Word Within The Word : Vocabulary Web

Oryx and Crake: Blog #2

5. If you had the chance to fabricate an improved human being, would you do it? If so, what features would you choose to incorporate? Why would these be better than what we've got? Your model must of course be biologically viable.

To fabricate another human being would be messing with the laws of nature. Personally I already think we are fiddling with things we shouldn’t. For example, the cloned sheep in Europe. I personally don’t think there is any use for an experiment like that.

However, if we go back to the idea of making a human being, it’s a curious idea. It has its advantages. We could create people who have less health risks, catch less diseases, not prone to cancer or being over weight. Simple things that will improve someone’s life. However, once you begin changing aspects in humans, there will be those people who want to change there appearance. They will want nicer skin, prettier eyes, ect. But isn’t it our differences that make us who we are?

It is often assumed that human kind will reach perfection if time is given. Eventually, we will become intermingled genetically. Then, if we take into account the law of evolution, we can only assume that we will end up with a perfect human. However, this will actually never happen, although a great theory. Since we are not letting Darwin’s theory take place, we can not assume that we will ever reach that one perfect human. We are keeping people alive that would otherwise die, assisting people in living who should have not been kept alive and allowing individuals to reproduce that honestly and truly shouldn’t.

Ultimately, if we were to be able to create a human, theres a fine line that human kind will be walking. If we allow it to take over, we will soon become the same and self-destruct. However, there a health benefits for it. Like plastic surgery, there is good and bad. People who’s faces collapse could have a complete face, but girls with small boobs will pay thousands to get the made bigger.

I chose this because this has been deemed the perfect human, through proportion and assumption. Nature should be able to run its course with out being fiddled with.

The Veldt Literary Web

"The Value of Science" by Richard Feynman

Richard Feynman wrote a very compelling argument about human nature. He discussed the fact that we feel the need to know, yet will never fulfill this need because there is simply to much that can be explored.

I found that the start of his essay did not really relate to the idea that had the most strength. He began on the topic of science and of course its value. He mentioned the fact that scientist could never answer social problems because they are not science related, that there was no magic formula that could ever solve these problems.

"To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell"

Building on this Buddhist proverb, he begins to discuss the idea that science can be used for good or for evil. That essentially, the key is science. He mentions, on passing, that humanity has a need for control. That science can produce something, and there is the need to control what this something may become.

However, Richard does go back to his previous thoughts, relating to how society and science intermingle. He mentions that for some people, science is intellectual enjoyment. He then goes on to say that if it is a scientists responsibility to reflect on the impacts of science on society, then we first must consider the value of society itself. He defines it as an arrangement of things so that people can enjoy things. If science is for personal enjoyment then in must fit into society. Therefore, he is supporting the fact that society and science build of one another, and then affect one another.

From here, he discusses human nature. The thought of existence, the mind-blowing thought of us being here and how we are understanding our surroundings. However, he acknowledges these facts to be to complex for children. That to make a scientist they must have a passion early on in life, that science needs to become more relatable and understandable.

"We must leave the door to the unknown ajar"

Finally, Richard moves to discuss dreams and the fact that they are far bigger then our accomplishments. He then explains that to find understanding is to find the dream. To find understanding between people, cultures and ethnic groups. It is then also to find acceptance, at least to some level. Richard goes on to say that for an individual to admit to not knowing is for them to find an answer.

He then admits that a scientist is socially aware, they understand human downfalls and short-comings. He also states that humankind will never fully know, that mystery is a part of life.

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In all honesty, I think he came back full circle in his essay. I understand the line of thinking he was going for but in the end he contradicted himself. He started off by saying that scientists are not responsible for knowing the impact of science on society, but moves to the fact that they are part of society and thus understand this fact.

I also don't believe his essay was so much on the value of science but more on how it relates to the understanding of human existence. That scientists must understand that there will always be a level of unknown, but that we can figure out how things work.

Ultimately, I think his essay was eye opening. It brought to me a level of understanding that a dream will just be a dream until you can admit that you don't know how to accomplish it, from there the answer will arrive.

