13th picture

guide through hell

I would choose Dante because he has been through Hell before. He would be the perfect guide and he knows everything about Hell. He would be the guaranteed best guide through Hell.

Riddle-Mona Lisa

I live in Paris
I am from 1503 or 1506
I don't remember which
My eyes follow yours
I am well known for my beauty,
my long brown hair,
and brown eyes.
I am much smaller in person
And I seem to confuse people
with my blank stare

CT casting Assignment

The Squire (Orlando Bloom)

    

The Squire is the Knights young twenty year old son who is “devoted to love” and “dresses in flowers”. The Squire is also devoted to making his father happy and helping him out in any way he can and his father appreciates that. He is also full of many talents in which he uses to attract women. He has talents such as playing the flute, singing, drawing, and riding. Orlando Bloom seems to play many roles in movies in which he plays a young “lover boy”. He also plays roles in which he has to be fighting in battle. Like in the movie Troy, Orlando Bloom plays a role in which he fights in battle, follows his dad’s lead, and is infatuated with women. Orlando Bloom has long curly hair and seems to have that boyish charm that anyone would look for if they were looking to an actor to play the part of the Squire in a movie or play about the Canterbury Tales.

Wife of Baths (Lindsay Lohan)

The Wife of Baths is known as a “keen seamstress”. She is known for having had five husbands that she uses for money and personal pleasure. She wears skimpy clothes and talks with a lisp to let people know she is available. The Wife of Baths is very rebellious for doing what she does. Especially for the time period she is living in. Lindsay Lohan would be the perfect actress to play the role of the Wife of Baths. She is known for being rebellious in real life and on screen. She played the role of a high school girl who turns scandalous fast in the movie called “Mean Girls”. When I think of Wife of Baths I immediately think of Lindsay Lohan. If there was a CAterbury Tales movie Lindsay Lohan would be perfect for the role.

The Pardoner (Neil Patrick Harris)

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The Pardoner is a handsome man who fashionably rides in with the Summoner wearing nothing on his head. The narrator thinks he is gay because of his high pitched voice. The Pardoner is an excellent storyteller, preacher, and singer but he steals donations from the church which is very ironic of him. Neil Patrick Harris is perfect for playing the part of the Pardoner. In the role that Neil Patrick Harris plays in how I met your mother he is known as the “scheming womanizer” which would help him out while playing the role of the pardoner because he would scheme the church people out of their money. Also Neil Patrick is a well known and out spoken gay. He is open about his sexuality in real life and Neil Patrick Harris would play an excellent gay male probably because he would know how to act. In “How I Met Your Mother” Neil Patrick Harris is always wearing the nicest suits. He also is very handsome and always seems to be sporting nice clothing with would make him more like the pardoner. 

Prologue Addition

Its Charlie Sheen and Winning is his thing
He drinks that tiger blood hashtag winning
He might be a little too crazy for my taste
Its probably because he is full of waste
Its Charlie Sheen and he is here to party
He is high as a kite like Bob Marley
He is a repulsive womanizer
And you should not take that any lighter
Now do not forget it is Charlie Sheen
He thinks he is the man hashtag winning

canto 9 Guide

Canto 9

New Characters

-Medusa- She has hair of snakes and if you look her in the eyes you will turn to stone

-The Messenger from Heaven

The Three Furies

       -Magaera

-Allecto

-Tisiphone

Summary

After Virgil’s failure to gain entrance through the gates into the city of Dis, Dante is shocked, grows pale, and becomes scared. Virgil points out to Dante the three creatures that are half woman half serpent. There names are Megaera, Allecto, and Tisiphone. They begin to beat and attack each other. Then the creatures say “Let Medusa come: so we will turn him to concrete.” Virgil quickly tells Dante to turn and close his eyes. A huge noise shakes the ground causing the furies to scatter and Dante turns to see a messenger from heaven crossing styx with a bunch of souls fleeing from him. Dante and Virgil bowed to him and the messenger opens the gate to the sixth circle of hell. The heretics live in this circle of hell. It is filled with fire and tombs.

