Week 2 Homework Term 4

Write an introductory paragraph in response to the question we have been working on in class. “Young men go to war because it provides them with the opportunity for adventure.” To what extent is this borne out by Peter Weir’s film, “Gallipoli”? In your response you must discuss the way the film positions viewers to understand its message. Post to your blog before Tuesday's lesson.

Peter Weir’s film Gallipoli presents the notion that many young men volunteer in war as an opportunity for adventure, however it also proposes other reasons as to why they take part, including for the act of patriotism and an assertion of bravery to rid the image of a coward. The movie clearly enforces just how much precious life is wasted at war, and how it simply a killing spree and much less an adventure or glorious responsibility. Different techniques are used to portray this message - the initial excitement the soldiers share, the young ages at which they enrol, their interest and pride to take take part - which is all contradicted once they start to experience war and it's horrific nature. Perhaps one of the most comforting scenes where this idea of adventure and duty is contradicted and shamed is when dozens of young Australian soldiers are sent out on the front line despite knowing they will die, running out unarmed and helpless. It is through scenes such as this that Gallipolli creates the impression that despite theories, despite the glorification of war, it really is just a waste of the beautiful young men that were sent - destroying everything they were, and ever would be.

SUICIDE IN THE TRENCHES

2. The author claims of “Suicide in the Trenches” that Siegfried Sassoon “makes his point clear with tremendous force and effectiveness”. What is the poet’s message and how effectively (in your opinion) is the message conveyed?

Siegfried Sassoon demonstrates an incredibly forceful and effect point in his poem Suicide in the Trenches. Sassoon emphasise the precious life that is being wasted and forgotten in war. He creates the image of a young soldier boy, a normal boy with hopes and dreams, a normal content boy with an appreciation for life and peace - his world was totally uncorrupted. As the poem continues it reverses this idea - as the boy commits suicide in the trenches. It comes to show just how horrifying the conditions must have been for a happy young man to do such a thing. War is so horrific that it has forced him to destroy his own life - a beautiful boy full of vivacity, gone. There is a mention of how the boy is forgotten after he shoots himself, meaning no-one wants to be reminded of just how terrible war can effect people. In the final paragraph Sassoon mentions the shame people should feel for sending these promising young men to war, totally destroying everything they are and ever will be. The messages are clear: people cannot possibly imagine the horrors war presents and the precious life which it so carelessly destroyed. War is not meant to glorified, but shamed. In terms of poetic techniques, the poet uses alliteration, rhyme and very descriptive language.

WEEK 4 ENGLISH HOMEWORK

A reflective response to chapters 9- 11 A few weeks have passed since Mrs Dubose died and Jem has had some time to think about the events of the last few months. In role as Jem, write a response in which you reflect on these events and what they mean. Post to your blog by Thursday 4 pm.

It's changin' now; the way I viewed things as a young boy, it's all changin'. Things are happenin' differently, and I have more of a responsibility now, more of a expectation to behave as any gentleman would I s'pose. We got toy rifles for Christmas from Atticus, which is what Scout and I had hoped for. We also learned that Atticus used to be the best shot in Maycomb - gavin' to take down a mad dog. I gotta watch out for little Scout, these past weeks have really put her patience to test. She's not quite old, or mature, enough to understand the situation that Atticus is in, defendin' the Negroes, and why everyones reactin' so harshly. She's not a wimp, I'll give ya that, and she'll fight anyone who ever said a bad word about uz - so it's partly my job to help her control that, she can't keep carryin' on like this. But it was only ever other kids, at school or cousins, that'd say nasty things about uz, calling uz nigger-lovers and sayin Atticus was givin the family a bad name. When Mrs. Dubose, the old lady in our neighbourhood started saying' it too, worse even, that's when it began to get to me too. She was nasty, she was cold and she didn't give care one bit about what she was actually saying' and how it waz upsetting uz. I did my best to control it, but a few wrong words and I'd lost it. She'd gone too far, and I took it even further - cuttin' down her prized flowers and ruinin' em. Of course, there was a punishment, and Atticus was real disappointed. I read to her every day, Scout by my side. I hated every minute of it. She was boring and rude and never satisfied. But what I didn't realise then was how strong Mrs Dubose was, she was fighting the battle of her life. If I'd had known it, I wouldn't have been so tough on her, but how was I expected to realise? And I gotta admit, at times, I found her with a grin on her face every now and then when I was reading' to er. Mrs Dubose died later that month, and I waz glad I read to her while she still her, it made me feel kind of good, rewarded inside. Atticus always said Mrs Dubose was a brave woman. I never thought it. I thought of her as cranky and rude and mean. But, she was, indeed very brave. Brave because she was passionate about what she believed in. She viewed things from a different angle than what others did and she never let anyone tell her otherwise. She fought her illness, and found the courage to stop relying on the morphine - she fought every step of the way, even though she knew she waz gonna die. I think that's what Atticus was getting at - that real courage comes from denying giving-up, to keep trying, to stand for what you believe in. Because of this I guess, Atticus thought of her az the bravest woman that ever lived.  

