Summary:
In these last few pages of the book Melinda transforms from the completely quite, antisocial girl to the mature and outspoken teenager. In particular, one of her lost long friends, Ivy, asks Melinda what has happened to her and Melinda bluntly reveals to Ivy that she was raped by Andy Evans and comes to find out Ivy was almost raped by Andy as well. The details are that Ivy went on a date with Andy to the movies and he tried touching her during previews. Furthermore, Melinda resumes family time; In fact, she watches an arborist chain saw the oak trees dead branches with her father and then stays with him for breakfast. In other words, Melinda has recuperated from her depression and decides to bloom as an individual. In addition, Melinda starts to ride her bike again and takes herself to a desolated area pass her school and Rachel's home where she can think about all that has happened. Melinda decides to transform her ways and begins to help around the house. Mrs.Sordino becomes impressed when she drives up at dinnertime and Melinda has raked the front lawn, mowed it, and even cleaned the kitchen as well as vacuumed it. Moreover, prom has passed and she finds out Rachel ditched Andy in the middle of a song. Andy was grinding against Rachel infuriating her and so she left him for her exchange-student buddies on the dance floor.While Melinda is taking off her posters from her closet walls at school, she encounters belligerent Andy Evans. Andy tells Melinda she has a big mouth and that all she is is jealous because she can't get a date; Andy then slams his body against Melinda grabbing her wrists so tight back that she feels her bones splintering. Melinda then imminently shrieks "NO" after he fist her in the lip. Since Melinda sensed the screaming wouldn't work, she slammed a block of wood against a glass mirror and held it into Andy's neck. She thought about killing him but just waits until she sees blood dripping down his chest. By this point the lacrosse team starts pounding on the door and when they see what has happened, run for help.
Quote:
"I follow the sound, pushing off the wall, pushing Andy Evans off-balance, stumbling into the broken sink... I said no..."(Anderson 194).
Reaction:
This quote clearly shows how much Melinda has changed from the beginning of the book. She no longer is bullied and speaks for herself. I was completely correct in assuming that Melinda would change by the end of the book. Halse Anderson had her be this weak and vulnerable teenager to then develop into the person she is now.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Why Would I Speak? 150-185
Summary:
The fourth marking term has just came into play. Melinda brings up her grades, passed her first Algebra test, amd has been going to most of her classes. She has a new Science Lab partner, David Petrakis, who has started looking into the senior class GPA's and college acceptances. Melinda is very disillusioned that her parents didn't celebrate Easter this year and reminisces on the old days when they would hide colored eggs all over the house. Melinda is preocuppied with Rachelle's obsession for Andy. All Rachelle talks and thinks is Andy but she doesn't truly know all he desires is to use her like he used Melinda. In addition, Melinda has grown an intense hatred for Mr. Freeman because he criticized her tree project; in fact, he proclaimed that it was unnatural, it didn't flow, and that it was boring. She then attempted to redo the tree and came to an agreement that if she were famous, her innovation would be really popular and would sell for a fortune. Furthermore, Melindas history teacher Mr.Neck offers an extra credit opportunity for those that are flunking the class. The assignment was to write a report on a Cultural Influence at the Turn of the Century. Melinda decides to write about the suffragettes and how women could not vote, own property, or allowed in numerous schools because she was one of the numerous students failing. She wrote the best report in her academic history and used books, magazines, articles, and even a videotape as sources. However, Melinda was not aware that to receive credit for her report, she had to deliver it orally and thus earned a D for not reciting. She comes to find out David, the boy with the lawyer qualities, has a crush on her and tries to console her when she tells him of her miserable mark. Melinda then begins to plan for a mental-health day where she can just stay home in pajamas, eat ice cream, and watch TrashTV. In the morning her mother takes her temperature, and surprisingly discovers Melinda has a fever. Melinda finally makes up with Heather, Heather apologizes and tells her how bold Melinda was for leaving the Marthas Club. The Marthas were forced to decorate the entire prom and Heather refused to put up with such pressure. Melinda feels overwhelmed to have friends back in her life and seems to have pulled out of her shell. At last, Melinda reveals to Rachel that her boyfriend Andy raped her at the summer party and that that was why she called the police.
Quote:
"I got my hopes up halfway through the conversation with Rachel- that was a mistake. It was like smelling the perfect Christmas feast and having the door slammed in your face, leaving you alone in the cold"( Anderson 185).
Reaction:
Melinda finally reveals why she called the cops at Rachel's summer party. However, the reaction she received was not what she expected. Rachel, the only girl she still confided in, shrieked that Melinda was lying and that Andy would never do anything of that sort to a girl. Halse Anderson reveals how sullen and dejected Melinda felt when Rachel stated that in this here quote. The imagery in these words really came about clearly. I could picture myself abandoned in the freezing cold on Christmas Day. On another note, this scene in the book is very special for many different reasons. Primarily, the scene is important, for Halse Anderson has been building up suspense and tension to get to the scene where Melinda Speaks. Anderson purposely has Melinda hide her secret from her friends to build the agony and sorrow she was feeling at the time. In particular, there were days when Melinda skipped classes, failed tests, and cried herself to sleep. She was no longer the same person. Overall, the lesson I learned from Melinda's case is that one cannot hide the truth, for we end up hurting ourselves. Melinda had no friends, deteoridated herself mentally, and thus lived in depression and solitude for a very long time.
