Second Semester Honors Book Club
Project Reflection:
Second Semester Honors was a book club which consisted of three novels. Two of the three novels required a choice project to go with them and each novel was followed by a seminar. I did a mini-documentation binder for The Great Gatsby and wrote an structured essay for Half the Sky. I chose to do projects for these books mostly because I decided not to do one for Fahrenheit 451.
The book which supplied the greatest amount of profound learning for me was Half the Sky. Before reading this novel, I had been very unaware to the oppression of women in developing countries. Half the Sky provided me with insight to how the oppression of women effects their countries. I feel that having an awareness of the world's moral dilemmas is the best way to form individual beliefs about the issues and so learning about the oppression of women allowed me to develop a new awareness. Half the Sky was at times difficult to read, but overall I believe it was well-worth it and very informative.
Although, at the start of Honors I was skeptical about engaging with the novels and managing my time well with the preexisting challenges of 11th grade, I am glad I took on the challenge. At times, time-management was extremely crucial to my success and without it, I would not have benefited from or enjoyed the Honors Book Club experience. Occasionally, I would question why I was even participating in Honors because it would seem like I would have too much on my plate, but overall my perseverance allowed me to really engage with the novels and my projects and be challenged by Book Club. The thing I enjoyed most about participating in book club is knowing that I was able to finish the semester with projects that I was proud of and having participated in all of the seminars
The book which supplied the greatest amount of profound learning for me was Half the Sky. Before reading this novel, I had been very unaware to the oppression of women in developing countries. Half the Sky provided me with insight to how the oppression of women effects their countries. I feel that having an awareness of the world's moral dilemmas is the best way to form individual beliefs about the issues and so learning about the oppression of women allowed me to develop a new awareness. Half the Sky was at times difficult to read, but overall I believe it was well-worth it and very informative.
Although, at the start of Honors I was skeptical about engaging with the novels and managing my time well with the preexisting challenges of 11th grade, I am glad I took on the challenge. At times, time-management was extremely crucial to my success and without it, I would not have benefited from or enjoyed the Honors Book Club experience. Occasionally, I would question why I was even participating in Honors because it would seem like I would have too much on my plate, but overall my perseverance allowed me to really engage with the novels and my projects and be challenged by Book Club. The thing I enjoyed most about participating in book club is knowing that I was able to finish the semester with projects that I was proud of and having participated in all of the seminars
Ivie O’Nan
Mini-Documentation Binder: The Great Gatsby
Analysis and reaction to the character of Jay Gatsby:
(So far, I’ve read through page 84 of the novel. Daisy has yet to arrive to Nick’s house and her appearance is very eagerly anticipated by Gatsby.)
Upon first glance, Jay Gatsby appears to be a simple man, intrigued by the finer things in life and determined to be well-liked. He hosts extravagant parties to which everyone is invited and the purpose is strictly to have a pleasurable experience. Spending a lot of time in his large home on West Egg, Gatsby seems to be infatuated with two things- his wealth and Daisy. I first realized that Gatsby’s intentions were to impress Daisy when Jordan Baker explained: “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.” (78). It didn’t even matter to Gatsby that he wouldn’t be able to talk to or see her; he did what he could to get closer to her. Daisy married Tom while Gatsby was in the war and I question if Gatsby strives for fortune to impress Daisy because he’s still in love with her.
Because she came from such prosperity, he may have felt that he would need to prove that he was good enough for her. When Jordan Baker enlightened Nick about Gatsby’s desire to rendezvous with Daisy at Nick’s house, she said: “He wants her to see his house,” (79). To me, this makes me consider that all of Gatsby’s accomplishments were purely an attempt to get Daisy back through impressing her. He wants to entice her with his money and he thinks being fancy is the best way to win her over. “An hour later the front door opened nervously, and Gatsby, in a white flannel suit, silver shirt, and gold colored tie, hurried in. He was pale, and there were dark signs of sleeplessness beneath his eyes. ‘Is everything all right?’ he asked immediately.” (84) Up until this point in the novel, Gatsby seemed very calm and mellow tempered. He was easy going and laid back, so it was interesting to see him transition into nervousness before seeing Daisy.