Unknown Words:

prodigiously

Voltaires

Questions:

Reasonably, if one were to come to terms with the fact that their dream is just a dream, that there will always be a level of unknown, would they happen upon the answer?

Is every decision we make based on science? or can we say that the universe sends us signals to lead us on the path we must follow?

Oryx & Crake: Blog 1

Summary:

The book starts out by introducing Snowman in a mysterious way. We learn that he lives on a beach, surrounded by the children of Crake [Crakers]. These kids constantly question Snowman about the past, showing him treasures that they have found and asking if they will harm them. These children are beardless and possess green eyes, however each of them are of different skin colors. We also first learn of Oryx, who seems to be his lover.

Snowman constantly has revisions, making him appear un-human. He also seems to have memory relapses that are uncontrollable. We learn about his childhood and his parents. The switch between the OrganInc. compound to the NooSkins compound. We hear of his unbalanced home life, of the constant moral battle and depression his mother undergoes. These feelings of guilt and the uncomfort with her way of life leads Jimmy’s mom to leave the compound. She destroys her and Jimmy’s fathers computers, organizes a way out and ultimately escapes the prison that binds her. With her she takes a rakunk, Killer, who is Jimmy’s much loved “best friend”. After his mother leaves, Jimmy’s father moves on quickly to his co-worker Ramona, who becomes his step-mother.

In the absence of a friend, we meet Glenn. Together they play board games such as Blood and Roses, strategy games that require thought. Glenn talks robotic, stiff in his sentences. They move through an array of games including Extinctathon, where Glenn gets his nickname Crake after a rare bird. As they get older, they outgrow these games and begin to surf explicit material on the internet using Uncle Pete’s login [Uncle Pete is Crake’s step-father]. Usually Crake and Jimmy search porn and smoke pot. One day in march, they were doing as usual when Jimmy sees Oryx for the first time. She seemed to be eight at the time, and had stared into the screen, seemingly at Jimmy. This is something that he could never forget [later he learns that this is Oryx].

We then experience present once again when Snowman is served his weekly fish by the children of Oryx. These children seem to be different then the ones of Crake but it is yet clear what that difference is. The women look like re-touched fashion photos, no unwanted fat or body hair. The people of Oryx and Crake don’t shed blood of any animal, together they share in the killing of Snowman’s weekly fish. Here we also learn that they smell of citrus fruit, a change to keep the mosquitoes away, designed by Crake.

Thoughts:

So far the story seems to finally be coming together, there are less gaps then before, therefore less confusion. Oryx’s, Crake’s and Snowman’s relationships are clear. It seems that Snowman is attached to Oryx sexually, however Crake seems to have won her. Snowman and Crake are former best friends but had a difference/disagreement that set them on different paths.

I’m still confused when it comes to the difference between the children of Oryx and the children of Crake. They may be as simple as female vs. male just as the children of Adam and the children of Eve.

Oryx still seems to be a confusing character. She seems to resemble Jimmy’s mother in the fact that she doesn’t believe in what was going on in the compounds. She has made her children vegans, and created them without self image issues. She seems to be trying to better the world. Yet she is with Crake, who wants to reform the world instead of better it.

Society in Oryx and Crake is quiet, no one says anything. No one objects to the events that happen within the compounds, the reactions of individuals are always the same. Everyone obeys, more than likely in fear of what would happen if they didn’t.

This picture represents the silence of society. The lack of anyone speaking out to save the simple world they had. Now human kind lays in shreds at the feet of atrocity.

“evil is when a few good men decide to do nothing”

Dystopian Fiction

Blog 4: Chapters 28-38

3. What does Jane’s reaction to Rochester’s voice tell us about her character? What are her major conflicts at this time?

I think that if you look at her basic reaction you will see longing. That when she thought she heard his voice she had a rush of excitement and love. It showed her that he was the man that she was meant to be with. We really saw into her true emotions, because it was his call that made her go back to Thornfield. On some level Jane knew Rochester needed her and was finally ready to have the relationship that she originally wanted.

