School is a six-letter word
But seems longer than a road
So vague is Fun
So clear homework's tons
Handwriting's bad as garbage's breath
Incur my teacher's wrath
Got my first friend
God knows the ending's when
End stop came and god knows why
Lost my first reward here in school
Did I went wrong?
I lost a friend
Fun, Play, Freedom all but a dream
Stress, Competition is all it seem
Happy times came with a friend
Both couldn't take the test of time
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Favourite Poem
A Dream Within A Dream by Edgar Allan Poe
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
1. Personification
- " Amid the roar of a surf-tomented shore "
Shows that in reality, there is nothing good, shore can also be tormented
2. Metaphor
- " Yet if hope has flown away "
Comparing with a bird, showing that in reality hope is all but a dream
- " Save one from the pitiless wave "
Compares the wave to a merciless person, telling reality is cruelty
- " How few! yet they creep, through my fingers to the deep "
Tells life is a dream, even holding grains of sand would be so difficult
The Reason I like this Poem
This poem explains that reality and fantasy has a big gap, and that life is not always about fantasy. Fantasy can make dreams seem very alive, however, it is very different from reality. Reality is cruel, differing from fantasy, as they seem very innocent and incredible. In the poem, there was one part about the person holding a few grains of sand, however, they moved rapidly out of his hand until there was none left. This explains that in reality, even holding a few grains of sand would be so difficult. I like this poem because it can really tell reality and fantasy apart, and that dreams will not always be true.
Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?
1. Personification
- " Amid the roar of a surf-tomented shore "
Shows that in reality, there is nothing good, shore can also be tormented
2. Metaphor
- " Yet if hope has flown away "
Comparing with a bird, showing that in reality hope is all but a dream
- " Save one from the pitiless wave "
Compares the wave to a merciless person, telling reality is cruelty
- " How few! yet they creep, through my fingers to the deep "
Tells life is a dream, even holding grains of sand would be so difficult
The Reason I like this Poem
This poem explains that reality and fantasy has a big gap, and that life is not always about fantasy. Fantasy can make dreams seem very alive, however, it is very different from reality. Reality is cruel, differing from fantasy, as they seem very innocent and incredible. In the poem, there was one part about the person holding a few grains of sand, however, they moved rapidly out of his hand until there was none left. This explains that in reality, even holding a few grains of sand would be so difficult. I like this poem because it can really tell reality and fantasy apart, and that dreams will not always be true.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Gulliver's Travels - A Satire
Gulliver's travels is a satire in many different types of ways.
Jonathan Swift depicts Gulliver going to four places, Liliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, Houyhnhnm. Firstly, he shows how Gulliver's Travels can be a satire through the fight between Liliput and Blefuscu. In Lilliput, years ago, people once broke eggs on the big end. However, the present king's grandfather once cut himself breaking the egg in this manner, so the King at the time, the father of the present king's grandfather, issued an edict that all were to break the eggs on the small end. Some of the people resisted, and they found refuge in Blefuscu, therefore the two sides have been at war.
This represents the fight between England and France being unnecessary.
Next, the way Liliputians select people for public office are very different from that of any other nation. A man must "rope dance" to the best of his abilities if he wants to be chosen and the best "rope dancer" receives the higher office. Despite the fact that no nation of Europe in that time followed such a ridiculous practice, the chosen candidates were not chosen based on their skill, but how well they could line the right pockets with money. This is a satire of ridiculous practices in Europe.
Last but not least, Gulliver went to the land of the Houyhnhnms, which are horse-like creatures with the ability to reason. Yahoos also live in the land of Houyhnhnms. Gulliver realises that the only difference between man and the Yahoo is that the Yahoo was very dirty and did not wear any clothes. If not, a Yahoo would be human-like. This is a satire of the flaws of humans and therefore degrades them.
With all this examples, I can tell that Gulliver's travels is a satire in many ways.
Jonathan Swift depicts Gulliver going to four places, Liliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, Houyhnhnm. Firstly, he shows how Gulliver's Travels can be a satire through the fight between Liliput and Blefuscu. In Lilliput, years ago, people once broke eggs on the big end. However, the present king's grandfather once cut himself breaking the egg in this manner, so the King at the time, the father of the present king's grandfather, issued an edict that all were to break the eggs on the small end. Some of the people resisted, and they found refuge in Blefuscu, therefore the two sides have been at war.
