Evade Obliteration, Endure Anguish, Engage Bliss

Think Creatively!

• Identify and discuss some of the creative elements of your collage.

I represented my collage as a pond. The part of the Lost Boy’s journey that took place in Africa was inside the water, and the part that took place in America is in the black section. On the top is a stick labeled as United Nations, and string that has a picture of heaven attached to its end, and lowers into the water part of the collage. This was a fishing rod that symbolized how the United Nations helped take the Lost Boys out of their distressing situation, catching them with the bait of heaven, and pulling them out into America. I made the country pictures slightly more elevated than the rest of the poster so that it would stand out.

Reason Critically!

• How did you use the images and text that you selected to highlight your understanding of the Lost Boy’s situation?

I had a list of conflicts that had taken place in each segment of their journey and found several pictures for each conflict. I expressed my knowledge of the conflicts through the pictures, and added words for the conflicts I could not find a picture for. I kept my memoir as the biggest words because I wanted that to stand out. It was the theme that brought my collage together, and my memoir highlights my understanding of the lost boy’s situation.

Communicate Effectively!

• Explain how your collage creates awareness for the Lost Boys’ plight.

My collage creates awareness for the lost boy’s plight by showing many images that reflect their emotions, their sights and their experiences throughout their journey. It shows most of what they have had to go through and endure on their journey, focusing on the conflicts they faced. It gives the viewer an insight into what they have been through on their journey, so that they may add to their knowledge and respect the Lost Boys and their plight.

Live Ethically!

• Explain how you think your collage demonstrated empathy and might evoke an emotional response from your viewers and/or incite them to act.

I think when my viewers see the collage; they will realize what a tragic situation the Lost Boys are truly in. There are particular photos, (like the starving infant, the baby lying hunched next to a crow, or the thin child crawling and begging on the streets) that will cause them to immediately feel sympathy for the Lost Boys. Pictures like these will incite them to act, and they may be inspired to find out how they can help.

Peering into the Past

Writing Reflection

My writing demonstrates appropriate ideas and content in several ways. In the Alchemist essay, my writing made sense consistently. I had a clear and focused topic, and I appeared to know the topic well. Included relevant supporting details, and did not stray far from the main topic at hand. At the beginning, I had a good quote and a thesis with a good choice of traits. I also had accurate background information. In my Julius Caesar essay, my focus on the top was clear and definite. My claims were clear and thoroughly supported. I used better context for the quotes than I had in the Alchemist, and thus better developed understanding of the quote. My quotes and evidence were also significant. I had thoughtful interpretations that were enhanced by the use of good vocabulary.

I could improve my writing to better express my ideas and content by further explaining how my quotations relate to the main idea of the paragraph. In my alchemist essay, I made several statements that I could have elaborated on. Such as when I didn’t say how Santiago’s commitment to his sheep facilitated his learning of the Language of the world, and what he learned from his experience of speaking with the desert. I also used an example that technically had already been used. In my Julius Caesar essay, I stated the Cassius was a conniving weasel, but the reader may have not essentially known that. I used patriotism as my second motivating factor, and this was not a very strong trait, a better one would have been ambition.

My writing demonstrates appropriate organization. In my Alchemist essay, I had accurate choices of background knowledge in the beginning, and made my thesis clear. My topic was always evident, and I had god set-ups for my quotes. My conclusion wrapped things up. The overall structure helped to process ideas. In my Julius Caesar essay, my thesis was also clear and I had effective topic sentences. I set up the context for my quotes clearly. I linked my ideas effectively with transitions, and my sequencing and pacing was accurate.

I could demonstrate superior organization in certain areas of my writing. In The Alchemist essay, my transitions were often formulaic, and I broke down the ideas in my paragraph by saying firstly and secondly. In my Julius Caesar essay, my ending was slightly cliché and my wording got mixed up in places.

I note a significant improvement between my Alchemist essay and my Julius Caesar essay. I had more thoughtful interpretations; better lead-ins, more thorough explanations and clearer transitions that were less formulaic. I felt I improved significantly in both Ideas and Content, and Organization. Looking back, I see how far I have come as a writer and look forward with hope to further develop my writing skills.

