Essay Writing: Challenges and Conquests

Essays. The first thing that pops into my mind is I'd rather just read the book and answer some questions than try to tackle a five paragraph essay. I've usually been the type of person who has been able to whip out a pretty decent essay, but Honors English has definitely highlighted some of my writing flaws. So, with all the essays we've done and discussion in class I think I have improved my writing. Literary analysis is a deeper look into the book or play: why did the author use this, and what was the cause and affect? How did the certain device or motif show an overall theme? My main problem with essays is I always know what to say in my mind: as I am writing, tons of facts and commentary flood into my head, so I always have problems trying to word things (and not awkwardly at that) and I usually take a while to get into the flow of writing.

Thank goodness we have the weekend to work on our essay! I did try hard on it, but at this point in time I'm guessing my essay would fall into the B range. My hook is kind of weak and generic, and my thesis is pretty broad. I have 4 or 5 quotes, and probably not enough commentary to back them up. Also, I need to double check again for common grammar errors. I'm always very cautious when turning in my work, so i'll probably change quite a bit before turning it in. For now, I think my main focus is working on solid concrete details that relate back to my thesis. Here goes another essay!

Summer Reading List

The first book I want to read this summer is Burned by Ellen Hopkins. Its about a mormon teenager with an abusive father and the anger she feels for her parents. While obviously the book doesn't sound too happy-go-lucky, i've seen alot of people reading them and they sound like good books, there is even a whole series! The second book I would like to read this summer is The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. The book's plot consists of a 16 year old girl Macy Queen, whose boring summer turns into tragedy when her father passes. Later on, she meets a group of people called the Wish Catering crew,who change her life for the better. While I do like reading, I'm usually too lazy to do it unless necessary or if the book is so enticing I can't stop reading it. Hopefully that will change this summer and I'll get in a little reading time! :)

Fate.

My birthday being October 21st, 1994, my astrological sign is Libra (the balanced scales) According to my research, Libra's are very kind, easy going, loathe cruelty, and are quite impartial when giving judgement. They also are very dedicated and value their relationships, and are generally more artistic versus intellectual. Generally, the information I read is pretty accurate, and in a way, it reinstated my beliefs in I always try to be kind, I'm a passionate person, and I put a lot of effort into being rational and seeing two sides to a story. I also was happy to read Librans would most likely be good lawyers or writers, two jobs I would both aspire to have. I'm definitely an eccentric person and this blog proved it!

According to Libra, people in marriages are extremely romantic, sentimental, and empathetic, and they have a strong chance of staying together because of their "true minds." I feel this almost perfectly describes the romance between Romeo and Juliet! (of course excluding the death) It becomes evident in the play, despite all the arising problems their love is bound by fate, and it was their destiny to die not only for each other, but possibly to end the relentless hatred between the households. In Act 3, Juliet says: "Indeed I never shall be satisfied with Romeo till I behold him – dead – is my heart so for a kinsmen vexed." In this scene especially, it becomes clear no matter what happens, Juliet and Romeo will do whatever they can for each other and their love is so deeply wound by fate nothing it's permanent.