History and Context: Watching Pride and Prejudice

In our last class we talked about Primary Sources related to History. One very useful source to understand the past can be Novels. Therefore, we took some time to watch some trailers about different versions of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice novel made into a film. We watched 4 versions, from which the most strange was the one that included zombies. Following this introduction, I'll answer some questions the teacher presented us to express my thoughts about the novel. 

1. Why do you think "Pride and Prejudice" continues to be a referent for modern tales?

Pride and Prejudice was set in the 18th century, so one could think it's old and has no relation with our society. However, the topics and problems that the novel treats don't belong to an specific age of humanity, but to the human race itself. Therefore, the social differences between gender and the search of love are still appealing to "modern" people. 

2. What do you think is the effect that these different authors (film directors, producers, modern writers) want to achieve in today's audiences?

First, I think they tried to adjust the movie to our times, because this way the problems seem to be nearer to us than if they were from 200 years ago. Also, the modern authors doesn't want to only entertain the audience, but also to show the wrongs of the past so they are not done again (as the differences between genders or the strong influence of the family in marriage, for example).

3. If you had to choose one of the previous versions to analyse, which would be the one and why?

From all the trailers, I'll go for the first one (Pride and Prejudice - 2005), because I believe it's the nearer to the original novel. Although one could think it will be boring because it is "classic", I think it conserves the plot better and should be really fun in its essence. 

Writing: What's PEE?

When we write a piece of work, we don't just throw our ideas in a paper. We must organize them and support them with evidence. A great way to achieve this is to use the PEE structure, which means Point, Evidence and Explanation. Using this technique, we can not just show our idea or point of view, but also back it up with well explained quotes from the text, book or source we're writing about. 

1. Point: This is the first step of PEE. Here, we must state our idea or point of view about the topic we're discussing. 
2. Evidence: In this part, we add a quote or proof to support our ideas. It may be a long quote (added in a separate paragraph) or a short one (located in the paragraph we're writing). 
3. Explanation: Finally, we must explain the evidence we presented. It's important to explain the diction used, the context of the quote, and any other aspects that relate the quote to our Point.

It's important to note that sometimes the Point may go together with the quote, as the evidence is part of the sentence in which we exposed our idea or view. The PEE structure really helps when we write, because it shows that what we're saying is true and is supported. If we don't use evidence, our ideas lack of back ups and seem to be uncertain. 

The End: To Kill a Mockingbird!

The last month my blog was mostly dedicated to "To Kill a Mockingbird". Now I've finished reading it and had good results in my tests. Although it was a long book, after reading it I can say I enjoyed it, probably because we didn't just read it, but we related it to US history, something that I really liked. By this, I don't mean that I like to study History, what I really mean is that I like to discover and appreciate how a writer can produce a book based on 1930s in the 1960s and still include the essence of those times society in the book. Also, I was interested with racism and discrimination, a topic well developed in Harper Lee's book.

To close this section of my blog, I found an awesome video with images related to the 1930s, including the economic depression, the Dust Bowl and other problems that impacted the US society in those years.

Debating at Nido de Aguilas: ESU Competition!

Two or three months ago I had the chance to participate in the Debate Interhouse in The Mackay School. After it, I was invited to participate in the debating team of the school. Unfortunately, the past years I couldn't debate because I had Rugby practise, but this year I happily accepted the challenge. 

For that reason, in Friday 17th of August we went to Nido de Aguilas in Santiago to participate in the English Speaking Union debating competition. We had two teams: One will do impromptu debate and the other one a prepared debate; I was in the second team. 

We were against the motion "This house would eliminate trade barriers in international trade". Our first speaker was Mr Eildestein, I was the second one, and the third speaker was Mr Elgueta. Although we were supposed to debate with Dunalastair, they were absent so we ended up debating with a Nido de Aguila's team (I guess). I think we did pretty well, but we were nervous so that played against us. Also, I wasn't comfortably because the opposite team argued about investors who build companies and industries in other countries, something shouldn't be considered International trading. Fortunately, I managed to present some good arguments and rose up with some good Point of Information.

