Unit 4: Activity 8- Metacognition

Throughout this semester, I have learned lots of things and embraced a lot of knowledge. As you navigate through my blog, you will find multiple posts all based around one thing: the ENG3U course. My blog reflects a lot of the course as the variety of my blog posts come from the different units and assignments throughout the semester. This blog reflects my interaction with the course because as you read through my posts, you get an inside peek at the amount of knowledge I have soaked up, and you get to see my true understanding of the course material. This blog reflects my interaction with the course in the sense that the amount of posts you see is the amount of time and effort I have put into the course. As it is evident, I have committed myself to learning throughout the summer and have put a lot of effort into this course, and thanks to the blog, everyone gets to witness it. Through my blog this month, I have expressed through multiple posts my true understanding of the ENG3U course. If you have followed the blog throughout the month, you have been able to see me grow with the course, and learn more about the material given to learn. I have not only been able to learn about the course, but I have been able to give the public a positive experience alongside myself through this english course. 

Throughout this lengthy course, there have been many things that I have been proud of. When it comes to my blog, I have been asked to outline 2 things that I like the most about my blog. The first thing I like about my blog is that everyone gets to see the amount of effort I put into this course. Sure, the only thing that matters is that my teacher sees the work, but when you work hard at something, it is nice to have that work recognized. Secondly, I like the way my blog reflects me as a learner. Through the blog I was able to express my thoughts and thought processes throughout the assignments. This blog has been a unique way to share with my teacher the way I think and learn when it comes to english. 

Unit 4: Activity 8- Assignment 1

Is this novel necessary?

My answer to this question is yes. Look around yourself. Look at everything you have, and then look at the amount of complaining you do. Your friends, family, people you don't even know are constantly complaining about things they do or don't have. This novel provides a lesson towards the arrogant society we live in today. This post-apocalyptic novel shows the public that there is a lot worse that could happen then your local McDonald's messing up your order. This novel shows us that we should really embrace the things we have in this world, even the simple things. We were lucky enough to be given such a beautiful land to inhabit, and everything on it is worth its praise. One day, there will be nothing left of this world, and then there will be something to complain about. This novel sheds light on that lesson, and teaches us to not take everything we have for granted, as we could have a lot worse in our lives.

Unit 4: Activity 7- Assignment 3: Character Analysis

The Boy:

I feel that two items that this character would have on his blog would be a journal reflecting on how he was upset with all the deaths in that day, and a story about his father. I feel that the boy would have a journal entry reflecting on how he was upset with people dying that day because the boy is a compassionate person. He sees everyone as equals and believes that nobody should have to sacrifice their lives for any reason. He would voice his frustration and sadness by writing about how nobody should have to die, on his blog.

The second thing he would have on his blog would be a story about his father. I think this because throughout the story, it is evident that the boy's pride and joy lies with his father. The boy loves the man more than anything, and would do anything for him. Anybody who loves a person as much as the boy loves his father would post a story about his loved one to his blog so that he could share the joys of his loved one with the world.

Unit 4: Activity 7- Assignment 2

In the novel, The Road, the boy shows one of his main traits as compassion. Throughout the story, he sees through untainted eyes and can see clearly from anyone's point of view. Along the way, he does not think anyone should have to die, and that everyone should be able to stay alive. For example, to protect himself and his son, the man has to take someone's life and kill him. The boy gets extremely upset because he didn't think that person had to die. He couldn't see the real danger, all he saw was another human being.

Unit 4: Activity 7- Assignment 1

As a person, I feel that an important personality trait that I possess is compassion. I can watch a show, or read about someone in the news and feel intense emotions, happiness, sadness, or pity, towards whoever is highlighted in the show or article. I possess the ability to be able to understand and feel someone's pain no matter what the situation is. It can have a negative effect as I can feel bad/pity a person who does not deserve my compassion, but as a whole this trait benefits me. This trait benefits me in life because it allows me to make decisions for the greater good of everyone around me because I am able to see from everyone's point of view.

