Shakespeare Sonnet 12

When I do count the clock that tells the time,
And see the brave day sunk in hideous night;
When I behold the violet past prime,
And sable curls, all silver'd o'er with white;
When lofty trees I see barren of leaves,
Which erst from heat did canopy the herd,
And summer's green all girded up in sheaves,
Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard;
Then of thy beauty do I question make,
That thou among the wastes of time must go,
Since sweets and beauties do themselves forsake,
And die as fast as they see others grow;
And nothing 'gainst Time's scythe can make defence
Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.

Sonnet #12 by William Shakespeare is a peom in which a hard realization is made. It is the realization of human mortality. "And see the brave day sunk in hideous night" This quote seemingly tells the reader that with time everything will eventually end, just as day turns to night (2). It tells of the very natural presence of decay by comparing it with humans and the environment. "And Sable curls all silvered o'er with white... Then of thy beauty do I question make" (4-9). This passage refers to the fragility of man and how, as time ravages our bodies we can never stay beautiful forever. The ending lines seem to effectivly synthesize the poem for the reader, "And nothing 'gainst Time's scyth can make defence...Save breed to brave him when he takes thee hence" (13-14). The meaning seems to be that time cannot be stopped, but one's legacy can be carried on through the creation of children.

The sonnet seems to have a bit of a bittersweet aura about it. On one hand Shakespeare is elaborating on the mortality of man as well as his beauty and is saying that nothing can stay forever. But on the other hand he is telling the truth and wishes that people embrace death and create a future. In my opinion Shakespears ultimate message was very frank, and he wanted that message to be looked on frankly.

Meditate on the events of quarter one. How did you do in this class? What did you learn? Which of your academic skills improved? Where are you still struggling? How is the class environment? What can you do to further strengthen the learning community in our classroom? What are your goals for Q2? Basically, how did things go for you and what can you do to improve or to make things more successful for yourself and others

As I meditate quarter one, many things spring to mind. It brings the overall performance in the enriched environment to mind, which by the way I was stellar at. It seemed to be that I learned many lessons of life throughout my first few months with ms. f. I learned how to keep drafting because one is never perfect, although one could say I am almost there. When I focus in on one particualr academic skill that improved it would have to be my writing, becasue we learned how to create an effective thesis. I believe I could be more responsible however. I think my forgetfullness could be the "achilles heel" of my highschool career. The class environment was grand, for i felt welcome and everyone was very nice and supportive. I think I can help the class by helping others. My overall goals for Q2 are simple: to come, to see, and to conquer.

OR Post 5: 1776

After the loss of New York, Washington and his men begin a retreat. The Battle of White Plains caused more nuisance than casualties, only resulting in about 300 on each side. The retreat begins westward for the colonists. Now as December begins he British were in full control over New York and with their control they raided Fort Washington in Manhatten and Fort Lee in New Jersey. Those attacks on the forts not only resulted in over 3000 casualties for the Americans, but also a great store of arms. Washington soon crosses the Delaware toward Pennsylvania. But since rumors of an attack on Philidelphia led the Congress to flee to Baltimore. As the Congress left they appointed Robert Morris to head the affairs in Philidelphia, by now an all but- abandoned city. (270) As Christmas Eve came so did the plan to attack Delaware, a city under British control. With an army of 4600 men Washington was to cross the delaware river at midnight on Christmas Day. This offensive and crossing of the Delaware is now immortalized in a famous painting showing Washington standing in his boat crossing the icy waters of the Delaware. The battle for Trenton was mostly brutal melee combat with bayonets in houses. The Hessian resistance was no match for the American element of surprise and was easily defeated.
At the end of 1776 the war was far from over but it gave the colonists hope of a day when they are no longer terrorized by the crown. Near the end of the story the author states, "Above all, Washington never forgot what was at stake and he never gave up" (293). Without the leadership and relentless pursuit of the goal by Washington the revolution would have almost certainly failed. The struggle for the Americans was oinly beginning after 1776 and no battle would prove unimportant in the ultimate victory. The struggle was for David to take down Goliath and in the end David prevailed.

