Like naturalism, regionalism is a subset of realism. It can be used interchangeably with "local color" (Kasraie). One of its most famous authors was Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). He is viewed as one of the most important authors of regionalism, and his writing is seen as purely American in every way. His use of dialect, clothing, and customs makes it all American. This type of writing is about more than just that though. What makes a regional writing so is its clear focus on one particular location and its people. It used people who spoke, dressed, and acted as someone from the certain location would actually do so. It highlighted the true diversity of America. From the south to the north, east to west, every person is different. This is what regionalism focused on. More and more, writers who came from the south and west were beginning to gain fame. Previously, most authors had been educated and came from the East, like New York or Boston. This indicated the growth and population increase in the American West. This type of writing highlights the true diversity of America. The writer could be living in a largely German town, where his characters all eat German food, act in German customs, or talk in a German accent. This allowed people to know what people from different places were like, even if they had no idea where it actually was. Mark Twain was the first writer who wrote in American, actual American. Where others had written in English before, he chose to write in a way that was truly American, in the words he used, the actions they made, the clothing they wore, and many other ways. He wrote in vernacular, avoiding long or fancy words, as many realists did. Both naturalism and regionalism branch off of realism, and both contain many traits of realism. But only regionalism is so specific about the setting and details of the characters. This sets it apart from realism, even though both are very detail full, use vernacular, have an average character or man as the "hero", and both became popular around the same time, in the late 19th century.
Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., and Douglas Fisher. "Regionalism and Realism." Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. 488-89. Print.
Kasraie, Mary Rose. "local color." In Barney, Brett, and Lisa Paddock, eds.Encyclopedia of American Literature: The Age of Romanticism and Realism, 1816–1895, vol. 2, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAmL0634&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 8, 2011).
Thursday
Definition of Naturalism
Naturalism was very similar to realism. They both share the large attention to detail. One of the most prominent similarities was the main character or characters that were in the book or story. Both of these included characters that were mainly average people. The "average Joe" is a good way to describe it. Many of the people in these books were living of the edge of society. They both also had the goal to not only look at American life as realistically as possible, but to also probe into it and find every detail, no matter how gruesome it may be. One of the main beliefs of a naturalist author is that human life is deterministic. "Determinism is the concept that individuals are controlled by impersonal internal and or external forces" (Anderson). This is a foundation of naturalist writing. They believe that every thing that happens was going to happen no matter what, and that no matter what one does, it doesn't matter in the end. Naturalist writers tend to write about the poor and lower class or the working class. This is another difference between naturalism and realism, whereas realism is usually aimed at the middle class. This is important to naturalism, mostly because the problems of the poor is the subject of many naturalist works. They center on the daily problems faced by the poor in the big city. The hopelessness of life is written about often. Many talk about the attempt to survive, even though in the end it is fruitless. Like the Jungle by Upton Sinclair, which is a naturalist title, they try to expose the horrors of life in the big city (Wilhelm). This is the usual setting of naturalist writing. The city is also where most of the terrible things that happen to poor are located, rather than suburbia or the country side. This doesn't mean that all take place in the city of course. Naturalism could almost be viewed as an extreme form of realism.
Anderson, George Parker, Judith S. Baughman, Matthew T. Bruccoli, and Carl Rollyson. "naturalism." Encyclopedia of American Literature: Into the Modern, 1896–1945, vol. 3, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAmL1255&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 8, 2011).
Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., and Douglas Fisher. "Regionalism and Realism." Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. 492-93. Print.
Anderson, George Parker, Judith S. Baughman, Matthew T. Bruccoli, and Carl Rollyson. "naturalism." Encyclopedia of American Literature: Into the Modern, 1896–1945, vol. 3, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAmL1255&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 8, 2011).
Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., and Douglas Fisher. "Regionalism and Realism." Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. 492-93. Print.
