Discussion #3 Notes

Discussion #3 led by Emily Tyndorf

1)      Is Emma a likeable character?

E: Yes, she’s a leader and confident; she cares a lot about other people; she might get annoying sometimes but you will tolerate them

A: she seems like she can be a mean person, but she is an interesting character which makes her likeable to the reader

H: I wouldn’t want to be her friend because she has such a large personality, but you would want to be on a team or in a club with her; she’s not self-centered and cares about people

S: Emma is unlike most main characters in books. She is a little rude and overly confident and closed minded, but her character is different which makes her interesting and likeable

2)      In chapters 16-18, what do Mr. Knightly and Emma argue about?

A: they fight about Mr. Elton’s desire for Emma, she wants to deny it because she had set up Harriet with Mr. Elton

S: She wants to think that her match making instincts were spot on, but Mr. Knightly believes that she read the whole situation with Mr. Elton completely wrong

H: Emma wants to force Mr. Elton and Harriet together, and wants her matchmaking to be correct, but Mr. Knightly believes she is wrong about this match

E: I feel that Mr. Knightly likes Emily and wants to cause conflict and heat with her

3)      What role has Mr. Knightly played in the novel so far?

A: he is the balance for Emma, he is her opposite and her foil; opposites attract, Mr. Knightly challenges Emma

H: he makes her think twice, second guess her ideas; they have very different points of view and it is interesting to see how they interact

E: he has good judgement and helps her make the right decisions, instead of letting emma do what she wants to do; Mr. Knightly is always trying to push the boundaries with Emma because he is attracted to her

S: Mr. Knightly poses as the only one who fights Emma’s beliefs and actions; he makes her think twice about what she does instead of doing whatever she wants

4)      Compare and contrast Emma and Jane Fairfax

E: they are both beautiful, intelligent, and talented; they are both very independent women; Jane has had to work for things, but Emma has had most things handed to her

A: Jane and Emma both lost their someone in heir family, but Jane has no fortune, while Emma is very wealthy

H: Emma and Jane clash because they both have similar qualities like beauty and intelligence

S: Emma comes from a very wealthy family, but Jane is an orphan who has no money

5)      What are some of the epiphanies that Emma has during the course of the novel?

A: she realizes that matchmaking isn’t her thing and she needs to find something else to occupy her time

E: she becomes more humble throughout the novel and realizes that the world does not revolve around herself

S: all of her epiphanies are a result of bad behavior relating to those around her; her bad behavior stems from good intentions

H: she starts to become more and more bluntly rude, but before she prided herself in her kindness towards other people

6)      What role does the narrator play in the novel?

H: she outlines Emma instead of letting us interpret about her on our own

E: she only talks about Emma’s thoughts and Emma’s characteristics, even though it is a third person narrative

A: Emma’s view of herself is different than what other people think of her

S: the narrator adds a voice of judgement and reason to the novel; she is a trustoworhty source of what actually happened, not what Emma’s thinks happened

7)      How does the novel portray the issue of class in British society?

S: it is evident that there is a clear divide in her community between right and poor’ and it is hard to climb up the ladder of the social structure

E: the social structure and classes have to stay

A: class structure back in that time was much more rigid than it is today; you could clearly see the difference between the two classes

H: during this time period, it was the way you were born, but now a days it’s how you present yourself and the work you put into it

8)      Describe Emma’s relationship with Harriet Smith.

E: Emma chose Harriet to be her friend because she knew she was lower down in the class system so she can control her

S: Harriet loves Emma and will listen to her because she is confident and comes from a higher class; Emma takes advantage of Harriet’s love for her by controlling her every thought and action; their relation has no equality

A: because they are not equal, Emma tries to improve Harriet by finding her a wealthy husband

H: Emma learns how to think of people other than herself because of their friendship

Emma on Emma ~Blog post #2~ Topic J April 24, 2015 by Alie Reily

Emma on Emma

~Blog post #2~

Topic J

April 24, 2015

By Alie Reily

            Emma by Jane Austen is a book centered on a girl named Emma Woodhouse.  Appropriately, the title of the book is just her name.  As stated before, the novel is centered on Emma; no other characters are focused on as much as she is.  This may sound obvious, but if one pays attention to other books, they may not focus on one character as much.  For example, in In the Time of the Butterflies, the novel is centered on all four sisters, relating to one central story.  On the other hand, though Emma has one central plot, it only truly focuses on Emma.  Other characters are mentioned often and are very crucial to the story, but none of them are evaluated as deeply as Emma is. The title reveals this the moment the reader picks up the book.  It shows that Emma, standing alone, causes conflicts.  She repeatedly runs into problems while going about her day-to-day life. Emma puts stress onto her father, has conflicts with Mr. Knightly, and creates a deep divergence with Harriet Smith. Emma seems to think more of her relatives, friends, and even enemies as the novel progresses, but she still is “too eager and busy in her own previous conceptions and views” (99).  The title represents Emma’s personality.  Not many books have one-word titles, and even fewer have the name of one of the characters in the story as the title.  

