Author’s Note: Depression is a very dangerous and sensitive subject to some family’s especially when one of their own teens’ struggles from it. I will be talking about a book that I think hints to a case of teen depression due to bullying.
Imagine sitting on your couch, feeling as lifeless as a bag of bones, hopelessly depressed. This is how the main character in All Summer in a Day, Margot, felt. Margot was tortured at school every day for trying to share with the other kids who don’t remember the sun, what it was like, how wonderful the glistening sun felt against their dull pale skin. The main character in All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury, Margot, shows through symbolism in the book that she is most likely in a state of depression due to constant bullying.
Margot used to live on earth like you and me, but when her dad got a job on Venus her whole life changed. On Venus it’s always raining except for two hours every year. When Margot moved there she was judged as spoiled, a know it all, just plain ignorant. Her classmates always picked on her and put her into a spiraling state of depression. Except for one day when the sun was supposed to come out she had been talking about it all day, and so her classmates decided to lock her in a closet and she never saw the sun. This part of the book is when Margot’s depression really seemed to stick out.
Margot is not the only teenager who struggles through depression. According to teendepression.org, about 20% of teens will struggle through depression before they reach adulthood. Most cases of depression come from bad friends, bullying, and broken homes and the main character Margot had two of three of those things. One thing that really surprises me is that Margot’s parents don’t even seem to notice that their daughter has no friends or self confidences, which are common traits in teens going through different phases of depression, like Margot.
Most causes of depression starts with a bully. According to martialartsforpeace.com, one of four kids are bullied and seventy-seven percent of student are bullied. Like in All Summer in a Day, Margot was bullied which cause her struggles with depression. She was bullied because she was different and more often than not, students are bullied for what makes them different or unique. Under no circumstances is bullying okay; it should be monitored throughout the school, because when teachers are looking, bullies don’t bully.
In the book All Summer in a Day, Ray Bradbury shows that Margot is going through a state of depression due to constant bullying and explains that through symbolism. Over 34,000 people die from suicide every year and currently suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States according to, http://theovernight.donordrive.com. Next time you see someone getting picked on or bullied think about the effects that has on the persons’ life because, bullying leads to depression and depression leads to suicide. Think about the effect your decision will have on their life.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Graditude
Authors Note: I really think that Hatchet’s author Gary Paulsen does a good job of teaching appreciation, selflessness and consequences. He does so through the character Brian and his problems. I think that learning appreciation and selflessness are very important to know about.
Many people wouldn't ever think that they would ever be face to face with death. Brian thought the same thing, but when that pilot had a heart attack and the plane went down all sense of security was lost. Hatchet's author, Gary Paulsen, teaches lessons on not taking things for granted.
One message that the author Gary Paulsen seemed to be trying to get across throughout the book was appreciation. He really focused on how the main character, Brian, should appreciate what he has because one day it may be gone. Many people would probably think that won’t happen to me it’s too slim of a chance, but that’s exactly what Brian thought and he ended up stranded in the wilderness with only a hatchet and the clothes on his back. Not only was the author trying to send a message about appreciation he was also trying to talk about consequences.
Bad actions and bad thoughts come with consequences. Some consequences are larger than others. The author really tries to push this message throughout this book. Like when Brian was rude and disrespected his parents he ended up missing them and wanting his old life back when he got stranded. Younger children know that when you misbehave there are consequences, but why is it that once you get older you think that you don’t have to do the right thing anymore? Brian, the main character, learns a lesson on consequences and learns to appreciate the good things he has in life. I remember when I didn’t want my sister’s help with something but once she didn’t help I realized that I really needed her, which is like the lesson Brian learns in the book.
While Brian learned about consequences and appreciation, he also learned how to be less selfish. He came into the book thinking only about how much he hated his life and how moving between homes was a huge inconvenience for him; but while he was stranded in the Canadian wilderness he realized that he had to think about surviving verses how hard life is for him.
Hatchet’s author, Gary Paulsen’s theme for the book was life lessons. Next time you read a book see if you can pick out the theme the author tried to push. Everyone really needs to be careful and to try not to take things for granted because someday, you may regret it.
Many people wouldn't ever think that they would ever be face to face with death. Brian thought the same thing, but when that pilot had a heart attack and the plane went down all sense of security was lost. Hatchet's author, Gary Paulsen, teaches lessons on not taking things for granted.