An SLR I accessed while crafting these essays was Reason Critically. I had to reason critically to find relevant character traits that would give me opportunity to elaborate on. I had to reason to formulate the organization of my paragraph, and think out how I would lay my essay out and pace to it to enhance the reader’s understanding. I had to find several quotes and reason critically to pick ones that would allow me to support the characteristic I was writing about.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

“I had as lief not be as live to be in awe as such a thing as myself” (Act 1.2 Lines 94 – 95). Cassius, a protagonist from the Shakespearean play “Julius Caesar,” felt that Caesar did not deserve the high status he held in Rome or any the honors that were heaped upon him. Cassius believes that Caesar is no greater than he is, and would have rather died than be in awe of him. Envy and Patriotism motivated Cassius to conspire against Caesar, as Cassius believed Caesar was weak and would begin tyranny in Rome.

Cassius greatly envied the power and support that Caesar received from Rome. He felt that he was superior to Caesar, and that Caesar was nothing more than a weak girl. Cassius’s envy compelled him to plot a conspiracy against Caesar. When Cassius convinced Brutus, one of the most honorable men in Rome, to join the conspiracy, he started out by portraying Caesar as a man who was their equal. He pointed out that Caesar held a significantly higher status than they did, and goes on to question why Caesar should hold such a status, if he is no greater than any of them. Cassius then relayed a story of how Caesar challenged him to a race in the river Tiber, and would have drowned if Cassius had not saved him. ““And this man is now become a god, and Cassius is a wretched creature, and must bend his body if Caesar carelessly but nod on him” (Act 1.2 Lines 114 – 117). Cassius sourly remarked that though Caesar owed Cassius his life, Cassius was still required to bow before Caesar. People in Rome thought of Cassius as a conniving weasel, and thought of Caesar as a god. Cassius felt that he had proved himself to be superior to Caesar in the race, but was angry that he must beckon to Caesar’s every whim as if Caesar was the winner. Cassius envied that Caesar is able have power over him even after Cassius proved himself to be superior. Cassius then told Brutus the story of how Caesar cried like a sick girl when he had a fever. “Ye gods it doth amaze me a man of such a feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world and bear the palm alone.” (Act 1.2 Lines 127 – 130). Cassius remarked how ridiculous it is that a man so lacking in courage was able to outdistance himself from other common Romans and gain such a high position in Rome. Cassius was calling Caesar weak, and just like, if not inferior, to every other Roman. He commented that is amazing that a weakling like Caesar is able to rule Rome alone. Cassius’s envy for Caesar has driven him to plot a conspiracy to kill the “mighty” Caesar. And though envy is his main driving motive in plotting it, Patriotism also plays a hand in Cassius’s conniving mind.

Cassius had an obligation to his country as a Roman to look out for it’s well fare, and felt that Caesar was not doing this. Cassius knew that Caesar’s ambition was threatening to turn Rome from a republic to a monarchy or a dictatorship. He held certain rights in Rome’s current governing system, rights that he would lose if Caesar became king. Caesar was driven much more by envy to act against Caesar, but was able to use this other small motivator to recruit other people into the conspiracy. This was key to convincing Brutus, one of the most influential and noble men in Rome, to joining the conspiracy “There was a Brutus once that would have brook’d the eternal devil to keep his state in Rome, as easily as a king.” (Act 1.3 Lines 157-159). Cassius knows that Brutus values honor above all else, and it would not be honorable for Caesar to become king. There is too much power he would have the opportunity to misuse. Cassius was able to play on the inkling of fear that was beginning to manifest in Brutus, and mold it to suit his needs. Brutus, left to his own thoughts, made this inkling grow and eventually convince him to join the conspiracy. When Cassius goes on to recruit Casca, he plays much on this reason as well. “And why should Caesar be a tyrant then? Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf, but that he sees the Romans are but sheep” (Act 1.3 Lines 103 – 105). Cassius is accusing Caesar of being a tyrant, and threatening their governing system. Cassius thinks that Caesar is only able to lead Rome, because Romans do not have the wit to be able to do anything but led him lead. Caesar is only able to be a wolf, because Romans are naught but gullible sheep. This glimpses at a bit of Cassius’s true feelings that are mixed with patriotism. Cassius motives are not strongly patriotic, but he knows he needs to display them as patriotic to convince others to join his conspiracy.

