The Legacy of Western

I wrote this a while ago to and I loved this essay.

Western is a school where the legacy of sisterhood dates back to 1844. Western girls also known as Westernites learn to take on leadership roles to help her fellow sisters. The uniqueness of Western Senior High School is unquestionable, and after one hundred and sixty-three years Western enriches the lives of diverse future leading women.

            Western enriches the lives of diverse future leading women in countless ways. Western enhances the lives of women academically and socially through its college preparatory, mentoring programs, and organizations. There are three different academic programs that Western offers to prepare women for college, which include teacher academy, college and accelerated college preparatory courses. Each program challenges students in diverse ways. Both the college and accelerated college programs present students with the opportunity to take honors courses in the subject in which they demonstrate strength. Teacher academy helps to create the foundation to consider teaching as a profession.

Western also offers more than forty organizations that allows racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse women to come together and learn how to perform as a unit, particularly concert choir, band, and dance. These three performance based classes provides the opportunity for women to study the art of performing and various types of music. Both the band and concert choir's purpose is to bring women together through performances for the school. Although they both show expression through music; the band expresses the art through instruments and the choir portrays the same through the best choral literature.

The mentoring program, Big Sister Little Sister known to many Westernites helps upper and underclassmen to create bonds. Traditionally administrators were responsible for assigning sisters, but in recent years decided to make upperclassmen responsible for reaching out to help incoming freshmen. Many students have no problem reaching to underclassmen, and many without knowing are drawn to girls much like themselves, enabling them to see and stop potential mistakes sooner.

In conclusion, all three of the aspects mentioned makes up Western's legacy, but that legacy would not have grown if it were not for the girls who grew into women due to the high aspirations set in place by the fonder s of Western. The legacy of Western is more than academics or clubs; it is the women whose lives were changed while attending Western for the course of four years.

Thank you M'am

This is another paper I wrote that I liked

In Langston Hughes poem "Thank You M'am," he reveals several literary devices that brings the characters to life. He showcases each characters ability to be raw and vulnerable. The main characters Rodger and Mrs. Jones had similar hidden character traits that neither the readers nor the characters themselves knew about. Hughes brings the performances of his characters and the phrase "larger than life"alive by using characterization, irony, and theme.

Hughes uses characterization to bring the performances of the characters and the phrase "larger than life" alive. Through the use of characterization readers discovers that Mrs. Jones does not have children; could tell one why she felt the urge to help Rodger. "um-hum! your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you [...]" (Hughes 29-30) One can see that this quote is a paradox, displaying Mrs. Jones coldness toward Rodger, but simultaneously revealing her caring and sensitive side. This quote some what shows how she can be nurturing; she sees how he is in need of a little guidance. The large woman as Hughes describes her shows more of her motherly and nurturing ability through this quote,

"you ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong. Least I can do now is to wash your face are you hungry?" (Hughes 38-40) One can tell that she has no time for games and that believes in discipline and hygiene. Readers can tell that Mrs. Jones believes in having pride in one's self.

Through characterization the author paints an image of Rodger that compels one to have sympathy and empathy for him. Mrs. Jones could see that he needed someone to understand him and to help Rodger get a good start in the right direction. "[...] ain't you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?" "No'm" (Hughes 30-32) Right here viewers can see that Rodger doesn't have anyone to nourish him with the proper guidance, that a child needs at that crucial point in his life. The quote also suggest that Rodger is homeless, one can only infer that since he admitted to not having anyone at home to tell him to wash his face. Through his dialogue with Mrs. Jones this could suggest that he's feeling abandoned and afraid. Adding to he feeling of abandonment and fear one could think when he confessed to not having anyone home that he could have meant symbolically. One could infer that because his tone in his dialogue with Mrs. Jones suggested that he was and lonely he could have been stating that he feels like there is no one in his home with him.

The author also uses characterization to describe Rodger's appearance. Hughes describes him as a fourteen or fifteen year old who looked frail and willow-wild, dressed in tennis shoes and blue jeans. From this anyone can see that he doesn't have a lot and that he may not be that well mannered.

In addition to using dialogue the author uses irony to bring both characters to life. Langston Hughes takes these two characters from a 2D black and white existence to a technicolor 3D world. He gives them real problems that every day people have so that they can relate to the main characters. The large woman continued to talk abruptly to Rodger, but his response was very ironic.