One message that the author Gary Paulsen seemed to be trying to get across throughout the book was appreciation. He really focused on how the main character, Brian, should appreciate what he has because one day it may be gone. Many people would probably think that won’t happen to me it’s too slim of a chance, but that’s exactly what Brian thought and he ended up stranded in the wilderness with only a hatchet and the clothes on his back. Not only was the author trying to send a message about appreciation he was also trying to talk about consequences.
Bad actions and bad thoughts come with consequences. Some consequences are larger than others. The author really tries to push this message throughout this book. Like when Brian was rude and disrespected his parents he ended up missing them and wanting his old life back when he got stranded. Younger children know that when you misbehave there are consequences, but why is it that once you get older you think that you don’t have to do the right thing anymore? Brian, the main character, learns a lesson on consequences and learns to appreciate the good things he has in life. I remember when I didn’t want my sister’s help with something but once she didn’t help I realized that I really needed her, which is like the lesson Brian learns in the book.
While Brian learned about consequences and appreciation, he also learned how to be less selfish. He came into the book thinking only about how much he hated his life and how moving between homes was a huge inconvenience for him; but while he was stranded in the Canadian wilderness he realized that he had to think about surviving verses how hard life is for him.
Hatchet’s author, Gary Paulsen’s theme for the book was life lessons. Next time you read a book see if you can pick out the theme the author tried to push. Everyone really needs to be careful and to try not to take things for granted because someday, you may regret it.
Friday, February 3, 2012
CLICK
Authors Note: Middle school is full of different groups and clubs. This essay addresses all the different kinds of people and groups you’ll see in middle school. Also notice how that connects to the book Clarie by Lisi Harrison.
Imagine going back to see your friends completely changed. It’s like you aren’t even the same person anymore. If this has ever happened to you, you and Claire from the clique series, by Lisi Harrison have a lot in common. In the book Claire, the main character, Claire, learns a valuable lesson on lying, cheating and pretending to be someone your not. Middle school students can relate to the book, because it deals with cliques, outcasts and people just trying to find their place in middle school.
Most people are in a clique one way or another. Take this for example, if you love sports you are typically considered a jock, girls who are into fashion are preps or popular people and then there are the geeks or nerds, they are the people who get straight A’s or are in advanced classes and have dreams of Harvard or Yale.There are many more groups but those are just the basic most common groups, and I promise you that every school has those cliques. You may not realize it, but the next time you look in the cafeteria, or you are walking through the halls look and you will see all the different cliques.
Although there are many cliques, there are still the few people who are considered the outcasts. Outcasts are people who don’t fit in with any cliques or groups. Those kinds of people never really have any friends or hobbies. They just do their own thing and they don’t seem to mind doing things alone. Usually there aren’t very many outcasts in a school, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there.
There is one type of person left. That type is the people who are just trying to find a place to fit in and have friends. They are usually new kids or people who’ve changed interests. Although the majority are new kids, they can also be very shy kids who are afraid to talk to anyone. Many times these people try a lot of different clubs and groups until they find one that they feel comfortable in. Sometimes this does take some time but they usually find a group of good friends and interests and move on to the next step, a clique.
Middle school consists of three main types of people and social groups, the cliques, outcasts and finally the kids just trying to find where to go, just like in the book Claire by Lisi Harrison. Next time you are walking through the hallways look around and see all the different types of groups there are, I guarantee you will see people you never even looked twice at. Middle school is made up of many different people and you’ll be surprised at what you see when you look hard enough.
Imagine going back to see your friends completely changed. It’s like you aren’t even the same person anymore. If this has ever happened to you, you and Claire from the clique series, by Lisi Harrison have a lot in common. In the book Claire, the main character, Claire, learns a valuable lesson on lying, cheating and pretending to be someone your not. Middle school students can relate to the book, because it deals with cliques, outcasts and people just trying to find their place in middle school.
Most people are in a clique one way or another. Take this for example, if you love sports you are typically considered a jock, girls who are into fashion are preps or popular people and then there are the geeks or nerds, they are the people who get straight A’s or are in advanced classes and have dreams of Harvard or Yale.There are many more groups but those are just the basic most common groups, and I promise you that every school has those cliques. You may not realize it, but the next time you look in the cafeteria, or you are walking through the halls look and you will see all the different cliques.
Although there are many cliques, there are still the few people who are considered the outcasts. Outcasts are people who don’t fit in with any cliques or groups. Those kinds of people never really have any friends or hobbies. They just do their own thing and they don’t seem to mind doing things alone. Usually there aren’t very many outcasts in a school, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there.
