The Fountainhead

Ayn Rand’s novel, The Fountainhead, is supposedly groundbreaking, but in reality is not. It opens with a suspenseful scene, a man standing on the edge of a cliff, only to be disappointed in finding out that he actually was going for a dive. You would suppose that such a novel would keep the reader intrigued to always turn the page, but the long “heroic” descriptive speeches about life and how people are “second-handers” tends to be quite boring. Ayn Rand writes the novel with such perfect formal diction, giving the reader the opportunity to read and understanding all of the perfectly relatable underlying meanings; including the notorious theme of Objectivism, which Rand originated herself. Yet Ayn Rand mistakenly is so repetitive in the novel, that you basically are reading about the same thing for 700 pages. The formal diction gives way to such a dry tone, and anticlimactic scenes which have no results.

The novel depicts a man, Howard Roark, on a journey to succeed as an architect by his own rules, and the way which he believes is best. He fearlessly goes against society and creates beautiful buildings that go against the traditionally excepted buildings of the past. Roark struggles, but never shows it, nor gives up. He most importantly stands by his values and belief of what a true architect is, making him a man of integrity, which Ayn Rand obviously believes all men should be like. She continually puts him in the situation of rejection, again, and again, and again. It becomes ridiculous, and the reader gets the message that he would rather starve (literally), than go against his beliefs and draw a building which a bit too traditional for his modernistic and creative taste. On the other hand, you have Peter Keating, the foil to Roark and his opposite in every way. Keating is obviously destined for failure, and Roark is destined for success, but Ayn Rand just had to force the reader into waiting 700 pages to finally see what actually happens.

Ayn Rand just seemed to try to make this novel a bit too groundbreaking. She even includes a rape scene, which the female actually enjoyed? It’s absolutely ridiculous. The scene basically encourages men to rape girls. Although, I must say, it was nice of Rand to include dramatic irony; I definitely didn’t see that coming. Of course, after this scene, the book goes right back to its boredom, but now with a love interest on-hand, which makes no sense because the man is a rapist. It’s amazing what Ayn Rand encouraged in such a scene, its horrible advice. Obviously, The Fountainhead isn’t the best book ever written, but it definitely does stir up trouble in the worst ways, because it’s otherwise dry and more of a page skipper rather than a page turner.

Despite the dry-ness of the book, there are some lessons to be learned. If you tend to wonder about human logic, and why people feel the need to be accepted by others, then there’s one book you need to get the concepts necessary ground into your head, and that’s The Fountainhead. But if you’re an individual, who doesn’t care about what others think and you find yourself to be very independent, then don’t go near The Fountainhead, you don’t need it.

Another Shot at Redemption: A Review of the Kite Runner

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini affords the reader a glimpse into a child’s triumph for love. Though the main character, Amir makes many wrong decisions during his childhood, he uses the rest of his life as a means to attain redemption. This work creates a great sense of character development and they each complement each other. Amir’s story begins as a man looking onto his childhood with his lifelong friend Hassan, his father Baba, and Baba's friend/servant Ali. Life seemed so simple during Amir's childhood but he learns that it becomes more complicated and severe when he returns to Afghanistan later in his life after having moved to America. The setting of the work is in Afghanistan and Hosseini uses vivid imagery to depict Amir’s home as well as the area surrounding him including the bazaars. It is interesting how life changes after Amir and his father move to America and how one event during Amir's childhood would remain in his mind and heart forever. The symbol of the kite reflects old Afghan traditions and although the setting of Amir's life may have changed and his family struggled, the kite flying is something that he can continue to carry with him and cherish. This novel was definitely a “page turner” and one can finish it in a very short period of time. There is such intensity in the actions of the characters and each piece has an important meaning that is mentioned later on. Amir tells his childhood using flashback. Eventually his life catches up with his current situation. This book keeps the reader in suspense and does not hesitate to entertain. Many surprises are evoked in the work which adds to the thrill of this novel. Several parts may be hard to read but it only adds to the realism of the novel. Three themes in this work include redemption, love, and truth. The Kite Runner not only depicts a child’s life growing up in Afghanistan, but also focuses on the changes in modern Afghanistan and its impact on the citizens. This novel is not happy however, it is honest and descriptive. None of the lives are “sugarcoated” in The Kite Runner, but the thrilling storyline will leave the reader wanting more. This is sure to be a great read for those who may not even enjoy reading. This work may change their minds!

