To Kill a Mockingbird Arthur Radley Journal Entry

Tonight as Jem and Scout were walking to some event at the schoolhouse, I noticed that Bob Ewell was following them but hid among the bushes. Their friend gave them a fright and little did they know Bob Ewell was just a few feet from them. As time passed and the Halloween gathering let out, Bob Ewell began to follow the children on their way back home. Suddenly he pounced on them with a knife so I ran out and did as much as I could. The little girl was struggling on the ground being grabbed by Mr. Ewell and Jem was attempting to get him off of her. Bob threw Jem to the ground and I pulled Bob off of Scout. I then picked up Jem because he was clearly seriously injured. I knew that Bob wouldn't be able to get up to injure Scout because I saw him laying with a knife stuck in between his ribs. Atticus brought me into his home and I placed Jem in his bed and retreated to the corner. Mr. Heck Tate arrived and wanted to get the events in order. Soon after, Scout came in but we were all ordered out as Dr. Reynolds began to look over Jem. Scout led me outside onto the front porch where they discussed the nights' events and heard what Scout had to say about it all. I realized how fair Atticus is even when it comes to his own children. He would rather go the honest route than given positive consequences if it meant lying. When everything was in order, Scout said I could go in and say good night to Jem so I did and was told to pat his head. I am glad that I was able to do that because now everyone won't see me as a monster. After we visited with Jem, I asked Scout "Will you take me home?"(278). She happily agreed and it was nice walking with her because it gets so lonely being locked up in the house all day. I wish I wasn't so afraid of socializing with people because it makes everyone think I'm a freak. Even if I never talk to them again, I will always remember this night.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 26-27 Reflection

In To Kill a Mockingbird, as Scout matures she begins to develop empathy. For example, when thinking of Boo Radley, Scout "sometimes felt a twinge of remorse, when passing by the old place, at ever having taken part in what must have been sheet torment to Arthur Radley" (242). This reveals how now that she looks back on what she, her brother, and Dill had done in the past Summers she regrets it. This also displays how Scout is becoming more empathetic because she put herself in Arthur's shoes and realized that what they had done was disrespectful. Furthermore, when Scout is still thinking of Arthur Radley she wonders "What reasonable recluse wants children peeping through his shutters, delivering greetings on the end of a fishing-pole, wandering through his collards at night" (242). This exemplifies how Scout is regretting her recipes actions and how it was a bit rude to do as she did in past Summers. This also goes how much Scout has matured throughout the story because she is empathizing with Arthur which she couldn't really do before. Throughout this novel, Scout becomes more empathetic as she matures.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee shows how Scout's character is maturing. For instance, when Scout is learning about Hitler, she asks Atticus "But it's okay to hate Hitler?" (246). This shows how Scout is trying to understand this situation because she knew Hitler did very bad things but was unsure of her feelings towards him. This also reveals Atticus' feelings because he says that it is not okay to hate anyone even though he doesn't approve of Hitler's actions. In addition, after upsetting Jem she "crept from Jem's room and shut the door softly, lest undue noise set him off again" (247). This displays how Scout wasn't trying to upset her brother but unfortunately she did. Also, it shows how Scout is not trying to cause trouble and does not want to disturb he brother because he had empathized with him and how he was angry which shows her maturation. The author expresses the development of empathy through Scout's character.

Rhetoric Video Analysis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMpInKwDPy0

This video displays the three sides to persuading one: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. The representation of Ethos is how Treseme is a well known company so it is not just someone off the street. Additionally, the model has very nice, luxurious hair which is a better representative than someone with gross, ratty hair. This video appeals to the logic in one because it tells you that the shampoo will allow you to have 24 hour body in your hair so it will be voluptuous. If a shampoo gave you body in your hair which is what you were looking for, it would only be logical to buy a shampoo that did so. It appeals to the emotional part of one because the people in it are shown to be happy with how their hair turned out which may sway one into thinking that using that shampoo would make them happy in turn. Also, it shows envy in the people who do not use the shampoo so one might desire to be envied as well which would result in them being persuaded to buy the product.