OR Post 4: 1776

After the Colonists' victory at Dorchester Heights the British occupation began to grow exponentially. From April to August ships constantly were coming into hte New York harbor with British and Hessian troops. By the end of August the total number of troops under British command in America totaled 42,000. Compared to the poulation of New York which was only 30,000 (148). With these newfound British troops came no response from the colonists. Many enlistments had already expired and they had a right to tend to their family or farms. Later in August the British attacked New York as well as Long Island. The Rebel resistence was futile for the Briitsh out numbered them by three fold. Soon thereafter the colonists were backed into Brooklyn. The battle of Long Island and Brokklyn ended up being disasterous. However, some 9,000 american troops retreated without a life lost. After the fiasco, numbers of American losses were sent to England from general Howe and created a boost of morale for the Brits as well as their soldiers. On the opposite side of the spectrum the americans were reeling after their defeat, creating a wave of dampened spirits throughout the land. Soon to follow however was aminor victory at the Battle of Harlem Heights which Washington so humbly puts it "a petty sharp skirmish." However minimal the victory may have been it was a step in the right direction. It boosted confidence in the revolution once again.
As the year progesses the Americans are getting more and more of a taste of what is to come in the following years. They soon realize that not all battles will be won and they must persevere through the fight. The struggle is very evident in this section for the British reinforcements are piling in each day by the hundreds and thousands, while the americans are losing troops due to enlistment expirations. Constantly retreating the struggle for the Americans will be to be relentless in their pursuit for independence and remember what they are fighting for.

My Photo

As you can see this is a pic of a tree. I would greatly appreciate the input my peers have on my photo.

OR Post 3: 1776

Now with winter in full force both sides were in preparation mode for an offensive. On February 14 Washington gathered his "council of war" comprised of top military men to plan an attack. He claimed that, "stroke well aimed at this critical juncture might put a final end to the war" (86). However marred by skeptisicm his meeting was it was not innapropriate. One of his Generals, Gates, was one of many who pressured the government for powder. In his own words he said, "Ye gods, give us powder!" (87). Because the attack on Boston was already vetoed, the next plan was to make the British come to them. They believed that if they had the element of fortification, they can win the war while greatly outnumbered. The plan was agreed upon by the council and the preparations to draw the British out were to be at Dorchester Heights.
Fortifications and cannons were rolled out during the night of March 4th and the plan was to make the British retreat or fight. The plan was working, for the British general, Howe, ordered an attack on the hill. Unfortunately for the Rebels, a storm swept in the next day preventing any such battle from occuring. And when the storm stopped Howe's advisors talked sense into him and convinced him that this was a trap. This was not however a toal failure for the Colonists because the British evacuated Boston and took Loyalists with them to Nova Scotia. The colonists believed it was the first significant victory against the crown.

With the conclusion of Part one of the book the theme of conflict and struggle is coming into light. The struggle for the Colonists is trying to win their independence from a now tyrranic crown. They must do so with overwhelming odds looming over their head. The penalty for losig is the ultimate price for some of the revolution leaders so they have everything on the line for the welfare of their nation. Now come the developments of a non- conventional style of war that the colonists begin to realize is the only way they have a chance against the world power. Instead of charging into battle in an open field against an army much more trained and well equipped then themselves they are trying more "cowardly" types of attacks.

OR Post 2: 1776

As both sides are preparing for the inevitable war, both are growing more and more concerned. The Americans are trying to maintain and assemble an army worthy to fight the world power however, the enlistments are expiring for many and they would much rather be at home safe and warm for the winter. There is also another problem at hand, the problem of money. The government has no money to pay the troops with but is promising them money. The British on the other hand are worried about this insurrection, for it could mean loss of valuable land if they were to fail. The American generals were trying to plan an attack on Boston, which they knew could mean the decimation of the beloved town, and heavy troop causualties. Both sides were entrenched in such a way the other wouldn't be able to penatrate the defenses without many causualties. But as troop numbers dwindled and winter approaching fast, the attack would not be feasable for a while.
As the troops begin to wait out the winter they experience a lack of firewood and shelter. When King George's address to Parliament was copied and distributed on New Years day it summoned great patriotism for the cause and rekindled the fire of the revolution. And with New Years day being the day of new enlistments and the departure of old, it seemed as though the Americans had a sliver of a chance to take down the British war machine.
The theme of struggle is a constant one for the Americans. They are the underdog in the story and are never expected to take down Goliath (British). An example of the struggle to get through the winter is evident when Nathanial Greene writes, "We have burned up all the fences and cut down all the trees for a mile around our camp, our suffering has become inconcieveable" (67). While the Americans struggle to pay and keep their troops alive the British are only worried about their reputation and empire.

A Memoir, Why?

I think the reason people write memoirs is to express their ideas in a creative, real life setting. I think it is a type of writing that an ordinary person can relate to, because many of the stories share similarities to events that the reader has experienced. I also believe it is a way of letting memories last forever. I think the more time you let pass, the less vivid the memories become, unless the memory is forever inscribed on paper.