Unit 4: Activity 5- Assignment 1

What is being described?

 As the father is searching the truck, everything he sees is being described. The things he find and the items he sees all around the vehicle are described with detail.

The words/phrases the author uses in the description.

"Pool of guts." "the bones and the skin piled together" "Dried blood dark in the leaves."

The author’s purpose/intent in the description.

The author's intention of the description was to illustrate the brutality of these characters. Also, he wanted to make it clear that cannibals were in that truck earlier, to show that the characters will do anything and everything to survive. 

The atmosphere/tone that is created through the description.

The atmosphere created through the description is eery and horror-like. Imagine looking at a pile of human guts and dried bones, and knowing what happened to those poor people. The atmosphere is very dark and brutal, showing that the world is in desperate times. 

The effect the description has on you.

As I read these details, I became very disgusted and scared, as i was envisioning myself being in the shoes of the man, and seeing what the man had to see. 

Your opinion of the description; is it effective? Why or why not?

I do believe that the description was very effective. It was effective because it set the tone/mood of the section, and the book as a whole. It really gave the reader a sense of horror, but not enough to completely scare them away. I found myself wanting to keep on reading to see what happened next, and as I read, the description seemed to get more and more real. 

Unit 4: Activity 1: Reading Strategy

As I think back, can recall a time where I did use a reading strategy, more than once actually. I most often use the strategy "during reading". As I read, to better understand the text, I ask myself the following questions: Does this make sense? How does this information connect to what I already know? As I analyse the text, I stop and think about the part I am stuck on to better comprehend the text, I break the text into chunks (divide and conquer), and I summarize the text as I read so I ensure that I fully understand the text I am reading or learning about.

Unit 4: Activity 1: Assignment 1

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honour your father and mother’—this is the first commandment with a promise: ‘so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

To me, this quote means that each and every child should honour their parents because that is what is right. "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth", which means to me that the more respect and honour I have for my mother and father, the more happiness I will have in my life, and I will be able to live a more fulfilled and happy life longer on this earth. Also, the last part is a instruction for fathers to live by with their children, as force and anger doesn't raise a righteous and healthy child, but instruction of the lord will lead your child to a successful upbringing.

This quote is applicable to me because my family is really close and tight-knit. Growing up in a family of 4, there is always lots of love to share. I was always raised to have the utmost respect for any adult, especially my parents themselves. My father raised my sister and I with no anger, but instead calm instruction and discipline where necessary. As a whole, my family reflects this biblical quote to a tee.

Unit 3: Activity 6: Assignment 2

1. Short Story
2. Short Story Poster

I know that these two works are very closely related, but they are truly the best pieces of work I have completed all unit.

1. My short story was the best piece of writing I have done throughout the unit because of many reasons. Mainly, this is my best piece of writing work because I used all the components I learned throughout the unit and combined all of the skills I accumulated, and put them all into this last piece of work. Also, this story was about a person very close to me, so I was able to express my emotions very intensely throughout the story which seemed to work out in my favour as all my critics said the story was touching and realistic. Thirdly, this was the best piece of work I have done all unit simply because I enjoyed doing it the best. I had a hard time writing the beginning of the story, but after that it was a breeze, and I enjoyed writing the story because I could feel myself writing effectively and successfully, which is always a good feeling.

2. The short story poster was my second best piece of work because I felt I could really show how well my multimedia skills were. In all the other assignments, it was all about writing and understanding the material. This assignment allowed me to show off my artistic side a bit.

Unit 3: Activity 1: Setting Description

*A diner (greasy-spoon) in a small town.*

Wimpy's Diner is a nice breakfast diner, always bustling with customers. The air is full of the smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. The waitresses are the friendliest around and the restaurant has some of the best reviews in town, for a "greasy spoon" diner that is. The food is impeccable as it satisfies your taste buds and your stomach to their fullest capacities. As soon as you walk through the door, you jump back 30 years into the 1980's with the checkerboard floors and the red leather seats. The waitresses are nicely dressed, always chewing gum and never seen without a smile on their face. This vintage, greasy spoon diner is one of the most comforting places in town, until you walk outside. As soon as you walk out the door, you're immediately met with motorcycle gangs scattered across the street. Across the road, there is a bar that never sleeps with drunk people constantly walking everywhere and running their mouths. Most people stay away from this area of town because of all the violence, but the regulars can never stay away from this cute, little diner.