Heinz Closing Argument

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I am here to represent Heinz. Let me remind you that he did indeed admit to the crime that he committed. Also, this man was not stealing the drugs in order to get high or anything of the sort. He was stole the drugs in order to help his sick, dying wife. Additionally, Heinz was able to gather up $1000 from his family and friends so he could offer it to the druggist. The druggist I turn told him that he discovered the drug and was going to make money off of it. Heinz was obviously struggling but druggist had no mercy on him which led my client to no choice. So yes, this man stole the drug but it wasn't for a bad cause. It was to help his true love live rather than be torn away from him by this terrible disease.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 22-25

To Kill a Mockingbird includes many relatable events throughout the chapters. For example, when the people of Tom Robinson's community leave food on the back step of the Finch's house "Atticus's eyes filled with tears. He did not speak for a moment" (213). This displays how Atticus was so moved and so amazed that he broke down for a moment. It shows how he was touched by their act of kindness. It is relatable because some things in life are just so amazing that you are dumbfounded for a moment and don't exactly know how to express this amazement. It stresses how by Atticus just doing what he believes is the right thing to do, so many people were changed but a simple gesture it his expresses how grateful Tom Robinson's community was for Atticus because he did what no one else had the courage to do. Harper Lee writes of many relatable feelings in this novel.

In this novel, the author includes moving events. For instance, when Mr Ewell has a fit and "Atticus didn't bat an eye, just took out his handkerchief and wiped his face and stood there and let Mr. Ewell call him names wild horses could not bring her to repeat" (217). This displays how Atticus is immensely empathetic and understand why Bob Ewell feels the way he does. One would need to be very understanding and patient to do as Atticus did because of the severity of Mr. Ewell's actions. It is extraordinary how Atticus was able to maintain his calm attitude even though Bob Ewell disrespected him so much. Over the course of the trial, Atticus has shown how remarkable of a person he is through his actions. Not many people would be able to keep their composure under the pressure and stress Atticus was put under. Harper Lee includes many amazing events in To Kill a Mockingbird.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 20-21 Journal Response

In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author included messages that were represented through certain characters. For example when Scout asked why Mr. Raymond had entrusted her and Dill with his deepest secret he replied "Because you're children and you can understand it" (201). This displays how people change their views as they et older. It exemplified how in result of society, people have certain standards and do not accept people who do not meet those standards. As one matures they become more aware of how the world and the people in it work. Older people might know more things about the world but younger children can be more accepting when they don't have the influences if society affecting their thoughts. Harper Lee represented deeper meanings through the specific quotes she included.

In this novel Harper Lee expressed life lessons through the characters. For instance, when in the courtroom Scout is wondering about the case and Jem tells her "There are things you don't understand" (210). This shows how Scout is too young to understand some things in life because he hasn't experienced as much as Jem. Also, she hasn't matured enough to comprehend certain things and realize the truth about them unlike Jem. It also is placed as it is to remind the reader of Scout's innocence and how she hasn't been completely exposed to the reality if the world. The messages in To Kill a Mockingbird are expressed through the characters' actions an words.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 18-19 Journal Response

In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author included striking details that added depth to particular passages. For example, when Dill get upset and Scout takes him outside, Dill says "I don't care one speck. It ain't right, somehow it ain't right to do 'em that way. Hasn't anybody got Amy business talkin' like that—it just makes me sick" (199). This shows how Dill is being empathetic of Tom Robinson. He understands Tom's situation (to an extent) and believes that he shouldn't be treated in a disrespectful manner because he was black. This also reveals how although Dill does still have some childish qualities, he is able to feel empathy towards others in certain situations. Most of the residents of Maycomb want Tom to be proven guilty simply because he is black. They look down upon the Ewell's but take Mayella's side when up against a different race. Harper Lee uses striking details to add depth to the novel.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author adds specific details to provoke thoughts throughout the novel. For instance, when on the witness stand, Mayella says "Long's he keeps on callin' me ma'am an sayin' Miss Mayella. I don't hafta take his sass, I ain't called upon to take it (182). This shows how Mayella is offended by Atticus calling her "ma'am" and "miss" because she thinks he is making fun if her. It reveals a bit about what Mayella is used to and how she is treated. It's a little sad how she is not familiar with the politeness that is used by Atticus because of how badly she is usually treated. This might make one feel sorry for Mayella because she may not deem herself to be worthy of polite terms in result of the infrequency that they are used towards her. Additionally, this demonstrates how forlorn Mayella might be feeling because she doesn't have any friends and isn't used to being respected. Throughout the novel, the Harper Lee includes striking details in order to provoke one's thoughts.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 16-17 Journal Response

In To Kill a Mockingbird there are many parts where the author includes important specific details. For example, when the court was being filled, one person said to another "Yeah, but Atticus aims to defend him. That's what I don't like about it" (162). This explains that even though Atticus didn't choose to defend Tom Robinson, he still fully intends to try to win the case. This ties into many of Atticus' beliefs and how people along with himself view him. This detail shows reveals that Atticus may not have originally planned on defending Tom Robinson but now that it was assigned to him, he is going to give it his all and not let the town bring him down. Harper Lee included numerous details that revealed a bit more about Atticus' character.

