Individual Writeup

With the power of becoming crowned king only steps away from Macbeth, he is entirely about striving to obtain this ambition. So our question now is how far is one willing to "go" to get what they desire most? Macbeth occupies an enormous accomplishment of his high social position already, but clearly that is not enough for him. With the prediction of the 3 witches of Macbeth becoming crowned king, he will let nothing get in the way between him and the crown. Whether it involves living lies, betrayal or even murder. In our scene we have Macbeth and lady Macbeth who make an evil plan to get rid of Duncan. They decide the only way for this to happen is to kill him. So they invite him over for a special dinner and once he arrives, Macbeth murders him with his dagger while Lady Macbeth deals with the guards. Before, Lady Macbeth had convinced him to agree to the killing of Duncan as she thought it would be best for the both of them. Macbeth would not take the risk of Duncan getting in his way of being crowned king. He made the choice to commit this murder because the only thing that was running through his head at the time was power. Macbeth quotes,
"I am settled, and bend up
Each corporal agent to this terrible feat.
Away, and mock the time with fairest show:
False face must hide what the false heart doth know"
(i, vii, 90-93)
This quote describes that Macbeth is committed to the murder of King Duncan (his good friend). No one has forced him to the killing and he could have easily said no to Lady Macbeth. But he agrees, knowing the consequences that will come with this.. The ambition to become king has over taken Macbeth. King Duncan was a friend of Macbeth's, which shows that he is willing to betray his friend and take this innocent mans life away just for that power. Yet Macbeth was not the only one who can refer to our essential question. Lady Macbeth makes a statement which very easily ties along with the significance of this question. Lady Macbeth claims
"How tender ’tis to love the babe that milks me:
I would, while it was smiling in my face,
Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums,
And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you"
(i, vii, 61-65)
 Lady Macbeth is saying how she would rather kill her own baby than back out of a deal like Macbeth has suggested. This shows how far Lady Macbeth is willing to go in order to get the power that she desires most. She is willing to give up the life of her own beautiful baby, than loose that power that she could receive. Now are next question is how does that power corrupt? although we have not gotten too far in to the play in this scene we can already see the fear in Macbeth and his wife is what the future will bring. They have already both committed the murder of Duncan and now nothing can be taken back. You start to  see the guilt and weakness shown by Macbeth as he claims
“Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor
Shall sleep no more. Macbeth shall sleep no more.”
(ii, ii 54-55)
Macbeth is quoting that he can no longer sleep as the guilt has finally gotten to him. Although Lady Macbeth tries to remind him that he has done the same and that they must not be ashamed or become weak, Macbeth only fears what consequences will arrive and how he must live with this his whole life. This small idea of having power has quickly corrupted him and led him to do the crime he has committed. Soon enough he realizes that the only way to protect himself is to continue the killings which will later on, catch up to him.

Furthermore, working on this presentation has given me a wider understanding of the play Macbeth. When we were pretending that we were the characters in Macbeth for our video, it gives us a better understanding because we are placed in each of these different characters shoes. Also, we focus more deeply on our scene and interpret different ways of how it can connect to our essential questions. Working on this project, i have gotten to know more the emotions that Lady Macbeth and Macbeth were feeling, and how easily power had consumed them. Moreover, when I got the chance to work with Ricki and Yuki it was a very good experience. I think that we all contributed good ideas, and combined them to create a good presentation. We tried to focus on including everyones ideas in order to make it fair and give 3 different perspectives on our scene, not just one. If I could change anything differently about our presentation it would be meeting outside school to get together and have more time to organize everything. A lot of the time we had to rush to finish our video quickly. However, overall i think we did a great job on our presentation and each of us put in a lot of effort.