The fourth marking term has just came into play. Melinda brings up her grades, passed her first Algebra test, amd has been going to most of her classes. She has a new Science Lab partner, David Petrakis, who has started looking into the senior class GPA's and college acceptances. Melinda is very disillusioned that her parents didn't celebrate Easter this year and reminisces on the old days when they would hide colored eggs all over the house. Melinda is preocuppied with Rachelle's obsession for Andy. All Rachelle talks and thinks is Andy but she doesn't truly know all he desires is to use her like he used Melinda. In addition, Melinda has grown an intense hatred for Mr. Freeman because he criticized her tree project; in fact, he proclaimed that it was unnatural, it didn't flow, and that it was boring. She then attempted to redo the tree and came to an agreement that if she were famous, her innovation would be really popular and would sell for a fortune. Furthermore, Melindas history teacher Mr.Neck offers an extra credit opportunity for those that are flunking the class. The assignment was to write a report on a Cultural Influence at the Turn of the Century. Melinda decides to write about the suffragettes and how women could not vote, own property, or allowed in numerous schools because she was one of the numerous students failing. She wrote the best report in her academic history and used books, magazines, articles, and even a videotape as sources. However, Melinda was not aware that to receive credit for her report, she had to deliver it orally and thus earned a D for not reciting. She comes to find out David, the boy with the lawyer qualities, has a crush on her and tries to console her when she tells him of her miserable mark. Melinda then begins to plan for a mental-health day where she can just stay home in pajamas, eat ice cream, and watch TrashTV. In the morning her mother takes her temperature, and surprisingly discovers Melinda has a fever. Melinda finally makes up with Heather, Heather apologizes and tells her how bold Melinda was for leaving the Marthas Club. The Marthas were forced to decorate the entire prom and Heather refused to put up with such pressure. Melinda feels overwhelmed to have friends back in her life and seems to have pulled out of her shell. At last, Melinda reveals to Rachel that her boyfriend Andy raped her at the summer party and that that was why she called the police.
Quote:
"I got my hopes up halfway through the conversation with Rachel- that was a mistake. It was like smelling the perfect Christmas feast and having the door slammed in your face, leaving you alone in the cold"( Anderson 185).
Reaction:
Melinda finally reveals why she called the cops at Rachel's summer party. However, the reaction she received was not what she expected. Rachel, the only girl she still confided in, shrieked that Melinda was lying and that Andy would never do anything of that sort to a girl. Halse Anderson reveals how sullen and dejected Melinda felt when Rachel stated that in this here quote. The imagery in these words really came about clearly. I could picture myself abandoned in the freezing cold on Christmas Day. On another note, this scene in the book is very special for many different reasons. Primarily, the scene is important, for Halse Anderson has been building up suspense and tension to get to the scene where Melinda Speaks. Anderson purposely has Melinda hide her secret from her friends to build the agony and sorrow she was feeling at the time. In particular, there were days when Melinda skipped classes, failed tests, and cried herself to sleep. She was no longer the same person. Overall, the lesson I learned from Melinda's case is that one cannot hide the truth, for we end up hurting ourselves. Melinda had no friends, deteoridated herself mentally, and thus lived in depression and solitude for a very long time.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Why Would I Speak? 100-150
In Speak the entire school has prepared for Winter Break. The students usually decide to throw all kinds of objects at the school office as a sign of rebellion. Melinda has just got into an immense dispute with Heather, for Heather believes Melinda is boring, depressed, and needs professional help. She then reveals they never were real friends and have nothing in common. In other words, Melinda has become even more vulnerable and at this point in the book, has no friends for the second time. Valentines Day has arrived and belated Melinda finds an envelope in her locker. She decides to put it off for a while and goes to class before she reads it. She assumes it was from the only nice guy in class,David, and profusely thanks him for the letter. When she actually opens the letter she discovers the friendship necklace she gave Heather for Christmas. Heather wants nothing to do with Melinda and turns against her imminently. Melinda felt deteriorated and begins to skip school. While skipping school she ran into a guy she considers the devil. In simpler words, according to contextual clues, he was most likely the boy who raped her last summer. Melinda freezes when she sees the predator and bolts away when he indifferently waves at her. In addition, Merry Weather teachers have also transformed according to Melinda. Melinda's one and only favorite teacher, Mr. Freeman, has stopped running class conversations and even forgets he has students in his class. Melinda ultimately discovers herself ostracized and detested by her entire school community. At lunch one day, Melinda oversees the Martha Club and Heather talking behind her back. All she could see was their lips moving and their fingers pointing towards her, for she was so excluded from the rest of the school that it would have been formidable to actually hear them. Not only has Melinda's friends and family noticed she has changed, but her school counselors have also. They compare Melinda to the Melinda from last year and conclude they are drastically different. This year, she is far from the Honor Roll and has had numerous absences. Moreover, in these few chapters of the book, Melinda reveals hows she was raped. In fact, she explains that she went off with her friend Rachel to a Senior party one summer night and had a few drinks; Since the party was really hot, she went outside into the woods for some fresh air where she encountered a "sweet" boy. He looked very nice Melinda stated and kissed him right away. He began to touch her and by the time Melinda wanted to stop him, it was to late. He covered her mouth while she shrieked for him to stop and this was the nightmare that generated Melinda's social, academic, and psychological downfall.
