Kendra Lee's Weblog

Analytical Entries for Angela’s Ashes

kendralee — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:13:24 +0000

Analytical Entries for

Angela’s Ashes

Pg. 11	“My father and mother should have stayed in Ney York where they met and married and where I was born. Instead, they returned to Ireland when I was four, my brother, Malachy, three, the twins, Olvier and Eugene, barely one, and my sister, Margaret, dead and gone.”	This passage foreshadows all that is to happen before he states the following events. For instance, “…my sister, Margaret, dead and gone,” this quote briefs the outcome of his sister before she is even born in the story! Also in this passage, the author uses syntax to sequence the sentence more into a flow and to draw the reader in.	Specific Questions: How does the foreshadowing of this passage lure the reader in to read the book further?
Pg. 11	“People everywhere brag and whimper about the woes of their early years, but nothing can compare with the Irish version: the poverty; the shiftless loquacious alcoholic father; the pious defeated mother moaning by the fire; pompous priests; bullying schoolmasters; the English and the terrible things they did to us for eight hundred long years.”	The last line of this quote sets a motif of grudge against the English. Throughout the novel the main character is taught to believe that the English are evil and wicked. His father made the main character, Frank, and his brother swear to “die for Ireland.”	How do you think this opinion is more of Frank’s or his father’s?
Pg. 15	“Delia and Philomena were large women, great-breasted and fierce.”	From this passage, the reader can perceive from the imagery that these two cousin of his mother, Angela, were fat and big on their chest. Also from the passage the reader can perceive what the women personalities are. This is from the use of diction to the word “fierce,” we can interpret that they are stern and aggressive.	Do you think this perspective is disrespectful, mature, or just a general view on who these aunts are?
Pg. 19	“The MacNamara Sisters said Angela was nothing but a rabbit and they wanted nothing to do with her till she came to her senses.”	From this passage, the reader reads that from the sister’s perspectives on Angela is that she is a rabbit. The reader takes from this using diction that Angela must be timid. Though in a retrospective intake Angela could also be like a rabbit by producing a lot. For example, she had 7 children!	What do you think the sisters are referring her as (timid, reproductive, etc.)?
Pg. 19	“I’m in a playground on Classon Avenue in Brooklyn with my brother, Malachy. He’s two, I’m three. We’re on the seesaw. Up, down, up, down.”	From this passage, the reader can visualize what is happening in this scene. The reader can perceive that this playground they are at is probably surrounded by huge buildings. Also the reader can sense the neutral tone and contentment of the speaker by stating “up, down, up, down.” This effect kind of isolates himself from the joy a regular child would have at the park.	Why do you think the tone is somewhat neutral than vibrant?
Pg. 101	“He says he would, and it’s a disgrace that the Irish throw out millions of potato skins every day and that’s why thousands are dying of consumption…”	I find this quote ironic. In the 1800’s the Irish faced a potato famine that killed them all from eating it. Here in this quote Frank’s father contradicts history by stating that Irish are dyeing by not eating potatoes.	Why do you think the author would write this contradictory statement? Do you believe is contradictory?
Pg. 101	“It’s dark now and still raining outside and the coal is glowing in the grate where Mam and Dad sit and smoke their cigarettes.”	This quote describes the constant theme and mood of the book, which is dark and depressing. Smoking and ashes seem to be the only comforting things the adults have in the book.	How do ashes play an important role in the book?
Pg. 221	We’ll all have new boots and coats to keep off the rain so we won’t be coming home from school famished. We’ll have eggs and rashers on Sunday…”	This quote sets up another theme that is constant throughout the book which is Frank’s association of eggs to wealth. Eggs symbolize the good life that he wishes to have. They do this by symbolizing financial security and satisfaction.	What does this quote say about his childhood?
Pg. 313	“If it wasn’t for Hitler we’d all be dead…”	This quote is quite ironic. Hitler caused the death of millions of people. However, Mrs. Clohessy states that he saved their lives! He didn’t save their live intentionally, but thanks to the war England needed job positions filled for the war thus provided these Irish families with the income needed to buy luxuries.	How does this quote separate itself from reality but also set a truth?
Pg.	“Shakespeare is like mashed potatoes, you can’t get enough…”	Frank uses this quote to express his love for poetry and writing. With this he uses a simile that compares the two. For example, mashed potatoes is delicious and addictive to eat thus Shakespeare to him is also addictive to read.	Why would Frank compare Shakespeare to mashed potatoes rather than other delicacies?