The author includes many lessons that Atticus believes are important. For example, when Atticus says "You never really understand until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it" (30). This was said early on in the book but demonstrates Atticus' view on empathy and how he believes it is important to be empathetic. Furthermore, in chapter 16 when Atticus says

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 13-14 Response

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there were numerous times when the author incorporated a lesson into a passage. For example, when Atticus asked Scout if she wanted Aunt Alexandra to stay, she responded "[she] said [she] would like it very much which was a lie, but one must lie under certain circumstances and at all times when one can't do anything about them (128). This was a very important message because it aids one I'm avoiding an uncomfortable situation. This could be applied to various situations especially in social relationships. Harper Lee is saying sometimes it's necessary to tell a lie in order to avoid a bad situation that could upset several people. The author expresses deeper meanings in the details she includes.

In chapter fourteen of To Kill a Mockingbird, the author included details that could be potentially foreshadowing an upcoming event. For example, when talking to Dill, Scout asks "Why do you reckon Boo Radley's never run off?" To which Dill responds "Maybe he doesn't have anywhere to run off to...." (144). This detail was very thought provoking and it is important that the author included it. This introduces the thought that maybe Boo Radley did intend to run off but thought it was better to just stay put. If Boo Radley had run off, he may even leave his house every once in a while. It would be a whole different situation and Scout and Jem probably wouldn't have learned some of the lessons they were taught concerning Boo Radley and his privacy. It was outstanding for Harper Lee to include this part of the book especially when ending a chapter. Throughout the story, the author includes numerous details that could foreshadow future events.

To Kill a Mockingbird chapters 11-12 response

I was very surprised in chapter eleven of To Kill a Mockingbird. The character Mrs. Dubose who is a wicked old lady who lives in the neighborhood. She constantly harasses Scout and Jem whenever they walk by. When she takes it too far, Jem cuts all of the flowers off of a bush in her yard which results in him having to read to her everyday. Jem and Scout proceed to go to her house and she insults them more but they just let it pass. Even though he is aware of how much Mrs. Dubose insults him, Atticus doesn't blame her for it because she is entitled to her opinion and is very sick. By the end of chapter eleven Mrs. Dubose dies in a surprising way. Shockingly, Jem is very upset and cries because he is given a flower by Mrs. Dubose as a peace offering before she passed.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 9+10 Reflection

To Kill a Mockingbird has numerous insightful messages that are expressed at certain times. For example, when Jem says "Atticus is real old, but I wouldn't care of he couldn't do anything—I wouldn't care if he couldn't do a blessed thing" (Lee 99). This represents the respect Jem has for Atticus. It expresses how Jem doesn't care about Atticus' skills in life because he doesn't really find those as important. It is a difficult concept to understand but Jem doesn't mind what his father can and can't do, Atticus is still his hero because he is his father. It may be because Jem lost his mother when he was young and has Atticus in place of both a mother and a father. Regardless, Jem does not base his respect for Atticus on what he can and can not do, but rather his character.

The author incorporates messages through specific thoughts and actions of the characters. For instance, when Scout thinks "But [she] never figured out how Atticus knew [she] was listening, and it was not until many years later that [she] realized he wanted [Scout] to hear every word he said" (Lee 89). This expresses how Atticus had the full knowledge that Scout was listening to himself and his brother about their situation and wanted her to hear what they were saying. It revealed how Atticus wanted to raise his children and what he thought were wise boundaries. I can apply this to my own life because sometimes people do things a certain way to put on an appearance in order to be portrayed a certain way. This demonstrated how one can deceive another in order to benefit the one being deceived. Harper Lee uses the characters' thoughts and actions to get a message across.

