Pygmalion, Translations

The last few units of my English course taught me that there is power in relationships.  You can gain power anywhere from language to names to education.  In Pygmalion, I learned how the way you speak can give you power, no matter who you are or where you're from.  "You see this creature with her kerbstone English: the English that will keep her in the gutter to the end of her days. Well, sir, in three months I could pass that girl off as a duchess at an ambassador's garden party. I could even get her a place as lady's maid or shop assistant, which requires better English." (Shaw 1.129).  I have learned from the transformation of Eliza how important it is to speak a proper language.  This showed me that literature can be didactic, or teaching a lesson.

Another novel that taught me about power in relationships was Translations.  I never knew how important the language you speak can determine your power.  It makes sense though.  If you look in the real world, many Americans do not like illegal immigrants coming into our country.  They automatically associate those who speak Spanish primarily as lower class and menial.  If you do not speak English, you are not welcome, meaning little to no power.  This is the same idea that is conveyed in this novel.  I learned through the themes of this story that language, education, and national identity affect one's power.

"Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides." - Rita Mae Brown

(You can't talk about high school English without some kind of Shakespeare reference!)

Frankenstein, Three Cups of Tea

Being interested in science like I am, Frankenstein really stuck out to me.  Frankenstein must have had a great scientific mind to resurrect the dead like he did.  But I've learned from this novel that we have creative responsibility.  We must take responsibility for what we create, for we are the creator, not the created.  I also learned a little bit about symbolism - or representation of things or ideas.  For example, you could see Victor symbolizing God, since he created life just as God does.

"Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live?" (Shelly 163) - This quote taught me that it is important to have creative responsibility.

Three Cups of Tea is a must read by people of all ages, from school kids to people in Congress.  Its about a man who tries to promote world peace to the Middle East by education.  The author uses many metaphors, or comparisons of unlike things, to convey his vision.  "If we try to resolve terrorism with military might and nothing else, then we will be no safer than we were before 9/11. If we truly want a legacy of peace for our children, we need to understand that this is a war that will ultimately be won with books, not with bombs." - Greg Mortenson.  I truly believe that if Mortenson can reach his goal and educate the Middle East, then the world will experience a time of great peace.  He has a tremendous dream, and reading his story has taught me to follow my own dreams, no matter how large they can be.

Farenheit 451, Brave New World

I really enjoyed Farenheit 451.  Its amazing how a government can create a dystopia, or a society where the citizens think everything's perfect, but they are really being controlled.  The government controls what the people believe by burning books and instilling ideas into the people's minds by their uses of different kinds of propaganda.  These types of futuristic stories always grab my attention easily.

Another novel that incoroprates the idea of a dystopia is Brave New World.  I just find it amazing how the government can control so much.  It makes me wonder how much does my own government control over me that I am not even aware of.  This story taught me that it is important to be an individual, and we are lucky and priveliged to have the amount of freedom that we do in our country.

"He who is brave is free." - Seneca, Roman Philosopher, 1st Century AD

Just a quick overview

There were its ups and downs, highs and lows, but I took a lot out of my high school English classes.  I may have made good grades, but the fact of the matter is that English is my worst and least favorite subject (but of course not because of the teacher!).  But I hung in there, and I believe it paid off.  I learned so much about literature that I never knew before.  I understand now what all the terms and confusing phrases stand for.  I also had some fun along the way.  And the novels.  I may not have wanted to read them, but it was necessary.  They taught me lessons about why we do things in English as well as life.  From Farenheit 451 all the way to Brave New World, I will remember these works forever.  I will now preview 6 of my most notable novels, and what they mean to me.