Thursday, December 20, 2007

play!

1) It was hard to create an entire story based off of a few sets and pure dialogue. It was very cool being able to explore the different opportunities availed within this form. I didn't find pleasant surprises in writing a play. I didn't find any surprises what so ever. It really isn't THAT hard to write a play, and I knew what I was getting into from the get-go. I think screen-plays would be really cool to indulge in. It is way more modern and able to emotionally grasp viewers through every word.

2) I don't really know what story I'd want to relate with my personal life. There are alot of stories that I have stunningly found a big relation with my life but in truth's sense I feel that my life is like stories that have been written, but in a completely new style. I have written my life thus far, and I feel it is a completely unique lifestyle and I find pride within being unique.

3) If I was giving advice to a 10 year old I would say: "hey dude, as your going into the best years of your life, really sit down and think about how you want to live them. It's so easy to get caught up in all the highschool drama and mean competition; but is that really going to make you happy? Can you really find a fulfilling joy within all of that? My mom once sat me down at the kitchen counter with a boiling pot of water. She grabbed an egg, a carrot and some coffee grounds. She put them in the pot, and after 5 minutes she pulled out the carrot and the egg. She then told me that the pot of water was like Highschool, and there are different types of people. Ones like the egg who go into highschool and come out hardened from the experience. There are ones like the carrot who go into highschool hard and thinking they are the shit, but come out soft and molded by others. Then there are the coffee grounds who go into highschool and spread into their surroundings, influencing others along the journey. What type of person do you want to be?"

Monday, December 10, 2007

1. How important is theme in what you write? Does a great piece of literature need to express an idea? Explain your thoughts on the matter using examples from things you've read. In your response, address the opposing viewpoint. (Write at least 100 words.)

Theme is the key to unlocking the doors of readers hearts. A great piece of literature needs to express and underlying idea to make people think and even change their ways. For example, The Great Gatsby satirically makes people open their eyes and through Gatsby and other characters the hearts of readers are brought into the text when the novel is able to display general follies of society itself. Themes make people reflect, contemplate, and introspectively understand their standpoint on the underlying morality.

2. Great works of literature can last a long time. Jane Austen's novels (including Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility) are still popular almost 200 years after they were first published. Anne Bradstreet's poems have survived about 400 years. The works of Greek playwright Euripides (who wrote Medea) have survived for over 2000 years. What do you think causes great literary works to live forever? Could you ever foresee yourself writing something that lasts that long? (Write at least 75 words.)

Personally, I feel that something that lasts forever beautifully collabrates on and creates a personal connotation, metaphorically seeing ourselves in the text. Literature is art. What makes a painting good? Blatant tallent and the emotion evoked and brought to life with the piece. I could definitely see myself writing something that could last that long, not right now though. If I could just develop my skills, I know I'de be able to tap into amazing works. I have the heart, I have the mind, I have the pen, I just need the ink.

3. If you could have one long-lasting impact on the world around you, what would you want it to be? Explain why that is important to you and how, as a writer, you could have the chance to make that impact. (Write at least 100 words.)

Through my words, I would like to influence people to open their eyes and grow up. I would like to somehow influence society in a way that could somehow change how they think and act. Like in my previous blog post, I want people to love for one another, not love soully to be loved. I know I have the heart to make big things happen, the true question is do I have the motivation and self confidence to defy society's grip. Through my words I can make an impact, words are a beautiful, yet merciless power. You can influence how people think, feel, act through personal expression. I have the power to unlock the door of peoples hearts.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Release

1. What is something you see in your world that concerns you? This could be something among your peer group, something you see in America, or something you see in the world. What is your interpretation of this topic and why do you feel that way?

I am frustrated with the complete warped reality of today’s society. I am frustrated with this “subconscious tape” playing in every guy’s head of “I need to get the girl, no matter what, or else I am not a ‘real’ man”, and this “subconscious tape” playing in the minds of girls saying “I have to do what ever I can to be seen”. It plays in my head, and I’m sure it plays in yours. I try to tune it out as much as I can, but it will always be playing in the back of my head. It creates a sense of complete disrespect for the opposite sex and an immature selfishness within everyone. They say that little boys are graduating from college these days. No one knows how to love, or respect another. Today’s society has lost the truth of what it means to be a Real Man.



2. What is one dynamic personality you have either known personally or know about? Describe the person (feel free to use a made up name if desired) and explain what makes him/her dynamic. Include any specific examples if you can.

The personality of “Cool-Kat” has frustrated me for years. He has always been an acquaintance of mine, but deep down I have always had an unspoken deceit towards Cool-Kat. To be blunt, he is everything I described in question 1. He is basically a disrespectful, cold self-indulged slob. No moral basis what so ever. I mean I may act out every once in a while with disrespect to speak up for an opinion I have, but Cool-Kat belligerently cuts into people around him, constantly to be funny. It’s not really the fact that he cuts into people around him, people don’t have to take it personally and usually don’t but how he acts upon others. He has never maintained a true-relationship in high school, cheating on every single girl. He basically spits in peoples faces and laughs. He has always been nice to me, but I have never been able to stand Cool-Kat deep down. I risked our friendship when I told his girlfriend how he’d been getting around, but he still holds no beef towards me. Even with all this hurt and blatant disrespect, he still remains Cool-Kat and a popular slob who goes on strutting through the halls spitting in innocence face.



3. What is one piece of art (painting, movie, book, song, whatever) that has greatly inspired you? What is that piece and what about it has inspired you? Explain in detail.

This song has inspired me to just go with life and not look back. I can spend my time worrying about everyone else’s permission, or I can just live. I can experience life, love and happiness on my own. Living, Loving, and Enjoying this time we have without the influential hardening of everyone else.

“Coconut Skins”
By Damien Rice

You can hold her hand
and show her how you cry
Explain to her your weakness so she understandsands
then roll over and die
or you can brave decisions
before you crumble up inside
Spend your time asking everyone else's permission
then run away and hide

You can sit on chimneys
put some fire up your ass
No need to know what you're doing or waiting for
but if anyone should ask..
Tell them I've been lickin' coconut skins
and we've been hanging out
Tell them god just dropped by to forgive our sins
and relieve us our doubt...
La la la la la...

You can hold her eggs
but your basket has a hole
You can like between her legs and go looking for..
Tell her you're searchin' for her soul
You can wait for ages
Watch your compost turn to coal
but time is contagious
Everybody's getting old

So you can sit on chimneys,
Put some fire up your ass
No need to know what you're doing or looking for,
but if anyone should ask...
Tell them i've been lickin' coconut skins
and we've been hanging out
tell them God just dropped by to forgive our sins
and relieve us our doubt
La la la la la...