John Greenleaf Whittier Analysis

For our poem, we chose John Greenleaf Whittier's My Playmate. The poem reflects a blossoming time in which the narrator is playing with a companion his age. The first stanza depicts the atmosphere. The atmosphere seems a bit lively and springlike. Whittier describes the various objects outside, such as birds, flowers, music, and blooming. This is an effective use of imagery used to captivate his audience.

Also in the first stanza, Whittier describes the the blossoms as falling like snow. This is a successful use of description. The narrator continues to describe the day with the companion. Use of imagery is effectively displayed in the poem. I believe Whittier used this imagery to further display the narrator's infatuation with the companion.

Throughout the poem, Whittier continuously uses balanced imagery and description throughout. My Playmate is an effective display of friendship and the relation of nature with the poem's characters. This is a typical aspect of fireside poetry and the use of Romanticism in a literary piece. Although I feel that Whittier's piece is slightly repetitive, I believe he effectively obtained the respect and entertainment of readers who enjoy the poem's point.

Longfellow Analysis

The poem I decided to analyze was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Arrow and the Song. Although the poem was short and simple, it displayed the embarking style of Romanticism in poetry. Longfellow's various poems only agree with basic Romanticist ideas in this time period. Nature, death, and companionship are typical topics found in these poems. Longfellow effectively displays the Romanticist period in literature.

The Arrow and the Song is a successful attempt at a creative piece. The piece displays standard topics and language that would be typically found in a Romanticist literary work. Longfellow depicts friendship or companionship. This can be a common subject in most literary pieces. I believe Longfellow's relation with a sustaining arrow is quite effective. Although I believe the arrow is an effective aspect of the poem, I believe the poem's length and lack of elaboration confuses some readers. Because of this, I believe the piece lacks some definitive identity. When comparing the specific poem to others in this period, the piece seems to lack originality and overall success. I believe an increase in length and description could obtain a more satisfactory response.

I also noticed that the piece was almost rushed and a bit redundant. Regardless of its length, a poem may have sufficient meaning and satisfaction. I feel that The Arrow and the Song was somewhat unsuccessful in its goal. Although I believe the poem contained various literary aspects that displayed Romanticism, the overall goal was not met. The piece reflects companionship through song and an arrow. I believe the arrow is a good aspect of the poem, and I also enjoyed the deep wording of the piece. I believe Longfellow captured the readers with his melodic structure. Although I believe some usage was effective, the piece could have been executed slightly better. Nevertheless, the poem reflects the Romanticist period in which Longfellow inhabited.

Journal #17: Bonding with Nature

I do not really know what this post should entail. I really do not know of a time where I "bonded" with nature. It is honestly kind of odd. I guess it is referring to a time when I connected with nature or something. I believe everyone has connected with nature at one point. A connection could be anything. Whether someone is just sitting outside reflecting upon life, or if someone just did something to help the environment.
I believe it is very important to imporve our environment in today's society. A lot of people in the modern world are enjoying all the eco-friendly alternatives that we have. When someone plants a tree or picks up trash, they are improving our environment. Even though these things are so minor, one is slowly improving nature and the world in which we inhabit. This is quite appropriate and significant for our time period. I really commend the people who go out of their way to improve our world. It is a really wonderful thing that we have some people who will do this.
I like to go outside and kind of reflect. I like nature and the authentic feeling of the air and the outdoors. It really helps sooth someone and I typically take advantage of this mellow feeling that the outdoors contains. I typically go on multiple walks. This allows me to reflect, yet again, and spend sometime outdoors. I also get great inspiration from nature and my surroundings. This greatly sooths me and allows me to chill out and escape the stress for a little bit of time.
Although I like nature, I only enjoy it to a certain point. I strongly dislike camping because it is pretty gross and often boring. I also dislike the surroundings and the feeling that comes out of camping. It is super uncomfortable and I really dislike it. Although I enjoy reflecting through nature, I am not a big fan of camping and extended stays outdoors.