There is one type of person left. That type is the people who are just trying to find a place to fit in and have friends. They are usually new kids or people who’ve changed interests. Although the majority are new kids, they can also be very shy kids who are afraid to talk to anyone. Many times these people try a lot of different clubs and groups until they find one that they feel comfortable in. Sometimes this does take some time but they usually find a group of good friends and interests and move on to the next step, a clique.
Middle school consists of three main types of people and social groups, the cliques, outcasts and finally the kids just trying to find where to go, just like in the book Claire by Lisi Harrison. Next time you are walking through the hallways look around and see all the different types of groups there are, I guarantee you will see people you never even looked twice at. Middle school is made up of many different people and you’ll be surprised at what you see when you look hard enough.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
BEAUTIFUL SONG
Authors Note: This song is very beautiful and I love the message behind it. I think people should really listen to their music and try to grasp the meaning the writer was trying to get across. Listen to this song and tell me what you think the message is. I got the lyrics from, http://www.metrolyrics.com/it-will-rain-lyrics-bruno-mars.html. I hope you agree with me about the meaning.
There is one last part of the song that I think is significant in the meaning Bruno was trying to get across. It’s when he says “I'll never be your mother's favorite Your daddy can't even look me in the eye Ooh if I was in their shoes, I'd be doing the same thing. Saying there goes my little girl walking with that troublesome guy.” I really like this part because He’s saying that to most people he’s a punk but the girl he’s talking about likes him anyway, but her parents disapprove and see him as nothing but trouble. Although her parents don’t like him, he says that he understands and can see why they disapprove of him. I really think this part of the song is very important to the story that is trying to be told, and it just puts it all in perspective to the listener.
I really like the song “It will rain” by Bruno Mars because it tells a story. The story that I get from the lyrics is almost like form of a love story, and I think the song is very beautiful and gentle. That’s what I get from the lyrics in the song “It will rain.”
In the song “It will rain” sung by Bruno Mars and written by Bruno Mars, it’s a love song and I love the message from the lyrics. Like in the beginning he says “If you ever leave me baby leave some morphine at my door. What he means when he says this he means that if she leaves him he will be in a lot of pain. This is one of my favorite parts of the song.
I not only like that part of the song there are more parts that I think tell this story very well. Like this next part is not only really good but also explains what this person is going through. Bruno says, “Cause there’ll be no sunlight if I lose you baby, there'll be no clear skies if I lose you baby, just like the clouds, my eyes will do the same if you walk away, everyday, it will rain, rain, rain. This to me sounds like he’s trying to say that if this girl he really likes ever leaves, his life will become dull and gray, also that if she ever leaves everyday he’ll cry. The reason I think he’s trying to say that he’ll cry is because he says just like the clouds my eyes will do the same, if you walk way everyday it will rain.” That’s what I think that Bruno is trying to say in this part of the song.There is one last part of the song that I think is significant in the meaning Bruno was trying to get across. It’s when he says “I'll never be your mother's favorite Your daddy can't even look me in the eye Ooh if I was in their shoes, I'd be doing the same thing. Saying there goes my little girl walking with that troublesome guy.” I really like this part because He’s saying that to most people he’s a punk but the girl he’s talking about likes him anyway, but her parents disapprove and see him as nothing but trouble. Although her parents don’t like him, he says that he understands and can see why they disapprove of him. I really think this part of the song is very important to the story that is trying to be told, and it just puts it all in perspective to the listener.
I really like the song “It will rain” by Bruno Mars because it tells a story. The story that I get from the lyrics is almost like form of a love story, and I think the song is very beautiful and gentle. That’s what I get from the lyrics in the song “It will rain.”
WHAT'S A TRUE FRIEND?
Authors Note: This quote is a very inspirational quote to me and it means a lot to me. It talks about friends and supporting your friends. I'm going to talk about what I love about this quote.
The quote “A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down,” by Arnold H. Glasow is one of my favorite quotes. This quote is very inspirational and in a way tells you what good friends should do for you. The quote “A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down,” by Arnold H. Glasow is a very inspirational quote and it means a lot to me.
The reason I really like this quote is it’s message that if gives. It says to me that friends will never stand in your way of doing anything except if your falling down. That is what a true friend does and how you know if they are a real friend and if they actually care about you and will help you if you fall. I have lots of good friends that I know would do this for me and that’s how I know who my friends really are. So that’s the reason that I really love this quote.