Emotion vs. Reason

kendralee — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:08:21 +0000

Journal Entry #5: In this entry we were to write about what we priviledge more and follow: emotion or reason. I like this entry because it makes you wonder, hm…what do I value more? I think my perspective is somewhat more different. I usually follow my intuition though recently I have followed the use of knowledge and reason when it comes to making critical decisions.

I think I follow my intuition and emotion rather than the use of knowledge and reason. With emotion and intuition you are more likely to make more foolish mistakes, but I feel I have a good balance. I have a good head on my shoulders and know when to use it. Next year we all will have to use our sense of emotion and reason to determine the college we wish to got too. I really want to go to UNC Chapel Hill, if I don’t get accepted I’ll have to use knowledge and reasoning to determine what college I want to go too. I know that some other good colleges is ECU, NC State, and also Duke.

Illegal Immigrants

kendralee — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:52:33 +0000

Journal Entry #4: In this entry we were supposed to right about our opinion on illegal immigration. Also what our perspective on the definition of what illegal immigrants should be called. I like this entry because I think it help validates what I am which is between neutral and right. I still stand on what I wrote and believe that illegal immigrant should not be referred to as “refugees.”

I believe the term “illegal immigrants” is the appropriate label to call “economic refugees.” I am aware that there are illegal immigrants not just from Mexico, and there are illegal immigrants from other nations. I believe that all illegal immigrants, regardless their nationality, should be deported. I also feel free to state that should it really matter what term is used to describe illegals? We are the ones paying for illegals to stay. I believe our taxes should be used to kick them out of the country, and if they want to become part of our country-do it the right way. I’m not only to blame the lack of security of our southern border, but also the employers who support the conduct of cheap wage. If this continues our economic growth and stability will fall to the ground from trying to keep them out.

Poetry Analytical Essay

kendralee — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:03:26 +0000

Miracle

Jewel

Listen!

Do you hear it?

I do.

I can feel it.

I expect a miracle is coming.

It has set loose this restlessness

inside of me.

Expect it.

Dream about it.

Give birth to it in your being.

Know! Something good

is coming down the line.

Finding its way to you

Like all things find their way

to god’s children.

Listen!

What do you do when you hit rock bottom? In “Miracle,” Jewel, an accomplished singer and songwriter, answers this question by using syntax, imagery, and free verse. With these techniques, she explains her belief that God is overlooking those who follow him.

In “Miracle,” Jewel uses effective syntax to emphasize the importance of her poem. For example, she italicizes “feel” and ends her lines with punctuation marks. Such as “Listen!,” this one-word sentence ended with an exclamation point grabs the reader’s attention. This first line makes the reader realize what one further reads must be important. Jewel also contrasts the length of her lines; the first two or three lines will be short in the stanzas, then she will use long lines, ending with short lines. Jewel uses these contrasting lengths to emphasize the depth her poem has.

Jewel also uses imagery to express her emotions and beliefs. For example, she uses the metaphor “finding its way to you like all things find their way to god’s children.” She uses this metaphor to express her belief that God will always support his children and good things wait on every silver lining. Once again, she uses “Listen!” to emphasize the metaphor additionally and to increase the reader’s believability of the concept.

Why would she use this style? She uses free verse to separate herself from the typical poetry style. Her style is different and is guaranteed to grab the attention of the reader. Jewel does not use rhythm or rhyme in her poem; however it is distributed in sentences. Although, she does use repetition at the end of her poem with “Listen!,” this reassures the reader that they are reading a poem.

In conclusion, Jewel expresses her main message with the use of syntax, imagery, and free verse. She uses her unique style to show off to the world that poetry really is more than words that rhyme and have rhythm- but poetry is an art that can be expressed in multiple traditions.