Atonement- Book Review

If you knew for a fact that you'd ruined someone's life- two lives, really- how would you make amends? 

 The book is mainly based on one action- one decision, one moment, one crime- that is to be followed by life-changing consequences that would affect every character in the plot over the course of six decades. 

The development of its plot stems from the extraordinary imaginations of a creative young girl named Briory Tallis. 13, naive and uncertain, Briory is a young writer who used to have a crush on Robbie Turner when she was younger. After peeking through a love letter that Robbie intended for Cecilia, Briory's sister, Briory encounters a passionate love scene involving the two adults. Briory, who felt betrayed by Robbie twice, witnesses a rape scene involving Lola, also her sister. Though she did not see the face of the rapist, she made believe that she clearly saw the rapist's face and he was Robbie. Her testimony of that imagination as reality sent Robbie to jail- which eventually turned out to be the novel's point of no return. 

Atonement is certainly one of the most brilliant books I have read, with a lot of surprises and sequences of events that I did not expect. After their 30 minute get-together, it was meant to be that Robbie and Cecilia were never to meet each other again. Also ironically, Lola ended up marrying the real rapist. Cecilia ended up disowning her whole family. Those are all the consequences of one decision making from Briory that produced an endless chain of tragic outcomes. 

It all started from a romantic story, as it was originally supposed to be, that was inspired by the scene at the fountain. The conclusion in real life is far from being romantic. The novel provides a perfect example of fiction vs real life. Atonement, appropriately the name of the novel, is what Briory desperately tries to provide with but never succeeds. As the atoning gesture of her own, she concludes her romance story that set off the most bizarre and heartbreaking series of events by letting Cecilia and Robbie reunite and live happily ever after.. in fiction!

Imagination is a beautiful part of mind that only humans are capable of. But one split second can be all it takes to make a world of difference!

Torn apart by betrayal; Separated by war; Bound by love- Atonement.....

Judging Edna in The Awakening

In your commment, please indicate whether you feel Edna's final decision in the novel is a "cop out" or an heroic act? Did she have other options she could have explored?

Thoreau Comes to Elmsford

In addition to reading Thoreau's "Walden" over the break and writing your close reading response, please complete the following:

You wake up this morning and Henry David Thoreau is sleeping on the couch in your living room. OMG! Wake him up and take him on a trip through your daily life. Introduce him to the modern world and chronicle his thoughts, opinions and reactions. You may write this as a creative narrative or a journal log. Be sure to be true to Henry's Transcendentalist beliefs and support his opinions with facts and quotes from his work and his teacher Emerson's writings.

Are You a Secret Transcendentalist?

In a few simple sentences, answer these ten survey questions as honestly and completely as possible. Feel free to comment on other answers in a polite and respectful manner.


1. If you had a choice between going to Hawaii or going to Alaska, which place would
be your destination, and why?

2. Given the choice, would you prefer to walk in the woods, or along a beach, or down
the streets of a big city? Why or why not?

3. What is the one daredevil thing that you hope to do sometime, if you haven't already
done it?

5. Pinpoint an occasion when you found yourself disagreeing with your friends. How
did they react to you? How did their reaction make you feel?

6. When you go to shop, do you look for brand names all the time, some of the time, or
hardly ever? Why?

7. What would be your reaction to a classmate who refused to salute the flag?

8. What gadget that you currently do not own would you like to get? How, in your opinion, would it make your life better?

9. Can you think of any government policy (local, state, or federal) with which you have trouble/disagree? What can you do about it?

10. When you work on an important project (one that you find interesting and challenging), how do you prefer to work? By yourself, with a chosen partner, or with a group? Why?

Due 1/28: Who's Responsible for This Mess?

As we complete Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, we are left to weigh the competing narratives of Victor and the wretch. After hearing both sides of the debate regarding the responsibility of the creator and the created, choose a side to argue and support.

Question: Who is more responsible for the havoc and misery in this novel? Is it Victor, the creator, or the Wretch, his venegful monster?


Requirements:
You must support your view with SEVERAL direct examples and quotes from the text.

You must comment on one other post (and use examples to support your comments).