Unit 3: Short Story Advertising Poster

Unit 2: Activity 8-- Assignment 3

I am Puck.

Throughout this entire play, there have been many memorable and comical moments. I have played multiple jokes on people, stirred up some arguments and conflicts, and got to watch two lovers become reconciled. Specifically, my favourite moments of the play were when I changed Bottom's head to that of a donkey's, confused Lysander and Demetrius in the forest when they were trying to fight eachother, getting them both lost, and lastly getting to see Oberon and Titania get back together. These were my favourite moments because I was able to do what I do best and raise hell by changing Bottom's head and causing a fight between the Athenian boys, but at the end of it all, my master was able to be reunited with his Queen, Titania.

Unit 2: Activity 6- Collage

I chose the pictures in this collage according to how Helena's day went. In the centre of the collage, the broken heart represents how Helena's heart is broken. Everything around it are all the reasons why Helena's heart is broken: Demetrius, Lysander, Hermia's betrayal in friendship, her anger, her sadness, and her confusion. All these feelings, and her feelings for those people all add up to break Helena's heart. Also, in the bottom right corner, I placed a picture of two women fighting because I imagine Helena would be dreaming about fighting Hermia.

Unit 2: Activity 5- Soliloquy (Bottom)

"I am so confused. One minute the other craftsmen and I were rehearsing our play, and the next moment everyone is running away screaming for their lives. There is nothing to be so terrified over, and we have some serious rehearsing to do for Theseus' wedding! Also, I don't know why everyone is so frightened by me now. Its like my own peers and other Athenians can't even recognize me at all. What has changed? Is it my face? No, it can't be my face as a face cannot just change out of the blue so drastically. Whatever it is, my friends are being asses to me and are not treating me with an ounce of respect. I cannot be so scary as Titania loves me more than love itself. My lovely beautiful fairy Queen is more than anything I could dream of. I get constant love and my own fairy servants. The lovely fairies do whatever I want and it is more than pleasant! What more could one man ask for? No matter what any other man or woman thinks of me, for any unknown reason, all that matters to me is my Titania."

Unit 2: Activity 5- Blocking the Scene

1.This is a scene of transformations – although you’ve probably noticed they’ve been occurring throughout the play.  For instance, Lysander’s affection for Hermia is transformed to Helena in the previous scene.  What references – in terms of language used or events themselves - take place in 3.1.?
The play is changed so that the plot doesn’t frighten the ladies. For example, they took out the gruesome suicide and the lion roar.  Another transformation is when Bottoms head gets transformed into an ass’s head. Also, Titania falls in love with the ass-headed Bottom.

2.Look closely at the “hempen homespuns” (3.1.69) who open this scene.  They mention several concerns regarding the play Peter Quince has found for them to perform.  What are they? According to Bottom, how will the prologue solve these problems?
The problem is that the sword and death of Pyramus will frighten the ladies and they will think it is all real. Also, they are afraid the violence and killing will scare the audience as well. The prologue will serve as a disclaimer and let the crowd know that the sword will not be used to hurt anyone and the stunts on stage that are performed are completely fake and that Pyramus isn’t really dead.

3.“Some man or other must present Wall” says Bottom. (3.1.60)   Bottom and the others feel the need to have a character represent the wall and hold his fingers together to create a chink.  Why don’t they simply assume the audience can imagine this?  What does this tell you about their powers of imagination?
They assume that the audience isn’t able to infer anything that is going on within the play. The crew cannot imagine and improvise with an invisible wall, which goes to show their imaginations aren’t all that great. If they cannot use their imaginations, how can they expect the audience to use their imagination either.

