Vocabulary List #3 Sentences

1. The highest accolade at his high school was awarded to a female.
2. Cassie used an unnecessary amount of acerbity when complaining about her low test grade to her Biology teacher.
3. She was unaware of the constant attrition her teeth were undergoing throughout the night.
4. Her bromide personality was a key factor in the poor performance of her class on the exam.
5. The chauvinist individual burned the Japanese flag as a symbol of his hate toward Japan.
6. Her chronic illness kept her from doing her daily duties as a mother of six.
7. She tried to expound the main theme of the story in a very concise essay but received a failing grade for lack of evidence.  
8. His incentive to help was triggered by pure factionalism.
9. We were surprised to see how immaculate the house remained after so many years of absence.
10. Helen did not believe in superstitious but it was evident that the imprecation has changed something inside of her.
11. Although working tends to tedious, it continues being an ineluctable duty.
12. The mercurial child was starting to annoy her mother with her sporadic tantrums and vulgar language.
13. The damage was done yet she continued to palliate what she had done.
14. The paperwork was entirely protocol.
15. Her resplendent face could be seen from a mile away and had an angelic appearance only apparent to her true love.
16. The teenage group was stigmatized as a gang, due to their baggy pants and long chains.
17. Their date was held sub rosa, due to the uproar it would cause between their families.
18. Her achievements were well worth the vainglory of her speech.
19. Fossils can be seen as a vestige of what Earth organisms used to be like.
20. Spending time with her instead of his friends was a volition he would never regret.

Vocabulary List #3 Definitions

accolade: an expression of praise
acerbity: being acid in temper, mood. or tone
attrition: the act of wearing or grinding down by friction
bromide: a commonplace or tiresome person
chauvinist: a person who is aggressively and blindly patriotic, especially one devoted to military glory
chronic: marked by long duration or frequent recurrence
expound: to explain by setting forth in careful and often elaborate detail
factionalism: self-interested; partisan
immaculate: containing no flaw or error
imprecation: curse
ineluctable: not to be avoided, changed, or resisted
mercurial: characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood
palliate: to cover by excuses of apologies
protocol: an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction
resplendent: shining brilliantly
stigmatize: to describe or identify in expressive terms
sub rosa: in confidence; secretly
vainglory: vain display or show
vestige: a trace, mark or visible sign left by something
volition: a choice or decision made

Beowulf Questions

Beowulf Questions Group Members: Michelle Arriaga, Katelyn Porraz, Socorro Ramirez, Ruth Sierra, Rocio Reyes, Lizbeth Estrada

[Prologue: The Rise of the Danish Nation] (Lines 1-85, pp. 33-34)

1. Realize that this prologue introduces the Danes, not Beowulf or his people the Geats. What was unusual about the way Shield came to be ruler of the Danes? What was his funeral like? What relation is Hrothgar to Shield?

A: Shield became king because he had the power to take defeat his enemies. Hrothgar was king thanks to his wealth. When Shield died the Danes buried him and his treasures in the sea. Shield was Hrothgar's grandfather. 

[Heorot is Attacked] (lines 86-188, pp. 34-36)

1. What magnificent work did Hrothgar undertake? Who attacked it, and with what result? How long did the attacks last? What was the response of the Danes?

A: Grendel attacked thirty men while they found themselves resting and kidnapped them. This upset the Danes and their anger spread overseas.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (Lines 189-490, pp. 36-42)

1. What does Beowulf do when he hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel?

A: When Beowulf hears of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel, he immediately rounded up a boat and his bravest men to go and help the people of Heorot. (Denmark)

2. Whom do the Geats first meet when they arrive in Denmark? What does he do, and what do they do?

A: When the Geats first arrive in Denmark, the meet Hrothgar’s lieutenant who was patrolling along the cliffs. The Geats were questioned and warned about no one passing without permission.. They replied they were there to save the Danes from Grendel.

3. They next meet Hrothgar's herald. Who is he? What does he tell them? What does he tell Hrothgar? What does Hrothgar respond? Are you surprised that Hrothgar knows Beowulf so well?

