"War Hits Home"

Author's Note: In this essay I will be contrasting, instead of comparing, the book, Cast Two Shadows and the movie, The Patriot for Social Studies.

Cast Two Shadows by Ann Rinaldi focuses on a family that goes through the great depression of having their dad sent to jail.  To make it worse if he moves a muscle he will be summoned to death.  Truly there is only one thing that's protecting him from being executed, the fact the he could potentially become an extremely helpful part of the militia.  The Patriot was also an overlook on The American Revolutionary War, but Cast Two Shadows and The Patriot had very contrasting viewpoints upon the War.

Benjamin Martin, the main character in The Patriot, took a giant risk by getting involved in a war where 4,435 colonists gave their life for the freedom of their country.  Unlike when Caroline Whitaker's stepfather is forced into the militia where he valued every breath because, each could be his last.

Both Benjamin Martin and Caroline Whitaker's stepfather were in the militia, one way or another and they both had family at home, which wasn't safe when it came to war.  Benjamin Martin lost two sons by the end of the war.  Where as, Caroline Whitaker's stepfather was given a miracle and survived along with his family.

Family was always a threat when it came to war, along with, burning your home.  Benjamin Martin was once again the unlucky one and lost his house to war.  The famous quote can now apply to him, "War Hits Home."  The stepfather of Caroline Whitaker's house was left untouched because, of the connections they had to Rawdon, one of British generals.

Cast Two Shadows is mostly written in the voice of British loyalists and The Patriot is described from the American colonists which, makes it easy to contrast them.  In the end, I believe war hits home, weather you lose someone or people close to you and your house gets burned down or not.  Being part of the American militia in The American Revolutionary War will change your viewpoint towards everything.  It doesn't matter if you’re on the American or British side of the war.

Sources

Rinaldi, Ann. Cast two shadows: the American revolution in the South. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1998. Print.

The Patriot. Dir. Roland Emmerich. Perf. Mel Gibson. Columbia ;, 2000. DVD.

Compare and Contrast

Stand Up For Yourself And Others

Author's Note: This is an essay written to show my knowledge on theme.

If you were on a cliff with your worst enemy and you were given the opportunity to push them off, would you?  Mission (un)Popular by Anna Humphrey teaches readers a phenomenal moral, basically stating that whenever someone is out to get you -- if you get the chance to give them a taste of their own medicine, you should choose not to.  Either karma will come around or the guilt will eat away at you  Margot, Em, and Sarah's acquaintances realize why after they practically send Sarah to her death bed.  Throughout the book there are many themes, but the main theme is courage and bravery. 

There are multiple reasons to as why the theme could be considered; courage and bravery.  The first reason occurs early in the book, but has a lot of influence on the entire plot.  Reason being, Margot and Em bully reported Sarah. When the news is leaked to the school, everyone believes it means you are too weak to deal with it yourself.  Personally I would disagree. I feel that it actually means that they are smart enough not to let it get too out of hand. 

Besides being brave enough to bully report Sarah, they also were also brave enough people to invite their enemy’s acquaintances to have lunch, like they did?  At the time Margot and Em were practically enemies with the acquaintances.  This was a big risk, because the acquaintances potentially could have told Sarah which would lead to her becoming thirsty for more revenge.

The third reason confirms the theme and leaves no other choice. They didn’t invite Sarah to their Anti-Pork Party.  It was very in Sarah’s face because, the name of the party, 'Anti-Pork Party' and Sarah called her party, ‘Pork Party’.  They are technically boycotting her. Additionally during the party they are playing an unreleased song by everyone's favorite band.  Naturally everyone is talking about it on Monday and Sarah is left wondering.  Sarah must have been as mad as the government when the patriots dumped all of the tea into Boston Harbor. 

Another book with the same theme is Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.  In the beginning, the characters from both books could be described as wallflowers.  Then towards the end of both books, the main characters become known for standing up for themselves, even in the toughest of situations.  Not only do they stand up for themselves, but also for everyone that deserves to be treated better as well. 

Being brave is important to a person’s life experience, because your one and only life shouldn’t be dull.  You need to go on adventures and on those adventures you need to take risks.  Otherwise, you might live in a life full of regret and no one should have to suffer through a drab life.  Role models, such as Margot, Em, and Katniss Everdeen, are full of courage and are looked up to because of it.  It reminds me of a Stephan Hawking quote: “Quiet people have the loudest brains.

Prediction Piece

Author's Note: This entry is a prediction piece on Starters by Lissa Price.  

Introduction:  Starters Is the first book in a sequel written by, Lissa Price. The main character's name is, Callie and she is a unclaimed minor, which means her parents died in the war and she has no grandparents.  In the beginning of the book when she is squatting in an abandoned building  with Tyler and Michael and there is a fire and they are forced to find another "home". Callie knows they can't keep running from the marshals because, of time they aren't going to get so lucky and they will end up being put in an Institution so, Callie uses the secret Body Bank for money and a few mishaps take place.

Predictions: 

1. I predict that, Blake will break up with Callie.  

 2. "I need you to do a favor for me."

