Final Essay

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Noah Hernandez

Dr. Preston

AP English Literature and Composition

June 8, 2015

My Growth

Going into the course, I was sure of one thing and one thing only. It would be a struggle to get by and that theres no way that this class would benefit myself. Over the course of the year, I’ve had experiences that I had no preparation for. I went into my senior year a very frustrated young man. I was tired of my frustrations being written off as teenage angst. It was in this class, that I learned how to control it, and use it. It was in the untraditional source of education that I found the most value in, more than the literature of Hamlet or Beowulf. However, in those great literary works I found that the questions and doubts I had were not relatively new questions. That in fact those thoughts have been around for ages. Without the lessons and experiences from this course, I would not have acquired this new level of conciseness. 

  One of the most comforting things about this course was to find out I was not alone. This was quite apparent the whole year but it was confirmed during the Masterpiece Academy. Many presentations were able to show how teenagers can affect the community around us. Alec was a big inspiration with his work with special baseball players in the challenge league. Siera was able to shed light on the homeless problem that we are made aware of everyday. Liz and Victoria were able to show that we as young people are curious and want to help everyone that we can.  Even in presentations like Joey’s where he was able to show free software can make a difference on peoples lives. These presentations showed me the strength that our powerful minds have. 

This opportunity in this class was far greater than any class I’ve taken before. This was 

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where I found the most humor. I loved seeing people give their presentations on such vast topics. It was almost as if I see was seeing a whole new side to someone. I have personally known Henry for thirteen years and yet I have never known that he and I have many of the same ideas. Watching as Taylor was infatuated with American serial killers was both hilarious and concerning at the same time. It was truly remarkable to see so many people express what they are passionate about it in an environment that not only encourage it, but thrived from it. The more I saw people work on their passions, the more I thought I put into my own. The most sincere moment I experienced was when Miles asked if I meant what I said about his video. The sound of accomplishment and pride in his voice after I said yes was one of the most genuine things I’ve ever experienced. It was moments like these that I found my joy in. 

I would say that I am the hero in my bildungsroman. I never thought I would have the experiences or confidence to be who I really am. I was always afraid of my intelligence. I never wanted to act smart because it seems like being smart is the same as being an asshole. It was in this course that I learned to embrace it. I was able to sit down with Paul Orfalea and establish an amazing relationship with him. The initial email I sent to him was inspired by the lesson we had about mentors. I know that one day I will change the world. In fact, I’m confident in saying that most people who come into contact with me know that to be true as well. I am no longer the angry teenager walking through the halls. I’m the guy who understands that his life is just beginning and its about to start being good. This course was everything I needed it to be. Thank you. 

Road Not Taken

In The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost conveys the timeless message of need for the individual to embark on his or her own path astray from society.  The dilemma of being stuck between two decisions is an every day occurrence. It is Frost’s approach to the problem that shows the foil in society’s ways. When Frost is first instinct is to look down the way that society would have chosen. The purpose of this syntax is to show that are natural instinct is to want to do what everyone else is doing because it is comfortable. However, it isn’t until Frost looks at his second option that he sees the value in not conforming to society. Through his use of diction and syntax, Frost is able to express the value of individuality when faced with a physical and moral dilemma. 

And they don't give no awards for this....

If were all being honest here,  Its a little late for me to try and pretend that I use this blog to express myself. I don't use this blog to do anything other the classwork that I see value in. I've never been big on putting my life online. This year I've noticed that I spend more time thinking about the assignments than I do actually doing them. This has led me to not do as many assignments I would normally. I give credit to those people who utilize their blogs to represent who they are as an individual but I wont apologizing for not being one of them.  

Master Piece/ Seeking Mentor

Last Thursday, I was able to sit down and speak with Paul Orfaela for a couple of hours. I went in with the expectation that I would be interviewing him, specifically about my masterpiece. However, it turned out that Paul was interviewing me most of the time. He answered my questions without ever acknowledging them. One of the things that he expressed was that I over think I everthing. When I told him I didn't know how to stop, he smiled and said he he's had the same problem his whole life. It was what I needed to hear. The reassurance that I am on the right track is something that I really needed.

Seeking Mentor

What is the difference between a mentor, and someone you look up to? Do you have to know someone for them to be your mentor? Can a mentor just be someone that you aspire to be?

Brave New World

In society, conformity is seen as the only way to survive. In Audis Huxley’s Brave New World, Bernard struggles with this concept as he sees the flaws within his society. It is this inner battle that gives the work its central message. We, as society, cannot obtain perfection without the loss of our humanity. Huxley uses the inward questioning of Bernard and John as the example of society destroying those who fail to conform. Through John and Bernard, Huxley is able to show that in a utopian society we will lose our selves as individuals as we conform to fit into society’s shackles. 