Journal #8

Dear Diary,
The pain… I can slowly feel it eating me away. This guilt now has become stronger than my ambitions. There is no point in watching the monster I have created, and once loved, put his life at risk.. because of me. I am nothing anymore, as these sins have washed the good out of me. Macbeth was once a kind hearted man, that I strongly loved. Yet, I was foolish enough to put the feeling of power before my love for him.. This power.. that once meant the world to me has become nothing but worthless. I should have protected him, yet I destroyed both of us. So how must I dismiss the guilt from my mind? It seems as if the only option is to take away my own life.. for then i shall not harm anyone else. Goodbye Macbeth, I only hope you forgive me, and find the strength to overcome what I have created…
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Journal #7

Dear Diary,
I do not think I can take this any longer.. for these filthy hands of mine seem as if they can never be cleansed. It has finally hit me, that I must live with the awful sins I have done for the rest of my life. I cannot take back what is done.. and even I, can't stop Macbeth from killing anymore as I have already turned him in to a man that even I, cannot recognize. So why is it that I feel terrible? I finally got what i wanted.. for Macbeth to do anything he could for us to strive to that powerful future. Yet i can't move forward and let my mind forget of what I have done. If killing didn't look so simple..
It seems as if where ever I go, the blood of Duncan on my hands follow me everywhere. There is nothing that I can do to make things right.. Macbeth must continue on the killings in order for this to end. However I, can't stand another day watching him take the lives away from people..knowing it is my fault. I pray Macbeth will find his way before he becomes as lost as me..
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Journal #6

Dear Diary,
I don't even know where to begin.. the dinner was a complete disaster!!!! Macbeth had embarrassed me infront of all my guests.. I don't know what has gotten in to him. I am so upset and humiliated yet, I am worried for my dearest Macbeth. I tried my best to inform the guests that everything was going to be okay.. but the fact that Macbeth was yelling he keeps seeing Banquo's ghost was something i could not lie about. Something was not right.. could it be true? I have never seen Macbeth so terrified, and why would he put on this act to embarrass ourselves? I am startin to think that this power has weakened him, and the guilt is playing games with his mind. This could be the only explanation for his actions.. he must become stronger before this power and guilt begins to corrupt him. I only hope for the best and hopefully we will be able to sort everything out my tomorrow..
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Journal #5

Dear Diary,
I am organizing a dinner party for our guests tonight and I am so thrilled! I have been working on this all day and I think this shall be a excellent way to forget about all that has occurred recently.
I have spoke with Macbeth and found out that he has finally come to the conclusion of killing Banquo and his son. He has sent out two men to assassinate Fleance and Banquo as for he cannot put himself in danger. Hopefully this dinner will give Macbeth a chance to relax and enjoy the company of the others. I will get back to you and let you know how the dinner goes!
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Journal #4

Dear Diary,
Recently, Banquo has become more suspicious of the death of Duncan and I am beginning to get worried of what Macbeth has planned for next.. He has started to mention killing Banquo's son Fleance. He says that it will be the only way to continue on to his ambition. Macbeth is right, nothing must get in the way of the crown and us. Yet, I worry for Macbeth that maybe he might be taking the killing too far, but i still agree because who wouldn't want that power?.…There will be consequences that will come along with these murders, but whats done is whats done. Since Macbeth has started killing, theres no turning back. I will support his decisions no matter what though, and stay by his side until the power lays ours.
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Journal #3

Dear Diary,
The decision has been made! Macbeth has agreed in the killing of Duncan. In less than a few hours Duncan will be dead…
The deed is done! Macbeth has officially murdered Duncan. I knew he could find the strength inside to do whats best for him..and me of course. He just needed someone to guide him to it. I could not do this myself, as he reminded me of my father, therefore I left that up to Macbeth while i took care of the guards. Soon Macbeth and I will have the power that all men wish for. Macbeth is acting somewhat nervous as he holds the dagger in his bloody hands. If only I were a man.. more masculine in fact, I could take on this all by myself and that power would be within seconds from my hands. Yet that cannot be done.. therefore I must make sure nothing gets in the way of keeping Macbeth and I from becoming king and queen.
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Journal #2