ENGLISH HOMEWORK T3WK3 - TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

The first eight chapters of to "Kill a Mockingbird" focus largely on the story of the children trying to make Boo Radley come out. List all of the events in this story including those which show the reader that Boo actually has come out. Now write a section in Atticus’s journal on the night after the fire at Miss Maudie’s house. How would Atticus reflect on the events that have happened? Post to your blog by 8.20 am Friday.

EVENTS SHOWING BOO RADLEY HAS COME OUT: 

1. A shutter in the house moves as Jem approaches the Radley house

2. Presents start to appear in the Radley oak tree: Tinfoil sticking out of a hole in one of the Radleys’ oak trees with two pieces of chewing gum + two old “Indian-head” pennies hidden in the same place+ ball of grey twine + two soap figure + spelling bee medal + old pocket watch

3. Scout hits the house whilst rolling in the tyre and hears laughter

4. Jem's pants mysteriously mended and folded neatly over the fence

5. The blanket that was draped over Scout

Atticus's journal 

Well, today was surely an eventful one. It was just past one this morning when we started to hear the commotion on the street, including the high pitched siren that came blaring round the curb. It was dear little Miss Maudie's house, it was alight, flakes of fire ravishing the house away and crawling up to the roof. I woke the children and told them to gather their coats, trying to be as calm and collected as possible as to avoid scaring them. I instructed them to wait in front of the Radley's house whilst I helped at the scene. There was already a crowd in front of the house, along with the firemen, and I didn't want the children being caught up in the anarchy. So, I left the children in safety, and accompanied the other men in helping to remove the furniture from Miss Maudie's humble abode. 

By dawn, the commotion at Miss Maudie's had calmed itself, and the fire was controlled, but my heart went out to her. She was a good, kind, strong woman - she was dealing with the situation very well, but she was still of course shaken and a little distraught. I met the children where I had left them, and took them home for hot chocolates to warm them up, it was cold and icy outside from the snow. As we sat before the fire pit it occurred to me the blanket draped over Scout's shoulders - it hadn't been there before, and the children had told me they did not leave where I had asked them to stay. I don't think Scout was first aware of it being there either, the children were probably too encompassed by the trouble at the fire. From then Jem started motoring away about the gifts they had found in the trees, and his sewn pants. He assured me it was probably the work of Nathan Radley, but I had my own idea that perhaps the man behind this all was Arthur. It somewhat affected the children I should say that though - it beats me - but they have this wrenching fear of Boo Radley. I think it's all talk to be honest, rumours being snowballed as the years pass. The Radley's are not bad people, they're just a bit misunderstood and judged too quickly if you ask me. No one knows enough about them to go around saying what they believe is true. I hope the children will come to realise this someday soon.

