I walked towards the park for my afternoon smoke. The sun was bright outside and the clouds seemed to be avoiding it. I haven't heard from Effy or Freddie in a while but I didn't mind it really. As I reached the park I saw two squirrels battling it out they scratched at each other furiously until one finally managed to scare the other one off. I followed the little guy who ran towards another squirrel and then they ran away together. He won the girl. What were the odds that I would see this happen. I kept walking and then I saw them. Effy and Freddie kissing on our bench. The bench were we swore we wouldn't fight over her. I couldn't control this burning sensation inside me. It was as if someone had lit a fire inside me. Why would they do this to me?
"Cook!" Effy shouted as she noticed me but now it was to late.
"You bitch!" I shouted and then I blacked out. Next thing I know I open my eyes a brick on my hand, blood on my shirt, and Effy was dead. Her head bashed in like a melon.
"Cook, put it down. You killed her! Put it down!" A crowd of people appeared and I chased after Freddie. We ran through the park jumping over fences, cutting through the bushes. It was as if my body was no longer listening to me and it was just doing whatever it pleased.
"Cook stop! I'm sorry! I loved her!" His words didn't stop me I lunged forward grabbing his shirt. Freddie managed to take it off and got away. I raised my hand and threw the brick as hard as I could. A loud crack echoed through the air and he fell. The clouds finally managed to cover the sun and suddenly I was freed from my wild side. I looked at my hand and then it hit me "run" I said to myself. I began to run as hard as I could. The siren echoed through the air and it began to drizzle. I ran faster and faster into the woods of the park. I jumped over roots, dodged branches, and avoided trees. "Faster" my brain was forcing me to survive. Sweat was running down my face, my hands frantically trying to wipe the sweat away from my eyes.
A loud gun shot was heard and I felt instant pain on my right ear. "You're hit" my brain says but for some reason I keep running, my hand shooting up to my ear. Bam, another one but this time it misses, it hits a tree next to me and I keep running. The ground below me becomes denser and the drizzle turned into a storm. Boom, "Its just thunder" I say to myself. I couldn't hear anything else but the rain pouring on the trees, I could feel my legs beginning to give out, my throat felt as if were on fire. I keep running even though it was getting harder to see. I could hear barking in the distance. It was getting harder and harder to breathe, and harder and harder to stay steady. I began to think about Effy and Freddie, I had killed them. They are dead now.
Blood was gushing down my right side and I could do nothing but run. I see Freddie's neck cracking again at the impact of the brick, and for the first time I see Effy pleading for help and reaching for Freddie as I bashed her in the side of the head. Instantly I trip over a root and impale into a branch. Air escapes me and I instantly scream out in agony. Blood pours out my mouth and I see the world become black. "You lost" my brain said.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Reflection #3
Title of Short Story: All Summer in a Day
Author: Ray Bradbury
1. Who is the protagonist? What is their want or desire? What are some character traits that are important to note about this protagonist?
There is no clear protagonist in this story but we do get a sense of what the whole class's desire is which is to see the sun and enjoy the warmth it provides. The class is a kindergarten class and they live on a planet that it is always raining therefore the sun is something they rarely see on their planet.
2. Is there an antagonist? If so, what are they trying to stop the protagonist from achieving and why? If there is not an antagonist, what is the conflict for the protagonist and what force is stopping them?
The rain seems to be the antagonist since it comes between the children and their hopes to see the sun. The children in the end don't get to fully enjoy the sun due to the fact that the rain comes back.
3. What is the theme of the story? Which techniques are used in order to develop the message within this story?
The theme is that of anticipation or excitement. The children are impatient to see the sun and are so exited when they finally get to see it but in the end there is a feeling of disappointment since the time they go to enjoy it was so short. The Author uses a lot of symbolism to describe how exactly the children were behaving. He also uses symbolism to help the reader relate to the children even though it is something the reader would usually not relate to.
4. What is the author’s tone within the story? Which techniques help develop the author’s voice?
The tone of this story is dark even though it seems like a happy story the children do exclude one girl from feeling what summer is, they call their teacher a liar, and the whole thing is gloomy. The fact that the children only get to experience summer in only one day is sad. Bradbury develops this by describing how important the summer was to the kids and how disappointed they were at the end.
5. What is the crisis action in this story? Does the protagonist achieve in getting what they want? What to they realize and how do they change?
The crisis action in this story is when they realize that they left the little girl in the closet and she didn't get to experience summer. Most of the protagonist get to see the sun which is what they wanted but they realize they were wrong about it being a myth.
6. What did you enjoy about this story? (Be specific….point out specific quotes and techniques to support your answer.)
The best part of this story was what we covered in class which was metaphors. This is a great example on how to use metaphors without it turning into a cliche, and specially if you want to describe something that is not well known by other people which is why it works in science fiction.