A: Hrothgar's herald interrogates the Geats about where they've come from and what they were doing. He's impressed by their appearance. Hrothgar is thankful of the men that had come to help even though he did not know them.

4. What does Beowulf tell Hrothgar when he enters? What did Hrothgar do for Beowulf's father?

A: Beowulf tells Hrothgar that his men follow Higelac. Hrothgar knew Beowulf’s father due to his fame as a soldier. 

[Feast at Heorot] (Lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. What does Unferth accuse Beowulf of? How does Beowulf answer him? How is this episode relevant to the poem as a whole? What does Beowulf accuse Unferth of?

A: Unferth accuses Beowulf of losing a swimming match and now must defeat Grendel. Beowulf retaliates by accusing Unferth of drunkenness and describes what happen in the swimming match. Its relevance is seen in that  Unferth may be right. Beowulf would have lost again if it wasn’t for Wiglaf.

2. What is Queen Wealhtheow doing during the feasting?

A: At the feast she offers the men drinkst. She distributes food and drink. She also shows a wanting of peace. 

[The Fight with Grendel] (Lines 662-835, pp. 46-49)

1. Heroic poetry normally has a scene in which the hero arms for battle. What is different about Beowulf's preparations for his fight with Grendel?

A: Beowulf prepares himself differently. He is very prompt in his preparation. He want to rid  himself of the monster as soon as possible. He was prepared to fight without a sword.

2. What happens when Grendel enters Heorot? How does Beowulf fight with him? What happens when Grendel tries to leave? Does Grendel escape? What does he leave behind?

A: He was angry while searching for the warriors until he found them and killed one Geat. While fighting the monster, Beowulf uses his bare hands. Grendel escapes leaving one arm behind. 

[Celebration at Heorot] (lines 836-1250, pp. 49-60)


1.When the Danes and Geats return from following Grendel's tracks to the mere, someone sings in Beowulf's presence, comparing him to Sigemund and saying that he was not like Heremod (lines 883-914). How is Beowulf like Sigemund? How is he not like Heremod? (Be alert for inserted stories such as this one. Beowulf contains many of them, most much more complex that this one.)

A: Beowulf is like Sigemund because he also killed many monsters and was considered a great hero. Heremod didn't protect his people though. 

2.How does Hrothgar respond to Beowulf's deed? What does he offer to do for him? What does Unferth have to say now?

A: He delivers a speech in which he thanks Beowulf for killing Grendel. He claims to now love Beowulf like a son and gives him glory. Unferth stayed silent as everyone saw the proof of Beowulf's power.

3.The singer sings of Finn during the feasting (lines 1070-1158). The exact details of the Finn story are not clear, but in general, what happens? What does it suggest about the wisdom of using a woman as bride to heal enmity between tribes?

A: It mentions someone getting slaughtered so he was killed. It also states 'her land' in the poem so they use women as a way of sharing land or taking it over.

4.When the feasting resumes, what does Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to do?

5.Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a necklace. What later happens to it? What does Wealhtheow ask Beowulf to do?

A: Beowulf gives the necklace to his uncle Hygelac, who wore it in battle. Wealhtheow asks Beowulf to be good to her sons and respectful to their king.

6.Why do so many men remain in the beer hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake?

A:  They are there to guard and protect in case of danger. It's a mistake because Grendel's Mother comes for revenge and takes one of the men as well as Grendel's arm.

BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER (lines 1251-2199, pp. 60-79)

[Another Attack] (lines 1251-1382, pp. 60-62)

1.Why has Grendel's mother come to Heorot? Is it the same reason Grendel had?

A: Grendel’s mother comes to Heorot for revenge and takes Grendel's arm .

2. What is Hrothgar's response? Whom has Grendel's mother killed?

A: Hrothgar was thankful that the Danes grief ended and the arm hanging was proof of victory. He hoped that Beowulf could stop Grendel’s mother from destructing Heorot again. Grendel’s mother killed Hrothgar’s closest friend

3.What sort of place is the mere?

A: The mere was under water. It was muddy and dark.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother] (Lines 1383-1650, pp. 63-68)

1. How does Beowulf tell Hrothgar to respond?

A: Beowulf agrees to fight again for the Danes. He feels it is an honor and the last battle gave him confidence.

