For my sophomore year of English with Mr.Howell, we did many essays and response logs related to the books we were reading in class. I started out with an okay writing fluency and learned how to include evidence and insight in our writing. When writing about Westley in Princess Bride, using evidence and insight was very essential. The fact that “Westley saved Buttercup from Inigo, Fezzik, and Vizzini” proved that “he loved Buttercup deeply”. I’ve learned that it is important to analyze what you are reading so you can have a better understanding of the story and appreciate it. I hope to become a better at realizing what the author is implying with the actions he gives his characters.
We also had to compare the Princess Bride the movie to the book, and write a short FCA about it. At first this wasn’t an easy task because you really had to understand both the movie and the book to be able to compare the slight differences. “The movie has to consider the fact that the kids will be watching it; meanwhile, a higher age group will be reading the book.” In this FCA we had to incorporate sentences that had semi-colons followed by adverbs, such as in the previous quoted sentence. We also had to include good transitional words, which really helps when you are talking about a story so the sequence of events is clear. I have improved my ability to add certain sentence types into my writing, however I would still like to approve in that area because I know I still have more room to grow.
In English class we also did a lot of essay. I started out doing alright, but I needed more fluency and I needed to do better revisions to my work. In one sentence I wrote “Although Boxer- honorable, hardworking…” and a couple sentences down I wrote “Boxer, the hardest working…”. These two uses of the description hardworking made my writing appear redundant. I learned that it is best to go through my writing and change similar words to create more variety and richness. In addition, I need to do more proofreading so I can avoid silly mistakes.
As the year progressed, I improved a significant amount. I learned how to incorporate parallel structure into my writing, and the correct use of punctuation. My sentence, “In conclusion, bringing out the students highest potential, balancing freedom, and giving each student and equal opportunity for success are really understandable goals that we should set,” is a good example of my use of parallel structure. I believe parallel structure is a good way to include multiple ideas or things into once sentence. An instance of my improvement in correct punctuation would be as follows: “Student praise is also and important issue- not just for those who do their work all the time…another issue is when teachers favor some students over others; usually students who are doing really well.” Learning how to use parallel structure and a variety of punctuation enhanced my writing, and I hope to be consistent in adding them into my writing in the future.
In English class, we learned that it was vital to be able to listen to your peers and take notes to see different opinions. When faced with the difficult question of saving 17 people you don’t know or saving your own baby, we all had different ways to look at it. Some believed that they would rather “save their own flesh and blood”, while others believes they would rather “save more people”.
10.6.09
3.6.09
Final Draft Short Story
Morgan Hunt
Final
June 2, 2009
After persuading my mother all week, days of bragging at school, two hours preparing, and with all the excitement that built up before this moment, we were finally at the haunted house.
The air nips my skin, goose bumps crawl up my arms, but I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or merely because I'm nervous. The Nantucket fog mists above our heads, an eerie blanket, if only it could be used to cover our eyes. I glance around cautiously; the fairly large crowd waiting to enter the haunted house is all in costume, from gruesome goblins to enchanting princesses. It is hard to point out people I know, even though at school they all boasted how they would be here. I remain close to the one I recognize, Lillie, in which I came here with.
Finally our time has come and we enter the forsaken house, the lights dim and flickering. A dense brume looms around us and I can only see a vague outline of my feet. I swear I can almost feel my pulse going through my veins. We are led farther in, walls with cobwebs surround us, and we pass an old rotting coffin, with what seems to be the remains of some dead bride.
"Gross!" Lillie whispers in my ear. I jump. Her voice startled me, and I keep my head down, embarrassed that such a thing would scare me at my tall age of six. I should be brave and bold, nothing in this house should scare me, I am strong and big, I am invincible, although inside I feel as timid as a field mouse caught in a lions paw.
In front of us, stretches two options: a left hallway and a right hallway. Lillie and I both turn left. We walk by a table that is arranged with what seems to be a sullied skull, jars of body parts like eyes and ears, noses, and different sizes of fingers. As I brush by, trying my hardest to hold a straight stern face, walking ever so slowly, calm as I can be, determined to hold my poise, something from under the table grabs my ankle. I scream. Jolting towards Lillie, I claim that I didn't want to lose her in the mist, for I knew if I did she would have nightmares later. She believes the quick lie, and I proceed in acting as if I can handle the world.
We were brought to a set of stairs, going down into what I assumed was the basement; the last place I would want to be. My first step down replies with a piercing screech from the creaky wooden stairs, and I wince. I feel as though the boards beneath me are going to break, so I hold my breath on my way down. The thick haze clouds my vision, and not far off can I hear a simple, soft, yet direful croon. I follow the chants, into another dim room which has three tall figures in it, hovering about a vast cauldron. As soon as they hear us enter the room, they turn around ending their harmony with deep devilish laughs.
"How are you darlings?" Says the tall one, her voice low yet thunderous.
No one replies, instead we all stare at the three witches with eyes of fear and wonder. I try to subtly hide behind Lillie without her noticing. She doesn't, but one of the witches does and calls me out on it.