Even on her wedding day after Tom had gifted her an expensive necklace, an interesting dialogue occurred: “‘Here, deares'.’ She groped around in a waste-basket she had with her on the bed and pulled out the string of pearls. ‘Take 'em down-stairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em all Daisy's change' her mind. Say: 'Daisy's change' her mine!'" (76). Daisy had cold feet and didn’t want to be married to Tom before she even said ‘I do’. I’m assuming that she was so distraught because the letter she had was from Gatsby. I wonder if she thought about Gatsby and contemplated if she would be better off marrying him. Maybe she was concerned that Gatsby was actually who she should be marrying because she loved him. Tom has a mistress and they seem to disagree frequently so I wouldn’t assume that they have the happiest marriage ever, and I wonder if Daisy regrets marrying Tom. It will be interesting to see how she reacts to seeing Gatsby again and to see how the two go about being reunited. It doesn’t seem like infidelity is uncommon so I could see them having some type of secret love affair. I also wonder how Nick will interpret Gatsby’s friendliness towards him when he really just wanted to get closer to Daisy.
Reaction to pages 130-133 & the conversation between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy acknowledging the elephant in the room: Daisy and Gatsby’s love affair-
(So far, I’ve read through page 140)
When first reading these passages, I was astonished at how naïve Daisy was. I questioned how she could assume that allowing her husband and her lover in the same room wouldn’t be a recipe for disaster. Jay Gatsby hasn’t shown himself to be a very subtle or modest person and has demonstrated an extreme fascination with Daisy. There were no events leading up to this that have led me to believe he wouldn’t make a great deal out of his relationship with Daisy. Initially, when Daisy sensed what was happening, she tried to stop it. However both Gatsby and Tom both had strong opinions which were destined for catastrophe,
“Please don’t!” she interrupted helplessly. “Please let’s all go home. Why don’t we go home?” “That’s a good idea.” I got up. “Come on, Tom. Nobody wants a drink.” “I want to know what Mr. Gatsby has to tell me.” “Your wife doesn’t love you,” said Gatsby. “She’s never loved you.”(130)
Even though Daisy still loved Tom and would choose him over Gatsby, Gatsby couldn’t bring himself to accept it. He often viewed himself as highly as others viewed his lavish parties and someone that marvelous would never be turned down by the love of their live. Gatsby had achieved wealth and believed he did deserve Daisy just as much (or even more so) than Tom. I’m not surprised these scenes were so dramatic and disastrous as that is what should be expected of two tornados colliding.
Reaction to Gatsby’s death: Did he achieve the American dream?
(I have finished reading the novel)
I believe that from the outside, it did appear that Gatsby was achieving the American dream right before he died. He had extreme wealth, and his parties gave the illusion that he had many friends. He had almost won Daisy back and seemed to live a lavish life. In the 1920s, the American dream was focused on this flashy lifestyle which Gatsby definitely pursued. However, because Gatsby didn’t actually get Daisy, and because of his death, I don’t think he really achieved his dream. Although hundreds of people had been to his parties, less than one dozen attended his funeral. “I tried to think about Gatsby for a moment, but he was already too far away, and I could only remember, without resentment, that Daisy hadn’t sent a message or a flower”. The one person he truly desired, Daisy, hadn’t even been effected by his “tragic” death. She was all he wanted and she would no longer give him the time of day, even after the enormous sacrifice he gave for her.
