To A Stranger (Part 4)

“To A Stranger” is a different kind of poem. Through the research we have done in our class, this poem is definitely about a past relationship with someone. We cannot say if it is a girl or a guy because he was known to be bisexual, therefore we cannot assume which gender it was.

I personally think he liked someone and then was restricted from speaking to them because in the poem the poet says “I am not to speak to you, I am to think of you when I sit alone or wake at night alone.” The poet says I am not to speak to you, which kind of sounds like he is restricted to talk to this person. Many times even if we are not friends with someone we still talk to them, and occasionally if you see them you will interact a little. I can say this because in my own experiences I have drifted away from people, but even today when I see them I still say hello, or start a conversation. Another clue that leads to why the poet may be restricted to talking to them is because he talks about being alone. He thinks about this person when he is alone, which is sort of weird because you don’t necessarily have to be alone to think of someone. I feel that the poet wants to keep it a secret that he is thinking of this person, which is why he thinks of them alone.

A part that explains his bisexuality is when the poet says “You must be he I was seeking, or she I was seeking/ you grew up with me, were a boy with me or a girl with me.” He does not state one gender, he says both; this describes that he is into both genders.

I personally think this entire poem is about a person who had a strong relationship with someone and then was restricted from talking to him or her for some reason. One reason you can know that they do not talk anymore is because he states the opposing person as a stranger; a stranger is defined to be someone who you do not know.

Although they are not speaking to this person they still want to keep them close to their heart, we know this because the poet states “I am to wait, I do not doubt I am to meet you again, I am to see to it that I do not lose you.” This indicates that they do not talk to the person, but they do not want to lose the relationship with this person. The poet hopes to meet this person again and cherish the memories they had.

Lastly in the poem you can tell that this person was quite special to the poet because he says “I have somewhere surely lived a life of joy with you.” He talks about living a life of joy with them, indicating that they were very happy with each other and enjoyed each others company. It seems in the entire poem the poet is showing that he is missing this person and cherishes the old times they had. The poet is trying to say that he awaits another meeting with them and hopes to keep the relation they had before safe and together; he does not want the relationship to end even though they are split apart.

Overall this was an interesting poem to read and you can truly make a lot of connections with it. In conclusion I think this poem is about a person they use to be very close with, but are now split apart from them; even though they are split apart, the person still is a huge part of the poets life and still means a lot to them.  

How Is Your Heart (Part 4)

“How Is Your Heart” is a very different kind of poem, it really just depends on the way you look at it. If you ask me if he should be content, I will say no. I personally think he should want more because he really doesn't know what he is missing on. 

 First off humans are social creatures; they need relationships. He does not know what the meaning of relationships is because he hasn't had healthy relationships. He does not know the true meaning of relationships and he does not know how to deal with them either. As a child he had lived through unhealthy relationships and does not know what it means to have a healthy relationship. Humans need relationships in life because we need people; otherwise we become lonely and sometimes depressed. He does not have healthy relationships with anyone. When you have healthy relationships you feel supported, you feel like someone is there for you and it makes you happier and more positive. I’m not saying that he needs to have a huge family, but just a small family and even one person can make a difference.

          The poet does not know what it is like to live a clean life. He had always lived in poverty and filthy areas. When he looks at the circumstance he is in, he is happy, but he doesn't know what being clean is like. He doesn't know what it's like to be clean, or in a neat place. I'm not saying he needs to be rich, but he should have a job, a healthy lifestyle, and a warm home. He should have a good lifestyle because he is in a bad situation right now. He should start a new life with a family and a new home. He may be content with what he has right now, but that’s because that is what he has always lived in. He is happy with living in a filthy motel room because he has never lived in a clean proper area. Motel rooms are filthy and have so many germs; the only reason he is happy with that is because he does not know what clean is like.

         Poverty can put you in depression. Through this poem we have seen how is father was. He is becoming his father. He is alcoholic, he's living in bad circumstances, and he doesn’t have healthy relationships. He should learn from his father and know what it is like instead of becoming him. He could be a much happier person if he decreased the amount of alcohol he drinks, if he got a job, and if he had a healthy family. His father had very bad relationships, which caused many problems, and also gave the poet a hard childhood. He should try to improve that in his adulthood; he should find a woman that loves him and kids who he can give a good childhood too. He should try to make his life better than live in unhygienic conditions.

         The poet has lived in poverty all his life therefore he does not know the true value of money. Money is not only to be rich; it can help you in other aspects of life. Yes, money cannot buy you happiness, but it can add some positivity to your life. Believe it or not money does help you in life, a lot.  He could have a simple job, with an hourly pay and that’s really all you need. With a little bit of money he could buy himself food, clean clothes, a nice small shelter/home, and just overall have a better life.

         I personally was very shocked to see the true meaning behind this poem. It definitely makes a huge difference when you know what the poem is about. I personally really liked this poem, and learnt that things may look simple, but there is a lot behind it. 