"Are you afraid my child?" The witch asks shakily.
I shake my head no, and pray she leaves me alone. All I hope to do is get out of this house alive, nothing more and nothing less.
"Oh really?" she inquires. "Than how about you come over here little one, if you are so brave. Come stand next to our great big pot; maybe even stir it if you like."
I hesitate, and suddenly I realize all eyes are on me. My heart pounds profusely, pulsating through my skin. I don't want to go over near those witches, but at the same time I don't want to seem like a weakling.
"Oh come here darling, we won’t bite.” She insists.
I slowly begin to make my way over to them, my hands trembling. They tell everyone about their new recipe, how it will make them live forever, and how happy they are that they have found their last ingredient: a little girl. Thoughts race through my mind, could they be referring to me? Wasn't this supposed to be a pretend haunted house? What are they going to do!? The tallest witch strokes my hair, glances down and asks me "Are you proud to be such an important little morsel?" Peeking up at her with eyes of apprehension, her laugh pervades the room, and I feel as if its impiety has passed through my bones. I wish only that god could save me from this horrific lady.
Before I have much time to think, we are heading up the same stairs we went down, and we are leaving out the back door. A big air of relief comes over me and I realize that maybe it was all just pretend. That maybe I over reacted, and maybe, just maybe they really weren't going to use me in their recipe. My heart slows down back to normal, and Lillie tells me how brave she thought I was, and how she would have cried. I tell her it was nothing, though inside I knew it took all my might to try to stay calm. I knew really that if I had the chance, if it wasn't for the embarrassment, that I would have gladly ran away screaming, never turning back.
Final
June 2, 2009
After persuading my mother all week, days of bragging at school, two hours preparing, and with all the excitement that built up before this moment, we were finally at the haunted house.
The air nips my skin, goose bumps crawl up my arms, but I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or merely because I'm nervous. The Nantucket fog mists above our heads, an eerie blanket, if only it could be used to cover our eyes. I glance around cautiously; the fairly large crowd waiting to enter the haunted house is all in costume, from gruesome goblins to enchanting princesses. It is hard to point out people I know, even though at school they all boasted how they would be here. I remain close to the one I recognize, Lillie, in which I came here with.
Finally our time has come and we enter the forsaken house, the lights dim and flickering. A dense brume looms around us and I can only see a vague outline of my feet. I swear I can almost feel my pulse going through my veins. We are led farther in, walls with cobwebs surround us, and we pass an old rotting coffin, with what seems to be the remains of some dead bride.
"Gross!" Lillie whispers in my ear. I jump. Her voice startled me, and I keep my head down, embarrassed that such a thing would scare me at my tall age of six. I should be brave and bold, nothing in this house should scare me, I am strong and big, I am invincible, although inside I feel as timid as a field mouse caught in a lions paw.
In front of us, stretches two options: a left hallway and a right hallway. Lillie and I both turn left. We walk by a table that is arranged with what seems to be a sullied skull, jars of body parts like eyes and ears, noses, and different sizes of fingers. As I brush by, trying my hardest to hold a straight stern face, walking ever so slowly, calm as I can be, determined to hold my poise, something from under the table grabs my ankle. I scream. Jolting towards Lillie, I claim that I didn't want to lose her in the mist, for I knew if I did she would have nightmares later. She believes the quick lie, and I proceed in acting as if I can handle the world.
We were brought to a set of stairs, going down into what I assumed was the basement; the last place I would want to be. My first step down replies with a piercing screech from the creaky wooden stairs, and I wince. I feel as though the boards beneath me are going to break, so I hold my breath on my way down. The thick haze clouds my vision, and not far off can I hear a simple, soft, yet direful croon. I follow the chants, into another dim room which has three tall figures in it, hovering about a vast cauldron. As soon as they hear us enter the room, they turn around ending their harmony with deep devilish laughs.
"How are you darlings?" Says the tall one, her voice low yet thunderous.
No one replies, instead we all stare at the three witches with eyes of fear and wonder. I try to subtly hide behind Lillie without her noticing. She doesn't, but one of the witches does and calls me out on it.
"Are you afraid my child?" The witch asks shakily.
I shake my head no, and pray she leaves me alone. All I hope to do is get out of this house alive, nothing more and nothing less.
"Oh really?" she inquires. "Than how about you come over here little one, if you are so brave. Come stand next to our great big pot; maybe even stir it if you like."
I hesitate, and suddenly I realize all eyes are on me. My heart pounds profusely, pulsating through my skin. I don't want to go over near those witches, but at the same time I don't want to seem like a weakling.
"Oh come here darling, we won’t bite.” She insists.
I slowly begin to make my way over to them, my hands trembling. They tell everyone about their new recipe, how it will make them live forever, and how happy they are that they have found their last ingredient: a little girl. Thoughts race through my mind, could they be referring to me? Wasn't this supposed to be a pretend haunted house? What are they going to do!? The tallest witch strokes my hair, glances down and asks me "Are you proud to be such an important little morsel?" Peeking up at her with eyes of apprehension, her laugh pervades the room, and I feel as if its impiety has passed through my bones. I wish only that god could save me from this horrific lady.
