Romeo and Juliet...Does Friar Lawrence Truly Believe Romeo and Juliet are in Love? Ethical vs Unethical?

As a human in this vast world, decision making is a normality we face all the time. Whether it be an easy or difficult one, we try and make the best decision possible to either benefit ourselves, or others we care for. In other words we strive to make ethical decisions, that make sense, rather than unethical ones that may seem harmful. A perfect example of unethical and ethical decision making, is Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet. Romeo confronts Friar abruptly pleading for him to marry young Juliet and himself. He agrees to bond their so called "Love", but not because he truly believes they are met for each other, but because he somehow thinks their marriage will create peace among the rivalry; Montages vs, Capulets. His intentions are good, but he uses Romeo and Juliet's young "Rash Love", instead of expressing to Romeo his true feelings about their decision to get married, which are that they are moving much to fast for reality to catch up to them. Friar Lawrence is not convinced they should wed, although he does it anyway to make peace, therefore his decision is unethical and ethical at the same time.

When Romeo first comes and tells Friar Lawrence that Juliet and himself would like to make their feelings for each other official, he mentions harmony between the two rival families. He says, "In One respect I'll be your assistant be, for this alliance may no happy prove to turn your household's rancor to pure love."(2.3.98-99) He's saying that their marriage will turn their families hateful feud into peace and love. This shows that Friars intentions from the start were ethical for Verona, but not necessarily for Romeo and Juliet. Friar also says, "Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast." (2.3.101) He is telling Romeo that Juliet and him are moving much to quick. If they do not slow down their inseparable love, will hit a bump in the road and something may happen. Lastly he says, "These violent delights have violent ends and in they triumph die... therefore, love moderately." (2.6.9-10, 14) He is saying that their strong passionate love will not end well. His words are foreshadowing what will happen by the end of the play. He is warning Romeo that they need to slow down, and stop and think rationally, so they do not create a  bigger mess of themselves and of their families. Friar is clearly not convinced that Romeo and Juliet's love for each other is a positive thing, but he is convinced that it will bond their families. His decision is unethical for Romeo and Juliet, but ethical for the fate of the Montague's and Capulets.

To conclude, Friar Lawrence proved that a decision may not always be "The right or wrong one", but can be a little of both. In Romeo and Juliet he did not decide to marry them because of their "convincing love," instead he had the destiny of the two families on his mind. His intentions were good, but he ended up acting unethically. He could have told Romeo no, and let the family feud continue, but instead he married them without thinking clearly of the fate of young Romeo and Juliet. Which is equally as important. The end of the play proves that Friar did not take time to think about the outcomes of his decision. He ended up basically killing the star crossed lovers. This shows that before making a decision, you should think about how it will affect the people it involves. If you don't, something may happen that shouldn't have. It is also very important that you keep an open mind to all the possibilities, and search for the most ethical decision before you hurt yourself or someone else.

Fiction Blog Post; due 2/12/15

Everybody has someone who is older than them, who they listen to and respect. As a younger person you have less power and control over the adult. As the adult, you have greater power due to your authority. As a child turns into a teenager they attempt to resist the demands or rules set by the adult  by acting out in rebellion, like every average teenager does. This then causes strain in the relationship and resistance that was never felt before. Resulting in tension of power. The book, "Teen Angst", by Ned Vizzinni, is an autobiography written from the perspective of Ned as a teenager. Ned is an average teenager, fighting the everyday battles with school, girls, and friends. In this book, Ned Explains his levels of deep emotion while sharing his take on being a teenager in New York City. Throughout the book ned copes with power, tension, and resistance in different ways.

Neds parents are extremely laid back and trust Ned a  little too much. This is why Ned feels he is in authority when in a situation with them. Ned had been caught multiple times not doing the right thing or disobeying his parents, and never gets a real punishment. Usually just a talk or  a warning. Now Ned feels as if he can get away with anything, therefore making him feel in power. Due to this there is usually no tension of power between him and his submissive parents. Ned also has younger siblings. Like all siblings there is rivalry. Both younger siblings fight ned for "Power", or authority. But since they are younger Ned always holds power over them. All in all Ned experiences very little tension with the people around him.

