Welcome to the League of Literary Scholars blog! This blog will record our thoughts and responses to various works of literature, as requested by Ms.Lees in English 9.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Analysis of Questions
The first question:
Is Peter's problem a realistic scenario in the 15th and 16th century?
My thoughts:
I believe it would really clarify the context more if you specified Peter's problem for those who have not read the novel.
Also, I believe it would be a better and clearer question if you told us where it happened in the 15th 16th century, because different societies in the same time can have different customs and traditions. For example, in 15th - 16th century England, government officials are appointed by noble birth, whilst in China in the same time frame had government officials elected based on merit, not noble birth, and require them to pass certain qualifications such as state examinations in poetry, mathematics and philosophy.
Does theater have a say in political matters? If yes, explain.
My thoughts:
I think the question should be more specific in order to draw more conclusive answers. Does theater have a say in political matters under what scenarios? Does this take place in the Middle Ages where all people cared about were religion and power? Or did it take place during the Renaissance where people appreciated the arts? Is this question in America where the arts have a big influence on society? Or is this in Iraq where artists are still struggling to freely express their thoughts and beliefs? I think you need to address where, when, and under what circumstances.
From the Elizabethan Era till now there have been many changes. Where do you suppose we will go next?
My thoughts:
I genuinely think this is a very good question, but could use a little more explaining. Indeed it has been many, many years since the Elizabethan days, what changes does the person aim to address? Changes in economic activities? Changes in politics and power structure? Changes in beliefs and values?
And when asking where we will go next, is "we" representing we citizens of BC? Of Canada? Of the world? And where we will go in terms of arts? In terms of social segregation? It would do wonders for this question to specify and clarify.
Does Peter life relate to other kids around the world? Does it relate to you? Explain.
My thoughts:
Firstly, I would like to just correct a grammatical error I noticed. I believe DL meant to say "Peter's life" rather than "Peter life".
Secondly, what was Peter's life like? For people who don't know the story, they won't know how Peter lived. Was he a high-class aristocrat or was he a low-class serf? It would be best to explain that part.
Lastly, please specify "kids around the world". When are we talking about ? And if there is a specific location in mind it would be best to mention it as well.
How do you think people obtained power during the victorian era? Is power easier to obtain depending on your family or because of potential?
My thoughts:
Firstly, the word "victorian" should be capitalized to be "Victorian".
Secondly, the story actually takes place in Elizebethan England, not Victorian England. The two are very distinct periods in English history with two distinct queens.
Lastly, please specify what kind of power is being mentioned here. Is it political power or economic power? The ways to obtain any kind of power are similar in many aspects, but it would be nice to know how this question relates to the story by specifying the power type involved.
The Big Questions
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Chapter 1 and 2 Response
U Mad Bro?
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Was a person's life path determined before they were born? Is it today? Or can a man change his stars as the clip suggest?
Was a person's life path determined before they were born? Is it today? Or can a man change his stars as the clip suggest?
Hello to the bloggers on this blog. I hope your day has gone by well so far. (GO BLUE GO!-Five Days Of Fire)
My opinion is that a person’s life path is determined before they were born.
It is today because of our parents. You may ask why, well the parents are the ones who pay for our education, food, house, ect. If our parents don’t have enough money for all of this, our life couldn't be as "high class" as it could be. Now , if your parents are quite the "high class bunch" ( people who have lots of money, good job, live in a safe environment ect.) then you can tell that a child’s life path would be good because their parents have the money to put them in an excellent school. Also our parents may be more lower class or high classing making us (their children) the same, because if you think about it , it isn’t quite possible for a baby to change its life path before he/she was even born.
All at the same time I think that it is possible for a man to change his stars; by going to college and/or university, getting a good education, studying well and get rewarded a great job! You may ask why do all this? Well, now-a-days, most successful people have a good job. At the same time, if you go into other countries not just in Canada and the U.S.A , it is more hard to get a good education. For example: In Egypt due to lots of religion problems a muslim professor may fail a Christian student because they can also because the professor may not like Christians and the professor would make it hard on the person to pass their class. It also has happened before to several people known by my family.
To conclude this topic, I think a man could change his stars, with hard work and effort.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Was a person's life path determined before they were born? Is it today? Or can a man change his stars as the clip suggest?
So continuing the blog the "Big Question" asks that was a person's life path determined before they were born? Is it today? Or can a man change his stars as the clip suggest? I'm not good at giving example's but what my personal opinion thinks that it is possible by all means where you can be anything you want to be as long you prove yourself to be so. The world is a huge place, frankly speaking with so many opportunities that can come in life and that we should be able to choose our fate in this world is a necessary thing. Saying that other people says that you must become a certain role in life is just plain inexcusable by all means saying this. I wouldn't want to be anything that was forced upon me but in life we are just innocent beings imprisoned by fate and the social unjust. When I say the unjust im saying that the unfaithful are thinking whats best for that person, thinking that it is impossible for him/her to rise up to what they want to become.
So basically what I was saying was that you need be make yourself capable to be able to do such thing or else you're just wasting time your self thinking that anything is possible just by using old spice... So in conclusion of this stolid blog that personally I think is completely profound and pointless that I think that doing a forum would be better, thus humans are capable of doing extraordinary things in this world were all rooted down to some block-head using stones as wheels. That's right you heard me, Just because your some sort of god-like genius doesn't mean that you are smarter in logic or idealism because the other guy believes and tries to become what he wants to be. Thus I end this blog with this sentence...
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You Mad?? That I didn't post for the last few days???
Was a person's life path determined before they were born? Is it today? Or can a man change his stars as the clip suggests?