Before I have much time to think, we are heading up the same stairs we went down, and we are leaving out the back door. A big air of relief comes over me and I realize that maybe it was all just pretend. That maybe I over reacted, and maybe, just maybe they really weren't going to use me in their recipe. My heart slows down back to normal, and Lillie tells me how brave she thought I was, and how she would have cried. I tell her it was nothing, though inside I knew it took all my might to try to stay calm. I knew really that if I had the chance, if it wasn't for the embarrassment, that I would have gladly ran away screaming, never turning back.
29.5.09
draft two
Morgan Hunt
Draft 2
May 29, 2009
After persuading my mother all week, days of bragging at school, two hours preparing, and with all the excitement that built up before this moment, we were finally at the haunted house.
The air nips my skin, goose bumps crawl up my arms, but I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or merely because I'm nervous. The Nantucket fog mists above our heads, and eerie blanket, if only it could be used to cover our eyes. I glance around cautiously; the fairly large crowd waiting to enter the haunted house is all in costume, from gruesome goblins to enchanting princesses. It is hard to point out people I know, even though at school they all boasted how they would be here. However, I stand close to the one I recognize, Lillie, in which I came here with.
Finally our time has come and we enter the forsaken house. A dense brume looms around us and I can only see a vague outline of my feet. The lights are dim and flickering, I swear I can almost feel my pulse going through my veins. We are led farther in, walls with cobwebs surround us, and we pass an old rotting coffin, with what seems to be the remains of some dead bride.
"Gross!" Lillie whispers in my ear. I jump. Her voice startled me, and I keep my head down, embarrassed that such a thing would scare me at my tall age of six. I should be brave and bold, nothing in this house should scare me, I am strong and big, I am invincible, although inside I feel as timid as a field mouse caught in a lions paw.
In front of us, stretches two options: a left hallway and a right hallway. Lillie and I both turn left. We walk by a table that is arranged with what seems to be a sullied skull, jars of body parts like eyes and ears, noses, and different sizes of fingers. As I brush by, trying my hardest to hold a straight stern face, walking ever so slowly, calm as I can be, determined to hold my poise, something from under the table grabs my ankle. I scream. Jolting towards Lillie, I claim that I didn't want to lose her in the mist, for I knew if I did she would have nightmares later. She believes the quick lie, and I proceed in acting as if I can handle the world.
We were brought to a set of stairs, going down into what I assumed was the basement; the last place I would want to be. My first step down replies with a piercing screech from the creaky wooden stairs, and I wince. I feel as though the boards beneath me are going to break, so I hold my breath on my way down. The thick haze clouds my vision, and not far off can I hear a simple, soft, yet direful croon. I follow the chants, into another dim room which has three tall figures in it, hovering about a large cauldron. As soon as they hear us enter the room, they turn around ending their harmony with deep devilish laughs.
"How are you darlings?" Says the tall one, her voice low yet thunderous.
No one replies, instead we all stare at the three witches with eyes of fear and wonder. I try to subtly hide behind Lillie without her noticing. She doesn't, but one of the witches does and calls me out on it.
"Are you afraid my child?" The witch asks shakily.
I nod my head no, and pray she leaves me alone. All I hope to do is get out of this house alive, nothing more and nothing less.
"Oh really?" she inquires. "Than how about you come over here little one, if you are so brave. Come stand next to our great big pot; maybe even stir it if you like."
I hesitate, and suddenly I realize all eyes are on me. My heart is beating through my skin, I don't want to go over near those witches but at the same time I don't want to seem like a weakling.
"Oh come here darling, we won’t bite.” She insists.
I slowly begin to make my way over to them, my hands trembling. They tell everyone about their new recipe, how it will make them live forever, and how happy they are that they have found their last ingredient; a little girl. Thoughts race through my mind, could they be referring to me? Wasn't this supposed to be a pretend haunted house? What are they going to do!? The tallest witch strokes my hair, glances down at me and informs me "Are you proud to be such an important little morsel?" She laughs a wicked laugh, and I wish only that god could save me from this horrific lady.
Before I have much time to think, we are heading up the same stairs we went down, and we are leaving out the back door. A big air of relief comes over me and I realize that maybe it was all just pretend. That maybe I over reacted, and maybe, just maybe they really weren't going to use me in their recipe. My heart slows down back to normal tempo and Lillie tells me how brave she thought I was, and how she would have cried. I tell her it was nothing, though inside I knew it took all my might to try to stay calm. I knew really that if I had the chance, if it wasn't for the embarrassment, that I would have gladly ran away screaming, never turning back.
Draft 2
May 29, 2009
After persuading my mother all week, days of bragging at school, two hours preparing, and with all the excitement that built up before this moment, we were finally at the haunted house.