This represents the fight between England and France being unnecessary.
Next, the way Liliputians select people for public office are very different from that of any other nation. A man must "rope dance" to the best of his abilities if he wants to be chosen and the best "rope dancer" receives the higher office. Despite the fact that no nation of Europe in that time followed such a ridiculous practice, the chosen candidates were not chosen based on their skill, but how well they could line the right pockets with money. This is a satire of ridiculous practices in Europe.
Last but not least, Gulliver went to the land of the Houyhnhnms, which are horse-like creatures with the ability to reason. Yahoos also live in the land of Houyhnhnms. Gulliver realises that the only difference between man and the Yahoo is that the Yahoo was very dirty and did not wear any clothes. If not, a Yahoo would be human-like. This is a satire of the flaws of humans and therefore degrades them.
With all this examples, I can tell that Gulliver's travels is a satire in many ways.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Animal Farm Study Guide Responding Chapters 8-10
PERSONAL RESPONSE
What is your reaction to the novel’s ending? For example, do you find it uplifting,depressing, cynical? Explain.
Ans: I find it depressing. The pigs have turned into man and the animals are not free after all the happenings after they kicked out Jones. They are still the same while the pigs are enjoying the luxuries.
ANALYZING LITERATURE
Q1) What dealings does Napoleon have with Frederick and Pilkington? How does the battle over the windmill affect the animals? What events from Soviet history is Orwell highlighting?
Ans: Napoleon trades with Frederick and Pilkington. The animals becomes under a Republic ruled by Napoleon. It highlights Stalin tooking over the Republic.
Q2) What happens to Boxer and how do the other animals learn of his fate? How do they come to a final conclusion about these events?
Ans: He was sent to the knackers. The animals learnt about it when they bidded goodbye to Boxer when they notice the van carrying Boxer indicated that Boxer was sent to be slaughtered. Squealer finally told them that Boxer was sent to the hospital and they were relieved when they heard that.
Q3) What changes are made to the Fifth and Sixth Commandments? How is the entire list of Commandments ultimately refashioned? What point is Orwell making about the role of communication in Soviet society?
Ans: No animal shall kill any other animal was changed to no animal shall kill any other animal without reason and no animal shall drink alcohol was changed to no animals shall drink alcohol to excess.
Q4) In Chapter 10 the pigs begin to walk on two legs. In your opinion is this evolution a sign of progress? Explain.
Ans: No, i do not think that it is a sign of progress. It shows a sign that pigs are turning human but not showing the progress of the farm.
Q5) Some critics believe that, at the end of the book, Orwell suggests that the pigs and human political leaders are interchangeable. Do you think most government rulers are interchangeable? How might power change those who have it? Explain.
Ans: I think that most of them are interchangeable. Some government rulers are not rulking their country well like the pigs.
What is your reaction to the novel’s ending? For example, do you find it uplifting,depressing, cynical? Explain.
Ans: I find it depressing. The pigs have turned into man and the animals are not free after all the happenings after they kicked out Jones. They are still the same while the pigs are enjoying the luxuries.
ANALYZING LITERATURE
Q1) What dealings does Napoleon have with Frederick and Pilkington? How does the battle over the windmill affect the animals? What events from Soviet history is Orwell highlighting?
Ans: Napoleon trades with Frederick and Pilkington. The animals becomes under a Republic ruled by Napoleon. It highlights Stalin tooking over the Republic.
Q2) What happens to Boxer and how do the other animals learn of his fate? How do they come to a final conclusion about these events?
Ans: He was sent to the knackers. The animals learnt about it when they bidded goodbye to Boxer when they notice the van carrying Boxer indicated that Boxer was sent to be slaughtered. Squealer finally told them that Boxer was sent to the hospital and they were relieved when they heard that.
Q3) What changes are made to the Fifth and Sixth Commandments? How is the entire list of Commandments ultimately refashioned? What point is Orwell making about the role of communication in Soviet society?
Ans: No animal shall kill any other animal was changed to no animal shall kill any other animal without reason and no animal shall drink alcohol was changed to no animals shall drink alcohol to excess.
Q4) In Chapter 10 the pigs begin to walk on two legs. In your opinion is this evolution a sign of progress? Explain.