Sin/Sinners

The sin in this canto is only briefly presented but Virgil states “Here are the chiefs of heresies with their followers, of every sect, and much more than you believe are the tombs of laden.” after Dante asks who are the people buried in these tombs. Heresies are people who believe and or practice a religion that is not what is generally accepted in the society that they are apart of.

Punishment/Contrapasso

We have not learned the punishment for the heresies in the 6th circle of hell yet

Discussion Questions

-Why do you think Virgil could not get through the gate as easily as before?

-Why do you think the heresies are buried in tombs? What could the tombs and fire symbolize?

1. What does Virgil fail to do in the beginning of Canto 9?

            a. speak to god

            b. open the gate

            c. be a good tour guide to Dante

            d. say his prayer

2. Who does Dante see in the beginning of the Canto?

            a. three furies

            b. Cyclops

            c. cereberus

            d. medusa

3. What find of creatures are they?

            a. dogs

            b. demons

            c. snakes

            d. half woman half serpent

4. They call medusa to do what?

            a. eat Dante

            b. poison Dante

            c. turn Dante to stone

            d. guide Dante

5. What does Virgil tell Dante to do after the furies call medusa?

            a. close his eyes

b. run

c. pray

d. obey her

6. What creates the loud sound that scatters the furies?

            a. medusa

            b. the messenger

            c. Virgil

            d. Satan

7. Where is this person from?

            a. Heaven

            b. the 3^rd circle of hell

            c. Dis

            d. the 4^th circle of hell

8. What does he do?

            a. give Dante a message

            b. give Virgil a message

            c. kill medusa

            d. open the gate

9. What circle of Hell do they enter?

            a. 9^th

            b. 7^th

            c. 8^th

            d. 6^th

10. What is the sin in this circle?

            a. heresy

            b. gluttony

            c. lust

            d. greed

canto 25 guide

CANTO 25 GUIDE

NEW CHARACTERS

The Five Thieves

v Agnello- switches form with Cianfa and turns from human to a six-legged lizard.

v Franesco-starts as a small reptile and switches with Buoso into a man.

v Puccio Sciancato- does not change but his turn to change awaits him

+SUMMARY

v Vanni Fucci becomes so angry that he makes the ultimate obscene gesture to god. Almost immediately after the serpents grab Vanni Fucci and take him away causing him great pain. The centour named Cacus also chases Fucci. Virgil and Dante move further into the pit and then meet five thieves from Florence. Each of the thieves are switching forms, from human to reptiles, which causes intense pain. The only sinner who did not change yet was Puccio Sciancato but he watches the painful experience and fearfully awaits his turn.

SIN/SINNERS

v The sinners in this canto are thieves. They stole possessions from other people and used it for there own good. 

PUNISHMENT/CONTROPASSO

v Their punishment in hell is to constantly face painful transformations from human to reptile repeatedly. In their lives the thieves stole other peoples possessions so in hell their bodies are stolen from them and the thieves continue to steal their bodies back. Therefore, the sinners never know what is their own.

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1.     Who did Agnello switch form with?

a.Franesco

b.Cianfa

c.Buoso

d.Puccio

2. What type of animals were the sinners turning into?

            a.unicorns

            b.snakes

c.reptiles

            d.cats

3. What is the sin in this canto?

            a. hypocrites

            b. lust

            c. thieves

            d. violent

4. Who switched with Buoso?

            a. Franesco

b.Cianfa

c.Buoso

d.Puccio

5. What is there punishment?

               a. to eat poop

               b. lay in poop

               c. switch bodies constantly

               d. be chased by demons

6. Why did the serpents take Fucci away?

               a. He made an obscene gesture to god

               b. he gave Dante the middle finger

               c. he tried to escape

               d. he was being disrespectful to them

7. What does Dante call the serpents at the beginning of the canto?

               a. evil

               b. his friends

               c. demons

               d. mother figures

8.  What does Puccio change into?

               a. he doesn’t change

               b. a lizard

               c. serpent

               d. snake

9.How does dante feel when Fucci is taken?

               a. he is happy

               b. sad

               c. mad

               d. he starts to cry

10. What did Agnello star out as?

               a. a man

               b. lizard

c. dog

d. cat

           

The Compound Essay #2

-Often main characters will grow in confidence and learn how to accept themselves in some new way.  Cite an example of how the protagonist found a source of strength. Describe how you felt as the reader when this happened.