Quote:
"There is a sprinkling of losers like me scattered among the happy teenagers, prunes in the oatmeal of school. The others have the social power to sit with other losers. I'm the only one sitting alone..."(Anderson 128).
Reaction:
This quote I believe is very powerful, for here we have Melinda categorizing her own self as a loser. It isn't other students calling her insulting names, but instead her own self. She continues to believe she has no true value and that her past has determined her present and future. What caught most my attention was the imagery in these few sentences. I can right away picture prunes in an oatmeal and how different and miserable Melinda feels compared to the rest of her school. In other words, although we are half through the book, Melinda has not changed as a character and continues to be the dejected teenager with no friends, love, and attention. I think that from this point on, Melinda might change as a character and will start making friends and opening up to her family and school community because as we know this is a story and if the miserable situation occurred at the beginning, we can foresee a good ending. All in all, that is only an inference, let's see what really happens! Anderson might have Melinda continue in a gloom until the last few pages of the book to keep us at the edge of our seats and in suspense.
Quote:
"There is a sprinkling of losers like me scattered among the happy teenagers, prunes in the oatmeal of school. The others have the social power to sit with other losers. I'm the only one sitting alone..."(Anderson 128).
Reaction:
This quote I believe is very powerful, for here we have Melinda categorizing her own self as a loser. It isn't other students calling her insulting names, but instead her own self. She continues to believe she has no true value and that her past has determined her present and future. What caught most my attention was the imagery in these few sentences. I can right away picture prunes in an oatmeal and how different and miserable Melinda feels compared to the rest of her school. In other words, although we are half through the book, Melinda has not changed as a character and continues to be the dejected teenager with no friends, love, and attention. I think that from this point on, Melinda might change as a character and will start making friends and opening up to her family and school community because as we know this is a story and if the miserable situation occurred at the beginning, we can foresee a good ending. All in all, that is only an inference, let's see what really happens! Anderson might have Melinda continue in a gloom until the last few pages of the book to keep us at the edge of our seats and in suspense.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Why Would I Speak? 50-100
Summary
By this point in Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda Sordino continues to feel ostracized from her school community and former friends. Halloween has just passed and she spends the holiday with her only friend Heather. Thanksgiving has just arrived and Melinda detests her mother's cooking. The Sordino family has broken off family bonding and so Melinda feels awkward coming in solidarity. Her father has made morose turkey soup and as an alternative orders pizza on Thanksgiving. Her mother owns a business and on Christmas break requires Melinda to help her reach her goal in selling a lot of merchandise so that she can end the year on good terms. Although Melinda has resumed doing horribly in school, she continues to receive A's in Art class. As a Christmas present, the Sordinos give Melinda a sketch pad with charcoal pencils. They have noticed she has been trying to draw and Melinda begins to speculate they know the truth about what happened last summer. Melinda's emotions exacerbate and she continues to feel trapped in her past. She has no idea how to explain to her parents what happened last summer, and so she continues to hide the secret that has changed her as a daughter, student, and friend. In addition, Ms.Connors, the Basketball coach, noticed Melinda's hidden gift. Melinda is very good at foul shots, and for once receives attention from her classmates for something good. However, in all of her other classes, she continues to get bullied and taunted. Moreover, Melinda discovers she is really good at Algebra and feels sympathetic towards her Algebra teacher. Mr.Stetman feels very passionate for Algebra but the rest of the class seems to not share his same conviction. At last, the Martha Club has ridiculed Melinda's posters and Melinda feels Heather didn't have the effrontery to stand up for her when Siobhan caused such a scene.
Quote:
"I almost tell them right then and there. Tears flood my eyes... This isn't going to be easy. I'm sure they suspect I was at the party"(Anderson 72).
Reaction:
In this here quote, the author Laurie Halse Anderson brings its readers back to the reason why the book Speak was written. Melinda Sordino was a victim of rape and because of stigma and fear, she decided to rather be bullied, ostracized, and looked at differently instead of revealing the truth. In other words, here we have Melinda suffering immensely with her secret and it becomes apparent with Anderson's use of imagery. I can imminently create an image where a young teenage girl has floods of tears flowing from her eyes, and how I as a teenager could be in and have been in that position. Sometimes we as individuals are very quick to judge, but we don't all walk a mile in those we judge's shoes. In fact, I would have right away labeled Melinda as the psycho girl who ruined my fun at a summer party but not as the girl who was raped and needs my attention and support to prevail through such agony. In addition, Anderson uses a great variety of figurative language especially similes and metaphors to make the reading more realistic and engaging. All in all the quote that personifies this part of the book is the American proverb,"Don't judge a book by its a cover" which is what I would have done when Melinda called the cops.
