Kite Runner Questions

Role of Women: not very important

Betrayal: Betrayal is a key point stressed throughout the book. Amir betrays Hassan and Baba betrays his half son Hassan bc he is Hazar.

Brothers: The bond between Baba and Ali as well as Amir and Hassan are like brothers more than just friends

Guilt: Amir hids what he is truly guilty about just like his father. Instead they both act out in ways to try and make themselves feel better about what is going on within them.

Redemption: Amir seeks redemption for him and his father by adopting Sohrab.

Exodus/ Journey: Amir must must make the journey to America with his father and also back to Afghanistan to save the boy.

Fathers & Sons: Ali and Hassan are father and son who are from a lower class. While Baba and Amir are from an upper class

Class Distinction: There are two different types of people mentioned in the book. One would be the lower class who were poeple who did the odd jobs and then the upper class were those who were the leaders within the community and the business men.

Parallelism: Basic concept throughout the book. The emotions you feel when reading the book along with the same phrases being used over again.

Character Foils: Ali and Hassan, Baba and Amir, Baba, and Rahim Khan, Hassan and Amir, Baba and Ali

Foreshadowing: The first chapter shadows that something terrible has happened in Amir's life to make him the person that he is today.

Flashback: Flashbacks are used throughout the book to bring back memories or to explain an emotion that Amir has.

Postives and Negatives: Amir likes to write and read, while he tells Hassan the wrong things. Also, Baba could care less if Amir likes those things and ignores him.

Setting:
1. Class ranks
2. Education
3. Sunni and Shi'a
4. Courage and Coward
5. Pashtun and Hazar

Characters:
1. Rahim Khan: Give encouragement to Amir and also helped Amir bring honor to him and his father's name
2. Soraya: Amir's wife
3. Wali: Affaf's friend
4. Sanaubar: Hassan's mother
5. Farid: taxi driver

Symbols:
1. Kites: symbolizes prophecy and fate
2. The Myth: shows differences in the boys and their religion and status
3. Pomegranate Tree: friendship between Amir and Hassan
4. Scar: brotherhood between the two boys
5. Slingshot: the need to stand up for what is right

3rd English 1101 Essay...battle of the princesses :)

Cinderella vs. Snow White

Walt Disney is famous for many children’s movies produced in the early 1930’s to present day. As a little girl, Disney brings to life the wonderful world of princesses. Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, and Jasmine are just a few, but I believe the best ones are Cinderella and Snow White. In the tale of both Cinderella and Snow White these princesses are made to be household slaves by their wicked stepmothers who are jealous of their beauty. Cinderella and Snow White eventually out whit their stepmothers by the help of unusual characters who befriend the princesses. By the end of the stories both princesses ride away into the sunset with their Prince Charmings and live happily ever after. For these two princesses life is pretty much the same with a few differences which can be revealed by a deeper look into their lives.

Cinderella and Snow White both end up deceiving their stepmothers in their stories just in different ways. Cinderella is made to “make the fire, fix the breakfast
wash the dishes, do the mopping” when all she wants is to go to the ball. She wishes this so badly that she receives a Fairy Godmother who helps her fulfill her wish. The Godmother changes a pumpkin into a carriage and her rag dress to a beautiful gown. While Snow White on the other hand escapes a graver reality by almost being killed, but gets set free by her executioner. Instead he brings the queen back a pig heart instead of Snow Whites.

As in most princess stories the princess has a helper or a friend who is always there. In Cinderella’s case it’s the little mice that live upstairs in the attic with her. Together the mice work to retrieve the key from Cinderella’s evil stepmother to set her free from the highest tower in the castle. Snow White’s case is a little different; when she runs away from the castle she finds a cottage. In the cottage live seven little me, she begins to cook and clean for them in return for a place to live. When her evil stepmother tricks her into eating the poisoned apple the seven dwarfs build her a glass coffin until Prince Charming finds her.

As in most wonderful Disney movies these two stories have happy endings. Both princesses find their Prince Charming and ride off on a white horse. How they find them or more or less how the princes find them is quite different. When Cinderella went to the ball she dropped her glass slipper at midnight. The prince rode all through the village looking for the woman who owned the shoe. Finally showing up at Cinderella’s castle her evil stepmother locks her in the tower; her mice then let her out to try on the shoe. When the prince saw that it fit her took her away and married her. Snow white is tricked by the evil stepmother and put under a spell. That only loves first kiss could awaken her from the eternal slumber. As the prince is riding through the forest he spots the princess in the glass coffin. He is so captivated by her beauty that he kisses her and she wakes to find him staring at her. They fall in love instantly and ride off together, happily ever after!

Disney has made many wonderful movies over the years. It just seems that none have really ever beat the love stories of the beautiful princesses all little girls wish to be. Through the years Disney has created more princesses such as Mulan and the new Princess and the Frog. Yet, the story line basically always stays the same. It’s always back to mean stepmother, wonderful friends, and a happily ever after. It was once said “ Good things never change.”

2 down...3 more to go!