She didn’t know what she wanted, and there was definitely confusion when she made her decision. She knew that she was meant to marry, because that was the social norm. But she also knew that it Rochester had lied to her and that she didn’t want that to happen again. I think at the point she knew that she had just fallen in love with Rochester because of who she thought he was, she understood that there was still plenty of secrets and she left because she needed that time to think. She was struggling with her feelings towards him: her love, her annoyance and hatred, and ultimately fear. I think she was scared to lose him, yet she didn’t want to have the part of him he could offer. She wanted to be more than a mistress to him.

2. How do you feel about the novel’s ending? Is it as expected or is this an example of situational irony?

I think it is a little bit of both. When she ran away there was a 50% chance that she would go back. However, when she heard Rochester’s voice we knew that they were going to marry. The un-expected part came in his physical state, neither the audience nor Jane was prepared for Rochester, who was made out to be a handsome man, be without a hand and eyesight. Although, like any happy ending, their love conquered all and they live together happily with an ideal family.

The strange part was that he said that he had no attachment to Bertha, however he sacrificed his well being to save her. This did prove that he was a decent human being, but it almost was expected that he was going to let her perish because she was made out to be such a hassle to him.

It became situational irony because he had offered to take her away. If they were to have gone away, Rochester would never have been evolved in the fire and would still be in one complete piece. If different decisions were to have been made, like if she would have agreed to run away with him or if they had married regardless, Rochester may have never been evolved in the fire.

Socratic Seminar: "On Self Respect"

"Self-respect has nothing to do with the approval of others"

Personally, I believe that this article had valuable in-sight. Although it never talked about how to achieve self-respect, it discussed the importance of having it. The author had "lost the conviction that lights would always turn green" and in a sense that is part of growing up. Its the doors that close that shape you, not the doors that open. I would even argue its about the experiences you never got a chance to have, than the experiences you did have. For example; lets say you never celebrated you birthday, that shapes your personality, because other kids got to experience that.

The author also covers how ill-equiped one might feel if they do not have any self respect. It is as if you have "come across a vampire and having no crucifix in hand". Its the choice to sleep in the bed you have made for yourself, just like it is to feel comfortable in your own skin. Many people assume that self-respect has everything to do with the approval of others, when the author argues that its not.

On many levels I agree with the author. That every one goes through the awkward confusion, but they have to learn to realize that other peoples opinion doesn't matter, it is only your opinion of yourself that does. Could someone skip the awkward confusion and truly accept themselves at a young age?

I also found it strange how the author brought up the choice of adultery. That if people had self-respect they would own up to their mistake. But one would think that this would be the other way around, that if they had self-respect they would first become single before getting back into another relationship. How is cheating on your significant other something you would do out of self-respect, let alone respect for the other?

She also explained the traits that someone with self-respect had, basically she explained logic and having the time to think. She said they had the ability to discriminate, to love but still remain indifferent. Another point that confused me a bit. Could one still remain indifferent even if they were in love with someone? Would they not be upset if the other would leave?

phenobarbital

omission

incalculable

commiserative

Blog #3: chapters 22-27

1. Discuss Jane’s major internal and external conflicts in these chapters. What is your assessment of Jane based on these conflicts and her responses to them? What is your assessment of Rochester?

I think Jane is going under more emotional stress then external stress. Although not quite new, she is still adjusting to the different lifestyle in Thornfield. She is then also struggling with her feelings of love, which becomes especially tricky considering she believes he is to be married. She is then also pressured with marriage, and the arrangements. On top of all of this, she is puzzled by Bertha.

The story so far has built Jane up to be a very introverted person. She is not used to attention or a multitude of people being around her. Simply, she didn’t grow up in that world. She is used to blending into a crowd, however now so much is happening around her that she doesn’t know how to react. It is more or less like a sensory over-load for her, she doesn’t know what to do with herself.

Rochester is very affectionate towards Jane, there is a sense that he does have feelings for her. He always is flattering her, whether it succeeds or not he is happy.

[I think however, Jane should be careful. I think they love the idea of each other. Rochester likes that Jane is unique and different, she isn’t a lady that you could meet in the city. Jane loves the idea of love, she feel in love with the feeling and not the person. There may be a basic connection there, but I don’t believe it is something that will hold. ]

Examine Jane’s love for Rochester. Has it had a negative or positive impact on her life and her character?