In general terms, I enjoyed the day debating, because we didn't just debate; we had fun, laughed and met new people from other schools. I hope I'll be able to participate in more debates and improve my arguing skills.

Finally, as there are always aspects to improve, I'll add a video that'll be useful for future Debates.

TKM Part 2 Questions #2

Here we have more questions about "To Kill a Mockingbird". In this post, I'll cover chapters 15, 16 and 17 of the book, all from the second half of it.

Chapter 15

1. What is the Ku Klux Klan? What do you think of Atticus' comment about it?

The Ku Klux Klan was some kind of gang that went around in Maycomb. They were more like a Political organization and they once paraded at Sam Levy's house, but didn't harm him. Atticus also said they were gone and will never come back, probably because he guess his children were worried. 

2. How does Jem react when Atticus tells him to go home, and why?

He firmly says that he'll not go back home. As a reader, I understand that he is afraid his father could die because he is defending Tom Robinson, so he'll do anything he can to protect his old father. As he stood steadily, the men who were threatening Atticus left and the Finch family went back home together. 

3. What persuades the lynching-party to give up their attempt on Tom's life?

The men gave up because they felt touched by the innocence of the children, specially Scout's.

Chapter 16

4. What sort of person is Dolphus Raymond and what is your opinion of him?

He is a very special character. He is married with a negro woman and has mixed race children. He also fakes to be a drunk man so people will not bother him because he goes around with blacks. In the past, he was about to marry a white woman but she suicided just before the marriage. 

5. How does Reverend Sykes help the children see and hear the trial? Is he correct in doing so?

Reverend Sykes was very kind with them. We must consider that the children knew him from the First Purchase Church, so they have a relationship with them. Also, Sykes probably liked the children because of their father's job. When they arriver to the court, Reverend Sykes led them to the negroes balcony and got them space to sit. Also, he was probably kind with them because he thought they should know the truth about his father and feel proud of his honorable intentions. 

Chapter 17

6. Choose three quotes from chapter 17. Explain the context of each, the characters involved, and their relevance for the story, themes and overall message of the novel.

• "All the spectators were as relaxed as Judge Taylor, except Jem" (Scout). The quote presented is relevant because from it the reader can deduce how scared is Jem through the development of the trial. He knows that his father is at the aim of many persons who discriminate blacks. Also, we may think he really want his father to win because it's the first time Jem is in court and he wants to prove his father is a good lawyer.
• "Mr Finch know you are here? This ain't fit for Miss Jean Louise or you boys either" (Reverend Sykes) This sentence has some relevance because with it Harper Lee insists in the idea that the children shouln't be in the court, but they are there because they escaped from home to watch how their father and hero defended Tom. We must consider that they were engaged with the case because that had had many problems because of their father's work.
• "There have been a request that this courtroom be cleared of spectators, or at least of women and children, a request that will be denied for the time being" (Judge Taylor). This quote was said before Bob Ewell entered the courtroom, after Atticus interrogated Heck Tate. It's very important in the court case, because as Judge Taylor denied the order, the children could stay in the courtroom and watch the rest of the case.

The Diary of Arthur "Boo" Radley

Arthur Radley is one of the most interesting characters in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird". Here, I'll post the hidden diary of Boo Radly, in which we can appreciate his thoughts during the story.

Day 1

Today something strange happened, something I didn't like at all. When I was looking through the window, I saw many persons from Maycomb passing through the front porch of our house, walking towards the courtroom. Black and whites made their way to there separetely, as if people weren't all the same, as if a simple colour could separate humanity. I shuddered, because they were pretending to be happy, while huge problems were hidden beneath society. I also saw the Finches children and their friend going to the court. I'm quite sure Nathan told me one of the lawyers will be Atticus, but I'm not really sure. 

