Vocabulary #2

1.)accoutrements-additional items of dress or equipment
The stylish girl felt that her outfit was plain so she decided to add some accoutrements.
2.)apogee-the highest point in the development of something
The last few seconds of the tied basketball game was the apogee of the game.
3.)apropos-with reference to
Skills learned in drama can be apropos when it comes to public speaking.
4.)bicker-argue about petty and trivial matters
The elderly couple always bickers about things that happened in the past.
5.)coalesce-come together and form one mass or whole
Fire drills in school cause a coalesce of students.
6.)contretemps-an unexpected and unfortunate occurrence
The rain storm during the World Series was contretemps.
7.)convolution-a coil or twist
Mystery novelists can be known to have a pretty convoluted way of thinking.
8.)cull-select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources
During the volleyball try-outs the coaches had to cull or weed out girls.
9.)disparate-essentially different in kind
Although the girls were twins they were remarkably disparate.
10.)dogmatic-inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
The man in the shouting match was extremely dogmatic in his argument.
11.)licentious-disregarding accepted rules or conventions
The woman licentiously flirted with the man even though she knew he was married.
12.)mete-a punishment or harsh treatment
The parents had to come up with a mete for their disobedient son when he missed curfew again.
13.)noxious-harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
The skunky aroma was noxious, I felt like I was going to throw up.
14.)polemic-a strong written or verbal attack on someone or something
When I didn't clean my room my mom unleashed a polemic attack on me.
15.)populous-densely populated
The one period of the AP Statistics class that the school offered was populous with students.
16.)probity-honesty and decency
She won the position of class treasurer easily because of her probity.
17.)repartee-witty banter
The news anchors would read their lines on the prompter and also chime in with some repartee.
18.)supervene-something that happens after an event is planned that changes the situation
The pool party the boy planned to have was supervened when a rain storm came in.
19.)truncate-shorten something
Her teacher wanted her to truncate her resume because it was too wordy.
20.)unimpeachable-entirely trustworthy
Everyone viewed the likable class president as unimpeachable.
  

Beowulf Reading Questions

Prologue, Heorot is Attacked, The Hero Comes to Heorot, and Feast at Heorot are credited to http://snicholsrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/