I think that the true power of memoirs lies in the details. I believe this becasue a memoir is not a made up story, it actually happened. Since you witnessed it firsthand you can comment on each little thing. Unlike a fantasy story, or a sci fi novel, a memoir can really connect with a reader, becasue it is usually quite down-to-earth, so to speak. The author can express each and every one of his thoughts at the time, which is a freedom only memoirs can wield. A memoir also leaves the opportunity to comment on yourself objectively, and tell the story in a creative way. I think in those ways a memoir is something that is unique in the writing world, and can be something powerful, and moving.

OR Post 1: 1776

Now I know this may come a s a ahock to many of you but the book "1776" is about America's war for Independence. It is more commonly known though as the Revolutionary War. As far as characters go, so far, there aren't any true "main" characters which most of the story is about. The book is more of a historical documentary, and so it has many people cycling through the limelight to tell the story effectively. The story opens with King George riding into town in his posh royal coach to address Parliament (McCullough 4). The gold adorned carriage was a symbol of the power and excess in the British empire; it is the equlvalent of today's "pimp-mo-bile" like the ones we see all those rap guys driving. The king is addressing the issue of the conflict in the American colonies across the Atlantic, for a rebellion effort seemed to be on the rise. Battles at Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill had already transpired, and the king had to decide what to do with his executive authority. George's suggestion was suppression by superior force. The House of Lords semmed to take George's side, however the House of Commons went into huge debate. In the end though the vote passed almost two to one to go to all out war with America. All odds are against America in this war for their soldiers are mostly militia, with only a few being professional soldiers, while the entire British army was professional, with formal training.
I believe that the obvious conflict in this story will be between the British and the American colonies. The Americans wanted independence from the tyrannic rule of the British so they waged war to try to be disassocitated with the empire. The British's goal on the other hand was to supress the insurrection and keep order within their lands, and believed to be under British rule was to be the freest in the world. The major sturggle being: the underdog trying to overcome a much greater power, a colony conquering the empire.

Hunger what does Richard for

Unfortunately Richard is one of the millions of people in this world who suffers from hunger. It is a constant struggle for Richard to stay well nourished during his youth, usually as a result of the low income bracket his family is currently situated in. For example, during lunch Richard never has anything to eat and is the oddball out. He figures out he himself must work to attain the luxuries that the other more wealthier children take for granted.
However I believe this question has other connotations. I think what he hungers for most is a sense of belonging, from his family and others. So far through this story Richard has been moving around constantly looking for a stable environmentfor his family to get back on their feet. Like when he is forced to live in the house of his grandmother, who would follow her faith to her end. Not surprisingly Richard doesn't bode to well there, he is constanly scolded for his sinful behavior and is never really felt welcome. Another example is at the religous school where his aunt is teaching. There he is verbally abused by her as well as back at home. I think Richard's "bad behaviors can be attributed to his feeling of exclusion and neglect. I believe Richard could become a model citizen if zomeone just took the time to care.
I think a positive aspect of his physical hunger is his motivation to earn money and contribute to society. However the physical hunger comes with a slight negative aspect as well, for malnourishment is no laughing matter. A positive aspect of his hunger for belonging is that he finds that friends are always there to help and to be friend-like. A negative aspect to it is the obstacles to be overcome on the way to the objective

Is Richard a Bad Boy?

Richard seems to be well intentioned most of the time and so I believe he is not being "bad" knowingly. He grew up in a economically disadvantaged household and was raised among a feeling of stress and violence. For example, when he lights the curtains aflame he is not trying to stick it to his parents, he is merely curious, and wants to have some fun and excitement. Also when he goes on the street and totally owns the bullies trying to take his grocery money he didn't know that kind of behavior is usually frowned upon in the US of A. Another example of Richard's "badness" is when he hangs out at the local pub and gets hammered regularily. He doesn't understand what he is doing is wrong, for he was never taught what was the right thing to do.

I think there is a very distinct line between behavior being blamed on environment and when it can be balmed on the person. In Richard's case I think most of his behavior can be blamed on the environment. For example, when he asks the teacher to tell him about bluebeard. His grandmother gets furious and Richard doesn't know why. He couldn't have known that listening to a story was a bad thing to do. But an example of a bad call by Richard is when he takes the kitten to the gallows and strings him up. This was a total lapse of judgement in Richard and should be balmed on him. Yes, his father did say to "kill that cat" but some things just need to be implied, you know?

ThE FiRsT PoSt

This is my opening post just to welcome people's thoughts and ideas. This can be a place of reflection, learning, and discussion of the latest and greatest books.