2. What happens at the mere before Beowulf enters it?

A: Before Beowulf enters the mere, he sinks for hours into the water.

3. How does Beowulf prepare for the battle? What sword does he take with him?

A:Beowulf prepared for battle by telling Hrothgar to look after his men were he to die. Beowulf took his ring-marked blade.

4. What happens when Beowulf enters the mere? What is surprising about where Grendel and his mother live in the mere?

A: When he finally lands, Grendel’s mother grabs him, but his armor protects him. It is not surprising that the monsters reside in a dark place but it is strange that it takes half a day to get down there.

5. What happens to the sword Beowulf borrowed from Unferth?

A: Beowulf strikes at Grendel’s mother with the borrowed sword, but the blade has no effect and breaks

6. At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape?

A: Beowulf escapes Grendel’s mother by having the strength and faith to defeat her and using his strength to get off the ground.

7. How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What weapon does he use? What happens when she dies? What does Beowulf take with him from her home? What happens to the sword he used to kill her?

A: Beowulf drew a sword he had  seen hanging on her wall to cut right through her neck. After her death the light shone very bright. Beowulf beheaded Grendel's mother. He took the head with him and what was left of the sword.

8. What happens when Beowulf returns to the surface? Did his men expect him to return?

A:When Beowulf returns from the surface nobody is there. They all thought Grendel’s mother had killed him.

[Further Celebration at Heorot](lines 1651-1798, pp68-710

1. What does Beowulf give Hrothgar?

A: The sword of the giants which he used in the battle against the beasts.

2.What message does Hrothgar have for Beowulf? What and why does he tell us about Heremod? Why and how did Heremod die? What lesson does Hrothgar teach with the Heremod example?

A: He tells Beowulf to seek virtue since Hermond had become too proud. He died because he didn't see the signs the Gods were giving him. His lesson teaches not to be to prideful because it result in failure.

3.What does Beowulf give to Unferth as he leaves?

A: He gives him his sword.

[Beowulf Returns Home]lines 1799-2199, pp71-79)

1. What future does Hrothgar predict for Beowulf?

A: A good future since he is strong and bold.

2. Who is Hygd and why is she not like like Modthryth?

A: Hygd is Hygelac's wife. She isn't like Modthryth because Modthryth would have any man killed for looking at her directly.  

3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or are we seeing a new side of him?

A: He expects wedding to go bad since there is a possibility that someone might remember the old feud and start the violence again. Something like was prone to happen since Beowulf has seen and been through a lot. The fact that he's gained knowledge about others and their ways doesn't surprise this comment coming from him.

4. How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?

A: It seems accurate. Maybe he exaggerates at times but that's only because the story is being repeated and not everything is going to be exact. 

5. What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give him?

A: Beowulf offers his treasure to his lord as a form of respect, but also gives other treasures away to other people. Hygelac gives the most glorious sword of the Geats to Beowulf, some land and a house. 

BEOWULF AND THE DRAGON (lines 2200-3182, pp. 79-99)

[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)

1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile? What danger now exists?

A: It was fifty years later and King Hygelac and King Heardred died. A dragon now causes danger among Beowulf's land. 

2.Why is the dragon angry? Why did the man take a cup? How did the treasure come to be there in the first place? (The speech of the lone survivor, the one who put the gold in the barrow, is in a typically Old English elegiac tone.

A: The dragon is angry because someone stole its treasure though the man only took the cup because he was surprised by the dragon and ran. The treasure was left there by an ancient lord who had it all except the treasure itself.

3. What did the dragon destroy that evening?

A: He destroyed everything inside and he searched for the thief.

4. Why does Beowulf think his home was burnt? Why does he order a new shield? How will he fight this battle? What will happen to him?

A: Beowulf thinks that the Gods were punishing him for something he had done wrong. He orders a new shield because he has decided to go up against the dragon but fight with only a few men by his side.

5. How did Hygelac die? (The description in lines 2354-2379 begins one of several versions of Geatish history and Hygelac's death we will get.) What did Beowulf do after Hygelac's death? What happened when he returned home? Did he accept Hygd's offer to become king?