Love- Concrete or Abstract

kendralee — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:36:06 +0000

Journal Entry #3: In this journal entry the class was told to write what we believe love is using concrete and abstract imagery. I really like this entry because it helps define what one believes love is. Their is so many perspectives on what love should be and should be considered. My first concrete use is not that insightful, though really love is like a rock. Love, like a rock, isn’t perfectly shaped. Love and rocks are stable but can also be easily tossed.

Concrete:

Love is a rock
Love is a growing flower
Love is harmonious music

Abstract:

Love is wanting someone who has nothing but can give you everything
Love is the wonderment of not being good enough yet still chosen
Love is the bond that lasts a lifetime

No more dissection!

kendralee — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:27:31 +0000

Journal Entry #2: In this journal entry we were supposed analyze a passage of William Jennings Bryan. Later we were to write a copychange of the passage and use similar syntax and parallelism. I believe my entry for this is quite persuasive (hint hint). I think that my points are organized in an economical and clear manner.

Students opinions have been acknowledged yet our opinions are ignored. I believe frogs and other animals should not be used for dissection- can’t we dissect virtually? This would save money and help those who are squeamish.

Personification

kendralee — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:27:14 +0000

Journal Entry #1: In this entry we were to right a story or expressive piece about an animate object and give it personification. I was inspired to write about tears in this entry because everyone has emotion and usually they express themselves through tears. I mean, a person cries tears of joy, angst, and happiness.

Woe of me, come down tears

Full of angst, but also joy

They eat me inside

Until released from my soul

Sloping down my cheeks

At full hurdle

Because of laughter

Or because of sorrow

Tears- blue eyed

Sometimes yellow

Both of which

Stimulate my veins

Tears I find for every mood

Quixotic, cynical,

Furious, depressed,

Loved, lonely

All of which ends

In a matter of time

Congenital Heart Defects: The Silent Slayer of Infants

kendralee — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:06:17 +0000

Kendra M.

Mrs. Robinson

Honors English III

12 November 2008

Congenital Heart Defects: The Silent Slayer of Infants

When I was developing in my mother before pregnancy, the doctor did an echocardiogram and diagnosed me with CHD. CHD is the acronym for congenital heart disease, which is a defect children are born with. Usually, the public is informed about AIDS and cancer, but what about CHD? The public should be better informed about congenital heart defects; like all other diseases, children with congenital heart defects face a future of severe effects such as abnormal childhoods, obesity, and poor social skills.

The ignorance the American public has for congenital heart disease is disheartening. Congenital heart defects are a serious matter and have affected thousands of lives, thousands of infants, and thousands of families. Congenital heart defects are diseases diagnosed when infants have damage to their heart structure at birth. The deficiency can engage the heart’s the interior walls, valves, or the arteries and veins (What are congenital heart defects). In the human body there is the circulatory system and it is made up of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. In the circulatory system, the heart is the propulsion. It is the central power that thrusts blood into circulation (Baffa). The circulatory system of the body has three systems that work separately. They are the coronary circulation, systemic circulation, and the pulmonary circulation. For the circulatory system to work as one, these three systems must work independently (Body systems: circulatory system). With all the different ways for the heart to be deformed, there is more than one type of congenital heart defects.

Congenital occurs “from errors in cardiac development in utero” (Stewart). Congenital heart defects are classed as acynotic and cyanotic lesions (Saenz).

Acyanotic heart defects are defects that intervene with the quantity of oxygen and blood that reaches the tissues. Cyanotic heart defects are defects that permit oxygen-poor and oxygen- rich blood to mix. The classification of congenital heart disease does not end here. There are more than 30 types of congenital heart defects known, most of which are rare (Bunch 120). In some cases, a victim of congenital heart disease may have more than one type present (Congenital heart disease).A Ventricular septal defect which is also known as “holes in the heart” is the most common type diagnosed (Stewart). I was diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect when I was born.