He looked at me for a second.  "Whatever you need."  

"Do you have some paper?  And a pen?"

He opened the glove compartment, pulled out a pen and pad, and handed them to me.  I drew the map as best I could from memory.  

"I need you to go here."  I pointed to the building.  

He peered at my drawing.  "What kind of place is this?" 

It's an abandoned office building."

"Are you kidding?"

"Please I have a friend who's had some trouble.  He needs this money."  I emptied my purse of cash.  "When you get there, park on the side street.  Don't get out of the car f you see anyone.  If it's clear, go in this door and go right to the third floor.  As soon as you're on the floor, call out his name--Michael-- and say 'Callie has a message for you.'  Wait for him to come out, don't go into any rooms."

I held out the cash but Blake didn't take it.

You're joking, right?  He gave a nervous laugh.

"I'm serious."

3.  Blake feels like he is being used by Callie. Callie asked him to deliver the money to Michael and Tyler with specific directions, which made it seem to Michael like she didn’t trust him completely but, there is no one else that will do it for her.  Connecting to The Hunger Games when, Peeta feels like he is being used to kill President Snow.  

1. I predict that, Callie will feel guilty about falling in love with Blake and be jealous of Florina and Michael.

2."What are you doing?" I said.  My tone was accusatory.  On purpose.

The girl turned her head to me.  "Just hanging him some water.  Have a problem with that?"  

I recognized her.  Florina.  The girl Michael had introduced me to just as I'd been leaving for the body band.  She looked like she was about to throw that cup at me, but Tyler called my name.

3. When she first meets Florina, she acts like Michael and her were madly in love. She gets defensive and she loses  her self-confidence.  Just like, how Katniss forgot about Gale during the Hunger Games and how Peeta and Katniss's relationship is all made-up and feels guilty towards Gale.

1. I predict that, Callie will find a way to go and see Tyler and Michael.

2. "And you really don't want to do it yourself?  Or come with me?"

And have the bdy bank see me go back home?  "I wish I could, but I really can't go there.  And he really needs this now."

3. Callie is helping Helena out with finding information on Emma's death so, maybe Helena will help her find a way to go and see Tyler and MIchael through her friend that connected their minds. This is sort of like when Katniss wanted to go and see Prim and Gale during the Hunger Games.

1. I predict that, Callie will go back to Prime

2. Listen . . . please . . .

A chill went up my spine.  No.  That Voice again.  IN my head.  If I was imaginging it, I was doing a great jobm because it sounded so very real.  This was all wrong.  I had to get out of here. 

Wherever the Voice was coming from--from my mind or from someone else--the next words stavved at me like needles. 

Listen . . . important . . . Callie . . . do not return to . . . Prime Destinations.  

3. Callie doesn’t want Helena to murder anyone. Especially because, her body will be framed. Since, she is also still in the body bank she doesn’t if she will be stuck forever. Just like how Peeta doesn’t want Katniss to assassinate President Snow.

1. I predict that, Michael sold his body to the body bank.

2. "So how long has Michael been gone?"

He didn't come home last night," Tyler said.

That wasn't like Michael.  I didn't want to ask the obvious in front of Tyler, but Florina and I traded loos.  Had the marshals picked him up?

We had a little spat," she said.  "He stormed out."  

Then maybe he's cooling off somewhere."  There were endless possibilities.  Maybe he ran into someone he knew, maybe he was beaten up and lying in an alley.  Maybe . . .

"What did you guys argue about?"

"Nothing important."

3. It only makes sense because, Michael is no where to be found and Tyler is getting worse and needs medicine to save his life.  Which, relates to when Katniss, in the Hunger Games, volunteered as tribute for Prim.  

Ending: Within what seemed as seconds the sun set and I realized I was supposed to find Tyler tonight.  Not finding him tonight means that the Institution has one more to day to capture him.  If they hadn't already.  My thoughts quickly changed back to Sara and how her death was for Tyler but, not just for him.  It was for me too and I needed to squat  before the Renegades attacked me again.  I quicken my pace but, then came to a stop in front of a five-star restaurant.  The type of restaurant that made your mouth water because, of it's smell.  I was starving but, my money had been confiscated by the evil Mrs. Beatty.  I could afford one of the many hotels I had passed but, it was all a dream.  It was too was comfy of a life.  I missed my old life but, I missed Tyler even more.  And Michael.  Blake crossed my mind and within an instant the thought banished.  It was like a Zaptaser zapping me back to reality.  Dizziness rushed through my veins. Then pain blocked all of my thoughts.  This pain I had felt previously.  The pain was replaced by a more pleasurable feeling.  Faint.  Then, I heard a whisper that seemed as if it were in my ear.  "Callie?"  

Brought to Their Strengths

Author's Note: This is a Character Development essay on Justin Bieber. 

Justin Bieber was born with a phenomenal talent, but he lived in a small town where he wasn’t recognized.  Soon with the help of his family he created a YouTube account and started uploading videos of himself singing. Justin and his mom thought only a few family members and friends would view the video, but within one night there were one million views.  One of the viewers happened to be a music manager, who later guided him into the music industry.  Throughout the titanic change in his life a few smaller changes were made. 

