Life After AP Lang.

AP Lang. was unlike many classes in high school.   It wasn't like chemistry or physics or trigonometry where you learn a bunch of information for the sole purpose of regurgitating it for a test.  No.  AP Lang. was relevant, useful, inspiring.

This spring I will be walking out of Mrs. Zavitz's classroom a completely different writer from when I walked in this past fall.  I have learned the tricks of the trade.  Most importantly I have learned that every writer is essentially a rhetor.  Now, not only can I easily identify people's arguments in daily life, but I can craft my own.  I now have a great arsenal of rhetorical devices to use to strengthen any form of writing I do.

In the beginning of my training as an argumentative scholar, I detested timed writings.  They felt like monstrous linebackers, impossible to tackle.  Now, a timed writing feels like a  manageable task due to the extensive practice I have had.  Quantitatively it is apparent that I have developed more confidence with timed writing because my scores have vastly improved.   Although they felt like a nuisance, timed writings were honestly the most helpful assignment in regards to being a more effective writer. It is the truth that all of the progress lies in the practice, practice, practice.

In a matter of years when I am sitting in my university's library at 2am finishing a twenty page exposé about who  knows what, I will reminisce about my days in AP Lang.  As I lose stamina, I will think about SOSPAT and stylized sentences and creating your own thesis.  I will then be able to muscle through and craft my rhetorically savvy report.

AP Lang. has been tough, fun, and most of all... useful.  The only thing I can recommend for next year would be to implement more modern rhetorical examples.  I enjoyed the TED Talks where we had to pin point verbal and visual rhetorical strategies.  This would just be an added supplement to the literary examples that we frequently used.  All in all, AP Lang. equals.... a great big success!

One Scoop of Postmodernism Please

I wish I could say that my favorite literary movement is a highly noble or distinguished one- the kind that you are extremely proud and eager to discuss at a haughty dinner party, just for the sake of sounding cultured.  Although, if I am being honest, I will not deny the fact that the Postmodernist movement is indeed the one I most revere.  This movement is like a refreshing vanilla ice cream cone with just the right amount of sprinkles.  It isn't doused in thick language or glazed in artificial emotion or topped with a cherry because it lacks flavor.  Postmodernism is simply divine. 

The content of Postmodernist work is very understandable and identifiable.  Even if we haven't experienced it ourselves we can relate to the topic in some way or at least see its significance.  I like how Postmodernists used writing as a portal to address societal flaws.  I am a firm believer in the power of words therefore I appreciate how this movement exemplifies using the craft of composing as a means for changing the world. 

An ambrosial example of this happens to be one of my favorite books of all time, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  It was written by the Beatnik, Postmodernist Ken Kesey.  Written near the start of the movement, it makes a bold statement about control and freedom.  The writing style is simple like a vanilla cone although it is far from bland because of the colorful sprinkles embedded in the story.  Symbolism and rhythm and metaphors fill the pages.  You cannot eat up the book fast enough so scoop up the Postmodernism!  Don't undersestimate it because it is relevant and utterly delectable.

The American Dream is an Attitude

After having an abysmal class debate about what the American dream is exactly- and whether it even exists, I really began to ponder the subject.  Traditionally the dream that radiates red, white, and blue encompasses something like prosperity, opportunity, or even just a fair chance.  After that being said, I have concluded that the American dream is something different to everyone.  Although, for me the Star Spangled dream is an attitude.  It is the confidence to leap into the air in order to pin down an idea that is merely a cloud in the sky.  It is the determination to climb on teetering branches to reach the top.  It is the faith that in this country we can reach a finish line that exudes greatness no matter where we began the race.

Some people go about the dream differently, and for some the dream is achieved more easily, but I firmly believe that the one who gets to bask in the glory of the reverie is the one who acquired it after honest work.  For instance, Gatsby of The Great Gatsby  had what was merely the facade of the dream.  It was only a dream in disguise.   His luxurious square footage and lavish possessions came from dishonest and corrupt deals, and for that reason he never felt fulfilled.  He longed for more.  So be the American dream and confidently seize the opportunities presented to you by this world, but do it honestly, fairly, thankfully.

No Pain. No Gain.

Every year the inevitable happens.  I am assigned a research paper.  Every year we choose from a list of topics, and every year I grow bored with the lengthy process but not this time around.  This particular research paper was actually not that painful.  I actually opened books in the library that I never even knew existed, I read a novel that I really enjoyed, and I felt a sense of glowing pride when I held my completed, hefty research paper in my hands.  

As I printed out my last page of the paper, I had a feeling comparable to crossing a finish line after a marathon.  It was the type of accomplishment that makes you forget all of the hills you had to sprint up along the way.  The only thing left to do now... is wait.  You never quite know just what kind of grade is about to come so I can only hope that my hard work paid off.  Now in the mean time, I have a U.S. History paper that needs to be written, but after that AP Lang. monster, it feels like a piece of cake.  

Valentine's Day

My fondest Valentine's Day memories are from simpler times. I remember when the most complicated thing about the lovey-dovey holiday was whether to pick the Care Bear Valentines or the Backstreet Boy ones.  I always enjoyed attaching a piece of candy to every card and proudly waltzing into class carrying my bedazzled shoebox full of goodies.  After school, I looked forward to going through the Valentines that I had received to see if there was a hand written message on any of them (particularly one from the obnoxious yet cute boy in the class). 

It was a combination of the paper doily crafts, my full box of Valentines, and the light-hearted nature of the festivities that made the holiday so memorable.  Even though fourth grade class parties are long gone, I still enjoy reading the messages on candy hearts, wearing pink from head to toe, making homemade cards, and of course, taking a bite out of every piece of chocolate in the box until you find the one with the caramel center.