The Fight with Grendel

1.)Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel? Beowulf unarms himself when preparing for battle with Grendel which is unusual for the time because a characteristic of a hero back then was excellent sword skills and he instead decided to use his hands. 2.)What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind? When Grendel enters Heorot he killed one of the men easily so he was taken aback when Beowulf comes at him with such power. Grendel tries to escape, but Beowulf rips off his arm. Grendel finally manages to escape only to go die alone. Celebration at Heorot 1.)When the Danes and Geats return from following Grendel's tracks to the mere, someone sings in Beowulf's presence, comparing him to Sigemund and saying that he was not like Heremod (lines 883-914). How is Beowulf like Sigemund? How is he not like Heremod? Beowulf is similar to Sigemund in that he had won many battles and is known for his courage and bravery as well. Heremod and Beowulf are similar because they were both excellent warriors, but Heremod was interested in the fame and fortune that goes along with winning and Beowulf was not. 2.)How does Hrothgar respond to Beowulf's deed? What does he offer to do for him? What does Unferth have to say now? Hrothgar is so happy that Beowulf slayed Grendel that he promises him his kingdom and all his riches. Unferth doesn't really have anything to say because he is embarrassed that he was so wrong about Beowulf. 3.)The singer sings of Finn during the feasting (lines 1070-1158). The exact details of the Finn story are not clear, but in general, what happens? What does it suggest about the wisdom of using a woman as bride to heal enmity between tribes? In the story of Finn Hnaefs daughter is given to Finn as sort of a peace offering which suggests that marriages were seen as business agreements in that time. 4.)When the feasting resumes, what does Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to do? Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to forget his children and their inheritance. 5.)Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a large, broad necklace. What later happens to it? What does Wealhtheow ask Beowulf to do? Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to look out for her sons and to help them if they need it. 6.)Why do so many men remain in the beer hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake? The drunk men fall asleep in the hall because they believe, now that Grendel is gone, that it is safe. This is a mistake because Grendel's mother comes seeking revenge. Another Attack 1.)Why has Grendel's mother come to Heorot? Is it the same reason Grendel had? Grendel's mother comes to get revenge by killing Beowulf while Grendel entered Heorot to just kill anyone in sight. 2.)What is Hrothgar's response? Whom has Grendel's mother killed? Hrothgar is very upset about Grendel's mother so he offers Beowulf a reward if he can kill her. 3.)What sort of place is the mere? The mere is dark and dangerous, it is always covered with a thick fog. Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother 1.)How does Beowulf tell Hrothgar to respond? Beowulf says he'll fight for the Danes and believes that he'll be sucessful. 2.)What happens at the mere before Beowulf enters it? Beowulf sinks down in the water. 3.)How does Beowulf prepare for the battle? What sword does he take with him? Beowulf tells Hrothgar what he wants done in case he doesn't make it back and he takes his ring marked blade sword. 4.)What happens when Beowulf enters the mere? What is surprising about where Grendel and his mother live in the mere? Grendel's mother grabs Beowulf's armor which protects him from her claws. The surprising thing about where Grendel's mother lives is that it's underwater. 5.)What happens to the sword Beowulf borrowed from Unferth? The sword breaks when it makes contact with Grendel's mother. 6.)At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape? Beowulf digs deep and uses his incredible strength to get out from under her. 7.)How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What weapon does he use? What happens when she dies? What does Beowulf take with him from her home? What happens to the sword he used to kill her? Beowulf kills Grendel's mother by using a sword he found hanging on the wall and breaking all her bones. When she dies her body lights up, he brought Grendel's head and part of the sword because some of it was stuck inside her body. 8.)What happens when Beowulf returns to the surface? Did his men expect him to return? The men didn't expect Beowulf to return so no one was there when he surfaced. Further Celebration at Heorot 1.)What does Beowulf give to Hrothgar? Beowulf gives him the sword of giants. 2.)What message does Hrothgar have for Beowulf? What and why does he tell us about Heremod? Why and how did Heremod die? What lesson does Hrothgar teach with the Heremod example? Hrothgar tells him to seek virtue because Heremond didn't and he ignored the signs of the gods. This teaches Beowulf not to act selfishly. 3.)What does Beowulf give to Unferth as he leaves? Beowulf gives Unferth his sword back. Beowulf Returns Home is credited to http://snicholsrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/ The Dragon Wakes is credited to http://rnolanrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com/ Beowulf Attacks the Dragon and Beowulf's Funeral are credited to snicholsrhsenglitcomp.blogspot.com

Beowulf Notes: Textbook Excerpts

The Wrath of Grendel
-Grendel haunted the moors, the wild, marshes, and made his home in hell.
-Grendel is the spawn of two monsters.
-Grendel wandered upon 30 men sleeping in a hall and slaughtered them.
-When Hrothgar discovered what had happened he mourned and became very afraid of Grendel.
-Grendel enjoyed scaring Hrothgar so he continued to haunt him for 12 years.
The Coming of Beowulf
-Beowulf was the strongest of the Geats.
-Beowulf heard of Hrothgar's troubles and decided to set sail to go help with 14 brave men.
The Battle with Grendel
-Grendel came upon the first Geat and killed him easily.
-Beowulf seized Grendel, Grendel was trapped, the two battled.
-Grendel had cast spells to dull the men's blades so they could not cut him.
-Beowulf tore a limb from Grendel who then escaped and went into the marsh to die.
The Battle with Grendel's Mother
-Beowulf decided to take on Grendel's mother so he dove into the lake where she resided.
-She grabbed at him, but he got the upper hand and slashed at her with his sword.
-He faltered a little, but recovered and killed her.
The Last Battle
-Beowulf ruled Geatland, but when a dragon began menacing his kingdom he left, saying goodbye to his followers, to battle the dragon even though he was very old.
-Beowulf's sword breaks and as he is being blasted by the dragons flames one of his men jumps in to help.
-The man is Wiglaf and together they kill the dragon but Beowulf is dying.
-As he is dying he asks Wiglaf to bring him the treasure that the dragon was guarding.
The Spoils
-Wiglaf brought the treasure back for Beowulf.
-Beowulf tells Wiglaf to lead his people and then dies.
-Wiglaf denounces the warriors who deserted Beowulf.
-The Geats burn their king's body on a funeral pyre and bitterly lament his death.
The Farewell
-The Geats built the tower that Beowulf had asked for as a monument for him.

