Journal 9: Free Will vs Determinism

Free will is the power to a make a decision or choice by yourself.  You are not influenced by anyone else’s opinion because the choice you are about to make will only affect your future.  Just as Iago stated, “'tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to which our wills are gardeners” (1.3 361-3).  In other words, it is up to us to make our own choices, not others. There are several examples of free will in the novel Othello.  Free will was experienced by Iago when he chose to create a rumor that would end up killing several people by the end of the book.  By persuading Othello that Desdemona was cheating, he was able to separate the love and trust they had for each other.  There was not a single character in the book that forced Iago to tell these lies to Othello; instead, Iago just wanted to seek revenge.  Free will was also shown by Othello when he kills himself at the very end of Othello.  Since Othello was completely in love with Desdemona after he realized he had murdered her without any evidence of her cheating, he thought the noble idea was to commit suicide because living was too painful knowing that he had killed the one he loved.  Some choices in story were influenced by others opinions, but it was the few that followed their free will did what they had to do and suffer the consequences of their decisions.  

Determinism is the idea that someone can changes your opinion and makes choices for you.  This is seen as being dependent upon someone else.  Determinism is not smart because someone else can control your life when you are the one living it; therefore, if they make a mistake in predicting your future, you will suffer the consequences, not them.  This takes place in the novel Othello several times.  One example is when Iago tells Roderigo to sell his land and stay in Cyprus with him.  Roderigo is not allowed to leave until Iago says that it is okay, and in the end Iago kills him.  Obviously, it was not smart to let Iago make his decisions.  Another example of determinism is when Iago makes Othello smother Desdemona.  Iago did not physically force Othello to murder his wife, but he did convince him with every ounce of his soul that Desdemona was cheating.  In doing so, Othello went insane and made a blood bond with Iago stating that he will kill Desdemona if Iago murders Cassio.  Iago used determinism to peruse Othello into a decision he would have never made on his own.  As seen in the novel, determinism is a risky topic that normally ends with the innocent suffering the consequences of their peers.  Next time, they should rise above their doubts or fears and do what they believe is right.  

Journal 8: Thinking True Thoughts

1. We boil at different degrees.

The aphorism that “we boil at different degrees” is about the difference of people.  Each person was created differently than the one beside them; therefore, that means we all get angry or upset about different things.  Someone might get furious about a little mistake another person caused, while someone else might be able to look past that mistake without being mad at all.  I believe Emerson’s aphorism is completely correct because I have many friends that seem to get upset about various situations.  I think this aphorism is also a warning because it is saying to be careful with what you do depending on whom you are with. 

2. To be great is to be misunderstood.

           The aphorism “To be great is to be misunderstood” means that if you are a genius, no one else is able to understand your ways because they are not as smart as you.  Emerson is saying that it would only make sense that if you are greater than everyone, no one would be able to follow your ways.  This is understandable because you would not be as great if the person beside you could act, speak, and think in the same way you could.  That means that you are no better than they are.  “To be great is to be misunderstood” is saying that you have your own unique process of thinking or acting or speaking that no one else can copy.  It is also stating that you should be your own person because there is not another exact duplicate of you, and no one could be better at being you then yourself.  I agree with Emerson’s aphorism 100 percent because he is correct.  Everyone is different in his or her own ways, which makes us all great because each and every one of us are misunderstood at least one time in our lives.     

3) All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

The aphorism “All life is an experiment, the more experiments you make the better” means that everyone should live life to the fullest extent.  You only get to live life once, so make life worth living.  Do crazy and exciting things that will make life long memories.  Instead of saying the word “experiments” in the aphorism, use other terms such as risks and adventures.  In other words, life would be a lot more fun to live and exciting to be active in if it was full of crazy adventure that took you to amazing places.  Emerson’s aphorism is very powerful and wise; therefore, I absolutely love it.  I believe he is absolutely right.  Life is an experiment because you do not know how it is going to turn out.  Therefore, why wait around to meet your fate when you could create different turns and twists till fate meets you.      