Author: Ray Bradbury
1. Who is the protagonist? What is their want or desire? What are some character traits that are important to note about this protagonist?
There is no clear protagonist in this story but we do get a sense of what the whole class's desire is which is to see the sun and enjoy the warmth it provides. The class is a kindergarten class and they live on a planet that it is always raining therefore the sun is something they rarely see on their planet.
2. Is there an antagonist? If so, what are they trying to stop the protagonist from achieving and why? If there is not an antagonist, what is the conflict for the protagonist and what force is stopping them?
The rain seems to be the antagonist since it comes between the children and their hopes to see the sun. The children in the end don't get to fully enjoy the sun due to the fact that the rain comes back.
3. What is the theme of the story? Which techniques are used in order to develop the message within this story?
The theme is that of anticipation or excitement. The children are impatient to see the sun and are so exited when they finally get to see it but in the end there is a feeling of disappointment since the time they go to enjoy it was so short. The Author uses a lot of symbolism to describe how exactly the children were behaving. He also uses symbolism to help the reader relate to the children even though it is something the reader would usually not relate to.
4. What is the author’s tone within the story? Which techniques help develop the author’s voice?
The tone of this story is dark even though it seems like a happy story the children do exclude one girl from feeling what summer is, they call their teacher a liar, and the whole thing is gloomy. The fact that the children only get to experience summer in only one day is sad. Bradbury develops this by describing how important the summer was to the kids and how disappointed they were at the end.
5. What is the crisis action in this story? Does the protagonist achieve in getting what they want? What to they realize and how do they change?
The crisis action in this story is when they realize that they left the little girl in the closet and she didn't get to experience summer. Most of the protagonist get to see the sun which is what they wanted but they realize they were wrong about it being a myth.
6. What did you enjoy about this story? (Be specific….point out specific quotes and techniques to support your answer.)
The best part of this story was what we covered in class which was metaphors. This is a great example on how to use metaphors without it turning into a cliche, and specially if you want to describe something that is not well known by other people which is why it works in science fiction.
Journal #5
The day was beautiful and Kelley and Rudy were doing their routine walk through the park together . They have been neighbors their whole lives and the park was their short cut home. Every day Rudy would wear the same worn out watch. Rudy checked his watch for the time.
“Hmm” Rudy said.
“What is it?” Kelley asked
“Oh, nothing… Same time as every other day.” Rudy said
“Yep, We always do walk together, I really like that watch by the way. It’s so … unique” Kelley said smiling at Rudy.
“Oh, this old thing? It’s been in my family for years. It’s been through a lot but I can always depend on it. It's been with me through a lot. Every day it is there, loyal, and beautiful."
“Yeah, when your mind gets muddled sometimes, it’s always good to have a watch to keep by your side, and help you go through life."
“Yeah I’ve loved this watch for so long that it’s currently the most important piece of my life, I know I sound a bit cliche but this watch and I have so much history together.” Rudy said looking at Kelley's feet.
“Wow. I’ve been looking for something as meaningful to me as that watch is to you.” Kelley said looking straight at him. " I mean, it doesn't have to be a watch. It could be a purse, or a pet, or...."
“No worries. I can help you find something meaningful, like this watch is for me. Just tell me whenever you want to, remember I'll always be next to you” Rudy said pointing at his house.
“Sounds like a wonderful idea” Kelley said placing his hand in her hand.
“ A great idea” He said.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Journal #4
You walk into your job. You're a 26 year old woman named Pandora. You have never really attracted the eye of a man but you've never lacked a compliment. You have a desk with a picture of your three cats. You have a crappy hand me down Toyota. You are not happy about your life but you don't hate it. You live in a one bedroom flat and you get by perfectly fine.
You are the personal secretary for Emily Fitch. She is the CEO of the company and she tells you all about her problems. All of them. She tells you that her husband doesn't work, that she has lost interest in him, she has told you about her two affairs, and how the kids don't even call her Mom anymore. She tells you that she doesn't hate her life she just hates the people who prevent her from changing it. You have seen her cry in her office closet but refuse to intervene. She often seeks comfort in you and you provide it. She sees you as a friend when you just pity her. She really enjoys your company and makes sure that you are paid well. You know the rest of the office envies your friendship with the boss but you could care less.
Every Thursday she treats you to coffee but you must run down and get it, but you don't mind. Today is Thursday. Emily gives you some extra money that she says is a tip for wearing such a nice outfit today. You feel a bit uncomfortable but allow it to pass. You run down and get two mocha frappes for the both of you. You get into her office and trip over a wire. You land on the mess of whip cream and chocolate flavored coffee. Your skirt, and blouse are soaked in it.
