Post B week 7

This post will be a reflection of how I thought the book went as a whole. I really enjoyed reading this book for multiple reasons, but of course I didn't like a few things as well. The parts of the book I enjoyed reading about the most was those that described Robin's childhood. You never hear about these and I found them really interesting- especially the parts about how Robin was originally a noble born boy, which is ironic because he later steals from them. Another part I really enjoyed about the book was how clean the book was in the sense of no sexual innuendos and no swearing. Perhaps this reflects the culture of those in medieval society-I don't know- but if it is I'm very surprised because of how hanging was very typical. The last part I really like about the book was the part that Robin wasn't invincible. Sure, he learns how to use the bow extremely well incredibly quickly, but its not like he knew everything about archery at birth. Also, the fact that Robin is defeated on multiple occasions suggests that defeat wasn't dishonorable as long as you admitted it. Which is very different from most legends about hero's.

Post A week 7

This week's cultural theme in Robin Hood is how physical superiority is the deciding factor in deciding if that person is worth having as a friend. For example, in these final chapters, Robin's band becomes increasingly bigger because he convinces more and more people to join. However, the people he decides to allow to join are those who beat him in combat, such as sword fighting or staff fighting. "Enter our company, then, John Little; and be welcome" (153). This is what Robin Hood says to Little John after little John launches Robin from a bridge.

Week 6 Post B

In this post, I will talk about how Robin has finally joined the band of outlaws that live in Sherwood forest. As I've mentioned, Robin has been frowned upon bye both the Sheriff and Prince John. These characters have considerable power in Nottingham, which of course means that they control the law. So in these chapters, Robin has been placed under arrest by the Sheriff, and while Robin was gone, the Sheriff and his men burned down Robin's house. This caused Robin's loyal bodyguard, Warrenton, to avenge his master by killing the men that burned down Robin's house. This act of vengeance caused Robin's arrest warrant to become a bounty with a high price on Robin's head. Robin then went into hiding with Warrenton and Stutetly and they stumbled upon Will'o the Green's band fighting the men of the Sheriff. The battle is going badly for the outlaws until Robin intervenes saving whats left of the band. Unfortunately, Will dies in the battle, but his dying words entitle Robin to join the band. This is were the chapters leave us, giving us an interesting cliff hanger.

Week 6 Post A

This week's cultural aspect is that "practical jokes" can be considered as asking for money or following a traveller, who is minding their own business, ceaselessly. For example, John Stuteley, Robin Hood's close friend, wants to bother this strange traveller: "They watched him go by, and passed jests between themselves concerning him. Stuteley begged that he might be allowed a joke upon the fellow"(144). This joke leads to a fight between Stuteley and the traveller in which Stuteley is struck in a way that had the traveller been using a sword instead of a cane, Stutelely would have died. So practical jokes back in old england could easily lead to individuals being killed.

Post B week five

I am going to talk about the first part of the book in general for this post. We all have heard of the legendary archer, Robin Hood, and how he stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Well, I didn't know anything about his childhood until I read this book, which is very interesting because it gives all the background you need to know in order to fill the gaps in the story line. The thing I find most interesting about Robin's childhood is how before Robin, there was another bandit leader who lived in Sherwood Forest, named Will'o the Green. He is basically the model that Robin bases himself off of, however, Robin is bascially a better version of Will in eveyway. For example, he knows how to read and write where as Will does not. Also, Robin is already equalled in bowmenship with Will at the age of 15, with barely any practice. The other very interesting thing I find differeing from what I expected was that Robin was a law abiding citizen until his father's post as ranger was not passed on to him.

Post A week 5

The cultural theme that I noticed in these chapters was that of how patriarchal a society Robin's is. Example's are scattered throughout the book, however, the example in my mind is how Robin is control of the household despite his mother living there, and women are portrayed as incompetent. For example, the sheriffs daughter get very mad at Robin because he didn't present her the award for being the prettiest. This caused Robin's death because her father spoils her, and she wanted Robin to be punished, so her dad sent out his men to punish Robin by hanging him. Also, Robin's mother is clueless to what is going on other than whats on the surface. "Why I did not know you met your cousin, Robin. When was it, and why do you call him the Scarlet Knight?(106). This quote is important because its illustrates how women are kept in the dark in the affairs of men.

