Jennifer Hong
Dec. 6. 2011
In my opinion, this book, Slaughterhouse-Five, is a lot more boring and less easy to read than The Great Gatsby. I like the Great Gatsby more because it makes more sense, and has an actual story. Slaughterhouse-Five has a story but I don't see the point of the story. I admit that it gets better the more I read but it confuses me a lot. I mean, I'd have to admit, it is a very interesting thing to read, but I don't know what the book is trying to tell me. It is a mixture of history and sci-fi, past and present (pg. 20-21, 24), which doesn't make sense to me. All the stuff about the aliens and such (pg. 57) I also feel as thought this book is very illiterate, which I'm sure is on purpose, but I just don't like it. Billy is a very interesting character and I don't know if this is good or not. Sometimes I feel as though he is just crazy, but I guess I could understand because of all the events in his life. I know I'd go koo-koo if I were him. I'm already going crazy just reading about his koo-koo life. I have a lot of questions about this book and about Billy. I wonder what was going through Kurt's mind when he was writing this story. What is the point of writing this book? What is Kurt Vonnegut trying to tell me? Is there some symbolic meaning behind this book? What is going to happen to Billy? How will he die in the future since he's always time traveling?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Opinions and Thoughts: The Great Gatsby (Week 6, Post 1)
Jennifer Hong
Dec. 5, 2011
What I'd like to start off with is that I think Gatsby is a very sweet guy for loving Daisy so much and wanting to be with her again like they were before (pg. 118-119). But I do agree with Nick that Gatsby cannot bring back the past. It is what it is (pg. 119). I don't think Gatsby should think that his money will provide Daisy with everything because money doesn't buy happiness. Also, it's horrible to come in between someone's marriage, considering that Tom seems to love Daisy very much, too. I think Gatsby is a little too into his money. I feel like he is too absorbed in it and thinks the money can get him everything. Gatsby clearly depends on his money way too much more than needed. But again, it is good that he loves Daisy very much and is determined to win her back like before. What chapter 6 also showed about Gatsby was his past. It showed how Gatsby came to be himself now and how he is so successful (pg. 105-108). I think my prediction about Gatsby maybe being a bad person is totally wrong. I feel like Nick and Gatsby's friend relationship has gone a long ways so far and they are pretty close to each other which is good. Another thing I'd like to point out are the annoying reporters. Reporters are super snoopy and want to know everything even though they already know Gatsby's history (pg. 104-105). If I were Gatsby, I'd be a bit pissed off. I really actually respect Gatsby for being so rich and motivated to be rich, although he is, again, too absorbed in money. I look up to him for being so successful and not a bad person. I find that a lot of successful people go blind because of money, power, and fame, but clearly Gatsby does not drink, as he's committed to never being an alcoholic (pg. 107-108), doesn't kill, and doesn't do drugs. He's just like a normal human being. I think this is overall a good book, but it is a bit boring. Nothing is actually happening that is big and there's no thrill of action sort of thing. It's just a book about the lives of people. But still, I enjoy this book.
Dec. 5, 2011
What I'd like to start off with is that I think Gatsby is a very sweet guy for loving Daisy so much and wanting to be with her again like they were before (pg. 118-119). But I do agree with Nick that Gatsby cannot bring back the past. It is what it is (pg. 119). I don't think Gatsby should think that his money will provide Daisy with everything because money doesn't buy happiness. Also, it's horrible to come in between someone's marriage, considering that Tom seems to love Daisy very much, too. I think Gatsby is a little too into his money. I feel like he is too absorbed in it and thinks the money can get him everything. Gatsby clearly depends on his money way too much more than needed. But again, it is good that he loves Daisy very much and is determined to win her back like before. What chapter 6 also showed about Gatsby was his past. It showed how Gatsby came to be himself now and how he is so successful (pg. 105-108). I think my prediction about Gatsby maybe being a bad person is totally wrong. I feel like Nick and Gatsby's friend relationship has gone a long ways so far and they are pretty close to each other which is good. Another thing I'd like to point out are the annoying reporters. Reporters are super snoopy and want to know everything even though they already know Gatsby's history (pg. 104-105). If I were Gatsby, I'd be a bit pissed off. I really actually respect Gatsby for being so rich and motivated to be rich, although he is, again, too absorbed in money. I look up to him for being so successful and not a bad person. I find that a lot of successful people go blind because of money, power, and fame, but clearly Gatsby does not drink, as he's committed to never being an alcoholic (pg. 107-108), doesn't kill, and doesn't do drugs. He's just like a normal human being. I think this is overall a good book, but it is a bit boring. Nothing is actually happening that is big and there's no thrill of action sort of thing. It's just a book about the lives of people. But still, I enjoy this book.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Themes and Predictions: Slaughterhouse-Five (Week 5, Post 2)