WEEK 8 HOMEWORK

Look up the meaning of the word which constitutes the title of the play, "crucible", and give a dictionary definition. How appropriate do you consider the title to be? Write a paragraph in answer, referring to one of the play's themes to justify your response. Post on your blog before 8.20 Tuesday.  I was able to locate three variations of the definition for Crucible: 1. A vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures. 2. A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial. See Synonyms at trial. 3. A place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces I believe the title is highly appropriate as The Crucible is a severe test of belief and patience, and it is certainly characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual and political forces. For instance, one theme strongly portrayed during the play is that of loyalty. Loyalty no doubt tests the commitment one has to their beliefs and their community. There are a few characters in the play who do show this character trait positively, for example, Rebecca Nurse, who despite the uproar and pressures to confess, remains loyal to God and her faith. Other characters do not possess such characteristics, instead having betrayed God and their friends. This is represented well in the character of Abigail Williams. Abigail betrays her beliefs, she lies and sins. Additionally, she blackmails and wrongs her friends, as she accuses innocent people in order to save herself. In terms of 'a situation characterised by the confluence of powerful intellectual and political forces', the Crucible shows this through the use of abuse of power and authority. This can be seen when Parris uses his role as reverend to make accusations and uneccessary input. The Salem trials is an event of total anarchy, and everyone uses the opportunity to blame those who they do not respect in any sense, abusing their given rights to save themselves. I think the title is highly relevant to the situation. It is undoubtedly a test of belief and a situation that is characterised by the powerful intellectual and political forces.

Write a paragraph explaining the connection between the McCarthy era and the play. Be concise and prioritise your ideas. Think and plan before you write! Post to your blog before Monday's lesson.

WEEK SIX HOMEWORK

Is John Proctor a hero or not? We have debated this in class. Now choose the most effective point in the argument for or against and write a paragraph on this point with a really effective topic sentence and evidence from the play in support. Include at least one correctly punctuated quotation. Post to your blog for tomorrow’s lesson.


I don't believe this is a fairly debatable topic and I myself would classify John Proctor as a 'tragic hero', due to the qualities he shows and the way he impacts the community of Salem. Whilst he does make some mistakes, these are only minor setbacks compared to the noble, honourable and righteous qualities John no doubt posesses. John, throughout the play, had always been one to seek truth and goodness. When the witch hunt began, while others were continually blaming friends and foes on the happenings at the time, never did John blacken someone else's name to protect himself. He didn't judge a single person, he was the one who proposed the idea that perhaps the girls were simply 'pretending' that the devil was amongst them. Proctor continually battled for justice for those who had been falsely accused. No denying, John certainly denounces those who abuse their powers, and he does not have trust in Parris or the church - he feels as though they do not have proper faith and their way of praising god and doing good is not right. John has a very good name in the village, many people admire the man he is, “In Proctor’s presence a fool felt his foolishness instantly” (p.142.) Toward the end, John eventually decides it is better to be honest and loyal to God than tell a lie and shame his friends. He goes against the crowd, he stands for what is good and right. John is a man of courage and greatness - and that is how he chose to die.

Week 5 Homework

Why do you think John Proctor decides to confess? Why does he change his mind? Give evidence for both your answers. Post on your blog before Friday's lesson.


I believe John Proctor decides to confess as he values his life very much, in particular his wife Elizabeth Proctor and family. He does not want to leave her, and admires her very much. In the early beginning of their conversation, John asks how the baby and his sons are going. After hearing about them, he decides he wants to confess, probably due to the fact he wants to be there for his family which he loves very much.  He was very confused about his decision, he asked Elizabeth for her advice on the situation, her reply simply being "I cannot judge you, John, I cannot!" It is his choice to sign his name on the confession documents. However, John has a change of heart as he begins to sign the confession. Rebecca Nurse, who along with John is also to be hanged that morning for involvement with the devil, says something to him that will question his next move. Danforth asks Rebecca to confess as John did. Rebecca, surprised and disappointed in John, replies, "Oh, John - God send his mercy on you!" Danforth repeats, a little frustrated, "I say, will you confess yourself, Goody Nurse?" but Rebecca replies with dignity, "Why, it is a lie, it is a lie; how may I damn myself? I cannot, I cannot." After this, and when Parris and Danforth announce his signed papers will be shown to all at the church window, John decides he would rather stand for the truth and support his friends. He couldn't bare to sign away his name and be damned to hell for lying and sinning. He decides he is a good, honest man, and that is the way he will die too.

Week 4 Homework #2

Re-read the final scene between John and Elizabeth. Elizabeth refuses to advise her husband but she clearly has a point of view on his situation. In her heart, what does she want him to do? What would she say to him if she could? Post to your blog before Monday's lesson.