5.Suddenly fairyland and the tradesmen collide with each other when Puck enters the scene and Bottom is transformed into a donkey.  Why is his transformation appropriate?
It is appropriate because Bottom, more often than not, will act like a bit of a butt during the rehearsals when he tries to take control from Quince. Transforming him into a donkey just signifies that Bottom can be an ass.

6.Why does Bottom have no fear during his transformation?  What language shows that Titania remains regal and queenly after her transformation?  What effect does this continued use of regal language have on our perception of her after she declares her love for the changed Bottom?
He has no fear because there is no mirror so he has no idea that he has even changed. The fact that she could still control the fairies to do whatever Bottom wanted, and the way she spoke to Bottom as she poured her heart out to him shows that she remained queenly after the transformation. This use of regal language after she declares her love to Bottom shows the reader that she is still the Queen, and is still in power despite the fact that she has fallen for Bottom.

Unit 2: Activity 3- Writing the Lines

As I examined Oberon's and Titania's marriage, I noticed that they both love to be in control. They seem to have a dark past with each other and affairs with other people. Their marriage seems to be based on their royalty status and not on their love for one another. They both strive for power so much that they have even driven a wedge in between themselves in search for power in the relationship. As we look at their situation with the orphan boy, it shows a deep power struggle between the couple. Titania took in the son of her deceased friend, and takes him along on all her journeys. Oberon wants the child so that he can have someone to voyage with. Titania refuses to give up the boy and continues to have possession of the boy, so therefore she is in control of this situation. Titania will continue to retain the power in this situation as long as she has possession of the young boy. I do indeed believe that Titania is a better fit for this boy because it is her friend's son and therefore has  deeper emotional connection to the boy. Also, she serves as a sort of replacement for the boy's deceased mother. Titania has a reason to keep the boy other than to just have a travelling partner: it is her friend's child.

In my life, I have had many situations where there has been a struggle for power. For example, when I was in elementary school, we would play sports in the school yard at recess. I would always be chosen as a captain and during the game, another student would try and regain the power ammd control of the team. When  I was young and immature, I would fight for control but as I grew and got older I realized that fighting for power in a school yard game wasn't worth it in the long run.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (Act 1, Scene 2): Scene Analysis

1. I don't think that this scene can be broken into different dramatic units. I think that it stands all as one unit because although Bottom keeps interjecting on the conversation about how well he would fit in the various roles, the topic is still the play itself. The conversation never strays from the play, or the play's roles. If perhaps the topic were shifted to a different play or about the upcoming wedding then it would be able to be split into dramatic units. But since the topic is consistent, the play, I believe that this scene stands all as one unit.

2. I find that the script of scene 1 was is very angry and serious. Egeus brings a lot of anger to the scene with very little room for casualness. For example, when Egeus enters the scene he states that he is very angry because his daughter disagrees with his choice for her suitor, and would rather choose Lysander over Demetrius. In the second scene, the language is much more casual and laid back. For example, Bottom basically tells Quince to get on with the play and the roles, and then to shut up when he says, "First, good Peter Quince, say what the play treats on, then read the names of the actors, and so grow to a point."

3. Peter Quince seems to be in control in this case, as he is handing out the roles and tells the cast what to do. Bottom attempts to gain control by interjecting on how he thinks he would fit multiple roles to a tee. He tries to assign himself multiple positions to try and take over the play. Two examples of Bottom trying to take control and gain positions is first when he says he'd much rather be a tyrant, and second when he basically begs Peter to allow him to play the lion as well.

4. This legend portrays the idea that true love is forever, and love cannot be contained or regulated, even by death. In this legend, I don't believe either of the lovers were ever in control because they both were fooled into thinking each other were dead, and killed themselves without knowing that the other were alive. I believe that the only thing in control of the relationship was fate. I find it ironic how Peter named his play A Very Tragic Comedy About the Horrible Deaths of Pyramus and Thisbe because the death of two people shouldn't be comedic, but Peter Quince is still making a comedy out of the death of two people.