This essay to me was by far the easiest! It just seems like once I figured out my topic the words just flew onto the page. The most difficult thing for me was still trying to figure out what to write about. I actually asked my friends and family...believe it or not my grandma gave me the idea. So to new 1101 students I would suggest that if you're struggling with the topic don't be afraid to ask for help or ideas.

I actually really like the blogs. On my last paper I got good reviews but nothing really helped me. On this paper though one girl gave me a great review. I went back and looked over my paper and even changed what she suggested. I was surprised at my own ability when it came to writing the paper. I didn't think i was a great writer..but really I'm not so bad. Writing on the blogs and posting essays has given me tons of confidence in my writing.

Either You're In or You're Out ( second English paper..very rough)

Normally when you think about high school lunch the first thing that pops into your head is Pizza Fridays. At least that’s what pops into mine. Many teens and preteens today are faced with more issues than just what is on the menu for lunch at school. High school can be a vicious place, especially when you are a girl! As a child your parents normally teach you that it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside people will still love you because of who you are on the inside. It seems like that rule flies right out the window once you turn fifteen. The halls of school turn into a never ending battle of drama and adversity. Either you’re in or you’re out; you are either a somebody or a nobody. As harsh as that sounds, it’s the truth. High school clicks are one of the worst problems most female teens and preteens will ever face in their younger years.

I can remember as a child in middle school I would watch my best friend’s sister and think I want to be like her when I’m that age. If I had only known what that meant at the age of eleven I surely would have never thought that. My best friend had a sister who was a cheerleader, beautiful and always had a new boyfriend every time I saw her. I thought she was just wonderful and “popular.” By the time she graduated I was a freshman in high school and my wish had come true. I was a cheerleader, I was on the homecoming court, I had a boyfriend, and I made good grades. I could not even fathom how life could get much better, nor did I care how everyone else felt who was not in my shoes. Little did I know reality was about to hit my smack dab in the face. My girlfriends and I were sitting at the “popular” table eating lunch on Pizza Friday when a girl from my class walked by. As she did one of my friends made comments about her that was uncalled for and the girl began to cry. It was at that moment that I realized I wasn’t really all that cool or popular. It did not matter what table I sat at or what social standing I had reach, but who my friends had become. Even though those harsh words did not come out of my mouth they reflected me just as much as they reflected my friend. Suddenly, I didn’t feel popular anymore I felt like a loser.

My freshman year of high school ended and we moved to a new town. I decided I would branch out and give public school a try. On the first day of school I pranced right in wearing a polo shirt and carrying a Vera Bradley bag, which was the proper attire for a young girl at a private school. I quickly found myself on the other end of the popularity totem pole. I had gone from Miss Popular to Miss New Girl virtually overnight. People at my school began to make fun of me and call me names because of the way I dressed and where I had gone to school. My friends from my private school shunned me and acted as if going to public school had become some kind of sin or had caught a disease by going to school there. I guess in these situations you find out who your true friends are and I had none. I had fooled myself into thinking that these girls actually cared me when in reality all they cared about was if I had newest of anything that came out like they did. The only people who would talk to me at my new school reminded me so much of the girl that my ex friends had made fun of the year before.

The months went by and summer turned into fall. By this time I was totally adjusted to my new school. People had finally accepted that I different from them and I personally became humbled by the experience. I thought being popular was everything as a young girl, but my whole perception of those types of girls and what made them popular was totally distorted. I began to become my own person and not worry so much about what other people thought. I hung out with all different types of people and eventually realized the real meaning of being popular. It wasn’t about how I dressed, who I dated, or what certain lunch table I sat at. It was about being me and speaking to everyone, getting to know each individual person in a special way. When I graduated last year I knew all three hundred and sixty three people in my graduating class, I was nominated as much talent in the senior class, I was in every club you could think of, and not once did I ever sit with the “popular” crowd.

Many girls are affected by clicks yearly. It’s so engraved in their brains that they must look a certain way and act a special way to be popular. Although, when it comes right down to it nobody cares what lunch table you sat in high school or who your boyfriend was. In the real world people judge you by who you are! Going to public school was the best decision I ever made, I just wish young girls could get the real perspective on high school clicks like I did. Their lives could be so much easier and so much more enjoyable, you just have to hang in there.

Challenges Faced While Writing My First English Essay

Trying to figure out what to write about was by the far the hardest challenge with my paper. When I sit down to write its always hard for me to get started although, once I get going the flow stays pretty steady. While attempting to write my essay I started asking people who knew me the best what to write about. My mom threw out some interesting ideas...but....none of them really caught my attention. I ask my classmates what they were writing about and actually Rachel gave me an idea. At first she was going to write about a first date. The date scenario triggered my thoughts back to my own boyfriend. You know, to be totally honest I thought the idea of a perfect man was cheesy at first, so I skipped it. But, it just kept coming back up again and again so I settled on it!