Definition of Realism
Realism has many traits and characteristics that set it apart from any and all other periods in American literature. It spans many years throughout American history. From the early colonial period, into the early 20th century. America was not the first country to have a realist period. Many European countries, especially France, had already been producing realist works for many years. But no where else did it have such a profound affect on every day life. The literary period tailing realism, romanticism, quickly grew out of style after the Civil War. People were sick of the romantic view of life. The Civil War destroyed any romantic view of life. Many other factors also contributed to this. Poverty in large cities, such as New York, and pictures of such made romanticism a thing of the past. No longer was there such thing as an "unspoiled wilderness".
Back to the characteristics. Many of the realist works included many, meticulous even, details, seemingly unnecessary at times. The attention to the smallest detail is an important part of what makes realism realism. Many characters in realist stories speak in their own vernacular, which is another realism trait. Many authors who wrote realist titles made their hero a man who had no particular heroism. He was an average person, which was another move away from romanticism, and in turn it moved towards realism. Many realist writers attempted to use photographs, a relatively new invention, to show the world the true and unabridged world around them. They used words and pictures to expose the horrors of the big city. The crowded slums, filthy, cramped, dark, and prone to fires. The very fact that these conditions existed in America was one part of what caused a major shift from romanticism to realism. These authors and photographers caught forever the pictures of the "slum children" and "street rats" that inhabited many of the ally ways and dark corners of the city. These writings were never augmented, they were as they looked. They were not embellished or camouflaged. This is the thing that sets realism apart from any other type of writing. It is, as its name suggests, realistic. It doesn't romanticize anything, and it doesn't change any facts or the truth, even if the truth is ugly and unappealing. Many of the works of realism contained parts of human physiology, which was also a new study and science. They used this to help understand human life, and in result many of the conflicts in realist stories are something that you or someone you know could have experienced.
Barney, Brett, and Lisa Paddock. "literary realism, late 19th-century." Encyclopedia of American Literature: The Age of Romanticism and Realism, 1816–1895, vol. 2, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAmL0738&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 27, 2011).
Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., and Douglas Fisher. "Regionalism and Realism." Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. 480-94. Print.
Back to the characteristics. Many of the realist works included many, meticulous even, details, seemingly unnecessary at times. The attention to the smallest detail is an important part of what makes realism realism. Many characters in realist stories speak in their own vernacular, which is another realism trait. Many authors who wrote realist titles made their hero a man who had no particular heroism. He was an average person, which was another move away from romanticism, and in turn it moved towards realism. Many realist writers attempted to use photographs, a relatively new invention, to show the world the true and unabridged world around them. They used words and pictures to expose the horrors of the big city. The crowded slums, filthy, cramped, dark, and prone to fires. The very fact that these conditions existed in America was one part of what caused a major shift from romanticism to realism. These authors and photographers caught forever the pictures of the "slum children" and "street rats" that inhabited many of the ally ways and dark corners of the city. These writings were never augmented, they were as they looked. They were not embellished or camouflaged. This is the thing that sets realism apart from any other type of writing. It is, as its name suggests, realistic. It doesn't romanticize anything, and it doesn't change any facts or the truth, even if the truth is ugly and unappealing. Many of the works of realism contained parts of human physiology, which was also a new study and science. They used this to help understand human life, and in result many of the conflicts in realist stories are something that you or someone you know could have experienced.
Barney, Brett, and Lisa Paddock. "literary realism, late 19th-century." Encyclopedia of American Literature: The Age of Romanticism and Realism, 1816–1895, vol. 2, Revised Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EAmL0738&SingleRecord=True (accessed January 27, 2011).
Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., and Douglas Fisher. "Regionalism and Realism." Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. 480-94. Print.
Tuesday
Journal #34: How to write on the ACT
When writing on the ACT there are many things that must be considered when a score of six is your goal. First and foremost, as one of the most important things to think about, is to have a counter-argument somewhere in your essay. The highest score that can be obtained without a counter-argument is a two. Not a score that should be sought after. This element of your essay, while maybe not as important as the main body argument, is still very important, and must be remembered when writing.
