My Poem

Spring-A season where flowers bloom

A perfect season to be a groom

Lying on a bed of lush green grass

Thinking of your beloved, the love that will last

Summer-The season of the warm Sun

A perfect season to have some fun

Splashing in the big clear sea

Faces that are smiling with glee

Autumn-A season of beautiful colours

A perfect season for expert drawers

Capturing the colours with swift deft strokes

Winning praises from anyone who looks

Winter-A season of the cold fluffy snow

A perfect season for a glow

In the old stone fireplace

Putting everything back in place

We do not experience the seasons here

'Cause the equator is just so near

But I'm happy where I am

'Cause its the place where my family is

My favourite poem: E-Learning

This is my favourite poem

A Dream Within A Dream by Edgar Allan Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow--
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

1.PERSONIFICATION

'Of a surf-tormented shore'

It means that even shores can be tormented y the surfs and waves, just like humans.

2.METAPHOR

'Yet if hope has flown away'

This compares hope to a bird without using 'like' or 'as'.

Reason for liking this poem

I think that this poem is trying to express the gap between fantasy and reality. In a fantasy world, dreams can come alive but it is often not true for reality. Different from the fantasy world, reality is a cruel, unfeeling place, whereas the fantasy world often make everything look so incredible and achievable. I like the lines :

And I hold within my hand

Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,

I think that they are expressing the hardships we have to face in reality, where holding a handful of sand can also be so difficult. This poem shows the difference of the fantasy and real world, stirring my emotions too. That is why I like this poem.

Animal farm- Responding Chapters 1-4

PERSONAL RESPONSE

What is your reaction to the animals' complaints and goals?

I personally think that the animals were right in starting the rebellion to make the animals the owners of the farm. Under Jones' rule, they suffered greatly. They had the rights to overthrow him as the owner of the farm.

Do you sympathize with the animals' complaints and goals? Why and why not?

To an extent, yes, I sympathize with the animals' complaints and goals. Jones was a tyrant. He ill-treated the animals by making them do the maximum amount of work but only giving them the minimum amount of food to keep them alive.

ANALYZING LITERATURE

Describe how the Rebellion takes place. How does the animals' behavior during the Rebellion suggest both human and animal characteristics?

The animals cooperated and chased Mr Jones and his wife and his workers out of the farm. Mr Jones was also very drunk then. The animals could not bear the hunger and thus attacked Mr Jones. Then, some of the animals, for example, the pigs, became greedy for authority and became selfish. This shows no difference between them and humans.

How do the pigs gain the rights to the cow's milk? Why do the other animals allow this to occur? What does this event suggest about the power heirachy on the farm?

They used Squealer to convince the other animals that the milk was essential to the well-being of the pigs, who were the thinkers of the farm. The other animals allowed this to occur because they did not want Jones to return back to the farm. This shows that pigs held the greatest power in the farm and that the other animals were inferior to them

How does the original vision of Animalism become the slogan "Four legs bad, two legs good"? In your opinion, do the animals want rules with simple language? What kind of language do the pigs use?

Originally, the slogan was "Whatever that goes on two legs is an enemy, whatever that goes on four legs or has wings is a friend.".But since the other animals were not able to memorise the commandment, they reduced it to the maxim "Four legs good, two legs bad." The animals did not know how to read and write so they wanted rules with simple language. The pigs used human language.

What technique does Orwell use to cast doubt on the likelihood of a successful revolution?

He portrayed many characters that were sceptical of the revolution being able to be successfully completed, even though they were submissive to Napoleon.

Characterize Snowball as a leader. Do you think his reaction to the stable-boy's death is the appropriate reaction to have during a revolution?

I feel that he was looking at the big situation. Since that war will definitely have sacrifices, his reaction was appropriate in that sense.

Characters

Old Major- He gets the revolution started; inspires real hope for change

Napoleon - He expels Snowball out of the farm; wanting to gain full control of the farm

Snowball- He was doing his best for the farm, but got kicked out by Napoleon

Squealer - He helps Napoleon convince animals that Napoleon is always right

Boxer- He is very diligent but dimwitted

Mollie - She was always skiving and afraid of hard work; always has a preference for ribbons and sugar cubes.

Moses - He was always telling the animals about Sugar Candy Mountain

Benjamin - He is clever with good memory but has the thinking that nothing ever changes

Jones - He exploits the animals in Manor Farm

Animal farm-Reponding Chapters 5-7

PERSONAL RESPONSE

What was your reaction to Snowball's expulsion from Animal Farm?

