Mythology Orientation

For the reading this week, I chose to read the first part of the Beowulf Unit . Specifically, in my notes, I am going to write about the story The Young Beowulf   by Strafford Riggs. Although this is not the most exciting story, I like how it is written and the message it portrays. First off, I like how it focuses on the progression through Beowulf's youth. It follows him through his first beginnings all the way to manhood. I also like how you can see Beowulf grow and develop in this story. Physically he grows much stronger, but there is also an important emotional/psychological aspect to this story. The psychological aspect it was what really caught my attention to this story. It seems as if Beowulf is depressed. He didn't speak much. He appears shy or not confident. The story says, "Beowulf sat in gloomy silence." Even more telling, the story says, "He drank long and deep... his thoughts, too, were deep and long." I think these statements help revea

I chose to read the article 7 Questions to Ask After Feedback ·          What is at least one thing that the article CONFIRMED for you that you knew already? o     I know that receiving feedback is very important, and that we should value feedback we are given. ·          What is at least one NEW thing that you learned that you didn't know before? o     Like I mentioned above, I know that receiving feedback is crucial for growth. I also viewed it as you listen to someone give you feedback and then you implement the suggestions. I have never thought about what questions you should ask yourself after receiving feedback. Such as, “What does this feedback teach me about how I’m perceived?” This is a very beneficial way to get the maximum benefit out of receiving feedback. ·          What is the one thing you are now CURIOUS to explore (i.e. something you want to try in your life, something you want to research and learn more about, etc.) and what are you going to do

For the second part of the reading this week, I chose to continue reading the King Arthur unit. Specifically, I am going to focus on the story Sir Lancelot and the Five Hundred Knights   by Andrew Lang.  I chose this story because I like how it portrays the internal conflict that Sir Lancelot faces. This is an interesting story that is easy to follow and easily keeps the attention of the reader. I also like the detail that is used to describe the white horses. I think I could use the idea of internal conflict in one of my future stories. I may not necessarily focus my entire story on this aspect, but rather include it as only one aspect of my story; in a sense, combining multiple different ideas from multiple different stories into one. Overall, I have enjoyed this unit and enjoyed learning/refreshing my knowledge of King Arthur. I also enjoyed the way this story was written. Although it was easy to follow, it did require more thought and attention that other stories. I think th

For the reading this week, I chose to focus on the story King Arthur: The Drawing of the Sword written by Andrew Lang. I have always loved hearing this story, and think it has a great message!  Although I think this story is well written and does a great job at keeping the attention of its readers, this is not the aspect I would like to focus on. What I find most admirable about this story is the humility of Arthur even after he becomes the king. First, he willing rode back to help his brother by finding his sword. Then, after he removed the sword from the stone, his father and brother bow before him in reverence, but Arthur simply asks why are they bowing before him. Lastly, after he was crowned king, he promised to rule fairly and "do them justice all the days of his life."  I am definitely interested in writing a story that focuses on a humble, grateful, and thankful king like Arthur. I think this is a great example of how a leader should behave and act, not be

The Humble Man who Killed the King There was once a very ruthless and powerful king. In his own eyes, he was the bravest, smartest, and strongest man that had ever lived. Just like his grandfather and father before him, he ruled with an iron fist; showing mercy to no one. His citizens were afraid of him and his army bowed in reverence for their king. His ego was as large as it could be. The king and his kingdom were at war with an opposing nation about the rights to a beautiful, crystal clear, pristine lake. The king vowed to stop at nothing to ensure his kingdom defeated the other. He order ruthless, barbaric attacks on men, women, and children alike. His people, shocked at the shear brutality of their king, began calling the time the reign of terror. There was a young man named David who served as an assistant to the king’s top advisor. David vehemently disagreed with both the King and his advisor. Because he was a merely assistant he believed he was powerless. David,

For the second part of the Blackfoot Unit reading this week, I am going to focus on the story The Smart Woman Chief . Written by George Bird Grinnell in 1915. The first element of this story that I like is how women do not know men exist and men do not know women exist. I think this open and honest unknowing creates a sense of innocence among the story. I found it interesting that once they discovered about the opposite sex they immediate engaged in common human customs, such as getting married. I also found it interesting how they determined both women and men's strengths.  Overall, this story was easily to read and follow along with. It was an interesting story, and you can't help but feel bad for the Old Man. I do like how the chief of the women showed her strength and put the Old Man in his place. There are some terms that you need to be aware of before you are able to fully understand and appreciate the story; so, a little background information might be needed.