Another very important gear to the great machine that is a six on the essay is that you stay on topic. If your writing takes you off on random tangents, a six will be impossible to achieve. If you are arguing for or against school uniforms, writing about your favorite music will lower your score considerably. It is a common sense thing; why would you even want to talk about anything but the subject you are talking about.
A smaller part of it, and this applies to most professional writings, you really shouldn't use contractions. It's not as major as some of the other things, but it's just some thing that you should think about.
Another critical part of a good score is good grammar. Only a few mistakes can be made before your score drops from a possible six to a five. Spelling also is included. Don't misspell words. That much is obvious. Use good grammar, and don't make stupid mistakes.
Make your introduction and conclusion strong. Make your opinion obvious and clear. Do not leave any room for guessing. Don't leave hypothetical questions unanswered. You must be through when writing.
Last, and this is another obvious one, have a good understanding of the task at hand. Know what you're writing about, of course you don't have to be an expert on the subject, but you should at least have a basic idea of what it is you're saying.
Another very important gear to the great machine that is a six on the essay is that you stay on topic. If your writing takes you off on random tangents, a six will be impossible to achieve. If you are arguing for or against school uniforms, writing about your favorite music will lower your score considerably. It is a common sense thing; why would you even want to talk about anything but the subject you are talking about.
A smaller part of it, and this applies to most professional writings, you really shouldn't use contractions. It's not as major as some of the other things, but it's just some thing that you should think about.
Another critical part of a good score is good grammar. Only a few mistakes can be made before your score drops from a possible six to a five. Spelling also is included. Don't misspell words. That much is obvious. Use good grammar, and don't make stupid mistakes.
Make your introduction and conclusion strong. Make your opinion obvious and clear. Do not leave any room for guessing. Don't leave hypothetical questions unanswered. You must be through when writing.
Last, and this is another obvious one, have a good understanding of the task at hand. Know what you're writing about, of course you don't have to be an expert on the subject, but you should at least have a basic idea of what it is you're saying.
Friday
Journal #33: Horseshoes
Springfield has many things that are original to it, from the drive in to the Cozy Dog, but none of these is more important than Abraham Lincoln. There are few areas in the country that are themed for one subject as much as Springfield is geared towards Abraham Lincoln. Even though he was not born in Springfield, not even in Illinois, he was very important to this state. There are many tourist places throughout Springfield and the surrounding area that give visitors a very good sense of what Lincoln was about. The new addition of the Abraham Lincoln museum is a perfect example of the "Lincoln fever" that has swept Springfield. New Salem, located nearby Springfield, was Abe's home after his childhood. Even though he was from Springfield, at least as the president, had he not been such an important president that changed history, he would not be nearly as famous or idolized throughout Springfield. As a Boy Scout, I know how important he is. We have an annual "Lincoln Pilgrimage", where we gather at the Lincoln Memorial. Because he is buried here, it makes him even more important. There is no other city in the world that has as many Abraham Lincoln memorials or that has such an extensive collection of Lincoln information and artifacts. He is one of the only reasons that Springfield is even known. Even though we are a state capitol, national recognition would be hard to come by. I don't know every capitol to every state, and a state as unimportant as Illinois would be forgotten if not for Lincoln (not to mention that Chicago overshadows the rest of the state). Our entire state as immortalized Mr. Lincoln in making our state motto "Land of Lincoln". There are few presidents who made such an impact on a single town, or even to the nation. Perhaps Mt. Vernon, which is in Virginia, but it would be hard to beat Springfield and Lincoln.
Wednesday
Journal #32: Memoir
It was a cold Winter's day. The thermometer read -12 degrees. I would have given anything to stay inside, but on this cold December day I had an obligation to fulfill. Today I was being made to go to the bread line downtown, where all of the homeless people went to eat. Like I said, I would have given anything, almost, to not have to go. I was woken up by my mother knocking on my door.
"Wake up Dalton! It's almost time to go."