Jennifer Hong
Dec. 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Themes and Predictions: The Great Gatsby (Week 5, Post 1)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 30, 2011
Since we're halfway through the book, I thought we should discuss the theme of it. I think the themes of this book are romance, mystery, the lifestyle of upper-class people, and affairs. There are clearly many affairs as I've stated before. In this chapter, chapter 5, Daisy, who has a husband named Tom who has an affair with another woman named Mildred, reunites with Gatsby, the rich guy, who Nick hooked her up with (pg. 95-96). Kind of complicated, I know. Daisy and Gatsby apparently used to have an affair anyway which was stated in the last chapter. This shows romance and affairs. Gatsby and Daisy even "forgot that Nick was there," (pg. 103) and started getting all mushy lovey-dovey with each other. What shows mystery is Gatsby's life. Up until now, we don't really know who he is or what he wants; how he gets all this money. He's just super rich and doesn't seem to be a bad guy since Nick is hanging out with him. But mysteries tend to surprise the audience so maybe he is up to something very suspicious but we don't know it yet. Maybe he's some kind of creep. My prediction is that either this book will get super interesting or super boring. If it stays as it is now, it'll probably be boring, but if something eventful like death or something surprising like a new character being involved, than it will be exciting. This book was like the book Frankenstein in the beginning; we don't know if it'll get better and have new aspects and mysteries to it, or if it'll stay the way it is and get boring. What do you think will happen next, Jordan?
Oh, and something I'd like to point out is that it is super sweet and cute how Gatsby was totally freaking out and nervous to meet Daisy again and how they have this whole past to their relationship (pg. 95-96, 103). It's like they're teenagers falling in love all over again.
Nov. 30, 2011
Since we're halfway through the book, I thought we should discuss the theme of it. I think the themes of this book are romance, mystery, the lifestyle of upper-class people, and affairs. There are clearly many affairs as I've stated before. In this chapter, chapter 5, Daisy, who has a husband named Tom who has an affair with another woman named Mildred, reunites with Gatsby, the rich guy, who Nick hooked her up with (pg. 95-96). Kind of complicated, I know. Daisy and Gatsby apparently used to have an affair anyway which was stated in the last chapter. This shows romance and affairs. Gatsby and Daisy even "forgot that Nick was there," (pg. 103) and started getting all mushy lovey-dovey with each other. What shows mystery is Gatsby's life. Up until now, we don't really know who he is or what he wants; how he gets all this money. He's just super rich and doesn't seem to be a bad guy since Nick is hanging out with him. But mysteries tend to surprise the audience so maybe he is up to something very suspicious but we don't know it yet. Maybe he's some kind of creep. My prediction is that either this book will get super interesting or super boring. If it stays as it is now, it'll probably be boring, but if something eventful like death or something surprising like a new character being involved, than it will be exciting. This book was like the book Frankenstein in the beginning; we don't know if it'll get better and have new aspects and mysteries to it, or if it'll stay the way it is and get boring. What do you think will happen next, Jordan?
Oh, and something I'd like to point out is that it is super sweet and cute how Gatsby was totally freaking out and nervous to meet Daisy again and how they have this whole past to their relationship (pg. 95-96, 103). It's like they're teenagers falling in love all over again.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Reasons For Being Banned: Slaughterhouse-Five (Week 4, Post 2)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 28. 2011
I had also done research on why Slaughterhouse-Five had been banned, as well as The Great Gatsby, and apparently it had been banned for showing sexuality, violence, and had been banned back then for showing the American bombing (pg. 30-31, 37) which the government didn't want to be shown--in other words, anti-american acts. Apparently during World War II, 130,000 people were slaughtered and the army wanted to hide this from citizens back then which is why it was banned. I can see why, because the book does have some foul language and does show the bad side of America. But I feel the same way for this book as I did for The Great Gatsby. I do not think that it should have been banned. It sure might offend some people but, as I said in the last post, if the teacher teaches right, then the right message will come across to students. Sexuality, violence, and all that negative stuff is exposed to children, students, teenagers everyday anyways. For example, in songs, the internet, video games, and other students using profanity. I doubt that this book would do much difference in a student's life besides expand their minds even more. What I wanted to say about this book is that it is actually very confusing and a mix of themes. The themes are history, war, violence, romance in a way, and also sci-fi because of the aliens. I don't understand why Billy was the chosen one to be abducted by aliens and be able to time-travel. I actually feel very sorry for him.