Post b week 4

So much has gone on since the last post that it would be hard to explain it all. However, I'll do my best to keep it quick. Since last time, Robin has become the head forester of Sherwood because his father was killed by a deer. Despite being so young, he is respected by the other ranger's of Sherwood because he laid down strict punishment for someone who started to protest his leadership. Another major event that happened in these chapters was the fact that he entered another archery contest against the best archer's in England. He technically had the best shot in the competition, however, he was disqualified for shooting without giving his name to the council of the competition. This normal technicality wouldn't disqualify someone from the competition, but Prince John was there, and his archer was second to Robin, so in disqualifying Robin, his archer won. Robin was foolish in coming there because in taking the head Ranger post, he disobeyed the Sheriff. That said, the position was his by right, but at the very first archery competition, Robin gave his golden arrow to a girl different from the Sheriff's daughter, so the Sheriff has a grudge against Robin which I believe will cause trouble for him later.

Post A week 4

This week I'm going to talk about how during Robin's time, the king's possessions are put above and beyond any other man's lives. Being hung was the punishment for killing any one of the King's deer, and because of this, no one can touch the deer in Sherwood forest, even though the King never comes to Nottingham. So it is a rediculous rule that is carried out with a ridiculous zeal. "Now mast Ford, filful your duty. You know the law; that if one be found killing the king's deer in the Royal Forest of Sherwood, he or she may be summarily hanged when caught upon the nearest tree"(109).

Post B quarter 4 week 3

This post will be about the future events of this book. So far, we have only seen a young version of Robin, one of about 16 years. This is interesting to me because he is a lord who is loyal to the king at this point in time, which leads me to believe that something must happen to someone he likes and he turns bandit. I believe the person who gets something done to them is his cousin Geogroffey. He is currently exiled from his estate, but he keeps coming there in secrect anyway. My guess is that he is captured by the authorities and is forced to be put in jail. I believe that Robin is going to join Will'o'the Green and free him, and then stay with the bandits.

Post A quarter 4 week 3

The cultural theme that I found in this section of Robin Hood was how honor was very important in Robin's time. For example, he really wanted to win the archery competition because it would give him a little fame. This was made even more apparent because Will'o'the green was furious when he lost to Robin due the fact that the wind made his shot move to the left of the bullseye.

Post B quarter 4 week 2

This post will be about the plot line that we really don't know hear much about today. You see, the books takes place when Robin is about our age, and he is not the good bandit we hear about today, but rather a lordling (a son of a lord but too young to be called one yet). I find this interesting because its rather ironic that Robin started as a lord, but later, as as we all know, steals from from when he gains the title; Robin Hood. But enough on that, the fact that he is a lordling right now means that he is set up to inherit some major land, which is causing problems for both his father and his uncle. His father is a Fitzooth, where as his mother is a Montfichet which will get in the way of what land will he inherit. Also, Robin's father is a forest ranger (meaning he watches the king's forest) and is disliked by George of Gamewell who Robin is currently staying with (his uncle or Grandfather I believe). But at the very end of the dialogue explaining this; a well placed foreshadowing throws everything off "Fate had in store for young robin, however, very different plans from those tormenting Fitzooth the Ranger and old Squire George of Gamewell Hall.

Post A quarter 4 week 2

This week's cultural aspect is how superstitious the people are. For example, Robin Hood goes to see a wizard at the fair (basically a fortune teller) despite the logical resoning of his guardian. Also Robin asks Will Stutely (a young boy picked up with a circus like group) whether or not it is a sign that he has met two Wills and liked both of them in two days. "I like you Will; you are the second Will that I have met and liked within two days; is there a sign in that?" (41). So basically two Wills in two days. The other Will was Will'o the Green, who is basically like Robin Hood without being Robin.

Post B quarter 4 week 1

The book so far has been good, however, it seems to me that part of the story is based on fact in the sense of certain character's names. For example: "Not for rebellious princes will we cry to arms; but for him whom God hath placed over us- Henry the Angevin" (27). I believe the Henry they mention in this quote is King Henry the fifth, but I'm not quite sure, but regardless I believe it refers to the king who reined during the first tellings of the story. The fact that he is regarded as someone God has sent, leads me to believe that he had some personal influence in what was put into this story. Maybe I'm just being affected by "In the Time of the Butterflies" but I believe that this story might very well have been a sneaky attempt for making him look good. For if the people of medival Britain adore Robin Hood, how good King Henry must look if Robin Hood answers to him!

