Reflection on my Alchemist and Julius Caesar Essays

Ideas and content

When I reflect on both my essays, I feel that I have improved making appropriate ideas and content in my Julius Caesar essay. Even though my Caesar essay is shorter I have used better character traits to describe the person. In Santiago I describe him as a person who is adventurous, courage and perceptive, which are general descriptions. I don’t think I described his strongest character trait which is he was an intelligent and mature person who was not afraid to make a change for the benefit of his whole community. In Caesar I describe him as powerful and determined which are his strongest character traits are. I also used a lot more quotes in the Alchemist some of which are not necessary and I did not explain the quotes very well. In Caesar I think I analyzed the quotes better and used more interesting and descriptive words. This makes my Caesar essay more interesting to read than my Alchemist essay.

Organization

I feel that I have improved on the organization of my essays. My topic sentence in Caesar is clearer and gives a precise description of Caesar’s character. It tells the reader immediately what I think about Caesar’s character. However I still need to work on making a better flow in my paragraphs, and from one paragraph to the next paragraph by using stronger, interesting and exciting vocabulary, and making better transition sentences. I think I repeat myself sometimes and use the same words. My conclusion in Caesar is better than the Alchemist because it summarizes my essay and gives a reason to what happened to Caesar.

Personal Growth

I have definitely made improvements from my Alchemist essay and Julius Caesar essay. I have learnt to focus on the main topic and expand on the main ideas. In the Alchemist essay I wrote many different ideas without giving proper analysis. In the Caesar essay I made strong explanations and analysis of his main character traits of power and determination.

SLR Reflection

I used the SLR of Learn Enthusiastically because I worked very hard to learn the writing and reading skills that my teacher taught me which made me understand the character better. I learned how to use powerful words that represents the character to make the story appealing. Making the flow of the paragraph makes it challenging for me but I tried my best to make the story interesting.

Motivators of Caesar

The Gods do this in shame of cowardice:

Caesar should be a beast without a heart

If he should stay at home today for fear.

No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well

That Caesar is more dangerous than he.

(Act 2, Scene 2, Line 41-45)

This quotation displays that Caesar saw himself as a powerful and strong person because he will not stay at home out of fears even if the Gods test him. He feels is more dangerous than danger itself and he determined to go out to the senate even though the omens show that he should not. Caesar was motivated for power and was determined to be seen as a powerful leader and fears nothing even if he was facing death. Caesar wants to gain power for him to become a successful leader. His determination to be seen as a leader is evidenced when he makes important decisions.

Caesar displays his power as a leader by enforcing his right to decide on important matters by himself, as he likes. By showing his power he proves that he was a strong and powerful leader of Rome. When Decius asked Caesar the reason why he won’t come to the senate that day, Caesar told him that it was because he didn’t need any reason.

“The cause is in my will. I will not come. That is enough to satisfy the senate.”

(Act 2, Scene 2 Line 71-72)

In this quotation, Caesar show his power when he says that he will not go to the senate just because he doesn’t want to go to the senate and that should be a good and enough reason for the senate. It is in his power to make any decision he wants and no one should question Caesar. Caesar also shows his power that once he made a decision, he has the right as a leader to keep in his decision even though people beg or appeal to him.

“But I am constant as the Northern star, Of whose trur-fix’d and resting quality. There is no fellow in the firmament. The skies are painted with unnumber’d sparks, They are all fire, and every one doth shine; But there’s but one in all doth hold his place. (Act 3, Scene 1, Line 58-65)

In this quotation, Caesar compares himself to the Northern star, which never changes its position in the sky. As a leader, he shows his power by saying that he stands above people and is firm in his decisions. To express his power Caesar shows determination in ensuring that he maintains his power in the best way he can.

Caesar’s determination made him face and overcome any obstacles in order to become more powerful and to maintain his power. He is determined to make sure that only loyal people are close to him and he will get rid of the people that he thinks are dangerous to him.

“Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-night. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.” (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 192,195)

In this quotation, Caesar tells Anthony that he prefers big people around him who are happy and contented and not thin people who think too much because they are dangerous to him. He gives Cassius as an example of a man who thinks too much and doesn’t look satisfied which makes him dangerous to him. Caesar is determined to ensure only people who are fat and satisfied around him because they will not do him any harm. Caesar also shows his determination when he decided to go to the senate even his wife Calpurnia and the priest advice him to not go to the senate.

“How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia! I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go.” (Act 2, Scene 2, Line 105-107)

In this quotation Caesar show his determination to go to the senate and tells his wife that her interpretation was foolish and he felt ashamed that he listened to her at first. As a leader, Caesar had struck his first decision to go to the senate and accepted Decius’s interpretation of his wife’s dream.

Caesar wants power in order to be a successful leader. Caesar also has the determination to ensure that he can express his power and maintains the power in order to secure his position as Rome’s leader. He showed his power when he decided that he did not have to give any reason why he did not want to go to the senate and when he kept firm to his decisions and never changing his mind. Determination made him show when he wanted to make sure people close to him were loyal and when he finally decided to go to the senate ignoring his wife’s warnings. I think that Caesar was successful in showing his power and determination because the people respected him as a leader. Unfortunately this made some nobles jealous and they conspire to assassinate him.

Violent Genocide, Lost and Found Hope

Think Creatively

My collage represents the migration experience of ‘The Lost Boys of Sudan’. I used my 6-word memoir in my collage to creatively show what the Lost Boys of Sudan have suffered through because of the civil war in their country. The images and texts I used represent the life of the boys in their Dinka village, the violence during the civil war, the acts of genocide on the people that forced the boys to be ‘lost’ in refugee camps because their homes were destroyed. The boys later migrated to the US where some of them found hope of a better future for them through education. I also showed images of the poor life of children in Sudan today. These are some of the creatively elements I used.

1. Images of boys walking with depressed faces during their migration to refugee camps, children dying along the way, images of children and adults looking depressed, thin and hungry. I used a text ‘Death, suffering, starvation….alone’ to explain how they are suffering

2. Images showing the challenges the boys had when they migrated to USA; new food/ clothes, appliances, racial discrimination, low-paying jobs. My text ‘Heaven? Its all strange’ explain that all these things are new to them.

3. Images of some of the Lost Boy of Sudan are striving to have a better life through education and making friends with the Americans. The text ‘Striving for a better life’ explains that they want to have a better life in America.

Reason Critically

The images and text show the main events that changed the lives of the ‘lost boys’ from their simple life in the Dinka Village, the attacks by the military on their village which forced them to migrate to Ethopia and then emigrate to the refugee camps in Kenya, the suffering and pain they had to go through, their migration to the US and the difficulties they had to face when they got there. Eventually some of them became successful through education and making new friends.

Communicate Effectively

My collage creates awareness for the ‘Lost Boys’ plight by showing how their lives had been badly affected by the civil war in Sudan. Even though they have moved to the USA, some of them are still suffering because they cannot cope with the memories and experience of a terrible war, and they still have to struggle with low-paid jobs, racial discrimination, language and new way of life in the USA. The lost boys are also depressed that their country and family in Sudan are still suffering. My collage also shows what has happened to their Dinka village which was destroyed and that the children in Sudan have a poor life with images of a naked thin boy alone and dirty, a young boy carrying a gun as a rebel and a classroom in Sudan today with dirty floor and no furniture or books.