Journal #16: My Favorite Cars

So I absolutely love cars and I enjoy the fact that I get to talk about cars in a three hundred twenty five word blog. It is pretty sweet and I quite enjoy this. I watch various shows and read about all the awesome cars being sold and driven today. I absolutely HATE American cars. I think they are atrocious and terribly built. General Motors is the worst company in the world. I cannot stand their cars. I can tolerate Ford because they are not boring, ugly, unreliable, and they do not destroy foreign car companies after they buy out a brand. Saab was almost completely destroyed by General Motors.
I love manual vehicles. I will never again drive an automatic and therefore, it shows that I enjoy coupes and sports cars. I really like Honda, Volkswagon, Toyota, Audi, etc. Currently, I drive a Toyota Celica. For its age and reduction in horsepower, it is still quite fast. It is a 5-speed, of course, and it is pretty awesome. Although it is cool, I do not think I want to keep it for too much longer. I would really enjoy a 2006-2010 Honda Civic SI. The car is pretty fast, plus they are 6-speeds. Although I really enjoy the car, I do not think I can find a more affordable one. Therefore, I would enjoy a Scion tC, or a Volkswagon GTI. They are both really cool cars but the tC is not that fast. The GTI is much faster than the tC. This is something I kind of want in a car. I do not want to street race it or anything, I just want a car that has good acceleration. But my dream car, which is completely impossible to obtain, is an Audi R8. Those cars are unbelievably fast and attractive. This car would be the ideal choice if I were a millionaire. So those are some of my favorite cars. Obviously because I enjoy cars I have a lot more favorites, but these are just a few.

Journal 15: Logic and Reason

I use logic and reason all the time. I am someone who likes to think a decision or action through. It took me about six months to prepare myself for the conversion to Vegetarianism. It was something I had to intently think about and use a large amount of logic and reason. I had to prepare myself physically and mentally. I had to get used to a new routine and diet and I could not just stop eating meat all of the sudden. With the preparation of this diet, I slowly stopped eating meat and eventually cut out every source of meat. By doing this in moderation, I prevented any sickness to myself. Vitamins and natural resources were used to obtain this new diet. Although I believe vitamins were necessary in the beginning, I have since discovered that natural vitamins are much healthier.
Driving is another subject you would use logic and reason. A driver has to be completely aware and logical. Any erratic actions or illogical choices could cost someone's life. I think it is very important to use reason and logic to judge a vehicles speed or proximity. This could help and many accidents could be avoided if the driver were to use an intelligent decision when driving. I believe many young adolescents forget to use their head when driving and making decisions. This is extremely unsafe and displays our development due to age. I believe adolescents do not have the greatest ability to use logic and reason. This is quite unfortunate but pretty common. We think in hypothetical situations but we do not use that much reason to act on these hypothetical processes.
Adolescents are not the only ones who do not use logic and reason all that much. Many adults do this as well but I spoke about adolescent instances due to my age. I believe it is much more significant when speaking about adolescents as well. I do not think that adults are typically as illogical and unreasonable then adolescents. Yes I am sometimes very illogical and naive, but I do like to use some reason. I think in hypothetical situations and my mind often wanders to the more positive aspects of life. This is a common characteristic of someone my age. I believe we are all guilty of not using reason sometimes.

Common Sense Reflection

In Thomas Paine's Common Sense piece, he speaks about society and government. His words depict the alteration of government and society. This piece is strong and informative. Paine describes government as being "... but a necessary evil [in best state] in its worst state an intolerable one" (Paine). This conveys many American's thought process on government and its prominence in society. Government is described by Paine as being "intolerable." This statement is strong for its time of publication. Government was greatly adapting and this statement only reflects many citizens objections toward Monarchy and society. The piece allowed audiences to maintain the belief that war against Britain was possible.

