Comparitive Essay

     Where would you prefer to be, on a raft floating down the Mississippi River with your friend and two strangers, or in the midst of war, uncertain of the fate of your companion? These examples are from “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn”, by Mark Twain and “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation Kingdom on the Waves”, by M.T. Anderson.  Both books are not even close to being the same but have the characters Jim, from Mark Twain’s book and Dr. Trefusis, from M.T. Anderson’s book, have roles in the book that are similar.

            One of the first similarities between these two characters is that they both help the main character along in their journey by giving them advice. Dr. Trefusis uses philosophy and fables to answer Octavian’s questions. One example of that is when Dr. Trefusis talks about self-love to Octavian. He relates a fable to that answer. Jim always provides Huckleberry Finn with wisdom and guidance from past experiences.   
     Another reason why these characters are similar is that they both are separated for a while. When Octavian is registering for the British Army, he does not know where Dr. Trefusis is. Also Jim loses track of Huckleberry Finn when their raft is crushed by steamboat. In both books after they were separated, the characters each other again, but each character still has their differences.

            One of the big reasons why they’re different is because the time periods are decades apart. Jim is a Pre-Civil War slave and Dr. Trefusis is a free-man in the Revolutionary War colonies. The Revolutionary War was a fight for independence while the Civil War was just pure bickering about whether slavery should be abolished. Jim’s point of view would be different from the view Dr. Trefusis because of their social status and their values. Jim is very religious when it comes to giving wisdom and rejoicing. Dr. Trefusis just chooses not to mention God at all and denounces that He exists. If these two characters met, they would be fighting like an old couple.

            These two characters may have identical roles in each book, but their values and personalities are like hot and cold.

The List

     It's election day in Johnson County. People from all over the county are lining up at the town hall to vote for the new Mayor of Pagawaukonomowoc.Just a few blocks away in the city square, the candidates are giving speeches of what their plans are for the city if they're elected. John Faccini, the current mayor who's about to be replaced, has just finished giving his "farewell" speech. He shakes the hand of Ron Omalley, who's a candidate,  as he walks up to give a speech. People are cheering and applauding when he steps up to the podium. He begins his speech and when he's about halfway done with his speech, he collapses as shots ring out throughout the air. The crowd screams and ducks at the sound. All the while, a person chuckles on top of a building surveying the scene as an empty 7.62 mm shell hits the ground.
To be continued.................

What Does “The Outsiders” Mean?

What does the term “outsider” mean? Does it describe someone who is different and goes above and beyond, or is it someone who watches from a distance, pushed aside by the population and forgotten. In the book, “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, this term is clearly visualized. An outsider is a person, who is not accepted by society or does not belong to a particular group. There are several examples that depict this in the book, “The Outsiders.”

The story is told by Ponyboy, the main character in the book, who is a Greaser. There are three classes of kids in the city, the wealthy “Socs,” the middle class, and the poor “Greasers.” Because of the discrimination and bullying from the “Socs,” Ponyboy writes a paper for his class assignment to help the “Socs” have an understanding of who the “Greasers” are. There has been a long rivalry of hatred, mistrust, violence and jealousy among the “Greasers” and the “Socs.”

In the beginning of the book, Ponyboy is” jumped” by a group “Socs,” when he was walking back from the movies. Jealousy towards the “Greasers” had been translated to physical violence by the “Socs.” The conflict is complicated when Ponyboy and his friend, Johnny, befriend some “Soc” girls. These girls, however, did not discriminate the “Greaser” boys. Jealousy is pronounced, when a car full of “Soc” boys witness Ponyboy and Johnny walking their “Soc” girlfriends home. They are enraged with jealousy and hatred. Both the “Greasers” and the “Socs” had fear of the unknown, which affirmed their negative perceptions of each other. This resulted from bad experiences with each other. The Greasers envied the money and the wealth of the “Socs.” Meanwhile, the Socs wished they could have the true emotional expressions and genuine friendships that the Greasers have. Because of these assets, the Greasers could fully enjoy life without having wealth.