Journal 7: Signs from Nature

In both poems, “To a Waterfowl” and “The Raven”, there are many similarities as there are differences.  Both involve a similar overview of watching nature and describing their reaction as they watch birds fly in the distance.  However, the significant difference between each poem is the meaning given by the author.  William Bryant  gives his poem, “To a Waterfowl”, a very optimistic and peaceful view of life, making the reader believe the idea that there is always light in every darkness.  This poem chose to leave the audience in a happy and graceful mood, while “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, would leave them shaking in fear.  “The Raven” is thought to be a very dark and dreary poem that captivates the idea of being haunted by the death of a loved one.  In this poem, it is the death of Lenore that comes back to haunt her husband by having a raven crow “Nevermore”.  The poems use either emotions or logic to help persuade the reader to realize that the most important decisions in life as based from the heart.  While “The Waterfowl” uses rationality to balance and make logical choices, “The Raven” uses emotion and depicted images to make a more sudden and heartfelt choice.

Each author writes his poem with a different style of writing.  “The Waterfowl” was written in a more plain and straightforward style.  There was no confusion on what the author was trying to depict throughout the poem.  “The Raven” was different because it was very detailed and ornate.  Although, it was a little trickier to understand and did not have a resolution, it was still enjoyable to read.  For a similarity, both poems were written in a first person point of view.  However, this does not mean that their setting were any bit similar.  “The Waterfowl” took place at dusk to create a romantic nature scene of a sunset to bring beauty to his writing.  “The Raven’s” setting was at midnight when a bird would enter a dark house to terrorize a human being.  This created a feeling of suspicion and obscurity.   

Finally, they both deal with internal conflict.  “The Raven” was written to help deal with an internal problem of losing a loved one and grieving over their death.  “The Waterfowl” ends the poem stating the fact that if you follow your heart, God will lead you in the right direction.  This is still an internal conflict because you have to believe in his guidance to take you to heaven.  “The Raven” is more depressing because it symbolizes that there is no afterlife while “The Waterfowl” is written to describe the joy there is in eternal life with God even after you die.  While both of these poems are written for different reason, the idea that a bird is delivering a message of either happiness or sadness is similar.                                                                                                                                                       

Journal 6: Being Perfect is Impossible

1. Explain what was involved in Franklin’s plan for self-perfection?  What conclusion did Franklin come to regarding the effectiveness of this plan?

            Benjamin Franklin plan for self perfection was so he could live life without committing any fault at anytime.  In order to do this, he believed he would have to perfect the virtues.  As he began to research many different virtues, he summarized all of them into just thirteen.  His plan was that he would make a chart with theses virtues and focus on just one of them for a week.  Franklin began with temperance because he believed it was the most important.  Temperance is the virtue of balance, and if he could accomplish this virtue, it would make his life a lot easier.  It was not until he tried to focus on order that he realized his plan would not work out for him.  In the end, Franklin learned this was a bold project because it was impossible to accomplish.  God created us with original sin, which means we would not be perfect.  We were created with flaws.  There is always room for improvement but it is physically impossible to be perfect.  He even said it did not make him perfect and that people did not like perfect people anyways.  There is only so much you can do, but by doing this plan and focusing on his flaws, he became a better person.

2. Do you feel that a plan such as Franklin’s would improve you as a person?  Why or why not?  What would be your top five virtues? 

            I believe that Franklin’s plan would improve me as a person but it would very hard to accomplish.  It would help me focus on my flaws to correct myself.  I do not think I would be able to completely his plan, but I would give it my all to try my best.  My top five virtues would be loyalty, to be trustworthy, happiness, beauty, and courage.  I pick these because these would be best way to live life.  If I was able to always be happy with what I do, I think my outlook on life and myself would be more positive.   

Journal 5: He's Got Common Sense

1. Identify the specific argument that Paine is making in each paragraph.  For each of the arguments, identify whether Paine is making an emotional, ethical, or logical appeal and suggest an effective counterargument.