In this scene, we see a strong display of hidden emotion from Elizabeth. When her husband refuses to confess, instead facing the harsh consequence of being hanged, Elizabeth remains quiet and composed. She does this as she realises the good and honest man her husband is. John is a faithful and loyal man with good morals, he would rather perish whilst standing for the truth rather than walk away a free man only carrying the conscience of having told a lie. Elizabeth knows this is a decision her husband must make, as if she were to convince him to confess then she knows quite well he would suffer his life with the burden of not having told the truth, and fought for justice. She would rather see him go as a good, kind man who did the rightful, honest thing and be proud of himself for it than see him suffer in his lies. So, although she does very much wish her husband would confess and live, she knows it is a choice he must make on his own and she respects that very much. 

Week 4 Homework

Read Danforth's speech to Elizabeth at the top of page 116. It begins "Goody Proctor, you are not summoned here for disputation." Danforth has asked Elizabeth to speak to John to try to get him to admit his guilt. Elizabeth does speak to John but she does not reply to Danforth. Construct a response to Danforth. What do you think she might have wanted to say to him in response to his accusation that she is "stone"? Make your response as long as Danforth's speech. Due Friday. Post on your blog.

HOMEWORK 2

The Crucible Act 1 In his introduction of John Hale starting on page 37, what attitude does Arthur Miller take to the belief in the devil/evil spirits? Write a paragraph response using quotations in support of your explanation. This is quite a difficult passage. You will need to read it carefully and give your response some thought. Post on your blog by Monday 8.20.


When John Hale is introduced into the script The Crucible on Page 37, Arthur Miller expresses his beliefs and opinions on the devil, and evil spirits that follow. Miller describes the Devil as 'a weapon designed and used time and time again in every age to whip men into a surrender to a particular church or church-state.' He conveys the idea that the church, or christian community, have moulded and enthused the idea that the devil is simply a creator and cause of death or unexplainable evil. He quotes that 'until the Christian era the underworld was never regarded as a hostile area', and it was seen that all gods were useful, important and generally kind to man. Miller proposes the idea that perhaps the discovery of the 'Devils work' is a tool, or a scare tactic, the church may have used to draw people into their community, to preach and pray so that they may not be condemned to hell. The Church community defies that everything pure, wholesome, and good to be related with God's work, whilst anything to do with wrong doings and evil, peculiar happenings must be the work of the devil. Miller supports this when he writes that "sex, sin, and the Devil were early linked.” As human beings, we look for a balance and we constantly seek answers and information behind the way things occur. In the play, there are an abundance of strange occurrences, with no explanation the village people are convinced into thinking that it is evil spirits taking over. Through the use of the character Mr Hale, Arthur Miller inflicts an opinion that the devil is more or so a creation grown by the Church from ancient beliefs that has been indented into our minds; and consequently as the curious creatures we are we have adapted to believing in such reasons for evil as we search for answers in all occurrences of our lives. 

English Homework #1

choose two characters - one to whom you respond positively and one to whom you respond negatively. What aspects of the text have positioned you to respond this way? You may want to consider representations, characterisation and voice. Quote in support. 

Character I respond positively to: Abigail - This may come as a shock, as people have labelled Abigail to be a 'compulsive, selfish liar', and in many ways she can be. But although Abigail does show some negative character traits, from a certain perspective I admire her strength, and her determination. She knows exactly what she wants, and she will go to great lengths to get it. Abigail possesses a passion to achieve what others would be frightened to. Despite her youth, she is not afraid to stand against those older than her to fight for what she desires, even if it may be for the wrong objectives. In Act One Abigail says to her uncle Parris with a temper: " My name is good in the village! I will not have it said my name is soiled! Goody Proctor is a gossiping liar!". This shows she is not afraid to defend herself and defend her role in society, and she is cunning. She is able to persuade people in a decisive cunning way. And although there are traits about her that repulse me, I find her interesting and very clever.  

Character I respond negatively to: Mrs Putnam - I do not particularly think fondly of Mrs Putnam as she is appears small minded, and tends to blame other people on the unfortunate happenings in her life. She blames her midwife on the loss of her babies, when really it was just a terrible event that they were weak and had perished. She believes everything others say, without finding evidence or trying to look for truth. This, in a person, I do not admire. When people believe rumours as soon as they're spoken they are not very smart, and I think Mrs Putnam is a liar and a phoney who thinks too highly of herself.