How infants obtain congenital heart defects is unknown (Stewart). In most cases, the origin of CHD is acknowledged from gene mutations and defects. Some of these defects come from drugs, “German” measles (rubella), alcohol in prenatal exposure, and environmental factors (Bunch 119). According to research conducted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, HealthDay News reported that pregnant women who smoke risk giving their newborn a higher chance of receiving of congenital heart defects. The study theorizes smoking increases the risk by 60%. Also, the risk is increased when exposed to secondhand smoking (Congenital heart defects). If the mother used cocaine or used over-the-counter medicines are also factors (Congenital heart disease). Another suspected cause of congenital heart defects is medication mothers take during pregnancy. Some medications that can increase the risk are lithium, anti-seizure medications, and Accutane (Congenital heart defects). Another environmental factor that might explain how children receive congenital heart defects is viral infections. Babies have an increased risk of receiving congenital heart defects in women who develop rubella during the first tri-period of pregnancy (Congenital heart defects). As Dr. Robert Stewart, a congenital heart surgeon of UNC medical center stated: “Whether these gene problems are inborn or a result of environmental effects is also most unknown at present (Stewart).” Thus, we should acknowledge the public of congenital heart disease and encourage further discovery.

Congenital heart defects are the most frequent of birth defects that cause infant death. Out of all children with birth defects, one third of those died from a heart defect. As published in an article online: “213, 000 life years were lost before age 65 due to deaths from congenital cardiovascular disease. This is nearly equivalent to the life years lost from leukemia, prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease combined” (Heart disease and stroke statistics). A study in 1970 overviewed the birth of 56,109 children. 457 of them were found to have congenital heart disease. Thus this study supports the idea that 8 children of every 1000 (1/125) will have congenital heart disease (Mitchell). Every year over 35,000 American infants are diagnosed to having congenital heart disease (What are congenital heart defects).

These are the statistics of common congenital heart defects:

Tetralogy of Fallot is a hole between the ventricles: 9–14%
Atrioventricular septal defects is shortage of the atrioventricular septum: 4–10%,
Transposition of the great arteries is when the aorta and the pulmonary artery are reversed: 10–11%,
Coarctation of the aorta is when the aorta is narrow: 8–11%,
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is when the aorta, left ventricle, mitral valve, and aortic valve is underdeveloped: 4–8%,
Ventricular septal defects is a hole in the heart: 14–16%,
All other defects come across about 30% of the time

(Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics).

\s Figure 1: Displays the occurrence of certain CHD (Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics).

Congenital defects, besides their different types, face similar effects that occur before being treated. These include some babies becoming blue, having very low blood pressure, sweating, breathing difficulties, feeding problems, poor weight gain, and heart murmurs (Pediatric cardiology). Heart murmurs are common in average children, not just children with congenital heart disease. For example, when I was younger I experienced heart murmurs, however, so did my childhood friends. I also experienced some of these symptoms by becoming blue sometimes and having poor weight gain.

There are many procedures used to cure the excruciating effects children face from congenital heart effects. The detection of congenital heart defects is usually exposed with pediatric echocardiography. It also detects heart murmurs and is necessary to evaluate surgical treatments and the effectiveness of medical therapy (Pediatric echocardiography). An echocardiogram is commonly referred to as an ultrasound. An ultra sound uses sound waves that transmit through a transducer (Whitt). An echocardiogram creates an image of the internal anatomy of the heart (Pediatric echocardiography). Studies suggest that prenatal four-chamber screening can detect up to 60% of congenital heart defects. However, this procedure is not considered reliable enough to determine if a child has CHD. According to a study, four-chamber images overlook 23 percent of defects (Saenz). Of course, any procedure a patient receives depends upon the type and severance of the defect. The treatment also depends upon the patient’s size and age. The treatment may be receiving catheters or surgery (Congenital heart defects, treatments). Surgery can help improve the circulation of blood and oxygen. Congenital heart defects diverge in severance among victims. Surgery is usually treated to patients who have lack of oxygen and defects that can lead to severe dilemmas (DeMilto). The procedures used for diagnosing and treating congenital heart defects do not end with surgery.