Jane has never had the emotional intimacy that she is now sharing with Rochester. She isn’t used to the attention, and I think it is causing her stress because she doesn’t know how to react in such a situation. She has always been the quiet, introvert so this can also be a good thing and teach her how to come out of her shell a little more.

She has also had to deal with confusion. Jane left Thornfield after she found out that Rochester was married. After this she ended up in a distant cousins home, where she heard Rochester confess his love for her. All of this at one time is definitely a lot to take in, especially for Jane. This is the third “home” she has moved into, and then a man whom is married tells her he is deeply in love with her.

Later, Jane heads back to Thornfield only to find it burnt down and Rochester physically injured. She also finds out that his wife died in the fire and now they can marry without complications.

Though these chapters, Jane is confused, hurt and stressed. She has so much going on emotionally that she can no longer absorb anything more. Therefore, she can not properly react to them. I think that her love for Rochester is both good and bad. Good because she is now understanding that level of emotional intimacy. Bad due to the fact that is causing her emotional turmoil that she could otherwise avoid.

[personally I would assume that Jane would not marry Rochester, even though she is in love with him, because his wife has just died. I would have thought she would give a nice amount of time for healing and then revisit the topic. To me, Jane seemed as if she were someone who would feel un-comfortable with the idea of marrying someone who had their spouse die]

I commented on: http://ayshaenglish20.blogspot.com

Blog #2: Chapters 11-21

1. Though Jane Eyre is not a gothic novel, it contains gothic elements, especially when Jane is at Thornfield. Discuss these elements and the effect they have on both Jane’s development as a character and the novel as a whole.

By definition a gothic novel should include elements such as: an atmosphere of gloom and terror, supernatural happenings, and often violence and horror.

When Jane moves into Thornfield, we find that the atmosphere is much less inviting then we originally hoped. The stairs and windows were described as being more suited for a church than a house, which created a detached feeling from the rooms. Generally, when thinking of a house or home we think of a warm inviting atmosphere. However, since most of our time is not spent in a church, we can not call this home, which causes a detached feeling from the building. Affirming our feelings towards the house, the atmosphere is described as chilly, gloomy and mysterious. This involves 2, almost 3, aspects of a gothic novel; gloom, terror and horror [mystery].

The strange and mysterious laughing coming from the attic doors is then explained. This, we later discover, is from Grace Poole, a strange character within herself. She adds to the gothic theme, bringing terror into the house. Maniac laughing is usually not the most pleasant way to be welcomed into the house, and puts everyone on edge. It’s a mysterious piece of the puzzle that brings the creepiness to the scenes.

6. Discuss the role of art in Jane’s life with specific reference to the text, especially to her work.

Although Jane was designed to be an average, plain girl, she has extraordinary talent when it comes to art. To me, it seems that this becomes an outlet of excess emotions. It allows her to stay grounded, with a final product that’s not cause for argument. Through her artwork, it allows the reader to become more attached to such a simple character. Since we are used to outrageous characters that can fly, shoot spider webs or achieve extraordinary things, the writer must come up with ways in order to cause the reader to connect with Jane.

However, considering how plausible she is, one would think that readers would be able to sympathize and relate to her on more of a personal and deeper level. [just a thought]

commented on:

http://janedeline.blogspot.com/

Reader Response #1

Between 1837 and 1901 was the Victorian Era, this was a time when big dresses, fashionable outfits and extravagant life styles were popular. However, this was also a time for drastic social and dynamic change. Traditionally, women were married off to a pre-arranged man. This was not only a unity of two people, but two families. In exchange for marrying his daughter, the father would pay the man’s family with riches he possessed. This dowry would include anything from livestock and land to houses and silver. The richer the family of the bride, the bigger the dowry. Although, it wasn’t just the riches that were important, the daughter had to be what was considered ideal at the time. A wife was no more than property, they were expected to sing, do crafts and practice faithfulness. Women were something to be seen and not heard.