Chapters 7+8 Journal Reflection To Kill a Mockingbird

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there were a few especially interesting events that took place. For example when Jem and Scout are talking with Mr. Radley, Mr. Radley explains "Tree's dying. You plug 'em with cement when they're sick" (Lee 62). This clarifies that it was indeed Mr. Radley who filled the knot-hole with cement. It was strange how soon after Jem and Scout wrote the note thanking the person who left the items there, that Mr. Radley filled it in. Furthermore, when speaking with Atticus about the same tree he says "That tree's as healthy as you are, Jem" (Lee 63). This reveals that Mr. Radley may have been lying about his motive for filling in the tree. This also indicates that Mr. Radley may not have wanted the children taking the things from the hole or that he was not aware that this transaction was being made which cause him to be upset. An interesting turn of events included the situation with the filling of the knot-hole in chapter 6 of To Kill a Mockingbird.

In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, there were several intriguing events that happened. For instance, when Scout "looked down and found [her]self clutching a brown woolen blanket [she] was wearing around [her] shoulders, squaw-fashion" (Lee 71). This shows that Scout was unaware that she had a blanket around her until it was brought to her attention by Atticus. When Miss Maudie's house caught fire, Scout and Jem were to stay outside the Radley's house to keep safe and the next morning Scout had the blanket wrapped around her. In addition, when Scout is wondering who put the blanket around her Atticus responds "Boo Radley. You were so busy looking at the fire you didn't know it when he put the blanket around you" (Lee 72). This proves that it must indeed have been Arthur Radley who gave Scout the blanket because everyone else was gathered outside Miss Maudie's house to help with the fire. It also indicates that Arthur Radley might have been the one who put he things in the knot-hole for the two children because he seems to have a fondness of them. There were numerous intriguing event a that took place in chapters 7 and 8 or To Kill a Mockingbird.

Chapter 5+6 To Kill a Mockingbird

Empathy is a developing topic in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee shown through several characters. For instance, when Scout thinks "As [she] was the last to leave, [she] saw her sink down into her chair and bury her head in her arms. Had her conduct been more friendly toward [Scout], [she] would have felt sorry for her" (Lee 22). This shows how Scout was feeling empathetic of Miss Caroline because she was tired and defeated. Scout wanted to feel sympathy for her but since Miss Caroline hadn't been empathetic towards Scout, Scout was a little let down with her new teacher. Furthermore, when Miss Maudie said "Arthur Radley just stays in the house, that's all, wouldn't you stay in the house if you didn't want to come out?" (Lee 44). This displays the empathy that Miss Maudie has for Arthur Radley because she understands him. This also reveals that she does not want to disturb the Radleys because she thinks that they have the right to be alone and do as they please. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, you can see the devolving topic of empathy in the first six chapters.

Pain is Beauty

Dream Board

I realized how long it will take to achieve each of my dreams. I knew what they were before I just hadn't figured out the timing for them.

Some of my goals will be pretty difficult to reach but I have planned out generally how I will accomplish them. I now have a better understanding of a plan to do this.

I noticed how much my goals could affect not only me but the people around me. A few of my dreams actually involve other people. The people around me could either really help me out or really set me back.

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 3-4 Extended Character Reflection

Jordan Miller
Mr. Beattie
English 1 Honors
1 November 2012

Atticus is the father of Jem and scout along with the boss of Calpurnia. Atticus seems to be motivated by his children. He expresses his need to provide for his family by working as a lawyer. Atticus doesn't seem to have any weaknesses so far, but he does have many strengths. When Scout was upset about him teaching her to read, he identified the problem and fixed it. I was a little bit surprised how his children refer to him as Atticus or sir rather than dad, father, etc. this represents how Atticus stands for equality among all by putting his children on the same level as himself. In addition, whenever Scout or Jem ask about the Radleys he says to mind their own business and to not bother them. I predict that Atticus will play an important role in the story and act as an equalizer within his family and the whole town.

To Kill a Mockingbird Response Chapters 1-2

Jordan Miller
Mr. Beattie
31 October 2012
English 1 Honors

The author uses specific details, phrases, images, and words to illustrate the story while telling it. For example, when Scout describes "The shutters and doors of the Radley house were closed on Sundays, another thing alien to Maycomb's ways: closed doors meant illness and cold weather only" (Lee 9) . This shows how the Radley family is on Sundays which was a very important day in Maycomb. They do practice the same religion as the church but they stay in their house most of them time, especially on Sundays. Furthermore, when Jem describes Boo "...about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that's why his hands were bloodstained— if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time" (Lee 13). This exemplifies how there are rumors made up about the Radleys and Jem could have been exaggerating some of Boo's features. If it is an accurate description, this shows how the author is using specific details to display this character. Using specific details, phrases, images, and words allows the author to help the reader visualize what they are reading.

