BYRNE LIKE FIRE

The Importantce of Being Earnest

2009-05-19T21:52:00.001-05:00

Celia Byrne
Ms. Peifer
English 10IB
18 May 2009

A moment, Mr. Worthing. A hundred and thirty thousand pounds!
And in the funds! Miss cardew seems to me a most
attractive young lady, now that I look at her. Few girls
of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of
the qualities that last, and improve with time. We live,
I regret to say, in an age of surfaces. (To CECILY) Come
over here, dear. (CECILY goes across.) Pretty child!
your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost
as Nature might have left it. But we can soon alter all
that. A thoroughly experienced French maid produces
a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time. I
remember recommending one to a young Lady Lancing,
and after three months her own husband did not know
her.
(Wilde 179)

In this passage from The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Bracknell addresses Jack of her sudden approval of Cecily for Algernon after learning of her wealth. This passage exposes Lady Bracknell of her superficialality. It also shows her views on women in that time period. “Few girls of the present day have any really solid qualities, any of the qualities that last, and improve with time. We live, I regret to say, in an age of surfaces.” (Wilde 4-6).

Lady Bracknell’s character is not a charming one. She demonstrates that women are really only valuable if they have looks or some great quality and need improvement. “Pretty child! your dress is sadly simple, and your hair seems almost as Nature might have left it. But we can soon alter all that.” (7-9). The quote that speaks of improving looks of women who need it, in her opinion, is a questionable one because it just seems so ridiculous to change so much of yourself. “A thoroughly experienced French maid produces a really marvellous result in a very brief space of time. I remember recommending one to a young Lady Lancing, and after three months her own husband did not know her.” (10-14).

The purpose Wilde was showing was that someone can be much more approved of if they have money . It is achieved by when Lady Bracknell learns that Cecily has 130,000 pounds in her funds. She then finds her much more attractive. “A hundred and thirty thousand pounds! And in the funds! Miss Cardew seems to me a most attractive young lady, now that I look at her.” (2-4).

LRJ 3

2009-04-26T21:37:00.003-05:00

Moral/ Lessons:
In...
"Muddy Road": Don't dwell on the past; let things go and move forward.
"A Parable": Make best of the moment; be humble.
"Publishing the Sutras": Actions speak louder than words.
"The Thief Who Became the Disciple": Life is more valuable than materials.
"The Taste of Banzo's Sword": Patience is key.

Far from the city, across the river and through the woods, lived a man named Theodore. Theodore adored gardening and farming. Being one with nature was his passion. Ever since he was a young boy, he would name each of his plants and observe their everyday growth. He only ate food from his garden and sold it at the local farmer's market. So when the locals saw an ad for a contest of who can grow the best tomatoes, the townies signed the old man up.

In the heart of the city, where the pollution is at its peak, lived a businessman named Chuck. Chuck believed in simplicity, money and speed. He was trying to popularize a new vegetable growing formula of his. When he saw an ad for a tomato growing contest in a little country town far out of the city, he jumped at the chance.

Many weeks before the contest, Theodore found his favorite patch of soil. He sprinkled the seeds and patted them down with tender hands. He watered the little patch by hand everyday. When he saw a green sprout arise, he began speaking to it with words of appreciation. He nurtured the tomato plant like all the other plants he grew... with tender loving care.

Just days before the grand tomato tasting day, Chuck threw random tomato seeds into a pot. He mixed his mystery growing powder in with the water, pouring it in the pot; almost drowning it. Hours later, the plant sprouted up. The stem was as green as could be, and the tomatoes looked ripe with color. He was already preparing a spot on his wall for the blue ribbon.

On the day of the contest, Theodore picked the tomatoes with care. He congratulated them on their great progress and how proud he was of them. He biked into town with them in a basket, careful not spill them. But he was all of a sudden caught off on the road by a rather large car. Ignoring the dirt the wheels kicked onto him, he continued to ride his way into town.

In town, the contest was hopping with hopeful contestants. Chuck rode up and stomped his way through to his table and plopped down many packets of Instant Growing powder, along with his tomato. Theodore walked to each of the contestants tables and admired their plants. When he came across Chuck's, he complimented the plants color. Chuck uttered a thank you and then attempted to sell him his powder. Theodore replied with a no thank you and went back to his booth to await the judge's decision.