And as I sat there brooding on the old, unknown world, I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night. (180)
A major component of Gatsby’s dream was Daisy, and right at the end she seemed to slip through his fingers. He had appeared to be well-liked and have numerous friends however when his funeral came, the only guests were paid to be there, random people, and his neighbor he had only known for a few months. I believe his death was sudden and tragic, but without the possibility of having Daisy in his life again, his life lacked further purpose. If you only strive for one thing and then that think cannot be achieved, its over- just as Gatsby’s life was. I believe that an important factor in increasing the quality of live, is the relationships you endure with other people. Friends and family are the most important things in my life. Without them, I don’t think I could be happy. However Gatsby is not me and I am not Gatsby so he could possibly have been fine without those connections. If Gatsby’s opinion on if he achieved the American dream or not was discovered, I think he would say yes. But that may be purely out of ego and to maintain the illusion that Gatsby was great.
Mini-Documentation Binder: The Great Gatsby
Analysis and reaction to the character of Jay Gatsby:
(So far, I’ve read through page 84 of the novel. Daisy has yet to arrive to Nick’s house and her appearance is very eagerly anticipated by Gatsby.)
Upon first glance, Jay Gatsby appears to be a simple man, intrigued by the finer things in life and determined to be well-liked. He hosts extravagant parties to which everyone is invited and the purpose is strictly to have a pleasurable experience. Spending a lot of time in his large home on West Egg, Gatsby seems to be infatuated with two things- his wealth and Daisy. I first realized that Gatsby’s intentions were to impress Daisy when Jordan Baker explained: “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.” (78). It didn’t even matter to Gatsby that he wouldn’t be able to talk to or see her; he did what he could to get closer to her. Daisy married Tom while Gatsby was in the war and I question if Gatsby strives for fortune to impress Daisy because he’s still in love with her.
Because she came from such prosperity, he may have felt that he would need to prove that he was good enough for her. When Jordan Baker enlightened Nick about Gatsby’s desire to rendezvous with Daisy at Nick’s house, she said: “He wants her to see his house,” (79). To me, this makes me consider that all of Gatsby’s accomplishments were purely an attempt to get Daisy back through impressing her. He wants to entice her with his money and he thinks being fancy is the best way to win her over. “An hour later the front door opened nervously, and Gatsby, in a white flannel suit, silver shirt, and gold colored tie, hurried in. He was pale, and there were dark signs of sleeplessness beneath his eyes. ‘Is everything all right?’ he asked immediately.” (84) Up until this point in the novel, Gatsby seemed very calm and mellow tempered. He was easy going and laid back, so it was interesting to see him transition into nervousness before seeing Daisy.
Even on her wedding day after Tom had gifted her an expensive necklace, an interesting dialogue occurred: “‘Here, deares'.’ She groped around in a waste-basket she had with her on the bed and pulled out the string of pearls. ‘Take 'em down-stairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em all Daisy's change' her mind. Say: 'Daisy's change' her mine!'" (76). Daisy had cold feet and didn’t want to be married to Tom before she even said ‘I do’. I’m assuming that she was so distraught because the letter she had was from Gatsby. I wonder if she thought about Gatsby and contemplated if she would be better off marrying him. Maybe she was concerned that Gatsby was actually who she should be marrying because she loved him. Tom has a mistress and they seem to disagree frequently so I wouldn’t assume that they have the happiest marriage ever, and I wonder if Daisy regrets marrying Tom. It will be interesting to see how she reacts to seeing Gatsby again and to see how the two go about being reunited. It doesn’t seem like infidelity is uncommon so I could see them having some type of secret love affair. I also wonder how Nick will interpret Gatsby’s friendliness towards him when he really just wanted to get closer to Daisy.