Post A quarter 4 week 1

The cultural aspect of my book (Robin Hood), is the old english language they use. For example: "His eyes had twinkled, though, when the dame had spoken; and one could see that 'twas not on roots and fresh water alone that the clerk had trived" (17). The words "dame" and "'twas" make the reading more enjoyable for me because it makes the writting more poetic, which makes the story flow much better. However, it makes the story a little harder to understand so I have to re-read parts that I otherwise wouldn't have.

L.A. Book choice

I choose the story Robin Hood, because it is a story that everyone has heard of and because of this, many references to the story are made. So I decided I wanted to read the story to truely understand what the purpose of it is, and what major themes are present in it.

Post B quarter three week seven

This post will be a rant on indecision and how very important decisions are made. In this chapter, on both sides of the war, people who had the right idea and who were better qualified for advice were ignored and the wrong decisions were made. For example, the German mobilization to take control of the Belgium railroads was in the middle of happening, due to the person who knew what they were talking about was listened too. However, the person who wasn't as qualified had more favor with the ultimate decider and told Germany to stop mobilization for a foolish reason. That reason was that Britain had not answered back to German's plea that they stay neutral in the war, when all the odds said that Britain would fight. However, the point I'm trying to make is that the people who are elected for office that are going to make really important decisions are elected not based on who is the best leader, but rather who has the support of their party and of the people, which means they say and do things that aren't necessarily what is needed to benefit everyone.

Theme quarter 3 week seven

The theme for these chapters was that every nation's government must carefully consider how they are going to deal with nation crisis that will ultimately lead to people dieing.

Quote quarter 3 week seven

"Of the 2501 persons listed in the Carnet B, 80 per cent were ultmately to volunteer for military service" (87). This quote is important because it shows how foolish the beliefs that all foreigners are spies.

figurative language quarter 3 week 7

1. "At that moment," his memoirs say, "I thought my heart would break" (81). This quote is important to the story because it is referring to Germans cancelling their mobilization plans into Belgium, despite the fact that it was a critical area for the German offensive. This is figurative language because it is foreshadowing a part of the war.

2. "In France appreciation was keener than he knew" (83). This is figurative language because the book because it is a major foreshadow for the future plot.

3. "The event, pregnant with possible civil strife, stunned the Cabinet. Street barricades, riot, even revolt became a prospect on the threshold of war" (87). This quote was important to the book because it illustrates what a predictiment France was in right before it decided to mobilize for World War I.

Vocab quarter 3 week 7

aide-de-camp (81): A subordinate military or naval officer acting as a confidential assistant to a superior, usually to a general officer or admiral.

casus belli (81): An event or political occurrence that brings about a declaration of war.

Post B quarter three week six

This post is going to be about how some leaders in World War I believed that war wasn't a big deal, that with new technology that lead to greater weapons would barely effect how many people would die. It is so foolish to think that because well... this war was a disaster in the sense that people underestimated everything from the time frame to how deadly and horrible the war was going to be. I don't blame those who didn't know that chemical warfare would happen because how would you have known what Germany had up its sleeves? The thing that gets me though is how on earth did they believe the war would only last 2 weeks! Some major battles have lasted that long and that was between two nations only. This was between 7 nations at the minimum on multiple fronts with every nation prepared for combat. No nation was taken by surprise when war was finally declared, but people believed that the war would only take a week or two. Such uncompetence that I can not fathom.

Post A quarter 3 week 6 theme

The major theme in this chapter of the book is that some people believe that starting a war hesitantly is comparable to hesitantly deciding what ice cream flavor you want.

Post A quarter 3 week 6 quote

"More cosmopolitan and more timid than the archetype Prussian, he had never actually wanted a general war. He wanted greater power, greater prestige, above all more authority in the world's affairs for Germany but he preferred to obtain them by frightening rather than by fighting other nations" (75). This quote is very important because one of the main people who caused the war was the German Kaiser, who this quote is describing. It shows how some people's pride allow themselevs to believe they are more powerful than the common man, so they will kill millions of them for something they don't necessarily want to do, but do it in the name of pride anyway.