            Throughout the book Eli seemed to hide behind his long hair as if he was using it to make a shield hiding his emotion. He also would not let people touch him which blocked any sense of affection. These are signs of his depression and post traumatic stress. For example, Eli stated “Had I just messed up everything? I let my hair stay where it was, covering my face.” He often used his hair to hide his face which would hide his feelings and facial expressions.

After reconnecting with his family members and meeting his new ones, Eli felt comfortable enough to cut off his hair and had no issue with touching anyone. He gained confidence and seemed to realize the love he had for his family members. During the moment when Eli realized his issues with his hair he thought this and proposed a question to his sister Lexie “My eyes went to my reflections in the mirror. My own hair. I pulled it forward and let it cover my face so I could no longer see. As I pushed it back, my fingers ran through it. My hair was my shield, a wall, to keep everyone out. Or was it? Did it keep something in? My reflection smiled a bit. I had no secrets left. “Want to cut mine?”.”

Right after Eli let his sister, Lexie cut his hair, Eli said “I held my open hand in front of my eyes. My wall was gone. It didn’t matter whether I felt up to the task or not. Our lives depended on me. My fingers curled into a tight fist before releasing.” Eli knew what he had to do and did that exactly. He saved his family and would not let anything get in his way. Not his hair nor his issue with letting people touch him.

When Eli threw the first punch at his dad, Eli realized how serious the situation was and that he could not let his issue with touching other people stop his anger and need to punch the man that put them through hell the last six years. Eli’s dad deserved it and if Eli were to hold on to his issues with his hair and touching people he would not have succeeded in saving his family.

Eli’s shields were down and he let his love for his family overcome his personal issues that he had been holding on to during the times of their lives in the compound. As the reader I could understand the feeling of empowerment that Eli felt after cutting his hair and feeling the touch of human. Especially during the part of the story when Luke touched Eli and he loved the feeling of his little hand. Eli was ready for action and ready to save his family. No matter what.

The Compound Response #1

The Compound

-Select a relatively important event in the book and describe why it was a turning point in the character’s life? What was it that the character decided or learned to do?

            The main turning point in The Compound seems to be the moment when Eli decides it is time for him to see what his “dead” twin named Eddy’s room looks like and he finds his laptop. This moment made Eli more curious about what else is in this compound underground that he never really explored after living there for around six years. This laptop was also very important because it brought Eli the ability to see there was internet and made him realize that his father was really hiding something.

            One day, Eli was using the laptop and reminiscing on his past years when he would instant message with his brother. He was sitting outside of his dad’s office and he got that very important message stating “Wireless Network Now Connected.” At that moment Eli realized that something was wrong and that his father was lying. ”I WAS PISSED, PISSED AT the possibility that my father was keeping things from me, maybe even lying. And if that was true, I would be even more upset at myself for being such a dupe, just taking things lying down, believing everything he said.”

            The laptop had the ability to connect to the internet because Eli’s father did not block its abilities to connect like all the other laptops that they actually use in the compound. This laptop gave Eli the ability to speak with his brother and Gram. He thought both of them were dead until he saw his brother online on instant messenger. This whole nuclear attack story created by their father was a fake and some sort of sick conspiracy from Eli’s dad and Eli was realizing that. Eli’s father was treating this like some sort of science experiment, causing his own family pain and suffering. “I didn’t understand how he could do this to us, the people he was supposed to love the most. When he did he start hating us? Because he must have hated us, if he could even consider doing this. It was the only explanation I had that made sense.” said Eli. He was deeply confused on why his father would do this to his family.