After Theodore won blue ribbon, the town cheered for him. Chuck threw a fit and demanded to know why he did not win. When the judges told him they had to spit out the tomato because the insides were molding, he was in disbelief. He was never able to sell his powders.

LRJ 2

2009-04-26T20:22:00.003-05:00

1. The significance of nature in each Haiku is that it states the mood and what the theme is.
In a Matsuo Basho poem, the season is stated. "On a withered branch a crow has settled-- autumn nightful."
In the Uejima Onitsura "Songs to Wild Cherries," the poem has evidence that it is spring.
In "Blossoms on the Pear," by Taniguchi Buson, spring is represented as well along with descriptions of nature.
In Kabayashi Issa's "A Morning-Glory Vine," a more darkened mood is showed, which is represented by the vine.

2. Haiku and Senryu are quite similar. Both are three lines but Haiku have a little more serious, nature themed ideas. Senryu have more irony and humor to it.

3.
Glistening in light
The branches sway in the wind
Wind fills with chirping

LRJ 3, As You Llike It

2009-03-16T20:33:00.003-05:00

In act 3, they are still in the Forest of Arden. Celia and Rosalind find poetry written on trees about Rosalind. Celia claims she knows and makes Rosalind guess who wrote it. She then admits it is Orlando and is very excited about it and happy for her best friend. "O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful wonderful, and yet again wonderful, and after that out of all whooping!" 3.2.(195-197).
When Rosalind shoes hesitation to approach Orlando, "Ge comes to kill my heart." 3.2.(250)., even as Ganymede, Celia gives her courage. "It is as easy to count atomies as to resolve the propositions of a lover. But take haste of my finding him, and relish it with good observance." 3.2.(236-238).
When Rosalind is close to tears in scene 4, Celia reminds her she cannot cry if she does not want to ruin her disguise as a man. But when Rosalind asks she if does not have a cause to weep, Celia agrees it is all right to cry.

LRJ 2, As You Like It

2009-03-16T20:13:00.002-05:00

In this act, Celia is now "Aliena." Rosalind, Touchstone and her are now entering the Forest of Arden. Celia seems to be exhausted from all the traveling they have been doing. "I faint almost to death." 2.4.(64). But Celia does seem to enjoy the forest. "I like this place, and willingly could waste my time in it." 2.5.(97-98).
In scene 2 where Celia is not present but talked about. Her father is asking about her whereabouts with lords, but no one seemed to have witnessed their escape. "Can it be possible no man saw them?" 2.2.(1).
"Aliena" and "Ganymede" meet an old shepherd, Corin, and a lovesick young one, Silvius. They are still with Touchstone. The girls persuade Corin to help them buy a cottage. Corin tells them, "Go with me. If you like upon report the soil, the profit, and this kind of life, I will your very faithful feeder be and buy your gold right away." 2.5.(100-103). A nice friendship is formed.

LRJ 1, As You Like It

2009-03-16T19:49:00.003-05:00

The character I chose to follow throughout the play of "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare was Celia. She is the daughter of Duke Frederick and the cousin, as well as best friend, of Rosalind. In this act, she is in her father's court. Celia seems to be outside, and assumed that she is next to Rosalind onstage.
Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind for really no reason at all, and Celia refuses to stay without her. "I cannot live out of her company." 1.3.(90). This act of loyalty demonstrates Celia and Rosalind's tight bond. She shows that she does not care much about inheriting the court from her father, proving once again how much more important her cousin is. "No, let my father seek another heir." 1.3.(105). Because Rosalind can no longer stay, Celia leaves with her.
They decide to go to the Forest of Arden, and they create a plan. Rosalind will dress as a man named Ganymede and Celia as Aliena. Celia will be the "sister" of Ganymede. They ask the court clown, Touchstone, to accompany them. This shows that Celia likes the company of him.
Celia is a character who seems to give courage and reassurance to others. "Now go we in content to liberty, and not to banishment." 1.3.(144-145).

LRJ 6, Macbeth

2009-03-04T22:19:00.002-06:00

A question that William Shakespeare asks in his play of Macbeth is, is it worth destroying others and all that stands in your way to get what you want? Shakespeare shows that the answer is no. Although Macbeth achieved what he wanted to get in the beginning, he lost everything in between. It is not worth getting something you want if there is even a change of ruining what you already have and value. Macbeth lost the love and value for his friends and his dignity. It was then he had a wake up call when the one person that was always on his side had died, Lady Macbeth.
In this tragedy by William Shakespeare, he makes the phrase "What goes around, comes around," very true, in Macbeth's case.