A: Hygelac died going up against a monster and after Beowulf swam through the sea wearing 30 sets of armour. Queen Hygd offered beowulf to become king but instead he offered Heardred.

6. What happened to Hygelac's son Heardred? (That's the story in lines 2380-2390.) How did Beowulf plan to revenge Heardred's death (lines 2391-2396)?

A: Herald was killed in battle after the Sweds came looking for the exiles, but he avenged Heardred by killing Onela.

7. How many men accompany Beowulf as he goes to meet the dragon?

A: Fourteen of Beowulf’s bravest men accompany him to fight the dragon.

 8.What happened to Hygelac's oldest brother Herebeald? Who killed him? What did this do to his father King Hrethel? (This passage, lines 2425-2509, is the second account of Geatish history and of the death of Hygelac.) What happened between the Swedes and Geats after Hrethel's death? What happened to Haethcyn? How die Beowulf revenge Hygelac's death?

A: His brother, Heathcyn, accidently killed Herebeald with an arrow which was a bad scene for their father since he couldn't avenge the death. Then many wars started between the Swedes and Geats and Haethcyn was killed in combat. Beowulf fought by his side and was always in the front. 

[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] (Lines 2510-2820, pp. 86-92)

1. What does Beowulf tell his companions to do?

A: Beowulf tells his companions to stay on top of the barrow in safety where they could watch the fight instead of actually fighting. 

2. What happens the first time Beowulf and the dragon fight? What do his companions do? How is Wiglaf different? What does he tell the others? What does he then do?

A: The first time Beowulf fights the dragon his “brave” companions flee the scene. With the exception of Wiglaf. They went for help afterwards.

3. What happens the second time Beowulf meets the dragon? What happens to Beowulf? Who kills the dragon?

A: Beowulf’s sword fails and this frightens him. The dragon hits Beowulf with more fire. Beowulf took the final swing but both men, Beowulf and Wiglaf, killed the dragon.

4. What does the dying Beowulf ask Wiglaf to do? What happens when Beowulf sees the gold? How does Beowulf want to be buried?

A: Beowulf asks Wiglaf to get him the treasure so he may see it. Then Beowulf thanks God for getting rid of the dragon. He asks to be burned at the coastal headland and it be known as Beowulf’s Barrow.

[Beowulf's Funeral] (Lines 2821-3182, pp. 92-99)

1. What happens when the companions return? What does Wiglaf say to him? What does he expect will happen in the future?

A: Wiglaf tells them that they will now lead a shameful life. It would have been better if they had died.

2. What does the messenger tell the city? (This passage, lines 2900-3027, is the third account of the history of the Geats and the death of Hygelac. These are the enemies that will attack the Geats when they learn of Beowulf's death.) What happened overnight in Ravenswood after Ongentheow killed Haethcyn? What happened the next morning? What happened to Ongentheow? What does the messenger say to do with the gold? What is the final image (animal) of the messenger's speech?

A: The messagenger tells the city that Beowulf has been killed alongside the dragon that lay dead as well. He says chaos will emerge from this and enemies will take advantage of their loss. Onegentheow's men surroundthe Geats but then morning came and Hyglac's men saved their kinsmen. Ongentheow was killed in battle and the men decided to burn all the treasures with Beowulf's body. The final image of the speech was a wolf.

3. What does Wiglaf tell the crowd that comes to see the dragon and Beowulf?

A: To build a memorial mound for Beowulf since he knew what he was getting himslef into but that didn't stop him from trying. 

4. What happens to the dragon?

A: The body was pushed of the cliff and it sunk into the sea.

5. What happens during and after the funeral celebration?

A: During the funeral, Beowulf's body collapsed into the fire. They then build a mound and buried the treasure within the mound, praising their lord by singing.

6. What did the Geats say about Beowulf in the last three lines of the poem? Are these the terms one would expect to be used to describe a military hero?

A: They mention his passing and how he excelled in his rule. You're supposed to praise him through demonstrations of respect. They praised Beowulf through emotions and said he was a loving king. One of the best. 

