Vocabulary: Fall List #3

accolade: Something given to a person in order to praise or recognize his accomplishment

acerbity: harshness; severity; sourness

attrition: Wearing down or wasting away

bromide: A trite saying; platitude

chauvinist: Militant, unreasoning, and boastful devotion to one's country; jingoism

chronic: Chronic describes something that lasts for a long time, keeps coming back or continues to happen

expound:  To explain further or in more detail

factionalism: self-interested; partisan

immaculate: Describes someone or something that is free from mistakes, absolutely clean and without sin

imprecation: The act of calling for evil or a curse on someone

ineluctable: Describes something that will definitely happen

mercurial: Having qualities suggestive of mercury; quick, quick-witted, volatile, changeable, fickle, etc.

palliate: To make something less painful or unpleasant, or to calm fears

protocol: The rules and customs of a group or a standard procedure

resplendent: Full of splendor or dazzling

stigmatize: Make something seem bad or disgraceful

sub rosa: Secretly; privately; confidentially

vainglory: Extreme self-pride and boastfulness; excessive and ostentatious vanity

vestige: A small amount of something or the last remaining part of something that no longer exists

volition: The act of using your will to make a conscious decision

Beowulf Answers

For these questions and answers I worked collectively within a group of about 5 to 6 other students.  It took me around an hour to finish my part of the assignment.

Beowulf Questions

[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (lines 1-85, pp. 33-34)

1. The way Shield became ruler of the Danes was unusual because he was an orphan that was adopted by the king of the Danes. Shield’s funeral was one of the most magnificent and noteworthy for a king because he was laid to rest on a ship covered in gold and treasure. Shield is Hrothgar’s great grandfather.

[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)

1. Hrothgar undertook the responsibility to construct Heorot, it was a mead-hall, the greatest the world had ever seen. Grendel attacked the Heorot everynight for 12 years killing many men which brought sorrow to Hrothgar and the Danes. The Danes lost hope in God and went to temples, idols, and even tried praying to the Devil to rid Grendel from their land.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)

1. When Beowulf learned of Grendel he gathered soldiers and set sail for the Danish nation that Grendel terrorized.

2. When the Geats first arrive in Denmark they encounter the sea-guard of the Danes. The sea-guard warns the Geats not to raid the Danes, however, Beowulf informs the guard that he has come to help Hrothgar slay Grendel.

3. Hrothgar’s messenger is named Wulfgar and he tells Beowulf and his men that he has never seen braver strangers as them. Wulfgar tells Hrothgar to exchange words with Beowulf because of his flabbergasting bravery and stature. Hrothgar tells Wulfgar to bring Beowulf to him so that they may discuss about Grendel. I am surprised Hrothgar knows so much about Beowulf.

4. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he will slay Grendel if Hrothgar in return provides shelter and food to his men during his time in Denmark. Hrothgar paid off Beowulf’s father’s feuds and now Beowulf has returned to repay an old favor.

[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. Unferth accuses Beowulf of vanity and losing to Breca in a contest. Beowulf explains that he was busy killing nine sea monsters, and declares his strength. Then he accuses Unferth of being responsible for the death on his family. This does indeed show Beowulf's arrogance and will to prove himself to others.

2. During the feast Queen Wealhtheow greeted everyone including Beowulf, and she thanked god he had come.

[The Fight with Grendel] (lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)

1. Instead of arming for battle Beowulf disarms for battle, removing his armor and putting away his sword.

2. Grendel kills a man grotesquely when he enters the room then goes after Beowulf. Beowulf grabs Grendel and Grendel thrashes around trying to break free. Beowulf tore off Grendel's arm as he tried to escape. He does escape, but loses his arm, a fatal wound.

[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60)

1. Beowulf is like Sigemund because he is a hero who saved others from a monster and he's not like Heremod because Heremod was a selfish king who never protected his people, unlike Beowulf.

2. Hrothgar considers Beowulf as a son, and gives him a sword, a shield, a golden set of armor, and a helmet. Unferth has nothing more to say as Beowulf is clearly a hero.

3. Finn's (leader of the Frisians) step brother (leader of the Scyldings) dies in battle, and his second in command makes truce in the war with the Frisians. With the truce the Scyldings stayed with Finn over winter, eventually killing him and leaving back with his sister Hildeburh. Using a woman to heal relations is not a good idea.

4. Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to give the throne to Beowulf.