Ans: No, i do not think that it is a sign of progress. It shows a sign that pigs are turning human but not showing the progress of the farm.
Q5) Some critics believe that, at the end of the book, Orwell suggests that the pigs and human political leaders are interchangeable. Do you think most government rulers are interchangeable? How might power change those who have it? Explain.
Ans: I think that most of them are interchangeable. Some government rulers are not rulking their country well like the pigs.
Animal Farm Study Guide Active Reading Chapters 8-10
UNDER NAPOLEON's LEADERSHIP
Life for the Pigs:
Pigs live in farmhouse
Napoleon is waited on
Sleep in beds
Rights to drink the milk
Working shorter hours
Having more rations
Life for other animals:
Work longer hours
Receive less food
Sleep on the hay
No milk to drink
Wait on Napoleon
Live in the barn
Life for the Pigs:
Pigs live in farmhouse
Napoleon is waited on
Sleep in beds
Rights to drink the milk
Working shorter hours
Having more rations
Life for other animals:
Work longer hours
Receive less food
Sleep on the hay
No milk to drink
Wait on Napoleon
Live in the barn
Animal Farm Study Guide Responding Chapters 5-7
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Q1) What was your reaction to Snowball's expulsion from Animal Farm?
Ans: Napoleon was attempting to gain full authority over the farm and that Snowball's expulsion from Animal Farm should not have happen. He was thinking of the well-being of the farm but because of Napoleon's greed to take over the farm, he was expelled.
ANALYZING LITERATURE
Q1) What happens to Snowball during the meeting about the windmill? What events in Soviet history does this scene represent?
Ans: He was chased out by Napoleon's nine fierce guard dogs. It represents Stalin overthrowing Trotsky.
Q2) Identify three ways that Napoleon tries to solidify his leadership on the farm. How does the process of decision-making on the farm change under Napoleon's leadership?
Ans: He chased Snowball out of the farm, uses Squealer to persuade other animals to believe in him and his nine fierce guard dogs to threaten those who goes against him.
Q3) Why do the executions take place? What message do these events send to the animals about their role ina future society?
Ans: It is to warn other animals not to betray Napoleon. It tells the animals that if they betray Napoleon, they would not have a good ending.
Q4)How does Orwell compare Animal Farm under Napoleon's leadership, to its exploited state under Farmer Jones' rule? What attitude about totalitarian government do you think Orwell conveys?
Ans: Orwell shows that under Napoleon's leadership, the animals are not having life better than under Jones' rule. He conveys the message that a totalitarian government is not good as it brings a lot of internal problems.
Q5) Do you think it's fair that those who are more educated or more skilled - like the pigs in Animal Farm - have more influence in decision-making? Consider how decisions are made in your community, state, or in the nation.
Ans: I do not think it is fair because every one should have the rights to fight for their own well-being. In Singapore, citizens are also given the right to choose.
Q1) What was your reaction to Snowball's expulsion from Animal Farm?
Ans: Napoleon was attempting to gain full authority over the farm and that Snowball's expulsion from Animal Farm should not have happen. He was thinking of the well-being of the farm but because of Napoleon's greed to take over the farm, he was expelled.
ANALYZING LITERATURE
Q1) What happens to Snowball during the meeting about the windmill? What events in Soviet history does this scene represent?
Ans: He was chased out by Napoleon's nine fierce guard dogs. It represents Stalin overthrowing Trotsky.
Q2) Identify three ways that Napoleon tries to solidify his leadership on the farm. How does the process of decision-making on the farm change under Napoleon's leadership?
Ans: He chased Snowball out of the farm, uses Squealer to persuade other animals to believe in him and his nine fierce guard dogs to threaten those who goes against him.
Q3) Why do the executions take place? What message do these events send to the animals about their role ina future society?
Ans: It is to warn other animals not to betray Napoleon. It tells the animals that if they betray Napoleon, they would not have a good ending.
Q4)How does Orwell compare Animal Farm under Napoleon's leadership, to its exploited state under Farmer Jones' rule? What attitude about totalitarian government do you think Orwell conveys?
Ans: Orwell shows that under Napoleon's leadership, the animals are not having life better than under Jones' rule. He conveys the message that a totalitarian government is not good as it brings a lot of internal problems.