LC 6 ~Discussion #2 Notes~

Discussion Leader: Sarah Speranza

Question 1:

How do you think Emma’s home life has shaped her views on marriage?

E- She said she has just decided to remain single.

S- She just doesn’t like marriage. She doesn’t want to be married.

H-I think she doesn’t like marriage because she saw what the loss of her mother did to her father and she doesn’t want to risk having to go through that.

S- Her father maybe doesn’t like marriage so his views have influenced her to not want to get married.

E- I feel as though she focuses on the relationships between other people, instead of her own relationships. She would rather match make for others, instead of herself.

E- She doesn’t see anybody she could match herself with, therefore she is remaining single.

A-The lack of her mom plays a role. She has no traditional views on marriage because she didn’t see her mother and father together. This may also explain why she thinks match making is okay.

Question 2:

How do Mr. Knightley and Emma’s contrasting views on her match making reflect a difference on their values?

A-Maybe Mr. Knightley feels people should meet more naturally.

S- Mr. Knightley thinks that Emma’s match making was just luck, while Emma thinks a lucky guess is never merely luck. She believes there is always some talent in it.

H- Mr. Knightley is less naïve then Emma and he may have more experience in relationships. Emma spends more time trying to bring people together. Mr. Knightley may have also grown up in a different family situation so he was able to see how people who are in love act around each other.

E- I feel like Emma is just focusing on whom she thinks would be “perfect” for each other and she doesn’t actually look at the chemistry of the couples. Emma doesn’t see how they would actually be together, whereas as Mr. Knightley can see it and his understanding is much more practical.

Question 3:

Why does Emma take Harriet under her wing?

E- Harriet’s flattery reinforced Emma’s self regard.

H- Emma comes to the realization that she is quite fond of Harriet. She refers to Harriet as “the superior creature”.

S- She wants somebody to follow her and realize how great she is. She wants control of someone.

H- I remember in the beginning of Chapter 1 it said Emma was too used to power and was “rather to used to getting her own way”. I think Emma is pretty confident in her self and wants to be able to show off and spread her ways to Harriet.

E-Emma thinks Harriet is naïve and she isn’t really impressed by her intelligence. Emma does appreciate Harriet’s willingness to be guided. Emma also influences Harriet’s happiness.

Question 4:

What is the significance of Mr. Elton not staying home with Harriet when she is sick? This is the night of the Christmas Eve dinner.

S- He loves her, Emma! I think Harriet will find out and this will cause tension for them. Harriet will end up being very hurt.

A- Cause Mr. Knightley implies that Mr. Elton might have feelings for Emma.

H- I think Harriet really likes Mr. Elton, obviously, but I agree when you guys say he loves Emma. I think Mr. Elton was using Harriet to get closer to Emma.

A-Eventually Emma will feel very bad and realize that she made a mistake with Harriet and Mr. Elton because Harriet developed feelings for him thanks to Emma’s encouragement.

E- He went to the party that Emma was going to instead. If he has feelings for only Harriet and not Emma he would have stayed home with Harriet. I feel that overall he made the wrong decision.

Question 5:

What is unique about Chapter 16?

E- Chapter 16 is unique because it deals entirely with Emma’s thoughts, feelings, and inner life.

H- A lot of times in books you are forced to make assumptions about how the characters are feelings and you have to assume many aspects of their thoughts. It was nice to be able to catch up with the emotional side of Emma and see how she was reacting to the events that have happened so far.

E- You see her grow in humanity and selflessness.  It also acted as a timeline for the way Emma was growing and maturing as a person.

S- Emma looks back on her life the past few weeks and realizes she has been wrong to intervene in people’s lives so much and decides to give up match making.

A-It is nice that you can take a pause from the story and see how Emma is dealing with everything that has happened. Since the book isn’t in first person, it is sometimes difficult to read her emotions.

Question 6:

In what ways, if any, could Emma be described as a feminist novel?

H-Her views on marriage can show that she is a feminist because during this time, women relied heavily on their husbands. Women stayed home with the kids, while the men went to work and earned a living.