There are examples of this even in our community. A setting in the book similar to “The Outsiders” is Milwaukee. There is the poorer section of town, known as the Central City. An example of a middle class area is the suburbs of Milwaukee. River Hills is one of the wealthier areas in the city of Milwaukee. These different groups of people have disparate lives, which can lead to jealousy and hatred. People in River Hills may be jealous of true friendships while the poor people in the inner city envy luxury.

When the common denominator is the unknown, we tend to discriminate and judge people, whether it is for better or for worse. In real life or fiction, discrimination and jealousy should be avoided...but they still occur.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

That is an example in Ponyboy's life. Both of his parents died and he's stuck with his mean brother. The phrase really means that some good things eventually go away.

The Outsiders Conflict

Author's Note
This piece is about the main conflict in the Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. I would like people to write comments about if they agree with my opinion or not and if not why.


I think the main problem between the Greasers and the Soc's is the whole envy issue. The Greasers are jealous of the Soc's money and popularity. While the Soc's are jealous of the Greasers freedom. That's the main cause of the whole conflict. The effect is that both sides overlook the good things in their lives.

Dally

Dally is a rougher kind of kid. He's a blond greaser who's tall and has some scars. He has gone to jail several times and he has parents and a home. He doesn't seem like a good person because does a lot of stealing and has gone to jail several times. I don't think Dally is misjudged. He deserves his judgment. I think Dally will end up in jail again because of his bad actions.

Patriots Pen

Patriots Pen
Am I proud of my country?

I am proud of our country. We have religious freedom, democracy, and equal opportunities for everyone. People are welcome from any country here. Also the government isn’t corrupt.

The Sad Ending for Cinderella

The Sad Ending for Cinderella

Authors Note: This piece is mediocre. It's not the best one I've written. It was just a piece I wrote for fun.

It was going to be the perfect night for Cinderella. She had an amazing fairy god-mother who provided everything she needed. There was a beautiful dress waiting for her to put on, wonderful glass shoes, and a luxurious carriage with four elegantly decorated white horses. Wearing all her new accessories, Cinderella stepped into the carriage and rode off to the ball.

When she arrived, the atmosphere was astonishing. Everyone from the kingdom was there. Not knowing where to park, Cinderella asked the valet man to find a place for the carriage. The valet man happily took the carriage but due to his lack of driving skills, he crashed it into a corn field. Walking up the giant staircase, Cinderella was in the midst of it all. She decided to go over to the buffet table since she hadn’t had dinner.

Just as Cinderella was heading to the plate where the main course was being served, the most beautiful man came over to her.
He said, “Hello, may I ask your name?”
“My name is Cinderella.” she answered.
“That is such a beautiful name. Would you dance with me?”
“I would love to.”

So the pair went out to the dance floor. All night they truly began to love each other more and more. You could tell by the way they looked into each other’s eyes. Everyone was jealous of them, especially the prince. So they devised a plan, an evil one.

One person would stand by the chain for the chandelier with a saw ready to cut it while the prince would give the signal. As planned Cinderella and the charming man were walking out toward the garden for an evening stroll. The prince then gave the signal. The chandelier chain began to weaken as the saw grated away at the iron ring. After much reciprocating of the saw, it fell; but, almost according to karma, a gust of wind blew the falling object over the prince and it crushed him. Alarmed by the sound of the crash, Cinderella and the man went over to help. When they were able to move the wreckage of the chandelier, they found it was the prince. Cinderella broke down sobbing. The reason for that was because Cinderella and the prince were very good friends when they were younger.