"If I turn you loose, will you run?" "Yes'm" "Then I won't turn you loose [...]" "Lady I'm sorry," (Hughes 24-28) this conversation shows  that Mrs. Jones expected him to lie and say that he wouldn't run and then would've tried to run when she let him go, but instead he respected her and told the truth. In addition to telling the truth he said replied to her saying "yes'm," which is short for yes madam; this shows he has some form of manners b/c along those times that was considered to be the polite way of addressing a woman. When analysing this one finds this to be ironic because if Rodger is indeed homeless and has not a role model to show him how to properly address a woman as portrayed; it would be rather odd for him to know this. Although he doesn't have anyone to show him these things many can say he's a worldly person.  Rodger also goes on to apologize which is situational irony because it was not what the audience expected.

Lastly, the author helps every day people relate to the characters in "Thank You M'am." This aids in bringing the poem to life making the characters seem real. The central theme of Hughes poem is understanding and commonality. In the poem Rodger learned something shocking about Mrs. Jones that ties into the theme, but also happened to be ironic. Mrs. Jones' house is the main setting of the poem and is also where readers see the theme appear and connect to other literary devices."I was young once and I wanted things I could not get," (Hughes 89) this quote provides the set up for the theme. Viewers start to see her understanding side.

"Um-hum! You thought I was going to say but, didn't you? You thought I was going to say, but I didn't snatch people's pocketbooks. Well I wasn't going to say that." (Hughes 91-94) Here one can see Mrs. Jones openly admit that she had a troubled past as well, but it also shows that someone who was once troubled can turn their life around and get on the straight and narrow path to living the honest way. Through this quote she indirectly states that she understands Rodger's situation.

"I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son-neither tell God if He didn't already know. Everybody's got something in common [...]" (Hughes 95-97) One can see that she is directly and openly admitting to Rodger that she has done things that she is not proud of, but her tone suggest that she has learned from her mistakes. Mrs. Jones seems to be sharing her story with Rodger so he will not make the same mistakes that she did. In her quote she directly says part of the theme, commonality which tells readers the reason she decided to be nice to Rodger; she saw herself in Rodger.

In conclusion, several literary devices gave this poem character, but the three that stood out were characterization, irony, and theme. Both of the main characters came to life through these devices and allowed many people to relate to their situation. Langston Hughes presented these characters through his words, but the literary devices made them larger than life.

Tender Offer

This is something I wrote a while back that I liked.

In “Tender Offer” Wendy Wasserstein uses the title serves as a metaphor, making a comparison between the actual meaning and the gesture Lisa longs for from her father. A tender offer means to finance an offer to purchase some or all of shareholders' shares in a corporation. Tender Offer is a drama set around the relationship of a father and his young daughter. Their conflict seems to be their lack communication as well as the two of them not spending enough time together. The protagonist, Lisa longed for her father’s attention. In “Tender Offer” by Wendy Wasserstein, she uses theme, conflict, and dialogue to demonstrate that the most important ingredient in effective communication depends upon mutual understanding.

Wendy Wasserstein uses theme to demonstrate that the most important ingredient in effective communication depends upon mutual understanding. The theme of play emphasizes a certain inadequacy in the lifestyle of Americans, the compassionate communication between an estranged father and his daughter. "LISA. I saw this show on television, I think it was WPIX Channel 11. Well, the father was crying about his daughter.” In this quote Lisa shows a subtle need for her father’s attention. Wasserstein use of theme conveys a message to the readers that suggests that the bond between these two characters are not as strong as it should be considering the fact that they are father and daughter.

Wasserstein uses conflict to illustrate how inadequate communication between estranged fathers and daughters can prove to be an issue. In this play the central conflict involves the father, Paul, who missed his daughter, Lisa’s dance recital. The scene opens with Lisa practicing in a dance studio. In the primary line of the play demonstrates Wasserstein commiserating with Lisa more than Paul as she introduces him merely as “a man.” With that said, the audience does not make the connection that Paul is Lisa’s father until line eight of the play. “Why were you late?” “I was in a meeting. Business. I’m sorry” (1773). In this quote Wasserstein shows Paul was in a hurry that day as he sometimes is and didn't realize Lisa's worries right off the back. Lisa procrastinates to spend a little time with her dad and to get some stuff off her mind. And procrastinate she continues to do as she explains how she doesn't understand such a big word.

Finally, using realistic dialogue the author reveals that the most important component in any relationship is effective communication and that depends upon mutual understanding. A short conversation between father and daughter allows readers to view how the weakness of their relationship is taking its toll. The dialogue between Lisa and Paul reveals a typical tension filled conversation in an American household whose foundation isn’t that strong. “Daddy, Miss Judy wanted to know why you were late today.” “Hmmmmmmmm.” “Why were you late?” “I was in a meeting. Business. I’m sorry” (1773). This is the first time Paul apologizes for missing his daughter’s dance recital, also note that Lisa allows Miss Judy first to present accusations against her father. This happens to be the first of many instances of inadequate communication. When reading this play many readers ask the question what is Paul about? Paul is a hard worker who figures things out. While it is apparent that there is an obvious weakness in their relationship, Paul beyond doubt loves and cares for Lisa and in fact is not snide and compassionless.