The author could also be using these specific details, words, phrases, and images to allow the reader a look into her own life. For instance, when talking to Dill about his father Scout asks " ‘then if he's not dead you've got one, haven't you?’ Dill blushed and Jem told [her] to hush..." (Lee 8). This may mean that Dill's father ran out on his family and hasn't seen them in a very long time. Also, this could represent how Harper Lee's father may have done the same thing to her and her family. In addition, the author describes "Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it" (Lee 5). This could represent a town that Harper Lee once grew up or currently lives in. It could also just be representing how its a small town where everyone seems to be involved with everything. Using these specific details, words, phrases, and images could allow the author to symbolize events in her own life.

Winning The Lottery

Jordan Miller
Mr. Beattie
English 1 Honors
30 September 2012

What does it feel like to have all that money?
It feels freeing to have all of that money. There would be a lot less my family and I would need to worry about in finances. I would be free from the burden of having to worry about money. It would also feel overwhelming to have all of that money all of a sudden. I might not know exactly what to do with it right away. I would feel a little frightened because there could be people who may try to harm my family to get the money.

What will you do with it?
First, my family would probably pay off all of our bills and whatnot. Then we would put most of it in the bank to save for when it is needed. With the rest if it we would donate to various charities to help those in need.

What conflicts might arise among family members and others?
I think the money could have both positive and negative outcomes. There are serious problems that could arise from this situation. For instance, people could try to break in and steal some money or something. Also, some might not agree what we do with the money and how we spend it which could create conflicts. Some people might try to get close to my family to try and receive some of the benefits of the money. This could also be problematic because we wouldn't know who is really friends with us or just in it for the money. In addition, others may think that we would become stuck up just because of this money which would be one of the negative results.

Symbol for Crooks

Essential Question #2 September 23, 2012

Jordan Miller

Mr. Beattie

English 1 Honors

23 September 2012

Having dreams is a necessary role in living a fulfilling life because they set boundaries, motivate people, and gives life a purpose. These themes apply to Lennie and George in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.  For example, when George says "But you ain't gonna get in no trouble, because if you do I won't let you tend to the rabbits" (Steinbeck 16). This shows that George is setting a rule of behaving so that Lennie won't get into trouble. This also proves that George is keeping Lennie on task by threatening to deprive him of his future pet. Furthermore, when George tells Lennie "We'd belong there. There wouldn't be no more runnin' round the country and gettin' fed by a Jap cook. No, sir, we'd have our own place where we belonged and not sleep in no bunk house" (Steinbeck 57). This reveals how George is motivating Lennie by explaining the details of their dream they have together. In addition, it demonstrates how George and Lennie will reach their goal and feels accomplished by the luxuries they will have. In addition, while discussing their dream, George says "O.K. Someday—we're gonna get the jack together and we're gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an' a cow and some pigs..." (Steinbeck 14). This exemplifies how they are dreaming and how it gives them a goal in life. It also shows how if they didn't have a dream they wouldn't have anything to work towards so they wouldn't ever accomplish anything. It is important to have dreams because they allow people to identify boundaries, motivate themselves, and to have a purpose to live. 

Relationship between George and Lennie

Jordan Miller

Mr. Beattie

English 1 Honors

22 September 2012

In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the relationship between George and Lennie relies on the dependence of the two. For example, when George says "Look Lennie. You try to keep away from him, will you? Don't never speak to him. If he comes in here you move clear across the room. Will you do that, Lennie?" (Steinbeck 29). This shows that George looks out for Lennie and is concerned about his well being. Also, it exemplifies that George depends on Lennie to not cause any trouble so they don't lose another job. Furthermore, George tells Lennie to "Hide til I come for you. Don't let nobody see you. Hide in the brush by the river" (Steinbeck 30). This displays that George and Lennie have a plan if anything happens to go wrong and they need an escape. It also demonstrates how Lennie depends on George to protect him even if Lennie is bigger and stronger. In addition, when talking to Slim, Lennie admits "We kinda look after each other. He ain't bright. Hell of a good worker, though. Hell of a nice fella, but he ain't bright. I've known him for a long time" (Steinbeck 34). This proves that it is a known relationship between the two friends, that they will protect each other when necessary. Also, it reveals that George depends on Lennie to be a hard worker, even though he isn't very smart, so they can maintain an income. Lennie and George's relationship consists on the reliance and dependence of one another which helps them stay together. 