So then most everyone who attended the ball also attended the funeral for the prince. And that is how Cinderella became depressed.
The End

Poem

W wonderful
A amazing
T therapeutic
E exuberant
R rejuvenating
F fresh
A aquatic
L large
L loud

Frank and the Cheese Problem

There once was a munchkin named Frank who lived in a castle called McCheesy's Cheesy Cheese Castle o' Cheesy Cheese. He was a nice man and he owned a cheese shop. There was a problem though, his cheese inventory was overloaded. There many mini fridges all over the castle over flowing with Mozzarella, Cheddar Jack, Muenster, American and every other cheese known to munchkin-kind.

John at the Ten Yard Line

Authors Note
This piece is a parody of the poem, “Casey at the Bat” by Ernst Thayer. The format is basically the same but a football variation of that.

The chances for the Carlson High Cougars to win were not so good today;
They were losing 36-42 with four minutes left to play;
When Dave was benched with an injury and Aaron the same;
A cloud of disappointment fell upon the audience of the game.

A few of the fans decided to go and not cheer on the team;
The others stayed and watched the game through chattering clenched teeth;
They only thought if John could get a chance to take to the field;
That the Carlson High football team may have favorable yield.

But the other team on the turf had possession of the ball;
And the defense did their best to hold back it all;
Flying down the field was the offense toward the end zone;
The chances of John coming into the game were becoming very lonesome.

But a miracle happened with Kevin making an interception;
He ran down the sideline with great determination;
When Kevin was finally brought down the ref came out to measure;
He said, “10 yards to the goal line!” and the crowd applauded with pleasure.

The cheering rose as John got up and strapped on his helmet;
The Carlson High football team knew they couldn’t blow it;
Already in position and the center with the ball;
John gave the commands to begin the play; the most important one of all.

John looked for someone open, someone to whom he could throw;
But he couldn’t find a person and he took a great big blow;
The ref came out once again to measure where he lay;
He yelled, “Second and 15!” and the crowd began to bay.

They said, “How can this be? John would never do that!”
The coach asked for a timeout so he could have a chat;
Afterwards they went back out to go and try again;
A tension rose among the multitude in the stands as it began to rain.

John yelled again, “Ready, set, hike!”
But John got sacked to the fans dislike;
Frustrated he got up and exclaimed, “This stinks!”
The coach said to John, “This ain’t tiddly winks!”

In the midst of their grave situation at the time;
This was the opportunity for John to really shine;
This time as the clock wound down;
The ball sailed through the air without a sound;

The fans watched the spiraling ball with great intent;
The play shockingly fell short to their horrid discontent;
John now very discouraged sat down thinking it through his head;
“This can’t be happening!” as he heard, “Fourth and eighteen!” overhead.

All eyes were on John as he went out one last time;
He had to make this play work to prevent the team’s demise;
One final time he gave the order to snap the ball back to him;
He grabbed that ball and threw it hard to the receiver named Tim.

Somewhere out in the country people celebrate in song;
Many other children and adults run and join along;
It is different though at Carlson High, the attitude is solemn;
“Cougars Lose 36-42” is the title of the school newspaper column.

Last Essay

The Award

After everything was packed, Papa and his family got in the old black Plymouth they owned. Papa started the engine, and headed off. The ride to the next work place was about an hour. When they arrived there, Papa got out and introduced himself to the man who would be employing them and providing them a place to stay temporarily.

“He seems very nice,” said Papa.

“I hope so,” replied Mama, “Where do we stay?”

“He said there’s a barn near the grape fields out back,” said Papa. “It’s also furnished. They have parties there sometimes.” The black car slowly drove down the narrow lane leading to the barn.

“Wow!” said Panchito in an excited tone. “This place is huge!”

“I know,” said Papa. “Let’s unpack.” They were done in about an hour. Work began tomorrow. For now, it was just time to relax and recharge.

It was just another ordinary day for Papa. He got up, took a shower, and did the rest of his morning routine. After that, he went off to work and arrived right on time, just as he had done every day for the last few weeks. While he was busily working, his supervisor summoned him. Papa quickly got up, his mind racing with thoughts of having an extended work period there or being told that he was no longer needed. That thought made him shiver, even though it was ninety degrees outside.