Essay Prompts 1/2

Essay Prompt: 1

“Old Leisure”

 

Breaking away from daily duties and responsibilities in order to reward yourself with what brings you pleasure, this is leisure. Society changes as times change. Society changes its habits, its wants, and its thoughts. What people find pleasure in doing changes and so there is a change in the ways in which they spend their time. In George Eliot’s “Old Leisure” this change is seen as she compares old leisure with the new while using a variance of stylistic devices.

The passage of time and advances in society has all increased the complexity of life. George Eliot addresses this in “Old Leisure” when she vividly describes her personal preference for old leisure. She describes it as being a more relaxed time. It’s a time of simple thinking and simple acting. She begins by stating “Leisure is gone.” Leisure is not actually gone but it is different from what it used to be. The new leisure is complex. It is absorbed in doing something, striving to obtain something, and seeking to change something that it is not seen as leisure anymore. Old leisure had no interest in new inventions or new ways of thinking. It stayed simple.

George Eliot uses a combination of personification and imagery to make her two main characters come to life. The protagonists of “Old Leisure” are none other than old leisure and new leisure. These are compared throughout the work but old leisure is given a more emphasis. Eliot states “Even idleness is eager now…” meaning there is no more peace. There is no more relaxation which was the basis for old leisure. She describes leisure being gone “where spinning wheels are gone, and pack-horses, and the slow wagons…” creating the image of how things have gone about changing. How they have sped up slowly into what it is today.

The idea of leisure evokes the idea of pleasure, of one leaving what has to be forcefully done to do what one wants to do. How this leisure is spent has morphed into a fast paced time that George Elliot expresses in “Old Leisure.” She finds old leisure enjoyable and the perfect example for what leisure should actually be.

 

Essay Prompt: 2

The Grapes of Wrath

            Traditions are commonly seen as set ideals. They are things that have been followed years before and are expected to be followed in some circumstances. There are always those that seek change. These are always those that seek change. These are the people that want either modifications or complete change in particular attitudes or traditions of society. John Steinbeck was the kind of person that analyzed this change and wrote about it in books such as The Grapes of Wrath with the usage specific literary techniques.

            In the book The Grapes of Wrath the reader saw the change of a nation through the experience of the Joad family. They saw themselves forced to leave the place they called home for stranger lands in the west due to the Dust Bowl. Through the Joad family the reader saw the fight for survival to unfold. All families were in a race against each other and against time. It turned into an ”all men for themselves” battle in which one looked over the wellbeing of those they loved without caring for the wellbeing of the rest. This was the only hopes of survival these people had. They left their daily lives of normality and began a journey toward survival.

            The author uses history in order to influence the reader’s views. John Steinbeck based his book on the Dust Bowl. This event is nonfiction and belongs to the history of the United States. Steinbeck used one of many examples of family struggle during this this time to explain reasons for change in the characters traditions and attitudes toward one another.

            Traditions and attitudes are usually kept constant but are forced to change when faced with obstacles. The Joad family in The Grapes of Wrath was forced to leave the place they called home in search of a place in which to survive. It was a battle against different families for  jobs and resources but they had to fight in order to survive.

           

Socratic Seminar

     We are into the second week of our senior year and already we see learning give rise once more. Today (8/20) we had our first socratic seminar in which we discussed the ideas presented in the article "The Right to Your Opinion" from Crimes Against Logic by Jamie Whyte. These ideas included being entitled to your own opinion and the question of whether or not we are forced to believe what others believe. It was said that we are allowed to have our own opinions but must be capable of backing them up with evidence when asked to do so. We must also understand that people will fight for what they believe to be true and we must learn to be tolerant. The matter of opinions is one to be disucussed peacefully and with an open mind. Although some thought giving in to believing someone else's opinion was a sign of weakness, others thoght it was actually a strength for it takes courage to admit someone else is right. We were limited on time and this was about the point at which we closed the seminar.