It was only 8:00. I was still tired, and I had to wonder why I had to get up this early, on Christmas break. I didn't want to get up, but I knew if I didn't she would just come back and make me get up. I got out of bed, and limped to the bathroom to put my contacts in. I changed out of my warm pajamas into cold clothing from my dresser.
"Hurry up honey, we're leaving in five minutes." My mom called from downstairs.
"I'm coming" I yelled back. I put my shoes on and went downstairs, where my parents were waiting. We rushed out of the door and piled into the car. Of course it was freezing cold. We rode in the freezer for about fifteen minutes, until we arrived at the shelter, got out of the car, and went into the building. We passed the waiting line of homeless, shivering in the cold. They looked at my puffy coat hungrily. We went behind the serving counter, and started to prepare the food. The doors opened, letting in a frigid blast of arctic air. They filed in, and started to line up to get their food. They were in a sorry state. They wore thin jackets, gloves without fingers, and some even wore what were basically rags.
The look of happiness they gave me as I gave them food made me feel so good. I had given them hope, if not just for today. After three hours of working there we went back home, but not before going out to a restaurant to eat out. I felt bad for not wanting to go in the beginning. I went home feeling good about helping those with less fortune than I. I realized that there are many things worse than having to wake up early. I know how lucky I am now.
"Wake up Dalton! It's almost time to go."
It was only 8:00. I was still tired, and I had to wonder why I had to get up this early, on Christmas break. I didn't want to get up, but I knew if I didn't she would just come back and make me get up. I got out of bed, and limped to the bathroom to put my contacts in. I changed out of my warm pajamas into cold clothing from my dresser.
"Hurry up honey, we're leaving in five minutes." My mom called from downstairs.
"I'm coming" I yelled back. I put my shoes on and went downstairs, where my parents were waiting. We rushed out of the door and piled into the car. Of course it was freezing cold. We rode in the freezer for about fifteen minutes, until we arrived at the shelter, got out of the car, and went into the building. We passed the waiting line of homeless, shivering in the cold. They looked at my puffy coat hungrily. We went behind the serving counter, and started to prepare the food. The doors opened, letting in a frigid blast of arctic air. They filed in, and started to line up to get their food. They were in a sorry state. They wore thin jackets, gloves without fingers, and some even wore what were basically rags.
The look of happiness they gave me as I gave them food made me feel so good. I had given them hope, if not just for today. After three hours of working there we went back home, but not before going out to a restaurant to eat out. I felt bad for not wanting to go in the beginning. I went home feeling good about helping those with less fortune than I. I realized that there are many things worse than having to wake up early. I know how lucky I am now.
An Occurence at Owl Creek
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek", by Ambrose Bierce, is a work of realism in many ways. Its keen attention to detail, at times excessive, gives it an obvious sense of realism, since so many realist works include such detail. This detail comes from the meticulous description of Peyton, with the rope around his neck, the flight of soldiers at parade rest, the bridge on which the executioner and his protege wait, just to name a few of the scenes that Ambrose paints with his use of descriptive writing. Although his attention to the smallest, and seemingly unimportant, details could be seen as unnecessary, it helps the reader to visualize, in vivid detail, how it feels to be hanged, be shot at, lied to, and in the end what it feels like to die. All of these details are a calling card of a realist work.
Bierce also includes many details of Peyton's home life. His wife and children flash into his mind at one point before he is hanged. Ambrose also includes the explanation of why a man would do what Peyton did. Because he was tricked into it, the author gives the reader a reason to be sympathetic towards the executed man. His brief thought of his children and wife, possibly his last thought, before his execution also helps to build sympathy.
Bierce writes in vernacular throughout his prose. This enhances the feeling of realism in the story. It highlights the fact that Peyton, the center of focus, is just a normal guy, although maybe a little delusional. He, Bierce, doesn't try to sound fancy highly educated in his writing. He writes it as it would be said. That Bierce writes in natural vernacular is one more reason that this is a work of realism.