By this point in Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda Sordino continues to feel ostracized from her school community and former friends. Halloween has just passed and she spends the holiday with her only friend Heather. Thanksgiving has just arrived and Melinda detests her mother's cooking. The Sordino family has broken off family bonding and so Melinda feels awkward coming in solidarity. Her father has made morose turkey soup and as an alternative orders pizza on Thanksgiving. Her mother owns a business and on Christmas break requires Melinda to help her reach her goal in selling a lot of merchandise so that she can end the year on good terms. Although Melinda has resumed doing horribly in school, she continues to receive A's in Art class. As a Christmas present, the Sordinos give Melinda a sketch pad with charcoal pencils. They have noticed she has been trying to draw and Melinda begins to speculate they know the truth about what happened last summer. Melinda's emotions exacerbate and she continues to feel trapped in her past. She has no idea how to explain to her parents what happened last summer, and so she continues to hide the secret that has changed her as a daughter, student, and friend. In addition, Ms.Connors, the Basketball coach, noticed Melinda's hidden gift. Melinda is very good at foul shots, and for once receives attention from her classmates for something good. However, in all of her other classes, she continues to get bullied and taunted. Moreover, Melinda discovers she is really good at Algebra and feels sympathetic towards her Algebra teacher. Mr.Stetman feels very passionate for Algebra but the rest of the class seems to not share his same conviction. At last, the Martha Club has ridiculed Melinda's posters and Melinda feels Heather didn't have the effrontery to stand up for her when Siobhan caused such a scene.
Quote:
"I almost tell them right then and there. Tears flood my eyes... This isn't going to be easy. I'm sure they suspect I was at the party"(Anderson 72).
Reaction:
In this here quote, the author Laurie Halse Anderson brings its readers back to the reason why the book Speak was written. Melinda Sordino was a victim of rape and because of stigma and fear, she decided to rather be bullied, ostracized, and looked at differently instead of revealing the truth. In other words, here we have Melinda suffering immensely with her secret and it becomes apparent with Anderson's use of imagery. I can imminently create an image where a young teenage girl has floods of tears flowing from her eyes, and how I as a teenager could be in and have been in that position. Sometimes we as individuals are very quick to judge, but we don't all walk a mile in those we judge's shoes. In fact, I would have right away labeled Melinda as the psycho girl who ruined my fun at a summer party but not as the girl who was raped and needs my attention and support to prevail through such agony. In addition, Anderson uses a great variety of figurative language especially similes and metaphors to make the reading more realistic and engaging. All in all the quote that personifies this part of the book is the American proverb,"Don't judge a book by its a cover" which is what I would have done when Melinda called the cops.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Why Would I Speak? 1-50
Summary:
In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the main protagonist is Melinda Sordino. Melinda is an insecure ninth grader at Merry-Weather High School in Syracuse, New York. Melinda is being neglected and ostracized from her entire school community and feels immensely desolate when her former friends refuse to speak to her. Rachel was Melinda's best friend and after last summer becomes indifferent of her existence. Rachel has found new friends piercing Melinda deeply; Rachel was the girl she shared her deepest secrets with and the only person who fervently comprehended her. The students at MerryWeather seem to all have their own cliques, but Melinda feels she doesn't correspond in any of them. Melinda has seven periods, and feels a lack of inspiration and drive for school. In particular, Melinda's teachers intent to interact and socialize with her, but she refuses to let them in and tunes them out frequently. Melinda has tried to make new friends, but has difficulty speaking. Heather is the new girl in town who recently moved from Ohio; Heather just like Melinda, battles for a modicum of attention, but seems to have to fight less then Melinda for it. Heather becomes part of the Marthas Clan and with Melinda's help prevails through her first Martha project. The first pep rally happens at Merry High, and Melinda was knocked down three rows of bleachers. Melinda's parents have noticed she has been zoning off in school, and thus has dropped her grades. She only has one A on her report card, and received the mark in her dreadful Art class. On top of that, Melinda has been given numerous demerits from different staffs at MerryWeather for her tardiness and decisions to wander the school hallways. In other words, Melinda has started high school on the wrong foot, but no one can figure out why.
Quote:
"Thwap! A lump of potatoes and gravy hits me square in the center of my chest. All conversations stop as the entire lunchroom gawks, my face burning into their retinas" (Anderson 8).
Reaction:
Melinda is one of the many high school students gloated and bullied in the many high schools of the United States. However, it becomes more arduous when one is ridiculed in front of an entire cafeteria and disrespected by thrusting food at ones body. There are many people in the world, agonizing for food and here in Speak we have students throwing food at each other symbolizing apathy for others. Moreover, Halse Anderson makes clear how malicious it is to ostracize and reject a child with her profound figurative language. For example, on page five Anderson writes,"I grab a seat. Another wounded zebra turns and smiles at me." This metaphor serves to show the pain in Melinda when Merry Weather students laugh at her and abase her in front of a very big group of people. Moreover, this novel is an example of a Bildungs Roman, for Melinda feels accepted at home but when she walks out of her room, she feels targeted and neglected.