Q5) Do you think it's fair that those who are more educated or more skilled - like the pigs in Animal Farm - have more influence in decision-making? Consider how decisions are made in your community, state, or in the nation.
Ans: I do not think it is fair because every one should have the rights to fight for their own well-being. In Singapore, citizens are also given the right to choose.
Animal Farm Study Guide Active Reading Chapters 5-7
The Words:
In future all questions relating to the working fo the farm would be settled by a special committee of pigs presided over by himself.
What they really mean:
Napoleon is going to make all the decisions from now on.
The Words:
I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself. Do not imagine, comrade, leadership is a pleasure!
What they really mean:
Napoleon is doing a lot for the farm.
The Words:
This work is strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half.
What they really mean:
All animals must work on Sundays.
The Words:
From now onwards Animal Farm would engage in trade with neighbouring farms: not, of course, for any commercial purpose, but simply in order to obtain materials which were urgently necessary
What they really mean:
Napoleon is engaging in trade with humans
The Words:
It was absolutely necessary, he said, that the pigs, who were the brains of the farm should have a quiet place to work in
What they really mean:
The pigs are getting all the luxury
The Words:
It was announced that from now on the pigs would get up an hour later in the mornings than the other animals
What they really mean:
The pigs will work lesser than the other animals
The Words:
Beasts of England has been abolished
What they really mean:
Napoleon has almost become a human
In future all questions relating to the working fo the farm would be settled by a special committee of pigs presided over by himself.
What they really mean:
Napoleon is going to make all the decisions from now on.
The Words:
I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself. Do not imagine, comrade, leadership is a pleasure!
What they really mean:
Napoleon is doing a lot for the farm.
The Words:
This work is strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half.
What they really mean:
All animals must work on Sundays.
The Words:
From now onwards Animal Farm would engage in trade with neighbouring farms: not, of course, for any commercial purpose, but simply in order to obtain materials which were urgently necessary
What they really mean:
Napoleon is engaging in trade with humans
The Words:
It was absolutely necessary, he said, that the pigs, who were the brains of the farm should have a quiet place to work in
What they really mean:
The pigs are getting all the luxury
The Words:
It was announced that from now on the pigs would get up an hour later in the mornings than the other animals
What they really mean:
The pigs will work lesser than the other animals
The Words:
Beasts of England has been abolished
What they really mean:
Napoleon has almost become a human
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Animal Farm Study Guide Responding Chapters 1-4
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Q1) What is your reaction to the animals' complaints and goals?
Ans: I think that the animals were right in starting the rebellion to make the animals the owners of the farm. Under Jones' rule, they suffered greatly. They had the rights to overthrow him as the owner of the farm.
Q2) Do you sympathize with the animals' complaints and goals? Why and why not?
Ans: Yes, I sympathize with the animals' complaints and goals. Jones was a tyrant. He ill-treated the animals by making them do the maximum amount of work but only giving them the minimum amount of food to keep them alive.
ANALYZING LITERATURE
Q1) Describe how the Rebellion takes place. How does the animals' behavior during the Rebellion suggest both human and animal characteristics?
Ans: The animals cooperated and chased Mr Jones and his wife and his workers out of the farm. Some of the animals, for example, the pigs, became greedy for authority and became selfish. This shows no difference between them and humans.
Q2) How do the pigs gain the rights to the cow's milk? Why do the other animals allow this to occur? What does this event suggest about the power hierachy on the farm?
Ans: They convinced the animals that the cow's milk was essential to the well-being of the pigs, who were the thinkers of the farm. The other animals allowed this to occur because they did not want Jones to return back to the farm. This shows that pigs held the greatest power in the farm and that the other animals were inferior to them
Q3) How does the original vision of Animalism become the slogan "Four legs bad, two legs good"? In your opinion, do the animals want rules with simple language? What kind of language do the pigs use?
Ans: Originally, the slogan was "Four legs good, two legs bad". The animals did not know how to read and write so they wanted rules with simple language. The pigs used human language.
Q4) What technique does Orwell use to cast doubt on the likelihood of a successful revolution?
Ans: He portrayed many characters that were sceptical of the revolution being able to be successfully completed, even though they were submissive to Napoleon.
Q5) Characterize Snowball as a leader. Do you think his reaction to the stable-boy's death is the appropriate reaction to have during a revolution?