E- She is an independent woman who does not need a man.

A- Even though it is not necessarily feminism, this book really shows that Emma is strong and independent. I feel as though she would agree with modern day feminist beliefs.

H- Alright, is there anything you guys would like to add?

E- Yes, Emma is my role model. 

Harriet the Lapdog

Emma
~Blog Post #2~
Topic I
April 24, 2015
by Sarah Speranza

In the book, “Emma,” by Jane Austen, the relationship of Harriet Smith and Emma reminds me of a relationship I witnessed in grade school. Emma describes Harriet as “short, plump, and fair; with a fine bloom, blue eyes, regular features, and a look of great sweetness” (20). All throughout the night on which she first meets Harriet, Emma examines her behavior and dubs her as Emma’s next project; she “would improve her, she would detach her from her bad acquaintance, she would introduce her into a good society, she would form her opinions and manners” (20). Harriet loves Emma like a puppy loves its mother. Harriet is simply unable to form her own opinions, and Emma even convinces her to refuse the proposal from the man she truly loves because Emma thinks he is “very unfit to be the intimates of a girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance to be quite perfect” (20). Although Emma probably thinks that she is doing right by taking Harriet under her wing, she treats her like a lapdog who is unable to think a complete thought.  Emma seems to think that Harriet needs her if she wants to have a happy and successful life, but in reality, I believe that Emma is just bored and wants someone to love her unconditionally as Miss Taylor did when she was still around. I have experienced similar situations in my life. Girls would become good friends with the girl who blended in with the crowd, a little awkward and shy. They would take the girl under their wings and show her the “good life” of popularity. In the end, it never turned well for the girls who were dragged around like lapdogs. I am guessing Harriet will have a similar outcome as the girls I know. 

"Emma" ~Blog Post #2~ Topic A April24, 2015 by Haley Miller

Emma
~Blog Post #2~
Topic A
April 24, 2015
by Haley Miller

In Emma, a Jane Austen novel, Emma Woodhouse matures after the marriage of her nanny. Emma is forced to change once her nanny leaves because she loses her caregiver and best friend. There is a quote on page ten that shows great significance to the transformation Emma goes through. “Emma never thinks of herself, if she can do good to others” is a significant quote because it shows that Emma is no longer the young, spoiled girl she used to be (10). Earlier in her life, Emma is known for thinking “a little too well of herself”(3). This quote shows that Emma is stepping up and filling the void left my Miss Taylor. Emma character develops mentally as she is faced with challenges of caring for her father, physically and mentally, and also caring for her own needs. It also shows how her father is more reliant on her. Her father’s “spirits required support” and she now has to be that support for him (5). This novel is very much a coming of age novel. Emma, a girl who lost her mother at a young age, has to figure out an alternative way to live under the new circumstances. This quote can also foreshadow the future of Emma. She eventually brings Harriet under her wing. It can be assumed that Emma, a girl who enjoys helping others would like to show Harriet the ropes, much like Miss Taylor does for her. In the future, Emma selflessness may cause problems for herself and others and she tries to inject herself into the lives of those around her.

Austen's Emma

Austen's Emma
- Blog Post #2 -
      Topic J
April 24, 2015

     Emma, a book about a girl named Emma. Pretty simple title some may think. It’s interesting that most of Jane Austen's books bear titles that show emotion, for example Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility. This novel, Emma By Jane Austen has a title that shows no emotion at first glance whatsoever. When Austen thought of a title for this book maybe she was tired of the complex names, or maybe she though that Emma herself was too complex herself to be defined by anything other then her name. Either way, this book coveys from the title that it is going to be focused on Emma. 

      I feel that the title not only represents her personality but also the themes in the book. During the 19th century in rural england, women didn’t have that many opportunities or roles. They were defined by their husbands and martial status. I believe by having the book title named after Emma it shows her as a feminist, someone who will only be defined by her terms, a intelligent and strong women. Emma's “was of no feeble character”(15), she is a strong girl and  is conveyed that way through the simple but potent title.  The title also reflects that all of the conflicts in the book are centered around Emma, she plays a major role in everything that happens. Emma does not just experience events in the novel she shapes them. I feel that Emma’s name is more then just a name, its a character, a stance for who she is as a person. It describes her fierce attitude, frivolous ways, and proactive style. Austen’s Emma is so much more the just a title or a name. 