5. The necklace Beowulf is given, Beowulf eventually gives to his uncle Hygelac. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to look after and care for her sons.

6. So many men remain in the beer hall because they don't know the danger to come, that Grendel's mother is soon coming to find revenge.

[Another Attack] (lines 1251-1382, pp. 60-62)

1. Grendel's mother has come to Heorot because she is angry about the death of her son. It is not for the same reason that Grendel had, she has come in anger and vengeance for her son.

2. Hrothgar is in great sorrow after Grendel's mother takes the kings advisor and close friend, Aeschere. Hrothgar offers Beowulf chests of gold and riches to slay the evil monster and free them yet again from evil.

3.  The mere is like a lake, except it has water that boils and is full of sea serpents and dragons. No man has ever reached the bottom of the mere and very few have ever gone near it. It is where Grendel and his mother have their den.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother] (lines 1383-1650, pp. 63-68)

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond to Grendel's mother by sending Beowulf and his men to slay her so that they can be free from the demons.

2. Before Beowulf enters the mere, he shoots one of the serpents with an arrow that lives within the dark waters of the mere.

3. Beowulf prepares for battle by dressing in “noble garments”.  Unferth gives Beowulf the sword popularly known as Hrunting.  It is a sword which has failed no man in battle.

4. When Beowulf enters the mere he spends the majority of the day swimming to the bottom.  When he finally reaches the bed of the mere, Grendel’s mother feels Beowulf’s presence and grabs him.  Grendel’s mother lives in a cave at the bottom of the mere which is engulfed with the blood and gore of humans that the giants have killed.

5. The sword that Beowulf borrowed from Unferth becomes useless when trying to penetrate the skin of Grendel’s mother.

6. Grendel’s mother cannot penetrate the armor of Beowulf which allows Beowulf enough time to escape from yet another blow of her knife.

7. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother by slicing at her neck with a sword made for giants.  When Grendel’s mother dies a light appears guiding Beowulf out of the cave.  Yet before he leaves he cuts off the head of Grendel’s body, and brings it to the surface.  The blood of Grendel melts the sword he used to kill Grendel’s mother.  The hilt of the sword is still intact however so he brings it to the surface along with Grendel’s head.

8. He finds his small group of Geats awaiting his return.  His men did not expect him to return.

[Further Celebration at Heorot] (lines 1651-1798, pp. 68-71)

1. Beowulf gives to Hrothgar the head of Grendel and the sword hilt he used to kill Grendel’s mother.

2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf that he will provide protection for him and that Beowulf must be good to his people.  Hrothgar tells us that Heremod was a terrible king who searched only for death and destruction.  He tells us this so that Beowulf understands how to be a just and fair leader.  Heremod dies alone because of the pain he beset on his people.  Hrothgar teaches us the example of how to lead when given an overwhelming source of power.

3. Unferth receives the sword he let Beowulf borrow when trying the kill Grendel’s mother.

 [Beowulf Returns Home] (lines 1799-2199, pp. 71-79)

1. He will be the king of Geats, receive many treasures, and make peace with other nations. It’s a very hopeful future.

2. Hygd is very young and beautiful. She is wise while Modthryth is very evil and merciless.

3. He wants to end the feud between the Danes and Ingeld. Ingled will devoice the daughter and attack Hrothgar. An old warrior will convince Ingeld to fight. No because hero’s are supposed to be always act with honor.

4. He reports his adventures in a very exaggerated way. He’s honest about the story but he explains it in a way that builds himself up more. It’s not that expected because he’s supposed to a noble hero but he is concerned about glory so it makes sense.

5. Beowulf gives most of his treasure to Hygelac and Hygd and in return Hygd gives him treasure and land for himself.

[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)

1. Part 2 takes place forty winters (forty years) later. Hygelac has died and there is now a dragon.

2. Thief has stolen his gold (cup). The man was poor and hungry. It was left there by a man from an ancient race who realized he like his ancestors would die and therefore buried the treasure.

3. The dragon just rampaged through the land trying to find the thief and destroys his throne hall.

4. He believes he has angered God. He makes a new shield to fight the dragon. He will fight it alone. He will die.

5. He dies against the Frisians. Beowulf was able to get away but he mourned for his death. He was offered the thrown. He did not out of respect for Hygelac.

6. Heardred is killed while fighting the Swedes.  Beowulf avenges him by killing Onela, the Swedish king.7.  Beowulf brings eleven men (he is “one of twelve”) with him to meet the dragon.

