Monday, January 10 -

A new system
Projects
Sentence patterns
American literary movment
JC and GG -
Homework
Idoms

Todays track : Rhetoric -


What is rhetoric?



Rhetoric is the study of effective speaking and writing. And the art of persuasion. And many other things.
In its long and vigorous history rhetoric has enjoyed many definitions, accommodated differing purposes, and varied widely in what it included. And yet, for most of its history it has maintained its fundamental character as a discipline for training students 1) to perceive how language is at work orally and in writing, and 2) to become proficient in applying the resources of language in their own speaking and writing. (See rhetorical pedagogy)
Discerning how language is working in others' or one's own writing and speaking, one must (artificially) divide form and content, what is being said and how this is said (see Content/Form). Because rhetoric examines so attentively the how of language, the methods and means of communication, it has sometimes been discounted as something only concerned with style or appearances, and not with the quality or content of communication. For many (such as Plato) rhetoric deals with the superficial at best, the deceptive at worst ("mere rhetoric"), when one might better attend to matters of substance, truth, or reason as attempted in dialectic or philosophy or religion.
Rhetoric has sometimes lived down to its critics, but as set forth from antiquity, rhetoric was a comprehensive art just as much concerned with what one could say as how one might say it. Indeed, a basic premise for rhetoric is the indivisibility of means from meaning; how one says something conveys meaning as much as what one says. Rhetoric studies the effectiveness of language comprehensively, including its emotional impact (see pathos), as much as its propositional content ( see logos). To see how language and thought worked together, however, it has first been necessary to artificially divide content and form.

Scansion
Scansion is the process of analyzing poetry's rhythm by looking at meter and feet. A foot is a two- or three-syllable division of stresses. Meter is the predominant rhythm of a poem based on the type and number of feet per line.
Syllables are marked either as stressed (/) or unstressed (-) depending upon the pronunciation of a given word within the line. For instance, the word "example" would scan as:- / -
ex am ple
Common Metrical Feet in English
Foot
Syllables
Stress Pattern
Example
iamb
2
- /
pretend
trochee
2
/ -
season
spondee
2
/ /

pyrrhic
2
- -

anapest
3
- - /
unabridged
dactyl
3
/ - -
dangerous
Meter
As stated before, meter is defined by the predominant type of foot and the number of feet within the lines of a poem. For instance, much of English dramatic verse was written in iambic pentameter, or lines of five iambs, because the rhythm most closely approximated natural speech patterns. In fact, unrhymed iambic pentameter was so popular, it had a term of its own: blank verse.
Although these speeches are all written in blank verse, there are other meters as well:
monometer—lines consisting of 1 foot
dimeter—lines consisting of 2 feet
trimeter—lines consisting of 3 feet
tetrameter—lines consisting of 4 feet
pentameter—lines consisting of 5 feet (blank verse)
hexameter—lines consisting of 6 feet (alexandrine)
Lines of more than six feet are rare in English poetry.
Other Helpful Poetry Terms
assonance—repetition or a pattern of similar sounds, especially vowel sounds
caesura—a natural pause or break in a line of poetry, usually near the middle of the line
consonance—repetition of similar consonant sounds, especially at the ends of words
couplet—a pair of lines of the same length that usually rhyme and form a complete thought
enjambment—the running on of the thought from one line, couplet, or stanza to the next without a syntactical break
feminine ending—an extra unstressed syllable at the end of a line
masculine ending—an extra stressed syllable at the end of a line
versification—the system of rhyme and meter in a poem
Close Reading
Close reading is the foundation for studying literature. In the case of these readings, we're looking at the basic definitions of individual words, their literal and figurative uses, fundamental grammar and syntax, and the context in which words or phrases are used. In addition, these readings are all dramatic works; unlike novelists, playwrights are basically limited to dialogue and stage directions to tell their stories. That means the text is more subject to interpretation. We're looking for clues to meaning within the speeches. First, we make our observations. Then, we make inferences based on patterns that we see.

Realism
Civil War Period - 1860-1870
Character is more important than action and plot; complex ethical choices are often the subject.
Characters appear in their real complexity of temperament and motive; they are in explicable relation to nature, to each other, to their social class, to their own past.
Class is important; the novel has traditionally served the interests and aspirations of an insurgent middle class.

