Strengths and Weaknesses
I believe that I have a couple of writing strengths and several weaknesses. First, I think that I do a good job of gathering my ideas for my essay and getting it off to a good start. This is where my weaknesses begin; I start out with a well formed thesis but, when I get to the body of the essay I have a hard time following through with the thoughts that I have formed in the beginning. In other words I have a hard time translating those thoughts into a well formed essay. Several of my comments from my instructor have been that this is a good start but, it needs to be developed further. For some reason when I would develop what was clearly seen as a good start I would give up. When I am writing an essay I need to have more confidence in what I have to say. I need to commit to my idea and make sure I have said enough or that I have gone into enough detail to convince the reader that this is the way that I see the particular piece I am writing about. I think I lost sight of what it means to write an essay. I need to keep in mind that I need to think about what it is that I see and make sure it is supported by the text. I also need to remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to how we view things that we read.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A story of unrequited love
This piece was my greatest challenge because it was the last essay. The end of the semester came so fast! I was nervous about this one because I didn't do well on my last essay and I felt so much pressure. I lost sight of what it means to write an essay. I just had to keep in mind that I needed to convey to my reader what I thought the poem meant through my eyes.
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
26 April, 2006
A story of unrequited love
In the poem “Woman” by Nikki Giovanni, she poetically articulates a well known phenomenon of loving someone who does not love you back. Giovanni uses a third person voice to articulate a female’s plight of bearing her soul to a man who does not reciprocate her love. Giovanni is able to move the reader descriptively through five stanzas of symbolic portrayal of the f In the poem “Woman” by Nikki Giovanni, she poetically articulates a well known phenomenon of loving someone who does not love you back. Giovanni uses a third person voice to articulate a female’s plight of bearing her soul to a man who does not reciprocate her love. Giovanni is able to move the reader descriptively through five stanzas of symbolic portrayal of the female’s love interest lack of support. Finally the author closes the poem by showing the girl’s transformation into womanhood as she acknowledges her role as a participant rather than a victim of unrequited love.
The author begins the poem by revealing to the reader that this female is in a relationship that is unfulfilling. The author articulates” she wanted to be a blade of grass amid the fields but he wouldn’t agree to be her dandelion” (1-4). Maybe this was a secret love and she wanted it to be out in the open. By voicing that the male wouldn’t agree discord is revealed in their relationship. Giovanni is purposely unclear regarding what the particular dilemma is in this relationship but, she does a wonderful job of engaging the reader so that anyone can relate to her.
Next the author continues to disclose her feelings of disappointment in this man. In the second stanza the author states” she wanted to be a robin singing through the leav
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
26 April, 2006
A story of unrequited love
In the poem “Woman” by Nikki Giovanni, she poetically articulates a well known phenomenon of loving someone who does not love you back. Giovanni uses a third person voice to articulate a female’s plight of bearing her soul to a man who does not reciprocate her love. Giovanni is able to move the reader descriptively through five stanzas of symbolic portrayal of the f In the poem “Woman” by Nikki Giovanni, she poetically articulates a well known phenomenon of loving someone who does not love you back. Giovanni uses a third person voice to articulate a female’s plight of bearing her soul to a man who does not reciprocate her love. Giovanni is able to move the reader descriptively through five stanzas of symbolic portrayal of the female’s love interest lack of support. Finally the author closes the poem by showing the girl’s transformation into womanhood as she acknowledges her role as a participant rather than a victim of unrequited love.
The author begins the poem by revealing to the reader that this female is in a relationship that is unfulfilling. The author articulates” she wanted to be a blade of grass amid the fields but he wouldn’t agree to be her dandelion” (1-4). Maybe this was a secret love and she wanted it to be out in the open. By voicing that the male wouldn’t agree discord is revealed in their relationship. Giovanni is purposely unclear regarding what the particular dilemma is in this relationship but, she does a wonderful job of engaging the reader so that anyone can relate to her.
Next the author continues to disclose her feelings of disappointment in this man. In the second stanza the author states” she wanted to be a robin singing through the leav
Friday, April 27, 2007
Hamlet's Faith
If I could do this piece over again, I would not make it as hard for myself as I did. I knew what I wanted to say but, I had a hard time getting it to come across correctly. I used the bible as a reference because I thought it would be a good book to use since I chose Hamlet''s faith.
When I think of faith, I think of my faith and my religion. Now that I look back on this, it may not have been such a good idea to spend so much time looking up my references in the bible. I should have just concentrated more on the play.I really enjoyed reading this play so I didn't think that it was going to be this difficult to write this essay.