The air nips my skin, goose bumps crawl up my arms, but I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or merely because I'm nervous. The Nantucket fog mists above our heads, and eerie blanket, if only it could be used to cover our eyes. I glance around cautiously; the fairly large crowd waiting to enter the haunted house is all in costume, from gruesome goblins to enchanting princesses. It is hard to point out people I know, even though at school they all boasted how they would be here. However, I stand close to the one I recognize, Lillie, in which I came here with.
Finally our time has come and we enter the forsaken house. A dense brume looms around us and I can only see a vague outline of my feet. The lights are dim and flickering, I swear I can almost feel my pulse going through my veins. We are led farther in, walls with cobwebs surround us, and we pass an old rotting coffin, with what seems to be the remains of some dead bride.
"Gross!" Lillie whispers in my ear. I jump. Her voice startled me, and I keep my head down, embarrassed that such a thing would scare me at my tall age of six. I should be brave and bold, nothing in this house should scare me, I am strong and big, I am invincible, although inside I feel as timid as a field mouse caught in a lions paw.
In front of us, stretches two options: a left hallway and a right hallway. Lillie and I both turn left. We walk by a table that is arranged with what seems to be a sullied skull, jars of body parts like eyes and ears, noses, and different sizes of fingers. As I brush by, trying my hardest to hold a straight stern face, walking ever so slowly, calm as I can be, determined to hold my poise, something from under the table grabs my ankle. I scream. Jolting towards Lillie, I claim that I didn't want to lose her in the mist, for I knew if I did she would have nightmares later. She believes the quick lie, and I proceed in acting as if I can handle the world.
We were brought to a set of stairs, going down into what I assumed was the basement; the last place I would want to be. My first step down replies with a piercing screech from the creaky wooden stairs, and I wince. I feel as though the boards beneath me are going to break, so I hold my breath on my way down. The thick haze clouds my vision, and not far off can I hear a simple, soft, yet direful croon. I follow the chants, into another dim room which has three tall figures in it, hovering about a large cauldron. As soon as they hear us enter the room, they turn around ending their harmony with deep devilish laughs.
"How are you darlings?" Says the tall one, her voice low yet thunderous.
No one replies, instead we all stare at the three witches with eyes of fear and wonder. I try to subtly hide behind Lillie without her noticing. She doesn't, but one of the witches does and calls me out on it.
"Are you afraid my child?" The witch asks shakily.
I nod my head no, and pray she leaves me alone. All I hope to do is get out of this house alive, nothing more and nothing less.
"Oh really?" she inquires. "Than how about you come over here little one, if you are so brave. Come stand next to our great big pot; maybe even stir it if you like."
I hesitate, and suddenly I realize all eyes are on me. My heart is beating through my skin, I don't want to go over near those witches but at the same time I don't want to seem like a weakling.
"Oh come here darling, we won’t bite.” She insists.
I slowly begin to make my way over to them, my hands trembling. They tell everyone about their new recipe, how it will make them live forever, and how happy they are that they have found their last ingredient; a little girl. Thoughts race through my mind, could they be referring to me? Wasn't this supposed to be a pretend haunted house? What are they going to do!? The tallest witch strokes my hair, glances down at me and informs me "Are you proud to be such an important little morsel?" She laughs a wicked laugh, and I wish only that god could save me from this horrific lady.
Before I have much time to think, we are heading up the same stairs we went down, and we are leaving out the back door. A big air of relief comes over me and I realize that maybe it was all just pretend. That maybe I over reacted, and maybe, just maybe they really weren't going to use me in their recipe. My heart slows down back to normal tempo and Lillie tells me how brave she thought I was, and how she would have cried. I tell her it was nothing, though inside I knew it took all my might to try to stay calm. I knew really that if I had the chance, if it wasn't for the embarrassment, that I would have gladly ran away screaming, never turning back.
26.5.09
english short story.
After persuading my mother all week, days of bragging at school, two hours preparing, and with all the excitement that built up in the time before this moment, we were finally at the haunted house.
The air nips my skin, goose bumps crawl up my arms, but I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or merely because I'm nervous. The Nantucket fog mists above our heads, and eerie blanket, if only it could be used to cover our eyes. I glance around cautiously; the fairly large crowd waiting to enter the haunted house is all covered in costumes, from scary goblins to pink princesses. It is hard to point out people I know, (even though at school they all boasted how they would be here) however I stand close to the one I recognize, Lillie, in which I came here with.
Finally our time has come and we enter the forsaken house. A dense brume looms around us and I can only see a vague outline of my feet. The lights are dim and flickering, I swear I can almost feel my pulse going through my veins. We are led farther in, walls with cobwebs surround us, and we pass an old rotting coffin, with what seems to be the remains of some dead bride.
"Gross!" Lillie whispers in my ear. I jump. Her voice startled me, and I keep my head down, embarrassed that such a thing would scare me at my tall age of six. I should be brave and bold, nothing in this house could scare me, I am strong and big, I am invincible, although inside I feel as timid as a field mouse caught in a lions paw.