ODE TO STEPHEN DOWLING BOTSMark Twain
And did young Stephen sicken, And did young Stephen die? And did the sad hearts thicken, And did the mourners cry? No; such was not the fate of Young Stephen Dowling Bots; Though sad hearts round him thickened, 'Twas not from sickness' shots. No whooping-cough did rack his frame, Nor measles drear, with spots; Not these impaired the sacred name Of Stephen Dowling Bots. Despised love struck not with woe That head of curly knots, Nor stomach troubles laid him low, Young Stephen Dowling Bots. O no. Then list with tearful eye, Whilst I his fate do tell. His soul did from this cold world fly, By falling down a well. They got him out and emptied him; Alas it was too late; His spirit was gone for to sport aloft In the realms of the good and great.
Mark Twain

American Literary Movements
They are:
Plantation, Tradition,Calvinism,Puritanism in New England,Captivity Narratives,Realism
Concord Chronology,Romance and Novel,Conversion Narratives,Salem Witch Trials,Covenant Theology,Sentimentalism,Domestic Fiction,Sermon,Early American Novel,Slave Narratives,Southwestern Humor,Transcendentalism
Meditation,Travel Narratives,Native American Literature and Naturalism.
1. Calvinism - human beings were creatures of fellowship(need to identify) and that Church and State, satisfied a human need for this type of grouping. Individuals must cultivate this awareness of deity through examination of the seeds of divinity within each person as well as through contemplation of and reflection on the world. Sin, for Calvin, is the opposite of knowing God; and a corrupt reason and will can prevent this knowledge.
The Five Points of Calvinism (often remembered through the acronym T U L I P)
1. Total depravity. Man is naturally unable to exercise free will, since through Adam's fall he has suffered hereditary corruption. Evil was a palpable presence in the Puritans' world, and it was often symbolized by the struggle between light and darkness. In this system, it was impossible to find disillusioned Puritans, for they believed that there was no horror that man could not commit.
2. Unconditional election. Election manifests itself through God's wisdom to elect those to be saved, despite their inability to perform saving works. Only a chosen few are so elected, and simply being a church member did not necessarily signify election.
3. Limited atonement. Man's hereditary corruption is partially atoned for by Christ, and this atonement is provided to the elect through the Holy Spirit. This limited atonement gives them the power to attempt to obey God's will as revealed through the Bible.
4. Irresistible and prevenient grace, made only to the elect. Grace was a "motion of the heart" that was God's gift to the elect-unconditional, irresistible, and inexorable. It came to each directly and could not be taken away. It promised "ecstatic intimacy with the divine" or "soul liberty." When Winthrop talks about liberty, this is the sort that he counts on his audience recalling.
5. Perseverance of saints. Those who are predetermined as elect inevitably persevere in the path of holiness.

Example of Calvinist poetry.
Jonathan Edwards

What are we in the hands of the great God?It was in vain you set up thorn and briarIn battle array against the fireAnd treason crackling in your blood;For the wild thorns grow tameAnd will do nothing to oppose the flame;Your lacerations tell the losing gameYou play against a sickness past your cure. How will the hands be strong? How will the heart endure?

1. Find a passage from the poem that expresses its tone. Is the tone exciting, enthralling, dark, angry, insignificant, sad, or ? Provide evidence by choosing three specific words that support your choice of tone. Tell me why you chose those words.

2. This poem is showered with metaphor. Choose three passages; for example, " you set up thorn," meaning something happened that caused you pain. A thorn pricks connotating pain.
Write three of your own.

3. Why do you think Calvinism happened? It was a long time ago and maybe people were afraid of things they yet didn't understand; earthquakes, floods, etc.. what do you think? Do you like the poem? Does it relate in any way to life today? If so, how?

1. Genesis started life as a progressive rock band, in the manner of Yes and King Crimson, before a series of membership changes brought about a transformation in their sound, into one of the most successful pop/rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s. In addition, the group has provided a launching pad for the superstardom of members Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, and star solo careers for members Tony Banks, Michael Rutherford, and Steve Hackett. Their roots go back to 1965 and a pair of rival groups, the Garden Wall and the Anon, formed by students at the Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey. They merged, with the result that 15-year-olds Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, and Michael Rutherford joined with 14-year-old Anthony Phillips, calling themselves the New Anon and recording a six-song demo featuring songs primarily written by Rutherford and Phillips.

Fill in your words and use the above critique to help guide your speech.

________started life as a _________, in the manner of ____ and ____, before a series of _____ changes brought about a _______in their ______, into one of the most________bands of ____ and ____.

2.