Many people's objections toward Monarchy and the king are depicted through Paine's piece. Paine believed that government was not tolerable and the Monarchy divided various bystanders into social classes. In the following quote, Paine describes his discontent with the Monarchy:

"Some writers have explained the English constitution thus; the king, say they, is one, the people another; the peers are an house in behalf of the king; the commons in behalf of the people; but this hath all the distinctions of an house divided against itself; and though the expressions be pleasantly arranged, yet when examined they appear idle and ambiguous; and it will always happen, that the nicest construction that words are capable of, when applied to the description of something which either cannot exist, or is too incomprehensible to be within the compass of description, will be words of sound only, and though they may amuse the ear, they cannot inform the mind, for this explanation includes a previous question, viz. How came the king by a power which the people are afraid to trust, and always obliged to check? Such a power could not be the gift of a wise people, neither can any power, which needs checking, be from God; yet the provision, which the constitution makes, supposes such a power to exist." (Paine)

"But the provision is unequal to the task; the means either cannot or will not accomplish the end, and the whole affair is a felo de se; for as the greater weight will always carry up the less, and as all the wheels of a machine are put in motion by one, it only remains to know which power in the constitution has the most weight, for that will govern; and though the others, or a part of them, may clog, or, as the phrase is, check the rapidity of its motion, yet so long as they cannot stop it, their endeavors will be ineffectual; the first moving power will at last have its way, and what it wants in speed is supplied by time." (Paine)

"That the crown is this overbearing part in the English constitution needs not be mentioned, and that it derives its whole consequence merely from being the giver of places pensions is self evident, wherefore, though we have and wise enough to shut and lock a door against absolute monarchy, we at the same time have been foolish enough to put the crown in possession of the key." (Paine)

This statement conveys the objection toward the Monarchy and the social classes. Paine believes social classes did not effectively govern society and that the United States should withdraw from such style. Paine also believes the crown was "overbearing." The piece speaks about the crown's absolute control over the bystanders. This control is ineffective and intolerable. Paine speaks about his strong discontent with an Absolute Monarchy. He believes such control should not reside in one mans hands. This response is quite significant, especially in todays society. The significance of this piece allows many to understand the unhappiness and objections toward the Monarchy and its complete control over thousands.

I completely agree with Paine's piece. I feel that his work displays the objections that many had toward the crown and Monarchy in general. This piece will also display the repercussions of acting in an absolutely controlled environment.

Paine, Thomas. "Common Sense." Common Sense, Philadelphia (1791). W. and T. Bradford. Archiving Early America, 2010. Online. 18October, 2010.

Literary Criticism Reflection

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin reflects an altering time period. This alteration did not only take place in government, it also altered the literary community and the economy. This change strongly conveys Rationalism and the disassociation from the mother country. Franklin wrote his autobiography in a narrative, yet entertaining style. Contemporary ideals and langauge were depicted throughout the prominent piece. J.A. Leo Lemay, author of Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream, stated that Franklin was "incomparably the greatest letter writer." This statement strongly reflects common opinions toward the remarkable author. Franklin, being a prominent figure in the development of the United States, used literature to persuade his audience. His thirteen virtues remain significant in the contemporary society. Remarks are often made in regards to the set of virtues.
Lemay describes The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin as one of the single most influential novels of all time. This statement is quite strong when comparing to a vast array of literary pieces. Franklins prominence is quite significant, but I believe this particular piece can be somewhat overrated. Lemay believes the piece offers "definitive formulation of the American Dream." The American Dream, as simply described by Lemay, is the rise from rags to riches. Franklin's pieces simply conveys this rise. Franklin was quite popular in early America. He often wrote about American subjects. These subjects often entailed economics, government, and social aspects of society. I believe Franklin's popularity was partly due to Rationalism. With the rise of Rationalist pieces, many Americans discovered a new form of literature and thinking. This new form allowed many Americans to embrace the developing country. Franklin, being a worthy author, used his literary pieces to persuade new ideals onto Americans. With his undoubtedly altering inventions, Franklin displayed his strong passion toward the developing society.
I do not entirely agree with Lemay's critique. Although Franklin was quite significant, I do not believe his work should be so romanticized. Franklin used a more contemporary writing style, but I believe his work was a bit overrated. Rationalism was not completely displayed through Benjamin Franklin. Various authors used this new style of writing in response to the altering society. Lemay uses to much positivity in his critique. I believe Franklin's work should be commended, but to say outright say that Franklin is "incomparably the greatest letter writer" is quite incomprehensible. I believe much more writers should fall into this narrow category. Franklin was a respectable, yet inspiring writer, but I do not agree with Lemay's statement. The response is too biased and direct. Lemay could have possibly described Franklin as a magnificent and influential writer. A statement similar to that would be more respectable and appropriate in comparison to the broad literary community. Franklin was an inspiration American writer, but his topics mainly entailed the birth and development of the United States. His pieces could also get a bit redundant after sometime. This redundancy is due to Franklin's narrow and biased pieces.
In retrospect, I believe Franklin was a very commendable author and inventor, but I believe Lemay's critique is too narrow and divided. There could be much more to say about other influential authors in this time period. My response toward the critique is strong. I believe Lemay could have executed it much better.


