Reflect and Connect #4

        Reading these works about nature really helped me to realize how important it is for habits in America to change. I realized that I have a lot of bad habits that are contributing to the Earth's poor health. Although my footprint was much smaller than others in my class, (I use 2.3 Earths) it is still really poor. I have been so moved by the change that I have to make for the planet that I have been walking to school when it is warm enough. I truly enjoy it because i get time to think but the part that sucks is that my walk is just streets so I do not get to enjoy nature but I am still outside and helping the planet a little bit. Sometimes I wish there were no cars and we still rode horses but only sometimes.

Peach Blossom Spring

            The general argument made by T’ao Ch’ien in his work “The Peach Blossom Spring” is that nature is the element missing in people’s lives that will make them truly happy. More specifically, Ch’ien suggests that with embracing nature comes pure happiness rather that the artificial happiness this is encountered with money or possessions. He writes, “The wild flowers growing under them were fresh and lovely, and fallen petals covered the ground—it made a great impression on the fisherman.” (pg. 444) Ch’ien later describes the happy and prosperous lives of the villagers without wealth or power. In his passage Ch’ien suggests that nature is the true source of happiness. In Conclusion, it is Ch’ien’s belief that nature is the only element in life that provides true and pure happiness.

In my view, Ch’ien is wrong because nature for some people is not a source of happiness. For example there is a poem that I read in my English class that was about a man who didn’t like nature and enjoyed literature much more. Although Ch’ien might object that he is not truly happy, I maintain that everyone has different paths to happiness and not everyone should be happy in nature. Therefore, I conclude that nature is great for some people but for others they hate to be in it and would much rather spend time inside.

Introduction to Responses to the Land

            The general argument made in Introduction to Responses to the Land: Nature, Ecology, and Materialism is that every culture embraces nature differently. More specifically, some cultures embrace nature and feel as if they are one, others believe that is there to help them by providing materials. The passage says, “…there existed a strong sense of the positive role that nature played in spiritual life.” (pg. 342) This passage suggests that cultures embrace and view nature in many different ways. In conclusion nature is a universal element but is very different around the globe.

            In my view the passage is right because it is shown through history and religion that nature is treated differently within cultures. For example, in Native American cultures nature is their lord and they respect it in other cultures however, nature is feared and many see “natural disasters” as a plague from nature. I maintain that cultures and history will always progress and with progression the way nature is embraced will constantly change. Therefore, I conclude that  the embrace of nature differs among cultures.

Reflect and Connect #3

      This week of readings reminded me immensely of what we are taught in Honors English. i have spent so much time learning about poems and how to read them. i do not feel however that I was taught so much to enjoy the poetry and literature we read. I rather feel that understanding was more important than enjoyment. But personally, I enjoy poetry as long as it is not really deep that I don't understand. The funny thing is that I used to hate literature and say that I couldn't read because it was too boring but starting in ninth grade with Count of Monte Crisco that all changed. I can now say that I truly enjoy reading but I can not say that I enjoy analyzing literature.

Education Through Poetry

                     The general argument made by Robert Frost in his work "Education by Poetry" is that poetry should be the basis of education. More specifically, students should be graded on judgment, rather than basic memorization abilities. He writes, "There are still two minimal things we have to take care of, taste and judgement." (pg. 48) In this passage Frost is suggesting that poetry is taste and that students should be taught to read and appreciate poetry. In conclusion, it is Frost's belief that poetry should be the basis of education and by using poetry this way American students would have taste.
                      In my view, Frost is wrong because poetry is not he only device for teaching good taste. For example, books and music help students develop both judgment and taste. Although Frost, might object that poetry has deep meaning and requires critical thinking, I maintain that other do not and that music and books are easier for students to relate which means more to them. therefore, I conclude that poetry although important should not be the basis of education.

Why Literature

            The general argument made by Mario Vargas Llosa in his work “Why Literature?” is that literature is no longer the backbone of society. More specifically, Llosa argues that literature is no longer a pass time for modern society and mainly read by women. He Writes, “It is something between sports, the movies, a game of bridge or chess; and it can be sacrificed…” (pg. 39). In this passage, Llosa is suggesting that literature is less important to modern people and that as people find more pass times it will continue to decrease. In conclusion, it is Llosa’s belief that literature and its importance in education and daily life is vanishing from society.

            In my view, Llosa is right because less and less students my age enjoy reading. For example, if a student likes what a book is about they will often say, “I will just wait to see the movie,” students are growing impatient and do not want to read a book because it takes too long. Because of this they will often read book summaries when an assignment is given to them or simply watch the movie. The problem with this is they do not get the full affect the book would have had on them if they were to have read it. Although Llosa might object that it is completely dying out I maintain that because of the e-reader it is becoming more popular among youths.  Therefore, I conclude that while literature is receding the e-reader is helping children reconnect to it.

Reflect and Connect #2

    


      I was shocked and amazed about "Shakespeare in the Bush." I would never have the patience to do something like that. It's kind of strange but as I was reading it I was constantly reminded me of my job. This is because no one can ever understand how I like my job or the uniform I wear but it is one of the most important thing in my life. When she was trying to explain the "weird" things it reminded of when I have to explain to customers why my job is so awesome and important.They often leave not believing me or thinking I am a liar. Which is a similar experience to hers.