Cassius believed that someone as weak as Caesar did not deserve any power or support, and was willing to do anything to knock Caesar of his throne of respect and honor. Envy and Patriotism drove Cassius to plot a conspiracy that would be the downfall of Caesar, Brutus, Rome and even himself. He lied, cheated and conned to recruiting the right people and twisted their minds to believe that what they were doing is honorable. His intentions were everything but. He was able to achieve his goal of removing Caesar from power, although an unexpected chain of disaster exploded afterwards. He succeeded in killing Caesar. He had wanted Caesar to lose his power, and he did after he died. In the end Cassius got the main thing he had wanted. His goal was certainly not a noble one, and even Cassius had known that from the very beginning. He lied about his great concern for Rome’s governing system and the welfare of the people. His main concern from the beginning was his own welfare, which was selfish and egotistical. Karma came back to hit Cassius hard in the face, when he committed suicide after he thought all was lost. Cassius is a clear example that what goes around, comes around.

The Fish Hook of Liberty

LINKS: Background information

http://www.savedarfur.org/pages/voices-for-darfur-video

http://www.lostboysfilm.com/learn.html

http://www.usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/sudan/

http://www.insightonconflict.org/conflicts/sudan/conflict-profile/

The "Lost Boys" of Sudan endured countless experiences filled with setbacks, conflicts and challenges while migrating from Sudan to Kenya, and during their assimilation into the American culture.

Brief History:

Push factors behind the "Lost Boys" migration from their home in Sudan to the refugee camp in Kenya were the unequal land distribution and cultural differences throughout Sudan. These conflicts spurred rebels to attack villages and made the inhabitants engage in forced migration and become refugees. On their journey from Sudan, through Ethiopia and to the refugee camp in Kenya, the "Lost Boys" encountered more conflicts. Starvation, heat, exhaustion, and losing friends and family greatly deterred the progress of the "Lost Boys." When they finally reached the refugee camp, they were greeted by yet even more difficulties. Natural Disasters plagued the area, and food was rationed sparsely. Some of the refugees were sponsored to move to the United States, where they could be properly educated and help their relations in Sudan.

"Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.(Henry Ford).

Peter, a young man from the "Lost Boys" Documentary faces several difficulties while assimilating into the American culture. When he first received news that he would be moving to America, he was thrilled. He believed that it would be 'heaven on earth" and life would be better and easier when he arrived there. However when Peter arrives in Texas, he realizes that it is anything but. Peter is faced with hundreds of concepts that he must understand and objects that he must learn to use if he wishes to have a successful life. Peter must learn how to manage his money, follow the law, work his occupations, drive a car, use technology and much more. Another dilemma that Peter faced was the language barrier. He had to learn and be fluent in English if he wished to thrive. As his fellow "Lost Boys" seemed to not care about their education, Peter moved to Kansas, to focus on his education. In Kansas, Peter was being pulled in many different directions. Peter had to attend school, support his living with a job, complete his homework, and deal with his relations in the Refugee Camp that were urging him to send money back to them. On top of all this, he was trying out for the basketball team and trying to make new friends in his school. Peter also faced racism and stereotyping. People thought he would be lazy, untidy, steal from them, hurt them. His own teacher automatically assumed that he would not need to take any college entrance exams because he would be going to the community college. Peter faced all the conflicts he encountered in the Unites States with the determination to succeed. He worked hard at everything that came his way, exceeds everyone's expectations. He built upon what he already knew, and focused on the new things he was learning so he could perform them well. He was dedicated to all of his obligations and passions, and gave everything he did his best effort. This effort payed off in many areas, like when he wrote a biography that surpassed what his teacher expected, made a group of new friends, learned English, got into a proper college, and much more. Peter did not succeed in everything though, but that did not deter his effort. He was not able to make the basketball team, but this did not get his spirits down, and he continues to play basketball with his friends.Peter managed to succesfully assimilate into the american culture, and at the same time benefit his relations back home. Peter bit onto the fish hook of liberty that pulled him out of the murky water, and though it was hard to breathe once he got out, his determination allowed him to learn how to breathe and survive.