Live Ethically

My collage shows the suffering of the Lost Boys of Sudan and their people through the images and text. It also shows that the life of the lost boys in USA is not easy and they are still struggling in the USA, and that the situation in Sudan is still terrible. With these messages I feel that people will feel empathy towards the lost boys’ challenges and will try to help them have a better life . I am also strongly emphasizing that people need to support the Sudanese people by telling how the gruesome war have ruined their lives and that we still have a chance to help them by

- telling people about the Sudanese problem to create awareness

- support relief organizations

- join campaigns to stop the genocide

“This place there is no Friend here” ~ Santino (Close friend of Peter)

Peter Nyarol Dut was one of the ‘Lost Boys of Sudan’ chosen to emigrate to Houston in the United States of America in 2001 as part of the USA’s asylum program for refugees. Peter had hopes and dreams for a better life in his new homeland, which he felt was like going to heaven. However he faced many challenges as a newcomer to the USA and struggled with life in a new, strange country and to assimilate with people who are hostile towards him. Peter had to cope with a new living environment; he had to live in an apartment in a city when he used to live in a small hut in a community village, learn to use electrical appliances such as ovens, stoves, fridge, garbage disposal, and live in a black neighborhood where violence was rampant. He changed his dressing to look American by wearing baggy jeans. He had to adjust to American foods and to buy them in the grocery store and learn to use the transport system. He found that money ruled his life, as he needs money to pay rent, food, get a car and send money home to his sister.

Peter’s hardest obstacle was the language; although he spoke English people had difficulty understanding him because of his different accent. He felt isolated from the white people and African American people who don’t accept him because he has darker skin than the African American and their customs were different. He had to cope with differences in culture; for example, body contact between men is inappropriate behavior in America, whereas in Sudan they are used to holding hands. He had to live with social prejudices; white people think that all black people are violent, rough and gangsters. At his job in Wal-Mart, the manager put him to work getting shopping carts in the hot car park just because he was African and should be used to the heat.

Peter felt lonely as he did not have many friends and found it challenging to make a connection with the American people because of these differences. The reality of living in America is very different from what he had dreamed of in the beginning. He did not give up and was not willing to accept this difficult life.

Peter decides that he wanted a better life by getting an education. He moved to Kansas and enrolls in High School and at the same time he worked at night to support himself. He fought for his right to have a higher education; when he visited his guidance counselor to talk about taking the ACT exams, the counselor felt he was not capable because he was black. Peter showed him his written essay about his life that greatly impressed the counselor who then helped him. He made a greater effort to have new friends with American people and tried to adapt to the American way of life. He readily mixed with the Americans and learnt from them how they lived, their habits and culture. A friend from school showed him how to use the wheel in pottery class and also introduces him to her friends. He also joins the school basketball team and goes to parties with his friends. Peter's experience in high school, where he made friends helped him gain a place in an American community.

Julius Caesar Acting Assessment

Act 2 Scene, Line 72-107

Context and Explanation

This scene is important because it depicts the moment when Julius Caesar changes his mind about going to the senate. This change is essential because it leads to murder by the conspirators. At first, Caesar had decided not to go to the senate because his wife, Calpurnia, had told him that her dream/nightmare about him signified that something terrible will happen to him. However when Caesar told him, Decius manages to convince Caesar that Calpurnia had made the wrong interpretation of her dream. He explained that the dream about blood pouring from Julius Caesar’s statue signified that Caesar was giving life and strength to the people of Rome. Caesar accepted Decius’s explanation and makes the major decision that changes his destiny. He decided to go to the senate unknowingly to meet the end of his life. If he had listened to his wife, perhaps Julius Caesar would have been saved from being murdered.

Lukas Dahl and I will be performing this scene. I will act as Decius and Lukas will be Julius Caesar.