Dear Diary,
I have just spoken to Macbeth and heard great news that Duncan will be attending at our dinner tonight. This is the perfect chance for Macbeth to take control in fulfilling the 3 witches vision. Macbeth may think that obtaining this will be easy but yet does he realize the only option to succeeding is murder.. he needs ambition. We must do what is best for the both of us. With this power granted, holds a greater future for the two of us. Macbeth has the determination and strength to exceed in anything he wants to accomplish. Yet, he just needs a reminder of how much this means to him. I will immediately confront him on this idea and hopefully will be bringing back good news for you.
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Journal #1

Dear Diary,
I have just gotten a letter my from husband Macbeth. He tells me of meeting three witches. The witches told him of three predictions. One being that he will be the Thane of Glamis. One being he will become the Thane of Cawdor and the last, most surprising, that he will become the King of Scotland. He then tells how the first two predictions have come true. I am so proud of my dearest husband becoming Thane of Cawdor, but I want more for him. I want him to become King. This shall hold a greater future for the both of us. In my eyes, I see this as a future reality but in his I am not so sure.
The future remains for us to see.
Sincerely,
Lady Macbeth.

Identities

By using images to represent each of the quotes, it provides us a better understanding of how the images can relate to character identities. For the quote "i would never go shooting my mouth off in front of my dad" (pg. 3) from BD, we used an image of a girl with her hand over her mouth and a scared expression on her face. This picture is showing the fear and emotion in the girls eyes and expression, along with the representation of the girls hand covering her mouth which is almost like a restriction from speaking freely. Like in Brother Dear Sharlene feels restricted from saying things that may perhaps upset or disappoint her father from all the expectations and pressure he puts on her.

In the next quote "A violent family is where I'm from" from the poem I am from Soulfood and Harriet Tubman by Leonni Blake, we used the image of two parents arguing with a kid sitting between them covering his ears. This shows how much children are influenced and affected by the interactions between they're parents. In this case, the kid has been affected in a bad way and you can see the frustration in him of being placed into that situation, especially with the action of him covering his ears.

For the quote "If i get the nerve to do the same (travel to Europe) I'll tell dad ill do the university thing when i get back. he'll probably explode anyway. (pg.3) from BD, we used a picture of a teenage girl looking worried. This represents the struggle that Sharlene faces with the decision of pursuing the things she loves oppose to what her dad wants her to do. The fact that her dad is pressuring her to live up to his expectations, brings much more stress and sadness on Sharlene which is shown in the picture we chose.

Another quote we used was "I am from family, roots and blood" from the poem I am from.. by Oretha Storey we chose a picture of a family from earlier times. This picture represents the sense of pride and strength within the family and our heritage. Our roots and our family ties and bloodline go back as far as this picture and even further just like in the poem they say. One other example of influential our ancestors can be to us is "I am kunto kinte's strength, Harriet Tubman's escapes" from the poem I am from soul food and Harriet Tubman. In this poem you see the struggles that the character faces but each time finds strength within her heritage. This relates back to the sense of identity and who you are.

The quote "she tells me i am fine the way i am and a few weeks ago i started to believe her" (pg.8) from BD is represented in our presentation as a woman looking into a mirror. This quote is said by Greg who is finally starting to realize that he doesn't need to pretend to be something he is not. He is, and should be loved for the person he is. His confidence has always been somewhere inside him, it just needed the help of someone to allow it to shine through. The image of the woman looking at herself standing with pride shows a reflection of not only herself, but the confidence within her. Everyone sees each other in a different perspective and sometimes it can take the influence of others to change the way we see ourselves. Like in Brother Dear, the influence of Greg's dad forced him to believe that if he wasn't doing what his father wanted him to pursue, he would never be good enough or successful in life. Furthermore, when Sharlene reminds him of who he is and that he shouldn't change for anyone he finally starts to believe her.

People's identities can be shown in many different ways which ties back to our essential question, how are people transformed through their relationships with others? In each of these quotes we get to see examples of how each person is affected through the pressure of others or maybe even the relationships between each other. Like in the image of the parents fighting, you can see how greatly they are influencing their kid. Though the child is still young, he learns and looks up to his parents, and if this is the impression that they are giving their son it will completely change his identity and what he believes in. Our identity shapes not only us, but others as well. The pressure of Greg and Sharlene's dad, has forced them to go through many difficulties in life and challenges they must face, but this also has helped them to find their inner self and gain confidence to stand up for what they believe in (like when Greg finally rebelled against his fathers beliefs.) Whereas Sharlene who has been affected in a different way from her father. Although Greg decided to follow his own beliefs, the expectations of their father has only given Sharlene the idea that there is no other way out than agreeing to what he wants her to do. Overall, the relationships of others is one of the main reasons our identity is constantly changing.

