Vocab List #3

accolade- any award or honor.

The play received accolades from the press.

acerbity- sourness, with roughness of taste.

She experienced acerbity when she tried nopales for the first time.

attrition- a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength.

Our gym has had a high rate of attrition because so many members have moved away.

bromide- a platitude or trite saying.

The commencement address was a bromide.

chauvinist- blind enthusiast for military glory.

Naïve Americans can be considered chauvinists when it comes to their opinion on the American military.

chronic- constant; habitual.

James was a chronic liar.

expound- to set forth or state in detail.

Charles Darwin expounded his theories on natural selection.

factionalism- affiliation with a group of people inside a political party.

Mitt Romney is a part of the Republican factionalism.

immaculate- free from spot or stain.

The man wore a shirt derived from immaculate linen.

imprecation- the act of cursing.

Someone with terrets can’t be rightly accused for imprecation.

ineluctable- incapable of being evaded.

Justin has an ineluctable destiny.

mercurial- changeable; volatile.

Human nature can be described as mercurial.

palliate- to relieve or lessen without curing; alleviate.

Vikoden is used to palliate pain.

protocol- the customs and regulations dealing with diplomatic etiquette.

The president being secure at all times is protocol for the Secret Service.

resplendent- shining brilliantly; gleaming.

The jewel was resplendent because it was just cleaned.

stigmatize- to set some mark of disgrace or infamy upon.

The crime of the father stigmatized the whole family.

sub rosa- confidentially; secretly; privately.

The document was sub rosa stolen.

vainglory- excessive elation or pride over one’s own achievements.

It is arguable that Beowulf possesses vainglory.

vestige- visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence.

A few columns were the last vestiges of a Creek temple.

volition- the act of willing, choosing, or resolving.

She left of her own volition.

Beowulf Questions

The questions took me an hour and a half individually but my group contributed as well to the questions. My group consisted of Kris Green, Justin Thompson, Josh Ng, Jason Reinwald, Will Versoki, and Ryland Towne.

[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (lines 1-85, pp. 33-34)

1. The way Shield became ruler of the Danes was unusual because he was an orphan that was adopted by the king of the Danes. Shield’s funeral was one of the most magnificent and noteworthy for a king because he was laid to rest on a ship covered in gold and treasure. Shield is Hrothgar’s great grandfather.

[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)

1. Hrothgar undertook the responsibility to construct Heorot, it was a mead-hall, the greatest the world had ever seen. Grendel attacked the Heorot everynight for 12 years killing many men which brought sorrow to Hrothgar and the Danes. The Danes lost hope in God and went to temples, idols, and even tried praying to the Devil to rid Grendel from their land.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)

1. When Beowulf learned of Grendel he gathered soldiers and set sail for the Danish nation that Grendel terrorized.

2. When the Geats first arrive in Denmark they encounter the sea-guard of the Danes. The sea-guard warns the Geats not to raid the Danes, however, Beowulf informs the guard that he has come to help Hrothgar slay Grendel.

3. Hrothgar’s messenger is named Wulfgar and he tells Beowulf and his men that he has never seen braver strangers as them. Wulfgar tells Hrothgar to exchange words with Beowulf because of his flabbergasting bravery and stature. Hrothgar tells Wulfgar to bring Beowulf to him so that they may discuss about Grendel. I am surprised Hrothgar knows so much about Beowulf.

4. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he will slay Grendel if Hrothgar in return provides shelter and food to his men during his time in Denmark. Hrothgar paid off Beowulf’s father’s feuds and now Beowulf has returned to repay an old favor.

[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. Unferth accuses Beowulf of vanity and losing to Breca in a contest. Beowulf explains that he was busy killing nine sea monsters, and declares his strength. Then he accuses Unferth of being responsible for the death on his family. This does indeed show Beowulf's arrogance and will to prove himself to others.

2. During the feast Queen Wealhtheow greeted everyone including Beowulf, and she thanked god he had come.

[The Fight with Grendel] (lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)

1. Instead of arming for battle Beowulf disarms for battle, removing his armor and putting away his sword.

2. Grendel kills a man grotesquely when he enters the room then goes after Beowulf. Beowulf grabs Grendel and Grendel thrashes around trying to break free. Beowulf tore off Grendel's arm as he tried to escape. He does escape, but loses his arm, a fatal wound.

[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60)

1. Beowulf is like Sigemund because he is a hero who saved others from a monster and he's not like Heremod because Heremod was a selfish king who never protected his people, unlike Beowulf.

2. Hrothgar considers Beowulf as a son, and gives him a sword, a shield, a golden set of armor, and a helmet. Unferth has nothing more to say as Beowulf is clearly a hero.