Interim Report

Here is how English 10 works:

Well first off we do not use paper in English 10. English 10 is all technology; we use blogs and Edmodo. Basically Edmodo is a website that our English 10 class uses where we are told assignment criteria’s along with commenting on posts. Edmodo is sort of like Facebook in a simpler and educational way. Every student has an Edmodo account, so when we are given an assignment we can submit it to our teacher at the end of the day or when you have completed it. To create an assignment we use blogger, where you post assignments. Most assignments involve typing and posting pictures or links. Till now we have posted 3-4 assignments; they are all on different things. You also have the opportunity to post on other's blogs. So you can write a comment on another student's post. In English 10 you express yourself through your blog; everyone’s blog is different. Blogs are also public so everyone can see them. Some people write more, and some write less. It really just depends on the way you express yourself. Our blogs are our grade; we are based off of basically our blogs and of course behavior and work habits as well. If you do not complete your blog, or do not follow criteria, it affects your mark. Currently we do not have a letter grade because we do not do letter grades. Our class is not using letter grades; we will have them, but only because it is necessary. You will see a letter grade on the report card, but that is only because legally you have to give one. We are our own grade; how we progress in class is our grade. We are not based off of our grades; we are based off of our effort and hard work. In total your blog is basically a public word document and Edmodo is a sort of guideline and connection for the class. Overall English 10 is much different from all the other classes you will find, and the concept is very different for grading in a good way.

Tattoo Assignment

A tattoo is permanent, so when you choose a tattoo it involves a lot of thought. A symbolic and hypothetical tattoo I chose for my self is three small faces of wolves on my left collarbone. Originally I was going to do three birds, but I changed it to wolves. Each wolf represents someone in my family: my mom, my dad and my sister. Wolves are known to travel in packs and my pack is my family.

Wolves are always loyal to each other and my family and I are all loyal towards each other. Wolves are known to represent compassion, intelligence, love, trustworthiness, strength, and caring. All these things are in my family as well. We all love each other and trust each other as well. Together we are very strong and all care for each other; we are compassionate about one another. I have learnt a lot from my family, and that is where intelligence comes from. My family has taught me a lot especially in the intelligence factor, not only in academics, but in life as well. My parents have loved and cared for me so much, and I truly do appreciate that. My parents have given me everything I could possibly ask for; they have given me my needs and wants. My family has supported me every step of the way, they have been with me through my darkest and brightest times. There is a huge trust factor when it comes to family and I believe my entire family has really lived up too it. My family and I have always trusted each other and also have been honest with each other. My family and I are very close; we travel together, watch movies together, or even just sit and talk together.

I would get the tattoo on my left collarbone. The reason I would get it on my left collarbone is because it is right above my heart. This body part doesn’t have any specific meaning to me but being above my heart means something. The reason I would want my tattoo on my collarbone is because it is above my heart, which describes where my family is. My family is at the very top of my heart; they are very precious to me. I cherish every moment I have with them and appreciate them everyday. Being above my heart basically means they are my first priority; nothing is more important to me than my family.

My tattoo would not be very big; it would just be three small wolves. I wouldn’t want a very big tattoo because I would think it is too much. When people see my tattoo I would want them to know that my family means a lot to me and we are very strong together. I would want people to know that together we are a pack and are always there for each other. I would basically want them to know that we are very close and protect each other; we are a family and are guardians to each other.

My core values are represented in my tattoo. One of my main core values is family and that is represented in my tattoo. A lot of my core values are in this, such as being trustworthy, loyal and being strong. It is coincidental that so many of my core values are in this tattoo, but to me that makes it more meaningful. This tattoo has a lot of meaning to it and I find that it is perfect for me; I would love to get this tattoo, although I don’t think I plan on getting a tattoo. This tattoo definitely means a lot to me, and truly shows the love and care I have for my family.

           

            

Extended Metaphor: Roar by Katy Perry

            The song I know that has an extended metaphor is ‘Roar” by Katy Perry. This song has a couple extended metaphors, but not too many; they are also repetitive.

            The first extended metaphor is “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire.” She’s comparing herself to a tiger, by saying she has the eye of a tiger. In my opinion it means she is very smart and clever. Tigers are known to be very fast and clever, so basically in this line she is saying I have the eye of the tiger; I am very clever. She is telling everyone that she is smart and very fast; you cannot fool her. There is also the metaphor "dancing thorough the fire." This basically means the fire is the experiences she does through, it is what happens to her, but she dances through it. This means she enjoys her life either way and enjoys her life through everything. This metaphor means she is enjoying herself in everything that happens to her!  

            The second extended metaphor is “Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar, louder, louder than a lion.” Here she is comparing herself to a lion. She is telling that she is very strong and powerful. In my opinion she is basically giving herself confidence and telling people that she is strong and she can stand up for herself. She can roar back and be strong, without having any fear. I personally think she is just telling others that she is very strong and she can stand up for herself without fear.

            Both metaphors use figurative. She doesn’t actually have the eye of a tiger or a lion’s roar. She uses these to describe herself. The second metaphor has onomatopoeia because the word roar sounds like how it is written. There really aren’t very many lit terms in these metaphors, but these extended metaphors really make the song more intense, and I just realized they are extended metaphors. Its funny because I probably have listened to many songs with extended metaphors and never noticed!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9SeJIgWRPk