"Emma" Blog Post #1 Topic B April 17, 2015 by Haley Miller

At a young age, Emma loses her mother, so she grows up in the presence of her father, older sister, and governess, Miss Taylor. Miss Taylor is very “fond of both daughters, but particularly Emma”(3). After the death of her mom, Emma does not have an adult, female role model, so she becomes very undisciplined. Emma has “rather too much of her own way”, and her father lets her do what she wants (3). Her father does this because he does not know how to fill the void of Emma’s lost mother. Mr. Woodhouse does not want to take anything else away from his daughter. This all changes when Miss Taylor comes to the Woodhouse’s. Emma now has a “friend” and begins to take Miss Taylor’s judgment into consideration. Instead of spending time alone, Emma has a companion that can meet her in “conversation, rational, and playful”(4). When Miss Taylor gets married, Emma goes through an important change. She feels grief and abandonment. Although she does not remember her mother, the absence of another mother impacts her. Not only does Emma lose a friend but she also must adjust to the loss of her caregiver. This changes Emma because she now has to nurse herself when she is sick and cook for herself when she is hungry. Emma goes from being reliant on Miss Taylor to reliant on her self and needs to become more independent. Although Miss Taylor transforms into Mrs. Weston, Emma transforms into a new version of herself.

Seal team 6 student lead discussion notes- The Beginning

Notes on student lead discussion #1

-Notes-

Number 1

April 20, 2015

S- Sarah

A-Alie 

E-Emily

1.What do we know about Emma?

S- Emma is pretty, clever rich and has little to worry about

A- She’s a matchmaker she even says “ I made the match myself I made the match you know, 4 years ago”(19)

E- I feel like she only cares about herself, if its not good for her its not good for anyone

S- I don’t think thats true she thinks about her dad

A- The only person who challenges her is Mr. Knightley

E- Well I still feel that she cares a lot about herself

2.Describe the setting

A- Okay next question 

S- somewhere in europe

A- they are in Highburry England in the first decades of the 19th century

S- At this time Napoleon was defeated and the American Revolution was happening, this is all context

E- she also lives in a really nice area, her house is probably really fancy

3.What happened to Miss. Taylor? Why is it important?

E- She got married and she left Emma which upset Emma

S- She moved like a mile away

A- Emma is upset because it is the lose of Emma's mother figure and it makes the first chapter a coming of age chapter

E- This starts event helps Emma start to mature

S- She’s sad because Mis. taylor devoted herself to emma and gave her all her attention “ the want of Miss. Taylor will be felt every hour every day”(4)

4.Describe Emma's relationship with her father

S- She feels like she cant be herself or express her emotions around him because he will just become upset. He doesn't understand that people can feel differently then him 

E- They aren’t that close he's more distant 

A- He seems kind of loopy. He even set up the carriage mans daughter to be his slave, which was kind of weird

5.Where do Emma and her father go in Ch. 1?

E- To see Miss. Taylor now Mrs. Weston

S- They were disputing about this because Emma thinks they will never be able to go

A- Actually emmas father just didn’ want to trouble James but Emma says its okay because she says its okay because James wants to see her anyway 

S- I wonder if this is the beggining of a long and weary dispute between father and daugther 

E- Mutliple conficts between emma and her father emerging

6.Predict the ending of the novel. Will she get married? Why or why not?

E- Yes she will abosutely get married she couldnt not get married, she is always setting people up as it is

S- She will probably marry her stebrother like in clueless

A- I think she will end up with Mr. Knightley because the two are always fighting

A- But yeah I think at the end of this book Emma will end up with him because he’s the only one who challenges her perfection 

S- I agree with that she will probably end up with him 

E- Emma at the end will get married and overcome her perfection and that she is not the only person who is right

A & S- yes she will defintely get married, moving on

7.What perspective do we gain from the narrators additions? Why is it important that its not in first person.

A- Well its from Jane Austen’s point of view so third person 

A- It adds to Emma’s characterization as a person because you aren’t just seeing Emma from Emma’s point of view

S- Right it adds to her as a person when you can see her from someone else’s point of view

E- It shows that she is a little stuck up and makes her seems somewhat more annoying in general

S- I think Jane Austen put this from third person to give us a more general point of view not just Emma’s