Ans: I feel that he was looking at the big situation. Since war will definitely have sacrifices, his reaction was appropriate in that sense.
Q1) What is your reaction to the animals' complaints and goals?
Ans: I think that the animals were right in starting the rebellion to make the animals the owners of the farm. Under Jones' rule, they suffered greatly. They had the rights to overthrow him as the owner of the farm.
Q2) Do you sympathize with the animals' complaints and goals? Why and why not?
Ans: Yes, I sympathize with the animals' complaints and goals. Jones was a tyrant. He ill-treated the animals by making them do the maximum amount of work but only giving them the minimum amount of food to keep them alive.
ANALYZING LITERATURE
Q1) Describe how the Rebellion takes place. How does the animals' behavior during the Rebellion suggest both human and animal characteristics?
Ans: The animals cooperated and chased Mr Jones and his wife and his workers out of the farm. Some of the animals, for example, the pigs, became greedy for authority and became selfish. This shows no difference between them and humans.
Q2) How do the pigs gain the rights to the cow's milk? Why do the other animals allow this to occur? What does this event suggest about the power hierachy on the farm?
Ans: They convinced the animals that the cow's milk was essential to the well-being of the pigs, who were the thinkers of the farm. The other animals allowed this to occur because they did not want Jones to return back to the farm. This shows that pigs held the greatest power in the farm and that the other animals were inferior to them
Q3) How does the original vision of Animalism become the slogan "Four legs bad, two legs good"? In your opinion, do the animals want rules with simple language? What kind of language do the pigs use?
Ans: Originally, the slogan was "Four legs good, two legs bad". The animals did not know how to read and write so they wanted rules with simple language. The pigs used human language.
Q4) What technique does Orwell use to cast doubt on the likelihood of a successful revolution?
Ans: He portrayed many characters that were sceptical of the revolution being able to be successfully completed, even though they were submissive to Napoleon.
Q5) Characterize Snowball as a leader. Do you think his reaction to the stable-boy's death is the appropriate reaction to have during a revolution?
Ans: I feel that he was looking at the big situation. Since war will definitely have sacrifices, his reaction was appropriate in that sense.
Animal Farm Study Guide Active Reading Chapters 1-4
Old Major - Gets the revolution started; inspires real hope for change
Napoleon - Expels Snowball out of the farm; wanting to gain full control of the farm
Snowball - Doing his best for the farm, but got kicked out by Napoleon
Squealer - Helps Napoleon convince animals that Napoleon is always right
Boxer - Very diligent but dimwitted
Mollie - Always skiving and afraid of hard work
Moses - Always telling people about Sugar Candy Mountain
Benjamin - Clever but has the thinking that nothing ever changes
Jones - Exploits the animals in Manor Farm
Napoleon - Expels Snowball out of the farm; wanting to gain full control of the farm
Snowball - Doing his best for the farm, but got kicked out by Napoleon
Squealer - Helps Napoleon convince animals that Napoleon is always right
Boxer - Very diligent but dimwitted
Mollie - Always skiving and afraid of hard work
Moses - Always telling people about Sugar Candy Mountain
Benjamin - Clever but has the thinking that nothing ever changes
Jones - Exploits the animals in Manor Farm
Alice in Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland was rather disappointing in terms of the plot but was rather okay when you come to the visuals. Alice is now 19 years old in the movie and is forced into a marriage with a lord. However, during the proposal, she chased after the White Rabbit and somehow tumbled into a hole which brought her to Underland, also known as Wonderland. Though she visited it when she was much younger and dreamt about it every night, she does not seems to remember anything. Alice's destiny was to slay the Jabberwocky, the evil monster that belonged to the Red Queen. The director does not seem to bother about the plot because it seemed as it was pretty confusing. I think that he cared more about the technology and visual effects involved. The performance of the Knaves of Hearts and the Mad Hatter was limited. These characters were suppose to be showing a sense of craziness and lunacy, but the restriction of that caused a big disappointment. The director should complement the sheer funny look of the characters with the sheer lunacy of their personality.That would make the movie better.
The movie provided very little climax. You can see that at the end of the movie, the battle between Alice and Jabberwocky was not exciting at all. It provided very very little climax. People know that Alice would win the battle, but they want to see how she wins it. The excitement must be there, but it did not appear at all. Seriously, the movie instead of being a huge success, seems to be quite a failure.
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