I thought that at that moment, it was obvious that Napoleon was trying to gain full authority over the farm. I think that the expulsion of Snowball was not supposed to happen as Snowball really thought about the welfare of the farm. Snowball should not have been so trusting and should have been vary about his co-leaders.

ANALYZING LITERATURE

What happens to Snowball during the meeting about the windmill? What events in Soviet history does this scene represent?

He was chased out by Napoleon's guard dogs. It represents Stalin overthrowing Trotsky.

Identify three ways that Napoleon tries to solidify his leadership on the farm. How does the process of decision-making on the farm change under Napoleon's leadership?

Firstly, he chased Snowball out of the farm so there was no threat to his leadership position.
Secondly, Napoleon used Squealer to persuade other animals to believe in him
Lastly, his nine fierce guard dogs to threaten those who goes against him.

Why do the executions take place? What message do these events send to the animals about their role in a future society?

I personally think that it is to warn the other animals not to betray Napoleon. It conveys the message that no good end would befall the animal that betrays Napoleon.

How does Orwell compare Animal Farm under Napoleon's leadership, to its exploited state under Farmer Jones' rule? What attitude about totalitarian government do you think Orwell conveys?

Orwell shows that under Napoleon's leadership, the animal's conditions were not very different from under Jones rule. He tells us that a totalitarian government does not exactly bode well, as it brings internal problems.

Do you think it's fair that those who are more educated or more skilled - like the pigs in Animal Farm - have more influence in decision-making? Consider how decisions are made in your community, state, or in the nation.

I do not think it is fair because every one should have the rights to fight for their own well-being. For example, in Singapore, citizens are also given the right to choose.

THE WORDS:

The Words:
In future all questions relating to the working for the farm would be settled by a special committee of pigs presided over by himself.

What they really mean:

Napoleon was going to make all the decisions from then on.


The Words:
I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself. Do not imagine, comrade, leadership is a pleasure!

What they really mean:

Napoleon is doing a lot for the farm and the animals should not grumble.


The Words:

This work is strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half.

What they really mean:

All animals must work on Sundays.


The Words:

From now onwards Animal Farm would engage in trade with neighbouring farms: not, of course, for any commercial purpose, but simply in order to obtain materials which were urgently necessary

What they really mean:

Napoleon is engaging in trade with humans, breaking one of the seven commandments.


The Words:

It was absolutely necessary, he said, that the pigs, who were the brains of the farm should have a quiet place to work in

What they really mean:

The pigs are getting all the luxury.


The Words:

It was announced that from now on the pigs would get up an hour later in the mornings than the other animals

What they really mean:

The pigs will work lesser than the other animals


The Words:

Beasts of England has been abolished

What they really mean:

Napoleon has almost become a human.

This is the end for Chapters 5-7.

Animal Farm- Responding Chapters 8-10

PERSONAL RESPONSE

What is your reaction to the novel’s ending? For example, do you find it uplifting,depressing, cynical? Explain.

I find it rather depressing that the pigs in the end, became human-like. It actually turned out that life was the same when under Jones. The other animals are still in the same living and working conditions, while the pigs are enjoying luxury.

ANALYZING LITERATURE

What dealings does Napoleon have with Frederick and Pilkington? How does the battle over the windmill affect the animals? What events from Soviet history is Orwell highlighting?

Napoleon trades with Frederick and Pilkington. 'Animal Farm' becomes a Republic ruled by Napoleon and this highlights Stalin taking over the Republic.

What happens to Boxer and how do the other animals learn of his fate? How do they come to a final conclusion about these events?

He was sent to the horse killer. The animals realised it when they bidded goodbye to Boxer. They saw that the van carrying Boxer indicated the death of Boxer. It was Squealer that told them that the van was sending Boxer to the hospital which the animals believed.

What changes are made to the Fifth and Sixth Commandments? How is the entire list of Commandments ultimately refashioned? What point is Orwell making about the role of communication in Soviet society?

The commandment ' No animal shall kill any other animal' was changed to 'No animal shall kill any other animal without reason' and the commandment 'No animal shall drink alcohol' was changed to 'No animals shall drink alcohol to excess'.

In Chapter 10 the pigs begin to walk on two legs. In your opinion is this evolution a sign of progress? Explain.

I personally do not think that it is a sign of progress. I think George Orwell wants to give the impression that the pigs were turning human, not the progress of the farm.

Some critics believe that, at the end of the book, Orwell suggests that the pigs and human political leaders are interchangeable. Do you think most government rulers are interchangeable? How might power change those who have it? Explain.

I think that most of them are interchangeable. Some government rulers are not ruling their countries as well as the pigs.