After reading this book I realized ned is an extremely dominant individual. He makes sure that he never feels overthrown or intimidated.  He has a very strong personality. His parents are the complete opposite of him, and his siblings fight for what he has. I realized many people in this world have a personality like Ned.

Nonfiction Reading Response 1-22-15

The article, "Invasion of the Drones" by Patricia Smith gives many reasons as to why drones can be seen as a negative aspect of our society. Drones not only have the ability to deliver you pizza, but they can be used to spy and invade peoples privacy. Drones can jeopardize  our safety, and make warfare more like a game instead of a life and death conflict. Although drones can make some things easier , many people have concerns about them. They believe that the use of drones can be obstructing out rights, and harming the real morals of warfare and safety.

Patricia Smith wants her readers to think drones are unruly, just like she does. She mentions important statistical facts to prove her point. In the sixth paragraph she states, "Last spring a 350 pound drone operated by the Pennsylvania National Guard crashed outside an elementary school near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania." She used this piece of information to alarm her readers of possibilities where drones can endanger people. Patricia also used imagery in the beginning of the article. She described a women sunbathing in her backyard topless. Little did she know a drone was taking pictures of the property next door. The women was horrified to see the picture that the drone took exposing her body on a billboard! Patricia told this story to also frighten her readers into thinking that drones invade peoples privacy without them even knowing.

Patricia Smith succeeded in getting me to side against the use of drones. She proved her points extremely well, and in a very persuasive way. In response to what I read, I feel a sense of shock and discomfort. Now I feel that my family and I may be at risk from any harm from a drone. I wonder if I'm being spied on and I don't know it. Now I understand how drones can disturb people.

Reading Response to, "No Mans Land" by S.T Underdahl

There are certain feelings that you may get when you think of something or someone. For example, when you think about your old teddy bear, you may feel warm and happy inside. Therefore your teddy bear symbolizes warmth and happiness.

The book, "No Mans Land", by S.T Underdahl, is about a troubled and effected soldier who returns home from Afghanistan. Brian, the soldier,once was known as the charmer, and the perfect gentlemen. He was once seen as a star football player and a great inspiration to his younger brother Dov. But after the sights and experiences he had in war, he came back a whole different person. A drunk, a loser, and a loner. He suffered greatly from post traumatic stress. Hallucinations haunted him constantly. His brother Dov, who was always known as the weird one and the one who wasn't going to amount to anything, turned into the more stable brother. As he met new people and blossomed as a person, Brian on the other hand was struggling. Through out the book Dov shows things that symbolize something to him, and so does Brian. Objects, animals, places and death can all symbolize strong emotions. 

After Brian returns home, he got into the habit of sleeping with a pistol in his arms. This pistol makes him feel secure. It promises him that whatever happens he will be ready for it, even though he isn't in Afghanistan anymore. The pistol symbolizes security and comfort. It also symbolizes a piece of him that is still in Afghanistan. Brian also has hallucinations that he is still in war. These Hallucinations are extremely vivid and take control over his mind and body. They symbolize the parts of war they he can't get out of his head. These things from war, he will never forget. 

Dov on the other hand, has a pet gecko. Brian his brother gave him the gecko. Dov talks to his gecko as if he is a real person. He expresses his feelings towards his gecko. His gecko symbolizes a wonderful friendship. When his gecko dies, his death symbolizes a great relationship that is gone. And a part of his brothers old behaviors is gone. Dov also received anonymous poems from his friend Miranda. These poems symbolize her mysterious love for him. It was her way of expressing her feelings to him. 

Anything can symbolize a strong emotion, and everyone has something that symbolizes a good feeling and a bad feeling. Teenagers excpecially experience symbolism. They connect or relate to certain things or people and they hold many things close to their hearts. Teenager, due to there hormones and mood swings,  tend to have deep feelings towards many things and because of many things. Symbolism is everywhere.

Fiction Reading Response on, The Glass Castle", by Jeannette Walls

Everybody has had the epiphany that your parents may have flaws and make mistakes, and not keep their promises. Parents are humans, and they are bound to mess up just like everybody else. As a child, you see your parents as idols and perfect people, but they are not.