3. Finn's (leader of the Frisians) step brother (leader of the Scyldings) dies in battle, and his second in command makes truce in the war with the Frisians. With the truce the Scyldings stayed with Finn over winter, eventually killing him and leaving back with his sister Hildeburh. Using a woman to heal relations is not a good idea.

4. Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to give the throne to Beowulf.

5. The necklace Beowulf is given, Beowulf eventually gives to his uncle Hygelac. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to look after and care for her sons.

6. So many men remain in the beer hall because they don't know the danger to come, that Grendel's mother is soon coming to find revenge.

[Another Attack] (lines 1251-1382, pp. 60-62)

1. Grendel's mother has come to Heorot because she is angry about the death of her son. It is not for the same reason that Grendel had, she has come in anger and vengeance for her son.

2. Hrothgar is in great sorrow after Grendel's mother takes the kings advisor and close friend, Aeschere. Hrothgar offers Beowulf chests of gold and riches to slay the evil monster and free them yet again from evil.

3.  The mere is like a lake, except it has water that boils and is full of sea serpents and dragons. No man has ever reached the bottom of the mere and very few have ever gone near it. It is where Grendel and his mother have their den.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother] (lines 1383-1650, pp. 63-68)

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond to Grendel's mother by sending Beowulf and his men to slay her so that they can be free from the demons.

2. Before Beowulf enters the mere, he shoots one of the serpents with an arrow that lives within the dark waters of the mere.

3. Beowulf prepares for battle by dressing in “noble garments”.  Unferth gives Beowulf the sword popularly known as Hrunting.  It is a sword which has failed no man in battle.

4. When Beowulf enters the mere he spends the majority of the day swimming to the bottom.  When he finally reaches the bed of the mere, Grendel’s mother feels Beowulf’s presence and grabs him.  Grendel’s mother lives in a cave at the bottom of the mere which is engulfed with the blood and gore of humans that the giants have killed.

5. The sword that Beowulf borrowed from Unferth becomes useless when trying to penetrate the skin of Grendel’s mother.

6. Grendel’s mother cannot penetrate the armor of Beowulf which allows Beowulf enough time to escape from yet another blow of her knife.

7. Beowulf kills Grendel’s mother by slicing at her neck with a sword made for giants.  When Grendel’s mother dies a light appears guiding Beowulf out of the cave.  Yet before he leaves he cuts off the head of Grendel’s body, and brings it to the surface.  The blood of Grendel melts the sword he used to kill Grendel’s mother.  The hilt of the sword is still intact however so he brings it to the surface along with Grendel’s head.

8. He finds his small group of Geats awaiting his return.  His men did not expect him to return.

[Further Celebration at Heorot] (lines 1651-1798, pp. 68-71)

1. Beowulf gives to Hrothgar the head of Grendel and the sword hilt he used to kill Grendel’s mother.

2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf that he will provide protection for him and that Beowulf must be good to his people.  Hrothgar tells us that Heremod was a terrible king who searched only for death and destruction.  He tells us this so that Beowulf understands how to be a just and fair leader.  Heremod dies alone because of the pain he beset on his people.  Hrothgar teaches us the example of how to lead when given an overwhelming source of power.

3. Unferth receives the sword he let Beowulf borrow when trying the kill Grendel’s mother.

 [Beowulf Returns Home] (lines 1799-2199, pp. 71-79)

1. He will be the king of Geats, receive many treasures, and make peace with other nations. It’s a very hopeful future.

2. Hygd is very young and beautiful. She is wise while Modthryth is very evil and merciless.

3. He wants to end the feud between the Danes and Ingeld. Ingled will devoice the daughter and attack Hrothgar. An old warrior will convince Ingeld to fight. No because hero’s are supposed to be always act with honor.

4. He reports his adventures in a very exaggerated way. He’s honest about the story but he explains it in a way that builds himself up more. It’s not that expected because he’s supposed to a noble hero but he is concerned about glory so it makes sense.

5. Beowulf gives most of his treasure to Hygelac and Hygd and in return Hygd gives him treasure and land for himself.

[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)

1. Part 2 takes place forty winters (forty years) later. Hygelac has died and there is now a dragon.

2. Thief has stolen his gold (cup). The man was poor and hungry. It was left there by a man from an ancient race who realized he like his ancestors would die and therefore buried the treasure.

3. The dragon just rampaged through the land trying to find the thief and destroys his throne hall.

4. He believes he has angered God. He makes a new shield to fight the dragon. He will fight it alone. He will die.

5. He dies against the Frisians. Beowulf was able to get away but he mourned for his death. He was offered the thrown. He did not out of respect for Hygelac.