Summer Reading Essay

Jordan Miller

Mr. Beattie

English 1 Honors

16 September 2012

Why Defending Jacob Should Be Read By Freshmen

 

Summer reading is an important thing to do because it keeps one's mind active while on a break. The book that one is assigned or that one has chosen could be very engaging and one might not be able to put it down. On the other hand it could be so dull one could not get through a single page let alone numerous chapters. Defending Jacob by William Landay was about a boy in a quiet town who was accused of murder which completely changed his life. Incoming freshmen should read Defending Jacob because it teaches important lessons, is informative on the United States legal system, and shows how a relationship can change.

Incoming freshmen should read Defending Jacob because it teaches important life lessons. For example, the author writes "The priest may be a pedophile, the cop a crook; the loving husband and father may harbor a filthy secret" (Landay 219). This exemplifies that people may not be what they appear on the outside. This also shows that even though one might think they know someone, buy they could be completely wrong. In addition, after the trial is over, the author says "Life goes on, probably too long if we're honest about it" (Landay 387). This reveals that even after a drastic event occurs, people move on and let go of what has happened. Also, this indicates that even though life may seem difficult at times, it will still continue on. Defending Jacob teaches important lessons which are why incoming freshmen should be required to read it.

Defending Jacob would be a good book for freshmen to read because it provides information in how the United States legal system works. For instance, Andy Barber told Neal Logiuduce "Never mind how weak your case is. Stick to the system. Play the game the same way it's been played the last five-hundred-odd years, use the same gutter tactic that has always governed cross-examination— lure, trap, f**k" (Landay 5). This demonstrates how the prosecutor must lure the witness and then trap them, using clever wordings and confusing questions. It also displays how that the prosecutor will go for the kill after the "trap" has been successful and then the defendant will be portrayed as guilty. Furthermore, the author explains "Twelve jurors, plus two alternates who would hear all the evidence but would not take part in the deliberations unless one of the jurors dropped out" (Landay 256). This clarifies how many jurors are present in a courtroom and the substitutions in the case of a loss in a juror. It being informative on the legal system in the United States makes Defending Jacob a wise choice for incoming freshmen.

Defending Jacob would be a well suited book for freshmen to read because it shows how a relationship can change. For example, Andrew Barber believes "A good marriage drags a long tail of memory behind it. A single word or gesture, a tone of voice can conjure up so many remembrances. Laurie and [he] had been flirting like this for thirty-odd years, since the day [they] met in college and [they] both went a little love-crazy" (Landay 26). This shows that before the whole deal in court happened, Laurie and Andy were happily married and had an intimate relationship. This also reveals that after all of those years, they still really loved each other even after all of the arguments and fights they may have had. Furthermore, Andrew observes "[They] had spoken very little in the morning as [they] ate, dressed and got read for court. It crossed [his] mind for the first time that [they] were headed for divorce. However the trial turned out, Laurie would leave [him] when it was over. [He] could tell she was eyeing [him], making up her mind. This displays how during the course of the trial, Andy was worried about his relationship with his wife and didn't think that it would survive. This proves that no matter how strong a relationship may seem, there are factors that can threaten to break it. Its demonstration of how a relationship can change makes Defending Jacob an excellent novel for freshmen to read.

In result of its important life lessons, information on the legal system, and display of how a relationship can change, Defending Jacob would be a fine book for freshmen to read. Over a long academic break, an engaging novel is a desired bridge to keep the brain active summer reading for freshmen is a gateway to high school which makes it very important. One's summer reading choice gives them a general idea of the level of expectation of them throughout their high school years.

Body Paragraphs (MEAT) and Conclusions: September 11, 2012

M: A negative impact is made on her social life after Cady Heron deceives the people around her.

E: Cady Heron pretends to be friends with Regina George and the other “Plastics” when really she is plotting against them.

A: For example, Regina and her friends hate Cady when they find out that all along, she was against them rather than being a genuine friend.

A: In addition, The Plastics do not want anything to do with Cady since she stabbed them in the back after they had welcomed her to their table which was obviously a rare occurrence.