In the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the main protagonist is Melinda Sordino. Melinda is an insecure ninth grader at Merry-Weather High School in Syracuse, New York. Melinda is being neglected and ostracized from her entire school community and feels immensely desolate when her former friends refuse to speak to her. Rachel was Melinda's best friend and after last summer becomes indifferent of her existence. Rachel has found new friends piercing Melinda deeply; Rachel was the girl she shared her deepest secrets with and the only person who fervently comprehended her. The students at MerryWeather seem to all have their own cliques, but Melinda feels she doesn't correspond in any of them. Melinda has seven periods, and feels a lack of inspiration and drive for school. In particular, Melinda's teachers intent to interact and socialize with her, but she refuses to let them in and tunes them out frequently. Melinda has tried to make new friends, but has difficulty speaking. Heather is the new girl in town who recently moved from Ohio; Heather just like Melinda, battles for a modicum of attention, but seems to have to fight less then Melinda for it. Heather becomes part of the Marthas Clan and with Melinda's help prevails through her first Martha project. The first pep rally happens at Merry High, and Melinda was knocked down three rows of bleachers. Melinda's parents have noticed she has been zoning off in school, and thus has dropped her grades. She only has one A on her report card, and received the mark in her dreadful Art class. On top of that, Melinda has been given numerous demerits from different staffs at MerryWeather for her tardiness and decisions to wander the school hallways. In other words, Melinda has started high school on the wrong foot, but no one can figure out why.
Quote:
"Thwap! A lump of potatoes and gravy hits me square in the center of my chest. All conversations stop as the entire lunchroom gawks, my face burning into their retinas" (Anderson 8).
Reaction:
Melinda is one of the many high school students gloated and bullied in the many high schools of the United States. However, it becomes more arduous when one is ridiculed in front of an entire cafeteria and disrespected by thrusting food at ones body. There are many people in the world, agonizing for food and here in Speak we have students throwing food at each other symbolizing apathy for others. Moreover, Halse Anderson makes clear how malicious it is to ostracize and reject a child with her profound figurative language. For example, on page five Anderson writes,"I grab a seat. Another wounded zebra turns and smiles at me." This metaphor serves to show the pain in Melinda when Merry Weather students laugh at her and abase her in front of a very big group of people. Moreover, this novel is an example of a Bildungs Roman, for Melinda feels accepted at home but when she walks out of her room, she feels targeted and neglected.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Would You Cry? 250-312
The beginning of page 250 starts with the friendship created between Melba and Link. Link is the White boy that rescues Melba from falling into the hands of malicious Andy and his playmates. In the last few chapters of the book, Melba learns to not let her racist classmates irritate or scare her anymore. Instead, she imitates Gandhi and shuts all her ring leaders down with acute words. No longer does Andy or Danny phase Melba. In addition, Vince comes back into the picture during Easter. Melba and Vince sit together at church reminiscing on their old days when things were perfect. Also Melba and her eight friends are waiting to see if they can all graduate from Central High. Bigots don't want the Nine to graduate and thus plan to stop them from arriving at graduation by organizing a shooting the night before. Whites thought that if they let the Nine graduate, then there wouldn't be an ending to integration. Overall, the Little Rock Nine graduate from Central High and go on to pursue and do great things. Melba once again integrates San Francisco University where the colored people were only the cooks. Last but not least, Melba marries a White man and has a little girl by the name of Kellie. Although Patillo divorced from John, she still supports Kellie immensely. At last Melba attended Columbia University's Journalism School and became a great news reporter for NBC News.
Quote:
"Six months later I had married this bright, kind, green-eyed marital arts expert"( Patillo 311).
Reaction:
This quote completely portrays irony. In fact, after all the maltreatment Melba has been imposed to, she still marries a White man. In other words, Melba saw the obstacles she surpassed as lessons in life. They made her stronger and more receptive. Although many other Blacks would have not dated a White man, Melba had the effrontery to. She was nonchalant of her past and bloomed into a great women of experience. This irony definitely helped me get closer to Melba. I would have never thought Melba would have been such a dynamic character. In particular, Melba has a Bildungs Roman moment in the middle of the book and to top things off she ends her memoir with an ironic twist. This was definitely an amazing book that I would recommend other teenagers to read. It really changed me as a person! Woah
Quote:
"Six months later I had married this bright, kind, green-eyed marital arts expert"( Patillo 311).