Papa walked up to the makeshift office in a shed that said, SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE in bold, white lettering. He slowly opened the door and sat down in the empty chair in the dusty, unorganized office. “Papa,” said the burly man who sat behind a table with a glass of ice cold water on it. “You have been nominated as this year’s The Lazy do Nothing Constructive Award winner!”

Papa, who was very confused asked, “What?”

“Yes,” said the supervisor. “Congratulations!”

“Is this some kind of joke?” spoke a skeptical Papa. “I’m the most productive person working in these fields.”

“Yes, I know that, the employees here nominated you,” said the supervisor.

“Ok,” said Papa, and with that he left.

When Papa got back to the fields, he was confused. He never even knew there was such an award. If Papa ever got an award, he would want it to be something that showed his productiveness, not an award that ruined the reputation that was known about him. All his life, Papa was known to go above and beyond. The reason for this is because he grew up in a poorer family and had to do lots of chores. He wanted to make his family as happy as possible, and after years of doing that, his character was where it is today. He decided to put the thought aside and got back to work.

After Papa finished his job out in the field, his supervisor summoned him again. Papa went up and opened the door to the “office” and sat down once again. “Papa, you really amaze me,” said the supervisor. “You can be put in the most challenging situations and still succeed. You see, that award you were given was a test to see if you would be affected by a feeling inside you that might make a person think twice about their character, but you, you just shrugged it off and got back to work. We need more people like you Papa.”

“I still don’t understand,” replied Papa.

“I want to hire you as a foreman during the busy seasons and when things start to slow down, you could be somewhat of a handy man for me,” said the supervisor. “Are you up for it?”

“Sure!” responded Papa almost immediately. “I’ll do it!”

“Alright!” said the supervisor. “You’re hired!”

Papa left with a feeling in his heart of immense joy. When he got to his home, he announced the news to his family. “Guess what?” said Papa.

“What?” they responded in unison.

“We’re staying here permanently!” he yelled. Everyone cheered and hugged each other. It was as if the world was a party. Papa’s family never packed those boxes with their belongings ever again after that day when the circuit ended permanently.

Occurence At Owl Creek Bridge

Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
Can you see yourself walking in a thick forest with trees the size of houses surrounding you, but this is no normal stroll, this is a walk to your death. Uniformed officers are on either side of you. You are about to be hung for who knows what. The officers tie a rope around your neck and your hands. Then, the officer gives the command to remove the plank you’re standing on. Your neck feels extremely uncomfortable and then everything goes black. The story “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”, by Ambrose Bierce, is a fiction that somewhat reminds me of the Twilight Zone.
There is one part of this story I can connect to Deep Water. While the main character is being hung, he slips out of the rope and falls down to the river below. Because there are ropes around his hands, he can’t swim and begins to drown. The way Ambrose describes it is almost like the way William O. Douglas. The main character describes a fading light up above. He feels kind of relaxed and dreamy as well. Then as soon as his hands break free, he’s able to swim. It’s kind of like when Will from Deep Water was drowning, he couldn’t move his arms or legs. He wanted to but he couldn’t. If I were Will, it probably would’ve felt like I was tied up. Maybe it would feel like was about to be executed and not able to move at all.
To me, executions can be rather gruesome in some ways. Dying on a cross is probably the worst. It’s so long and very painful. First, they drive nails through the person’s hands. Then, they raise the cross and stand it up. After that, person just hangs by their arms and struggles to breathe because they’re being stretched almost. Probably they want to die it’s so painful but they can’t. That is the worst execution to get. One of the quickest ways to die is to be shot. All that the executioner has to do is cock the gun and shoot. The goriest is stoning. What happens is the whole community comes and throws rocks at the criminal till he/she dies. One that requires the least bloodshed is a lethal injection. They put some kind of chemical in a syringe and inject you. I can connect the Crucifixion of Jesus to another part of this story. The main character in the story was outside and ran into what he thought was a Confederate scout. They talked and then the scout left. Later in the story we find out the scout is a Union spy. Then, the main character is caught and is sentenced to be hung. Jesus on the other hand was betrayed by Judas with a kiss. After that Jesus was escorted and sentenced to be hung on a cross. Both deaths are fairly similar except Jesus died in times when Romans ruled everything while the main character in O.O.C.B. died during the Civil War.
The Civil War was the worst conflict that happened in our nation’s history. It reminds me of what’s going on in the Middle East. They’re undergoing a time where there are issues with the government and anarchy is ruling. The issue in the Civil War was that slavery was abolished and people wanted it back. So that meant that the U.S. split in half and was made to different “regions”; the Confederates and the Union. In the end, slavery was abolished for good and the U.S. was back together again. Eventually, that is what will happen to the Middle East and peace will once again be restored there.
Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is a story that has a little bit of everything in it. When you read it, there is so much information you can connect to. I bet if you read it, that you could write a five paragraph essay off it because there’s so much meat in it. Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is a story that you could make a book of topics about.