Lemay, J.A. Leo. "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." InThe Renaissance Man in the Eighteenth Century. Los Angeles: William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, 1978. Quoted as "Franklin's Autobiography and the American Dream." in Bloom, Harold, ed. The American Dream, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea Publishing House, 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= BLTTAD005&SingleRecord=True (accessed October 16, 2010).

Journal #14: Declaration of Vegetarianism

My perception of animal rights is quite strong. For the last three years, I have been an active participant in Peta2. By participating in this organization, I have been able to observe and persuade my opinion toward vegetarianism. After discovering the harms of chicken three years ago, I began to cut it out. In steps I started to cut out various meat products until full vegetarianism was obtained.
Throughout the two and a half years I have been a vegetarian, I have gone through criticism and definitive opinions. I, unlike other vegetarians, respect everyone's decision and opinions toward the diet choice. I do not persecute people for not partaking in a vegetarian diet, nor do I believe everyone should stop eating meat. If treated correctly, I believe the meat industry would be respectable. If animals were not abused and injected with harmful hormones, I would be content with the industry. By collapsing the meat industry, America's economy would deteriorate. This deterioration would not be acceptable, nor would I condone this.
Throughout the three years I have been a vegetarian, I have met various people and groups who all have their own reasons for the diet. Health reasons are quite common. Meat, being the hardest food to digest, is full of harmful hormones which are placed in animals to allow them to grow much faster. These hormones are so toxic that the majority of animals injected with them cannot even walk to the slaughterhouse. The animals have to be pushed off a truck where they are whipped and beaten for not walking. This brings another issue up. Animal rights, which is my main reason for the diet, is very important. Most animals are brutally tortured for not abiding their farmers. Snapping necks, whips, guns, and hormones are wrongfully used on the animals. Most mothers are completely separated from their young. They cry out and a beaten for making any abnormal noises. This is the main problem in the meat industry. I have also hear of another less common reason for the diet-Science. Science depicts evolution and the adaptations of humans throughout time. Humans are herbivores. This is a fact many people are unaware of. Our characteristics vary depending on one's diet. Although humans have the ability to eat meat, digestion is really hard. Humans have a large digestive system which lacks an acid that can easily digest meat. Carnivores can only move their mouths up and down, whereas herbivores may move their mouths up, down, left, and right. Herbivores have only two incisors for some chewing whereas carnivores have all incisors. Whether its science, animal rights, or health issues, all vegetarians have acceptable reasons for choosing that diet. Even if one does not choose a vegetarian diet, I completely respect their decision and will not be offended by it whatsoever.