Reaction:
This quote completely portrays irony. In fact, after all the maltreatment Melba has been imposed to, she still marries a White man. In other words, Melba saw the obstacles she surpassed as lessons in life. They made her stronger and more receptive. Although many other Blacks would have not dated a White man, Melba had the effrontery to. She was nonchalant of her past and bloomed into a great women of experience. This irony definitely helped me get closer to Melba. I would have never thought Melba would have been such a dynamic character. In particular, Melba has a Bildungs Roman moment in the middle of the book and to top things off she ends her memoir with an ironic twist. This was definitely an amazing book that I would recommend other teenagers to read. It really changed me as a person! Woah
Would You Cry? 150-250
By this point in Warriors Don't Cry Melba and the rest of the Patillo's have continued in unison giving Melba full support. Thanksgiving has arrived and the Patillos share their holiday with Mrs.Bates who invites them all for dinner. In addition, the Little Rock Nine have been at Central High for twelve weeks continuing integration. However, these poor students are still ostracized from the activities occurring at the school and deprived from even speaking to their classmates. Furthermore, Melba is turning 16 and detests the realization she is a student at Central High School where racism and injustice haunt her everyday. Melba dreamed of the perfect sweet sixteen almost like a wedding, full of joy, and excitement. Moreover, Melba was nearly killed by a pugnacious White boy named Danny. Danny kicked and taunted Melba for many days. Melba saved herself from Danny and his crew almost to late. In addition, Melba's teachers questioned her many times whether she desired to be White or continue being Black. Melba was indifferent of the dangers she could have got herself in and boldly spoke back. In other words, predicaments at Central have exacerbated. In fact, Melba senses fear even in her own household. In the Cosmopolitan Newspapers, the Little Rock Nine have been scapegoated and profiled. As a result, many bigots have located the homes of the nine and have threatened to murder their families and bomb their homes.
Quote:
"You hit back every day you get through. You kick them every week you get through. And if you make it through the year, you've hit them with the biggest blow of all"(Patillo 210).
Reaction:
This quote completely depicts the strength and bond held within the Patillo family. Although Melba questions her efforts on trying to get a good education in a racist school, she knows she has to keep on. At only the age of sixteen Melba is forced to prevail through immense altercations to make history and to better herself. Furthermore, grandmother India in this quote symbolizes solace and leadership. If Melba did not have the support of India and her other folks, she probably wouldn't have made it through Central. Personally as a sixteen year old myself, I probably would not have made it through the gloating and menacing Melba did. I embody and believe in the Malcolm X mantra and thus would probably not survived this time period in History where people of color had no say or rights. On the other hand, Melba went by Gandhi's ideology of resolving conflicts with peace and social justice. Overall, it takes more then just a warrior to endure through what Melba did and we can prove by this point in the book that Warriors Don't Cry.
Quote:
"You hit back every day you get through. You kick them every week you get through. And if you make it through the year, you've hit them with the biggest blow of all"(Patillo 210).
Reaction:
This quote completely depicts the strength and bond held within the Patillo family. Although Melba questions her efforts on trying to get a good education in a racist school, she knows she has to keep on. At only the age of sixteen Melba is forced to prevail through immense altercations to make history and to better herself. Furthermore, grandmother India in this quote symbolizes solace and leadership. If Melba did not have the support of India and her other folks, she probably wouldn't have made it through Central. Personally as a sixteen year old myself, I probably would not have made it through the gloating and menacing Melba did. I embody and believe in the Malcolm X mantra and thus would probably not survived this time period in History where people of color had no say or rights. On the other hand, Melba went by Gandhi's ideology of resolving conflicts with peace and social justice. Overall, it takes more then just a warrior to endure through what Melba did and we can prove by this point in the book that Warriors Don't Cry.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Would You Cry? 100 - 150
Summary:
In Warriors Don't Cry by now bigots are still fighting for segregation to continue. Riots have been disturbing the streets of Little Rock and the Black communities have become fearful of integration. In particular, people from Melba's church have asked for Melba not to integrate, for it will bring disadvantages to them as Blacks. In addition, President Eisenhower has commanded for the Little Rock Nine to integrate Central High although governor Faubus is against it. In addition, Eisenhower sent 101st soldiers to assure that Melba and her eight friends could enter the school. Central High is covered with people trying to impede the nine students from integrating and Melba is relying on the security of these soldiers. When finally Melba makes it into the building, she experiences loads of taunting and gloating from her White classmates. In fact, many of them pushed her into things, tripped her down the stairs, and even had the effrontery to spit on her. Moreover, even the administrators at Central had hatred towards African Americans.
Quote:
"There's a price to be paid for freedom; we pay it now or we're in 'ball and chain' forever"(Beals 104).
Reaction:
In this here quote the Patillo's portray how vital freedom and history is for them. However, Melba's mother did not really mean slavery as being chained but instead being trapped in ignorance and restrictions. In fact, if Melba had not integrated, then future generations of Blacks would not have been able to escape ignorance and reached their dreams. Education is an important tool to reach prosperity but Blacks at the time were not given access to a good education. Therefore, Melba's mother desperately explained to Melba that she has to be the leader for all of those future children who will help reshape America with their great ideas and experiences. Also, how Melba first has to prevail through formidable injustices and maltreatment to make changes. I also really enjoyed how Beals used figurative speech and how freedom meant more then being in chains and enslaved. In addition, a renown quote that really reminds me of Melba and her eight friends by Margaret Meade is,"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." In other words, Melba and her friends are opening doors and surpassing obstacles for themselves and others.