After treatment, there are several side effects that may affect the lives of these children. Victims who face congenital heart defects should be aware of Bacterial endocarditis. BE can occur even if the heart was replaced or repaired during surgery (Stein). Bacterial endocarditis is a severe disease inside the lining or valves of the heart, if not treated it can result in heart failure (Living with congenital heart defects). Besides internal conflicts, according to a study, a high frequency of children with congenital or acquired heart defects are overweight or obese. More than 25% of infants with heart defects are obese or overweight! Children are now at risk for long-term cardiovascular disability because of obesity (Cohen). Children with CHD may be obese or overweight because they eat of old habits that promote weight gain (Nutrition and physical activity). According to another study, children with congenital heart defects are suspected to experience coordination and behavioral problems. Also visual- motor and language skill deficits are common (Wernovsky). This may result in children not being able to participate or play a minimum of sports. Such as children with Marfan syndrome which is a disorder of connective tissue. There the victims are very tall and have amplification of their aorta. These victims should participate in low-intensity competitive sports. (Congenital heart disease). Also while children with congenital heart defects are affected by their nutritional habits.

Normally infants within four to five months of age double their birth weight. However, infants with congenital heart defects may grow slower. In most cases growth depends upon the severity and type of heart disease. Factors that interfere with growth in children who have CHD are rapid heart beat, poor appetite, hypoxia, and poor absorption of nutrients. Children with CHD may develop frequent respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, fatigue, and the need for more calories associated with the heart defect. Some infants who have congenital heart defects may require feeding through a nasogastrictube. These are used when infants with congenital heart defects do not receive the sufficient quantity with breastfeeding and bottle-feeding alone. This tube is placed in the infant’s nose and delivers the needed formula or breast milk. Some methods of tube feeding are using a gastrostomy tube or a jejeunostomy tube. These methods require the placement of the tube surgically into the stomach (gastrostomy) or intestine (jejeunostomy). The components used for children to stay healthy are heartening.

In conclusion, children who have congenital heart defects face a trauma larger than what you would expect. In my case, I am healthy and normal compared to those who never had CHD. However, children with congenital heart defects may face severe effects, procedures, and a life of pain afterward. This is why there should be more awareness about this assassin disease.

Works Cited

Baffa, Gina MD. “Congenital heart defects.” Kids Health 2008. Nemours Foundation.

07 November 2008.

defects.html>.

Bunch, Bryan. The family encyclopedia of disease. W.H. Freeman and Company: Scientific Publishing, 1998.

“Body systems: circulatory system.” The Franklin Institute 2008. UNISYS. 07 Nov 2008.

Cohen, Meryl S.,MD. “Obesity is a common comorbidity in children with congenital and acquired heart disease.” Pediatrics 2007. 08 November 2008. .

“Congenital heart defects.” American Pregnancy Association 2007. American Pregnancy Association. 09 Nov 2008. .

“Congenital heart disease.” Cleveland Clinic 2008. Cleveland Clinic. 09 November 2008. px>

“Congenital heart defects, treatments.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute 2007. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. 06 Nov 2008. .

“Congenital heart disease.” Texas Heart Institute Heart Information Center 2007. Texas Heart Institute. 09 November 2008. .

DeMilto, Lori. “Heart surgery for congenital defects.” Life Steps 2005. 07 Nov 2008. p>.

“Feeding your infant with congenital heart disease.” American Heart Association 2008. American Heart Association. 09 November 2008. .

“Heart disease and stroke statistics.” Circulation 2006. American Heart Association. 13 Nov 2008. .

“Living with congenital heart defects.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute 2007. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. 08 November 2008.

Mitchell, S.C. M.D. S.B. Korones M.D. H.W. Bendes M.D.. “Congenital heart disease in 56,109 births incidence and natural history.” Circulation 1971. American Heart Association. 08 November 2008.

/43/3/323>.

“Nutrition and physical activity.” Pediatric Heart Network National Heart, Lung, and

Blood Institute. 16 December 2008.

“Pediatric cardiology.” Shands Children’s Hospitals 2006. UF&SHANDS. 04 Nov 2008. .

