Non-Fiction Reading Response

The Upfront Magazine article “To Kill or Not to Kill?” By Patricia Smith, is a thought-provoking article about the death penalty, and whether or not it should be continued in the United States. The author discusses many graphic botched executions, and includes that a punishment of death is irreversible- and in a world full of human error, there’s always the possibility of taking the life of an innocent person. The author of this article clearly has sided with those opposing the death penalty, and wants to teach readers that killing people, no matter what the circumstance, is always wrong.

One example of how the author conveys this message is by how the article discusses many botched executions (situations where the lethal injection didn’t work.) These circumstances are awful to read about, because they sound painful and unbearable, even for a capital criminal. The author put this evidence in specifically to horrify the reader with the truth of the death penalty. The text states, “Everyone watching the execution of Clayton Lockett last April knew instantly that something had gone terribly wrong. Lockett was strapped to a gurney in the death chamber of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and had been given an injection when he started kicking, twitching, and then writhing and moaning in agony.” This text example helps to support the author’s point because it uses Clayton Lockett as an example of how the death penalty can go horribly wrong. The quote uses graphic language to disgust the reader. This is one example of why the author believes the death penalty should be abolished- it can have many dangerous and harmful effects.

Another example of how the author supports their thesis is with the example that death is simply too final in a world where mistakes can occur. The death penalty is irreversible, and you can never be 100% sure that a criminal committed a crime- there will always be a chance that they are innocent. The author includes specific data in order to prove their point- the article states, “In recent years, exonerations of death row inmates, based on DNA and other evidence, have led to charges that the death penalty is simply too irreversible a punishment. Since 1973, 144 death row inmates have been exonerated.” The author includes the statistic because they want to realized that 144 innocent people were dealt the ultimate punishment, and didn’t deserve it. There are absolutely more innocent people who have been put to death. The author proves this point by using statistics, because it is an understandable format for the reader- also, because the numbers are shocking and will definitely persuade the reader. This is another reason why the author is opposed to the death penalty- mistakes can happen, and death is completely irreversible.

The author of this article used persuasive tactics to prove the point that the death penalty is wrong. Before reading this article, I didn’t see anything wrong with the death penalty- everyone around me had been telling me that killing and committing other awful crimes is wrong- naturally, I thought that murderers and criminals deserved the ultimate punishment. But, after reading this article, my opinion has definitely changed. I realize that in a world full of human error, the “murderers” being executed may be innocent people being punished for someone else’s crime.  I have also learned that the death penalty can be dangerous and detrimental to health- the accounts the author included of botched executions sounded agonizingly painful. This article has taught me that maybe, the punishment doesn’t always fit the crime.

Trip Reflection

       On Friday, our class took a trip to The Museum of the City of New York. We visited an exhibit about activists in New York City and how they have made change in their communities, in our city, and in the world. We visited the museum to learn about social issues to support our unit on banned books, but I definitely walked away having learned something that I can apply outside of the classroom.

Overall, this was a really interesting trip that has made me rethink my role as a teenager in NYC.

       One thing that was really interesting to me about this exhibit was the hands on portion. When we looked at images of the women's suffrage posters, it was so cool to really experience the two sides of the argument. Seeing the primary sources made me quickly passionate about this issue, because the fact that someone would try to publicly deny someone human rights was appalling. It made me realize that women really had to take a stand in order to achieve their goals. This was probably my favorite part of the exhibit because it was the most interesting to me, and I feel like I learned the most from the hands on portion.

       Overall, I feel like this trip has really opened my eyes to the potential I have to make a change in the world. After seeing the difference that standing up for your cause can make, I have learned that if you want to see something change, you have to make it happen. From segregation, to gay rights, to even pedestrian and bicyclist rights, people became activists by speaking out for what they believed in. I know now, that anyone can positively influence the world. 

To Kill A Mockingbird Reading Response

Many people throughout history have been not accepting of people who are different. This issue is very strongly portrayed in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Throughout the story, the reader can see the author clearly illustrating themes of racism, sexism, and judgement. This causes many issues and lots of tension in the Maycomb community- and, narrow minded thinking is one of the major factors that determines much of the book’s plot. In this book, the town of Maycomb is plagued by indignance and resentfulness.