The Picture of Dorain Gray Book Review

If you enjoy literature with detail, then the Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is for you. Not only is the story line intriguing but beautifully written, it also opens your eyes to a common Faustian tale. This novel suggests to the protagonist, Dorian Gray, that the only thing worth having in life is beauty. Dorian realizes that his beauty will one day fade, and this petrifies him which leads him to "sell" his soul. This supports the idea that one is never truly satisfied with what they have. Selfishly, he wants the portrait of him to age, and for him to remain unaltered. Continuously he commits inhumane acts, tarnishing the reputations and lives of those around him.
Only when Dorian views the sin his portrait illustrates, does he feel remorse. The mutilation of the portrait is the mirror into Dorian's soul. Disgusted by his souls appearance, Dorian becomes concerned and thinks to repent. Dorian's whole life revolves around his selfish motive to have a "beautiful appearance" which leads to his tragic end. If you like this read, then check out the newly released movie Dorian Gray. This classic is definitely worth the read.

Wordsworth's Spots of Time: Due by Tuesday, December 22nd

From Wordsworth's The Prelude 12.208-218 (1805 Edition)


"There are in existence spots of time,
That with distinct pre-eminence retain,
A renovating virtue, whence-depressed
By false opinion and contentious thought,
Or aught of heavier or more deadly weight,
In trivial occupations, and the round
Of ordinary intercourse - our minds
Are nourished and invisibly repaired;
A virtue by which pleasure is enhanced
That penetrates, enables us to mount,
When high, more high, and lifts us up when fallen."



One of the essential elements of Wordsworth's poetics surrounds the notion of "spots of time," or those experiences (usually in nature) that return to us again and again in our memory through vivid images to invigorate, reawaken, and refresh our tired minds. For Wordsworth, these moments might seem small and inconsequential during the experience; however, when they return again in the mind's eye, they become a powerful force of mental pleasure and nourishment.


Is there a "spot of time" within your memory that you often recall when you are in need of a spiritual and mental lift?

Paradise Lost Review (first five books)

In one of the most famous epic poems of all time, John Milton delivers a classic. Paradise Lost was published in 1667 by one of the most influential writers of his time period. Milton uses allusions to the bible to help reveal his true feelings of the English Monarchy. To have a better understanding of this writing, one must have some experience with the story of Adam and Eve from the bible. This whole book is wrapped around the one idea of the fall of man from grace, which comes from the first book in the bible Genesis. Let's just say that if the reader has a well understanding of this back round, this book will not be as hard as it seems. Throughout all the hard context, the long pages, and vivid descriptions; " Paradise Lost" is simply beautiful. The foundation is built upon 12 books. Milton describes the devil's fall from grace and his chance for revenge at God. Satan's only way of seeking this revenge is through corrupting Human kind. Satan knew he could not win a war against God, so his only choice was to destroy the one thing God built as his mirror image. One of the most intriguing parts of this epic poem, is the description and characteristics of the devil. Milton portrays the devil, as many believe, to be the epic or tragic hero. The reason behind this belief is because the Devil rebelled against the status quo and tried to be individualistic. But this action leads to his downfall, and readers can not help but have pity and sadness for him. The reason this poem is so great is because Milton wrote this all in iambic pentameter and used such in depth imagery to describe what he is saying. His language may seem challenging and intimidating at first, but once the reader gets a grasp of this work, they will truly understand it's greatness. The greatest thing I find about this book is the hidden reason Milton wrote it. He wrote it to show his ingratitude towards the monarchy, and he was able to get away with it. His intelligence and cleverness could be matched to anyones. Overall, with the back round knowledge of the book of Genesis in the bible and a true love for literature, a reader can look at this book as an all time great.