            Eli realizes the importance of taking the leadership role in saving his family from the Compound and their father. Eli goes through hell in order to save his mom and siblings. He even physically fought his own father. Throughout the process of saving his family, Eli becomes very close with his siblings including little Luke who helps Eli a lot when he was trying to get the hatch opened and when Eli’s arm got stuck. Without the help of his siblings, their trust in him, and vise versa, Eli and his family would not have got out of the compound safely and rejoined with their long lost grandma, brother, and loving family.

Ashfall journel #2

What is the role of women in the novel? How are they treated by the author-important or marginalized? Strong or weak?

            Women have a very strong and important role in this novel. All the women that Alex met, encountered, or mentioned throughout his journey had similar traits. All the women were excellent caretakers to Alex. Even if they were not huge roles in the story at some point they helped Alex out.

            Alex’s mom is an important woman in this book even though she did not have a role in the novel. Alex talked about her the most out of his family. He talked about his issues he had with his mom and the fights they would get into between each other but throughout the book Alex’s thoughts about his mom became sweeter. By the end of the book whenever Alex talked about his mom he stated how important she is to him and how great of a caretaker she is.

            Another important woman in the story is Darla. Darla is very strong, smart, brave, and is a good caretaker to Alex. Darla nursed Alex back to health when he showed up at her farmhouse very close to death. Without her Alex could have easily died. Darla also taught Alex chores on the farm like making mechanical repairs, digging up corn, skinning rabbits, and running the machine that she created for recharging the batteries. “Darla shoveled maniacally, ramming in her spade and hurling each scoop away. Her mom kept up a measured pace, without any wasted effort.” Alex thought as he watched these strong women work so hard.

            Mrs. Edmunds’ Darla’s mom, was a hard working woman who delt with struggles in her life but she gladly took Alex under her wing when he was in dire need of help. Without her generosity Alex could have died. And when she died and the way she died really hurt Alex. He knew how important she was to Darla and even though he didn’t know Mrs. Edmunds for long he had a lot of respect for her and he truly cared about her.

            All these women played caretaker roles. For example, the woman at the camp who worked for FEMA. She truly cared about the well being of all the people and would do anything to help. She snuck 12 almonds in Alex’s pocket for him and Darla everytime they stood in line. Those 12 almonds were so special and important to them. Who knows those almonds could have saved Alex’s life.

Also the first farmhouse that Alex stayed at he was completely taken care of by the woman who lived their. She made him food and took care of them even though supplies are scarce in such a devastating time in their lives. The man of that house had to secretly sneak Alex out while the woman was sleeping because they both knew that she would have let him stay for however long it was dangerous outside. Alex understood the situation and gladly left but he will always appreciate that woman and what she did for him.

           

Ashfall Journel #1

Select a relatively important event in the book and describe why it was a turning point in the character’s life? What was it that the character decided or learned to do?

There are many important events throughout the book that can be marked as turning points for Alex. After Alex’s house burnt down during the volcano eruption he was taken in by his neighbors, Darren and Joe. One evening, some bandits decided to break in the door at Darren and Joe’s house. This was a turning point for Alex. It was the first time that Alex would have to use his taekwondo skills in such a real scenario in which he had to defend his life. Alex had only taken taekwondo lessons in order to defend himself from a school bully not expecting that he would actually have to use these skills to defend his life.

During the fight at Darren and Joe’s house it got very serious when Darren brought out a gun. Darren shot and killed the bandits causing a bloody mess in the house. There was blood splattered everywhere in the house and all over their clothes. Alex could not bear to be in that house after that incident and he immediately ran out of the door escaping the bloody torture. “But I couldn’t go back to Darren’s house. I doubted I could ever look at him again without seeing that rage-contorted face. And just thinking about returning to his gore-drenched foyer-no way.” Alex thought as he left the house.