One example of intolerance in Maycomb is how the community deals with Boo Radley. Not seen or heard from for several years, Boo Radley is a town legend. No one really knows who he is, or what he’s like. Rumor has it that Boo Radley stabbed his own father, and spent many years in the courthouse basement- making him seem like a vicious monster to everyone in Maycomb. Boo Radley is blamed for the death of crops, and for small crimes- just because the townspeople don’t know the truth about him. Throughout the story, Boo Radley rebels from the archetype of the monstrous recluse- he folded Jem’s pants, put a blanket over Scout’s shoulders, and even saved them from Bob Ewell. However, the townspeople are so judgemental that they won’t even give Boo Radley a chance when he so clearly deserves one. Page 9 of the text says: “Inside the house lives a malevolent phantom. People said he existed, but Jem and I had never seen him.” This quote demonstrates the amount of fear surrounding Boo Radley- even young children are being taught that he is a ‘malevolent phantom’. This proves that the people of Maycomb are unfairly judgemental, because they assume the worst of someone who deserves a lot of respect- only because he is different from them.

Another example of intolerance in Maycomb is the racism that runs deep throughout the town’s roots. The story is set in the early 1900’s, where racism was still a prominent issue in our country. This is very clear in the book. The word “nigger” is tossed around like common speak- Scout regularly heard it being used at school. Also, the government was extremely unfair towards negroes; often, they were punished for crimes they did not commit. Racism was also occurring in more discreet ways; for example, black people would cross the road when they passed the Radley house. Black people were inferior to whites in society, because they often worked as farm hands or housemaids in white households. Even Atticus, who is portrayed as extremely fair and liberal, had a black woman working in his household; it was simply the culture of Maycomb. Page 13 from the book says: “‘There goes the meanest man God ever blew breath into,’ murmured Calpurnia, and she spat meditatively into the yard. We looked at her in surprise, for Calpurnia rarely commented on the ways of white people.” This quote shows that black people were not expected to have opinions on the lives of whites, because black people were automatically seen as inferior- even to children. This proves that prejudice was extremely prominent in Maycomb.

One final example of how Maycomb is extremely narrow minded is the issue of sexism. Scout, the narrator, is faced with this issue many times throughout the book. Scout is a tomboy; she has lived her entire life with only her brother and their close friend, Dill, to hang out with. However, as Scout grows up, she begins to see people who disagree with her boyish ways. Scout is being told that she has to learn to act like a “lady”- even when this isn’t what she wants. The people of Maycomb have very rigid standards for how a girl is supposed to act. Scout is different from other girls, because she doesn’t immediately conform to the expectations that everyone has for her. Page 90 says: “‘Scout, you’ll get in trouble if you go around saying things like that. You want to grow up to be a lady, don’t you?’ I said not particularly. ‘Of course you do. Now let’s go to the tree.’” This quote shows how Scout didn’t want to be like everyone else- and that others were unable to accept the fact that she was different. This proves the intolerance that occurred in Maycomb, because girls were expected to act a certain way- and then, they were frowned upon for wanting to be different.

As these examples have proven, Maycomb is a very narrow minded, intolerant place. People are ignored, talked about, or treated as though they weren’t as good as others- just because they were different. As a result of this, many things that occurred in the story felt unjust, or wrong to me, because I am priveleged enough to live in a time period, and a community where everybody’s uniqueness is celebrated. Unfortunately, I know, it is not like that everywhere. This book has made me realize how lucky I am to be loved and accepted- but also, it has taught me to embrace my differences and stand up for what I believe in- even when others may disagree.

Since You've Been Gone Archetypes Synthesis Page

My claim for this synthesis page is that characters can fit their archetypes in obvious but also discreet ways. For example, Frank very clearly fits his archetype, but Beckett fits his in a less obvious way. In the real world, this is also true. People can express traits in obvious, explicit ways- but, you often don't know what people are really like until you get to know them, because their traits are less obviously expressed.