Part selected

Act 2 Scene 2, Line 72-107

Caesar:	The cause of my will: I will not come; That is enough to satisfy the Senate. But for your private satisfaction, Because I love you, I will let you know Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home. She dreamt tonight she saw a statue, Which like a fountain with an hundred spouts Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans Came smiling, and did bathe their hands in it. And these does she apply for warnings and portents And evils imminent; and on her knee Hath begg’d that I will stay at home today.
Decius:	This dream is all amiss interpreted; It was a vision fair and fortunate: Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, In which so many smiling Romans bath’d, Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck Reviving blood, and that great men shall press For tinctures, stains, relics and cognizance. This by Calpurnia’s dream is signified.
Caesar:	And this way have you well expounded it.
Decius:	I have, when you have heard what I can say: And know it now. The senate have concluded To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar. If you shall send them word you will not come, Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock Apt to be render’s, for some one to say, ‘Break up the Senate till another time, When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.’ If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper, ‘Lo, Caesar is afraid’? Pardon me, Caesar; for my dear dear love To your proceeding bids me tell you this, And reason to my love is liable.
Caesar:	How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia! I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go.

The School of Athens

“The School of Athens” is one of the most famous painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. Through his art, Raphael captures the main character of society during this period. Renaissance was a time of great learning and acquiring knowledge. People were excited about expanding their mind and thoughts which led to great innovations and inventions in areas such as philosophy, literature, art, science, astronomy and architecture. This painting depicts many famous thinkers and philosophers of the Renaissance whose great works contributed to the society. The painting also captures how they learn through discussion and enquiry. The central figures in the middle are the great philosophers, Aristotle and Plato who are seen talking to each other. The other people are in gathered in groups who seen together in deep intellectual discussions, showing their ideas and writings. I feel that the painting reflects the beliefs and values of the Renaissance society it was created in.

If I were part of this painting “The School of Athens”, I would be Alexander the Great. The Macedonian King is seen in this painting standing on the left in between Socrates, Xenophon and Alcibiades. They appear to be listening to an explanation by Socrates. Alexander the Great was made King at a young age of nineteen years old. He was one of the greatest military geniuses and warrior in history. He conquered many countries from Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, the Persian Empire, Asia and India, and created the largest empire in ancient history. Alexander was trained in military skills from the best experts in his father’s army and he was taught science, medicine and philosophy by the great philosopher, Aristotle. He achieved what was thought impossible during his time. Alexander the Great had a high ambition to create a universal world under one leader. His bravery and courage, combined with intelligence, strong leadership skills and determination enabled him to create his empire. Like Alexander, my ambition is to graduate from the top University in the world, Harvard. I aspire to be a successful businessman with Warren Buffet and Bill Gates as my role models, and become a leader in the business world. It may seem like an impossible task today and I have many challenges ahead of me. I feel my character traits are similar to Alexander; I am determined, courageous and have high ambition. As Alexander can conquer and create the largest empire of his time, with the same determination, courage and hard work I will achieve my ambition. I know that I can climb every mountain I face.

A True Renaissance Man

Renaissance means ‘rebirth’ and it refers to the rebirth of interests and ideas about the world. There was a new attitude among artists, doctors and scientists; people during that time wanted to find out more about the world by studying it. People learned by making careful and detailed observations and conducted scientific experiments about anything that interested them. Art and architecture changed as artists developed new interests and skills. Medicine changed as people improved their understanding of the world. Scientific knowledge changed as people conducted more experiments and observations.

Leonardo da Vinci like people of the Renaissance was interested in learning about the world around him and to understand as much as he could. He had an immense curiosity to learn about everything including art, architecture, science, military and astronomy. Throughout his life he produced great works of art, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. He also designed military equipment for Milan and Florence, constructed bridges and canals, and designed and built an enormous dome for Milan Cathedral. He did many experiments in mathematics and geometry, and made drawings in his notebooks of flying machines, finely observed human anatomy, submarine and other war machines. He observed birds in flight which inspired him to design a flying machine. He made drawings of the human anatomy, studied the weather, made mirrors and telescopes to study the stars, design water pumps and whatever interested him. He learned by carefully observing things around him and making precise documents of his observations. During his time, he was renowned as an inventor, scientist, engineer, architect, painter, sculptor, musician, mathematician, anatomist, astronomer, geologist, biologist, and philosopher. Leonardo’s works reveal his great interest to learn about almost everything in the world which characterizes him as a true Renaissance man.