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
April 7, 2007
Hamlet’s Faith
In the tragedy of "Hamlet" written by William Shakespeare there are implications regarding religion throughout the entire play. I believe that Hamlet is a smart young man whose opinions are guided by his religious beliefs. These opinions include his anguish regarding the marriage of his mother to his uncle, the type of man he perceives his uncle to be, and, his contemplation of suicide.
The marriage of Hamlet’s mother Queen Gertrude to his Uncle Claudius has really had a negative effect on the prince. He states, “She married. O most wicked speed, to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets: It is not, nor it cannot come to good, But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (I.2.156/159). Hamlet is torn because of this. He is consumed with feelings of hatred toward his uncle but he does not want to disrespect his mother. Hamlet knew that he had to think before he spoke to his mother. Exodus 20:12 states ,“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (NIV). Hamlet is also upset because he feels that his mother has not taken enough time to grieve for his father. Hamlet states,“Within a month, ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears had left the flushing in her galled eyes,” (I.2.154/155). Hamlet knows that it is wrong for his mother to marry his father's brother because the church forbid this.
Hamlet perceives his uncle to be an evil man. He is also displeased with the way his uncle is conducting himself and how it may look to other people. “This heavy-headed revel east and west makes us traduced and taxed of other nations: they clepe us drunkards, and with swinish phrase soil our addition, and indeed it takes from our achievements, though performed at height the pith and marrow of our attribute”(I.4.18/23). Hamlet is referring to his uncle’s drinking. 1 Corinthians 6:10 states, "nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (NIV). Hamlet felt that his uncle was an evil man who consciously did the wrong thing. Hamlet knew when he did something wrong but, he did those things for a good cause.
Hamlet is depressed because of his father’s death and feels as if no one cares about what is going on around him, so he begins to contemplate suicide. This is one aspect of Hamlet’s religious “conscience” coming into play.Hamlet states, ” O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew, or that the Everlasting had not fixed his cannon ’gainst self-slaughter (I.2.129/132). He seems to be acknowledging that it is sinful to commit suicide. Hamlet knows that God will be displeased with taking one's own life to which he has given. Exodus 20:13 states “Thou shall not murder” (NIV). Leviticus 21:20 also states “whoever kills a man must be put to death” (NIV).Romans 14:7 states “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone”(NIV).
Hamlet’s actions and thoughts reinforced that religion was sacred to him and the people around him. Though some of the things that he did may be seen as crazy, his reasoning was guided by a higher power.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. 8th ed. Ed.
Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. Upper Saddle River, N.J,:Prentice Hall, 2004.
The Holy Bible. New International Version. Grand Rapids Michigan, The Zondervan
Corporation, 1986
When I think of faith, I think of my faith and my religion. Now that I look back on this, it may not have been such a good idea to spend so much time looking up my references in the bible. I should have just concentrated more on the play.I really enjoyed reading this play so I didn't think that it was going to be this difficult to write this essay.
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
April 7, 2007
Hamlet’s Faith
In the tragedy of "Hamlet" written by William Shakespeare there are implications regarding religion throughout the entire play. I believe that Hamlet is a smart young man whose opinions are guided by his religious beliefs. These opinions include his anguish regarding the marriage of his mother to his uncle, the type of man he perceives his uncle to be, and, his contemplation of suicide.
The marriage of Hamlet’s mother Queen Gertrude to his Uncle Claudius has really had a negative effect on the prince. He states, “She married. O most wicked speed, to post with such dexterity to incestuous sheets: It is not, nor it cannot come to good, But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue” (I.2.156/159). Hamlet is torn because of this. He is consumed with feelings of hatred toward his uncle but he does not want to disrespect his mother. Hamlet knew that he had to think before he spoke to his mother. Exodus 20:12 states ,“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (NIV). Hamlet is also upset because he feels that his mother has not taken enough time to grieve for his father. Hamlet states,“Within a month, ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears had left the flushing in her galled eyes,” (I.2.154/155). Hamlet knows that it is wrong for his mother to marry his father's brother because the church forbid this.
Hamlet perceives his uncle to be an evil man. He is also displeased with the way his uncle is conducting himself and how it may look to other people. “This heavy-headed revel east and west makes us traduced and taxed of other nations: they clepe us drunkards, and with swinish phrase soil our addition, and indeed it takes from our achievements, though performed at height the pith and marrow of our attribute”(I.4.18/23). Hamlet is referring to his uncle’s drinking. 1 Corinthians 6:10 states, "nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (NIV). Hamlet felt that his uncle was an evil man who consciously did the wrong thing. Hamlet knew when he did something wrong but, he did those things for a good cause.