In front of us, are a left hallway and a right hallway, in which we choose our own direction. Lillie and I both turn left. We walk by a table that is arranged with what seems to be a sullied skull, jars of body parts like eyes and ears, noses, and different sizes of fingers. As I brush by, trying my hardest to hold a straight stern face, something from under the table grabs my ankle. I scream. Jolting towards Lillie, I claim that I didn't want to lose her in the mist, for I knew if I did she would have nightmares later. She believes the quick lie, and I proceed in acting as if I can handle the world.
We were brought to a set of stairs, going down into what I assumed was the basement; the last place I would want to be. My first step down is replied with a piercing screech from the creaky wooden stairs, and I wince. I feel as though the boards beneath me are going to break, so I hold my breath on my way down. The haze is thicker down here, and not far off can I hear a simple, soft, yet direful croon. I follow the chants, into another dim room which has three tall figures in it, hovering around a large cauldron. As soon as they hear us enter the room, they turn around ending their chants with deep devilish laughs.
"How are you darlings?" Says the tall one, her voice low yet thunderous.
No one replies, instead we all stare at the three witches with eyes of fear and wonder. I try to subtly hide behind Lillie without her noticing. She doesn't, but one of the witches does and calls me out on it.
"Are you afraid my child?" The witch asks shakily.
I nod my head no, and pray she leaves me alone. All I hope to do is get out of this house alive, nothing more and nothing less.
"Oh really?" she inquires. "Then how about you come over here little pretty, if you are so brave. Come stand next to our great big pot, maybe even stir it if you like."
I hesitate, and suddenly I realize all eyes are on me. My heart is beating through my skin, I don't want to go over near those witches but at the same time I don't want to seem like a weakling.
"Oh come here darling, we won’t bite.” She insists.
I slowly begin to make my way over to them, my hands trembling. They tell everyone about their new recipe, how it will make them live forever, and how happy they are that they have found their last ingredient; a little girl. My thoughts are racing, could they be referring to me? Wasn't this supposed to be a pretend haunted house? What are they going to do!? The tallest witch strokes my hair, glances down at me and informs me "Are you proud to be such an important little morsel?" She laughs a wicked laugh, and I wish only that god could save me from this terrible lady.
Before I have much time to think, we are heading up the same stairs we went down, and we are leaving out the back door. A big air of relief comes over me and I realize that maybe it was all just pretend. That maybe I over reacted, and maybe, just maybe they really weren't going to use me in their recipe. My heart slows down back to normal tempo and Lillie tells me how brave she thought I was, and how she would have cried. I tell her it was nothing, though inside I knew it took all my might to try to stay calm. I knew really that if I had the chance, if it wasn't for the embarrassment, that I would have gladly ran away screaming, never turning back.
The air nips my skin, goose bumps crawl up my arms, but I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or merely because I'm nervous. The Nantucket fog mists above our heads, and eerie blanket, if only it could be used to cover our eyes. I glance around cautiously; the fairly large crowd waiting to enter the haunted house is all covered in costumes, from scary goblins to pink princesses. It is hard to point out people I know, (even though at school they all boasted how they would be here) however I stand close to the one I recognize, Lillie, in which I came here with.
Finally our time has come and we enter the forsaken house. A dense brume looms around us and I can only see a vague outline of my feet. The lights are dim and flickering, I swear I can almost feel my pulse going through my veins. We are led farther in, walls with cobwebs surround us, and we pass an old rotting coffin, with what seems to be the remains of some dead bride.
"Gross!" Lillie whispers in my ear. I jump. Her voice startled me, and I keep my head down, embarrassed that such a thing would scare me at my tall age of six. I should be brave and bold, nothing in this house could scare me, I am strong and big, I am invincible, although inside I feel as timid as a field mouse caught in a lions paw.
In front of us, are a left hallway and a right hallway, in which we choose our own direction. Lillie and I both turn left. We walk by a table that is arranged with what seems to be a sullied skull, jars of body parts like eyes and ears, noses, and different sizes of fingers. As I brush by, trying my hardest to hold a straight stern face, something from under the table grabs my ankle. I scream. Jolting towards Lillie, I claim that I didn't want to lose her in the mist, for I knew if I did she would have nightmares later. She believes the quick lie, and I proceed in acting as if I can handle the world.
We were brought to a set of stairs, going down into what I assumed was the basement; the last place I would want to be. My first step down is replied with a piercing screech from the creaky wooden stairs, and I wince. I feel as though the boards beneath me are going to break, so I hold my breath on my way down. The haze is thicker down here, and not far off can I hear a simple, soft, yet direful croon. I follow the chants, into another dim room which has three tall figures in it, hovering around a large cauldron. As soon as they hear us enter the room, they turn around ending their chants with deep devilish laughs.
"How are you darlings?" Says the tall one, her voice low yet thunderous.
No one replies, instead we all stare at the three witches with eyes of fear and wonder. I try to subtly hide behind Lillie without her noticing. She doesn't, but one of the witches does and calls me out on it.
"Are you afraid my child?" The witch asks shakily.