Nov. 28. 2011
I had also done research on why Slaughterhouse-Five had been banned, as well as The Great Gatsby, and apparently it had been banned for showing sexuality, violence, and had been banned back then for showing the American bombing (pg. 30-31, 37) which the government didn't want to be shown--in other words, anti-american acts. Apparently during World War II, 130,000 people were slaughtered and the army wanted to hide this from citizens back then which is why it was banned. I can see why, because the book does have some foul language and does show the bad side of America. But I feel the same way for this book as I did for The Great Gatsby. I do not think that it should have been banned. It sure might offend some people but, as I said in the last post, if the teacher teaches right, then the right message will come across to students. Sexuality, violence, and all that negative stuff is exposed to children, students, teenagers everyday anyways. For example, in songs, the internet, video games, and other students using profanity. I doubt that this book would do much difference in a student's life besides expand their minds even more. What I wanted to say about this book is that it is actually very confusing and a mix of themes. The themes are history, war, violence, romance in a way, and also sci-fi because of the aliens. I don't understand why Billy was the chosen one to be abducted by aliens and be able to time-travel. I actually feel very sorry for him.
Reasons For Being Banned: The Great Gatsby (Week 4, Post 1)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 28, 2011
I have done some research about why and where this book ,The Great Gatsby, had been banned. This book has been banned in many schools as of now and for various reasons. The book has suggestive scenes that show sexual references. It has also been banned because of the language the author uses and the bad messages that it gives off. Many copies of the book had been changed and re-written so that it would be more acceptable for young readers. I think this relates a lot to Ray Bradbury's coda in his book Fahrenheit 451. He stated that changing and taking out even the slightest of words in an original book takes away the feel of the author and more importantly, destroys the book itself, much like burning the book but in a more metaphorical way. The Great Gatsby had been banned because many say that it gives young readers, and even adults, a bad message and puts wrong thoughts into their minds. But what I think is that having all this language and references in the book makes it more intense and realistic. It also shows the perspective of the author very much and not in the wrong way since it was his original version. The book may give off the wrong message like being rich is all power since it shows Gatsby being rich and everyone giving him respect just because of that. For example, when the policeman saw who he was and let him get away with speeding (pg. 73-75). Another thing is that the book implies sexual affairs between married people like Tom and Daisy with Mildred and Gatsby (pg. 80-83). It also shows sexual things such as how Nick described Jordan or any attractive female that he had just met (in previous chapters). My questions so far is that why do people take all this language stuff so seriously? Books that have their originality can show students how it used to be back then, when the author wrote it, if taught correctly by a teacher. Sure, there can be negative messages, but the teacher just has to guide the students in the correct direction of thinking.
Nov. 28, 2011
I have done some research about why and where this book ,The Great Gatsby, had been banned. This book has been banned in many schools as of now and for various reasons. The book has suggestive scenes that show sexual references. It has also been banned because of the language the author uses and the bad messages that it gives off. Many copies of the book had been changed and re-written so that it would be more acceptable for young readers. I think this relates a lot to Ray Bradbury's coda in his book Fahrenheit 451. He stated that changing and taking out even the slightest of words in an original book takes away the feel of the author and more importantly, destroys the book itself, much like burning the book but in a more metaphorical way. The Great Gatsby had been banned because many say that it gives young readers, and even adults, a bad message and puts wrong thoughts into their minds. But what I think is that having all this language and references in the book makes it more intense and realistic. It also shows the perspective of the author very much and not in the wrong way since it was his original version. The book may give off the wrong message like being rich is all power since it shows Gatsby being rich and everyone giving him respect just because of that. For example, when the policeman saw who he was and let him get away with speeding (pg. 73-75). Another thing is that the book implies sexual affairs between married people like Tom and Daisy with Mildred and Gatsby (pg. 80-83). It also shows sexual things such as how Nick described Jordan or any attractive female that he had just met (in previous chapters). My questions so far is that why do people take all this language stuff so seriously? Books that have their originality can show students how it used to be back then, when the author wrote it, if taught correctly by a teacher. Sure, there can be negative messages, but the teacher just has to guide the students in the correct direction of thinking.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Real World Relations/Connections: Slaughterhouse-Five (Week 3, Post 2)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 21, 2011