Hamlet is depressed because of his father’s death and feels as if no one cares about what is going on around him, so he begins to contemplate suicide. This is one aspect of Hamlet’s religious “conscience” coming into play.Hamlet states, ” O that this too too sullied flesh would melt, Thaw and resolve itself into a dew, or that the Everlasting had not fixed his cannon ’gainst self-slaughter (I.2.129/132). He seems to be acknowledging that it is sinful to commit suicide. Hamlet knows that God will be displeased with taking one's own life to which he has given. Exodus 20:13 states “Thou shall not murder” (NIV). Leviticus 21:20 also states “whoever kills a man must be put to death” (NIV).Romans 14:7 states “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone”(NIV).
Hamlet’s actions and thoughts reinforced that religion was sacred to him and the people around him. Though some of the things that he did may be seen as crazy, his reasoning was guided by a higher power.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. 8th ed. Ed.
Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. Upper Saddle River, N.J,:Prentice Hall, 2004.
The Holy Bible. New International Version. Grand Rapids Michigan, The Zondervan
Corporation, 1986
Compare and Contrast Scott Fischer and Rob Hall
This piece is my best work because I did a good job of gathering my thoughts and providing enough text to support my claim.
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
10 March 2007
Compare and Contrast Scott Fischer and Rob Hall
In “INTO THIN AIR ” written by Jon Krakauer, the author makes several comparisons of two of the characters, Scott Fischer and Rob Hall. These differences include their businesses,personalities , and leading their expeditions.
Rob Hall and Scott Fischer both had successful businesses that were obtained for different reasons and in different ways. Rob Hall had earned recognition when he and his longtime friend and partner Gary Ball ascended the seven highest summits on each of the seven continents in seven months. Even with this and other tremendous accomplishments behind him, Hall was still looking for ways to make sure that his career was concrete. This is when he and Ball started Adventure Consultants. His services carried a hefty price tag to the tune of sixty-five thousand dollars, but this did not hurt his business,:” Thanks to Hall’s phenomenal success rate he had no trouble filling the roster for this, his eighth expedition to Everest “ (37). "Despite his inexperience, Fischer had decided to attempt the coveted first ascent of a difficult frozen cascade called Bridal Veil Falls, in Utah’s Provo canyon”(67). Subsequently Fischer took a plunge of 100 feet before he hit the ground. He injured his leg leaving a hole "big enough to stick a pencil through”(67) and continued to climb for the next six months with this “hole” in his leg.These are different examples of how Fischer would push the envelope and Hall put more thought into his climbing. Until a certain point in Fischer’s career he had received recognition locally,” but celebrity in the world climbing community had eluded him” (68). This is what prompted him to launch his company, Mountain Madness. Fischer had earned only twelve thousand dollars in 1995, so he with the help of his level- headed business partner Karen Dickinson decided that “if he could emulate Hall, it would quickly catapult Mountain Madness to profitability” (70).
Secondly, the two were well liked by all who met them, but their approach to climbing was different. Hall was a more serious climber when it came to planning. He was said to have “impressive organizational skills” (34), and once the groups were at base camp, “Nobody commanded more respect on the mountain than Hall” (65).While Fischer operated more by a “seat-of-the-pants, what-worry-me modus operandi”(70). Apparently, Fischer had survived some mishaps that should have ultimately taken his life. Fischer is a little arrogant when it comes to what he is able to control.He made a statement to a reporter:” When accidents happen, I think it’s always human error. So that’s what I want to eliminate” (69). It seems that the names of their companies really gave light to their approach to climbing and to their personalities. Adventure Consultants, Hall’s business, is a “straight laced” name. it “mirrored his methodical, fastidious approach to climbing” (66). Mountain Madness, Fischer’s business, gave birth to his more exuberant manner of climbing.
Last, but definitely not least, was how both men led their expeditions. Rob Hall was more careful with his group. He mandated that everyone climb as a group. No one was able to climb alone. Scott Fischer allowed members of his group to climb alone. It did not matter if they were experienced or not. This became a problem for Fischer because on more than on occasion he found himself more mentally and physically drained during an ascent because he had to rescue stranded clients.Fischer felt strongly regarding his clients climbing alone and being independent. Once again his free spirited demeanor translated into how he led his groups.
Rob Hall and Scott Fischer were two talented men that loved to climb for a living. It is sad that the thing that they loved to do the most is what also led them to their demise.Given these two men's differences, the last thing that they had in common was taking the harsh, unpredictable mountain for granted.
Works Cited
Krakauer, Jon. Into Thin Air. New York: Anchor, 1997.
