3/16 Republic Assignment

Q. Who are Cephalus and Polemarchus?
A. Cephalus is Polemarchus' father. They are both residents in "Piraeus".

Q.What is the profession of Cephalus?
A. Cephalus is a business man.

Q.What was Cephalus doing right before the discussion that took place?
A. Cephalus was sacrificing in the courtyard.

Q. According to Cephalus, what are the virtues of old age?
A. When you become older you have a better outlook on life, you become alot wiser. Being old is the same as youth, but sometimes even better.

Q. What are Cephalus’ view of justice?
A. I don't really think Cephalus has any views on justice.

Q.What is Socrates response?
A. Socrates believes that not everyone can agree with Cephalus. He says "I'm afraid that most people don't agree with what you say, Cephalus, but think that you carry your years lightly not because of your character, but because of your wealth. For they say that the rich have many consolations." Later in the text, he mentions that Cephalus is a business man and has inherited and made a good amount of money, but Socrates says that he doesn't seem to be over-fond with it. I think what Socrates it trying to say is that when you have inherited or made a great amount of money, you seem to be really proud of it, and kind of want to show it off, but Cephalus doesn't seem to be like that.

Q. Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Do you agree with Cephaus or with Socrates? Why? If you don't agree with either of them, write about which one you think makes the stronger arguement - even if you think it is not "right" - and why?
A. I think I have to agree with Cephalus because when you do get older, you have alot more experience throughout the years. You have a better outlook on life, and you have learned from your previous mistakes, and learned how to benefit from them. As for him inheriting and making his own money, I think it's great that he's not too over obsessed with it. I agree, because if you make the money that you made the biggest most important thing in life, what else would you have?

Q. Try to give this a shot, if you can’t answer it that’s okay: What do you think Cephaus represents? What is particular or unique about his view of justice compared to the others you have discussed in class?

A. I think Cephalus is someone who is comfortable in his own skin. He's not afraid to tell his opinions, and what he has to say. I think he represents someone who believes in justice, I'm not quite sure what exactly the true definition of justice is, but it seems like he has a good opinions about himself and what he believes in.

3/15 Simile of the Cave Reading

Answer ALL of these questions with short answers (3 - 5 sentences).

Q. Socrates asks Glaucon to suppose that one of the prisoners is freed and leaves the cave (p. 242 section 515d). What happens to the prisoner when he gets outside? Why does this happen to the prisoner?

A. The prisoner is blinded by the sun's rays. This happens because throughtout the prisoner's whole life, he's lived in a cave. The only light that he's ever seen in his life, was behind a curtain where a fire was lit while they were doing shadow puppets. Therefore, when the prisoner first gets outside, the sun's rays were so strong, it blinded him.

Q. Socrates states that the prisoners would try to kill anyone who tries to liberate them and lead them out of the cave (pp. 243 – 244 section 517a). Why would the prisoners kill someone who is trying to lead them outside?
A. I think the prisoner was kind of intimidaded. I don't think the prisoner has made any human contact throughout his whole life. I also think that he didn't know the person very well, who would trust a stranger?

Q. While reading pages 243-244 (section 517) keep in mind that the cave represents the way society actually is, while the sun (visible outside the cave) represents knowledge that could make for a better society. Don’t let the wording confuse you, Socrates sometimes calls the outside “the intelligible region” and associates it with “the divine.”
What is special about “the intelligible region” and why is it important for public servants/political leaders (p. 244 section 517 b and e) ?
A. The "intelligible region" is special because it's basically the world that we live in today. It's where people can have a say in what they believe in, people have a mind of their own. It is important for the public servants and the political leaders because they need to know what's going on in their society, in order for them to make the appropriate decision for what's best for their society.

Q. What is wrong with having uneducated people run society? What is wrong with having intellectuals (i.e. well-educated people) run society (p. 323 section 519c)?
A. It is wrong for uneducated people to run society because they don't always understand what's was going on. If they run their society, they could end up destroying it by one little wrong decision they make. But it is also wrong for intellectuals to run society because they can't always be the perfect leader. Just because they may have the brains of a good leader, doesn't mean that they can make all the right decisions.

Q. On pp. 323 – 324 (section 519 section d – section 520) Socrates tells Glaucon what the “job” of a lawmaker is. What is the job of a lawmaker and how is a lawmaker supposed to influence the best minds?

A. Based on Glaucon's description of what a lawmaker is, I think a lawmaker must encourage their people to be the best they can be. But it's also confusing, because then he says after they have achieved this, they must also prevent them from what they have been encouraged by.

Personal Reflection

Q. Recall a time that you heard a statement of “fact” that was later found to be untrue. It can be from a parent, a teacher, a friend, a government official, a book, or a film. How did you find out it was untrue and how did it make you feel? Did it change your outlook on anything?

A. I think there was a time the beginning of 6th grade, when my friend and I started taking voice classes. I knew I didn't have much of a voice, but I was willing to learn, and to get better at it. Every Saturday we would go to our voice classes, and we got to perform a song, and out voice instructor would give critiques on what to improve on. I chose a song, but I can't quite remember now. My voice instructor said it was really really good, and the song went really nice with my voice. So I was thinking, I guess I don't have such a bad voice after all. After a couple weeks of voice classes, I was feeling pretty confident in myself, so I decided to put my voice to the test. At my middle school, we were having a talent competition, singing, dancing, anything we were good at. My friend and I decided to do a duet. So for tryouts, we actually did pretty good, and we got in. Sadly, this girl that I really disliked was going to sing as well, but I didn't really care. The day of the talent competition, we all sat along the stage, waiting for out turn to show off what we've got. It was finally our turn. The song started, and we both sang. Every applauded, and I thought the show went alright. After we had performed, we were all backstage, waiting for the results. I overheard the girl that I dislike, say that I had a really bad voice, and I sounded really weird when I sang. Her friend started saying the same thing. I was crushed, but hearing that from someone who I really didn't like, didn't matter as much. When the results were in, my friend and I came in 6th place. I guess I don't have much of a voice after all. I still continued to take voice classes, but about a year after, I decided to take a break off it, and start something different, guitar.

The Iliad Book 16 3/2 Assignment

Q. Summarize the main parts

>Patroclus doesn't listen to Achilles and decides to go to war with Troy

>Apollo wanrs Patroclus to back off and go back home

>Hector gets on his chariot and wants Patroclus to be his next target

>Patroclus sees men crowding over the chariot driver, Cebriones' body

>Apollo slammed Patroclus and his helmet fell off

>When Patroclus tried heading back to the Achean's rank, Hector was there, and he stabbed a spear right though Patroclus

>Patroclus tells Hector that his own death will near, Achilles will return

>Patroclus dies

Q. Ask Questions

>What would be Achilles' reaction that Patroclus went behind his back to go to Troy?

>What would be Achilles' reaction that Patroclus is dead?

>Would Achilles want to return to war for revenge for the death of his friend?

3/2 Personal Reflection

Q. Write about a time that your pride had negative consequences (or related to that, your inablity to forgive). You can also write about someone else or write about pride in another book.

A. Last year in 8th grade, my friends and I had a school field trip to Belmont Park. We hung out at the beach, and went on a few rides, and then we went to the arcade to play some games. My friend and I were getting pretty good at a shooting hoops booth. My friend decided to quit, so it was up to me. I was doing pretty good, so I decided to try my luck and keep going till I was able to win a couple more tickets for this big green bear. When I shot the ball, I actually missed, and I lost the game so I ended up not getting the bear. Which made me pretty angry because I was stuck with this small ugly brown monkey.

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.