The Kite Runner blog post#2

        Amir, who is the protagonist and main character of my novel, The Kite Runner, is definitely a dynamic character. He has changed a lot throughout the novel. When he was a kid, his character remained pretty much the same. Amir's personality never differed too much in anyway. As a kid, he was nice, however he was a coward from his weak ways. For example, when Hassan got cornered by the bullies, Amir did nothing but run away from the scene. When the same bullies apprehended Amir, Hassan stood up for Amir. Unfortunately, Amir could not be a loyal friend. Textual evidence supporting that statement is as follows, "I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt. I actually aspired to cowardice," (pg. 77). This shows Amir's true character when he is brought into trouble, and his lack of strength to his loyal friends. This also shows that he is very selfish, considering he takes his own safety and well-being first, rather than his best friends.

        However, Amir eventually changes throughout the story. Fortunately, he doesn't just accept his cowardice. He decides to overcome his guilt and sins by changing the man he was. This is proven when Amir decides to journey to Kabul to adopt a kid. Without giving too much information, I'll just say that this kid is very special to Amir, and it is necessary for his redemption. Going back to Kabul must have been very hard for Amir. Certainly, no coward could have gone there on his own. Kabul was a desolate, and dangerous environment for anyone, as the streets were riddled with the armed Taliban. At that journey, Amir changed for the better, into a much stronger man who was ready to face any circumstance, and he put others above himself.

The Kite Runner blog post 1

        My independent novel which I'm reading is called The Kite Runner. It is a really good book, with many great features that make it stand out. However, there is something that cannot be matched. That would be its imagery. The best thing about The Kite Runner is its imagery. The Kite Runner takes place in Afghanistan, and it seems so realistic. The reason I say this is because it uses such descriptive words that it makes the reader actually feel like their in the novel. The author does its best to capture images and store them in the reader's minds. In the book, hope and despair is a common, reoccurring theme in Afghanistan. The author even combines diction and imagery to really portray where the action is taking place. While I read it, I understood it a lot better because of its imagery. This is why imagery is the best feature of The Kite Runner.

        The Kite Runner is about a man from Kabul, Afghanistan when it was in its golden period. Western movies, theme parks, and lavish culture made Kabul a standout. The man lived a wealthy lifestyle when he was a young kid, and he is on the search for redemption for an incident that happened many years ago. As he sets on his journey, numerous setbacks and problems occur. They will change his life forever, and he will have to do some of the most courageous things for the redemption.

        So far, I am enjoying The Kite Runner. It is a very good novel and extremely interesting. It has a great plot that I guarantee will draw you in as a reader. The author uses many literary techniques to make it sound authentic and fun to read. So far the tone is guilt, and remorse from a past action that I cannot say, as it may spoil some of the upcoming events coming forward in the novel. I'm getting very hooked as a reader, and I feel like the plot is getting more intense and bigger, more dramatic things will happen. I recommend it to anyone, although it has some language and violent content.

Voice assignment 5/13

4. Syntax, as you know, is the way words are arranged in sentences.  Look at the first passage.  When describing the behavior of the class, the author uses a series of short sentences with active verbs; the sentence structure is repeated several times.  What effect does this structure and repetition have on the reader? 

One of the effects of the short sentences, with numerous verbs is the reader getting a better idea/understanding of the class. If the author described the class in a format/structure in which he would use a long paragraph, then that would really bore the reader. They'd also be somewhat lost. The short sentences are easier to read and understand. This also helps the story progress further, and not stay on one point for a long time. The short sentences also helps us characterize the class better. Overall, the structure of Excerpt 1 has a good effect on the reader and is easier to understand.

6. What is the tone of each passage?

I believe the tone of the first passage is light-hearted. I think that because the way the author talks/describes the subject is in a rather light, playful manner. It displays the class as rude and uncaring, however, the author doesn't do it excessively/push it too far to change the tone. Even when the new teacher who was displayed as more mean and serious, the tone is still light-hearted. It it is not too serious nor anxious. The tone of the second passage is rather dark and bitter. She's trying to change her identity in rather alarming ways, and it's not working too well. There's no light/humorous tone.

7. Characterize the voice of your creative non-fiction piece

I would say the voice of my piece is light-hearted and somewhat humorous. However, parts of it aren't. It can also sometimes be serious, exploring dark topics. I know this by looking at my piece's content, including its syntax, structure and overall content. I did this purposefully to make my piece look fun to read, yet it also makes you think. This is a strength of my writing piece.

How to Survive Middle School Column

How to Survive Middle School

(in the style of Benjamin Franklin)

Middle School. Everyone dreads it. There’s no way to avoid, unless you take advantage of home schooling. If that’s not the case, then you’re going to have to experience it.

The transition from elementary school to middle school is tougher than middle school to high school. Why? Everything was so easy in elementary school. Teachers literally told you EVERYTHING to do. What to turn in, how to finish an assignment, remind you things, even when to go to the bathroom, you name it. Yeah, that’s not the case in middle school. You got do most of the stuff on your own, that’s right. Even though middle school can seem tough at first, you’ll be able to fit in and survive the first week, by just following these steps.

1: Don’t think you’re the “stuff” in your school- kids older than you will think you’re a brat who should be left alone

2: Don’t attract lots of attention to yourself in bad ways (ex. Yelling in halls, pushing around other people)

3: Avoid hanging out with the wrong crowd- lets face it, there’s always those groups that are going in the opposite direction don’t be affiliated with those kind of groups; it may ruin your success

4: Don’t anger your teachers off too much- last thing you need is for the staff to think you’re some fool; try to stay on their good side

5: Stay on the right side of the halls-this is a bigger issue in high school, but either way don’t get caught up in school traffic

6: Get involved!- one of the best ways to make new friends and get to know your school better is by getting involved in more extra-curricular activities

7: Don’t fall behind- don’t get drowned in missing work, that sort of situation isn’t fun

8: Don’t let people (especially older kids) push you around- nobody likes being picked on, so if you’re in that scenario, stand up to them and show who’s boss

9: Don’t push other kids around- no one likes jerks, so treat other kids how you want to be treated

10. Don’t procrastinate on assignments- it won’t end well, and it isn’t fun in the long run

11: Don’t Instagram everything you see- I don’t think I need to explain this

12: Stay calm about things- Don’t lose your mind over the simplest things

13: Don’t start food fights- As fun as they seem, you’ll definitely get in trouble and the janitors will probably always have a grudge

           

            14. Always put 100% in whatever you do-you’ll be very satisfied with yourself

            15. Don’t get caught up in drama-it’ll hinder your learning abilities

            16. Eat a good breakfast everyday-that will make you learn better, trust me, you don’t learn much on an empty stomach

            17. Don’t do drugs- I don’t think I have to explain this either

            18. Don’t flip out if you get one bad grade- you’ll have plenty more grades and it won’t destroy your grade forever

            19. Ask for advice from teachers if needed- there’s nothing wrong with it

            20. Have fun!-The best way to enjoy middle school is to have fun and enjoy the environment around you.