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
10 March 2007
Compare and Contrast Scott Fischer and Rob Hall
In “INTO THIN AIR ” written by Jon Krakauer, the author makes several comparisons of two of the characters, Scott Fischer and Rob Hall. These differences include their businesses,personalities , and leading their expeditions.
Rob Hall and Scott Fischer both had successful businesses that were obtained for different reasons and in different ways. Rob Hall had earned recognition when he and his longtime friend and partner Gary Ball ascended the seven highest summits on each of the seven continents in seven months. Even with this and other tremendous accomplishments behind him, Hall was still looking for ways to make sure that his career was concrete. This is when he and Ball started Adventure Consultants. His services carried a hefty price tag to the tune of sixty-five thousand dollars, but this did not hurt his business,:” Thanks to Hall’s phenomenal success rate he had no trouble filling the roster for this, his eighth expedition to Everest “ (37). "Despite his inexperience, Fischer had decided to attempt the coveted first ascent of a difficult frozen cascade called Bridal Veil Falls, in Utah’s Provo canyon”(67). Subsequently Fischer took a plunge of 100 feet before he hit the ground. He injured his leg leaving a hole "big enough to stick a pencil through”(67) and continued to climb for the next six months with this “hole” in his leg.These are different examples of how Fischer would push the envelope and Hall put more thought into his climbing. Until a certain point in Fischer’s career he had received recognition locally,” but celebrity in the world climbing community had eluded him” (68). This is what prompted him to launch his company, Mountain Madness. Fischer had earned only twelve thousand dollars in 1995, so he with the help of his level- headed business partner Karen Dickinson decided that “if he could emulate Hall, it would quickly catapult Mountain Madness to profitability” (70).
Secondly, the two were well liked by all who met them, but their approach to climbing was different. Hall was a more serious climber when it came to planning. He was said to have “impressive organizational skills” (34), and once the groups were at base camp, “Nobody commanded more respect on the mountain than Hall” (65).While Fischer operated more by a “seat-of-the-pants, what-worry-me modus operandi”(70). Apparently, Fischer had survived some mishaps that should have ultimately taken his life. Fischer is a little arrogant when it comes to what he is able to control.He made a statement to a reporter:” When accidents happen, I think it’s always human error. So that’s what I want to eliminate” (69). It seems that the names of their companies really gave light to their approach to climbing and to their personalities. Adventure Consultants, Hall’s business, is a “straight laced” name. it “mirrored his methodical, fastidious approach to climbing” (66). Mountain Madness, Fischer’s business, gave birth to his more exuberant manner of climbing.
Last, but definitely not least, was how both men led their expeditions. Rob Hall was more careful with his group. He mandated that everyone climb as a group. No one was able to climb alone. Scott Fischer allowed members of his group to climb alone. It did not matter if they were experienced or not. This became a problem for Fischer because on more than on occasion he found himself more mentally and physically drained during an ascent because he had to rescue stranded clients.Fischer felt strongly regarding his clients climbing alone and being independent. Once again his free spirited demeanor translated into how he led his groups.
Rob Hall and Scott Fischer were two talented men that loved to climb for a living. It is sad that the thing that they loved to do the most is what also led them to their demise.Given these two men's differences, the last thing that they had in common was taking the harsh, unpredictable mountain for granted.
Works Cited
Krakauer, Jon. Into Thin Air. New York: Anchor, 1997.
A loss of confidence and self-worth
This piece will surprise people because I wrote this essay when my kids and I were sick. We all had a fever and I just felt horrible! I had to drag myself out of bed and pull it together as best as I could. This isn't the highest grade I received but, I am very proud of this one. I also really liked this story.
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
30 January 2007
“The Curse”: A loss of confidence and self-worth
“The Curse,” written by Andre Dubus, is about a man by the name of Mitchell, who in the beginning of the story witnesses the horrible rape of an innocent young lady. This incident sets off what seems to be a recurrence of regret on Mitchell’s behalf. He immediately begins to criticize himself as he begins to imagine what it feels like to be old and worn out: “He was forty-nine years old, but when the cops left him at the bar with Bob the manager, he felt much older.”(Dubus 585). Throughout the story he belittles himself, and he also makes several comparisons regarding aging and youth. In my opinion this is what sets the tone for how he will portray himself throughout the entire story.
When Mitchell gets home he talks about how he met his wife and what she does for a living. She goes around to elderly people’s homes and takes care of them. He even went so far as to say that he wanted to lie in bed while she bathed him. I thought that was sad, but it really made a statement regarding the depths that his feelings of unworthiness reached. He was comparing himself to the “invalids” that she cared for.
