Second Semester Reflection

Second Semester Reflection Top Ten Things Ive Learned Closing Remarks | Infographics

Historical Fiction

If I were to write a piece of historical fiction, I would pick the Sengoku period of Japan as my background. I would probably try to integrate a famous traveling ronin in that time period named Miyamoto Musashi. I would pick the Sengoku period, also known as the period of Warring States, due to the extensive social, political, and military conflicts that dominated that time. This period is also known for having many famous ninja and samurai and is consequently filled with many great stories and battles that I would want to write about. Miyamoto Musashi's travels brought him to a variety of different places in Japan, so I think that he'd be the perfect person to follow in my historical fiction. With samurai, ninja, and duels all across Japan, I think that this historical fiction would definitely be a great action-packed read.

Dracula

A book trailer project based on Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Produced by the Honors English class of Hanalani Schools. Please watch in 720p for the best possible quality.

List of Actors in order of appearance:

Amy F. as Mina Murray
Christopher T. as Jonathan Harker
Laurie C. as Vampire 1
Cricket D. as Vampire 2
Hannah J. as Vampire 3
Makana M. as Count Dracula
Trey T. as Doctor Van Helsing
Shannon R. as Lucy Westenra

Filmed by:
Amy F.
Laurie C.

Editors & Filming Help:
Amy F.
Laurie C.
Hannah J.
Shannon R.
Kacie H.

Music (Original Score):
Kacie H.

Costume & Makeup:
Shannon R.
Laurie C.

Thank you to:

A big thanks to Chris, Trey, and Makana for giving their time and being a part of the trailer.

Thank you to Ami for allowing us to use her dress.

Also thanks to Mr. Robinson for opening the Videography Room up for our filming.

Works cited:

Stoker, Bram, and Tudor Humphries. "DR. SEWARD'S PHONOGRAPH DIARY." Dracula. New York: DK Pub., 1997. N. pag. Print.

Citations & Information Provided By:
Keora K.

Dickens' London

My experience playing Dickens' London was a fun one. I saw the game while completing the blog post last week, but I decided not to play in order to stay focused on the assignment. That said, I was really excited to see today's blog post assignment! I had a lot of fun going through London, discovering all of the little hidden facts, and playing the mini games. My first attempt left me with a score of 750, so I decided to try again. Dickens' London is definitely not a place I'd like to live though. The black skies in the middle of the day, the pickpockets, and the overworking of children were terrible. I was so saddened to hear that half of the funerals held were for young children. Overall, I really enjoyed the assignment and learning some new tidbits about London in Dickens' time.

Dickens

After reading this article by Matthew Davis and watching this video, I believe I have a better grasp as to why Charles Dickens has had such a strong and lasting effect in society. Although Dickens' novels are no quick or easy read, I would definitely agree with Davis' comment on "the richness and variety of Dickens' sprawling plots, vivid characters, comedy and social commentary." Even after reading only the first few chapters of A Tale of Two Cities, I found myself in awe at Dickens' masterful writing skills. He has a wonderful ability to make characters seem real, and I have seen my connection to them and their situations grow as I have continued reading. By the end of the book, I definitely think that I will have grown so close to some of the characters that I will continue to remember them and "return to them" throughout my life.

"But does any of this make it relevant to read Dickens today?" was one of the questions that Davis mentioned in his article. My answer to that question is a definite yes. Davis then mentions an author who recently wrote a biography on Dickens' life. This author, Claire Tomalin, mentioned that, "Why are we still reading him today, and is he relevant, are really two separate questions." I believe she makes a good point. Dickens' writings truly provide his readers with a certain timeless relatable aspect that I believe many modern works lack. He includes topics, situations, and feelings that society as a whole can understand and see in their own lives. I believe that Dickens has the right focus on what relates human beings as a whole and not on what may characterize one certain time period.

 Sir Francis Bacon said, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention." When I think of Dickens' books, I most definitely believe that they are some of the few books that are worthy of being chewed and digested. I think that the timelessness and relatability of his works truly make them books that any person could learn from and grow through if willing to take the time to understand and comprehend them.

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