After leaving Darren and Joe’s house and realizing that he himself could put up a fight and defend himself, Alex thought “Would I see them again? Yes, I decided. If they were alive, I would find my family.” He had his mind set and he thought “Tomorrow, I’d set out for Warren to find my family. The journey might be impossible, but I had to try.”

After gaining the confidence that he could fight, Alex made up his mind, he would go and find his parents. He was dedicated and this motivated him to be strong throughout his journey. With each struggle Alex faced he kept hope and stayed strong. He never gave up or broke down.

If that fight at Joe and Darren’s house never happened and Alex stayed there with them the entire time, the story would be different. Alex probably would not have left, stayed cooped up in the house, and later died from starvation or other bandits. He also would have never met Darla and he would have never expanded on his taekwondo knowledge. The fight at Joe and Darren’s house is what really got Alex’s momentum going to find his family.

Even though Alex did not find his parents, he found his sister and made it to his destination in Warren at his Uncle’s farm. He even remained hopeful for his parents the last line of the book Alex states “Despite my worries about Mom and Dad, I felt strangely hopeful.  Even in the icy wind, the warmth of Darla’s body against mine felt like spring.”

College Essay

 I adored my grandma Sharon, but never truly knew how amazing she was until January 2011. To my sister Nicole and me, she was the fun-loving grandmother who treated us like royalty. However, in January after her long fight against ovarian cancer, I found that she was as special to others as she was us. What I knew of Grandma then was that she was a spunky hospice nurse wearing bright colors, kept a candy jar filled, and had the biggest collection of teddy bears. What I did not know, was what her job meant and how she affected people.

            On the 29^th of January I learned Grandma was being admitted into the very hospice she had helped start. I did not know what to expect as my family made a solemn trip to Jacksonville. Hospice was not the cold sterile environment of a hospital. It was beautiful, spacious, and actually welcoming. Grandma was smiling, propped up with perfectly fluffed pillows, and snuggling a handmade quilt. Surprisingly, she was the one comforting us.

            Throughout the next three days there was a constant flow of people, each with their own “Sharon Story”. I especially remember an elderly sophisticated lady named Jean who led us in a heartfelt prayer. Jean was the friend who had knit Nicole’s Christmas stocking, which I envied for its great size my whole life. She told us the part Grandma played in the success of Hospice and of times when she helped others, including Jean’s husband, in their final days. Although Grandma grew tired and less talkative, the parade of visitors continued. Friends came to say their goodbyes from Hospice, Sassy Tappers, Red Hat Ladies, book club, and yoga. Eventually, it was my turn to say good-bye

            It is because of Grandma that I know what it means to live your life to the fullest. I saw how strongly she affected so many people in an honest and caring way. Grandma’s life may have appeared simple and boring. She lived in the same city, in the same house, and worked the same job for over 20 years. I learned in those three days that her life was truly full and exciting. From her example, I know that I am more than the clothes I wear, the friends I have, or the school I attend. I believe what made my Grandma so special to all those people was her ability to accept everyone as they are and without judgment. People knew that with her their secrets were safe and, no matter what, they would always be loved. Grandma has inspired me to live my life to its fullest by treating all those I come in contact with the same non-judgmental acceptance. I believe through my care and support of the people in my life I will achieve true success.  If there are times that this becomes difficult for me, I always have the memory of Sharon Jewel McKinnon to help me. Thank you Grandma. I love you.

Beowulf in the City

Grendel as Gerry

Beowulf as Billy

Hrothgar as Herriot

Billy vs. Gerry

It was a long day on the play-ground and the first graders were getting sick and tired of the third grader named Gerry taking over the jungle gym. Gerry was a bully. Everyday he kicked sand in there faces, stole their toys, and caused havoc on the swinging-bars. First grader, Herriot decided this needed to end. One day Herriot worked up the courage to approach Gerry the terror-causer of the play-zone. Gerry was in the sand-box throwing sand at people as they walked by as usual.

