Lyss23's Weblog

Canterbury Tales’ Hypocrites

lyss23 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 01:36:02 +0000

The sailor in Canterbury Tales could be considered a hypocrite. Although he makes his captives walk the plank, he may have a good reason to do so. It is possible he believes that the enemy would cause an uprising and overthrow the ship.

Another hypocritical character may be the physician. He is not very spiritual, but is very knowledgeable when it comes to the field of medicine and is able to help people. He might not be the best man, but he cures the sick, so that has to count for something.

Ethics, Morals

lyss23 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:24:47 +0000

Our society has an interesting set of ethics and morals. We are a hypocritical people because we set a lot of double standards. Some things are acceptable for certain groups of people, but for others they are not. Take businesses, for example. The guy at the top of the chain can get away with corrupt financial dealings that a blue collar employee would get in huge trouble with the law for. This is not always the case, but those who have money to bribe with have a better chance.

Whether something is right or wrong has to be decided each case because every situation is different. A good example of this is someone who commits murder in self defense vs. another person who commits the same act out of violent rage. The person acting in self defense should not receive the same punishment as the homicidal maniac.

Everyone has acted hypocritically. Being the oldest, I am a pretty big hypocrite. Yes, it is difficult to admit. I will tell one of my siblings not to say a certain word because it is offensive, and then I will turn around and use it out of anger or frustration. Whoops!

Character- Brain Waves ;)

lyss23 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:49:56 +0000

I would consider my cousin Karley to be a “character”. She is incredibly unique and always brings a smile to my face with her hilarious stories. We are on the same “brain wave frequency”, which means our sense of humor is, well, strange. She makes life interesting and that is why I consider her to be one of my best friends.

Research Process

lyss23 — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:39:41 +0000

This research paper has taught me a lot about the research process. It is the first paper that I have had to do such detailed citation for. I have noticed that many sources have the same information, but some are not reliable. Numerous spelling and grammar mistakes are good indications that one should NOT use that website.

I have never used note cards for a research paper before and found them to be very helpful. They actually helped me keep my information more organized (shocking!:0). This method of research/note taking will be a good tool to use for future projects and possibly college applications, etc.

Sea Farer Poem

lyss23 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:39:43 +0000

This tale is true, and mine.

When I was a child, I dreamt long and hard of the future.

What was, what is, and what may come to be.

Oh, what awaits us all in the coming hours of the day!

As the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west, which one of us knows what is to happen next?

How each minute can change our very existence!

I ponder which path is considered to be the straight and narrow,

And who is to decide that for me?

Alas, I am not alone.

I look to the Lord for guidance,

For who may contain more knowledge than the all-knowing?

Though I know not of what the future may hold for me,

I trust in the one who does.

Sea Farer

lyss23 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:26:03 +0000

October 2

I am alone on this ship, even amongst my fellow sailors. Not a living soul shares my feelings of angst and sorrow that are caused by the cold, black water. Yet, I cannot bear the thought of surviving without the scent of salty sea air that burns with every inhaled breath, or the cry of the gull as the sun sets in the darkening sky. Alas, my struggles are far and many!

I remind myself of the undying love that the Lord Almighty has bestowed upon me. Even through these hardships that hang over me, like an accumulation of clouds ready to be relieved of the moisture they contain, I am at peace. The promise of a Heavenly abode allows me to endure the hardships that are an unfortunate part of human existence. I will live each day to the fullest, as if each breath I draw may be my last.

Project-Beowulf

lyss23 — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:04:49 +0000

Our assigned project was to draw pictures that depicted a section of Beowulf. My group was given section eight. This is the part of the poem where Grendel attacks the Great Hall, but is thwarted by Beowulf. The monster flees the Hall, heading home to die.

The overall project turned out well. Unfortunately, neither the members of my group or myself are artists, but the pictures looked pretty good. The presentation was ok, but Kelsey and I had lost our voices. This project did help me understand Beowulf.

Epic Hero

lyss23 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:22:33 +0000

Beowulf is the story of a hero. The fact that he sacrificed his life to protect others earns him the title. He ended up being destroyed by the very evil he fought against, but was immortalized in tales for his epic deeds. His last action was to protect his followers by attempting to vanquish the very thing that put them in danger.

He was given a king’s burial, and his people mourned for him. They would only offer this treatment to someone they revered. The clan recognized that he died so that they may live peaceful lives, and knew that Beowulf deserved a hero’s burial.

Monster

lyss23 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:11:00 +0000

According to Webster’s dictionary, a monster is defined as “an animal, plant, or thing that departs from the customary course of nature in its kind.” Like many other terms, the word monster can have more than one meaning, though. It can also be used to describe an evil person who lacks love and compassion for others. Monster also symbolizes jealousy, which is very true. Jealousy does not bring out the best in people.

If I drew a monster, it would be completely black with glowing red eyes. A good physical picture of my monster is Sauron from The Lord of the Rings. He represents pure evil to me. Not only does he embody evil, but he sounds like evil also, with his deep, whispering voice.

If I had to choose a human representation of a monster, I think the “boss” from O Brother, Where Art Thou? would fit the description. He portrayed the devil in a sense, and always had the reflection of fire in his sunglasses.

Fairytale

lyss23 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:38:36 +0000

Beowulf has influenced many fairytales that exist today. In this epic story, there are kings, dragons, and warriors. These elements are the basis for modern stories today.

Grendel, the antagonist in Beowulf, is comparable to many other evil characters, such as Sauron from The Lord of the Rings and Voldemort in Harry Potter. Most evildoers in stories have the same traits in common; they are selfish and will do anything to have their will be done. Also, they end up battling the protagonist (i.e. Beowulf, Frodo, and Harry Potter) and perishing.

Finally, each tale has a hero who must look evil in the face and conquer it. Usually, they have help along the way, either from a ruler or dear friend. Most of the time, everything ends up the way it should and all is well.