Monday, 17 October 2011
The Fall of the Wall and the Runaway
The first two chapters of the Geoffrey Trease historical fiction, Cue for Treason, taking place in Shakespearean England, will be critiqued and analyzed as well as some connections will be made.
Cue for Treason |
In the second chapter, Peter was at lunch break from school when he realizes that Sir Phillip has learnt of Peter's involvement in the tearing of the wall and throwing the rock at Sir Phillip, which was a big sign of disrespect and dishonor to the noble, all because Sir Phillip found Peter's hat. Upon realizing this, and fearing the punishments, Peter decides to travel to Penrith by foot for safety, and leaves his family and pony Nathaniel behind.
In regards to the life path question, it matters because the story will follow Peter's journey to do what is deemed right, and defy practically every rule of English social hierarchy, and contest Sir Phillip.
Peter and the villagers definitely should have the right to fight for what is rightfully theirs. After Ms.Lees took out what a student rightfully deserves,equality, my group and I feel anger boiling deep down in us, even though it was part of the activity. We can now connect to Peter and the villagers and feel their anger and frustration. However, their methods of fighting for what is rightfully theirs can is questionable. Considering that Sir Phillip is way ahead of the commoners in terms of power and influence by miles and miles, it is unwise to get involved in tearing his wall down. They should have remembered that the whole village could pay as a result of their actions. For example, Sir Phillip can raise rents and taxes on the people. Also, Peter throwing that rock was absolutely unnecessary and a rash decision on his part. Due to the fact that Peter is only a young adolescent, he is rash in his decisions, and that would be a major liability in whatever his goals are. Also, it would have helped if Peter was more attentive in his job to watch out for any danger, but I am curios to know, if he was more attentive and signaled the arrival of Sir Phillip earlier, would it prevent him from throwing that rock for the thrill of it?
Overall, in the first two chapters alone, I have learnt a lot about Shakespearean England, including the daily lives of its citizens and the social hierarchy. I have learnt how geography affects the conflict of this story and got a rough picture of crime and punishment in that era. This novel seems to be an exciting one and I look forward to continue reading it.
Cue For Treason- Chapter #1&2 Response
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Can we really change our stars?
The clip that is shown is from a scene in the movie , A Knight's Tale. In the movie, William, a peasant, wins a jousting tournament after replacing his recently deceased master. William then tries to persuade fellow peasants Wat and Roland to join him in his attempt to achieve glory and riches by participating in further jousting tournaments. William explains that nobles seized nobility " at the tip or their swords", and finally convinces his friends to join him.
For the purpose of answering this question, take a look at Arnold Schwarzenegger as an example. Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American bodybuilder,actor,businessman and politician. He has won a record number of 7 IFBB Mr.Olympia titles, the most prestigious prize in bodybuilding, and has revolutionized the sport, becoming one of the most famous and influential bodybuilders in history. He has ran a successful business and successfully invested in property. He is one of the of the most recognizable figures of all time, starring in iconic movies like the Terminator, Predator, Conan the Barbarian, and made a cameo in the Expendables. He has also served two terms as the Governor of the state of California.
Arnold Schwarzenegger |
Back in medieval times, most notably in Europe, it was virtually impossible to change one's social status, it was determined at birth. If you were born a serf, you live a serf. If you had the privilege to be born a noble you live as a noble. There were exceptions elsewhere during this time such as the Chinese Emperors' decisions to assign government positions to people based on merit, not birth.However, that is a rare exception.
During the Renaissance, things changed a little. Even though Calvinists believed in predestination, which is the believe that your destiny is determined before birth, people were gradually able to change their "destinies". The rise of the middle class is evidence that people were beginning to prosper and better their situations, people changing their life paths.
How times have changed.Today, we all have the opportunity to change our "destiny" and reach our dreams, however far that may be, just like Arnold Schwarzenegger did. All one needs is to believe and put in the effort. So long as one's ambition is for one's and the world's betterment, God will always be there to guide you and help you if as you are willing to put in the effort. It is never easy, and the road will never be smooth, but one can achieve great things if one is persistent and diligent.Therefore, yes, one can change one's life path, and one can most definitely change one's own stars.
Questions:
1.Do you think it is better to hide a secret to avoid trouble or to tell the truth and risk all you have?
2.Why did Peter throw the rock?
3.Do you think Peter should have thrown the rock at Sir Philip?
4.Can a person be a hero without being important?
5.Why did peter join the actors?
My Response:
1.I am not quite sure that this Question is related to the topic of the story. ( if it does please comment bellow and help me to understand , thanks!) I think it would be better if the person incorporated a part of the story into this question so all of us would understand the question more ! Instead the person could of said, Do you think it would be better for Peter to hide the secret of throwing the rock at Sir Philip, or telling the truth and risking everything Peter has?
2.This question is too simple to answer and doesn't require hard thinking or giving an opinion. Also this question is in the text, so it wouldn't be a challenge to find the answer. In my opinion I think if this person could change the question to make it more challenging would be excellent. I am not quite sure I could give an example to make this question more challenging to be thought out. So, I would change this question and come up with something more interesting, thought-out, and also a type of question that is not only in the text.
3. This question could be simply answered as yes or no. I think it would be better to add something else to this question , so it could sound like this:Do you think Peter should have thrown the rock at Sir Philip? Explain your answer.
4. Like number 1 question. I think this person should say something or add a character from the book into this question. For example; Can Peter be a hero without being important? explain. This would make the person think more about the question, and not just answer with a yes or no.
5. This question could be in the text of the book. I would change it and make it more thought out for the person answering this question. Why did Peter join the actors? Would you do the same?