Over some time he begins listening and begins to understand his daughter’s needs. He explains his situation to her like a business plan. Then they share a new precious moment together before they go home to settle back into normal life.

In conclusion, effective communication is the key to having a normal relationship with anyone. Paul realizes this as the play unfolds and he and his daughter begin to come to a central understanding, an understanding of the theme effective communication. 

Beyonce Knowles

Beyonce’s new cd “I AM Sasha Fierce” definitely differs from her first debut cd “Dangerously In Love.” Her first debut cd portrays more of Beyonce’s personality rather than her alter ego Sasha Fierce. The new cd “I am Sasha Fierce” tells the story of both Beyonce and Sasha, hence “I AM” for Beyonce and “Sasha Fierce” for Sasha. When singing Beyonce seems to be more soft spoken in her songs, and Sasha seems to be more dominant and strong in her lyrics.

            Beyonce’s song Me, Myself, and I from her self debut cd shows a soft side of her, whose learning to move on from a bad relationship. “Me, Myself , and I that’s all I got in the end and it ain’t no need to cry I took a vowel that for now on Ima be my own best friend,” these lyrics from Beyonce’s song speaks of how she is learning to grow and be by herself. It shows how she is learning to be strong and to move on from difficult situations by telling herself that all she needs is herself

The Living Dead

I wrote this awhile back and I loved this poem.

TEARS OF DEATH CREEP DOWN HER CHEEK

DRESSED IN DARK GARB SHADOWING ONE’S IGNITED FLAME

SO FOUL AS SORROW SO TO SPEAK

A SLOW DESTRUCTIVE HIGHWAY TO THE MOST PULCHRITUDINOUS ODIUM TO ALL WHO WERE TO BLAME

NO LIGHT LEFT IN HER EYES. . .

BLACKENED COAL THUMPED LIKE A HEART BEAT

GLASSY PORTALS STALKING THE HORROR AS THE SINISTER NIGHT BEGAN TO RISE

THERE IT GOES WITH ITS FLEET

SEARCHING FOR WHO DIDN’T LOVE HER INSTEAD

KEPT HER ALIVE, BUT INSIDE LEFT HER DEAD

haiku

This was a haiku about the book Catcher in The Rye 

Outside in the cold.

Stalking the head bashing game.

The boy on the hill.

Through The Eyes of A Struggling Black American Family

This is an excerpt from my research paper from my junior year in high school.


Toni Morrison and Lorraine Hansberry both got into depth through the use of tone and attitude allowing readers to create a vivid portrait in their mind of the various types of conflicts a Black American family faces. Although, the Youngers, a Black American family succeeded in moving to a predominately white neighborhood, that was only the battle their race, culture have not yet won the war. If one takes a look a at the Breedloves, one will notice that they succeeded in nothing except bringing more corruption and dysfunction to a race who already suffered from being called ignorant just because of the color of their skin. While the Younger family build themselves to avail their race in winning the war, the Breedlove family is making it harder, allowing the white man to see exactly what they already think “There goes an ignorant black nigger,” behind doors readers see the down spirited side of the Youngers, a side with no pride, but what makes the two works have opposing outcomes is the same reason the Youngers win their battle with their conflicts and the Breedloves do not. Walter becomes head of his family when he finds the strength and the pride his parents instilled in him that he forgot was there, then becomes the rock of the Younger family, enabling them to win their battle. Then one takes into account Cholly and his family who from day one were corrupted with the thought of no self worth, they had no pride embedded into them only hurt and misleading hopes of advancement in life. Like Walter and his family they had a choice to ascend in their fight for happiness and to emerge victorious in their battle against the white man, but they chose to make all the wrong decisions resulting in their ultimate demise, failure. In A Raisin in The Sun one observes the struggles and downfalls the Youngers go through, but they were able to overcome those challenges and win their battle, but the Breedloves were not able to be triumphant, by winning their battle. They ended up getting trampled by their conflicts. The two families were not so different in the beginning, they both were failing to excel and surpass their conflicts with life, people, and themselves, but in the end the two works concluded with opposing outcomes, the Youngers being triumphant, and the Breedloves being failures, to the Black American family’s war in enhancing their life despite the white man’s criticism.
In conclusion the Younger family proved that in the face of conflict when things are really tough they can pull together and prevail over their conflicts, their ability to overcome their conflicts is the glue that pulled and held them together. The Breedlove family proved that if conflicts with in a family is not handled carefully and cautiously the family can and will fall apart. Finally, both families proved the different outcomes in a Black American family’s ability to advance in life despite the pitfalls and criticism the white society bestows upon them.