“Can I use the sand-box? You have been hogging it for all of recess and you had it yesterday too. ” Herriot asks.

Gerry says “No.” without even looking at her.

“Please Gerry! You are always hogging everything!” says Herriot.

“Na Na Na Na boo boo stick your head in doo doo!” yells Gerry as he throws sand at Herriot and pulls her pony tail.

Herriot starts to walk away but when the anger and frustration builds up inside her she can not hold back.

“Gerry! You are a mean boy and one day you will pay for the horrible things that you have done to me and my friends!” yells Herriot from across the playground.

“Oh Yeah! What are you going to do freckles?” yells Gerry.

“You’ll see.” Mutters Herriot as she walks away.

Herriot was too small to take control of the situation, so she and her friends asked the biggest boy in the fourth grade to help out. His name was Billy. Billy was a big kid yet a huge fuzzy teddy bear. He learned about the bullying situation and immediately approached Gerry.

“Hey Gerry do you really think it is okay to bully those little girls?” says Billy in a calm manner.

“What do you care about it Billy? Mind your own Bees Wax!” Says Gerry as he continues to terrorize the other children on the play-zone.

“I care a lot about it! It is not right the way you treat them! How would you feel if some meany treated you like that everyday at recess?” exclaims Billy in a stern voice while he steps closer to Gerry.

While this is going on a crowd is forming and people are starting to watch. Including Herriot and her friends who are cheering Billy on as he serves them justice. Gerry stops what he is doing and looks at Billy. 

“I don’t care what you have to say! Lalalalalalala!” said Gerry while sticking his fingers in his ears to plug them shut.

Billy pulls Gerry’s hands down and continues to tell him that he is wrong in what he is doing.

“Whatever!” Gerry shouts.

Gerry grabs a handful of mulch and throws it at Billy. Gerry then walks away. As he walks away Billy comes up behind him and pulls Gerry’s pants down causing him to feel the humiliation that he has been putting on others.

“Na Na Na Na boo boo YOU stick YOUR head in doo doo!” Herriot yells at Gerry as he stands there all red faced with embarrassment.

After the humiliation of being “pantsed” Gerry apologized to everyone and began to play nice with everyone. He shared his sand-toys and even made a generous lunch trade with Herriot. The nice, true Gerry started to come out and everyone liked him and considered him a friend.

Earth Without People Reaction Paper

Alex McKinnon

Ms. Morrell

Honors English IV

10/3/12                   

Earth Without People Reaction Paper

            Alan Weisman, the writer of Earth Without People, uses a lot of imagery in his writing to involve the five senses. Weisman uses imagery to give the reader the right picture in their head and he does not “over do it” causing the reader to get lost. Imagery makes the story more entertaining and gives the reader a true understanding of the image that the writer is trying to portray.

            For instance, Weisman wrote “A dry lightning strike, igniting decades of uncut, knee-high Central Park grass, would spread flames through town.” This statement gives the reader a better understanding of the unusual idea that if humans were not around to cut and tame that grass in the famous Central Park of New York, something as simple as a lightning strike could start a fire and destroy the entire property. Also his choice to use words like “uncut” and “knee high” help give the reader that image in there head.

            Another example of imagery is when Weisman wrote “As lightning rods rusted away, roof fires would leap among buildings into paneled offices filled with paper. Meanwhile, native Virginia creeper and poison ivy would claw at walls covered with lichens…” This excerpt from the article gives many examples of imagery. He used phrases like “fires would leap among buildings” fires can not really leap onto buildings but his word choice gives you the right image in your head. He also describes how the fire would burn the papers in the office building which is not a complete necessity but it boosts the creativity of his writing. Along with his use of the word claw referring to the poison ivy which “claws up the wall”.

            One last example of imagery is when Weisman writes “As water sluiced away soil beneath pavement, streets would crater.” He suddenly gives us the image of water beneath the soil causing the streets to cave in. Weisman uses imagery throughout his writing to connect the reader and make them use their five senses.