In Warriors Don't Cry by now bigots are still fighting for segregation to continue. Riots have been disturbing the streets of Little Rock and the Black communities have become fearful of integration. In particular, people from Melba's church have asked for Melba not to integrate, for it will bring disadvantages to them as Blacks. In addition, President Eisenhower has commanded for the Little Rock Nine to integrate Central High although governor Faubus is against it. In addition, Eisenhower sent 101st soldiers to assure that Melba and her eight friends could enter the school. Central High is covered with people trying to impede the nine students from integrating and Melba is relying on the security of these soldiers. When finally Melba makes it into the building, she experiences loads of taunting and gloating from her White classmates. In fact, many of them pushed her into things, tripped her down the stairs, and even had the effrontery to spit on her. Moreover, even the administrators at Central had hatred towards African Americans.
Quote:
"There's a price to be paid for freedom; we pay it now or we're in 'ball and chain' forever"(Beals 104).
Reaction:
In this here quote the Patillo's portray how vital freedom and history is for them. However, Melba's mother did not really mean slavery as being chained but instead being trapped in ignorance and restrictions. In fact, if Melba had not integrated, then future generations of Blacks would not have been able to escape ignorance and reached their dreams. Education is an important tool to reach prosperity but Blacks at the time were not given access to a good education. Therefore, Melba's mother desperately explained to Melba that she has to be the leader for all of those future children who will help reshape America with their great ideas and experiences. Also, how Melba first has to prevail through formidable injustices and maltreatment to make changes. I also really enjoyed how Beals used figurative speech and how freedom meant more then being in chains and enslaved. In addition, a renown quote that really reminds me of Melba and her eight friends by Margaret Meade is,"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." In other words, Melba and her friends are opening doors and surpassing obstacles for themselves and others.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Would You Cry? 49-100
Summary:
By this point in Warriors Don't Cry Melba is still shunned from entering Central High School. In fact, the parents of her White pupils have began rioting and menacing to take their children out of Central High if integration resumes. In addition, Melba was on the verge of being raped by a malicious White man against the integration of Blacks and Whites. Moreover, President Eisenhower and Governor Faubus have had disputes over integration because Faubus is not complying with the Federal commands. Faubus is still emphatically against integration and threatens that blood will disperse through the streets of Little Rock if Melba and her friends intent to integrate. Therefore, until both authorities come to a consensus, Central High School will be closed until they do. In fact, Melba has been out of school for many weeks and is becoming very frightened and petrifies not being able to enter Central. Also, Melba reveals her crush for Vince a boy two years older then her that drives a new Chevy. They talk on the phone numerous times and she completely forgets the turmoil she is in when he is around. The Little Rock Nine are asked to talk about their experience at the Federal building and encounter many altercations with bigots. They feel targeted and despised everywhere they go but amelioration and education are their incentives.
Quote:
A quote that represents strongly Patillo's style is,"Our giggles got louder and more prolonged. We were happy to see each other, and in no time we were all talking at once "(Beals 73).
Reaction:
Patillo Beals memoir Warrior's Don't Cry is saturated with agony and cruelty. However, this here quote gives the reader another mood and level of positivity. In particular, Melba Patillo is no longer crying rivers or hiding from crowds of bigots like she did, instead she is portrayed as a zealous young girl determined to make history. Melba is full of joy and more then excited to be around her friends. In fact, she is back to being a typical teenager trying to live in normality and peace. Beals as a dynamic character breaks out of her shell and blooms into a women. No longer is Melba wishing she didn't have integrated, now it is all about her future and herself. Also, Patillo uses verisimilitude throughout her memoir. In fact, she agrees that Whites had better books and materials to surpass her skills and knowledge of things. Furthermore, Patillo uses symbolism various times in the first half of the book. For example, she has her Grandmother India symbolize her strength and boldness. Whenever she feels usurped by violence and pandemonium, she seeks solace from India.
By this point in Warriors Don't Cry Melba is still shunned from entering Central High School. In fact, the parents of her White pupils have began rioting and menacing to take their children out of Central High if integration resumes. In addition, Melba was on the verge of being raped by a malicious White man against the integration of Blacks and Whites. Moreover, President Eisenhower and Governor Faubus have had disputes over integration because Faubus is not complying with the Federal commands. Faubus is still emphatically against integration and threatens that blood will disperse through the streets of Little Rock if Melba and her friends intent to integrate. Therefore, until both authorities come to a consensus, Central High School will be closed until they do. In fact, Melba has been out of school for many weeks and is becoming very frightened and petrifies not being able to enter Central. Also, Melba reveals her crush for Vince a boy two years older then her that drives a new Chevy. They talk on the phone numerous times and she completely forgets the turmoil she is in when he is around. The Little Rock Nine are asked to talk about their experience at the Federal building and encounter many altercations with bigots. They feel targeted and despised everywhere they go but amelioration and education are their incentives.
Quote:
A quote that represents strongly Patillo's style is,"Our giggles got louder and more prolonged. We were happy to see each other, and in no time we were all talking at once "(Beals 73).