UNDER NAPOLEON'S LEADERSHIP

Life for the Pigs:

Living in the farmhouse
Napoleon is waited on
Sleep in beds
Rights to drink the milk
Working shorter hours or not at all
Having more rations

Life for other animals:

Work longer hours
Receive less food
Sleep on the hay
Have to wait on Napoleon
Live in the barn
Live in fear of Napoleon's guard dogs

This is all for Chapters 8-10

Animal Farm

Hi! In this blog post I'm going to talk about the play Animal Farm.

Is the the content of the play similar to the book
I thought that the play was quite similar to the book but some of the parts were omitted or added in, giving us the feeling of surprise every now and then even though we have read the book. For example, the book's original song was Beast of England while the play's was Beast of Ireland.The end of the play was also altered to become a press conference instead of the original ending.

Which character is the most effective on stage
I personally think that the character which is most effective on stage is Squealer. Squealer speaks eloquently and is capable of twisting the truth into sentences that do good to Napoleon. He was persuasive enough to make the animals believe in Napoleon, even though what he says were lies.Hence I think that his ability to deliver speeches so confidently and convincingly makes him the most effective on stage.

A review
The play was carried out in a similar way as written in the book, but with scenes omitted or added.At the start of the play, different people dress up in different costumes began dancing around. They stripped and the plot began to make more sense. It was then the play began to make sense and what happened in the book happened in the play. However,I think that the book was able to deliver the characters more effectively than the play as there were limited numbers of actors. Many of the parts were actually humorous, very unlike the book. For example the part where they chased out Jones, they played a Chinese Kung fu song. The part where Snowball was exiled was also quite funny. In conclusion, i think that the play was somewhat similar to the book but with some scenes that were funny, which the book cannot display.

There an article!!!

Life!
Home > Life! > Life News > Story
Apr 26, 2010
Creature comforts
Strong ensemble performances make you laugh and cry
By adeline chia

Gullivers Travels

In this post, I am going to talk about the book Gullivers Travels and the journeys Gulliver made to different kingdoms. His first voyage is to The Land of Lilliput. The Land of Lilliput is actually an island with people. The different thing about that land is actually that the people there are actually one-twelfth the size of a regular human. He was washed ashore there after a shipwreck and eventually became a favourite in court after assurance that he meant no harm. He then helped the Lilliputians to overcome their neighbours, the Blefuscudians. He then escapes to Blefuscu, where he finds an abandoned boat and sails home.
His next voyage was to Brobdingnag, where people are exact opposites of people in Lilliput, which is twelve times the size of humans. he arrived there as his ship was steered of course during a storm. He was brought to a native farmers house and was exhibited for show in exchange for money. The queen of the land loved Gulliver and bought Gulliver, taking him back to her. She even commissioned for a small house to be built just for him. Gulliver then talked to the king about England but the king was unhappy about England's use of guns and cannons. He later returned to England when the house is dropped into the sea and was picked up by some sailors.
He then went to Laputa and a few other countries. His ship was attacked by pirates and he was marooned to a nearby desolate rocky island, near India. He was then rescued by the flying island of Laputa, a kingdom devoted to arts of music and mathematics. Aerial bombardment was the only time concieved by a method of warfare when gulliver saw how the people threw rocks at rebellious cities.
After which he went to the country of the Houyhnhnms, where horses are far superior than men. He was well liked and lived in a horses household. However he was later feared as a threat to the country and was expelled. he was picked up by a Portuguese ship which took him back to England. He became a recluse after that.
I think what the books is trying to address is race and religion. the Lilliputians could represent a weaker, a more non-influential race whilst the people of Brobdingnag could represent a larger race. People of Laputa can also be of a race. People of the Houyhnhnms can be a race not many expect to be in great power but already has great influences over the community. But in conclusion, I would like to say that racial harmony is important. Thats all for this post, bye!

Alice in Wonderland review

In this post, I will write about my feelings to the movie Alice in Wonderland. I was quite disappointed in the movie as I feel its not as good as more recent movies I have watched. The costume design, in my opinion, was quite lousy, like not much effort was put in it. It was obvious that the movie was not as good as movie like Avatar or Percy Jackson but I could sense the effort put in to make the plot good and funny. I could almost imagine the nostalgic feeling Alice had upon returning to 'Wonderland'(It was actually Underland but Alice misheard it as Wonderland) but the feeling that she had never been there also came to me. The last battle which is also the climax was quite exciting. I had never thought the battle would take place on a chessboard. I think that the film might have a more dramatic effect if their battle had taken place in the real world instead. I thought that the Cheshire Cat kind of 'stole' the show. Well, in conclusion, I think that the movie was quite alright with appropriate laughs here and there. That's all for this post, bye!