          #1 It is saying that we need to stand up against Britain and that it is hard to conquer a tyranny, but if they are successful, it will be the best victory.  It even states “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”  The argument is an emotional appeal.  It is also a sentimental appeal because logically it is not going to be easy, and they might get killed in trying to do so, but the thought of winning is a great feeling.  They do not focus on the fact that they are outnumbered, but they focus on the idea of how great winning will feel.  He is trying to have the audience focus on emotions and not think with their minds.  If you are not free country, you are subject of the king so the king can tax you back (ethical).  Logically, the Americans have very few advantages and might not win.  Paine was assuming triumph is going to occur.  A fallacy was that it is non sequel.  He compares taxation to slavery which is not related.                                                       

          #2 The argument is an opinion that god will not let a military fail.  That is an ethical or moral appeal because it is saying that their approach is right, so God will help them win.  God is on the Americans’ side and not Great Britain’s.  The counter argument is that the British feel that God is on their side.  The king was chosen by God, so why would God go to the Americans?  Therefore, it is an opinion that what the Americans are doing are going against God’s law.  Logically, how do you know if God is on your side?  God might not choose sides.  This is dogmatic because it is about an opinion or faith in God.  You cannot prove it.  The fallacy is that he makes these invidious names for the kings and Paine is attacking the king as a person.  He is begging the question, which is the argument in the paragraph. 

          #3 America would not be happy unless they separate from Britain.  This is an emotional and logical appeal.  Their motto was to fight today and be held captive tomorrow.  It is burning in America’s heart to be independent, so why not do it right away?  He is calling America dominion, which is illogical.  Thomas’s thought was that America should fight now so the future would be better for the children.  He also knew that the war was coming, so why not start fighting today?  This is an ethical thought because it is about how it would better their future for their families.  However, there is a lot of logic of why it would be smarter to go to war with Great Britain later.

          #4 The argument is that you should not go to war offensively, but defensively.  You do not go and attack someone for no reason and start war, but if they go and attack you, it is a just defense to fight back.  This is the difference between a just war and an unjust war.  It is an argument by analogy.  Paine is comparing a king to a thief breaking into your house.  If a thief breaks into your house, it is okay so fight the thief.  Therefore, Paine thinks it is okay to fight the king because the king is taking your money without a reasonable cause.  This is logical appeal because why would you not fight back if someone was going to harm you?  It is ethical appeal also because it is okay to fight back in self defense. The counter argument is that you cannot compare a thief to a king because a king has power and a thief has no rights to control you.  Once you enter a country, you must obey the king’s rules.  That the fallacy with Paine’s thinking.  You cannot compare someone with power to someone without power. 

2. Can you identify any of the logical fallacies that we discussed in Paine’s arguments?  If so, which ones?  Overall, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of Paine’s arguments?  

There were many fallacies in Paine’s argument that I have pointed out above.  For example, he uses non sequiter, argument by analogy, and ad hominem as ideas to help his arguments when really they are fallacies.  There are many different strengths and weaknesses throughout his arguments.  For example, the argument about fighting for America now because it would better your child’s future is completely wrong.  If you go to war in your homeland, you and/or your children have a chance of dying.  Paine created this argument from strong emotions he has about disliking Britain.  There are no facts of why America should fight back.  There were just emotional feelings of how nice it would be to become a free nation.  Paine did not realize the amount of flaws he had in his writing as he began his argument.  

3. Formulate a question that you would like discussed based on the reading.

Based on the excerpt, what point/quote/and or argument did Thomas Paine write that you believe would have been the most influential to the readers of this The Crisis, Number 1?  Why?  Why did Paine only discuss the emotional factors in his writing? 

It would have been smart to establish reasons why the Americans should go to war against Great Britain.  Emotional factors just build up self confidence, not a victory.  However, I believe that the last argument had the strongest reasons for going to war.  Paine was right about fighting defensively and not offensively.  This argument gave the most realistic idea of why they should fight now for independence.  It was for self defense and sounded justly to go to war.  Paine only discussed the emotional factors in his writing because there was no real proof of why they should go to war against an army that is bigger, stronger, and more equipped.  