Post A quarter 3 week 6 figurative language

1. "No tenacious offensive but a slow retreat as in 1812" (74). This is foreshadowing how Russia might play a major role in defeating Germany because Germany still remains incompetent of Russia's capabilities.

2. "Face to face no longer with the specter but the reality of a two-front war, the Kaiser was close to a "sick Tom-Cat"(75). This is an example of a metaphor because its is comparing the theory of a two-front war with a specter.

3. "One army corps alone-out of the total of 40 in the German forces-required 170 railway cars for officers, 969 for infantry, 2960 for cavalry, 1915 fro artillery and supply wagons, 6010 in all, grouped in 140 trains and an equal number again for their supplies"(75). This is an example of imagery because you get an idea of what it took to get a fraction of the German army mobilized.

Post A quarter 3 week 6 vocab

1. Ultimatum (73): A final proposal.

2. Socialism (74): a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution.

post B quarter three week five

This post is going to be a rant on the Russian government during World War I. It is truly sad in my mind that the Russian Czars had to be sooooo stupid concerning war. Perhaps I don't necessarily believe that a dictatorship is exactly how a nation should be run, but honestly, the guy stopped military research that would have saved Russian lives and would have prevented Germany from defeating Russian forces despite being outnumbered by a ridiculous amount of people. It would be understandable if guns and artillery weren't proved extremely deadly and accurate, but they had! The guy believed that despite multiple wars that were being fought with rapid fire guns and not rifles, the bayonet was the only way to win a war. Their main strategy in combat was to flat out charge the enemy positions with large sums of troops. The machine gun made those charges utterly futile with barely any enemy losses. But had Russia developed machine guns and refused to use tactics that would kill masses of their men, they would have easily defeated Germany because of the shear number of well equipped troops.

post A quarter 3 week 5 theme

The theme in this chapter of the book is that a governments duty to its nation is to be properly prepared to do what its going to do, or else it will hurt many more people then what is truely necessary.

post A quarter 3 week 5 Quote

"This insane regime [...] this tangle of cowardice, blindness, craftiness, and stupidity" (59). This quote does a very good job at summing up how the Russia's government thought. This is important to the book because I think that Russia is going to lose many, many more lives then are necessary to win the war because of how incometent their leaders are.

Post A quarter 3 week 5 figurative language

1. "It was envisaged as a gigantic mass, initially lethargic, but once thoroughly roused into motion, rolling forward inexorably with, not matter how many losses, endless waves of manpower to fill the places fallen" (57). This is an example of imagery because you get the idea of how massive the Russian army was.
2. "Anxious to restore glory to their tarnished arms, and leaving details of planning to look after themselves, the Russians agreed, with more valor than discretion, to launch an offensive simultaneously with France" (57). This is an example of foreshadowing because "with more valor than discretion" indicates that maybe the Russians might not be quite as prepared for this war as they should be.
3. "To send an army into modern battle on enemy territory, especially under the disadvantage of different railway gauges, is a hazardous and complicated undertaking requiring prodigies of careful orgainization. Systematic attention to detail was not a notable characteristic of the Russian Army" (59). Yet another example of foreshadowing (the author certainly likes to do this) because its hinting at in order to pull this off smoothly, the Russians need to think extremely hard on details, but the Russian army doesn't really do that at all.

Post A quarter 3 week 5 Vocab

stud (66): an object protruding from the surface of an object.

mujiks (57): A Russian peasant.

post B quarter three week four

It seems that the war isn't going to start for the next few chapters yet because it went from German, to French, to British perspective. The next chapter is called the "Russian steam roller" which undoubtly is about the Russian perspective on the war. But despite the every looming war just out of reach, the book is proving extremely interesting. For example, I never quite understood how everyone got involved in this war. I knew Britain, France, and Russia where all fighting Germany, however I didn't know that Britain was orginally neutral. They were to take the side of however broke the treaty of going through Belgium, so had that been France, Germany would have gotten backing. The other thing I find interesting is how winston churchill was orginally in a lower ranking government position, even though his leading mind was so aparent and even being used.

post A quarter 3 week 4 theme

The major theme in this chapter is that in times of war, every little decision must be carefully considered, or else a mistake could cost thousands of people their lives.