8. Hygelac’s oldest brother Herebeald was killed by a relative (Haethcyn).  An arrow missed its target and him Herebeald, killing him.  King Hrethel was devastated.  There is a lengthy portion detailing his lamentations.  War breaks out between the Swedes and the Geats.  Beowulf avenges Hygelac’s death by defeating Daeghrefn in front of “the legions”.

 [Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] (lines 2510-2820, pp. 86-92)

1.  Beowulf tells his companions to wait back while he fights the dragon.  He reasons that he is the only one among them that has any hope of killing it.

2.  The first time Beowulf faces the dragon, his shield, helmet, and sword fail him, and he is wounded.  His companions all flee the dragon, except for Wiglaf, who stays to help.  He tells the others that Beowulf chose them as his companions because he believed them to be great warriors, and that they should not abandon him now in his time of need.  He rushes in to aid Beowulf.

3. The second time Beowulf meets the dragon, the dragon bites him on the neck—leaving a mortal wound.  Wiglaf ultimately impales the dragon.

4.  Beowulf tells Wiglaf to bring the dragon’s treasure to him.  Beowulf thanks God for the treasure.  Beowulf wants to be buried in tower on a high cliff by the water.  He wants sailors to see the tower and remember his name.

[Beowulf's Funeral] (lines 2821-3182, pp. 92-99)

1. The warriors see Wiglaf trying to reviveBeowulf. Wiglaf gets mad at them for leaving Beowolf. Wiglaf expects the Geats to be attacked and their nation destroyed.

2. The messenger announces that Beowulf is dead.  Ongentheow and his men make fun of the Geats. Hygelac comes to the Geats with reinforcements.  Ongentheow retreated once he saw more men. Ongentheow was cornered by Hygelacand was killed. The messenger says that the treasure is cursed. Beowulf can’t be cursed because he had never been greedy. The final image is of a dragon.

3. Wiglaf tells the crowd how great Beowulf was at fighting.

4. The dragon was pushed off the edge of the cliff into the ocean because it was evil.

5. The Geats mourned and sung and everyone was sad during the ten day burial.

6. The Geats say that Beowulf was a kind man. It is not something you would usually call a war hero who is killing a lot of people.

Peer Feedback #1

Essay #1:

                George Eliot personified her views on “old leisure” and her “modern” leisure in two very different ways.  When describing “old leisure”, Eliot used specific diction and syntax to portray the simplicity of “old Leisure.”  On the other hand, Eliot exemplifies “modern” leisure through concise and direct examples.

                “Happy is his inability to know the causes of things, preferring the things themselves.”  This simple syntax reveals that “old leisure” find happiness not in the complicated process of understanding something, but in the object itself.”  Liking the afternoon services best, because the prayers were the shortest, and not ashamed to say so; for he had an easy, jolly conscience.”  Once again Eliot expresses her content of “old Leisure” by describing it with diction such as “shortest, easy, and jolly.”  By depicting “old leisure” in this manner, George Eliot accomplishes her goal in persuading readers to understand the once blissful experience of “old leisure”.

                When illustrating the “modern” leisure that has consumed the present, Eliot gives direct examples to portray its existence.  “Prone to excursions, art-museums, periodical literature, and exciting novels.”  These direct examples prove that “modern” leisure has become fast paced and adventurous.  From the descriptions in the latter text, this new leisure appears to be the polar opposite of “old Leisure”.

George Eliot is obviously a creative author due to the fact that she expresses her ideas through the personification of simple ideas.  Through her stimulating vocabulary and candid examples, Eliot is capable of describing a part of life that so few ever give a second thought to.

Essay #2

                In the novel Ender’s Game, written by Orson Scott Card, the author writes to a theme that addresses the social problem of youth disintegration.  Card is able to construct this theme by creating a futuristic setting that portrays characters that could possibly exist in today’s modern world.

                Ender, the main character, is a genius by the time he reaches the age of six.  Because of his extraordinary intelligence, he is stripped away from his youth and put into a galactic battle school.  Card then expresses his views on modern society by providing the novel with selfish and egotistical adults looking only to reap the benefits of destroying Ender’s innocent youth.  By doing this Card compares today’s world to that of the future in that they share the characteristic of slowly depriving away the youth of children.