In my opinion, Billy has a very interesting life. He is in all sorts of crazy events such as being a prisoner during war, getting shot (pg. 19-20), and even being an optometrist in his older years. I wonder if he ever gets tired of all these crazy stuff. I feel like people in real life today already get crazy over the events throughout there lives. Billy must feel extremely exhausted considering that he has to go through all these crazy events PLUS the order of events are constantly changing (pg 20-21, 24). My question is how he got so used to it. He seems to act very calm and into the time period whenever he gets switched. Another thing that could drive him crazy is that the time period changing is not consistent. Sometimes it lasts for a long time, and sometimes he is only stuck in the time period for minutes. I know I'd go crazy if this happened to me. I also think it is awfully sad that Billy's family died. Many people in real life lose their family just as Billy had. Billy's life seems very sad, depressing, and exhausting because of family death, the war, being prisoner, and not to mention time travel. Another thing I'd like to point out is the idea of aliens at this time that the book was written. I think that around the time this book was written, the aliens and UFO phenomenon just started and people just started to spot weird things like this. This is probably why Kurt wrote this book like this so that readers of that time period can see relate to the book to their real lives as I am right now. What do you think, Jordan?
Nov. 21, 2011
In my opinion, Billy has a very interesting life. He is in all sorts of crazy events such as being a prisoner during war, getting shot (pg. 19-20), and even being an optometrist in his older years. I wonder if he ever gets tired of all these crazy stuff. I feel like people in real life today already get crazy over the events throughout there lives. Billy must feel extremely exhausted considering that he has to go through all these crazy events PLUS the order of events are constantly changing (pg 20-21, 24). My question is how he got so used to it. He seems to act very calm and into the time period whenever he gets switched. Another thing that could drive him crazy is that the time period changing is not consistent. Sometimes it lasts for a long time, and sometimes he is only stuck in the time period for minutes. I know I'd go crazy if this happened to me. I also think it is awfully sad that Billy's family died. Many people in real life lose their family just as Billy had. Billy's life seems very sad, depressing, and exhausting because of family death, the war, being prisoner, and not to mention time travel. Another thing I'd like to point out is the idea of aliens at this time that the book was written. I think that around the time this book was written, the aliens and UFO phenomenon just started and people just started to spot weird things like this. This is probably why Kurt wrote this book like this so that readers of that time period can see relate to the book to their real lives as I am right now. What do you think, Jordan?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Real World Relations/Connections: The Great Gatsby (Week 3, Post 1)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 14, 2011
There are many ways that The Great Gatsby relates to real life; to our owns lives even. I think Gatsby is similar to many people in our lives today, actually. He is popular because of his big parties at his giant mansion (pg. 43-44). People go to his parties not knowing who he is, how he gets rich, or what he's like. For example, Nick was invited and he has no idea what Gatsby is like and what he looks like (pg. 45-46). I think there are many people like this in this world; people who just care about popularity and use rich and glory to be loved.
Although I thought this, later on in the chapter, we find out that Gatsby is a nerdy man with "owl eyes" who sat there and watched his guests while reading books from his large library (pg. 59-60). This is very surprising to me considering that he has amazing things at his mansion and throws parties for no reason without even talking to his guests. Another thing that surprises me is all the rumors going around about this nerdy, intellectual seeming man and how he kills people to get rich (pg. 53-56). He just doesn't seem like the type, you know? But I guess it is very understandable because many people aren't what they seem. That's why there's that one quote: "Don't judge a book by its cover." Mr. Gatsby fits with that quote perfectly. Also, who know. He might end up being a murderer after all since Nick saw him doing suspicious things (pg. 63-65). There were a lot of murderers in real life that didn't seem like murderers. They have friends and relatives that say they're the nicest person ever but they were found guilty. This could be Mr. Gatsby or maybe the author is just trying to make the readers become of Gatsby for now. What do you think? Do you think Gatsby kills people for a living? It IS suspicious how he has all these amazingly nice, luxurious items like his Rolls-Royce.