Emily asks you if you're okay. You say yes but now your day is ruined. Emily tells you that she has Gym clothes in her closet that you can change into. You wipe the rest excess coffee from you and Emily watches you as you do it. You feel awkward so you turn around. You open the closet door and you see the red track suit hanging there. You take it and ask to go to the bathroom but she tells you to do it here. You refuse but she says to do it that you two are girlfriends. She tries to take off your top but you push her away. She pushes you into the closet and tries to kiss your neck. You push her off and run out the door. Everyone's eyes are on you and you can't help but cry. You run faster but you can't avoid the confused looks you are getting. Once you reach the exit you hear Mrs. Fitch scream "You're fired!".
You are the personal secretary for Emily Fitch. She is the CEO of the company and she tells you all about her problems. All of them. She tells you that her husband doesn't work, that she has lost interest in him, she has told you about her two affairs, and how the kids don't even call her Mom anymore. She tells you that she doesn't hate her life she just hates the people who prevent her from changing it. You have seen her cry in her office closet but refuse to intervene. She often seeks comfort in you and you provide it. She sees you as a friend when you just pity her. She really enjoys your company and makes sure that you are paid well. You know the rest of the office envies your friendship with the boss but you could care less.
Every Thursday she treats you to coffee but you must run down and get it, but you don't mind. Today is Thursday. Emily gives you some extra money that she says is a tip for wearing such a nice outfit today. You feel a bit uncomfortable but allow it to pass. You run down and get two mocha frappes for the both of you. You get into her office and trip over a wire. You land on the mess of whip cream and chocolate flavored coffee. Your skirt, and blouse are soaked in it.
Emily asks you if you're okay. You say yes but now your day is ruined. Emily tells you that she has Gym clothes in her closet that you can change into. You wipe the rest excess coffee from you and Emily watches you as you do it. You feel awkward so you turn around. You open the closet door and you see the red track suit hanging there. You take it and ask to go to the bathroom but she tells you to do it here. You refuse but she says to do it that you two are girlfriends. She tries to take off your top but you push her away. She pushes you into the closet and tries to kiss your neck. You push her off and run out the door. Everyone's eyes are on you and you can't help but cry. You run faster but you can't avoid the confused looks you are getting. Once you reach the exit you hear Mrs. Fitch scream "You're fired!".
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Independent Reading Reflection
Title of Short Story: The One Who Waits
Author: Ray Bradbury
1. Who is the protagonist? What is their want or desire? What are some character traits that are important to note about this protagonist?
The protagonist is the one who waits. It wants to know what he is, or die. It is a being able to switch bodies and unable to die.It can link brains together and he doesn't seem to have many emotions. It is very old and doesn't really know it's role in life. It is from Mars.
2. Is there an antagonist? If so, what are they trying to stop the protagonist from achieving and why? If there is not an antagonist, what is the conflict for the protagonist and what force is stopping them?
The antagonist is it's abilities. It cannot have one stable body without it killing it, and it cannot control the person's body he takes. The creature's mind has memory but they are all feint and depressing. The Unknown is basically the main antagonist which prevents the one who waits from knowing what it is or dying. It is also it's own antagonist since it cannot control what it does.
3. What is the theme of the story? Which techniques are used in order to develop the message within this story?
The theme of this story is a search for purpose a struggle for peace. Bradbury depicts the being as lonely, depressing, and clueless. It makes it easier for the reader to sympathize with the being because we know all he want is to die, and he means to stop the damage he can do and make peace with itself.
4. What is the author’s tone within the story? Which techniques help develop the author’s voice?
The story is very gloomy and mysterious. He never explain what the being is except for Soul Water. He makes a note that it doesn't know what it is which adds an extra mysterious part to the creature switching from body to body. The author uses short sentences to portray the panic withing everyone's mind.
5. What is the crisis action in this story? Does the protagonist achieve in getting what they want? What to they realize and how do they change?
The crisis action was when it tries to shoot it's borrowed body but instead of dying with him he switch bodies. It does not get death, satisfaction, or understanding from the people. It tries and tries but it just can't achieve what it's wants because of the fact that it is unable to do so because of it's abilities.
6. What did you enjoy about this story? (Be specific….point out specific quotes and techniques to support your answer
I enjoyed the suspense of the story and how the author keeps you thinking that one of these days it would be liberated from it's boring eternal life. I loved how serious it was without being too crude. I love that he made the protagonist evil and yet comforting enough to cheer on.
Author: Ray Bradbury
1. Who is the protagonist? What is their want or desire? What are some character traits that are important to note about this protagonist?
The protagonist is the one who waits. It wants to know what he is, or die. It is a being able to switch bodies and unable to die.It can link brains together and he doesn't seem to have many emotions. It is very old and doesn't really know it's role in life. It is from Mars.
2. Is there an antagonist? If so, what are they trying to stop the protagonist from achieving and why? If there is not an antagonist, what is the conflict for the protagonist and what force is stopping them?