For one, his lyrics in his first album, My World I were about his "baby", with the appeal of  crushing.  When he wrote the album he was only thirteen years old.  On the complete opposite hand, the lyrics in his Believe Album are about his girlfriend.  He has grown up.  He is now nineteen and if he hadn't made this change he would have lost older fans.  His younger fans think music is music, he didn't lose any of those fans.  To people like me, every lyric he voices places my heart in a new place in my chest or creates a new beat.  Along with his lyrics his voice has additionally changed.  Before his voice was more soprano and now it is drastically differed.  It has grown much lower.  The adjustment in his lyrics, he could help but, his voice changing wasn’t something he could prevent from happening. He has made some drastic changes all because, he just wants to be him. I went to his concert on October 21st, at the Bradley Center and during the performance he made it clear to each and every fan out there, he just wanted to be him. 

Justin Bieber reminds me of Katniss Everdeen, the main character in the trilogy, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, which is a vastly popular book.  When you are reading the book a ritual starts to develop, continual pages being turned.  In the beginning of the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is a normal citizen of District 12.  Her one goal in life was to keep Prim alive through the simplest things, starvation to, the most difficult things, their father’s death.  Prim is an emotional wreck and the Hunger Games strike her nerve because, Prim is chosen as tribute and Katniss has no other choice, but to volunteer.  Her survival during the 74^th annual Hunger Games is vital to Prim.  Justin Bieber may have lost his competition but, even they still went in the same direction and became the people on top of the world.  She stays strong with the strength within her she never knew she had, through the dragging and tough experience, which crowns her, a victor.  Her goal transforms into something greater, destroying the capitol and with her mindset she persuaded the districts to boycott the Capitol.  Throughout both of their journeys they learned how to persuade people with ease.  She set her mind to it and she made it happen, just like Justin Bieber.  He set his mind to sharing his god given talents with the world and he made it happen.

A few smaller changes have been made throughout the titanic alter in his life.  Justin Bieber and Katniss Everdeen were brought to their strengths through competitions.  Both make big decisions, for the better of others.  Helping us become stronger and to have more believe in ourselves and the world.  

What I Would Tell Ameria's Founding Fathers

Author’s Note: I wrote this essay in the form of a letter, answering the question, What would you tell America’s Founding Fathers?  This essay will be submitted into a contest.

Dear America’s Founding Fathers,

            Hysteria in the streets, citizens setting anything within sight on fire, almost every citizen screaming, rocks being thrown from every angle.  All settled by the laws you established.  If it weren’t for the commandments you signed, the population would come to a minimum within two weeks at most.

If The Women’s Rights Law wasn’t signed, I may not have my rights today, as the woman I am.  When I turn eighteen I have the right to vote.  I have my say in whom I want to run me and my neighbors and I would like to thank you for that.  I cannot imagine having no say in how I would like my following four years to turn out.  In addition if it weren’t for this law being created, more laws for women’s rights would not have been formed and I would not be treated as I would like to be.   

     Considering The Women’s Rights Law, if not signed, would change my rights today, The Equal Rights Law, if not signed, would also change my life.  One of my best friends and I weren’t born anywhere near each other but, since she moved here and is living here, we are friends, who are able to hear each other and look at each other, but we wouldn’t be able to be if you didn’t acknowledge the fact that it was not right, and change it.  Not being able to hang-out or talk with her would be extremely painful.  I would like to again thank you for your great job of the shaping of our country.

     The population would come to a minimum within two weeks at most, if it weren’t for the commandments you signed.  The Women’s Rights Law and The Equal Rights Law may be most important to my life but, the other laws that you, the founding fathers, established would also change my life if not given your signature of approval.   

    

With pleasure,

A grateful young woman

A Child Called "It" Cause/Effect

 Author's Note: This writing piece is reflecting on the book, A Child Called "It", cause and effect.  The book is written by, Dave Pelzer, who happens to be a fanominal author.  I would recommend this book to anyone, in the end no matter if you relate to the child or not, it makes you notice how lucky you truly are.  

Through the adventure of reading, A Child Called "It", you will cry and feel the pain of the poor abused boy and I promise you will want to jump right into the book and help the poor boy.  Dave goes through abuse from his always intoxicated mother.  Some ways she abused him in the story are by, putting his body on the stove and burning it, making him eat inedible objects, stabbing him with a knife, and some other extremely irresponsible methods. The abuse method I chose as my cause is, when she locked her son into a bathroom full of toxic cleaning materials, for a very long period of time.

The major effect was, Dave becoming nauseated.  Dave also started to get a headache and his vision blurred but, he didn't die, unfortunately because, his mother got aggravated and found even more abusive ways.  If this cause hadn't occurred during the story would change a lot.  His mother would not have done tried the method a second time.  The school's administration would not have questioned him as much.  The doctor wouldn't have expected abuse as well and most importantly he would not have had as many struggles in life.