The Iliad Reading Book 16 3/1

Q. What does Patroclus propose to Achilles and what is Achilles’ response? Why does Achilles grant Patroclus’ request?

A. Patroclus' request was for Achilles to allow him to fight in the war. Not only that, but to also wear his armor and to command the Greeks in war. I think the reason why Achilles grants Patroclus' request was because the Greeks were losing the war, and really needed back up.

Q. On p. 413 line 35 (approximately), Patroclus tells Achilles that Achilles is “cursed in [his] own courage.” What does Patroclus mean by that and do you agree with him?

A. I think what Patroclus means is that Achilles has held on to his anger towards Agamemnon far too long. I agree with this because the consequences towards their feud may cause the lives of many Greek soldiers, without Achilles' help.

Q. Either ask questions about the text or write down vocab words from the text with definitions.

A. Achilles seems like he still has rage towards Agamemnon, that's why he won't fight in the war. Why does he chose to stand there rather than help the soldiers out? Men are getting wounded and are dying without the help of Achilles.

The Iliad Book 9 Assignment 2/28

Q. Write a question you have about the text, either an interpretive question that you have an opinion on, or something that you don't understand. You don't need to write the answer.

A. There's a section in this passage where it talks alot about a war with Hector. I'm really confused about how he ties in with this section.

Q. What was your opinion of Achilles before reading Book 9? Does it change after reading Book 9? Explain why or why not.

A. Before reading this section, I thought Achilles was this strong, courageous fighter who never gave up until he got what he truly wanted, he never settled for anything less. But now, in Book 9, he seems very week, and not so sure of himself. He seems very confused about his next steps. His anger has taken over his will to fight, and be who he once was. He needs to let go of that anger and move on. He has this perfect chance with settling things back with Agamemnon, but he still won't take it. He won't take it because Agamemnon took his war prize, Briseis. Achilles is downing himself over a girl. He needs to let go of all the anger and move on.

Q. Same as yesterday - Make a list of the persuasive strategy used by these characters.

A.

1.) Who is speaking : Phoenix
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : Phoenix tells Achilles about his background, and how Achilles' father helped him out through the hard times. Phoenix in return took care of Achilles. Phoenix now wants Achilles to return the favor, for him to let go of his anger and fight for the war.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Reason

4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : Phoenix wants Achilles to return the favor, so he's telling Achilles to

1.) Who is speaking : Phoenix
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : The only reason why Achilles is downing himself is over his war prize Briseis. So Phoenix reminds Achilles that Agamemnon is offering so much, including many women that could replace his war prize.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion

4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : Phoenix wants Achilles to know that he shouldn't fill himself with anger over a girl that could be replaced with what Agamemnon is offering.

1.) Who is speaking : Phoenix

2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : Phoenix tells Achilles about a tale that reminded him of Achilles and what he's doing.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion
4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : Phoenic is trying to compare Achilles to the tale he was sharing to remind Achilles that he needs to move on, and let go of his anger.

The Iliad Book 9 Assignment 2/27

Q. Write a question. It can be an interpretive question that you have an opinion on or something about the text that you don't understand. You do not need to write the answer.

A. In this passage, Helen is actually mentioned in a part of this section. I'm confused if she's going to play a bigger role later on in the book, or if she's part of Agamemnon's bribe?

Q. What was your opinion of Agamemnon before reading this section? Does your opinion of him change after reading it? Why or why not? A one paragraph reply is fine, minimum of 6 solid setneces, but you are encouraged to write more.

