over spring break and getting that turned in via the no questions asked tab. I'm looking forward to reading White Noise, I'm sure it won't disappoint, hopefully I wont either! Thank you for all you do!

Sincerely,

Samantha Huber

Tentative Thesis: A Modest Proposal

Charles Jervas [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift is a satirical work which sought to draw attention to various, pressing socio-economic issues that plagued 18th century Ireland. The problems Swift directly addressed in his proposal were the overpopulation of his homeland, and the widespread poverty that accompanied this surplus of citizens. In answer to these dilemmas, Swift proposes that at the age of one, the children of the impoverished "be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune" (Swift Loc 43). By selling  the children (who indubitably would later have become thieves and beggars), the populations would be greatly diminished, and the economy would be boosted by creating a new market within Ireland itself and providing the poor mothers with a source of income. Throughout this work, Swift criticizes almost everyone; exposing the unjust rule of the English Monarchy, jabbing at the landlords' mistreatment of the common people, and even the lack of exasperation, action, and values of the very people of Ireland.  The underlying purpose of this proposal was to show the wealthy and poor alike their true colors and shock his audience, spurring them into thought and even action.  This proposal is successful because it manages to highlight the injustices of the landlords and the insufficiency of the downtrodden people; shining an unflattering, yet honest light on all the parties' roles in the wrecking of Ireland. 

Here is a link to a brief history of Ireland by the BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/ashorthistory/archive/intro126.shtml

A Modest Proposal

       A hilarious rap song version of A Modest Proposal.  

         Jonathon Swift's A Modest Proposal is a satirical work addressing the issue of overpopulation and widespread poverty in 18th century Ireland. In solution to these pressing problems, Swift suggests that children (who are a burden to both their parents and society) be sold to the affluent as sustenance and for the more crafty as leather for gloves and boots. His proposal would help to relieve the stress on Ireland's economy by creating a new market for baby meat, providing women of child-rearing age with a source of income, and vastly decreasing the burden that the hoards of thieving children put on their parents and society to provide for them. If put into effect, mothers and fathers alike would feel more love for their children; consequently, a decrease in abortion and domestic abuse would be a bonus advantage to this proposal.

        Although the problems that Swift addresses are very serious, his proposition that the people of Ireland start raising babies like cattle for slaughter was far from authentic.  What then was the purpose of his proposal? A Modest Proposal  was intended to make people think and realize the absurdity of some of the happenings in their society. He makes a statement on the landlords' atrocious maltreatment of the common people by comparing it to the cannibalism of children in this grotesque parody. This is made ever so clear when he says "I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children" (Loc 44). Smith also targets the common people's lack of scruples when he hints that babies being marketable would improve marriages and familial love.

        Overall I think that A Modest Proposal was a ingenious piece of work, packed full of remarks on various different problems that Swift saw in his society. In my Jr. year my class actually had to read this and write our own modest proposals which was lots of fun. I'm going to link to a modern, modest proposal on obesity. 
http://theminaretonline.com/2011/10/05/article19587

Rhetorical Analysis- Volkswagen: The Dog Strikes Back

I chose Volkswagen's 2012 Super Bowl commercial because I always love their commercials and think they consistently do a great job. This specific commercial follows a dog named Bolt's pursuit of fitness, motivated by the new (at the time) VW Beetle. Volkswagen's best ads always seem to weigh heavily on the pathos and this commercial sticks to the trend. Initially, when Bolt tries to chase the beetle, he fails to fit through the doggy door; this combined with sad music fills the viewers with sympathy. They immediately transition to an upbeat song accompanied by various video clips of the dog exercising and declining tons of tasty treats. His endeavors pay off and the next time the Beetle speeds by Bolt can live up to his name and catch up to the VW. Volkswagen does a great job in appealing to their audience; fitness and weight loss are goals many Americans strive for and appreciate; therefore, by including it in their ad, they allow their audience to relate while also being entertained. Also to be appreciated is that they keep their commercials clean; thereby, appealing to families. A little extra treat is that they end the commercial by referencing back to their commercial from the prior year; reminding viewers of their past successes. They leave the audience with smiles on their faces and an appreciation and possibly desire for their product. Overall, the commercial manages to be humorous, relatable and heart-warming while still showing the speed and excellent lines and look of the VW Beetle.

Here is a link to the commercial they referenced back to. Watch it if you want another smile! :)
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0

Summary vs. Analysis

By William Waterway (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

At first glance, summary and analysis can seem quite similar; they both answer questions and describe a piece of work, but the similarities stop there. Summaries describe by answering the questions who, what, when and where, but not why. They are flat, lack depth, and relate the story in black and white. While an analysis also briefly answers who, what, when and where, it focuses on why. To be more specific; the why of the who, what, when, and where. Analyses are more personal; they get into the meaning behind the story, which can vary from person to person. A summary gives a general outline of a story (e.g., the characters, setting and plot), where as an analysis gets into the meaning behind the story and what gives it depth; covering things like symbols, motifs, and character development. If the ocean was a novel, a summary would only show the surface, while an analysis would show what lurked beneath the waves.

By Mikhail Rogov (Canon S-60) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Here is a link to the summary and analysis of chapters 9-11 of To Kill A Mockingbird on SparkNotes.

 http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/mocking/section5.rhtml

Introducing Myself

Good Readers and Good Writers

     What does Nabokov think makes a good reader? Do you agree? What do you believe are the characteristics of a good reader? Do you consider yourself a good reader?

     In "Good Readers and Good Writers" Vladimir Nabokov expresses his view of a good reader.  He feels that a good reader should pay attention to details and begin a book without preconceived notions, maintaining an open mind at least for the duration of the book. Narbokov believes possessing certain qualities, such as memory, imagination, an artistic sense, and using a dictionary, are factors in being a good reader. In Narbokov's opinion, to be a good reader means to be a rereader. He contrasts reading a book with looking at a painting, explaining that the process of reading gets in the way of the reader savoring the work in an artistic sense; likewise, good readers must reread the piece to be able to grasp the details and fully appreciate it.

     While I do agree with Nabokov on most of the aspects of what makes a good reader, I think he focuses too much on the importance of rereading. He goes so far as to say "one cannot read a book: one can only reread it. A good reader, a major reader, an active and creative reader is a rereader." Although I do reread a fair amount of books, I do so out of a desire to experience it again because I so appreciated it before and wish that the world created existed, and for the story to continue, not out of a need to better understand the work. I do concede that for some people rereading is necessary to truly take in a story, in which case, it should be applauded; however, some people have a mind for reading and an eye for detail in which case I think rereading is not a necessary part of being a good reader. I do agree that a good reader, should keep an open mind, pay attention to details, and take the time to understand the words (e.g., using a dictionary). I also think part of being a good and active reader is to discuss what you read with others. I would consider myself a good reader seeing that I always try to start a book with a clean slate, delight in the details, have a good memory, and am willing to look up a word when I do not fully get the meaning or context. 

This is a BBC documentary on Vladimir Nabokov's Life and Works. It is a bit long but if you have the time (i.e., an hour) I would encourage you to watch it. I think when reading a piece of work, it is helpful in understanding where the author is coming from to have some background information on them. It was actually fairly interesting, and as a result when I read "Good Readers and Good Writers" I could hear it in his voice which was pretty cool. Enjoy. :)