A Lesson Before Dying: A Review

Ernest J. Gaines creates a heartbreaking novel about injustice, racism and responsibility in his novel A Lesson before Dying. In this novel, Jefferson, a poor young black man, is wrongfully accused of the murder of three men in a liquor store. As a result, he is sentenced to death by the electric chair. Grant, a college graduate, is challenged by his godmother to instill pride in Jefferson before he is executed. Despite his reluctance to visit Jefferson, Grant forms an unlikely friendship with Jefferson. Grant is a man lost in his time period and needs to add something to his life. Jefferson is in need of a friend and Grant needs purpose. Though their friendship grows during a tragic event, it further demonstrates the impact a bond between individuals can have. Moreover, it illustrates how one person can change another's life. Gaines also adds to each character's reliance on each other by showcasing the time period of segregation. Jefferson's whole situation of dying a "hog" was instilled by his white defender. On the other hand, Grant's perspective of life is brought upon by life on a plantation and unable to be anything but a field worker. Setting is depicted accurately and greatly adds drama to the novel. Additionally, Gaines also reflects upon the importance of religion on the plantations as a means for people to stick together and be at peace. However, Grant is somewhat ostracized by those religious figures because he does not follow the church. It continues to show Grant as a character unlike everyone else and who desires something completely different. This work is full of relationships and each has an effect on the other. Gaines introduces the case and the verdict for Jefferson in the first chapter. Next, the rest of the novel includes Grant forming a bond with him as well as other characters' reactions to the scenario. One seemingly small case had not only affected Jefferson's immediate family, but those around him on the plantation and in the city. The impact that this case had on his community has brought a greater purpose to Grant and those around him. Although the work is somewhat modern, the content, storyline, and lesson have made this novel a classic. It is a relatively light read and much can be gained through the many themes and relationships showcased.

By: Dora, Maddy, Kesiah, Varun, Mitchell, Sheena

Book Review Posts

Hi Groups-

Don't forget to post your outside reading book reviews by Friday, December 11th. Everyone should read each post and respond to the books that they have not read. Enjoy!

December AP English Dates

Week of November 30th - December 4th

Wednesday 12/2: John Donne response answers
(Aaaagh) Intro to Romanticism: Using the wiki to investigate and
build knowledge

Thursday 12/3: Poetry Out Loud Contest

Friday 12/4: POL continued, Romanticism work in class (A Day – Rios Class)

Week of December 7th - 11th

Monday 12/7: Outside reading essays/notes due
Work on Romanticism definitions (B Day)

Tuesday 12/8: Work on Romanticism definitions (A Day – Rios class)

Wednesday 12/9: Sharing Romanticism definitions
(Aaaagh) Continue with sharing definitions

Thursday 12/10: Outside reading presentations (Seth’s group will go first)

Friday 12/11: No class ½ day

Week of December 14th – 18th

Monday 12/14: Romanticism poetry projects assigned

Tuesday 12/15: Project work

Wednesday 12/16: Project work
(Aaaagh) Continue with project work

Thursday 12/17: Project presentations

Friday 12/18: Project presentations

Week of December 21st – 23rd

Monday 12/21: Frankenstein intro

Tuesday 12/22: Frankenstein intro

Wednesday 12/23: Frankenstein intro

http://apenglishwiki.wikispaces.com/ REMEMBER TO SAVE

Visiting Author/Illustrator: Brian Pinkney

Acclaimed artist Brian Pinkney is the illustrator of several highly-praised picture books including The Faithful Friend, In the Time of the Drums, and Duke Ellington . He is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and holds a master's degree in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Andrea, with whom he often collaborates, and his two children.

Our visiting author/illustrator will join us during period 3 (9:20-10:00) on Monday, November 23rd. Please read the biography below and check out the attached websites for more information. Many thanks to the Elmsford Author's Fund for their work in bringing us these wonderful experiences with writers and artists!

Brian has won numerous awards including two Caldecott Honors, four Coretta Scott King Honors and a Coretta Scott King Award, and the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award. He has been exhibited at The Art Institute of Chicago, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, The Detroit Institute of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art, The School of Visual Arts, and The Society of Illustrators.

He has been published by Greenwillow Books, Hyperion Books for Young Readers, Harcourt Children's Books, Simon & Schuster, and Random House. His work has also appeared in New York Times Magazine, Women's Day, Business Tokyo, Ebony Man, and Instructor.

Websites to See:
http://www.brianpinkney.net

http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_pinkney_brian.html

John Donne Assignment for Wednesday, 11/18/09

Assignment: Read and take notes on the following poem by John Donne. Answer:
How does Donne express his concept of love? Consider what major metaphysical conceit and supporting imagery are used to create a specific tone and message about love in this poem. Post your response in comment form. Be sure to incorporate essential examples from the poem.

