2nd checkpoint quiz

1. I think the most pivitol moment in my reading so far is when Jim comes back to his regiment and sees how much war has changed his friend, Wilson. It is important to the book because it shows that even amongst the war and chaos it is still possible for at least some good to come out of it. Also, it shows the stark contrast between a coward like the Youth and how he does not mature, and the eventual maturation of the Loud soldier. As Henry describes it on page 87: "he had been used to regarding his comrade as a blatant child with an audacity grown from his inexperience, thoughtless, headstrong, jealous, and filled with a tinsel courage", but after seeing the horrors of war Wilson matured into a man that is "peak[ed] with wisdom".

2. I relate mostly to Henry as I think a lot of kids in our grade would. Henry joined the war because he wanted to be the glorious soldier and become a 'hero'. It is easy for kids to praise war and become fascinated with the idea of being the 'hero'. Therefore, it is easiest for me to identify with Henry because I understand why he wanted to go to war. Thus, once he actually enters a battle I can see how he became scared and had to run. Although he was very arrogant to start with, it is understandable because he is just a teen. I relate to Henry the best because he reminds me of the 'average' teenager.

Oedipus' fault?

I do not believe it is Oedipus' fault because he did not realize that it was his father he was killing,  and his mother he committed incest with. When he left Corinth he did it for the sole reason of trying to escape his prophecy. It is not his fault that he did not realize his real parents were actually from Thebes. Oedipus did the right thing by trying to escape Corinth, yet he just became a victim of cruel fate.

Catharsis

Catharsis is ultimately reached on page 61 when the attendant tells of the horrors that Jocasta and Oedipus have commited: "a strangled woman swinging before our eyes... With golden brooches, which the King snatched out and thrust, from full arm's length, into his eyes". Here, catharsis is ultimately reached because it shows the final downfall of Oedipus, his wife/mother has killed herself and he is so emotionally distressed he blinds himself. This signifies the start of catharsis.

change - jason

I have changed throughout freshman year by taking up a new sport and trying harder in academics. Last year I didn’t try as hard to study and focus on my academics than this year. I realized that this is the year everything finally counts, so I realized that I needed to try harder for school. Looking back on it, I am very happy with how freshman year has gone so far. I am very happy with my grades and will continue to strive towards making straight A’s. Not only have I found a new “me” in academics, but I have found a new sport that I love. Previously I had always played tennis as my main sport. Until this fall, where I tried out rowing. After one practice on the water, I realized that rowing was the sport I wanted to take on. Now halfway through freshman year I am a part of the Berkeley team, but I also row outside of school for a club. I intend on rowing all throughout high school and hopefully in college.

reflection

My alarm goes off and I fall into the dazed, half-conscious state all high school students know too well. I glance to my right, and see the neon red light that flashes the all too deadly three numbers; six: three-zero. The day starts off in a rush and I am out of the house by seven. As my car zooms down the highway, the streets are unusually calm. This is no ordinary high school weekday. No, today I am not a high school student; I am a rower. It is a Saturday and I will not sleep in. I am out of the house by seven. Off to the boathouse to enter a whole new meaning of a ‘Saturday’. Who am I? Tony Sharp, sophomore in high school.

            “Seven, eight, nine, ten”. Finally the sprint is over. My exhausted body slumps over, begging for some drops of Gatorade. My torn and blistered hands burn with the pain from a hard row. The cool breeze of the bay whips the side of my face and instantly relaxes my body. I look out across the distance I have covered. It is not enough. I need to be the best. “One more piece!” my coach yells. Success drives me to work myself to pure exhaustion. Why do I do this? It’s ten in the morning. I could still be sleeping. I do not have to do this. So why? I love what I do and I will do it to the best of my ability. This is my boat and I am the engine. There is no excuse of a weak motor, I determine my own speed. I am Tony Sharp, and I love to row.

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