November 18, 2010
Mr. Andre Janian
James Monroe High School
English Language Arts Instructor

Public Service AcademyRecommendation Letter for Sara Monroy:

"A mature and inquisitive mind generating disciplined effort to do better demonstrative work and to attempt to master language in English studies" is how I describe Sara in a nut shell. She has a curiosity that is hidden somewhere within, that gives her a chance to make it. Sara has been a student that I’ve known for over a year. Her maturity and style is only possessed by a few students. Her willingness to see the future and vision herself successful is something Sara quantifies as a student and a solid community member and participant. I told her many times to try hard and you can "turn the corner to an amazing and successful life." In fact, she has aspirations to do so, as well as be a continual part of a future that helps those close to her. Her character has shown a desire to be one who will try to "climb very high in life." She has also shown in many ways to put her best foot forward. She would always help me and help others in class; she would ask me if I needed help around the classroom. Her dialogue between other students and teachers has shown a maturity which exemplifies positive characteristics for a high school student of her age.

Sara tries to exemplify an excellence in her studies and feels it is quite attainable. She has a mature voice and a good understanding of various styles in language. Her aspirations of becoming involved professionally in athletics or possibly in physical therapy and even possibly furthering her education in a highly sought coaching/cheer profession is an attainable goal. Sara inquires about life and wants to be certain she will go towards the right track which I feel is not an issue at all. Sara is a constant professional; she uses her "inquisitive self" as a tool to empower a unique, adventurous and explorative life.

I recommend Sara to have a chance at success! Scholarship awards were designed for students like Sara; smart, inquisitive, mature, a willingness to learn, athletic, well spoken and well liked. I’ve been in education for 15 years and my professional responsibility is to try and help students achieve success. Please consider this letter from an instructor of supporting Sara to a bright, healthy and successful life!

Sincerely,

Andre Janian
　
　

Harry Houdini

NEW YORK – Will wonders never cease?
A century after Harry Houdini thrilled audiences with daring escapes from handcuffs, straitjackets and watery tombs, the legendary magician has conjured a major art museum exhibition that explores his enduring legacy.
"Houdini: Art and Magic," which opens Friday at The Jewish Museum, tells the story of an impoverished son of Jewish immigrants who harnessed the power of the mass media, and the emerging technologies of film and photography, to become one of the 20th century's most famous performers.
The show is beautifully installed in galleries that feature the semi-dark theatrical lighting and spotlights of the vaudeville halls where Houdini got his start as a stage magician before turning to outdoor escape spectacles.
Scattered amid the historic photographs, art nouveau-era posters and archival films are more than two dozen recent works of art by such well-known artists as Matthew Barney, Vik Muniz and Raymond Pettibon that attest to Houdini's continuing influence as the consummate illusionist. The museum also displays some of his magic props, including handcuffs, shackles, a straitjacket, a milk can and a packing trunk that were featured in various escape acts.
Though he eventually became an international celebrity, Houdini was from the most modest of circumstances. He was born Erik Weisz in 1874 in Budapest, the son of a rabbi who immigrated to Wisconsin when Erik was a boy. When he was 12, he ran away from home to join the circus, but eventually returned home to help support the family. Tellingly, one of his earliest jobs was as an apprentice to a locksmith.
From an early age, he trained as a runner, swimmer and boxer, developing the physical strength and stamina that let him perform superhuman feats such as escaping, while handcuffed, from a padlocked crate thrown into an icy river.
Only after his father died in 1892 did the teenager launch his career as an entertainer, changing his name to Houdini in honor of the French magician Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin and performing in freak shows and traveling circuses.
Houdini's big break came in 1899, when he was discovered by the vaudeville impresario Martin Beck and started touring theaters across America and Europe.
Later in life, Houdini sought to debunk the fake spiritualists and mediums who claimed to be able to communicate with the dead. He also published books explaining some of the tricks of his trade, although the exhibition does not reveal any of those secrets.
Houdini died on Halloween 1926 of peritonitis — not trying to escape from a water-filled cell as depicted in the 1953 movie of his life starring Tony Curtis — and was buried in a Jewish cemetery in Queens, N.Y., where fans still make a pilgrimage on the anniversary of his death.
Curator Brooke Kamin Rapaport suggests that part of Houdini's appeal lay in the fact that his working-class audiences, many of whom came to America in search of political or religious freedom, identified with Houdini's immigrant background. His ability to emerge unscathed from handcuffs, chains and packing crates became an inspiring symbol of their own quest for freedom.
Houdini — who often closed his performances by asking "Will wonders never cease? — plays a central role in E.L. Doctorow's novel "Ragtime" and in Michael Chabon's "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay." The magician David Blaine reveres him, and he is mythologized by the American artist Deborah Oropallo in her oil painting "Escape Artist."
The show closes in New York on March 27, 2011, after which it travels to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Madison, Wis.