Hello Shay!!!!!!! Image response

Shay this was your paper on how identity connected to the EQ's and the pieces we read. I was looking for the reflection about the pieces you chose for your image presentation to the class and how those quotes, images and EQ's all connected.

How are people transformed through their relationships with others?

How are people transformed through their relationships with others?

   People are transformed in many ways through the influences of others, whether it is a change of perspective or even a change of belief. No matter if you've known someone your whole life or maybe just met them once, anyone can influence you in ways you might not even notice.

   Each of the authors created characters with personalities that have grown as each story progresses. We have gotten to know the character more by the situations they are placed in or the challenges they have faced. It can show their stronger or more independent side or maybe even their weaknesses. Like in the story we have read "Brother Dear"  Greg quotes "Be something Sharlene.. you're not what you do your who you are." He is influencing Sharlene to be strong and do things for herself, not her dad. Sharlene has always been listening to what her dad wants her to do, but never really considered what she wants. "I would never go shooting my mouth off in front of my dad" claims Sharlene. This shows that she is the more shy person of the family and that has influenced her father to believe that since she will always listen to his demands it is okay to control their lives. Moreover, as the story progresses when Greg finally stands up for his beliefs the father is shocked because he has always been used to his kids following his orders. When Greg believed he didn't want to further pursue what his father had planned for him, Sharlene still stood by his side. "She tells me i am fine just the way i am, and I'm finally starting to believe it." Greg says about Sharlene's perspective on him. Although his father may not believe that he will go far in life without the things he wants him to pursue, Greg is understanding that he doesn't need that to succeed in life, that he is perfect just the way he is. If his father wont appreciate him for who he is than he simply won't be apart in Greg's life.

   The influences of others can lead to good things or bad sometimes. Like in the poem we have read "Richard Cory" the writer shows a man who stands out from the others. Although he looks like a wealthy successful man, the influence of the others has changed his perspective on himself and forced him to believe he was not good enough. "And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, went home and put a bullet through his head." He felt isolated from crowds, almost like he didn't have anyone to turn to. Moreover, when the other kids laughed at him and made him feel different it influenced him very much. Richard Cory was forced to go through a tragic experience that changed him in many different ways. For instance,  he could have easily been the happiest man before the others had made such a great impact on him. There are many times in life, when people influence you to believe you are not good enough for anyone, and you feel like there is no way out, like Richard Cory. This poem just shows one of the many ways the influence of others can hurt you, unlike the other story "Brother Dear" that has changed Greg to become a better person.

Another character in a movie who has gone through a tough event in life would be Forest Gump. He grew up being different from the others with his leg brace, and his learning disability. Forest was a stronger boy though, and never let anyone tell him he wasn't good enough. "Remember what i told you, Forest. You're no different than anybody else is." His mama always told him he is no different from anyone else, which influenced him very much. He believed her and anytime anyone told him he was different he just ignored it. Another person that had influenced Forest would be Jenny. Jenny always told him to run away when people were bullying him. She gave him hope, and she also gave him love. "I am not a smart man, but i know what love is" Forest says. Jenny had influenced Forest the most, she was his only friend growing up and one of the only people who loved him for himself , aside from his mother. Soon enough she influenced him to become stronger and successful man leading him to great opportunities and accomplishments. For instance, becoming a professional ping pong champion, university football player, and going into the war. All these things have helped Forest and influenced him to become the man he is today.