E- If it was in first person Emma would probably seem more humble 

A- Yeah point of view makes all the difference 

S- Well that concludes this discussion thank you and goodbye

Emma ~Blog Post #1~ Topic A April 17, 2015 by Sarah Speranza

From the beginning of the book “Emma” by Jane Austin the reader can tell that Emma’s life in her first twenty one years has been very stress-free and easy. She is “handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings in existence” (1). With all these wonderful attributes, Jane Austin says Emma has little to distress her and has a carefree life. However, as one reads further into the text, her life seems to be anything but happy. With her mother figure leaving with her new husband and Emma’s sister, Isabel, having been married off as well, Emma is lonely in her home with just her father. It seems as though Emma sees her father as a burden she has to deal with because “his spirits required support…he was a nervous man, easily depressed” (5). Although Emma was saddened by her good friend leaving, she cannot show her emotions when her father is around “and made it necessary to be cheerful” (5).  Although Emma’s life seems to be perfect with nothing to worry her, Emma has a whole other side to her which longs to be free from that sorrowful house. Even in the first couple of pages, the reader can sense Emma’s dread and the misconception of the so called “perfect” life. 

Much Ado About Emma ~Blog post #1~ Topic H April 17, 2015 by Alie Reily

Much Ado About Emma

~Blog post #1~

Topic H

April 17, 2015

By Alie Reily

            Emma by Jane Austen is in many ways similar to Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.  The first parallel can be made between Beatrice, from Much Ado About Nothing, and Emma. Both are beautiful, confident, and somewhat close-minded women.  The two seem to play a matchmaking role in their respective novels; however, neither has an immediate love interest.  At one point, Emma remarks that “[she] made the match [herself],” in regards to the marriage of Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston (Austen 9). In addition to the similarities between Emma and Beatrice, there is also a comparable structure to the layout of the characters in the two novels.  Both books have a central family and several other main characters that surround them.  Even though most of the main characters are not part of the main family, they are important to the novel.  In the two novels, the main female roles do not have a mother present.  Beatrice and Hero from Much Ado About Nothing and Emma do not have their mothers in the books.  The last major connection is in the style of writing.  The two novels are both difficult to read and required re-reading.  They are not books that one can simply read through without pausing for comprehension and analysis.  Since both were written a long time ago, some of the expressions used are confusing, along with the structure of events and character development.  In multiple cases, it has been necessary to look up what certain parts of the books mean.  

Unyielding Emma Woodhouse

Unyielding Emma Woodhouse 

-Blog Post 1-

Topic A

April 17 3015

By Emily Tyndorf 

Select a significant quotation from your reading; explore the significance of that quotation to the development of characters, conflict, theme, etc.

Emma Woodhouse is almost twenty-one, she's witty, charming and has learned to never follow anyones guidance except her own. Emma's personality shows early on and is displayed in this quotation.  “The real evils, indeed, of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself: these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her.”(3) This quotation, which appears in the first chapter of the novel, introduces Emma as a headstrong, self centered person.  She doesn't realize that in the long run it is possible to have too much of ones own way. Emma’s “real evils” are having things her own way, always getting what she wants could turn into a problem later in the novel. I feel this quotation is foreshadowing what the message of this book is overall. Its saying that always get what you ask for doesn't always make you happy, its not always a good thing. The author introduces this quote as any other character description, but as you continue to read you can see that these characteristics go deeper.  In fact when things don't go Emma's way, she doesn't like it at all. When her friend and mother figure,Miss.Taylor, gets married and moves away, she thinks “How was she to bear the change?”(4). She couldn't imagine anything changing  in her life, she didn't decide this. Emma has pretty high standards for herself and the ones around her. Overall, this quotation shows a conflict with Emma's character that may emerge in the future and Emma's willful personality overall.

Emma ~Reading Article Reflection~ April 17, 2015 by Alie Reily

​Reading is one of the activities that I truly enjoy.  I read all the time, especially in the summer.  Although I am a fan of reading, I struggle with annotating.  I’ve been annotating since the start of freshman year, and I have found that I do not like it.  I have realized that that I retain information from novels better when I read straight through, rather than constantly stopping to make annotations.  Since we have open book quizzes on our assigned books, after I read, I will go back and annotate. This strategy works for me, and I will continue to use it in the future.  

​When it comes to what I decide to look for and annotate in a book, it all depends on what I am reading.  Sometimes I will annotate for descriptions and details, like with The Book Thief, and sometimes I will annotate for main ideas, like with In the Time of the Butterflies.  I only annotate books if they are assigned.  I do not enjoy it, and it makes books seem like homework if I annotate while reading for fun.  

I am a strong reader when I read a novel in depth, and I am interested in the book.  I am a weak reader when I focus on getting my annotations done, rather than reading and comprehending the novel.  In the future, I will work on the “tolerance for failure” and “intellectual generosity and fallibility” traits of Performative Literacy in order to improve my reading strategies.