I nod my head no, and pray she leaves me alone. All I hope to do is get out of this house alive, nothing more and nothing less.
"Oh really?" she inquires. "Then how about you come over here little pretty, if you are so brave. Come stand next to our great big pot, maybe even stir it if you like."
I hesitate, and suddenly I realize all eyes are on me. My heart is beating through my skin, I don't want to go over near those witches but at the same time I don't want to seem like a weakling.
"Oh come here darling, we won’t bite.” She insists.
I slowly begin to make my way over to them, my hands trembling. They tell everyone about their new recipe, how it will make them live forever, and how happy they are that they have found their last ingredient; a little girl. My thoughts are racing, could they be referring to me? Wasn't this supposed to be a pretend haunted house? What are they going to do!? The tallest witch strokes my hair, glances down at me and informs me "Are you proud to be such an important little morsel?" She laughs a wicked laugh, and I wish only that god could save me from this terrible lady.
Before I have much time to think, we are heading up the same stairs we went down, and we are leaving out the back door. A big air of relief comes over me and I realize that maybe it was all just pretend. That maybe I over reacted, and maybe, just maybe they really weren't going to use me in their recipe. My heart slows down back to normal tempo and Lillie tells me how brave she thought I was, and how she would have cried. I tell her it was nothing, though inside I knew it took all my might to try to stay calm. I knew really that if I had the chance, if it wasn't for the embarrassment, that I would have gladly ran away screaming, never turning back.
29.3.09
Final
Beans: When a plant blossoms it produces a seed filled bean pod. The seeds are then used for planting more bean plants or the beans are eaten for a healthy source of nourishment.
Although to some people, beans are just another thing you would find on the dinner table, they can symbolize things with much more meaning. Through out the novel The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, several refrences are made to beans that make the reader relate beans to life situations and relationships.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given care and attention, it can sprout into a thriving plant. The fact that Turtle's first word is "bean" is significant to the story. Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and encouragement, Turtle begins growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and beginning to understand the people around her. With Taylor in Turtle's life, Taylor was able to reverse Turtle's condition of "failure to thrive" (9fsjkfljsdklfjsd). Like bean vines, Turtle clings on to anything near her, holding on to what she can. It proves that support is needed for anything to grow and flourish, whether it be beans or children.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can survive regardless of their surroundings (as long as they have the things they need). In the back of Mattie's yard, filled with old car parts, "the purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Another example would the be bean vines growing at the ugly Dog Doo Park. If a person has the right persistance and a good head on their sholders they can progess and become successful no matter what kind of town they grow up in. Taylor is a good example of this: she becamse more successfull and more motivated than anyone in her town.
Overall, I believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
Although to some people, beans are just another thing you would find on the dinner table, they can symbolize things with much more meaning. Through out the novel The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, several refrences are made to beans that make the reader relate beans to life situations and relationships.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given care and attention, it can sprout into a thriving plant. The fact that Turtle's first word is "bean" is significant to the story. Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and encouragement, Turtle begins growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and beginning to understand the people around her. With Taylor in Turtle's life, Taylor was able to reverse Turtle's condition of "failure to thrive" (9fsjkfljsdklfjsd). Like bean vines, Turtle clings on to anything near her, holding on to what she can. It proves that support is needed for anything to grow and flourish, whether it be beans or children.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can survive regardless of their surroundings (as long as they have the things they need). In the back of Mattie's yard, filled with old car parts, "the purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Another example would the be bean vines growing at the ugly Dog Doo Park. If a person has the right persistance and a good head on their sholders they can progess and become successful no matter what kind of town they grow up in. Taylor is a good example of this: she becamse more successfull and more motivated than anyone in her town.
Overall, I believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
27.3.09
Draft Two
Beans: When a plant blossoms it produces a seed filled bean pod. The seeds are then used for planting more bean plants or the beans are eaten for a healthy source of nourishment.
Although to some people, beans are just another thing you would find on the dinner table, they can symbolize things with much more meaning. Through out the novel The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, several refrences are made to beans that make the reader relate beans to life situations and relationships.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given care and attention, it can sprout into a thriving plant. The fact that Turtle's first word is "bean" is significant to the story. Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and encouragement, Turtle began growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and beginning to understand the people around her. With Taylor in Turtle's life, Taylor was able to reverse Turtle's condition of "failure to thrive" (9fsjkfljsdklfjsd). Like bean vines, Turtle clings on to anything near her, holding on to what she can. It proves that support is needed for anything to grow and flourish, whether it be beans or children.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can survive regardless of their surroundings (as long as they have the things they need). In the back of Mattie's yard, filled with old car parts, "the purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Another example would the be bean vines growing at the ugly Dog Doo Park. If a person has the right determination and a good head on their sholders they can progess and become successful no matter what kind of town they grow up in. Taylor is a good example of this: she becamse more successfull and more motivated than anyone in her town.