A. Before I started this section, I thought Agamemnon was this greedy, rude, self-centered man who only thought of himself, and didn't care about other's thoughts, opinions or feelings. My opinion has changed a little about him because in this section, he seems like now, he's willing to take the blame for his actions. He says "That's no lie old man-a full account you give of all my acts of madness. Mad, blind I was! Not even I would deny it. (pg. 255 lines 137-139)" He use to be very self-centered and very secretive. But now in this section, he seems like he's very caring and giving and alot more open. There's a section in the book, from pg. 255-256 lines 145-193 where he talks about all these offerings he's willing to give to Achilles for his forgiveness, for stealing his war prize Briseis, and also all the broken promises, and blames Agamemnon put on him. To me, I don't really think he's willing to give all those offerings to him, without something in return. It's more of a bribe knowing the man Agamemnon was in Book one.

Q. At various points in the text some characters attempt to persuade other characters to take a course of action. Examples of characters using persuasion include Nestor, Odysseus, and Ajax. Make a list of the persuasive strategy used by these characters.

A.

1.) Who is speaking : Agamemnon
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : Agamemnon offers Achilles to take gifts from him in return for his forgiveness.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion
4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : Agamemnon is offering so many different luxuries, and expensice items that it seems more of a bribe rather than a gift.

1.) Who is speaking : Nestor
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : Agamemnon wants to back down from the war. But Nestor steps up and tells the soldiers/Agamemnon's army that they have come all this way for nothing if they back down from the war now.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion
4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : Nestor's trying to create a moment where the men are going to be willing to fight through his words.

1.) Who is speaking : Phoenis, Ajax, and Odysseus
2.) What does that person say and to whom does he say it : The men want Achilles to accept the offerings from Agamemnon.
3.) What persuasive strategy is it : Emotion

4.) Why is it an example of that strategy : The men want Achilles to accept what Agamemnon is trying to offer and much more to come, but he will not accept it because of anger he has towards Agamemnon. But the journey that his friends had taken to get to him was complete waste if he did not accept the offer.

The Iliad Book 1 Reflection

Q. Achilles’ rage is justified and I support his decision not to fight, even if it means the Greeks might lose lots of men, or even the war itself.

A. I agree with the decision that Achilles had made. Achilles chose to not fight, even if it meant the loss of many men or even with the war itself. I agree with this because in the text, Achilles states "And I tell you this-take it to heart, I warn you-my hands will never do battle for a girl, neither with you, King, not any man alive. You Achaeans gave her, now you've snatched her back. (pg.87-lines 348-351)" From this piece of evidence, Achilles is not willing to fight for just one girl. The Trojans have not done any harm to him, and Agamemnon wants him to battle. It was a good decision for Achilles to back down. I also think Achille's decision to not fight was great, because that could cause less controversy against him and the Trojans. Even if this meant that Agamemnon now wants Achilles to give up his own war prize in exchange to let Chryseis go.

My Rage

Once when I was angry, my mom had promised me that I could go to a Fall Out Boy last year, but when the concert came, I didn’t go. What happened was that my friends told me that there was going to be a Fall Out Boy concert coming up. This was around, January of last year. And, the second I found out about this, I asked my mom immediately if I could go. She said I could, only if my brother came. I said, alright, having my brother around wouldn’t be so bad. So I talked to my friends more about the concert. It was going to be at the San Diego Convention Center. Tickets were I think only $30. I still remember the exact date, April 1st. So, I told my mom about the new information that I got. Days passed, and I was really excited about the concert. I checked the tickets, just in case if they were sold out or not. They were still up. So, I waited and waited until the days turned into weeks. I checked again, tickets were still up. So that day, I decided to buy the tickets. Everything was great and I knew for sure that I was going! The day before the concert, me and my friends were in school, and were talking about how it would be awesome when if we went to the meet and greet. How awesome it would be to meet the members of Fall Out Boy. We came home, and I got everything that I needed for the concert ready. I packed a camera, money, food and other things. When I went into the kitchen, I could hear my mom and my brother bickering and fighting. My mom told me that she got a phone call from my brother’s teacher. He had done something, I can’t quite remember now. But then, my mom said, we couldn’t go to the concert. I was mad. I was furious. I told her, why? She said she didn’t want me going alone. Where things could happen to me, like beat up, or whatever. I told her my friends were going! I won’t be alone! She still didn’t want me going. She didn’t want me to go without my brother. So of corse I was yelling at the top of my lungs, I was so mad. The day of the concert, while my friends went, I stayed at home and just listened to my Fall Out Boy CD.