Day 2

I can't undersand what's going on in Maycomb. A man who seemed to be a farmer came along the street and spat at Atticus Finch's face. I was shocked, and I'm still impressed. The only thing I had in my mind at that moment were the memories from that one night when my elder brother took our his shotgun and fired it aiming the air. We never got to know who was in our backyard that night, but I'm quite sure the trousers I sewed were from our young neighboors, the children from the man that was wiping his face. Atticus didn't say anything, he seemed to endure it. In the other side, the old farmer seemed angry, as if pure fury went through his veins. I cound't stand for all that violence, so I closed the curtains and went to read. 

Day 3

Today it was the first day I laughed in many years, when I saw a ham walking through the street. Then I realized it was Scout, who walked with his brother Jem. Along with them I saw quite a lot of children with special costumes, I then remembered: It was Halloween. I had strong memories of my youth, when I saw how little boys and girls strolled around asking for candies with their special disguises. After the children passed, I sat in calm for over an hour. I enjoyed the twilight in Maycomb Town. After some time, I saw the old farmer that once spat Atticus squatting to the forest, as if he was hiding something. I felt something strange, because that farmer seemed to be ploting something bad.

TKM's Trial Radio!

This week my friend Sebastián Barriga and me decided to act a Alabama's Voice Radio Station in the Court Case of the book "To Kill a Mockingbird". We decided to do this together because we think it's much better and enjoyable. Also, in radios, journalists are rarely alone.

TKM Part 2 Questions #1

The last few weeks I've been reading the second part of To Kill a Mockingbird, so I'll answer the following questions about it.

Chapter 12

1. Comment on Jem's and Scout's visit to First Purchase Church. What does Scout learn about how black people live?

They learn that black people were much poorer than whites, because they didn't have hymns. Also, most of them didn't know how to read or write. Apart from this, they noticed how Calpurnia changed his way of talking when she was surrounded by negroes. Finally, they also felt that black people were kind to them because their father was helping a Negro.

2. Explain why Calpurnia speaks differently in the Finch household, and among her neighbours at church.

Because she must adapt to where she is. Also, negroes will probably feel offended if she talked "white english" in the First Purchase Church.

Chapter 13

3. Aunt Alexandra thinks Scout is "dull" (not clever). Why does she think this, and is she right?

Aunt alexandra says this because she thinks Scout doesn't act as proper lady. Also, the old woman thinks Scout is not behaving as a Finch should.

4. How does Aunt Alexandra involve herself in Macomb's social life?

She had very good relations in town. She rapidly stablished friendships with the women of the city and she always said how proud she was of the Finches. The old women will commonly get together in the afternoons to have tea and talk.

5. Comment on Aunt Alexandra's ideas about breeding and family, in contrast to Atticus' visions. Who's right, do you think? Why?

Aunt Alexandra expresses that she thinks all members of a family should act as the family wants them to. Therefore, she thinks every Finch should act correctly and accordingly with the family's values. In the other side, Atticus supports the children and thinks that every person should build their life according to what they think is correct and the social circumstances they are involved.

Chapter 14

6. Comment on Atticus' definition of rape. How suitable is this definition as an answer to Scout?

Atticus said rape is "Carnal knowledge of a female by force and without concern". He told the pure truth to Scout, instead of avoiding it as Calpurnia did. It's not strange that Calpurnia didn't want to talk about those things with the children because she thought Atticus should decide in their education and values, not her.

Sports: London 2012 Olympic Games!

The last few weeks every person in the world was paying attention to what happened it London, because that city was hosting one of the biggest events in the world, the Olympic Games. For me, this games were special. I have some vague memories of Atenas 2004, and good remembers of the organization of Beijing 2008. But this years it was different, it was in England. Honestly, I appreciate every culture in the world and I think China have been doing great improvements in their country and society, but I still prefer the European style. Also, considering all the economic problems that Europe have been going through, London 2012 showed us that those countries aren't just history.