Overall, i believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
Although to some people, beans are just another thing you would find on the dinner table, they can symbolize things with much more meaning. Through out the novel The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, several refrences are made to beans that make the reader relate beans to life situations and relationships.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given care and attention, it can sprout into a thriving plant. The fact that Turtle's first word is "bean" is significant to the story. Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and encouragement, Turtle began growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and beginning to understand the people around her. With Taylor in Turtle's life, Taylor was able to reverse Turtle's condition of "failure to thrive" (9fsjkfljsdklfjsd). Like bean vines, Turtle clings on to anything near her, holding on to what she can. It proves that support is needed for anything to grow and flourish, whether it be beans or children.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can survive regardless of their surroundings (as long as they have the things they need). In the back of Mattie's yard, filled with old car parts, "the purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Another example would the be bean vines growing at the ugly Dog Doo Park. If a person has the right determination and a good head on their sholders they can progess and become successful no matter what kind of town they grow up in. Taylor is a good example of this: she becamse more successfull and more motivated than anyone in her town.
Overall, i believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
Draft One
Although they're just beans, they symbolize things with much more meaning, and that is just how Kingsolver uses them in the novel The Bean Trees. Throughout the story, several refrences to beans are made.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given love and care, it can sprout into a thriving plant. Turtles first word was "bean". Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and affections, Turtle began growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and understanding the people around her.
Like people, beans can't just thrive anywhere though; they need to be in the right environment to support them throughout their growth. People need others to help them throughout their life. Turtle needs Taylor, and Taylor also needs Turtle although she may not realize it.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can thrive while everything surrounding them are not so beautiful; as if the beans are a miracle. In the back of Mattie's yard "The purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Taylor, decided she was better than anything she could find her town, and decided to do something about it. Like the beans, Taylor became something thriving compared to the rest of the people around her.
Overall, i believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
When a small, hard shelled seed is given love and care, it can sprout into a thriving plant. Turtles first word was "bean". Growing up with harsh conditions of neglet and abuse, Turtle is a small, closed off child. Like a bean given love and affections, Turtle began growing up like a normal little girl, learning to speak and understanding the people around her.
Like people, beans can't just thrive anywhere though; they need to be in the right environment to support them throughout their growth. People need others to help them throughout their life. Turtle needs Taylor, and Taylor also needs Turtle although she may not realize it.
Beans are also a symbol of how beautiful things can thrive while everything surrounding them are not so beautiful; as if the beans are a miracle. In the back of Mattie's yard "The purple beans appeared to go trooping down the block, climbing over anytyhing in their path" (Kingsolver 61). Taylor, decided she was better than anything she could find her town, and decided to do something about it. Like the beans, Taylor became something thriving compared to the rest of the people around her.
Overall, i believe the beans give the promise that no matter what happens, no matter how bad any situation or surrounding is, that with love, care, and determination you can turn anything into something beaufitul and thriving.
25.3.09
The Bean Trees
The Bean Trees, title of the book, now the chapter title. Even a spotted pig looks black at night. I'm not sure what that means. When Lou Ann comes back from Angel's family reunion, she decides they'r all nicer than Angel. At Roosevelt park, Turtle points out that the wisteria flowers were sprouting beans, and she says "Bean Trees". Lou Ann apparntly doesnt go into Lee Sing's Market; she believes Lee Sing is mad. However, Lee Sing leaves a sign saying "Be back one minute, please do not steal anything. Lee Sing." as if that sign would really stop anyone. Turns out Edna Poppy is blind; it explains why she always wears red, why she is smelling the tissues instead of reading the scent, why people are always anounced to her when they walk into the room, and why she needed to know if she had a lime or a lemon. This bothers Lou Ann, because Edna has babysat her baby, Dwayne Ray.
Surpsingly, to me at least, Taylor goes to visit Esperanza. Esperanza stays rather quiet throughout the visit, which makes sense. I can't really picture her being a talkative person, after everything shes lived through. She compliments her name, which she finds out means wait and hope; ironic because Esperanza should just wait things out, but she doesnt and tries to kill herself, and hope because she should remain hopeful, but she doesnt. She reminds her that Estevan is crazy about her, hoping that will make her feel better.
Lou Ann is offended, as she tells Taylor about her job interviews. A man intervied her, calling her sweatheart and talking to her boobs more than her face. Lou Ann dresed up for it, wearing a nice skirt, blouse and pumps.
Taylor tells Lou Ann that just because she doesn't like Fanny Heaven means she has to ignore it. Taylor tells her that she should get angry. When asked how she never lets someone put one over on her, Taylor replies with "Nutter School" (202) .
Surpsingly, to me at least, Taylor goes to visit Esperanza. Esperanza stays rather quiet throughout the visit, which makes sense. I can't really picture her being a talkative person, after everything shes lived through. She compliments her name, which she finds out means wait and hope; ironic because Esperanza should just wait things out, but she doesnt and tries to kill herself, and hope because she should remain hopeful, but she doesnt. She reminds her that Estevan is crazy about her, hoping that will make her feel better.