Fahrenheit 451 Descriptive Writing 2/8

Scene : Montag going to his own house to get burned down.

Montag's Perspective :

The loud and annoying alarm sounds off above me. My world shatters knowing there will be another innocent victim clawed by the hands of fire. I can hear the stomping of firemen making their way towards the brass pole that leads them to the cherry colored vehicle as we call the Salamander. I follow them with a shameful and guilty feeling on my expressionless face. I get into the vehicle. Firemen trample all over me. Beatty stomps on the gas pedal. A nasty smirk draws upon his face, as if he were luring us into a trap. He cuts from corner to corner. Hurrying, he never makes a stop. The tires of the Salamander making an awfully loud screech. A frosty burst of wind blows upon my face. I can only think of Mildred. How much she's drifting far from me. She's become too obsessed with the world and it's useless technology. But much worse, I keep thinking about how much I cannot bare to see another book go up into flames. A book, something that was taken time to be written onto paper. Someone who took their own precious time to write about their personal outlook on life to share with the world. Their thoughts, their feelings. Trashed and burnt by these crazy and selfish firemen. Why can't the world be free like it once was? Why can't we live through a day, with the sun blazing in our hair, the fresh air blowing on our face, without being judged or criticized by another one. Everyone had become too pointlessly ignorant. They forget the smallest most important details in life. I keep wondering off in my field of thoughts. But we finally reach our stop. I wish we just had kept on going till we reach the other end of the world. Away from all this. I step onto the cold heavy ground. Beatty confronts me. That nasty smirk still on his greedy face. He tells me to look up. I squint up at the next sacrifice. It turns out, it was my own home. My heart pounds faster and faster. It felt as if it were about to jump out of my chest and explode into a thousand pieces. But why? What did I do to deserve this? I had not done anything wrong. Was it the books I had been hiding? But how could they have found out? I question on and on, but no answer can come to mind. As I try to forget my current stage, I see Mildred hurriedly making her way towards a cab, as if she were trying to escape life. I face her. She starts talking about all these things. I could not understand anything she was saying. I had blanked out. I could not listen to anyone with their painful words that I could not trust. She finally finishes. She gets in the cab. I felt as if I was going to cry. Like I just had lost a big chunk of my heart. But as I watch the cab drive off in the far distance, I could not feel any tears drip from my eyes. Maybe it was meant to be. Maybe her leaving me like this was a sign that I had to make things right. I had to fix what I had caused. These were the consequences to my actions. So, I grab the flame thrower, and I run inside my home. I burn everything that comes in my way. My first stop, was at the parlor. This wasteful device that did nothing but brainwash my wife. I burned it. The glittery sparks that flew up in the air. It was rather enjoyable. I burnt my bedroom walls, filled of lonesome memories. I burnt anything, everything that reminded me of Mildred, this woman that lived with me, who I shared everything with. This woman who will forget me as the days pass into weeks. I slowly walk outside. I stand in front of my house. Watching it burn up in red coals and black ashes. I had burnt them. I had burnt my deepest darkest possession, my books.