LRJ 5, Macbeth

2009-03-04T21:41:00.004-06:00

1. The theme that is presented in act 5 is the downfall of Macbeth and his wife. Lady Macbeth is shown to gone crazy. The doctor doesn't know what to do with her condition. "This disease is beyond my practice. Yet I have known those which have walked in their sleep, who have died holily in their beds." 5.2.(62-64). Macbeth learns that an army is coming for him and he prepares for battle. "I'll fight till my bones my flesh be hacked. Give me my honor." 5.3.(38-39).

2. Image patterns in this is act is of sleep and death. Lady Macbeth is in a permanent state of sleep and finally speaks the truth out loud of what happened with the murders. She then kills herself. Macbeth is finally defeated by Macduff.

LRJ 4, Macbeth

2009-03-04T21:16:00.004-06:00

1. The purpose of the scene with Lady Macduff is for the reader to feel as though they are on a personal level with her. Anyone can picture the pain of having a loved one disappear, as Lady Macduff does. "To leave his wife, to leave his babes, His mansion and his titles in a place from whence himself does fly? He loves us not;" 4.2.(8-10). But then you realize Lady Macduff is not so serious about her belief that he does not love his family when she jokes with her son, Ross, about it. Humor is shown when he asks her how she will do for a husband and she responds with, "Why, I can buy me twenty at the market." 4.2.(47).

2. In act 2, we learn that Macduff's character strongly believes that Malcolm should become king. While talking to Malcolm, he tells him "Yet do not fear. Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will of your mere own." 4.3.(103-105).

3. Macbeth has changed since the beginning of the play by showing he has less of a conscious and less guilt about negative actions he does. He showed compassion for his friends, and now he feels the need to murder them all. Macduff describes him as "Not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damned in evils to top Macbeth." 4.3.(67-69).

LRJ 2, Macbeth

2009-03-04T20:31:00.003-06:00

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both have positive and negative qualities. Neither is 100% evil or good. Lady Macbeth's positive qualities are that she is appears very confident and convincing. When Macbeth is complaining that he is worried someone saw or heard him when he murdered Duncan, she convinces him things are all right. "Why, worthy thane, You do unbend your noble strength to think So brainsickly of things." 2.2.(58-60). Although being confident and convincing can be a good thing, it can also be a quality used for evil... which is not good.
Macbeth's positive traits is that he does know wrong from right. He shows worry and guilt after he kills Duncan. "With all great Neptune's ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green sea red." 2.2.(78-81). Although a negative quality of his is that he doesn't end up sticking with what he believes in. He caved in to what Lady Macbeth wanted him to do.
A theme that is represented in this act is of paranoia. Macbeth constantly complains of worries he has when he returns from murdering Banquo. He is afraid people heard him, saw him. He cannot accept what he did. "I am afraid to think what I have done." 2.2.(66).

LRJ 1, Macbeth

2009-03-04T19:48:00.008-06:00

1. Initial impressions of Macbeth are that he is a sincere man. "...let us speak Our free hearts each to other... Come, friends." 1.4.(172-175).
Initial impressions of Lady Macbeth are that she is eager for power. When she reads Macbeth's letter about what the Witches told him, she thinks up a plan. She knows Macbeth may not want to carry out with her idea of murdering Duncan, "Yet do I fear thy nature; Is too full ' th' milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way." 1.5.(16-18). She tries to ask the spirits for bravery in which a man is supposed to hold. "Come, you spirits That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here, And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty." 1.5.(47-50).
Initial impressions of Banquo was that he was a intelligent, kind man. "The love that follows us sometime is our trouble, Which we thank as love." 1.6.(14-15).

2.The theme shown throughout act 1 is what the Witches say in the very beginning. "Fair is foul, and foul is fair." 1.1.(12). Something isn't always what it seems.

3. A striking image is in the quote by Macbeth, "If good, why do I yield in that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs Against the use of nature?" 1.3.(147-150). It is an important quote because it shows Macbeth's nerves and moral values. It demonstrates that it is not in his character to do awful deeds.