E: After the “Burn Book” is released, Cady takes the fall for it and when everyone finds out, they hate her.

A: In the “Burn Book” Ms. Norbury was accused of selling drugs which required the police to search her house. In result, Ms. Norbury was obviously upset and as punishment forced Cady onto the Mathletes Team which was earlier labeled as “social suicide”.

A: Regina’s ex-boyfriend, Aaron Samuels, who Cady stole from Regina, thought whoever wrote the book was just a stupid girl who made up rumors because they were bored with their own lame life. He then found out that it was indeed Cady and was very disappointed, and didn’t want to associate with her.

T: Cady’s fake act backfired on her and caused everyone to hate her.

M: Cady’s change in priorities caused her to be something that she is not.

E: Her goal to fit in with “The Plastics” caused Cady’s grades to decrease.

A: For instance, before she had formulated her plan with Janice, Cady did very well in school especially in math. One of the aspects of the plan included breaking up Aaron and Regina and this required Cady to act stupid so she could lure him away from her.

A: Furthermore, Cady was thinking of joining the Matheletes but after talking about “The Plastics” about it they convinced her not to because it was “social suicide” even though this would have kept her focused on her academics.

E: Her relationship with her parents was lost as Cady’s new priority was to overtake Regina.

A: For example, Cady’s declining grades disappointed her parents because they expected her to get better grades since she normally did very well.

A: Furthermore, her new attitude cause her mother to be intimidated by her and her father to be aggravated because she used to be a sweet girl who got along with them.

T: Cady’s new priorities changed her and made her become mean and fake.

M: Her new behavior caused her family and friends to no longer trust her.

E: Janice and Damien, the first two people who befriended her, lost their faith in her after she had been transformed.

A: For example, when asked by Janice and Damien if they could hang out together, Cady said that she had something devised to sabotage “The Plastics” which did not go along with the original plan. when Janice invited her to an art showing, Cady lied and said that she had to go to Madison with her parents. Janice and Damien found out she was throwing a party and was very angry that she had lied to them in order to live her fake life rather than spend time with them.

A: Furthermore, when Janice invited her to an art showing, Cady lied and said that she had to go to Madison with her parents. Janice and Damien found out she was throwing a party and was very angry that she had lied to them in order to live her fake life rather than spend time with them.

E: When the truth came out that Cady was secretly against “The Plastics” all along, Regina did not trust her anymore.

A: For instance, at the assembly that was held for all of the girls involved, Janice told everyone the truth about Cady which resulted in Regina being furious with Cady and fleeing the school.

A: In addition, Regina no longer socialized with Cady because of her betrayal after she had allowed herself to be vulnerable around Cady by bestowing trust in her.

T: Cady’s choice to abandon the trust of her friends and family negatively affected her.

Her decisions regarding her social life, priorities, and trust caused Cady to have to deal with some difficult consequences. She acted fake which caused her peers to hate her. Cady’s attempt at being a popular girl backfired on her. In high school, it can be difficult to fit in and also stay true to who you are. The choices we make and the chances we take can affect everyone around us and even change our entire lives.

Blog Assignment 2: Intro and Thesis

A bus zooms by as she crosses the street, nearly hitting her. At a new school, it can be very nerve-racking and some people would do anything to fit in. Decisions can affect everyone around you, whether they are big or small. In the movie Mean Girls, starring Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, Cady makes a seemingly small decision that has huge consequences. Cady's decision to pretend to be someone she's not to fit in causes a negative impact on her social life, a change in priorities, and loss of trust.

Jordan Miller Blog Assignment #1: What do humans need in order to live a fulfilling life?

In order for humans to live a fulfilling life, they need many things. First, we need a life goal, or an ideal way we would like to turn out. This shapes how we live our life and we will spend our whole lives working towards that. On the way to that dream place, we will set numerous smaller goals that won't take as long to accomplish. Another thing that goes along with accomplishments is determination. If you work hard and truly believe that you can succeed at your goal then you most likely can. We as humans also need to feel acceptance. Whether its among peers, family, or whoever else, this feeling is needed. Acceptance can also be interpreted as love. In a lifetime, you will deal with love and relationships a lot and if you are successful in building strong relations, you will be content. When you are on your death bed, or maybe even now, and look at your life, if you have lived it fully then it will be one that you are proud and satisfied with.