The story reads as if it is a non-fiction work, although it is not. Although the details may not have been the same, the background of the story, extremely patriotic saboteur takes it upon himself to help his nation by destroying something of significance gets caught and then executed, has very likely happened at some point, even during the Civil War. The Federal Army would have, almost certainly, run into other zealots who though they were defending the Southern Confederacy. Although it is rarely practiced today, and never from a bridge, there are still a select few who are executed in today's world. It is still not nearly as common place as it would have been during the Civil War and the years before. Had the Union not pardoned so many Confederates, the hangings would have been in the hundreds.
Ambrose makes few inputs and does not include any kind of narration throughout the story. There are no interruptions during the story, which, according to the book, is a characteristic of realism. This is another reason why this short story is a work of the realism literary period.
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek" is an obvious product of realism. Throughout the story the author uses an extraordinary amount of detail, has no narration or interruptions, uses natural vernacular and excludes any fancy language, could have happened at some point during the Civil War, and also excludes any thoughts that would point towards the authors point of view. All of these are characteristics of realism.
"An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge, by Ambrose Bierce; I Page 1." Page By Page Books. Read Classic Books Online, Free. 2004. Web. 19 Jan. 2011..
Bierce also includes many details of Peyton's home life. His wife and children flash into his mind at one point before he is hanged. Ambrose also includes the explanation of why a man would do what Peyton did. Because he was tricked into it, the author gives the reader a reason to be sympathetic towards the executed man. His brief thought of his children and wife, possibly his last thought, before his execution also helps to build sympathy.
Bierce writes in vernacular throughout his prose. This enhances the feeling of realism in the story. It highlights the fact that Peyton, the center of focus, is just a normal guy, although maybe a little delusional. He, Bierce, doesn't try to sound fancy highly educated in his writing. He writes it as it would be said. That Bierce writes in natural vernacular is one more reason that this is a work of realism.
The story reads as if it is a non-fiction work, although it is not. Although the details may not have been the same, the background of the story, extremely patriotic saboteur takes it upon himself to help his nation by destroying something of significance gets caught and then executed, has very likely happened at some point, even during the Civil War. The Federal Army would have, almost certainly, run into other zealots who though they were defending the Southern Confederacy. Although it is rarely practiced today, and never from a bridge, there are still a select few who are executed in today's world. It is still not nearly as common place as it would have been during the Civil War and the years before. Had the Union not pardoned so many Confederates, the hangings would have been in the hundreds.
Ambrose makes few inputs and does not include any kind of narration throughout the story. There are no interruptions during the story, which, according to the book, is a characteristic of realism. This is another reason why this short story is a work of the realism literary period.
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek" is an obvious product of realism. Throughout the story the author uses an extraordinary amount of detail, has no narration or interruptions, uses natural vernacular and excludes any fancy language, could have happened at some point during the Civil War, and also excludes any thoughts that would point towards the authors point of view. All of these are characteristics of realism.
"An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge, by Ambrose Bierce; I Page 1." Page By Page Books. Read Classic Books Online, Free. 2004. Web. 19 Jan. 2011.
Tuesday
Journal #28 Convincing Someone To Do Something
It was a cold May day. May 25th to be exact. I was sitting next to my best friend, Jimmy, when he said "Forget this. I'm not doing this. They can't make me."
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"This dumb english blog. I can't think about what to write. I mean really, trying to persuade someone to buy your favorite CD album? I can't do this."
"Come on man. It's not that hard. Just think about all the good things you like about it." I said, trying to convince him to do it.
"That's easy for you to say. I don't have a creative bone in my body. I have to use dialogue to fill up my writing. I can't even think of anything good to write."
"It's OK, you can just make up a good story to fill up the minimum amount of words." I said, going against my inner morals. You see, I've always believed that you should do your best, and never give anything less than 100 percent.
"Well, if that's how it is I guess I have to do it." Jimmy replied.
"And any way" I said, encouraged by Jimmy's sudden change of heart, "if you don't do it your grade will reflect the fact that you didn't do it."
"That was kind of redundant, don't you think?"