LRJ 3, Macbeth

2009-03-04T18:58:00.006-06:00

1. In act 3, it is shown the character of Macbeth is changing. Beforehand Macbeth was nervous and had guilt for murder. Here, he is persuading reason to murder Banquo. "Who wears our health but sickly in his life, Which in his death were perfect." 3.1.(119-120).
Lady Macbeth is characterized as a strong, confident woman in the decisions she makes. But in this act, Lady Macbeth shows a side of guilt and almost sadness. She admits this while she is alone. "Naughts had, all's spent, where our desire is got without content. Transfer to be what with destroy Than by destruction dwell in doubtful joy." 3.2.(6-9).

2. Blood is an image pattern shown through act 3. Blood demonstrates guilt because it is used to often in this act, it is like a constant reminder of murder and wrongdoing. "We hear our bloody cousins are bestowed..." 3.1.(33). "And with thy bloody and invisible hand..." 3.3.(54).

3. A theme that is presented in act 3 is having a conscious. Lady Macbeth, until this act, seems so strong and confident with her immoral acts. But when she confesses that she is not so happy with the actions and events that have occurred, "where our desire is got without content, " it shows that Lady Macbeth does indeed have some morals.

Beowulf LRJ #1

2008-12-08T22:17:00.005-06:00

In the Beowulf story involving Grendel, two values that are shown in it are the Mead Hall and caring for one another. The Mead Hall seemed to be a place that brought the community together. They drank, told stories, sang and shared a good time there. "...and the greatest hall in all the earth..." (Breeden.) When describing the events that took place at the Mead Hall (also called Herot), it is described that the king's "...lived in joy, happy..." (Breeden.) The citizens and warriors of Shieldings value each other. When Grendel takes the lives of the men, remorse is shown by the King and others. "...when the Dane heard of Grendel's strength, there was a great weeping. The old King sat sadly, crying for his men." (Breeden.) "They wept and seethed." (Breeden.)

Alliterations used is this tale are pretty neat ones. One section one uses a few similar words. "They readied the ship on the waves under the cliffs and the warriors stood at the prow as the water wound against the sand. The warriors bore in the ship's bosom bright weapons, fitted armor." (Breeden.) These alliterations creates a almost rhythmic effect. It's cool to know that that kind of writing was going on way back then.

Kennings are a metaphorical phrase that is used in the place of a noun.

Beowulf LRJ #2

2008-12-05T11:19:00.004-06:00

Reoccurring values that are portrayed in the Anglos-Saxon story of Beowulf are justice and religion. Justice values are shown throughout the adventurous story by Beowulf continuing his effort to keep Shieldings safe from the monstrous Grendel and his "hell-bride" (1259) mother. He goes out of his way to destroy the villains and keep the town from harm. He is willing to die in the battle. "...if I should fall and suffer death while serving your cause, would act like a father to me afterwards. If this combat kills me, take care of my young company." (1480). Beowulf seems to accept the fate if he passes. "I shall gain glory or die." (1491). God and giving thanks is a reappearing subject in this tale. "... sprang to his feet and praised God for Beowulf's pledge." (1397). The characters trust and leave the decision for whatever the matter may be up to God. "... holy God decided the victory." (1554). The value of religion is very broad in this Anglos-Saxon story.

Unrealistic moments in "Grendel's Mother" happen quite a few times. The characters of Grendel and his mother are fictional, "the one who haunted the waters, who had scavenged and gone her gluttonous rounds for a hundred seasons." (1598) and so is the underwater battle scene. "... gripped her shoulder and laid about him in a battle frenzy: he pitched his killer opponent to the floor..." (1539). Some of the weapons also seem to have a unrealistic past. "... a sword in her armoury, an ancient heirloom from the days of the giants... so huge and heavy of itself." (1558).

Favorite quotes of mine in Beowulf are "...warming to this fight." (1536) and "The lake settled, clouds darkened above the bloodshot depths." (1631). I enjoy these quotes because it really paints a picture for you to imagine. You can almost see yourself "warming up" to a fight, preparing yourself. The image of the lake after the battle scene is haunting, but settled.