One of the more common traits that were part of a women’s daily activities during this time was the ability to sing. In the poem Lady of Shalott it states “they heard her sing her last song, The Lady of Shalott.” From this we can only assume that she sung more songs before her last. This infers that she usually sings, making her more desirable. Along with singing, women took part in crafts such as weaving. Again this was mentioned in The Lady of Shalott within the lines “And so she weaveth steadily, And little other care hath she.” Through these lines we find that weaving is done quietly and easily, providing entertainment for hours of loneliness. Women participated in a wide variety of crafts in order to keep themselves occupied for long hours left alone.

Being faithful and committed to one’s husband is a treasured trait. Both the poem My Last Duchess and Porphyria’s Lover covered these traits with great emphasize. In the poem My Last Duchess a constant theme was brought up of faithfulness. Through lines such as “How such a glance came there; so, not the first” and “too soon made glad, to easily impressed” we find resentment towards her friendliness towards other men. The husband perceived here positive attitude as being unfaithful, thus having her killed. In contrast “Porphyria’s Lover” shows her commitment to her lover. This is shown in the line “at last I knew Porphyria worshipped me: surprise” it is known that she was committed to him, or in other senses worshipped him. Women were expected to be fully committed to their husbands, while the men were applauded for sleeping with multiple women outside of their marriage. Compared to present day, a double standard has always been quietly sitting aside.

“Only, this time my shoulder bore her head which droops upon it still:” accurately describes the last heavily desired trait among Victorian women, being seen but not heard. Women were no more than property to show off a man’s wealth. They were dressed in large, extravagant gowns, covered in jewelry and hair piled high. A man would much rather prefer his wife dead oppose to being vocal. As a result, many women had their picture hung high on the wall so that the new wife could admire the old one.

The Victorian Era was a turning point in history for women. It served to change fashion, society and relationship dynamics. Women became more equal in society and slowly began their excursion into the workplace. Compared to today, women were the background in any household and replaceable. It can be assumed that without the struggles in the Victorian Era our society would still be as un-equal as it was.

Blog #1: Chapters 1 - 10

1. What is your initial opinion of Jane? What aspects of the narrative help to develop this opinion? What can you determine about her character by her statements and her surroundings?

Initially I thought Jane to be the odd one out, to be more or less the strange child. It gave reason to her disassociation and to the families action. However, as you read on you discover that this is not the way she is. That in fact she is a sociable girl, upset by her adoptive family. That she is pained by the un-responsive people surrounding her. Eventually, I began to feel saddened by her situation. I want her to succeed in the things she sets out to do, because she can do better than the group of people she was thrown with by chance of the draw.

In the very beginning, before you have had a chance to develop a thought about Jane it is explained that she sits alone in the dining room. Reading a book that would be un-enjoyable for any other child. She had been banished from the rest of the family. That’s where you begun to understand the dynamics that were evident among them. However, it was not revealed why until later where it mentioned how she came to live with her Aunt.

By looking at her surrounds we can assume that she would be grumpy and unpleasant, as most people are when the weather is not the best. The house also seems to be lit quite dimly, creating an eerie and unpleasant feeling. As well, from the way she talks about her family you can assume there is a level of resentment and distrust, potentially of hatred as well.

4. Discuss the connection between the setting and Jane’s internal thoughts and feelings.

Jane’s internal feelings and thoughts were filled with gloom and dread. They were usually about a life she could have had, or the hate she had for her Aunt and cousins. The weather was always gloomy, either cloudy or snowy. Just overall nasty outside.

However there was a scene during the time after she blacked out when she was shoved into the “red room”. She was in the nursery, by the doctor who was sent to treat her. She said she felt safe while he was there. It seemed that the candles and lighting in the room got brighter as he was there, like he had brought hope with him. A moment of sanctuary for her, before she had to face the abuse of the people she shared a house with.

Goals for English 20

1. to improve on my writing skills

2. to improve on my time management skills in regards to novel studies

how to improve:

1. practice; listening to feedback

2. keep up constant reading; get ahead when i can

how will i know when i have succeeded:

1. overall mark for writing will become higher

2. no more last minute struggle to finish reading