post A quarter 3 week 4 Quote

"A single British soldier- and we will see to it that he is killed"(49). This quote is extremely important to this chapter because it shows how the French view on how commited the British are at the time of this quote. Britain doesn't really want to help the French in this war despite the fact that they have promised to help should Germany break the peace treaty. This quote is in response to a representative of Britain asking a representative from France what is the minimum amount of soldiers necessary. Well what the quote means is that Britain should be fully part of this war, not merely sending the minimum amount of troops.

post A quarter 3 week 4 Figurative language

1. " [...] And the Home Secretary, a young man of thirty-seven, impossible to ignore, who from his inappropriate post, had pelted the Prime Minister during the crisis with ideas on naval and military strategy, all of them quite sound, had produced an astonishingly accurate prediction of the future course of the fighting, and who had no doubts whatever about what needed to be done"(51). This is figurative language because it is imagery. Even though it barely describes the man physically, you get an idea of how mentally savoy this person is concerning how to run a nation.

2. "Like a rapier flash came Fouch's reply" (49). This is a simile, hence an example of figurative language.

3. "[...] They might destroy the lovely loseness of the Entente" (46). This is an example of figurative language because it clearly describes how Richard Haldane feels about the relations of France.

post A quarter 3 week 4 vocab

1. Pacifist (52): A person who is apposed to war or violence.

2. quid pro quo (53): Its latin for "one thing in return for another".

Post A quarter 3 week 3 vocab

1.abstruse (33): Hard to understand.

2. ardent (33): Intensely devoted.

Post A quarter 3 week 3 Figurative language

1. "But the idea that morale alone could conquer, Foch warned, was an "infantile notion"(32). This is both irony and foreshadowing because even though a fellow French man warned the French army, the army ignored him due to their pride. It is foreshadowing because it warns that something bad will happen if the French believe moral and pride alone will win a war.

2. "A battle won is a battle which one will not confess oneself beaten" (32). This is figurative language because its ironic that the French believe that they can charge recklessly into a battle without reprecussion.

3. "That bland and imbecile attachment to the most visible of all colors," wote Messimy afterward, "was to have cruel consequences"(38). This is figurative language because it is forshadowing again what will happen to the French since they choose pride over reason.

post A quarter 3 week 3 quote

"His project to clothe him in gray-blue or gray-green raised a howl of protest" (37). This quote is very important in showing the theme of the book because the "him" in the French soldier whose life is would be made slightly safer if their uniforms would not make them stand out as much. However,

post A quarter 3 week 3 theme

The theme that is most apparent in this chapter is how too much pride will hurt you in the future.

Post B quarter three week three

This chapter of the book focused on the French side of the war, for they are preparing for a war against Germany. They are doing this for two reasons: one because they believe Germany is going to attack them, but importantly they themselves have had their prides hurt by Germany and so if Germany doesn't attack soon, they themselves will prepare to invade Germany. Their war- winning strategy, in their opinion, is not of brilillant battle tatics, but rather, by using... Spirit? They believe that they can not win this war if their conquering spirit is not felt by every individual in the French army. So if thats not asking for some disaster to happen, I don't know what is. The biggest part that is going to kick them in the face is their pride. One of the things that the war council of France needed to do was to boost the moral of the French, which one general thought was obtainable by replacing the old French uniforms with new ones. He was thinking strategically too because he wanted to change the bright red leggings of the French to a grey/tan color so the French troops would be harder to see from a long range. Well, the French were outraged by the idea that their red pants would be replaced by a not as "fun" color. Hence, French pride played a huge part in getting their soldiers killed by making them easy targets....

Post A quarter 3 week 2 Vocab

1. Bombardment (25): to attack or batter with artillerly fire.

2. Adjournment (27): to suspend until a latter time.

post A quarter 3 week 2 Figurative language

1. "Tall and imposing with his black spade bear and his aura of wickedness conposed of mistresses , money, Congo cruelities, and other scandals, Leopold was, in the opinion of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria, "a thouroughly bad man."(23). This is figurative language because you get an idea of what kind of man Lepold was, through the eyes of Franz Josef.
2. "He expected France ot violate Belgium as soon as Germany's deployment at the Belgian Frontier revealed her strategy, and therefore planned that Germay should do it first and faster"(22-23). This is figurative language because it is foreshadowing Germany's polocies towards Belgium.
3. "When you march into France," he said, "let the last man on the right brush the Channel with his sleeve."(25). This shows figurative language because it describes how much the German General Schlieffen wanted to make sure France was completely surrounded during the siege.

post A quarter 3 week 2 Quote

"Character is fate, the Greeks believed. A hundred years of German philosophy went into making this decision in which the seed of self-destruction lay embedded, waiting for its hour" (21). This quote is very important to understanding the next few events in the book because not only do you see how the Germans thought, but it also foreshadows what is going to happen in Europe.