Metal to be Wrought (Julius Caesar Duet Acting)

Context:

Caesar has just returned to Rome after defeating his enemy Pompey. Plebeians and Noblemen alike have left their duties to follow Caesar's procession and celebrate his victory. All of Rome follows Caesar to watch the games that are to be played in his honor. All but one man, Marcus Brutus. Upon seeing this, Cauis Cassius also left the throng. Cassius had hatched a terrible plot to overthrow Caesar, as he thought Caesar did not deserve to be king, and wants Brutus to be a part of this conspiracy. Brutus holds no personal grudge against Caesar, and loves him as a friend, but he is worried that with Caesar in charge, Rome will not remain a republic. Cassius manipulates Brutus by delving on Brutus's utmost value, honor. Brutus ultimately postpones his decision, unsure of whether to honor Rome or his friendship with Caesar.

Significance:

This passage is significant because it is the turning point where Brutus first considers joining the conspiracy. It characterizes both Brutus and Cassius, and foreshadows the main event of the play. Julius Caesar is debatably about the tragedy of Brutus, and how his honor blinds him from the truth. Evidence of that first appears in this monologue.

Act 1, Scene 2. Lines 31 - 175

CASSIUS
Brutus, I do observe you now of late:
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have:
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.

BRUTUS
Cassius,
Be not deceived: if I have veil'd my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors;
But let not therefore my good friends be grieved--
Among which number, Cassius, be you one--
Nor construe any further my neglect,
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Forgets the shows of love to other men.

CASSIUS
Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

BRUTUS
No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself,
But by reflection, by some other things.

CASSIUS
'Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard,
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age's yoke,
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

BRUTUS
Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?

CASSIUS
Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear:
And since you know you cannot see yourself
So well as by reflection, I, your glass,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus:
Were I a common laugher, or did use
To stale with ordinary oaths my love
To every new protester; if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And after scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.

Flourish, and shout

BRUTUS
What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.

CASSIUS
Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.

BRUTUS
I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.
But wherefore do you hold me here so long?
What is it that you would impart to me?
If it be aught toward the general good,
Set honour in one eye and death i' the other,
And I will look on both indifferently,
For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honour more than I fear death.

CASSIUS
I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favour.
Well, honour is the subject of my story.
I cannot tell what you and other men
Think of this life; but, for my single self,
I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
I was born free as Caesar; so were you:
We both have fed as well, and we can both
Endure the winter's cold as well as he:
For once, upon a raw and gusty day,
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,
Caesar said to me 'Darest thou, Cassius, now
Leap in with me into this angry flood,
And swim to yonder point?' Upon the word,
Accoutred as I was, I plunged in
And bade him follow; so indeed he did.
The torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it
With lusty sinews, throwing it aside
And stemming it with hearts of controversy;
But ere we could arrive the point proposed,
Caesar cried 'Help me, Cassius, or I sink!'
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature and must bend his body,
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
He had a fever when he was in Spain,
And when the fit was on him, I did mark
How he did shake: 'tis true, this god did shake;
His coward lips did from their colour fly,
And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his lustre: I did hear him groan:
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books,
Alas, it cried 'Give me some drink, Titinius,'
As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone.

Shout. Flourish

BRUTUS
Another general shout!
I do believe that these applauses are
For some new honours that are heap'd on Caesar.

CASSIUS
Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonourable graves.
Men at some time are masters of their fates:
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that 'Caesar'?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
Write them together, yours is as fair a name;
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well;
Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em,
Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Caesar.
Now, in the names of all the gods at once,
Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed,
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
But it was famed with more than with one man?
When could they say till now, that talk'd of Rome,
That her wide walls encompass'd but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
O, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd
The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.

BRUTUS
That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;
What you would work me to, I have some aim:
How I have thought of this and of these times,
I shall recount hereafter; for this present,
I would not, so with love I might entreat you,
Be any further moved. What you have said
I will consider; what you have to say
I will with patience hear, and find a time
Both meet to hear and answer such high things.
Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us.

CASSIUS
I am glad that my weak words
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus

Brandon See and I will be performing this monologue.