Beowulf Notes: Modern Text

Prologue
-Scyld Scefing was a great king who ruled because he was more powerful than everyone else so no one else wanted to challenge him.
-Because everyone feared and respected the king it was peaceful and he was awarded gold in tribute.
-Scyld's son was Beow(ulf) took over his rule and fave the gold to those who deserved it which earned him respect and loyalty.
-Beow(ulf) became famous for his good deed all throughout the North-lands.
-When Beow(ulf) died they adorned him and his ship with treasure and buried him at sea.
Chp.I
-The kingdom was left to Healfdene who followed in the footsteps of the Scyldings.
-Healfdene had three kids; Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halga.
-Hrothgar was popular because of his great skills in battle and his generosity, they built him an all gold hall in his honor.
-A creature haunted the hall.
-The creature was named Grendel who came from Cain who was one of the giant race that survived God's flood.
Chp.II
-At night Hrothgar took 30 men with him to his lair where Grendel killed them and continued to haunt Hrothgar for 12 years.
-Hrothgar became too afraid to even approach the hall.
Chp.III
-Beowulf heard about Grendel and decided to take 14 brave men with him to challenge him.
-They were stopped by a watchman who asked them where they came from and why they were there.
Chp.IV
-The leader tells the watchman that he is the son of Ecgtheow and has come to battle the creature that haunts the hall.
-The watchman escorts them to the hall.
Chp.V
-When they arrive Wulfgar stops them and asks them their business there.
-Beowulf introduces himself and tells Wulfgar that he seeks audience with Hrothgar.
-Hrothgar notices that Beowulf appears to be a very strong warrior.
Chp.VI
-Hrothgar remembers Beowulf and Ecgtheow and has heard of his great strength which he thinks is good news for his war against Grendel.
-Wulfgar allows the men to speak with Hrothgar.
-Beowulf tells Hrothgar about his most recent battle and that he is there to get rid of Grendel.
-Beowulf says he will do whatever it takes to get rid of Grendel.
Chp.VII
-Hrothgar talks about losing his brother, Heogar, in a battle.
-The men sat down to feast together.
Chp.VIII
-The men discuss some of Beowulf's past battles.
-Hrothgar fears that Beowulf will be defeated.
Chp.IX
-Hrothgar is satisfied with Beowulf's commitment to the task.
-Wealhtheow admired Beowulf.
-Beowulf was to remain in the hall overnight.
Chp.X
-Hrothgar and Wealhtheow went to bed with a guard standing watch at their door.
-Beowulf remains in his armor, he challenges Grendel to a duel without Beowulf's weapons or armor.
-The men all laid down to rest.
-Beowulf lay awake, waiting for the upcoming battle.

Reflections on Week 1

1.  Are there any factors that you think are going to affect your participation or experience in this class? Access to a computer?  Mobile/smart phone?  Transportation?  Friends/family? Schedule?

The whole online aspect of this class is most likely going to be a struggle for me just because I usually never go on the computer since it is usually occupied by one of my family members.  Another struggle I might have is time, I have to go to the athletic trainer everyday, go to volleyball practice, chauffeur my little sister around, and also do homework for my other classes.  I have access to the blog on my iPhone but I can't really do an assignment on it because I hate typing on touch screens due to my fat thumbs, typos and autocorrect failures are a constant struggle for me.

   2.  Think of an awesome best ever learning experience that changed you. What did you learn? Where were you? What happened? Who else was there? Did it teach you anything about how you learn (or pay attention... or remember, or think?) How did you know what was happening?