Eleanor and Park Reading Response

It is a well-known fact that, unfortunately, many great love stories are tragedies. Eleanor and Park, a novel by Rainbow Rowell, is a romance that doesn’t exactly have a happy ending. But, what makes it interesting is that Eleanor, one of the main characters, certainly doesn’t go down without a fight. Eleanor fits the archetype of the determined victim- she definitely has it rough, but she bravely forges onward. 

One example of difficulty in Eleanor’s life is her appearances. Eleanor is the new kid in school, and everyone harasses her about her weight. They call her mean names like “Big Red”, and they judge her for the way she looks in her clothes. Because of this, many other girls at school do hateful and mean things to shame her. Page 55 of the book states: “When Eleanor got the the locker room, she realized why Tina had been so low-key; she was just waiting. Tina and her friends- and the black girls, too, everybody wanted a piece of this- were standing at the end of Eleanor’s row, waiting for her to walk to her locker. It was covered with Kotex pads. A whole box it looked like...Somebody had written RAGHEAD and BIG READ on a few of the pads...Instead, Eleanor walked past the girls, with her chin held as high as she could manage.” This quote proves that Eleanor was being severely harassed at school. The bullying had gotten out of control, and Eleanor was definitely a victim of this torture. But, through all the pain and embarrassment, Eleanor still managed to hold her head high and prove to the bullies that they couldn’t get to her.

Another example of a tough situation in Eleanor’s life is her family. After being away from them for a long time due to a huge fight, Eleanor finally came home. She expected everything to be the same as once she had left, and that wasn’t the case. This was very hard for Eleanor to deal with, especially because her family dynamic had shifted so much. Before Eleanor had left, her and all the other kids were allied against Richie, their evil stepfather. But now, Eleanor returns to everyone calling Richie “dad”, and acting totally submissive to his cruelty, which was extremely difficult for Eleanor to adjust to. Eleanor now feels very much like an outsider in her own home. Page 15 of the text states: “Eleanor had spent so much time thinking about what it would be like to finally come home and how much she’d missed everybody- she thought they’d throw her a ticker tape parade. She thought it would be a big hugfest. But when Eleanor walked into the house, it was like her siblings didn’t recognize her.” This shows how Eleanor feels very unwanted within her family. But, Eleanor doesn’t let this get to her, and continues to try and protect and bond with her younger siblings.

One final example of hardship in Eleanor’s life is her relationship with her step dad, Richie. Richie is cruel and awful to her, he teases her about her clothes and weight, and calls her names. But the worst thing Richie has done by far is writing these inappropriate notes in Eleanor’s textbook. The notes were really threatening and rude. Page 286 in the text states: “‘Eleanor...’ he said. ‘What’s going on?’ He was pleading. ‘I have to leave,’ she said. She was looking across the table like she’d just seen a ghost. Like she was one. ‘Why?’ he said. ‘Is this about tonight?’...’No,’ Eleanor said, rubbing her eyes. ‘No. It’s not about us. I mean...’ she looked out the little window. ‘Why is your step dad looking for you?’ ‘Because he knows, because I ran away.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because he knows.’ Her voice caught. ‘Because it’s him.’ ‘What?’ Eleanor started over. She told him everything. And Park’s hands started shaking before she was halfway through.” This bit of dialogue is a very raw description of what Eleanor was like when she found out that Richie had been writing her the notes all along. This must have been a shocking and extremely scary situation. It must have been awful for Eleanor to find out that someone who was such a big part of her life, like it or not, had been doing something so horrible to her. But, she found the courage to open herself up to Park and say what she was really feeling.

As these examples have proven, Eleanor has been through many hardships and difficulties in her life. She has faced social, family and economic issues, and she still manages to persevere and keep her head up, no matter what. Even when she feels like giving up was her only option, or she feels like the enemy had won, Eleanor doesn't quit. Eleanor fits into the archetype of the determined victim because although things don’t go her way, Eleanor is strong and brave and she continues to fight for herself. Eleanor truly is a role model for girls and women everywhere.