Nov. 14, 2011
There are many ways that The Great Gatsby relates to real life; to our owns lives even. I think Gatsby is similar to many people in our lives today, actually. He is popular because of his big parties at his giant mansion (pg. 43-44). People go to his parties not knowing who he is, how he gets rich, or what he's like. For example, Nick was invited and he has no idea what Gatsby is like and what he looks like (pg. 45-46). I think there are many people like this in this world; people who just care about popularity and use rich and glory to be loved.
Although I thought this, later on in the chapter, we find out that Gatsby is a nerdy man with "owl eyes" who sat there and watched his guests while reading books from his large library (pg. 59-60). This is very surprising to me considering that he has amazing things at his mansion and throws parties for no reason without even talking to his guests. Another thing that surprises me is all the rumors going around about this nerdy, intellectual seeming man and how he kills people to get rich (pg. 53-56). He just doesn't seem like the type, you know? But I guess it is very understandable because many people aren't what they seem. That's why there's that one quote: "Don't judge a book by its cover." Mr. Gatsby fits with that quote perfectly. Also, who know. He might end up being a murderer after all since Nick saw him doing suspicious things (pg. 63-65). There were a lot of murderers in real life that didn't seem like murderers. They have friends and relatives that say they're the nicest person ever but they were found guilty. This could be Mr. Gatsby or maybe the author is just trying to make the readers become of Gatsby for now. What do you think? Do you think Gatsby kills people for a living? It IS suspicious how he has all these amazingly nice, luxurious items like his Rolls-Royce.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Critique & Support to Character’s Actions & Ideas: Slaughterhouse-Five (Week 2, Post 2)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 9, 2011
First I have to say that this story is getting a bit confusing. But although confusing, the story is getting super exciting. I think this theory of time travel is really cool and I'm getting more into this story. What I wonder is that why was it that Billy starts to time travel right when he leans against a tree (pg.18). I think how Billy left his children randomly (pg. 13) without warning was not very smart, but I guess I could understand suince his wife died and all this depressing stuff happened to him so quickly. What I also think is the way Billy describes the aliens was very interesting. The way he talks about how they see in 4 dimesions is super cool and is kind of eye-opening (pg. 14-15). I guess his daughter is a bit ignorant too since she gets mad just because people called her about her father. I think she should be a little moe sympathetic and understanding to him since he's been through alot, even if he sounds a bit crazy; talking about time travel, aliens, and such. Do you think Kurt will go back to his first person point of view or will he keep talking about Billy throughout the book? I feel like I would like this book a lot more than "The Great Gatsby", considering I've read more of "The Great Gatsby" but still nothing in it is as exciting yet. I started out thinking this book was just a history kind of book, but turns out its kind of sci-fi. Don't you agree?
Nov. 9, 2011
First I have to say that this story is getting a bit confusing. But although confusing, the story is getting super exciting. I think this theory of time travel is really cool and I'm getting more into this story. What I wonder is that why was it that Billy starts to time travel right when he leans against a tree (pg.18). I think how Billy left his children randomly (pg. 13) without warning was not very smart, but I guess I could understand suince his wife died and all this depressing stuff happened to him so quickly. What I also think is the way Billy describes the aliens was very interesting. The way he talks about how they see in 4 dimesions is super cool and is kind of eye-opening (pg. 14-15). I guess his daughter is a bit ignorant too since she gets mad just because people called her about her father. I think she should be a little moe sympathetic and understanding to him since he's been through alot, even if he sounds a bit crazy; talking about time travel, aliens, and such. Do you think Kurt will go back to his first person point of view or will he keep talking about Billy throughout the book? I feel like I would like this book a lot more than "The Great Gatsby", considering I've read more of "The Great Gatsby" but still nothing in it is as exciting yet. I started out thinking this book was just a history kind of book, but turns out its kind of sci-fi. Don't you agree?
Critique & Support to Character’s Actions & Ideas: The Great Gatsby (Week 2, Post 1)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 8, 2011
In my opinion, Tom breaking his lover, Myrtle’s, nose (pg. 41) really caught me off guard. I know he was totally drunk as he stated himself (pg. 33), but a man should not hit a woman, not to be sexist or anything because women are tough too! But that’s just wrong. But on the other hand, Myrtle was being extremely annoying, chanting Daisy, Tom’s wife’s, name after Tom had already given her a warning that he was pissed off (pg. 41). I think Myrtle is actually really annoying too, so I guess I would’ve struck her in the nose also. It was really surprising to me how Tom and Myrtle had an affair considering they both have spouses and Tom being friends with Myrtle’s husband, George Wilson (pg. 28, 29). I thought Tom and Daisy had a pretty good relationship. I think Mr. and Mrs. Mckee are odd for joining the party since they just live downstairs (pg. 34-35). I also remember Myrtle’s red haired sister mentioning she knew something about Jay Gatsby (pg. 36-37) which will probably be extremely important in the book later on, knowing that the title of the book is “The Great Gatsby”. As of right now, I still don’t understand what the point of this book is or what it will be about, but I hope it will get a little more exciting than it is right now. Do you think Tom’s wife, Daisy will soon find out about his affair with Myrtle? I think Nick might tell her, but I’m not sure. Do you think Tom is a good or bad person; an antagonist or protagonist?