The book, "The Glass Castle",  by Jeannette Walls is a remarkable memoir that takes a look into a dysfunctional, uniquely vibrant  family. Jeannette's mom was a  free spirited person who did not want the responsibility of raising a family or taking care of a drunk of a husband. Despite his dishonesty and his foul behavior, he seemed imaginative and fearless to his children until they grew up and saw what a monster he was.  Their mother on the other hand was soon seen as immature and irresponsible. Jeannette and her siblings learned how to take care of themselves and protect each other from the many harms of the world and their situation. Coming to the point where you start to see your parents flaws is very hard to comprehend. 

You may sometimes feel hate, disgust and disappointment towards your parents. Jeannette and her siblings faced many of these emotions because of their parents actions. Jeannette and her sister saved up a lot of money so they could escape and go to New York. Their father stole it, and lied about it. Her sister was furious and refused to talk to him. Her and her sister experienced anger. The countless times Jeannette's dad gets drunk and her mom stayed in bed all day she felt disgusted that her they  are this way. Also when they decided to live homeless in NY Jeannette felt  grossed out by them and ashamed. Lastly when Jeannette's father broke a promise or her mom quit a job, she felt disappointed. She feels like her parents should be more responsible and mature. They should think about their kids well being and their future.

Parents can become very disappointing, and you may not always agree with them and their choices.  Your teen years are the peak years for truly getting to know who your parents are. It may seem tough to cope with them, but they are your parents,and you can't make them change. It is important to understand that just like you, your parents will make mistakes. Also if it seems as thought they don't care for you, don't worry because there is someone out there who will.

Nonfiction Reading Response :)

In the article "Food Fight" by Unknown, tells readers about the powerful protest that happened in the Netherlands. 1000 dutch teens spent an hour or so of their day pelting each other with tomatoes. They did this to show Russia that they are mistaken for thinking they can boycott fresh produce from Europe. The Boycott caused way more overripe fruits and veggies then the Netherlands needs. Although this was a protest most people were having the time of their life flinging tomatoes at their friends. The unknown author wanted to make the readers side with the Netherlands.

The author explains how Europe and the United States imposed trade sanctions on Russia for annexing crimea and supporting Russian rebels. This piece of information was used to make people dislike Russia and dislike how they run their country. Therefore making them supportive of the Netherlands, Europe, and the USA. Also the author made the little tomato protest seem pleasurable and exhilarating. This makes the readers feel the urge to join in too. This feeling of exuberance will ultimately make the reader think that the Netherlands  are correct in having a protest, what they think, and therefore side with them.

After I read the article I realized that other countries other then the USA are having struggles with each other. I also realized that Russia and Europe trade. One thing that I thought when reading was... what are they to do will all the smooshed tomatoes? As I kept reading I learned that the leftover sludge was going to be processed into organic renewable fuel. I did not even know that was possible. All in all, I side with the Netherlands due to the great way the author wrote this article.

Response to "Darkness Too Visible"

The article, "Darkness Too Visible", by Megan Cox Gurdon is a persuasive nonfiction article about how young adult books are too inappropriate and dark for teenagers to be reading. Megan Cox is pushing for readers to side with her in thinking they should have a limited selection of books. She explains how this generations books are far more revulsive and skeptical than books in past generations. What teenagers are  reading now may seem gruesome to many parents and adults. Some may disagree but others are on her side.

Megan gave many examples of "inappropriate" books. One that she mentioned was called "Shine." This book contains sexual assault, drinking, homophobia, and crystal meth. Megan Cox used these key words to frighten the reader into thinking young adult books are completely detestable. Megan also addresses other possible things you may encounter in young adult realistic fiction, such as sex, drugs, and free language. These words are used to make the reader have a negative feeling, which lead them to think young adult books are incongruous and out of place in the hands of teens.

Megan clearly wants to influence the readers to go against young adult books. I strongly disagree with her. I think that if a parent thinks a book is unsuitable for their son or daughter, they have the power to confiscate it. In other cases where a parent is liberating and the child believes the book is adequate , they should have the right to read what they want without a problem. If you did somehow ban young adult books from teenagers, many people including me would be fuming with outrage.