Every Day Reading Response

Picture this: you wake up every day in a different body, not knowing who you are. It sounds like an impossible situation to deal with, but this is what A’s life is like every single day. The book Every Day by David Levithan is a fascinating story about a person who’s life is essentially meaningless. He wakes up each morning as a different person, with access to all of their memories- but also to his own. He is someone new every day, but his conscience remains. He goes day by day, trying not to mess up the body’s life, but by doing this, he restricts his own capabilities. This is how it has been for as long as he can remember- until, one day, he meets the love of his life. Rhiannon. After his day in that body is up, he keeps in touch with Rhiannon and eventually tells her his secret. They fall deeply in love- but because of the circumstances, their relationship is naturally complicated, but equally real and passionate. 
One example of this is how A wakes up as a different person every day, and Rhiannon finds it difficult to “see” him inside the body he’s in. In order for her to love him, she has to love his personality and spirit, not his body- and she does. Rhiannon does her best to accept A no matter what, and shows A that she loves him. One example of when Rhiannon expresses this difficulty is from page 153 in the text: “‘Why? Because one morning you could wake up on the other side of the country. Because I feel like I’m meeting a new person every time I see you. Because you can’t be there for me. Because I don’t think I can like you no matter what. Not like this.’” This quote shows how their relationship can be frustrating because there is no guarantee of consistency. However, Rhiannon also shows A how much she loves him. Page 259 in the text states: “‘I’m not saying you’re any less important. You know I’m not. Right now, you are the person I love the most in the entire world.’” These two quotes show how frustrated Rhiannon is by the fact that A isn’t always there for her and never can be, but also how much she loves and cares about him regardless. 

Another example of how their relationship is complex but also admirable, is how the first thing A thinks of as soon as he wakes up is how far away from Rhiannon he is every day. The chapters start with something like, “I wake up, and I am three hours away from her,” or, “I am only two towns away from her.” This shows how A is so dedicated to being with Rhiannon, but also it exposes the complications of their relationship. Every single day, A wakes up a certain distance from his love, be it ten minutes or ten hours away, he’s still never with her, as much as he wishes he could be. Also, when he falls asleep next to her, she knows that in the morning, he will be gone, and he never knows how far away he will be. This shows that Rhiannon is A’s number one priority, but also that he can’t always be there when Rhiannon needs him.

One final example of how A and Rhiannon’s relationship is flawed, but still strong, is how A is willing to sacrifice the body’s well being in order to get to Rhiannon. At the beginning of the book, he lived the life the body would want him to live, as not to disrupt the body’s life. After all, he was just the guest. But as his relationship with Rhiannon grows stronger and more intense, A is willing to sacrifice the safety of his secret to be with Rhiannon. One example of this is when A is in the body of Nathan Daldry. A sneaks out in Nathan’s body and goes to a party just to see Rhiannon again. He can’t get back in time, so he falls asleep in Nathan’s car while driving home from the party. Afterwards, Nathan claims he was “possesed” by the devil, and people are looking for answers, meaning that A’s anonymity is in danger. But this was a risk he was willing to take to spend time with Rhiannon. Page 75 of the text states: “Poor Nathan Daldry. He is going to wake up on the side of an interstate, an hour away from his home. I can only imagine how terrified he’ll be. I am a monster for doing this to him. But I have my reason.” This shows how Rhiannon was more important than A, than the body’s well-being, even, which used to be the most important thing to him. But now, Rhiannon is his first priority and his sacrifices prove it.

All in all, these examples prove that Rhiannon and A have a complicated but extremely real and important relationship. Rhiannon overcomes her obstacles by learning to love A no matter what body he’s in, and A shows his dedication to her by trying to be there for her no matter where he is, what body he’s in, or what the dangers and sacrifices may be. They learn to love each other in an extremely unique and powerful way, and the foundation of their relationship- trust- is what holds them to one another no matter what the circumstance. They have changed each other’s lives in an inexplicable way. This book teaches me how powerful love can be, and also to never take the security of my body, life and loved ones for granted. I am lucky to wake up as myself every day.