“Pediatric echocardiography.” Sanger Clinic 2008. Sanger Clinic. 06 Nov 2008. .

Saenz, Rebecca B. M.D. Diane K. Beebe M.D. and Laramie C. Triplett M.D. “Caring for infants with congenital heart disease and their families.” American Academy of Family Physicians 1999. American Academy of Family Physicians. 08 Nov 2008. .

Stein David W., MD. “Congenital heart disease.” WebMD 2006. WebMD. 08 November 2008. disease?page=2>.

Stewart, Robert MD, MPH. E-mail interview. 12 Nov 2008.

Wernovsky, Gil M.D.. “School and behavior problems in children with chd.” CHIN 2007. CHIN. 09 November 2008. .

“What are congenital heart defects.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute 2007. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. 06 November 2008. .

Whitt, Laurie, RN. Telephone interview. 11 Nov 2008.

Crucible Paper revised.

kendralee — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:22:33 +0000

Kendra McCurdy

Mrs. Robinson

Honors English 3

22 Sept 2008

I can be your Super Man: The heroes unaffected by Kryptonite

John Proctor and Nelson Mandela

Do you consider a person who causes pandemonium and threatens to annul the government a hero? John Proctor and Nelson Mandela are men who should be admired as heroes. These two are men who may be opposite in what it real and fiction. Despite this they are similar as leaders, combating a cause, and being dedicated to their objectives.

John Proctor from The Crucible and the famous Nelson Mandela of South Africa are both leaders in their community. John Proctor is as some say a “leader without followers.” By this he has all the aspects and qualities to be a leader, though he does not have the trust of the general public. At the end of The Crucible John Proctor says “because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” (Miller 62). This signifies his portrayal as a rejected leader opposing the controversial hangings in Salem. Nelson Mandela is man who is much more regarded as a leader. Nelson Mandela organized a paramilitary branch of the African National Congress to carry out revolutionary warfare against the government (“Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.”). With this he gained the support of thousands of people to overthrow the government.

John Proctor and Nelson Mandela are heroes by having a purpose to fight for. In The Crucible John Proctor was appealing to the massacre of the Salem Witch Trials. Where innocent people were condemned falsely for choking people “before the eyes by spirits…[and sticking] pins and [slashing] daggers” (Miller 41). Nelson Mandela was fighting for equal distribution of rights among all people in South Africa regardless of color. Also he was fighting to build “up powerful local and regional branches to whom power could be devolved” and enhancing education to students (“Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.”).

Another similarity between John Proctor and Nelson Mandela that makes them heroes is that they both are dedicated to their goals, no matter what the consequences shall be. Both ventured penalties to themselves for the actions that they committed. John Proctor and others who were condemned were hanged. John Proctor was hanged because he denied working with the devil. However John Proctor stated: “…I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours…” (Miller 52). This comment that he stated offended the court and made mockery to the justice that the people of Salem abided to. Nelson Mandela got a different yet just as ruthless punishment. He was “sentenced to life imprisonment and started his prison years in the notorious Robben Island Prison, a maximum security prison on a small island seven kilometers off the coast near Cape Town” (“Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.”).

In conclusion, Nelson Mandela and John Proctor are leaders who should be seen as heroes. In their actions they were courageous and valiant to take a stand. They made a difference to their society by being the definition of what a hero really is. That is a person who is full of heart, dedicated, and puts those around them first than themselves.

Works Cited

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2005.

“Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.” African National Congress. 22 September 2008.

Compare and Contrast: Patrick Henry vs. Bush speeches

kendralee — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:58:22 +0000

Both essay start with announcing members invited to the conventions. Both state how dearly much we need to fight back for freedom and independance. Also the speeches are about defending our right in war against the enemy. In Patrick Henry’s case he was rebelling against Britain, and Bush is stating that the Al Queda is the enemy.

The difference between the two is Patrick Henry’s speech I think is more formal than Bush’s. Also Henry’s is about the rights we deserve and Bush’s is about maintaining the rights we have.

God Bless America!