Monday, November 7, 2011
First Impressions: Slaughterhouse-Five (Week 1, Post 2)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 7, 2011
First, I would like to agree with all that you've said. The quote you gave is, also in my opinion, pretty enlightening and motivational words. Another thing is that I think so, too--that Gatsby is probably going to do something heroic...or maybe even Nick will.
To start on my first impressions on people in "Slaughterhouse-Five", the first part we read is written in first person point of view. I actually really like the writing style Kurt Vonnegut used. It makes the book feel more personal and helps the audience understand it easier. My impression on Kurt, as of now, is that he clearly has writers block since he's trying to write the book "Slaughterhouse-Five" but can't. He even had to call up his friend, Bernard V. O'Hare (pg.7-8). I also feel as if Kurt is a very smart man and has been through a lot. Mary, Bernard's wife, stated that they both were in the war when they were young (pg. 8-9), which means that they are both probably very wise and know what the worse things in life are. I feel probably the same for Bernard as I feel for Kurt because, again, they were both in the same war. They are good friends since they've been through almost everything harsh together like being kept in the same prison, as Kurt mentioned. What I think about Mary is that she is very kind and caring. Even though she wasn't very nice to Kurt in the beginning (pg. 8-9), it was for a good reason. She didn't like war and she probably thought Kurt wanted to write a story about how great war was. Mary cared about the children and was scared the young ones right now, would have to go through what Bernard and Kurt had went through when they were young. I think her coldness was just because she was a worrying person--human being. What do you think the rest of the story will be about? Do you think Kurt will finish his book successfully? What things can you conclude so far about this book?
Nov. 7, 2011
First, I would like to agree with all that you've said. The quote you gave is, also in my opinion, pretty enlightening and motivational words. Another thing is that I think so, too--that Gatsby is probably going to do something heroic...or maybe even Nick will.
To start on my first impressions on people in "Slaughterhouse-Five", the first part we read is written in first person point of view. I actually really like the writing style Kurt Vonnegut used. It makes the book feel more personal and helps the audience understand it easier. My impression on Kurt, as of now, is that he clearly has writers block since he's trying to write the book "Slaughterhouse-Five" but can't. He even had to call up his friend, Bernard V. O'Hare (pg.7-8). I also feel as if Kurt is a very smart man and has been through a lot. Mary, Bernard's wife, stated that they both were in the war when they were young (pg. 8-9), which means that they are both probably very wise and know what the worse things in life are. I feel probably the same for Bernard as I feel for Kurt because, again, they were both in the same war. They are good friends since they've been through almost everything harsh together like being kept in the same prison, as Kurt mentioned. What I think about Mary is that she is very kind and caring. Even though she wasn't very nice to Kurt in the beginning (pg. 8-9), it was for a good reason. She didn't like war and she probably thought Kurt wanted to write a story about how great war was. Mary cared about the children and was scared the young ones right now, would have to go through what Bernard and Kurt had went through when they were young. I think her coldness was just because she was a worrying person--human being. What do you think the rest of the story will be about? Do you think Kurt will finish his book successfully? What things can you conclude so far about this book?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
First Impressions: The Great Gatsby (Week 1, Post 1)
Jordan Gardner
Nov. 6, 2011
One of the first things I noticed was that Nick and his father seem to be very smart. I really like that quote from Nick father on page 5 "'Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had.'" This made me think that there must be something special about this family, like where they came from or the things his family has done, maybe the have been places others haven't or invented new things. Nick must be smart, he graduated from New Haven in 1915 about 25 years after is father did. Nick was different because he wanted to live outside of the city. The description of the house he moved into was very interesting "a weather beaten cardboard bungalow". I think this means that he is living in a build that looks to be the quality of rotten cardboard. This book uses sophisticated language and vocabulary words. This helps to make the characters sound much smarter, and I believe they are smart. Tom seems to be very self assured, he thinks he knows what he is doing and that he won't run out of money so he can move how ever many times he and Daisy like. Ms. Baker seems like a quite person. She did not talk very much while Nick was at Tom and Daisy's house. She did mention though Gatsby, which is currently Nick's neighbor. I wonder what the significance is between him and the title of the book. Will he become a hero of some sort? I am not sure yet what the book will be about but something important will happen with Gatsby I am guessing.