I really enjoyed reading other peoples blogs. Most of the ones that I read were interesting and I could relate to their topic. Its funny because I think that I gained a little bit of confidence in my paper by reading others. When I first wrote my paper I was scared that it was not detailed enough for a descriptive essay but, the more I read of everyone else's...my paper was right there with theirs.

When I looked at the posts about my own paper I felt that I had written a good essay. Everyone who commented said they enjoyed the essay and that my purpose was apparent. Of course I knew there would be grammatical errors because I always have them..but on topic I thought I did great! :)

My First Descriptive Essay

The Perfect Man

When he walks in the room my heart skips a beat. Tall, dark, and handsome is the description he fits. His smile is almost as mesmerizing as his chocolate brown eyes. My perfect man is everything I have ever prayed for and so much more. His 6’1 build towers over me as he leans in for a kiss. His lips are smooth and his kisses are always sweet. This is what the perfect man would be like to me.

As a young girl I once attended a youth conference that was geared towards keeping yourself pure and still finding the man of your dreams. The speaker said “Never settle until you truly find someone who fits your standards.” I didn’t realize how dear that saying would become to me over the years as I grew from a girl to a young woman. When I returned home that night after the conference I made a list of traits that I wanted my “perfect man” to have. Now, as a pre-teen most of your thoughts are mainly on looks and silly personality traits, but as I grew older my standards started to mature with me. After tirelessly going through boy after boy who I thought was right for me, I quit looking at appearance and focused more on the inside.

My perfect man’s personality has to be somewhat complex. He must be more reserved than I am; I do a lot of talking. I guess you could say he is more of a listener. Although his southern boy drawl is like a sweet lullaby to my ears. He has to be grounded in his faith, more of a leader in our relationship. His passion for the Lord is contagious and he is driven by the goals that he plans to reach. His talent in music is amazing, yet he keeps a humble presence about himself. His love for me is indescribable; I see it every time I look into his eyes and I can feel it in his touch. He cares deeply for his family and would do anything for his friends. He has compassion for the homeless and those in need. He is a truly honorable and good man.

Now, I know earlier I said looks were not as important but every girl still has a type. Mine just happens to be tall, dark, and handsome. His build is lanky and as he towers over me and I have to strain my neck to look right up at his face. His dark brown hair is clean cut in the back and swoops across his forehead in the front. I could get lost in his chocolate brown eyes that are bordered by long eyelashes that touch the tip top of his eye lid. His thin; soft pink lips widen to reveal straight white teeth. He usually has a five o’clock shadow that he always seems to forget to shave. His sun kissed complexion is sprinkled by a few freckles and he has a mole above his right ear.

My perfect man may not be Noah Calhoun, but he makes me feel like I’m living out The Notebook as Allie Nelson. Others may say that a love like that does exist in real life, but tell that to my perfect man. In all honesty though, no book or movie could even begin to describe the love that my perfect man has for me. It has to be lived out daily and shown for all to see. That is why I am so blessed to be in the love with “the perfect man.”

T.G.I.T.

THANK GOD ITS THURSDAY!!! Wow, this week has been absolutely crazy. After seeing my test grade, I realized very quickly that I am going to need a study buddy in Chemistry. This class is killing me!! My other classes are going well...today my teacher didn't show for Math and that was a blessing. My girlfriends and I went to eat Chick Fil A instead..that was nice for a change :)

This weekend I'm celebrating my birthday early! I'm going to be 19...I can barely believe that! It seems like I should still be a Senior in high school and I'm now I'm a Freshman in college. I guess life never slows down it just keeps passing by faster and faster!

First College Exam

Ugh....today I had my very first college exam. Needless to say Chemistry is going to kill me!! The anticipation is driving me crazy...I feel like I check my email every two minutes waiting to see what I made on the test. I know I didn't do well it on, but I also didn't take Chemistry in high school. It also doesn't help that my teacher rambles more than he teaches..I mean I like him I just can't connect with his teaching style. Fingers crossed...maybe I passed :) Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!

What do I plan to gain from English 1101...

This is the first blog I have ever written, I'm honestly not quite sure what to say. I am a Freshman at Macon State College and our professor asked us to write what we would like to get out of our first English class. English has always been a strong point for me, math and I just do not agree. lol I think that I will thoroughly enjoy Professor Aiken's class due to the fact that two of the people I went to high school with are in my class and she seems to be very upbeat. I believe that if you truly enjoy the class and the teacher you will get a lot out of it. I would say that basically I am looking to strengthen my writing skills and to work on my grammar. I spell fairly well, but when it comes to commas and semi colons I'm kind of at a loss. :) I would love to make an "A"...haha but really I just want a class to enjoy. I am very talkative and my mind runs constantly..so trying to figure out what to say comes naturally. Creative writing is probably my favorite type of writing just because it allows you to express yourself and write about whats interesting to you. I also enjoy making up stories for a class because when I was little I thought about being a writer. Although, as I got older my interest changed drastically. My major is nursing and I plan on pursuing a practitioner degree and specialize in pediatrics. I am looking to forward to seeing what English 1101 has in store for me!!