APEnglish–Los Al

Period 5

Today began with a rather difficult quiz on the Scarlett Letter. Although there were only 7 matching questions, many of them seemed to have multiple answers. This led to an intense debate between Mr. Eldridge and Mr. Fanelli. Eldridge challenged Fanelli to a quote-off, and  eventually proved his answer by showing that Hester is not astray in the physical world.

Then, the class studied the syntax used on page 75 of the Scarlett Letter. The study began with “It may seem marvellous, that, with the world before her…” and ended on page 76 with “…because the result of martyrdom.” Eldridge pointed out that the narrator of the story has a hard time directly stating his point. He uses the repetition of certain, subjective phrases such as “it may be” to imply his point. For example, the narrator says, “It might be, too, – doubtless it was so, although she hid the secret from herself, and grew pale whenever it struggled out of her heart, like a serpent from its hole, – it might be that another feeling kept her within the scene and pathway that had been so fatal.” The repetion of “it might be” another reason that keeps Hester in the Puritan village implies that there is another reason that she remains. We then discussed what this reason may be. The answer was found in the passage stating that she stayed because “there trode the feet of one with whom she deemed herself connected in a union, that, unrecognized on earth, would bring them together before the bar of final judgement…” In other words, Hester is waiting for her “baby daddy” to come back to her. We also learned that Hester’s partner-in-crime is Dimmesdale. Because many students did not recognize the foreshadowing and syntax of the novel, Eldridge urged us to read carefully and slowly.

Next, we were given this weeks vocabulary for The Scarlett Letter, which is actually List 2. The test will be “later this week”, so be ready because many of us cannot afford to fail another quiz.

Finally, we were given the Detail 5 Worksheet. In the midst of the transition between topics, the class began a series of interesting conversations. First, Karly pointed out Mr. Eldridge’s hair, asking if she could bring in some products to “spike” it. Mr. Eldridge replied that his hair looks like it always does. In fact, he has always had a receding hairline. Then, Eldridge pointed out that the BJAM Experience is quite the interesting group, considerring that none of us actually sit at out assigned table on a daily basis. Fanelli pointed out that we are sort of the “alternative-rock” group because we are “alternative”. Jake White then argued that any band name with the word “experience” is classified as an “80s-hair-metal”. Whatever that means. Anyways, about 5 minutes later, we began the worksheet. Shortly after, the bell rang. So finish that worksheet tonight and do not forget to read the Bedford Reader!

Brooke Slater

Pictures!
80s hair metal group…aka: the BJAM experience
http://www.themovieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/motley-crue-crue-fest.jpg

The Scarlet Letter

Period 6

I would like to apologize ahead of time for my lack of quality and character in the following class notes. I was not aware of my scribe-ing responsibilities until approximately three-elevenths in to the class period. I hope you find this satisfactory…

The class walked in to see the dreaded laptop-of-doom projecting the Scarlet Letter Quiz on Chapters 7-9. It was a seven question matching quiz, which was simple and comprehendable had you read the book. Mr. Eldridge was even kind enough to give us a couple minutes to discuss with our fellow groupmates on what we thought the answers were. We then traded papers and went over the correct and irrefutable answers. (This week’s vocab list was also passed out. For those of you that were not present today, aka KATE CHAMBERS, be sure to get it from a friend. The quiz will either be this Friday, or next Monday. It has not been decided yet, so be prepared!)

Soon after, Mr. E asked the class if they knew why Hester Prynne did not simply leave town when she was freed. As many blurted out what they thought to be true, no one seemed to be correct so we resorted to the text to find the answer. Mr. E. told the class to open our books to Chapter 5 where he pointed out the unusual syntax of the author. The second paragraph of the chapter seemed to be a long bunch of sentences with mixed ideas that seemed to avoid a main concept; the author was essentially rambling on as though he did not know what he was talking about. This continues for majority of the page until the next paragraph where he clarifies and offers another explanation as to why Hester Prynne had stayed in town. By the end of our discussion, we (or Mr. E, rather) concluded that Hester stayed for Pearl’s father; she stayed out of her love for the mystery man, and simply wanted to be around him and “see his face.” Furthermore, after much discussion, the class figured out who the father was–Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. In conclusion, Mr. E pretty much ruined the surprise for us all. But it’s okay. I assume it will better our understanding of the text as we continue analyzing the Scarlet Letter and it’s massive amount of symbolism, foreshadow, and all the other literary devices intelligent authors can use.

WIth five minutes left, Mr. E hurriedly passed out green Detail worksheets and told us we had time to finish. Evidently, we did not. The worksheet was then assigned for homework to be discussed tomorrow at the beginning of the period.

To close, Shira volunteered to feed Mary-Kate as Kate was absent today. Justine and Lindsey watched her and suggested we feed the fish more food so as to make it obese. Shira refused as she told them it would most definitely cause the fish to perish. Nevertheless, Justine and Lindsey still adamantly persisted in encouraging the overfeeding of good ol’ Mary-Kate.

The end.

-a.Chang

P.S. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FUNDRAISER!!~ next Tuesday, October 27th. @ Paul’s Place, located on Los Alamitos Blvd from 4PM to 9PM. Simply mention that you are there for Habitat for Humanity of Los Alamitos High School and a portion of the proceeds will go towards our club. You can dine-in or take-out so be sure to stop by to show your support! Just stop by on your way home and grab a quick bite. It is much appreciated! I personally recomment their chili cheese fries; they’re amazing…

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