                When Ender is taken to battle school, Card is merely symbolizing the fact that many of today’s children are being put into school or even labor at too young of an age.  Card wishes to see the longevity of a child’s and therefore wrote this novel.  He implies throughout the story that although it might take place far into the future, the events occurring in the novel are in actuality becoming modern events.

                Orson Scott Card wrote Ender’s Game in order to change a simple yet important part of modern society.  Although he could not directly accomplish this through a contemporary setting, Card was able to achieve his goal through a not so distant future.

Comments on socratic seminar: "The Right to Your Own Opinion"

Most of us when creating opinions first look at what we cannot even include in our train of thought. Believing that it is ok to kill someone without being punished or stealing something that is not yours and claiming it as your own are conditions that most do not agree with. But why? Rules and laws. These two simple words define the majority of opinions by human beings. But what happened before rules and laws existed? People most likely regulated their opinions by arguing about how they felt, not by what a group decided to mandate as a law. 

Also I believe it is necessary for one to look at how "the right to your own opinion" is literally written. If we decided to eradicate the entire saying and declare that "you have your opinion and I have mine", I believe society would abandon the obsession by the word "right". It seems to just add too many dimensions that people often stray from the subject at hand.

Reflections on Week 1

1. I believe that the only factor that is going to affect my participation in this class will be my extracurricular activities at school.  Because I am involved in sports, my energy might slowly decrease after time, especially since I have a very early class.  I am also very much involved in ASB, which requires my presence in many activities during school.  Although having a zero period works against me during my involvement in sports, ASB activities are often not during this period.
2. The most incredible learning experience occurred when I went to my first Special Olympics club event at the local bowling alley.  I learned how truly lucky I am to help kids and adults who society deems as "different".  In actuality these athletes turned out to be some of the most interesting people I have ever met.  They wanted nothing but respect from me, which is a characteristic most lack when interacting with the athletes.  I finally understood how much the event changed me after I reflected on it later in the day.  I was lucky enough to have a friend introduce me to the athletes in order for me to feel more comfortable around them.  It is certainly an event I plan on never forgetting.
3. In this class I am most excited about the motivation I am going to receive from Dr. Preston to do things I have never imagined.  I believe ingenuity and greatness lies within everyone, it is the spark (motivation) however, that people always seem to lack.  I am hoping that Dr. Preston will create that spark so that my accomplishments for the year will exceed even my own expectations.  This hope might not sound practical, but I believe it can certainly become a reality.

Additional Thoughts: Austen/Montaigne Essay

1. If I would have had more time I would have written about the similarities in the style of both Austen and Montaigne.  I feel that they both express their beliefs through different characters.  Austen with Elizabeth, and Montaigne with numerous well known thinkers such as Plato.  As time was cut short I also believe I did not address the question of whether or not I agreed with the statement made by David Foster Wallace.  If I would have had an appropriate amount of time I would have completely agreed to the statement made by Wallace.  Although Montaigne is courageous in his effort to try and describe his idea of the different aspects of human existence, he ultimately does not do it any justice.  One must realize that it is not his lack of writing that caused him to come up very short, but the fact that the human existence is just too robust to describe in one book.  This is what I would have written if I was given more time.
2. After I left it occurred to me that I had lacked in my essay an entire conclusion.  I feel though if I was given an adequate enough of time to finish, I would have merely reworded and tied together my points I had made throughout the essay.
3. The interruption actually jogged my thought process.  I started to think of more ideas when not concealed by four gray walls.  I felt as if it actually improved my essay.  When not confined to the grueling process of writing an essay in a small classroom, my thoughts became easier to navigate through.  I find that I am able to think better, like most, without pressure. 

Pride and Prejudice: Notes

Chapters 1-5:

• Bennet Family: Elizabeth/Jane/Lydia/Kitty/Marry
• Parents of Bennet girls: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet
• All single~Parents trying to find husband for Jane
• Mr. Bingley/sisters~new to Hertfordshire~very wealthy~Mr.Bingley seen as eligible bachelor.
• Mr. Darcy~Friend of Mr. Bingley~more wealthy then Mr. Bingley~very handsome~pride turns people away from him
• Large ball~women look for possible husband
• Jane introduced to Mr. Bingley~have two dances~Mr. Bingley sisters like her~looks good for Jane