Journal #13: School Spirit

I have to pretty much rewrite this entire blog because it did not save correctly. Therefore, I am probably going to forget a lot of what I had originally typed. This is quite annoying.
I think school spirit is amusing. Everyone lets loose and run around in support of their school. This is interesting and quite entertaining. By running around on Homecoming, it displays our school's support and ability to have fun. Homecoming activities are quite interesting. The different days that people dress up and wear odd school inspired things makes the day intriguing. I really enjoy the pep rally that is held on the day of the Homecoming game. The assembly displays everyone's strong school spirit. Everyone is completely energetic and enthused about the upcoming events. It is quite entertaining to watch everyone act like they are little kids. Usually something goes wrong though and their is slight chaos for sometime. I like the assembly, but I believe it needs some alterations. Last year the faculty lip sync was pretty different but this year there was not that much different. Mrs. Jenkins did a dance with her fitness classes, but I think it was a little bit too long. It was pretty good but I think it could have been shortened up a bit. I am glad the students got to do the lip sync this year. It was very interesting to see our classmates lip sync to a popular song. The Junior class definitely won that contest. I really do not know what to talk about now because I am just trying to remember what I put. I think everyone is really entertaining when they dress up and participate in Homecoming Week. It is pretty interesting and most people and staff are in a great mood. I do wish the assembly was not so censored. There are way too many rules when it comes to the assembly. I understand some safety issues but I do not think some of the banned actions are too hazardous. So I do enjoy school spirit and everyone's attitude but I think we need to change some stuff up a bit.

Journal #12: Working with a Partner

Depending on my mood, I am indifferent towards partner work. I enjoy the company and being able to relay my answers past another person, but sometimes I cannot really concentrate on my work. Im not too opposed to that idea though.
I like working with partners on certain projects. On others though, I do not really care for partner work. I like partner work in certain classes where the information is easy and not as extensive. This makes the assignment a little more enjoyable, plus when finished you can kind of talk with your partner. I enjoy this because it gives a little bit of a break in the class. Some classes I enjoy to work alone though. I like to work alone in classes where the assignment is difficult and quite extensive. It is very hard to complete a difficult assignment, typically due at the end of the class, when you are talking with a partner. I get better answers and better grades on the work without a partner. Although I do not like working with a partner on a difficult worksheet, I enjoy working with a partner on a large project. Projects are much easier to do when two or multiple people can work on it together. The work can be split so everyone is equally working on the project. I quite enjoy this because it is amusing and much easier to complete. Most people like partner work on most of the assignments in school, and I must agree with that. I like working with partners but only on certain assignments, like I stated earlier.
I do not have a lot more to say about partner work. A lot of the time, one will get in trouble for talking or not doing his or her work. This is really common and I am pretty much guilty of this as well. I believe it is sometimes disastrous to place high school students in a group together, usually on a ten or twenty point assignment. Most kids will not take the assignment seriously and will most like complain. This is just typical behavior of adolescents and I cannot argue this whatsoever. I am not opposed to the idea of partner work, but I am not completely for it. I think it would have to be done in the appropriate situation and time. It is typically not the best idea to place high school students in one group together, but I am completely cool with it.

Journal #11: Ethics/Values

I do not really have that strong of values or ethics. I have no problem with other people's values and I typically always respect what other people want to do. This is because I do not want anyone to say anything negative about my beliefs and values.
One thing I absolutely hate would have to be religion and the pressures of organized religion. I do not believe one should push their values onto someone else. This is really annoying and I do not respect this whatsoever. I do not believe in a specific organized relgion. I believe aspects of various religons can be retained and made into one's own, individual religion. This is what I follow and I do not believe anyone else has the power to push relgion upon someone else. This really angers me and I do not want to deal with this. I believe religion is contradicting and biased. This biased mentallity drives me crazy. I do not push my values and my ideals onto someone else. I also do not persecute one for their own personal belief.
Some of my ethics are pretty generic. I do not think one should lie to most people. Lying is quite ridiculous and I typically tell the truth. I usually dont lie but sometimes I slip up. This is just human nature. I also do not like spoiled people. I think it is appropriate when people have their own jobs and do not act spoiled. It is quite rude when people brag about their income and material goods. I do not respect that and I think it is really acceptable if everyone owns their own income.
So my ethics and my values are kind of generic but generally pretty common. I do not enjoy some things that people say or do. Somethings deeply annoy me but I put up with it anyways. This blog entry probably sounds really snide but I am just descring the things that really irritate me and cause me to abide by certain ideals and values.