Post A quarter 3 week 2 theme

Theme: You can never trust a country to honor its word if it is constantly trying to seek power.

Post B quarter three week two

The suspense is mounting in this chapter, as it is all about the German Chief of the General Staff; Alfred von Schlieffen and his plans to conquer Europe. The first step in the plan is to invade Belgium, which he believes is key. It is much easier said then done, however, for the Germans in their current predictament. Due to intricately woven treaties, had Germany inavded Belgium, it would be attacked on two fronts by at least two powerful nations. I say at least because on the West side, France would be attacking, and on the East Russia. The third nation is Britain because of a treaty between France and Germany, they said they would side with whoever got attacked first. However, it was not certain if Britain would honor their word. Alfred decided he didn't care who attacked him as long as he won the war, so he made preparations to invade Belgium. At first he attempted to sway the king of Belgium to allow his soldiers to march in without resistance, but after the king refuses, he continues his war plans. Belgium doesn't havea a standing chance against the German army because they had 6 divisions of men, and Germany had over 40. So knowing that Belgium will easily fall, Alfred decides how he is going to go about toppling France and Russia, and he decided the best strategy would be to fight one side with most of their troops in order to crush them and leave a small garisan of troops defending the other border. He decides France is the strongest and decides to send 7/8's of his army to fight them and leave 1/8 defending its border against Russia. He had not attacked Belgium yet in the book, so I'm not quite sure how it goes, or even if he does it at all.

Theme Quarter 3 week one

The major theme I found when reading this book, is that when you are at odds with another country, do not expect any treaties you make with them to last.

Quote Quarter 3 week one

"After the kings came the royal highnesses: Prince Fushimi, brother of the Emperor of Japan" (3). This quote is important because it shows how influencial Japan was 30 years before World War II.

figurative language quarter 3

1. "So Gorgeous was the spectactle on the may mourning of 1910 when nine kings rode in the funeral of Edward VII of England that the crowd, waiting in hushed and black-clad awe, could not keep back gasps of admiration. In scarlet and blue and green and purple, three by three the sovereigns rode through the palaces gates, with plumed helmets, gold braid, crimson sashes, and jeweld orders flashing in the sun" (page 1). This is an example imagery because you can picture the procession of the leaders through the streets of England.

2. "The future source of tragedy, tall, corpulent, and corseted, with green plumes waving from his helmet, Archduke Fraz Ferdinand of Austria, heir of the old Emperor Fraz Josef, rode on ALbert's right, and on his left another scion who would never reach his throne, Prince Yussuf, heir of the Sultan of Turkey" (page 3). This is an example of foreshadowing, because it tells that Fraz Ferdinand is going to cause some pain due to his future actions.

3. "He had made good the fatal lapse, secured Germany's back door, and broken the encirclement" (page 9). This is figurative language because "Germany's back door" is really the part of Germany facing away from France, so it is a metaphor.

Vocab words Quarter 3 week one

Czarina (page 5) : The wife of the Czar, Russian Empress


Ecstasy (page 6) : a rapturous delight

Unit Three Week 1, post B

Throughout the first chapter, you get the understanding of the author's style of writing. This surprises me because this a non-fiction book about World War I, and even though it won a award, I thought it would have been dreadfullying boring. But Barbara W. Tuchman author the book I'm reading The Guns of August really creates an interesting beginning making the true plot seem almost like a novels. Consider the following excerpt: "The Kaiser (the leader of Germany) always wanted an agreement with England if he could get one without seeming to want it" (page 5). Its very interesting that Germany's ruler wanted a peace treaty with Britain, however, because of his pride, he refused to state his desire for such a treaty. It goes to show that perhaps this World War I could have been delayed or perhaps prevented altogether if personal pride hadn't been so high on leader's agendas.
Another interesting thing I found in the beginning of this book, is how Japan was considered very important to the world powers, in the late 18-hundreds. The reason this is apparent to me, is that the emperor's brother was at the funeral of the King Edward, which goes to show that Japan was thought of as an important ally.