Reading Article Reflection

As I grow up, my love for reading escalates. Growing up my parents made me read every night, and because of that I thought of reading as more of a chore than a hobby. At this point in my life, I am pretty busy and have a tendency to put reading on the back burner.

I do not read much for pleasure anymore, but I do read for school quite often. Depending on what kind of reading I am doing dictates the way I read. If I am writing a paper for a class, I like to annotate and write down evidence and information to support the points I plan to write about.  If I am just reading out a textbook I read a little faster and may not always be so alert while I am doing so. As a reader I excel in trying to find a deeper meaning to the actions of the characters. I also pay very close attention to detail. I need to work on connecting myself to my reading.

I have annotated prior to this school year, but not prior to high school. My biggest struggle is the amount of time it took me to annotate. I also feel like it takes away from the pleasure of reading. Although it can be time consuming, I find it extremely helpful. When writing papers the information is right at my fingertips.

Before reading this article I think I was secure with my ability to take risks and my tolerance for failure. I feel I am good at these because I keep an open mind and am always up for an opportunity to learn more and take in the ideas of others. After reading this article I have realized I need to work on my level of focus and my willingness to suspend closure.

Emma ~Reading Article Reflection~ April 16, 2015 by Sarah Speranza

            After reading the article, Performative Literacy: The Habits of Mind of Highly Literate Readers, I had to reevaluate my reading habits in my everyday life. I believe the trait of a performative reader that most applies to my reading strategy is the “tolerance for failure-willingness to re-read and re-read again” (20). In the past with our other books, if I did not understand a page, paragraph, or even chapter, I would feel the need to re-read it in order to understand. I read much more carefully for subjects like English than subjects like Chemistry because the text tends to be too factual and my brain drifts away. However, focused attention is something I struggle with in any subject because I “fail to give close, sustained attention to the text” (19). This bad habit makes me a weak reader, but I usually end up going back and re-reading. I think the most interesting and helpful strategy from this article is to treat reading like writing with the “same false starts, same vision and revision, drafting and redrafting” (21). Another good strategy is to be more active in reading. I need to think more about what I am reading, decide how I feel about the text, and be willing to change my mind. Annotating and taking notes was more difficult than last year because the teachers would give us a list on what we should be annotating for, but this year I have to determine what the most important topics in the book are. It was certainly a challenge at first, but I believe it made me a better reader in the long run because I am now better at my ability to pick out the most important lines from a text. 

Reading is something that has been important in my life from day one. When I was younger I never thought I was going to be able to read a word, let alone a whole novel. Since reading is an important part of my education, there are certain reading tactics that I frequently use. Overtime I have learned to love and appreciate reading and this year has taught me to enjoy books from all over the world

     In school, I try to practice performative literacy at all times. I am always trying to make connections and looking for the bigger picture. I have the most struggle with challenging myself and testing the limits with reading. I also have intellectual generosity and am willing to change my mind, to appreciate what the writer has states.

     Depending on the task and subject I read differently. Normally I find it hard to read nonfiction and struggle annotating that because I find it bland. I enjoy reading fiction and historical fiction and find its easier to concentrate on. A weak reader is someone who reads a book or an article and doesn't take anything away from it. The point of reading is to at least broaden your knowledge. 

      As I continue to read I am going to try to apply some of the strategies from the article, such as focusing my attention hen reading and taking risks. I find that when I am bored with a subject my attention is spread very thin. 

    I had been annotating all through middle school, so when I got to high school it was no surprise to me that we were expected to annotate. Overall I find annotating  very helpful when reading. I will continue to annotate in the future because i find it helps and enhances my reading comprehension skills. 

Blog Prompts

Blog Post Topics (Respond to 1 of the prompts below each week):
A.            Select a significant quotation from your reading; explore the significance of that quotation to the development of characters, conflict, theme, etc.
B.            Explore a significant change in an important character.
C.           Explore a significant relationship’s conflicts or growth.
D.           Write about a motif you see developing--where have you noticed it? What does it seem to be revealing about characters or themes?
E.            Explore the significance of a particular setting (not of the whole novel--pick a specific scene).
F.            Explore the significance of a passage with a lot of imagery or description.
G.           Write about a symbol--how does it exist both literally and figuratively? What does it represent?
H.           Explore connections between your book and something you’ve read previously in English class.
I.              Explore connections between the text and your own life.
J.            What is the significance of the book’s title? What does it reveal about the main characters, conflicts, or themes?