Journal 4: A Mouthwatering Meal

I love birthday dinners.  On my birthday, my mom likes to cook the best steak.  It is grilled to perfection with just a little bit of crisp around the edges.  While it is being cooked on the grill, the overpowering smell travels through the air to please your nose to give your body small goose bumps.  Instantly, your eyes begin to widen with excitement and your mouth is convinced to moist slightly with drools hanging off your lips.  The texture of the raw reddish goop begins to cook into a big juicy piece of meat that has shades of dark maroon, black, and light brown that makes your taste buds zing with flavor.  It is flipped gently on its back while still lying on the grill to reveal the thick black strips across the front.  The fires rise up from the grill and begin to heat the steak.  Cooking it like the sun frying an egg on the sidewalk, the sound of sizzling starts as the liquid flows from out of the steak onto the grill.  It is so tasty, and it is almost done.  Finally, after minutes of impatiently waiting, your mouth gets to taste the moist, scrupulous steak that makes you feel as if you are floating in mid air.  Each little bit of thick steak, leaves your plate, and enters your stomach that is begging for more as your mouth continues drooling.  As you begin to realize it is almost gone, you slow down to grasp each bit of zesty flavor that keeps your lips smiling.  The juices are left sitting on your tongue as you finish your last bite.  The delectable food is now slowly going down your throat as you try to relive the same amazing feeling as you did, the first time you ate the miracle of life, steak.

Journal 3: Yummy, Dog Food

 

1.  Cite three specific examples of Hodgman’s descriptive imagery that you find to be particularly effective. 

• “I gagged my way through can after can of stinky, white-flecked mush and bag after bag of stinky, fat-drenched nuggets.  And now I understand exactly why Shortie’s breath is so bad” (77)
• “Up close my Gaines-burger did not much resemble chopped beef. Rather it looked-and felt-like a single long, extruded piece of redness that had been chopped into segments and formed into a patty.” (78)
• “There were chunks in the can, certainly-big, purplish-brown chunks. I forked one chunk out (by now I was becoming more callous) and found that while it had no discernible chicken flavor, it wasn’t bad except for its textural-like meat loaf with ground-up chicken bones.” (79)

2.  What do you think Hodgman’s purpose was in writing this essay?  What overall message/meaning do you take from the essay?  

Hodgman was trying to tell the reader that dog food is not as appetizing as it is advertized. The author tells the story in a satirical way to give a sense of humor.  She is making fun about cook books and magazine reviews by writing a review for dog food, not human food. Just because a dog is able to enjoy eating our food, does not mean that we are able to savor the taste of their wet or dry food in a can.  She is trying to show that everyone is curious about the world we live it.  You are going to want to try crazy things that are not designed for man, but do not worry because it is human.  Another message the story conveys is that not everything looks as good as it tastes.  Numerous times throughout the story, the author would connect the dog food with its delicious looking advertisements.  Just as she said, “in the world of wet dog foods was this demonstrated better than in the fanciest I tried-Kal Kan’s Pedigree Select Dinners.”  Hodgeman was excited to eat this because if it tasted as good as it looked, she would have had a great meal; however, it did not end up that way.  All in all, you cannot just a book by itself cover because it never works out right.  

Journal 2: Fight Like a Moth

1. How are the moths in the essay’s opening different from the moth at the campsite?  What do the different moths represent?

 

The months are life choices.  She would rather be the moths on fire then the ones slowly dying in the bathroom.  The months in the bathroom are shrunken and gray.  They are its and bits of little body parts rotting away.  Some moths are dead, but some of them are stuck in a web waiting to be eaten.  However, on the other hand, the moths burning in the fire are dying but they show motivation and passion.  They have decided to end life with a spark and go all out.  The first moths in the bathroom are forgotten and dried up.  They do not have any drive or reason to live.  The month dying in the flame represents determination and living life to the fullest. 

2. What lesson does the moth provide that Dillard takes back to her students? 

Dillard asked her students if they want to be writers.  If they do, they have to give up their lives.  They must be very dedicated and committed to writing essays all their life.  Dillard is trying to make her students realize that whatever you do in life, you must put all your heart into it.  She wants them to be like the moth in the fire and have a passion for what you do.  You have to put yourself out there and sacrifice everything, just like the moth in the fire.  The moth in the bathroom show emptiness and represents the people that try to settle down and not push forward in life.  Dillard is trying to convey a message about life, not just about being a writer.  Basically do not be like the moth in the bathroom, be like the one at the campsite.