Lit Terms 5

parallelism - noun similarity by virtue of corresponding
parody - noun humorous or satirical mimicry; a composition that imitates somebody's style in a humorous way; verb make a spoof of or make fun of; make a parody of
pathos - noun a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow); a style that has the power to evoke feelings; a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
pedantry - noun an ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning
personification - noun the act of attributing human characteristics to abstract ideas etc.; representing an abstract quality or idea as a person or creature; a person who represents an abstract quality
plot - noun a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal); the story that is told in a novel or play or movie etc.; a chart or map showing the movements or progress of an object; a small area of ground covered by specific vegetation;verb plan secretly, usually something illegal; make a plat of; make a schematic or technical drawing of that shows how things work or how they are constructed
poignant - adj. keenly distressing to the mind or feelings; arousing affect
point - noun sharp end; a wall socket; the gun muzzle's direction;an outstanding characteristic; a distinguishing or individuating characteristic; the property of a shape that tapers to a sharp tip; a geometric element that has position but no extension; the object of an activity; a brief version of the essential meaning of something; a V-shaped mark at one end of an arrow pointer; the precise location of something; a spatially limited location; a promontory extending out into a large body of water; the unit of counting in scoring a game or contest; a linear unit used to measure the size of type; approximately 1/72 inch; a style in speech or writing that arrests attention and has a penetrating or convincing quality or effect; a V shape; a very small circular shape; an instant of time; a contact in the distributor; as the rotor turns its projecting arm contacts them and current flows to the spark plugs; an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole; a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list; a punctuation mark (.) placed at the end of a declarative sentence to indicate a full stop or after abbreviations; any of 32 horizontal directions indicated on the card of a compass; a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process; verb repair the joints of bricks; be positionable in a specified manner; mark (a psalm text) to indicate the points at which the music changes; mark with diacritics; mark (Hebrew words) with diacritics; give a point to; be a signal for or a symptom of; indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively; intend (something) to move towards a certain goal;direct into a position for use; sail close to the wind; direct the course; determine the direction of travelling; be oriented
view - noun the act of looking or seeing or observing; outward appearance; the visual percept of a region; purpose; the phrase `with a view to' means `with the intention of' or `for the purpose of';the range of the eye; graphic art consisting of the graphic or photographic representation of a visual percept; the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated; a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty; a way of regarding situations or topics etc.; a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof;verb look at carefully; study mentally; deem to be; see or watch
postmodernism - noun genre of art and literature and especially architecture in reaction against principles and practices of established modernism
prose - noun ordinary writing as distinguished from verse; matter of fact, commonplace, or dull expression
protagonist - noun the principal character in a work of fiction; a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
pun - noun a humorous play on words; verb make a play on words
purpose - noun an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions; the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; what something is used for; verb reach a decision; propose or intend
realism - noun the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth; (philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical objects continue to exist when not perceived;(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names; an artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description; the state of being actual or real
refrain - noun the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers; verb resist doing something; choose not to consume
requiem - noun a Mass celebrated for the dead; a musical setting for a Mass celebrating the dead; a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
resolution - noun finding a solution to a problem; a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner; analysis into clear-cut components; a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote; (music) a dissonant chord is followed by a consonant chord;the subsidence of swelling or other signs of inflammation (especially in a lung); (computer science) the number of pixels per square inch on a computer-generated display; the greater the resolution, the better the picture; the trait of being resolute;something settled or resolved; the outcome of decision making; a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem; the ability of a microscope or telescope to measure the angular separation of images that are close together
restatement - noun a revised statement
rhetoric - noun study of the technique and rules for using language effectively (especially in public speaking); using language effectively to please or persuade; loud and confused and empty talk; high-flown style; excessive use of verbal ornamentation
rhetorical - adj. concerned with effect or style of writing and speaking; of or relating to rhetoric
question - noun the subject matter at issue; an informal reference to a marriage proposal; an instance of questioning; a sentence of inquiry that asks for a reply; uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something; a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote; verb pose a question; challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of; pose a series of questions to; conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting; place in doubt or express doubtful speculation
rising - adj. newly come into prominence; advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status; coming to maturity;sloping upward; noun organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another; a movement upward
action - noun something done (usually as opposed to something said); the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field; an act by a government body or supranational organization; the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism; the trait of being active and energetic and forceful; the series of events that form a plot; the state of being active; a military engagement; a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another; one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong; a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); verb institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against;put in effect
romanticism - noun impractical romantic ideals and attitudes; an exciting and mysterious quality (as of a heroic time or adventure); a movement in literature and art during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that celebrated nature rather than civilization
satire - noun witty language used to convey insults or scorn
scansion - noun analysis of verse into metrical patterns
setting - noun the context and environment in which something is set; the physical position of something; the state of the environment in which a situation exists; arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where a play or movie is enacted; a mounting consisting of a piece of metal (as in a ring or other jewelry) that holds a gem in place; a table service for one person