Lastly, this quote makes me feel like I can do anything and I will always have someone behind me and watching out for me. This quote has taught me that I can do anything and a good friend would want me to succeed and do well and if they don’t they were never my friend in the first place. That’s why I think that the quote, “A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down,” by Arnold H. Glasow is a very inspirational quote to me.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER?
Authors Note: Do happily ever afters really exist. Sure in the story's the nice and beautiful girls always get the prince charming. What would happen if one of the antagonists of the story ended up with the happy ever after? That's what I decided to write about.
You all may know the story of Cinderella, but do you know what really happened? Supposedly the shoe didn’t fit any of the ugly step-sisters, but when Cinderella tried on the shoe it fit perfectly, and she and the prince lived happily ever after. Sadly this is not the case, sure it makes for a good happy ending, but what if that’s not what really happened? Here’s the real story about what happened the day the prince came into Cinderella’s house.
The two ugly step-sisters were in a panic, it wouldn’t be long til the prince would arrive. Cinderella knew that she had to try the slipper on otherwise the prince would never know it was her at the ball. Although Cinderella knew it was her slipper and it would fit her, would the prince wish it wasn’t her, would he want a more suited wife. Although Cinderella was nervous she knew that the prince deserved to know that he girl he fell in love with at the ball was a maid. So she made her decision that as soon as her two ugly step sisters tried the slipper on she would go and ask to try it on. Sadly for Cindreella that is not what happened at all.
What happened was that once her first ugly step sister tried on the slipper and it was too small, no big shocker there, her other sister Anastasia tried on the slipper and to her surprise the slipper fit perfectly. Cinderella was shocked, she knew that it was her who danced with the prince at the ball and it was her slipper that came off. Anastasia must have the exact same shoe size as her. How would Cinderella ever get her prince charming now?
The first thing Cinderella could think of is asking if she could also try the slipper on. When Cinderella did the shoe slid on with no effort, but that was when her wicked step-mother butted in and said that she knew for a fact that Cinderella could not have been at the ball. She knew that Cinderella had been home cleaning all night and that the person the prince was looking for had to be Anastasia. What could Cinderella say to prove it was her who was at the ball with the prince? Throughout Cinderella’s entire life she had hoped and dreamed that her prince would some day find her and take her away form being a maid, but now when that finally could have happened Anastasia would come in and ruin everything. The worst part is that Cinderella would never have her happy ever after.
A few months later Cinderella was preparing to go to Anastasia’s royal wedding with the prince. Cinderella would be a maid her entire life and whatever chance she had at love was long gone. From that day on Cinderella was never happy and she worked as a maid for her wicked step-mother and horrible step-sister for the rest of her life.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
BLUE SWEATER
Authors Note: This is one of my Christmas presents point of view from being made in the factory, from me opening the present on Christmas Eve. This sweater goes through confusion, loneliness and excitement when going through the process of Christmas.
I am Carly’s sweater that she got for Christmas. It all started when I was created in the factory and I spent a long time in a box waiting to be shipped to American Eagle. There were tons of other sweaters just like me. I’d heard about some sweaters that stay on shelves for months and don’t get sold. I was so afraid that I would end up like those sweaters and when the day finally arrived, the day they put us out to be sold I saw all these sweaters being bought and I was starting to get scared that no one would buy me.
Then one day this lady picked me up and payed for me. I spent a lot of time in a bag. Then the lady that bought me put me in a car and drove me to this big building and she brought me inside and I saw a bunch of other clothes and items she must have bought. I stayed at the big building for quite some time until one day she took me back to the house and put me into a box. That’s when I saw a bunch of other things being wrapped in this pretty paper and taped inside our boxes. I was really frightened and all of a sudden she grabbed my box and wrapped me in the colorful paper. All I could think was, am I ever going to get out of this box.
One night I woke up to being moved around and I heard the creak of stairs. Suddenly I knew why I was left for so long. Some of the more experienced sweaters told me about this holiday. They called it Christmas and parents give their children gifts for this holiday. I must be someones gift. I was really excited, this meant someone wanted me and was going to wear me, I won’t spend my entire life in a closet or a drawer. Finally I heard the tear of the paper and I saw light. I was face to face with a girl about thirteen years old. I overheard her talking afterwards and she said she was going to wear me tomorrow. After all this time my journey has begun.
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