"Hey, I just convinced you to do this 'impossible' homework assignment. Don't make fun of my speech that you make fun of." I decided to be as obstinate as possible.
"I guess I won't then. Good bye sir. I bid you a fare day." Jim grabbed his laptop and walked out of the classroom.
'Wait, doesn't that belong to the school', I thought to myself. I forced myself to turn my attention back to the task at hand. I racked my mind, trying to find the forty or so words that I needed to reach the minimum amount. I was almost there, but I felt good that I had almost convinced a friend to do his journal. Almost. Horseshoes and hand grenades.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"This dumb english blog. I can't think about what to write. I mean really, trying to persuade someone to buy your favorite CD album? I can't do this."
"Come on man. It's not that hard. Just think about all the good things you like about it." I said, trying to convince him to do it.
"That's easy for you to say. I don't have a creative bone in my body. I have to use dialogue to fill up my writing. I can't even think of anything good to write."
"It's OK, you can just make up a good story to fill up the minimum amount of words." I said, going against my inner morals. You see, I've always believed that you should do your best, and never give anything less than 100 percent.
"Well, if that's how it is I guess I have to do it." Jimmy replied.
"And any way" I said, encouraged by Jimmy's sudden change of heart, "if you don't do it your grade will reflect the fact that you didn't do it."
"That was kind of redundant, don't you think?"
"Hey, I just convinced you to do this 'impossible' homework assignment. Don't make fun of my speech that you make fun of." I decided to be as obstinate as possible.
"I guess I won't then. Good bye sir. I bid you a fare day." Jim grabbed his laptop and walked out of the classroom.
'Wait, doesn't that belong to the school', I thought to myself. I forced myself to turn my attention back to the task at hand. I racked my mind, trying to find the forty or so words that I needed to reach the minimum amount. I was almost there, but I felt good that I had almost convinced a friend to do his journal. Almost. Horseshoes and hand grenades.
Friday
Journal #31: Daydreaming
April 10th. I looked at my alarm clock as I woke up, and realized that I had over slept. Crap. I rushed down the stairs, not bothering to eat, and flung open the door. It was raining. Crap. It took me about five minutes to arrive at school, out of breath from the half a mile jog. I ran through the doors, soaking wet, and found out that today was that special day that all juniors dread. ACT testing. I had totally forgotten. At least I had managed to make it on time.
As soon as I took me seat at my desk the bell rang. Mr. Carter handed out the testing material, and explained the rules to us. Number two pencils, forty minutes, this was the real deal. I started out with the writing part of the test. I was supposed to write about a moment in history that changed America. I was about fifteen minutes in, not making much progress, when I started to realize just how tired I was. You see, spring break was not quiet in Sunnyville Florida. A restless night had taken its toll.
I was writing my essay, or at least trying to. But I couldn't concentrate on anything. My mind started to wonder. I looked out of the window when I saw a large, lumbering tank roll by the window. What was going on? I looked around me to find that I was no longer in the classroom. I was in the middle of a snow covered forest. A man in olive drab ran past me. What's going on? I though to myself. Planes thundered above me, explosions threw up dirt and snow. Men cried out, I couldn't make out what they were yelling very well, but to me it sounded something like, "they're retreating! The Germans are retreating!" "What's going on", I tried to ask one of the American, for now I could clearly see their uniforms, but he ignored me and ran forward, toward the sound of explosions. With a jolt I was drawn back into reality.
"Fifteen minutes remaining." Announced Mr. Carter.
Crap. I though for the hundredth time. I scribbled furiously, hoping that I could do enough in the remaining time. I was wide awake now, my daydream had seen to that. On the bright side, now I know exactly what I was going to write about.
As soon as I took me seat at my desk the bell rang. Mr. Carter handed out the testing material, and explained the rules to us. Number two pencils, forty minutes, this was the real deal. I started out with the writing part of the test. I was supposed to write about a moment in history that changed America. I was about fifteen minutes in, not making much progress, when I started to realize just how tired I was. You see, spring break was not quiet in Sunnyville Florida. A restless night had taken its toll.