People are brought up in many different ways, and their past experiences can influence them very much. Like in the poem we have read "I am from soul food.." by Harriet Tubman, they claim "a violent family is where I'm from" which shows the past experiences this child has gone through and the struggles that have been encountered. It can greatly affect the perspective of the child from growing up their whole life only seeing violence. For instance, the child may believe violence is the only resolution to arguments, or maybe even it has helped them grow stronger having to face these problems. This relationship between this family has shaped who they are today. It has influenced them to become who they are, and changed this child's perspective on life.

People are constantly becoming influenced by their relationships with others. Each experience they have gone through has shaped their personality or beliefs and brought them to become who they are. Their identities are created from they're surroundings which impact them in many different ways. In conclusion, as you grow you change day by day from the situations you are faced with and the people you meet, and these authors have brought to us many complex characters that grow in many different ways as each story progresses.

Buffalo Soldier song lyrics- Identity

Buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta
There was a buffalo soldier in the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival

I mean it when I analyze the stench
To me it makes a lot of sense
How the dreadlock rasta was the buffalo soldier
And he was taken from Africa, brought to America
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival

Said he was a buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta
Buffalo soldier in the heart of America

If you know your history
Then you would know where you're coming from
Then you wouldn't have to ask me
Who the 'eck do I think I am

I'm just a buffalo soldier in the heart of America
Stolen from Africa, brought to America
Said he was fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Said he was a buffalo soldier, win the war for America

Dreadie, woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
(From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/b/bob-marley-lyrics/buffalo-soldier-lyrics.html)
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy
Buffalo soldier troddin' through the land, wo-ho-ooh
Said he wanna ran and then you wanna hand
Troddin' through the land, yea-hea, yea-ea

Said he was a buffalo soldier, win the war for America
Buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Driven from the mainland to the heart of the Caribbean

Singing, woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy

Troddin' through San Juan in the arms of America
Troddin' through Jamaica, a buffalo soldier
Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
Buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta

Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy, woy yoy-yoy yoy
Woy yoy yoy yoy, yoy yoy-yoy yoy

Emerson quote analysis

  Emerson is expressing the concept of trusting yourself. Not always following in the footsteps of others but being your own person. He is stating how to be genuinely happy you must believe in your own thoughts without worrying about the perception of others. Sometimes you have to put yourself before anyone else, because that is what is best for you. Believing and acting on your own instincts will prove to be the way to ultimate happiness. Although sometimes this could seem more difficult, it will conclude in a better result. The judgement of others can often have impact on what we do but Emerson reminds us to focus on what we believe, always. 
       When choosing universities there are many pressures and influences on ones decision. For example, many of my friends want to go to Langara, but I don't believe that it is the right school for me and my skills. I am going to trust what I believe and choose that school that fits me not letting my friends paths impact what I genuinely believe is right. Even though i may not be in the same school as them, it is a big choice I must make for myself and my future.
     In conclusion, Emerson is reminding us about the importance of believing in yourself and acting on what you feel is right because in the end that is what will bring you to happiness, your choices not the ones of others.

Journal Response 1

Respond to the following Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes. 

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, -- that is genius. Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. 
You can either respond freely in your journals or on your blog to the above quotes. 

OR

If you are finding it a challenge to begin you can address the following questions: 

What is Emerson advocating? 
Give an example from your life in which you either followed or did not follow Emerson's advice. What were the results?






       Emerson is expressing the concept of trusting yourself. He is stating how to be genuinely happy you must believe in your own thoughts without worrying about the perception of others. Believing and acting on your own instincts will prove to be the way to ultimate happiness. Although sometimes this could seem more difficult, it will conclude in a better result. The judgement of others can often have impact on what we do but Emerson reminds us to focus on what we believe, always. 
       When choosing universities there are many pressures and influences on ones decision. For example, many of my friends want to go to Langara, but I don't believe that it is the right school for me and my skills. I am going to trust what I believe and choose that school that fits me not letting my friends paths impact what I genuinely believe is right. Even though i may not be in the same school as them, it is a big choice I must make for myself and my future.
     In conclusion, Emerson is reminding us about the importance of believing in yourself and acting on what you feel is right because in the end that is what will bring you to happiness, your choices not the ones of others.


  

hi

ricki rocks!