3.  How many references are there to fire in the essay?  What’s the larger significance of fire in the essay? 

There are a few references in the essay.  She writes about the moth burning in the flame, the candles she lit at night, and the cats tail catching on fire because it to close to the flame.  There was also the reference of the book A Day of Fire, which inspired her to be a writer.  The word fire was used to show people are passionate and inspirational.  Ignite, spark, getting fired up are expressions fire are used to show these traits.  Even when we light a candle after someone dies, it shows hope.  It represents the idea that you were able to pursue your dream while you were alive.  Dillard lit a candle to so her intention of becoming an inspired writer.  When the moth died in the flame, Dillard was able to make the moth look like a martyr for what it believed in.  It sacrificed itself for something it believed in.  In some way, you could say the moth was like a saint dying for his or her beliefs.  She wanted everyone to attack with full force and go all out in life.

4. Address how each of the following quotes connects to Dillard’s overall point.  

a.      “I would rather be ashes than dust!
          I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
          I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in        magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
          The function of man is to live, not to exist.
          I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
          I shall use my time.”

                    -Jack London

In this quote by Jack London, he addresses his belief of how he wants to live his life.  He would rather give it his all and do everything he can, rather than sit back and watch the world pass him.  This is similar to “The Death of a Moth” because there was a comparison between to moths.  The one moth watched the world pass by and decided to crumble into dust rather than do something inspiring.  On the other hand, the other month went into the fire to show his passion for life, similar to how London wants to live his life.  To be living and to actually live your life are two completely different ideas, and both London and Dillard believe that everyone show live their life to the fullest.

b. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

          -William Butler Yeats

Image of fire is used. Education-educating students, the idea of fire being used is similar to how she used fire while teaching her kids.

William Butler Yeats is stating that education is our guide throughout life.  It is “the lightning of fire” because it will glow within us to show us the ways of the world.  This is very similar to “The Death of a Month” because Dillard tried to explain this very idea to her students.  She told them they have to have a burning passion to choice and commit to one career.  The purpose of education is to inspire people to have a purpose for living life.

c. “A book should serve as the ax for the frozen sea within us.”  

          -Franz Kafka’

Frank Kafka is explaining that reading is a source to all of our wonders and questions within our heads.  A book is going to open up new thoughts and ideas inside of us.  The symbolism of the ax is used to represent the force that cuts away the confusion that is in us by reading books.  The image of the ax was also used in the story “The Death of a Moth” to explain the force and strength it takes to live life with all of your heart.  As powerful as this mental image is, it is basically used as an inspiration to try your hardest at everything and keep moving forward.  Never dwell on the pass because it will not benefit you.  Besides, an ax will not work if it is swung backwards, so keep swinging forward.  

Journal 1: Good Girl Gone Bad

      
It all started on January 20, the day of my thirteenth birthday.  I was dressed in a white sundress, getting ready to head out to dinner with my family to celebrate the day.  I was excited to eat because I was super hungry after coming home from such a tiring day of school.  At exactly five o’clock, I went into my mom’s room to let her know that I was ready to go out to dinner.  She did not reply to me, but I knew she heard me, so I went to get inside the car.  Once I was buckled, I decided to turn on the radio while waiting for the rest of my family; however, they never came out of the house.  An hour passed and I began to grow impatient about their tardiness, so I went back inside.  That was when I found my parents yelling at each other at the top of their lungs.  I felt scared because I had never seen them so angry at one another.  Suddenly, they stopped when they saw my face.  At that point, they sat me down and told me that they were getting a divorce, on my birthday.  I became extremely upset and started to cry my eyes out.  I ran out of the house and to the park where it was quiet and I would be alone.  As soon as I arrived, I sat underneath a tree and let my tears run down my face.  Eventually I stopped crying, but I did not want to return home.  After about thirty minutes, it began to get dark and I saw a shadow in the distance.  As the shadow approached me, I realized it was a very attractive teenage boy coming over to talk to me.  He had something in his had that glowed when it was close to his mouth.  He sat next to me and looked at my face.  He could tell I had been crying so he put his arm around me and leaned in close.  He handed me the cigarette that was in his hand.  At first, I told him no, that I did not want to smoke, but after he told me it would make me feel better I decided to try one.  And soon I smoked another and another until I could not feel the pain anymore.  After sitting with him for two hours, I decided I wanted to go home.  As I began to leave the park, he ran to me and told me that if I ever needed to relax again, I knew where to find him, and that is where I have been every night since my thirteenth birthday.