Lou Ann is offended, as she tells Taylor about her job interviews. A man intervied her, calling her sweatheart and talking to her boobs more than her face. Lou Ann dresed up for it, wearing a nice skirt, blouse and pumps.
Taylor tells Lou Ann that just because she doesn't like Fanny Heaven means she has to ignore it. Taylor tells her that she should get angry. When asked how she never lets someone put one over on her, Taylor replies with "Nutter School" (202) .
Ismene
This chapter begins with Esperanza trying to kill herself. The ironic thing is that it was with a bottle of baby asprin, as we later learn that she lost her baby. It is almost as if she is so upset about losing her baby that she decides to kill herself with someone resembling her baby. Estevan makes it sound like its something that happens often.
Estevan and Taylor spend a lot of time together in this chapter, and i'm not sure what to think of it. its clear how attracted Taylor is to Estevan and it makes me uncomfortable on the count of Taylor has never really likes anyone, and Estevan has a wife. I know nothing would happen but it just is confusing. Taylor tells Estevan about being a Nutter and the system they went by. Estevan compares it to the caste system. Estevan tells Taylor about the abuse in Guatemala. Taylor realizes her life wasnt so bad. Turns out Esperanze found Turtle so interesting because Ismene, her childs name, was taken from her. They chose saving 17 other people over saving their own daughter. A decision i know i would have chosen, only because trying to save my daughter would be a selfish move. I rather let the others live.
Turtle ends up joining them on the couch. With all of them together on the couch, Taylor thinks of the Family of Dolls she used to play with when she was little.
Taylor tells Estevan about what it meant being a nutter; how everyone knew you were a nutter because of your fingernails.
Estevan and Taylor spend a lot of time together in this chapter, and i'm not sure what to think of it. its clear how attracted Taylor is to Estevan and it makes me uncomfortable on the count of Taylor has never really likes anyone, and Estevan has a wife. I know nothing would happen but it just is confusing. Taylor tells Estevan about being a Nutter and the system they went by. Estevan compares it to the caste system. Estevan tells Taylor about the abuse in Guatemala. Taylor realizes her life wasnt so bad. Turns out Esperanze found Turtle so interesting because Ismene, her childs name, was taken from her. They chose saving 17 other people over saving their own daughter. A decision i know i would have chosen, only because trying to save my daughter would be a selfish move. I rather let the others live.
Turtle ends up joining them on the couch. With all of them together on the couch, Taylor thinks of the Family of Dolls she used to play with when she was little.
Taylor tells Estevan about what it meant being a nutter; how everyone knew you were a nutter because of your fingernails.
Miralces at Dog Doo Park
Taylors Mom is getting married, to Harland Ellestion- he works at a paint shop. Taylor doesnt really like the fact that her Mom is getting married, her mom even says that is happening a little fast. Turtle is talking a lot now, "Cabbage, cabbage, cabbage."(149) Taylor addmits to liking Estevan, and also mentions how limitted her choices were in pittman. Lou Ann discusses Angel, and how it was when the first met. How she thought she could get him to pay attention to her. Taylor admired the wisteria vines in the park that once seemed dead now bloom a beautiful purple, They remind her of a Bible story " where somebody or other struck a rosk and the water pourd out. Only thi was better, flowers out of bare dirt." (152) Hence the reason, the chapter is called Miralce of Dog Doo Park.
Taylor decides to tell Estevan shes sorry for the things Mrs.Parsons said, mentioning how she has a mean streak in her. Taylor even gets enough confidence to tell Estevan that she likes the way she talks; she thinks its beautiful. He tells her that the things she says are poetic; she doesnt understand. He says "Washing Hogs is poetic," (158).
Taylor finally takes Turtle to the hopsital, for all the abuse she suffered when she was little. Turtle seems to be interested in vegatables.Nothing seems to be wrong at first, but then Turtle gets X-Rays.Turns out, Turtle suffers from "Failure to Thrive". The doctor tells Taylor that it is somethign that can be reversed.As he was explaining all these important things that Taylor should be listening to, she was too busy looking out the window at a bird that built a home in a catus.
Angel tells Lou Ann that he is going back to the Rodeo. Taylor and Lou Ann realize Turtle's real name is April. It was rather exciting.
Taylor decides to tell Estevan shes sorry for the things Mrs.Parsons said, mentioning how she has a mean streak in her. Taylor even gets enough confidence to tell Estevan that she likes the way she talks; she thinks its beautiful. He tells her that the things she says are poetic; she doesnt understand. He says "Washing Hogs is poetic," (158).
Taylor finally takes Turtle to the hopsital, for all the abuse she suffered when she was little. Turtle seems to be interested in vegatables.Nothing seems to be wrong at first, but then Turtle gets X-Rays.Turns out, Turtle suffers from "Failure to Thrive". The doctor tells Taylor that it is somethign that can be reversed.As he was explaining all these important things that Taylor should be listening to, she was too busy looking out the window at a bird that built a home in a catus.
Angel tells Lou Ann that he is going back to the Rodeo. Taylor and Lou Ann realize Turtle's real name is April. It was rather exciting.
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