LRJ #2

2008-11-25T17:49:00.014-06:00

Celia Byrne
Ms. Peifer
English 10IB
Hour 4
24 November 2008

Sophocles uses a lot of imagery in his work Antigone. In one symbolic scene, the findings of Antigone's body is described in a way that contrasts what is being illustrated in the text. "We saw her lying: she made a noose of her fine linen veil And hanged herself. Haeman lay beside her, His arms about her waist, lamenting her, His love lost underground." (Lines 58-62.) This scene creates almost a sense of a romantic death. Antigone has chosen her death without regret while her loved one lays beside her. Although depressing, it almost makes you feel relieved that Antigone had died without pain and suffering in a cave for eternity. The imagery used in Antigone helps the reader feel more personal with the characters and provides a simpler understanding of what is going on.
A character in the play that acquired a deep fatal flaw was King Creon. He was an arrogant man who over bared his pride. When his son, Haemon threatened to take his own life if his father does not release Antigone, he told his guard, "Let him do, or dream, more than man-good speed to him! But he shall not save these two girls from their doom." (Sophocles.) He displays being overconfident when he is so sure that Antigone will realize her wrongdoings. "And there, praying to Hades, the only god whom she worships, perchance she will obtain release from death; or else will learn, at last, though late, that it is lost labour to revere the dead." (Sophocles.)
The moment Creon realizes what a mess he has made is captured in his Anagnorisis. "Surely a god Has crushed me beneath the hugest weight of heaven And driven me headlong a barbaric way To trample out the thing I help most dear." (Lines 94-97.) This occurs after the realization of what his perverse actions have cost him; the loss of his own beloved family members. Reversal fate, Peripetia, is shown with Creon when he sees his own dead son. "When Creon saw him the tears rushed to his eyes." (Lines 63-64.) With the dramatic deaths and Creon's Anagnorisis, the audience lets go of the fear, Catharsis, they held throughout the story of what will happen next.
Women are characterized in Antigone as passionate and emotional. Antigone is passionate and straight forward of what she wants to do for her brother, while Ismene is a bit more cautious and sensitive. With the death of her son, Eurydice takes her own life as well.

Works Cited:

Sophocles. "Antigone." Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes: World Literature. Trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall 2001. 814-826.

Sophocles. "Antigone." Malaspina University-College Website. Trans. Ian Johnston. May 2005.
Malaspina University College. 28 November 2008 .

My Sister, My Friend

2008-11-18T20:15:00.004-06:00

Antigone,
My dear, dear sister... Please forgive my faults and making you feel as though I have no honor for our brother and you. I was idiotic for letting you walk out the door. There are no excuses for my attitude, but I hope you will forgive me through my actions. I plan to stand next to you if Creon accuses you for wrongdoing. I want to make sure our brother receives a proper burial. If that means punishment for us, I will accept. Times are becoming more tough and I cannot imagine living my life on Earth without you. If that means traveling to the afterlife with you, then so be it. I will not hesitate. You are my sister, therefore my other half.
Love you forever,
Ismene

Love Does Hurt

2008-11-13T19:51:00.007-06:00

One chilly night, I was peacefully watching the news at home while eating some cookies with a nice glass of milk. When suddenly, I almost spat it all out. "13 YEAR OLD GIRL STABS EX BOYFRIEND AT HIGHLAND PARK JR HIGH SCHOOL." All I could feel was complete disgust. What has this society come to? A normal breakup at this age may involve a few tissues or playing the "I don't care" attitude. Not a trip to the hospital for stitches and an assault charge. Ridiculous moments like this leave me feeling completely dumbfounded.

My Experience With Our Generation's... Friend?

2008-11-12T11:38:00.000-06:00

Technology in my lifetime is a big part of everyday life. But have the people become too dependent on it? In the passed ten years, the use of technology has increased dramatically. Many persons have declared that they "couldn't live without it!". I think the Amish are doing well, though... We text our friends, email and IM when we can simply pick up the good old telephone and give them a ring. Although it does make lives more efficient in many ways, more and more studies have shown the negative effect of it. A lot more car crashes are due to the use of cell phones while driving. Scientists are even saying that cell phones can give you cancer where ever you keep it in your pocket!
Don't get me wrong, I do love the efficiency technology gives us. But I feel a little worried when it gets to the point where people don't know what they'd do without it.

11:37

2008-11-11T11:36:00.000-06:00

So here we all are, sitting in the computer lab at school... These computers are pretty nifty. I am enjoying English class more this quarter. Sitting on my left side is Colin Franken, and on my right, Ella Thomson. I've known Ella ever since I've moved here. We have grown up together. Ella is like a sister to me, and vise versa. Colin is my best guy friend. He is one silly person. I enjoy each of their company very much. Ms. Peifer seems chill, as does the rest of the class. WOO!