Zeus- a "Good Old Fashion Lover Boy"

The reason why I picked Zeus out of all the characters we have met so far is because of how he has effected the story indirectly rather then directly. He has done this by having affairs with women. Odysseus would not be considered as powerful and his ego wouldn't be as big, which is the thing that got him stranded for 9 years and got his crew killed. Athena, the one person really keeping Odysseus alive was born out of an affair Zeus had, so had Zeus remained true to Hera, this story would already be over. The reason I picked the song is because it is about a boy loving multiple women and I thought Zeus fit that perfectly. Bascially the whole song could be used to describe Zeus because the person it is about is not defined, however, a line really relates to Zeus.
"I'd like for you and I to go romancing, Say the word - your wish is my command" This displays Zeus's opinion about love and since he is leader of the gods, he can grant any wish.

Sound Track assignment: Odysseus and Bohemian Rhapsody

Odysseus's character draws my interest because of what consequences his actions cause. For example, the bragging of his name to the Cyclopes resulted in his crew's death, but not his own. The whole book is about his return and its a big deal because of what a "great man" he proved himself to be in the Trojan war. However, personally, I don't really think he is all that great of a man because when you are first introduced to him, his values don't seem to be all that great, like his cheating on his wife with Calypso. That action and the fact that he doesn't seem to regret killing his crew (he cries out of self pity and homesickness, but not because of what problems his actions have caused), make him stand out to me compared to other characters. The reason why I picked this song is because it is about a man who is in a situation strikingly like Odysseus's. The lyric section: "But I’m just a poor boy and nobody loves me-He’s just a poor boy from a poor family-Spare him his life from this monstrosity-Easy come easy go-,will you let me go-Bismillah! no-,we will not let you go-let him go-Bismillah! we will not let you go-let him goBismillah! we will not let you go-let me go Will not let you go-let me goWill not let you go let me goNo,no,no,no,no,no,no-Mama mia,mama mia,mama mia let me go-Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me-" "I'm just a poor boy and nobody loves me" is like Odysseus despairing about his current predicament, and the person saying "we will not let you go" is like Poseidon refusing to relent in his anger at Odysseus, and the mother mentioned "mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me go" is like Athena trying to quell Poseidon's wrath.

Week seven post B

This post will compare and contrast the prior book I read Elephant Run and the current book I'm reading Person, Grace, and God. Frankly, I am amazed that these two books could be anything alike, for the books are of a different genre, so of course a different target audience. For example, Person, Grace, and God is targeting an audience of college students who have a few years of philosophy courses. Elephant Run on the other hand targets teenagers who are a year or two younger then myself. The major comparison both books have, is that they bring up subjects that are not often touched upon. In Elephant Run, the story took place during World War II in Burma, which for the western hemisphere rarely gets metioned when talking about that war. In Person, Grace, and God the author puts the defintion of personality into focus concerning theological terms. The major difference between the books is how much they differ in reading level. Elephant Run is made to target early teens, Person, Grace, and God targets and audience of a college level, which causes the vocabulary to much more difficult.

Theme week seven

The major theme in the part of the book I read was that personality in this book refers to one's own unique traits.

Quote week seven

"Being employed in this theological sense, personality is not to be confused with psychology's current use of the term, which, in textbooks and popular usage, refers to the individual's traits or dispositions, which countless others could share"(4). This is a very important quote to the book because it indicates what one of the major themes in the book is going to be.

Figurative language week seven

1. "When we cry, "Abba! Father!" we are enacting and confirming the gift of person hood, and we are entering into communion with all those who have ever thus spoken, and with all those who ever will do so" (9). This is example of figurative language because it emphasizes the power words can hold.

2. "[...] A fresco portrays a masked figure domininating an opponent. Near the head of the masked figure is written Phersu, in Greek letters (but following the Etruscan usage, the letters go from right to left)"(11). This is an example of figurative language because it describes the fresco so it is an example of imagery.

3. "This is because a face is a structure that whos forth meaning. It is transparent with the innocent, concealing with the devious, glowing with the joyful, grieving with the sad, indifferent with the bored.... A person's face is meant to be the signature of the character within; one cannon disengage the face from a certain interiority"(13). This is an example of figurative language because it describes the importance of the face on a human.