Chapters 6-10

• Caroline Bingley invites Jane to have dinner @ Netherfield
• Jane goes by horse instead of carriage~Mrs. Bennet hopes she gets ill~stay longer @ Netherfield
• Jane does get sick~stays @ Netherfield
• Bennet family (lives @ Longbourn) hears of Jane's sickness~Elizabeth walks three miles to Netherfield
• She arrives~does not look presentable (very dirty/muddy)~Bingley sisters begin to judge her
• Darcy now feels small attraction to Elizabeth
• Everyone besides Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley insults Elizabeth behind her back
• Caroline Bingley interested in Darcy~tries making moves towards Darcy~Knows it will improve social ranking if together

Chapters: 10-23

• Jane begins to heal from her illness~Elizabeth and Jane go back to Longbourn
• Mr. Collins visits~soon to be owner of Longbourn when Mr. Bennet dies
• Mr. Collins is clergyman for Lady Catherine~has decent salary but not incredibly wealthy
• Proposes to Elizabeth~Elizabeth denies him~only wanted to marry her because help him with taking over the estate
• Mr. Collins then Proposes to Charlotte Lucas~Elizabeth's best friend~says yes
• Elizabeth meets Mr. Wickham w/sisters and Mr. Collins~Wickham is soldier/friendly/well-mannered
• Tension between Wickham and Darcy~Elizabeth sides w/Wickham
• Darcy does not give money to Wickham that Darcy's father left for Wickham~Darcy thought his father liked Wickham more then himself~Elizabeth disgusted by Darcy
• Wickham does not go to Netherfield ball~Darcy dances w/Elizabeth
• Bingley's leave for London~visit Darcy and sister (Georgiana) @ Pemberley
• Caroline wants Mr. Bingley to disregard Jane~fall for Georgiana

Chapters: 24-34

• Jane receives letter~Bingley's not returning home for winter~loses hope for marrying Mr. Bingley
• Elizabeth's aunt (Mrs. Gardiner) visits Bennets
• Charlotte invites Elizabeth to Hunsford~accepts
• Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth start becoming more friendly~maybe Darcy isn't bad person after all?
• Colonel Fitzwilliam tells Elizabeth Darcy told Mr. Bingley to not marry Jane~Elizabeth thinks poorly of Darcy once again

Chapters 35-36

• Elizabeth is stricken with different emotions for Darcy
• Darcy proposes to Elizabeth~says Darcy is terrible person for wanting to ruin her family
• Elizabeth constantly questions herself
• Every decision is basically based on social status
• Elizabeth meets with Darcy truth comes out~emotions change

Chapters 37-39

• Fitzwilliam and Darcy leave Rosing's
• Collins once again talks about marriage with Elizabeth
• Sisters talk about what they see in men~large theme within book
• Lydia/Wickham/Elizabeth have drama

Chapters 40-43

• Truth about Wickham is released~tries to get Georgianna's money
• Lydia invited by Colonel Forster to stay summer
• Darcy and Elizabeth still have a relationship
• Elizabeth visits Pemberley~Darcy's estate
• Maids talk very highly of Darcy @ Pemberley~Once again Elizabeth's mind changes

Chapters 44-47

• Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Darcy, Georgiana, and Liz have dinner @ Pemberley
• Marriage and more drama
• Miss Bingley continues to disrespect Elizabeth~Darcy defends Elizabeth
• Elizabeth hears that sister (Lydia) has left home w/Wickham~Elizabeth thinks her fault~Wickham only in it for money
• Elizabeth leaves Pemberley~Bennet tries to find Lydia

Chapters 48-51

• Lydia cannot be found~does not look good for Bennets
• Wickham and Lydia found~getting married~Wickham only cares for money~Mrs. Bennet happy
• Mrs. Bennet to buy house for couple~Mr. Bennet does not want to support couple

Chapters 52-56

• Mrs. Gardiner tells Elizabeth Darcy paid for sisters marriage
• Darcy very much likes Elizabeth
• Bingley/Darcy come home
• Elizabeth/Darcy still have feelings
• Bingley proposes to Jane~Bingley gives Bennets money

Chapters 57-61

• Lady Catherine (Darcy's aunt) wants to know if Elizabeth intends to marry Darcy~obviously does not like Elizabeth
• Mr. Bennet hears that Darcy interested in marrying Elizabeth~does not believe true
• Darcy eventually asks Mr. Bennet for Elizabeths hand
• Elizabeth sends letter to Gardiners~now married!
• Marriage is a hit in community~Lady Catherine very upset at wedding