Reaction:
Patillo Beals memoir Warrior's Don't Cry is saturated with agony and cruelty. However, this here quote gives the reader another mood and level of positivity. In particular, Melba Patillo is no longer crying rivers or hiding from crowds of bigots like she did, instead she is portrayed as a zealous young girl determined to make history. Melba is full of joy and more then excited to be around her friends. In fact, she is back to being a typical teenager trying to live in normality and peace. Beals as a dynamic character breaks out of her shell and blooms into a women. No longer is Melba wishing she didn't have integrated, now it is all about her future and herself. Also, Patillo uses verisimilitude throughout her memoir. In fact, she agrees that Whites had better books and materials to surpass her skills and knowledge of things. Furthermore, Patillo uses symbolism various times in the first half of the book. For example, she has her Grandmother India symbolize her strength and boldness. Whenever she feels usurped by violence and pandemonium, she seeks solace from India.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Would You Cry? 3-49
Summary:
In the book Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Patillo Beals, Melba and eight of her friends were blockaded from entering the white high school Central in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1957 African Americans and Whites were not allowed to to go to school in unison. Instead, schools were segregated legally giving Whites a better education then Blacks. However, President Eisenhower chose to defend the civil rights of African Americans and shunned segregation. As an egalitarian, he emphatically believed Blacks and Whites deserved equal rights and opportunities. Even though Eisenhower and Clinton were great supporters, Governor Faubus fervently was against integration and ordered soldiers to prevent Melba and her eight friends from entering Central High. Melba was petrified for her life but endured through the gloating and the taunting of students with the chivalry of her inspirational grandmother India. Furthermore, Arkansas was a very racist state in the United States at the time. In particular, the Patillo Beals family went out Christmas shopping and Melba had to urgently use the restroom. Therefore, Melba fibbed saying she knew where the Colored bathroom was and impatiently ran into the White Ladies bathroom because she could not hold her bladder anymore. As a result, the white women inside the restroom scolded at the poor little girl and called the police on her. In other words, even the stalls in 1957 were segregated down South.
Quote :
A quote that portrays strongly Patillo Beal's style is,"If white adults were accompanied by children, those kids scowled or stuck their tongues out at us. Even worse, they'd sometimes say,'Mamma, look at that there nigger.' "(Beals 7).
In addition, Patillo's style of writing is very accurate and saturated with descriptive details. In other words, instead of Patillo just writing that White people mistreated her, she explains what they did to her and her family in full elaboration. Patillo also uses dialect in her writing, for her friends speak very different from her Grandmother India and Lois. As a conclusion, the quote portrays how the maltreatment and ignorance of certain people hindered the prosperity of many Blacks. If Melba were not as bold, she would have never made it through the threats, attacks, and outbursts she experienced everyday for her education. This quote is vital in exemplifying the morose treatment Melba and her eight friends overcame in Warriors Don't Cry. It also shows that not only grown ups instilled this loathe for Blacks but even children or the next generation detested people of color.
In the book Warriors Don't Cry by Melba Patillo Beals, Melba and eight of her friends were blockaded from entering the white high school Central in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1957 African Americans and Whites were not allowed to to go to school in unison. Instead, schools were segregated legally giving Whites a better education then Blacks. However, President Eisenhower chose to defend the civil rights of African Americans and shunned segregation. As an egalitarian, he emphatically believed Blacks and Whites deserved equal rights and opportunities. Even though Eisenhower and Clinton were great supporters, Governor Faubus fervently was against integration and ordered soldiers to prevent Melba and her eight friends from entering Central High. Melba was petrified for her life but endured through the gloating and the taunting of students with the chivalry of her inspirational grandmother India. Furthermore, Arkansas was a very racist state in the United States at the time. In particular, the Patillo Beals family went out Christmas shopping and Melba had to urgently use the restroom. Therefore, Melba fibbed saying she knew where the Colored bathroom was and impatiently ran into the White Ladies bathroom because she could not hold her bladder anymore. As a result, the white women inside the restroom scolded at the poor little girl and called the police on her. In other words, even the stalls in 1957 were segregated down South.
Quote :
A quote that portrays strongly Patillo Beal's style is,"If white adults were accompanied by children, those kids scowled or stuck their tongues out at us. Even worse, they'd sometimes say,'Mamma, look at that there nigger.' "(Beals 7).
In addition, Patillo's style of writing is very accurate and saturated with descriptive details. In other words, instead of Patillo just writing that White people mistreated her, she explains what they did to her and her family in full elaboration. Patillo also uses dialect in her writing, for her friends speak very different from her Grandmother India and Lois. As a conclusion, the quote portrays how the maltreatment and ignorance of certain people hindered the prosperity of many Blacks. If Melba were not as bold, she would have never made it through the threats, attacks, and outbursts she experienced everyday for her education. This quote is vital in exemplifying the morose treatment Melba and her eight friends overcame in Warriors Don't Cry. It also shows that not only grown ups instilled this loathe for Blacks but even children or the next generation detested people of color.
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