I was writing my essay, or at least trying to. But I couldn't concentrate on anything. My mind started to wonder. I looked out of the window when I saw a large, lumbering tank roll by the window. What was going on? I looked around me to find that I was no longer in the classroom. I was in the middle of a snow covered forest. A man in olive drab ran past me. What's going on? I though to myself. Planes thundered above me, explosions threw up dirt and snow. Men cried out, I couldn't make out what they were yelling very well, but to me it sounded something like, "they're retreating! The Germans are retreating!" "What's going on", I tried to ask one of the American, for now I could clearly see their uniforms, but he ignored me and ran forward, toward the sound of explosions. With a jolt I was drawn back into reality.
"Fifteen minutes remaining." Announced Mr. Carter.
Crap. I though for the hundredth time. I scribbled furiously, hoping that I could do enough in the remaining time. I was wide awake now, my daydream had seen to that. On the bright side, now I know exactly what I was going to write about.
Wednesday
Journal #30: Pleasant Plains Uniforms
Should we, as students in a public school, have to wear uniforms? I think the answer is obvious. Of course we should. Many hours have been wasted on trying to inform disinterested kids that you can't have spaghetti straps, or have your pants pulled down to your knees. Obviously they don't care what adults have to say. It has always been a problem in the past, and will be in the future. Rips in the jeans, inappropriate t-shirts, and too low cut shirts are all problems that require the student in question to change their attire, or go home. This is a waste of resources, both on the schools part and the students. Whether it's on purpose, or an accident, these students, many who are repeat offenders, will continue to break the dress code and wear these restricted clothing articles. If we only required students to wear uniforms, this problem would be solved. Although there may be, and most likely will be, those who still break the dress code, there would be no question of what was wrong and what was right.
And what about all of the time teens waste on trying to pick out an outfit? No longer a problem. And no longer would students have to worry about being bullied or picked on for what they wear. Everyone wears the same thing, every day. Many armies throughout history have used uniforms to great affect. Nothing looks better than a group on people with the same uniforms on. It would also give the school a sense of pride and honor. Sport teams wear uniforms every match and every practice, this is not only to identify the players of the specific teams, but also to give a sense of team to the players.
Regardless of what a school does, uniforms or no uniforms, it has been proven time and again that uniforms are a good thing to have. Eliminating the many problems that are caused by being a teen in today's America is just another bonus.
And what about all of the time teens waste on trying to pick out an outfit? No longer a problem. And no longer would students have to worry about being bullied or picked on for what they wear. Everyone wears the same thing, every day. Many armies throughout history have used uniforms to great affect. Nothing looks better than a group on people with the same uniforms on. It would also give the school a sense of pride and honor. Sport teams wear uniforms every match and every practice, this is not only to identify the players of the specific teams, but also to give a sense of team to the players.
Regardless of what a school does, uniforms or no uniforms, it has been proven time and again that uniforms are a good thing to have. Eliminating the many problems that are caused by being a teen in today's America is just another bonus.
Monday
Journal #29: Album Persuasion
American Idiot, punk rock Green Day's first attempt to create a "rock opera", is an absolutely amazing piece of work. Although it is inspired in part by The Who, they are still completely original in their work. There are consistently two polar sounds, juxtaposed , that seamlessly blends multiple sounds into a tapestry of beauty. The albums music takes you from a suburban neighborhood and a teen with major rebellion issues to the city where freedom is assured.
This is much more than just the average music album. It paints a story of rebellion, love, regret, and it binds all of these into a watertight story.
Another good thing about it is that the lyrics are easy to remember. What's more fun than singing along with your favorite song? They are not only easy to remember, but they are quite catchy. The songs also all make sense. Many of the more pop-ish songs have lyrics that make no sense, or that are totally unimaginative. The band is composed of only three people. This proves that size really does not matter. They sound amazing with only a bassist, guitarist who sings, and a drummer. They have made multiple other albums, so it's not one of the "one hit wonders" that have plagued the pop music scene.