Deep Water

Daniel Trotier
Deep Water, Think Before You Go In It
Did you know, according to the International Life Saving Federation, that 1.2 million people drown around the world each year? That’s twice the population of Milwaukee! William Douglas wrote a story about himself, titled “Deep Water”, which is a chronicle on his fear of swimming and how he overcame it.
Scary experiences are something that every living being has in life. I bet there isn’t one person that has had a life without a life threatening moment. One thing that was scary that happened to me was when I broke my leg. I don’t remember thank goodness. My parents have to relay it to me. I was maybe 4 years old, I was running around the house chasing my brother. We had some cleaning people come to clean our floors so it was slippery. As I bolted across the tile, I slipped, then fell, and bam! My leg was broken. I was screaming and crying. My Dad took me to the hospital. Then I came home with a giant green cast on my right leg that was broken in 2 places, the fibula and the tibia. I had a full leg cast for about a month. After the full leg cast came off, I got a walking cast. The first day I had that cast, I threw up. Breaking a leg might be a scary or painful experience for people everywhere. It’s a normal thing that happens in life. A connection I can make is to a book called, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place”, by Aron Ralston. The book talks about his struggle while rock climbing in Utah. As he was climbing, an 800 pound boulder crushed his arm he was stuck. Eventually, he made a decision, he cut his own arm off and climbed down the mountain. There are similarities between “Deep Water” and this story. They both talk about a struggle of some sort and learn from it.
Learning something is a big part in life. You depend on learning for survival. It’s one of those things a human has to do. A major lesson I’ve learned is not to get in trouble with the wrong people. From past experiences, I learned you should have friends you can trust. That is a thing everyone learns. Well, I hope they’ve learned that. Ask anyone and they’ll say they’ve learned a thing or two, even If it’s something bad. Some people might learn to do something athletic, like swimming.
Swimming is something that can be scary or fun. “Swimming Away”, by Clare Reddaway, has one part about seeing what they thought was someone drowning, but that person was holding her breath. If there is one thing to do in the summer, it’s to swim. You can cool yourself down, have fun, and relax. One reason why I enjoy swimming is because most everyone does it. All my friends know how to swim. Even better, my house has an in-ground pool so I don’t have to go to a public pool or the YMCA. Plus, you can have parties. Other people who have pools enjoy them for some of the same reasons as me. They can serve as a business, gathering place, or a place for fun.
“Deep Water” is a good story. One that you can read and there’s always something new you can visualize in your head. I really liked it overall. William O. Douglas did a wonderful job writing “Deep Water” about overcoming his fear of swimming. This story proves that fears aren’t a giant road-block, they just appear big but are actually weak.