2/6 - Hesiod Writing Assignment

Q. Explain how Zeus came to power and discuss how similar. Write about these following issues: How is he similar/different to Uranus or Cronos? Is his grip on power secure or fragile? Explain why or why not.
A. In the very beginning of this passage, Gaea (mother earth) married her son, who she made him her equal, Uranus. Gaea first gave birth to three Hundred-Handed Giants. Then she gave birth to the three Cyclopes. Uranus feared the strength of these six children, so when each child was born, he buried them deep in the earth. Gaea then gave birth again to the thirteen Titans. Gaea decided to use her Titan children for revenge on Uranus. Almost all of her children were terrified of their father. But one, Cronus. He decided he would do the deed. Cronus stabbed a stone sickle in his father's back. He then became the new ruler. Cronus then married his siter, Rhea. Cronus feared that he would lose his rein, and so he did not plan on any children. But, Rhea gave birth to their first daughter, Hestia. Cronus feared of losing his power, so he opened his mouth, & swallowed his daughter whole. Four more children were born to Cronus and Rhea, Demeter, Hera, Hades and Poseidon. He also swallowed them whole. Rhea was then about ready to give birth to their sixth child. But afraid she would lose another child, she came to her mother, Gaea for help. Gaea told her she would hide her baby on the high slopes of Mount Dicte. Guards and watchmen would guard her baby. Rhea gave birth to her sixth child, Zeus. Cronus already had knowledge that Rhea had their sixth child. But instead of having their baby wrapped in a blanket, she wrapped up a big rock. Cronus then, swallowed that rock. Years pass, and Zeus finally confronts his father. Rhea hands Cronus a drink. He wanted more. So this time, Zeus is the one who hands him the drink. Cronus drank, and realizes that a complete stranger has handed him that drink. He soon vomits the rock, and his five children that he had swallowed. They soon all battle. Cronus & the Titans against Zeus and his brothers and sisters. Zeus and his siblings win the battle. Zeus then becomes ruler of the sky.

Zeus is not at all similar to neither Uranus or Cronos. These two gods were so greedy for power that they would have done anything to keep that power. They would have destroyed anything that got in their way. But Zeus, he seems like he doesn't care much about power. At the end, when he receives the gift of thunder and lightening, he doesn't seem very greedy and selfish with that power. It's like he knows he needs to use that power for good.

I think Zeus' grip on power is about in the middle of being secure & fragile. He does have that gift of thunder and lightening, but in this passage it doesn't really explain how he uses that power. But what I think, is that he doesn't care much about power. It feels like he's only willing to use that power for the good of his ruling.

Fahrenheit 451 Descriptive Writing 2/6

Q. Make a list of the descriptive words in that scene – minimum of 3, but you should be able to find a lot. & Write a short paragraph of why you think that scene and the words Bradbury used were effective in representing fear. This is like the assignment from last night expect with Bradbury.
A. I chose the scene where Montag and the firemen were burning down the woman's house. Some descriptive words were :

>empty

>roar

>bombarded

>fervor

>insanity

>mindlessness

I chose these words because they really stood out for me. They were very descriptive. I also chose these words because they were in the climax for this scene. Montag had hidden a book under his arm, as he watched a woman get burned alive. I think the author had really put thought into describing what was happening. He went into alot of detail to let the reader feel like they were in the book. Bradbury had also represented alot of fear in this part of the book because Montag had hidden that book. & probably while he saw that woman get burned, he could probably imagine himself in that postition. He was probably thinking about the consequences that he could go through, what could happened to him now that he made that decision to steal that book.

Descriptive Writing Assignment

My Descriptive Paragraph :
I thought I did a pretty good job on my descriptive paragraph. Some words that I thought were really descriptive were :

>big white entranceway
>small circular lever
>bulky square of fluffiness
--->I liked how I was able to bring simple objects to life by adding powerful adjectives to describe them.

My Blog Group Thingy :
Junior :
>black
>thorny
>closed cage
--->"The whole world just turned black when I heard that." I liked how he had described the whole world turning black. That created emotion & a little drama to this piece.
--->"I just grabbed the thorny papers and put it in my backpack." The word "thorny" really helped this line. It made me feel how homework is something you really don't want to do, but you still have to. Sort of a fear.

Rg :
>awfully angry bear
>my body budges
>my eyes stir
--->I liked how he used alot of powerful verbs such as "My body budges and turns and once again, my eyes stir." This was a line that really stood out for me. I liked how this was phrased. Instead of just describing someone who wanted to go back to sleep, he went into detail.