"Love's Diet"

TO what a cumbersome unwieldiness
And burdenous corpulence my love had grown,
But that I did, to make it less,
And keep it in proportion,
Give it a diet, made it feed upon
That which love worst endures, discretion

Above one sigh a day I allow'd him not,
Of which my fortune, and my faults had part ;    
And if sometimes by stealth he got
A she sigh from my mistress' heart,
And thought to feast upon that, I let him see
'Twas neither very sound, nor meant to me.
If he wrung from me a tear, I brined it so
With scorn and shame, that him it nourish'd not ;  
If he suck'd hers, I let him know    
'Twas not a tear which he had got ;
His drink was counterfeit, as was his meat ;
For eyes, which roll towards all, weep not, but sweat.
Whatever he would dictate I writ that,
But burnt her letters when she writ to me ;   
And if that favour made him fat,   
I said, "If any title be
Convey'd by this, ah ! what doth it avail,
To be the fortieth name in an entail?"
Thus I reclaim'd my buzzard love, to fly
At what, and when, and how, and where I choose.    
Now negligent of sports I lie,
And now, as other falconers use,
I spring a mistress, swear, write, sigh, and weep ;
And the game kill'd, or lost, go talk or sleep.

Class Schedule: Week of 11/2/09

Since I will be attending a conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, I thought it would be benefical to post our weekly schedule on the blog. If you need to get in touch with me for any reason, please email me at csilva@elmsd.org. Enjoy!

Tuesday 11/3: Timed in-class essay on the sonnet

Wednesday 11/4: Work in class on your outside reading selection
No "aaagh" class today during period 9 - Please work on your books
If your group has not given me a title yet, you need to post it asap.

Thursday 11/5: Faustus rewrites due
Sonnet Presentations

Friday 11/6: Sonnet Presentations
Choosing your poems for Poetry Out Loud

Eugene's Comment on other blogs

I simply have to compliment others on their excellent analysis of the work and Barnet's introduction.

I fervently agree with Livia's observation that Faustus is unsure of himself. There are many quotes that reflect this, but my favorite is in the first scene of act II: "What might the staying of my blood portend? Is it unwilling that I might write this bill?" (II.i.65-66) This reflects an extreme uncertainty in Faustus' decision to sign away his soul, to the point that his life's essence, his blood, hesitates and congeals.

I found Derrick's post to be quite edifying, and his argument to be very poignant in relation to the play. I have often wondered when reading works that question the validity of religion, why God didn't choose to make everyone perfect, or the world perfect? This question always brings to mind an excellent quote by the ancient greek philosopher Epicurus: "Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?" In some ways, I find this question to be Faustus' question and moral struggle that compromises him so. He is unsure as to how and why God created man without a complete understanding of the world, so he turns to the only other omniscient character known to man for help: the Devil.

Faustus Comment (post)/ Eugene's Computer Needs a Hug

I found Sylvan Barnet's commentary on Dr. Faustus to be very interesting and insightful.

I particularly enjoyed some of the quotes Barnet applied to the text. One quote, from R. M. Dawkins, was perhaps the best applied of all: Dr. Faustus is "the story of a Renaissance man who had to pay the medieval price for being one." I agree wholeheartedly with this remark. As I said in the first Socratic circle, Faustus' quest was for power, but through the vehicle of knowledge and independent study. The pursuit of knowledge was a common practice for any Renaissance man, and often resulted in the questioning of religion. Such questioning in medieval times would result in a fate very similar to the one suffered by Faustus.

I also enjoyed where Sylvan says "One can find innumerable statements, in the best and worst Renaissance writers, that support authority (Marlowe's chorus is a case in point)..." I, once again, agree with this idea. I felt, almost immediately, that the chorus' summations not made their role in the play an informational character, but as an omniscient presence as well. Their presentation of a moral at the end of the play is a perfect example of this: "Only to wonder at unlawful things, whose deepness doth entice such forward wits to practice more than heavenly power permits." (V.iii.6-8) This establishes the chorus as not only an authority, but one that reflects the values of medieval society. I found this to be interesting because nearly all of the values held by medieval society clash with the ones held by Marlowe. Perhaps the chorus was used also used as something to compare the new society that was emerging in the renaissance to the old society that was fading away in the dark ages.

Faustus Test Point Blog Response: 10 Points

Read the introduction (vii-xix) in your copy of Faustus and respond to Sylvan Barnet’s commentary on the play. You may agree, disagree, comment or add to his discussion, but you must do so with evidence from the text (cited correctly). Additionally, please respond to one additional post from a classmate in a thoughtful and grammatically correct manner. Again, please use proper citation and textual evidence.

Please be sure to "post a comment" for this assignment.

Please be sure to PROOFREAD your work before posting. Careless errors are not only embarrassingly public, but they are also costly to your test grade.