Nov. 6, 2011
One of the first things I noticed was that Nick and his father seem to be very smart. I really like that quote from Nick father on page 5 "'Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had.'" This made me think that there must be something special about this family, like where they came from or the things his family has done, maybe the have been places others haven't or invented new things. Nick must be smart, he graduated from New Haven in 1915 about 25 years after is father did. Nick was different because he wanted to live outside of the city. The description of the house he moved into was very interesting "a weather beaten cardboard bungalow". I think this means that he is living in a build that looks to be the quality of rotten cardboard. This book uses sophisticated language and vocabulary words. This helps to make the characters sound much smarter, and I believe they are smart. Tom seems to be very self assured, he thinks he knows what he is doing and that he won't run out of money so he can move how ever many times he and Daisy like. Ms. Baker seems like a quite person. She did not talk very much while Nick was at Tom and Daisy's house. She did mention though Gatsby, which is currently Nick's neighbor. I wonder what the significance is between him and the title of the book. Will he become a hero of some sort? I am not sure yet what the book will be about but something important will happen with Gatsby I am guessing.
Friday, November 4, 2011
First Impressions: The Great Gatsby (Week 1, Post 1)
Jennifer Hong
Nov. 4, 2011
The first thing I would like to point out is the point of view it is put in; first person. I actually really like it this way because it makes things feel personal. Nick, the main character/narrator, to me, seems very intellectual according to the language and vocabulary he uses. Also, he states that he graduated from New Haven in 1915 (pg. 5). I would agree with Nick that Daisy is an exceptionally exciting person as he also stated (pg. 11-12). As for Jordan Baker, Nick seems to really think she's attractive (pg. 14). In my opinion, she's actually kind of cocky and careless from the way she acts and the things she says (pg. 19-20). I think Daisy's husband, Tom, is pretty decent. It's pretty funny how they hint at Nick that he should hook up with Jordan (pg.22-23). As for the the beginning of the book overall, I think it wasn't very exciting yet. The book so far is kind of slow paced and has nothing important happening yet. I hope it gets more thrilling. I guess something important that happened was when Tom introduced the book "The Rise of the Colored Empires" which gives a hint on what the book is about. What's your opinion on these chapters? What'd you think about these people and what do you think will happen in the the future? What do you think this book actually is about? I still can't really predict what's going to happen and what this book is about yet.
Nov. 4, 2011
The first thing I would like to point out is the point of view it is put in; first person. I actually really like it this way because it makes things feel personal. Nick, the main character/narrator, to me, seems very intellectual according to the language and vocabulary he uses. Also, he states that he graduated from New Haven in 1915 (pg. 5). I would agree with Nick that Daisy is an exceptionally exciting person as he also stated (pg. 11-12). As for Jordan Baker, Nick seems to really think she's attractive (pg. 14). In my opinion, she's actually kind of cocky and careless from the way she acts and the things she says (pg. 19-20). I think Daisy's husband, Tom, is pretty decent. It's pretty funny how they hint at Nick that he should hook up with Jordan (pg.22-23). As for the the beginning of the book overall, I think it wasn't very exciting yet. The book so far is kind of slow paced and has nothing important happening yet. I hope it gets more thrilling. I guess something important that happened was when Tom introduced the book "The Rise of the Colored Empires" which gives a hint on what the book is about. What's your opinion on these chapters? What'd you think about these people and what do you think will happen in the the future? What do you think this book actually is about? I still can't really predict what's going to happen and what this book is about yet.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Initial Posting
For Quarter 2, Jordan & Jennifer will be partners.
We will, most likely, almost be posting twice every week; by every Tuesday and Friday.
We will read about 20 pages of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and about 10 pages of "Slaughterhouse 5" by Kurt Vonnegut every week.
We will, most likely, almost be posting twice every week; by every Tuesday and Friday.
We will read about 20 pages of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and about 10 pages of "Slaughterhouse 5" by Kurt Vonnegut every week.
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