The author continues to make several references regarding how Mitchell views himself since this incident occurred. He begins to describe his step-children: “She was a pretty girl with her mother’s wide cheekbones, and Marty was a tall good looking boy, and Mitchell felt as old as he had before he slept.”(Dubus 587).While Mitchell was retelling the events that took place to his family, he was voicing the exact thing that was making him feel old, worn and tired: regret. He tells his wife, “'I should have stopped it. I think I could have stopped it."” (Dubus 587). Mitchell feels defeated. He knows that those young men would have probably killed him if he had tried to do more but that is just it: he did not try to do more. It is almost as if that would have been fine with him if he had been hurt or killed. at least he would be able to hold his head up. Mitchell sat there and watched while these men who were high and drunk violated this young girl right before his eyes.
At the end of the story Mitchell made a statement to his friend that revealed his true character: "Sorry Reggie, Time for coffee. I don't want you dead out there." Dubus 588).This is the type of person that Mitchell truly is: he holds other people in high regard.He is the type of man that wants to make sure that everyone else is taken care of.This is the reason that watching this girl being victimized has had such a dooming effect on Mitchell. Next he relives the horrible moment once more to himself: “From the floor behind him, far across the room, he felt her pain and terror and grief, then her curse upon him. The curse moved into his back and spread down and up his spine, into his stomach and legs and arms and shoulders until he quivered with it. He wished that he were alone so he could kneel to receive it.” (Dubus 588). I think this is a testament to the fact that he feels like he deserves to feel old and tired, ashamed, regretful and unworthy. Her curse upon him is that he will carry her pain with him for the rest of his life.
Works Cited
Dubus, Andre “The Curse” Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. 2007. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. 8th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ; Pearson 585-588
Alkeisha Davis
Ms. Evelyn Beck
English 102
30 January 2007
“The Curse”: A loss of confidence and self-worth
“The Curse,” written by Andre Dubus, is about a man by the name of Mitchell, who in the beginning of the story witnesses the horrible rape of an innocent young lady. This incident sets off what seems to be a recurrence of regret on Mitchell’s behalf. He immediately begins to criticize himself as he begins to imagine what it feels like to be old and worn out: “He was forty-nine years old, but when the cops left him at the bar with Bob the manager, he felt much older.”(Dubus 585). Throughout the story he belittles himself, and he also makes several comparisons regarding aging and youth. In my opinion this is what sets the tone for how he will portray himself throughout the entire story.
When Mitchell gets home he talks about how he met his wife and what she does for a living. She goes around to elderly people’s homes and takes care of them. He even went so far as to say that he wanted to lie in bed while she bathed him. I thought that was sad, but it really made a statement regarding the depths that his feelings of unworthiness reached. He was comparing himself to the “invalids” that she cared for.
The author continues to make several references regarding how Mitchell views himself since this incident occurred. He begins to describe his step-children: “She was a pretty girl with her mother’s wide cheekbones, and Marty was a tall good looking boy, and Mitchell felt as old as he had before he slept.”(Dubus 587).While Mitchell was retelling the events that took place to his family, he was voicing the exact thing that was making him feel old, worn and tired: regret. He tells his wife, “'I should have stopped it. I think I could have stopped it."” (Dubus 587). Mitchell feels defeated. He knows that those young men would have probably killed him if he had tried to do more but that is just it: he did not try to do more. It is almost as if that would have been fine with him if he had been hurt or killed. at least he would be able to hold his head up. Mitchell sat there and watched while these men who were high and drunk violated this young girl right before his eyes.
At the end of the story Mitchell made a statement to his friend that revealed his true character: "Sorry Reggie, Time for coffee. I don't want you dead out there." Dubus 588).This is the type of person that Mitchell truly is: he holds other people in high regard.He is the type of man that wants to make sure that everyone else is taken care of.This is the reason that watching this girl being victimized has had such a dooming effect on Mitchell. Next he relives the horrible moment once more to himself: “From the floor behind him, far across the room, he felt her pain and terror and grief, then her curse upon him. The curse moved into his back and spread down and up his spine, into his stomach and legs and arms and shoulders until he quivered with it. He wished that he were alone so he could kneel to receive it.” (Dubus 588). I think this is a testament to the fact that he feels like he deserves to feel old and tired, ashamed, regretful and unworthy. Her curse upon him is that he will carry her pain with him for the rest of his life.
Works Cited
Dubus, Andre “The Curse” Edgar V. Roberts and Henry E. Jacobs. 2007. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. 8th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ; Pearson 585-588
Thursday, April 19, 2007
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