Act 1, Scene 1: The Curtain Rises

1. I am Lysander: When night falls tomorrow, my love and I will finally be able to be together! I've waited so long for this and I cannot believe it is becoming a reality. I have a plan already all mapped out in my head. As the sun sets across the horizon we will sneak our way into the cover of the woods and walk to my aunt's house just outside of the city. It is there we will get married and start our lovely life together. Oh my I cannot wait another second! She is just so wonderful, everything about her is just amazing. The way her eyes twinkle in the moonlight, and the way her hair flows in the wind, it is all just so perfect and amazing. I wouldn't want one single thing about my beautiful Hermia to be different, because she is already as beautiful, kind and astonishing as anyone could ever imagine.

2. I am Demetrius: How could Hermia not have feelings for me? My eyes are only set on her, I only have love for her. I look at her and only wish that she would feel the same way for me. All I want is for her to have mutual feelings so that we can be with each other. I wish she didn't like Lysander so much, he is no better than I! I cannot comprehend why she loves him and not I. Lysander is nothing but an immature swine, and I am nothing but a mature, loving man with lots to give such a wonderful girl like you. I never knew what it would feel like to love someone who doesn't even have the slightest interest in me, until now. It has been having an affect on my self-esteem lately. I just don't understand what it is about me that she doesn't seem to like. There must be something, and if I want her than I have to fix whatever it is she doesn't like.

Activity 8: Unit Reflection

1)

1.  Fill in the following chart and post it to your blog.

	Strengths	Challenges	Preferences	Next Steps (areas to work on/improve)
Oral Communication (listening and speaking)	I can present my viewpoints clearly through my words.	I have a difficulty taking my point of view and relating it to the points others have.	N/A	Relating my experiences to those of others through literature
Reading	I can understand what is going on in the work quite clearly (I understand rhetorical devices as I read them.)	I tend to read things at snails pace, I need to improve my speed.	N/A	To read pieces of literature quicker to enhance my reading experiences.
Writing	I can easily write my thoughts and feelings to express what I see and feel	I have to write a novel whenever I try to express my thoughts	N/A	To more efficiently express my thoughts so that I don’t rant.
Media Literacy	?	?	N/A	?

2.  Write two paragraphs explaining how oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy work together to enhance your learning.

Reading and writing seem to work in unison together as I continue to strive in being an excellent oral communicator. When I read pieces of literature and different works, I am able to learn new words and phrases to broaden my vocabulary. After I read and learn new words, the writing I do regarding that literature allows me to practice with my new and improved vocabulary. Having a broadened mental “word bank” enhances my oral communication to a new level. I am able to vocally express the way I feel to those around me in a more sophisticated way, with more advanced and meaningful words, all thanks to the way reading and writing work together.

2)

1. Speech on Capital Punishment - Word

2. My Personal Memoir

I chose these two works as the ones that best exemplify my writing abilities because I feel that I expressed my personality the best throughout these two works. I believe that I have shown my values, beliefs, and personal experiences through these two assignments, as well as written these pieces as well as I possibly could have. As a writer, I used my skills to best demonstrate my values and beliefs and my personal skill set as a writer through these two works.

The Essay

If I had to write an essay like "Going Out For a Walk", I would probably write about my experiences of hunting. "Going Out For a Walk" is an informal essay about the author's personal experiences with walking. I feel that I would write about my hunting experiences because I've had so many of them, I would be able to write a solid essay on my hunting experiences. My thesis would be somewhere along the lines of, "Hunting is a skill that I have acquainted myself with over years of experiences like the early mornings and breakfasts with my father, the long and quiet walks to the blind along with the many long hours spent in the hunting blind, and lastly the experience of shooting an animal."  My three points would include the following:

1. The early morning alarm, and eating breakfast with my dad.
2. the long and quiet walk with my dad to our hunting blind, and the long and painful wait in the blind.
3. the experience of shooting a deer, the overwhelming feeling, the dressing of the animal, etc.