A learning experience that really helped me become a better student is one that I learned from Mrs. DeBernardi, she taught us to figure things out for ourselves and be responsible for important things.  I was thrown into her class freshman year much like a young child that doesn't know how to swim, she made me figure out how to do my work and how to do it well and I was in charge of doing things myself.  She gave me a wake up call to what the real world is like.

3.  What are you most [excited/concerned] about in this class? What do you look forward to in learning?  How do you think it can/will make a practical difference in your life?

I'm most concerned about falling behind in this class, I like to feel stable and in control of situations and figuring out how to handle a new class is a struggle.  Although I hope to be able to work things out and become a better critical reader and improve my writing.  Learning how to do things on the computer will definitely help me later in life which I need due to my lack of any knowledge related to computers.

Vocabulary #1

1.) adumbrate-report or represent in outline; indicate faintly
The author will sometimes adumbrate the ending in the first chapter.
2.) apotheosis-promotion of someone to the level of a deity; perfect example of something
The incredibly close race in the 100 meter dash was the apotheosis of the track meet.
3.) ascetic-person who leads a life of contemplation and rigorous self-denial
Priests live an ascetic life, focusing on their faith.
4.) bauble-showy but worthless or useless thing; trinket
The best dressed girl in school always accessorized with interesting little baubles that she found at thrift stores.
5.) beguile-deceive someone in a cunning way or to enchant someone and make him attracted to you
The sirens would beguile the sailors, causing them to crash into the rocks.
6.) burgeon-grow or blossom
Small towns in California burgeoned into large cities during the gold rush.
7.) complement-makes something else complete
I decided to wear a green jacket to complement the colors of the scarf I had on. 
8.) contumacious-stubborn person who refuses to obey rules
The contumacious student showed up late everyday and never participated in the class discussions or work.
9.) curmudgeon-a cranky, ill tempered individual
My neighbor is a real curmudgeon, he never acknowledges me when I say hello.
10.) didactic-used for teaching
The article on different styles of jeans for different body types was didactic, it told me what pair I should buy.
11.) disingenuous-insincere, deceptive, or misleading
The girl was very disingenuous, only being nice when she wanted something from you.
12.) exculpate-show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing
The suspect's alibi checked out which exculpated him from the investigation.
13.) faux pas- behavioral gaffe or some type of social mistake that you make
Wearing overalls to school is a definite fashion faux pas.
14.) fulminate-take a strong stance in protesting something
The students fulminated due to the closed campus by starting a food fight.
15.) fustian-pretentious
The fustian girl strutted around campus with her name brand clothes on full display.
16.) hauteur-arrogance
The athlete walked around with hauteur at practice because she thought that she was better than everyone.
17.) inhibit-hold back or keep something from happening
The taller gates around campus inhibited me from jumping over them to leave.
18.) jeremiad-long complaint
A jeremiad letter was sent to the noisy neighbor signed by everyone in the apartment complex.
19.) opportunist-person who takes advantage of any opportunity no matter the consequences
Brooks from The Real Housewives of Orange County is an opportunist, using Vicky for her fame and fortune.
20.) unconscionable-outrageous or unreasonable
The amount of homework for senior year is unconscionable.

Austen/Montaigne Essay

      When you compare David Foster Wallace to Montaigne you notice some similarities like their great philosophical thinking that they have trouble putting into words.  Wallace describes that feeling in his story "Good Old Neon" when he says "What goes on inside is just too fast and huge and all interconnected for words to do more than barely sketch the outlines of at most one tiny little part of it at any given instant".  However when you compare that writing style to that of Austen it is harder to find a similarity.
      Montaigne's essays are really just rough, unorganized thoughts and ideas that go through his mind that he tries to capture, but much like Wallace, he has trouble putting all those ideas into words.  The main focus of Montaigne is to try and convey what is happening inside his mind, rather than put together a story with characters and plot development which is exactly what Austen does in Pride and Prejudice.  Austen focuses her story on the life of a young adult living in the early eighteen hundreds.  What the two authors have in common though is that through their writing they are both showing their views and opinions on the society they are living in.
      Although these authors might be complete opposites, their goal is still the same; to evoke a feeling from their readers and to get their point across.  

my big question

Why do people focus on the negative aspects in life rather than take action and make changes?