6. Heardred is killed while fighting the Swedes.  Beowulf avenges him by killing Onela, the Swedish king.7.  Beowulf brings eleven men (he is “one of twelve”) with him to meet the dragon.

8. Hygelac’s oldest brother Herebeald was killed by a relative (Haethcyn).  An arrow missed its target and him Herebeald, killing him.  King Hrethel was devastated.  There is a lengthy portion detailing his lamentations.  War breaks out between the Swedes and the Geats.  Beowulf avenges Hygelac’s death by defeating Daeghrefn in front of “the legions”.

 [Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] (lines 2510-2820, pp. 86-92)

1.  Beowulf tells his companions to wait back while he fights the dragon.  He reasons that he is the only one among them that has any hope of killing it.

2.  The first time Beowulf faces the dragon, his shield, helmet, and sword fail him, and he is wounded.  His companions all flee the dragon, except for Wiglaf, who stays to help.  He tells the others that Beowulf chose them as his companions because he believed them to be great warriors, and that they should not abandon him now in his time of need.  He rushes in to aid Beowulf.

3. The second time Beowulf meets the dragon, the dragon bites him on the neck—leaving a mortal wound.  Wiglaf ultimately impales the dragon.

4.  Beowulf tells Wiglaf to bring the dragon’s treasure to him.  Beowulf thanks God for the treasure.  Beowulf wants to be buried in tower on a high cliff by the water.  He wants sailors to see the tower and remember his name.

[Beowulf's Funeral] (lines 2821-3182, pp. 92-99)

1. The warriors see Wiglaf trying to reviveBeowulf. Wiglaf gets mad at them for leaving Beowolf. Wiglaf expects the Geatsto be attacked and their nation destroyed.

2. The messenger announces that Beowulf is dead.Ongentheow and his men make fun of the Geats. Hygelac comes to the Geats with reinforcements.Ongentheow retreated once he saw more men. Ongentheow was cornered by Hygelacand was killed. The messenger says that the treasure is cursed. Beowulf can’tbe cursed because he had never been greedy. The final image is of a dragon.

3. Wiglaf tells the crowd how great Beowulf was atfighting.

4. The dragon was pushed off the edge of the cliffinto the ocean because it was evil.

5. The Geats mourned and sung and everyone was sadduring the ten day burial.

6. The Geats say that Beowulf was a kind man. It isnot something you would usually call a war hero who is killing a lot of people.

The 1987 Exam: Essay Question #2

            “The Grapes of Wrath” takes place during the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s and tells the story of a family looking for work in California. “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck is meant to modify your attitude of American employers and American hospitality which were traditions that were challenged throughout the book. The author uses techniques like irony to influence the reader’s views.

            “The Grapes of Wrath” explains the Joad’s trouble of finding work in California because of the scarcity of jobs. Employers in California were deceitful to many American families, they found themselves scavenging for scraps of food and praying to find work. I find this ironic because I know American hospitality very well and throughout this book most California employers and police treated American families like dirt. John Steinbeck modifies your belief of American behavior in the 1900s.

            “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck challenges your vies on generosity and compassion. Thousands of families that were looking for work found no help and were treated like slaves. American employers preferred to hire Mexicans instead of Americans which was cruel and challenged your view on American employers in the 1900s yet again. Police men threatened many Americans who were just looking for work. John Steinbeck modifies your views on police officers in the 1900s.

            “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck is meant to modify your attitude of American employers and American hospitality which were traditions that were challenged throughout the book. The author uses techniques like irony to influence the reader’s views. American employers acted like demons in the 1930s because of their cruel treatment of American families. American hospitality was nonexistent in the 1930s because it was replaced by atrocities committed by American police officers.

The 1987 Exam: Essay Question #1

            Leisure allows people to relax and release themselves from daily duties. George Eliot compares the true meaning of leisure with leisure in the society of her own time. She uses stylistic devices like personification and imagery.

            “Old Leisure” was free from politics and “undiseased by hypothesis.” “Old Leisure” is described by Eliot through the use of imagery, for example, “He lived chiefly in the country, among pleasant seats and homesteads, and was fond of sauntering by the fruit tree wall, and scenting the apricots when they were warmed by the morning sunshine.” “Old Leisure” was a “man” of peace and relaxation on weekends, he “carried a great deal of beer or port-wine.”
“Old Leisure” is also described through the use of personification, for example, “He was a contemplative, rather stout gentleman, of excellent digestion.” “Old Leisure” is described by Eliot to dictate the connotation of leisure which differs with leisure in the society of her own time.