Response to "Zero Tolerance for Sober-Driving"

I chose a piece that satirizes drunk-driving.  It is a very serious topic yet the writer uses a flippant tone.  This is unexpected therefore it works very well because it shocks the audience.  The use of litotes also makes the reader challenge the writer.  This is a brilliant device because when a writer can get the reader to argue their case for them, it is a winner.  It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. 

Also, this tonal device coincides with the use of sarcasm.  The author encourages drunk-driving instead of discouraging it in order to prove a point without the expected, blunt delivery of a warning.  I quote, "Everyday, the news is filled with drunken teens that are killed in vicious encounters with sober drivers, light posts and even trees!"  This is similar to the technique that Jonathan Swift used in The Modest Proposal.  Like Swift who explicitly says that consuming children is the answer,  the writer of Zero Tolerance for Sober-Driving states that throwing back a few cocktails before taking the wheel is the safest idea. 

I found these rhetorical devices very effective and the approach of taking the nonsensical stance, clever.  As a reader, you naturally disagree with the illogical statements and are convinced that driving drunk is dangerous and idiotic without the frank delivery.

Check out the essay, "Zero Tolerance for Sober-Driving"
http://www.essayjudge.com/document_detail.php?doc_id=164

Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend

Pearls.  While sitting here thinking about what to share for this blog entry, my pearl necklace kept catching my eye as it laid on my dresser.  They are the simplest, loveliest accessory.  Aside from the exquisite diamond, a strand of pearls seems to stand the test of time above all other gems.  The most highly regarded women of all time have adorned the soft, glowing beads.  Recently I did a project on the late Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco. Almost every photograph I have seen of her, shows her wearing a classic strand of luminescent pearls:  on picnics, on the beach, at royal galas, and while playing with her children. 

I think that pearls are the perfect metaphor for a modern, classy lady.  They offer a finishing touch to a lovely ensemble as a lady's presence does in any room. They aren't ostentatious but just dazzling enough to catch interest.  Lastly, they are as polished and sweet today as they were a century ago... and will be a century from now. 

Huckleberry Pie

Huckleberry Finn is widely known for its inclusion of a rough, back of the woods dialect.  I have to be honest and say that the style of the broken sentences was a very entertaining component of the novel. Mark Twain's story could not have been properly portrayed without the improper grammar.  It was a portal through which he indirectly characterized Huck, Pap, Jim and other characters.  This could not have been done as effectively any other way.  As Jim would profess, this here was a by gone genius idea'r!

On a more serious note, I deeply appreciated the symbolism of the river and its representation of safety.  I understood the struggle Jim and Huck felt as they wallowed inbetween the dangers of life on land and hope of the water.  At the same time though, I felt that the tension between seizing the water and staying on land was quite overdone.  Throughout many chapters I just wanted to shout -excuse my bluntness, "Get off the stinkin' raft already!  Just go back to the widow's house.  It is safe, warm, and DRY!!!!"

Lastly, another part that I felt had much importance was the theme of freedom.  The irony I saw in the theme holds much truth.  It is the fact that the more Jim and Huck struggled to be free the more captive they became.  I believe that it was with these ideas that the novel gained its title as a literary classic.  They are perplexing and support Twain's argument.  For that reason, I appreciate that Twain used this novel as a platform to express his opinions about societal flaws of his day.  All I's gots to say is if this here book were a dessert it would be a piece of delicious Huckleberry pie.   

Keeping it Lively with Isaac Mizrahi

I was feeling whimsical and lighthearted so I settled on watching a presentation delivered by Isaac Mizrahi.  He is a well known and credited American designer, oh and he let his audience know it.  He made sure to make any listener aware of his list of endless credentials: working for Julliard, costume designing for operas, graduating from Parson's School of Design, name dropping left and right.  Even though it may seem as though his intentions of ethos would backfire into arrogance, his likable personality made it acceptable. 

Unlike a formal rhetor who is level in tone and eloquent in speech, Mizrahi was very conversational and quite himself.  He really got the crowd laughing with his use of humor.  Can you say pathos?  He made many jokes by poking fun at himself and daily life.  He moved about the stage in almost a frantic way, but it worked with his blithe attitude.  His personal appearance was unrestricted as well.  His hair was curly and tousled, and his paper of notes a bit crinkled.  You can tell he is a creative mind with gears always turning or perhaps that is just what he set out to make us think.  A part of his rhetorical strategy perhaps?  He does admit that he is a "sleep walking insomniac" so that may explain the tousled hair.   

Furthermore, the true merit to his presentation was about how living uncomfortably is the way to keep things fresh.  If you live within the realm of your comfort zone you will be, quite frankly..., bored.  He translates this to his fashionable designs by claiming that it is more interesting to see irregular things rather than mundane and hackneyed clothing.  Mizrahi tries to stress that mistakes make for a perfect ensemble . He shows many clips and pictures of bright and unique designs worn by classic, glamorous women.  Audrey Hepburn was among the gamut.  Women are dancing in daring fashions, and it is no surprise that some of his own works of art end up on the slides. He did this to gain that, "I need to be original!  I need to be colorful and fun just like Audrey!"  type of motivation from the audience.  Well, he succeeded because I feel encouraged to keep taking those risks and seizing opportunities in order to keep life billowing in the wind like a colorful garment.  No feather the same, no sequin of the same sparkle, and no day like the last.  Thanks Mizrahi. http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/isaac_mizrahi_on_fashion_and_creativity.html