Of course if you are not into punk type music, the music may not be for you. Even so, not all of the album is punk, or even hard rock. Much of it is very smooth and mellow, for those who like that kind of stuff.
This has less to do with the actual music, but the album booklet is just amazing, and very cool. It has certain things that tie in with the story, and it's cool that you can tell so much about the story from the booklet. The way that they wrote it is also interesting, in a good way. It looks as if someone scribbled the lyrics into a note book; this makes it seem even more in-depth, as far as the story goes.
This is much more than just the average music album. It paints a story of rebellion, love, regret, and it binds all of these into a watertight story.
Another good thing about it is that the lyrics are easy to remember. What's more fun than singing along with your favorite song? They are not only easy to remember, but they are quite catchy. The songs also all make sense. Many of the more pop-ish songs have lyrics that make no sense, or that are totally unimaginative. The band is composed of only three people. This proves that size really does not matter. They sound amazing with only a bassist, guitarist who sings, and a drummer. They have made multiple other albums, so it's not one of the "one hit wonders" that have plagued the pop music scene.
Of course if you are not into punk type music, the music may not be for you. Even so, not all of the album is punk, or even hard rock. Much of it is very smooth and mellow, for those who like that kind of stuff.
This has less to do with the actual music, but the album booklet is just amazing, and very cool. It has certain things that tie in with the story, and it's cool that you can tell so much about the story from the booklet. The way that they wrote it is also interesting, in a good way. It looks as if someone scribbled the lyrics into a note book; this makes it seem even more in-depth, as far as the story goes.
Tuesday
Journal 27: Persistence
Persistence is always a valuable trait to have. It allows you to complete tasks and get ahead in life. As many things, it has two extremes. On one end of the spectrum is pigheadedness, and an inability to compromise or accept the inevitable. One the other end is laziness, or something along those lines. This is where people cannot, or will not, complete their tasks, and give up without finishing their goal.
School is a good example of where persistence is an indispensable quality to have. Obviously you have to work hard to earn the grades that get you somewhere in life. Homework is one of the easiest, and yet largest parts of your grade. All it takes is a few hours a day, and through persistence you can assure a good future. Never giving up will get you far in life. If you stop when you're bad a something the first time you do it, or if it's not fun at first, nothing good will come of it. No matter what it is, if you keep chipping away at it, it will eventually happen.
Regardless of what it is in life, persistence will always be important. If it's not academic, then maybe its sports. You can't get far into a sport if you don't keep at it. It would be impossible to be perfect at something, or anything, the first time you try it. If you gave up the first time you realized that you weren't good at something, you would never be good at whatever it was. Practice is key when doing anything. If you never give up, life will treat you well. Whether it's high school, college, a job, or a career, no one wants to give a good grade, a job, or allow you into a high paying position in a job if you can't stick with it no matter what. Persistence is a wonderful trait to have, and not matter where you go in life, it will always be a good trait to have.
School is a good example of where persistence is an indispensable quality to have. Obviously you have to work hard to earn the grades that get you somewhere in life. Homework is one of the easiest, and yet largest parts of your grade. All it takes is a few hours a day, and through persistence you can assure a good future. Never giving up will get you far in life. If you stop when you're bad a something the first time you do it, or if it's not fun at first, nothing good will come of it. No matter what it is, if you keep chipping away at it, it will eventually happen.
Regardless of what it is in life, persistence will always be important. If it's not academic, then maybe its sports. You can't get far into a sport if you don't keep at it. It would be impossible to be perfect at something, or anything, the first time you try it. If you gave up the first time you realized that you weren't good at something, you would never be good at whatever it was. Practice is key when doing anything. If you never give up, life will treat you well. Whether it's high school, college, a job, or a career, no one wants to give a good grade, a job, or allow you into a high paying position in a job if you can't stick with it no matter what. Persistence is a wonderful trait to have, and not matter where you go in life, it will always be a good trait to have.
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