The antagonist is it's abilities. It cannot have one stable body without it killing it, and it cannot control the person's body he takes. The creature's mind has memory but they are all feint and depressing. The Unknown is basically the main antagonist which prevents the one who waits from knowing what it is or dying. It is also it's own antagonist since it cannot control what it does.
3. What is the theme of the story? Which techniques are used in order to develop the message within this story?
The theme of this story is a search for purpose a struggle for peace. Bradbury depicts the being as lonely, depressing, and clueless. It makes it easier for the reader to sympathize with the being because we know all he want is to die, and he means to stop the damage he can do and make peace with itself.
4. What is the author’s tone within the story? Which techniques help develop the author’s voice?
The story is very gloomy and mysterious. He never explain what the being is except for Soul Water. He makes a note that it doesn't know what it is which adds an extra mysterious part to the creature switching from body to body. The author uses short sentences to portray the panic withing everyone's mind.
5. What is the crisis action in this story? Does the protagonist achieve in getting what they want? What to they realize and how do they change?
The crisis action was when it tries to shoot it's borrowed body but instead of dying with him he switch bodies. It does not get death, satisfaction, or understanding from the people. It tries and tries but it just can't achieve what it's wants because of the fact that it is unable to do so because of it's abilities.
6. What did you enjoy about this story? (Be specific….point out specific quotes and techniques to support your answer
I enjoyed the suspense of the story and how the author keeps you thinking that one of these days it would be liberated from it's boring eternal life. I loved how serious it was without being too crude. I love that he made the protagonist evil and yet comforting enough to cheer on.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Journal #3: Fire
Out having fun at the party of the year, Effy, Freddie, and Cook all met up at JJ’s house. A terrible thunder storm the size of Texas began to come their way. A loud roar of thunder followed by a flash of lightening interested them to go outside. They were in the middle of Hurricane Deltrice. Freddie, Effy, and Cook stumbled outside with drinks in their hands when they heard another roar of thunder. Instantaneously Freddie is struck down by a bolt of lightning in front of Cook and Effy’s eyes. Cook fell to the ground in disbelief.
Effy stared out the window feeling the chill from outside, creeping inside the house. She looked over to the outfit she placed on the door. An all-black dress with her favorite leather jacket beside it. She got up took her medication, looked at the time and climbed back onto her bed. Cook walked behind Karen looking at the casket as it was being carried away. He decided to walk away from everyone; picking up a rose to place on Freddie’s grave when everyone else left. Walking toward his best friend’s tombstone, Cook felt a chill as he continued to walk and when he looked up he saw Freddie standing in front of him. Before he could scream for help, Freddie disappeared. Cook stood there, his heart beating quickly, and sweat coming down his face.
“Come on cookie monster, I know you’re happy I’m dead. Effy’s all yours now it was what you wanted isn’t it?” “ISN’T IT!?” Cook dropped down into the fetal position as he locked himself in the bathroom. “SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!!!” cook screamed. “Leave me alone, Effy never wanted me, she wants you and now you’re gone… you’re gone and I have no one.” “Aww poor little Cook, you think a little screaming on your part is going to get me to shut up. I’m all you’ve got mate! You’ve wanted me dead for so long. I’m going to make your life a living hell. I had it all!!! Everything is gone! You made me go to that party, I wanted to stay home.” Freddie taunted.
“No! You went because you couldn’t stand seeing Effy with me!” Cook screamed. Cook curled up in a ball and fell asleep on the bathroom floor.
“Cook … You can’t escape me.” Freddie approached cook and fixed the collar of his striped polo shirt. “Always have to fix you up hmm?” “What do you want from me?” Cook whispered. “Nothing.” Freddie said as he stabbed Cook in his stomach.
Cook immediately shot upwards as he awoke. He rubbed his stomach and signed that it confirmed that the pain was only a dream. “You know what you have to do Cook, Effy, she’s ruined everything hasn’t she.” Cook nodded solemnly.
He sat in front of Effy’s house contemplating whether or not to kill her. She was the reason we were there Freddie wanted to go to the movies but Effy wanted to go to the party. It was all her fault! Freddie was right, he had to kill her, and she was a smut. He took the gallon of gasoline and kicked the door down.
“This is for Freddie, you bitch!” Cook said letting the rage cover his feelings for her. He put gasoline all over the place, the family pictures, and her fridge, everything she touched had to go. He entered her room and the rage started to fade. He saw his old t-shirt on her chair and felt some pain, but not enough to stop him. He made a trail toward the street of gasoline and tears. He took his matched back into his hands, lit a cigarette then flicked the match.
“Everything you touch you whore! He screamed, and then he realized. Everything. He looked up at the sky. “I’ll see you soon buddy” Then Cook walked into the flames. “Everything” he whispered.
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