Although I couldn't watch the Opening Ceremony, I enjoyed most of the sports in the first week. Unfortunately, the second week of games I had a lot of tests so I couldn't watch much of them. However, I made some time and enjoyed the whole Closing Ceremony with my father. So many great moments, which from I'll highlight the John Lennon Tribute and the appearance of Queen, although I didn't like the woman who sang with them (We can't compare her with the great Freddie Mercury).

Finally, I'm must express my disappointment with the chilean sportsmen. This year our country had a very bad performance in the Olympic Games, but I hope we'll improve it. Now I'm looking forward to Rio 2016 and I'm pretty excited with the addition of Rugby Sevens in the Olympic Games!

The Help: Some Useful Questions!

As I expressed in my older entries, we recently watched The Help. To complete my interpretation of this movie, I'll answer some questions the teacher gave us!

1. In your own words, write what was meant by "separate but equal." How did people in Jackson, Mississippi - including the ladies of the Junior League in "The Help" - try to apply this principle?

It's clearly a very special phrase. Although they may be equal, they're still separate. Here I make the following reflection: Why would they have to be separate if they are equal? It seems to be a contradiction. For example, the toilets were different because whites were afraid they could catch an infection from the negroes.

2. Do a simple online research about Jim Crow Laws. Identify what outcomes - forced upon domestic workers - were present in "The Help".

Jim Crow Laws may be appreciated through all the movie. As this laws enacted between 1876 and 1965, the times of the movie include some of their commands. For example, blacks seemed to be something more that workers, because they have a dependance with the whites, which made them be near slaves.

3. Explore the themes in "The Help" and develop your ideas by continuing the following sentence:

"The maids in The Help took a risk by telling their stories. Even though they knew they could be shot to death in their front yards, they went ahead with the project. If people are not willing to take risks, they will never solve their problems"

TKM's Contexts: Watching The Help!

Our last classes in school have been centered in the book we've been reading, "To Kill a Mockingbird". To learn more about its context, we spent two classes watching a movie called "The Help", which is based on a book wrote by Kathryn Stockett and shows the racial differences in the United States in the 20th century.

Personally, I don't watch movies very often. They commonly bore me and it's hard for me to enjoy them. For example, I saw Batman last week and I found it not fun and too long. However, I loved "The Help". It's strange, because I wouldn't expect to have fun watching a movie for educational purposes, because people tend to think that everything related with learning is boring. The way they combine the reality and social problems in the US with an intriguing story about a young and white women who wants to stop discrimination and writes a book with the unfair stories of black women is awesome.

However, one thing that I would reject about the movie is how they stereotype people. This is because the movie shows black women as wise, intelligent and poor people, while they represent white women as superficial, stupid and immature persons. I found this difference too extreme and I can hardly think it was really like that in those times. By this I mean that I'm sure discrimination was strong in those times, but you can't expect people that watches the movie to believe that every blond is dumb.

Although the drawback expressed above affected my opinion about the movie, I still liked it a lot and had lots of fun watching it. Also, it helped me to understand in a better way the reality people lived in those times and how some rules, as the Jim Crow Laws, influenced in people's life.

Essay: TKM's Part 1

We spent the last week of classes writing a graded essay about the first half of "To Kill a Mockingbird". My thesis was "To Kill a Mockingbird represents a break to old beliefs". To support it, I based my argumentation in Atticus, because I think he is the person who acts as what he thinks is correct, instead of following the social paths. Therefore, through all part 1 we can appreciate that he raises his children with special values. Also, he is a lawyer and he is currently helping Tom Robinson, a negro, something that society rejects. However, in my argumentation I also use the chapter when Jem cut off the tops of Ms Dubose's camellias, because I interpret it as a metaphor in which Jem is braking with social patterns, as he cuts the flowers.

Finally, in my conclusion I included the fact that Harper Lee represents some very hard years in US history, and how that problems must be solved with changes in the american society.