Reflections on week 1

1. Are there any factors that you think are going to affect your participation or experience in this class? (Access to a computer, cell phone, transportation? Family that can help or hassle? Friends that can help or hassle? Scheduling factors that can help or hassle?)
2. Think of an awesome (or the best ever) learning experience (or an experience where you changed) What was it you learned? [call it X] Where were you? What happened? Who else was there? Did it teach you anything about how you learn (or pay attention... or ?) How did you know what was happening?
3. What are you most [excited/concerned] about in this class? What do you look forward to in learning? How do you think it can/will make a practical difference in your life?

1.     I cannot think of any immediate factors that might affect my participation or experience in this class but, of course, nothing is set in stone so some difficulties may arise in the future. These factors are likely to be related to scheduling. Hopefull there won't be much of missing other classes due to work for this class but if there is, I'm hopeing to work it out successfully.
2.     The summer of sophmore year I participated in a program called Fighting Back. It was about six weeks long and we met every Thursday. This program was directed towards the prevention of acohol and drug usage between teenagers. I loved how those in charge of instructing us were people doing what they loved and were willing to fight for what they believed. They were people that showed a deep intrest in the well being of youth. Every meeting we would have different activities whether they be physical or dicussion based. We also had guest speakers that came in and told us about their lives and how they went about changing for their own good as well as for the sake of their friends and family. The entire program was dedicated to showing youth how there are millions of ways in which they can have fun without having to intoxicate their bodies.
3.     I am definitley excited about the technology aspect of it. At first I was a bit skeptical about the whole idea but last year's students seem to have enjoyed it very much. Some have even taken an initiative into creating new programs that can help students learn through ways that deviate themselves from the typical classroom setting. English Literature froms part of our history and the more you know about your history, the more you learn about yourself. Much of the text we will surely analyze is sure to come up in the future whether it be in college or in casual converstion with educated adults.

additional thoughts: Montaigne & Austen Essay

what would you have written if you had more time?

what occurred to you after you left?

how did the interruption affect your thought process?

          Today's interruption, although slight, caused some minor problems when it came to the completion of my in class essay. The ideas I had arranged in my mind before beginning to write were all expressed throughout my essay but not as clearly as they could have been. If the full period had been granted to me I would have been able to add more examples suppoting my claims. I would have added explainations of scenes form the book Pride and Prejudice (Austen) that showed a significant deviation from the writing style and topics of Montaigne's collection of essays. There was a limited amount of similarities between the two works of literature such as the general idea of the expression of human behavior and traditions in both. After I left I did not give much thought to what I could have done for there was nothing I could do anymore. The essay was in and I could not change that but, if given the opportunity, I would definitely add more examples that support my claims. The interruption actually helped me think of what I wanted to write. I came up with general ideas but was unable to completely support them in my essay due to my lack of time.

Orientation

          This course is sure to be promising. I have always found English to be one of my strongest subjects but there is always room for improvement. I enjoy writing but there have been times in which I find myself at a dead end. Starting essays is something I could definitely improve. I know what I want to write about and I know how I want to explain it but I can't always come up with a proper introduction that paves the way for my ideas. I also find public speaking a bit nerve wrecking but this I can definitely handle better than memorization. Memorization is by far my weakest point. I'm sure Dr.Preston will help each and every one of his students exercise this skill with his future poem assignments and lists of vocabulary words. Although these tasks may seem tedious at first glance, they tend to improve ones memorization skills and are quite helpful in the long run.
          I was in Dr.Preston's my sophmore year and it was an abyss of mixed emotions. The work load was hardly a problem but when work was actually given it took quite a bit of analyzing and understanding. Not all of the work was fun but at times it could be. I am looking forward to Dr.Preston's new and improved way of teaching which I hope proves to be just as effective as his previous way. The technology aspect of this new teaching idea is what has me feeling anxious. It is comforting to know that he will not let us do this completely alone. We will have him as well as our classmates as useful sources in case we find ourselves stuck at some point. My main goal for this course has to be the improvement of my writing skills as well as skills involving technology. These two skills are essential to possess throughout school and life in general.
          This course, I'm sure, is designed to give students the proper tools to improve their knowledge and way of thinking but the students are the ones responsible for using these tools to their advantage. I will make sure I take what is given to me and shape it to fit my needs in order to actally see improvement in my knowledge and personal way of thinking. I hope to gain an open mind and a better understanding of literature in general.