            Leisure in the society of her own time is “gone,” there was never any relaxation in the Industrial Age; everyone was working 24/7. Leisure in her won time is described through imagery, for example, “Leisure is gone- gone where the spinning wheels are gone, and the pack horses, and the slow wagons, and the pedlars, who brought bargains to the door on sunny afternoons.” “The ingenious philosophers tell you that the steam engine is to create leisure for mankind” yet, leisure is nonexistent in society during most of the 1800s due to the demand of mass production of products. Leisure in the society of her own time has been relinquished from daily life to the huge demand for work in the 1800s.

            George Eliot compares the true meaning of leisure of “Old Leisure” to leisure in the society of her own time. Eliot uses stylistic devices like personification and imagery to convey her views. “Old Leisure” was a man of Zen without the constant meditation but, the main message was “Old Leisure” knew how to relax unlike the people of the 1800s. Leisure in the society of her own time was nonexistent and was replaced by labor which dominated people’s free time.

Reflections on Week #1

1. I don't really need my friends to hassle me to finish my assignments because I am usually responsible enough to accomplish my homework without any incentive besides my own. I already have a computer in my possession so it won't be a hassle to finish my assignments that involve the Internet. My family doesn't really encourage me to do my homework because they know I will do it without them having to harass me about it.
2. The best learning experience I ever experienced was in Dr. Preston's honors english class sophmore year. He inspired me to put more effort into my work and taught the class in a non traditional fashion which was foreign to me at the time. I learned that if I really want to accomplish my goals in life that I would have to try my hardest because nothing is free in this life and I would have to earn everything.
3. I look forward to another year learning from Dr. Preston. I hope that I will be given the material necessary for me to pass the AP Exam in May. I believe this class will impact my life because it will require hours of dedication and studying to not only pass the class but to pass the AP Exam.

1987 AP Exam

The 1987 AP Literature Exam was fairly difficult for me because it is different than the AP English Language Exam. Many words used in the passages and questions were new and unknown to me so it was hard to interpret some of the questions and answers throughout the exam. The hardest questions for me to answer were #8,27, and 29 because I just didn't have any idea how to answer those questions. The easy questions for me were #17, 47, and 51 because they were simple questions and the passages basically answered the question for you which is unlikely on AP tests. Here are my answers to the '87 Exam:
1.E
2.E
3.C
4.E
5.D
6.C
7.D
8.A
9.A
10.C
11.D
12.B
13.D
14.C
15.E
16.B
17.C
18.D
19.A
20.B
21.D
22.D
23.B
24.C
25.C
26.E
27.E
28.D
29.B
30.B
31.D
32.B
33-46 were not listed on the exam
47.B
48.D
49.C
50.C
51.C
52.B
53.D
54.B
55.C
56.D
57.C
58.D
59.B
60.B
61.A

Additional Thoughts: Montaigne/Austen Essay

1. If I had more time I would have wrote a 5 paragraph essay instead of 4 paragraphs. I would have gone into greater detail about the differences and similarites in both Montaigne's and Austen's styles. I also would have liked to improve my conclusion by summarizing my essay better and not just writing to fill up space. I also realized that I didn't answer the essay question in full due to the time limit. I didn't have enough time to  compare their themes in enough detail to support my answer to the essay question.

2. After I left I realized that my introduction was lacking in catching the interest of the reader. My essay as a whole wasn't very appealing in the sense that it was more informational than interesting, however, I guess an essay is meant to be more informational but being both informational and interesting couldn't hurt my grade. My essay was also lacking in support of my statements made throughout my essay.

3. The interruption completely messed up my thought pattern because I was focusing on what to write next but by the time I had returned to class my thoughts were jumbled and completing the essay was a challenge and a hassle from then on. I like to finish an essay in one sitting because I like to write all my ideas at once because they will probably be forgotten later.

Assignment #1: Orientation Video

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I enlisted in this course because the first time around was such a memorable experience that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to learn from Dr. Preston again. I am not really nervous about taking this AP class because Dr. Preston taught me so much sophmore year, if anything I am eager to see what challenges he has in store for me.There is nothing more I crave for than a challenge because I like being under pressure and I believe I accomplish more when I am being challenged. I only have one year left in high school and I want to learn as much as possible before I enter college and I believe Dr. Preston can do that for me.

I only have one goal in this course and that is to stay optimistic and open-minded because if I don't have these qualities I won't learn anything. Dr. Preston won't fail me I am sure of this, he will try his hardest to teach not just me but the entire class valuable tools and information that will help us in the future. I don't have a doubt in my mind that by the time I graduate from high school next year that I will walk off that stage a more intelligent and open-minded person because of Dr. Preston.