Reaction to pages 130-133 & the conversation between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy acknowledging the elephant in the room: Daisy and Gatsby’s love affair-
(So far, I’ve read through page 140)
When first reading these passages, I was astonished at how naïve Daisy was. I questioned how she could assume that allowing her husband and her lover in the same room wouldn’t be a recipe for disaster. Jay Gatsby hasn’t shown himself to be a very subtle or modest person and has demonstrated an extreme fascination with Daisy. There were no events leading up to this that have led me to believe he wouldn’t make a great deal out of his relationship with Daisy. Initially, when Daisy sensed what was happening, she tried to stop it. However both Gatsby and Tom both had strong opinions which were destined for catastrophe,
“Please don’t!” she interrupted helplessly. “Please let’s all go home. Why don’t we go home?” “That’s a good idea.” I got up. “Come on, Tom. Nobody wants a drink.” “I want to know what Mr. Gatsby has to tell me.” “Your wife doesn’t love you,” said Gatsby. “She’s never loved you.”(130)
Even though Daisy still loved Tom and would choose him over Gatsby, Gatsby couldn’t bring himself to accept it. He often viewed himself as highly as others viewed his lavish parties and someone that marvelous would never be turned down by the love of their live. Gatsby had achieved wealth and believed he did deserve Daisy just as much (or even more so) than Tom. I’m not surprised these scenes were so dramatic and disastrous as that is what should be expected of two tornados colliding.
Reaction to Gatsby’s death: Did he achieve the American dream?
(I have finished reading the novel)
I believe that from the outside, it did appear that Gatsby was achieving the American dream right before he died. He had extreme wealth, and his parties gave the illusion that he had many friends. He had almost won Daisy back and seemed to live a lavish life. In the 1920s, the American dream was focused on this flashy lifestyle which Gatsby definitely pursued. However, because Gatsby didn’t actually get Daisy, and because of his death, I don’t think he really achieved his dream. Although hundreds of people had been to his parties, less than one dozen attended his funeral. “I tried to think about Gatsby for a moment, but he was already too far away, and I could only remember, without resentment, that Daisy hadn’t sent a message or a flower”. The one person he truly desired, Daisy, hadn’t even been effected by his “tragic” death. She was all he wanted and she would no longer give him the time of day, even after the enormous sacrifice he gave for her.
And as I sat there brooding on the old, unknown world, I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night. (180)
A major component of Gatsby’s dream was Daisy, and right at the end she seemed to slip through his fingers. He had appeared to be well-liked and have numerous friends however when his funeral came, the only guests were paid to be there, random people, and his neighbor he had only known for a few months. I believe his death was sudden and tragic, but without the possibility of having Daisy in his life again, his life lacked further purpose. If you only strive for one thing and then that think cannot be achieved, its over- just as Gatsby’s life was. I believe that an important factor in increasing the quality of live, is the relationships you endure with other people. Friends and family are the most important things in my life. Without them, I don’t think I could be happy. However Gatsby is not me and I am not Gatsby so he could possibly have been fine without those connections. If Gatsby’s opinion on if he achieved the American dream or not was discovered, I think he would say yes. But that may be purely out of ego and to maintain the illusion that Gatsby was great.
(Half the Sky Project)
Eradicating Female Oppression through Education
“Women hold up half the sky”- Chinese Proverb. Although women are responsible for 50% of the population, in many developing countries they are deprived of rights and respect purely because of their gender. “Every year, at least another 2 million girls worldwide disappear because of gender discrimination” (xv). Providing equal opportunity and education for girls in developing countries is a positive first step towards reducing the oppression of women and keeping girls out of brothels.
Education for girls is an excellent gateway for increasing equality for women. Currently, one of the major issues leading to rape and trafficking is lack of respect for women. “The consequences of failing to educate girls is a capacity gap not only in billions of dollars of GNP but also in billions of IQ points.” (239). A country will more educated people is more likely to run more smoothly. Typically, an uneducated woman is dependent on a man and therefore leading her to seem less capable or of less value. Women who are educated and have the ability to provide for themselves will generally gain more respect in the community which may lead her to have more confidence in herself and to begin the shift towards equality.
That is the power of education. One study after another has shown that educating girls is one of the most effective ways to fight poverty. Schooling is also often a precondition for girls and women to stand up against injustice, and and for women to be integrated into the economy, Until women are numerate and literate, it is difficult for them to start businesses or contribute meaningfully to their national economies. (169)
Educated women with access for the resources she needs to succeed will altow her to stand up for change for themselves and their families. Essentially, these habits will be passed through generations. “So let’s get on with it, give them a hand, and speed up the day when women around the world truly hold up half the sky.” (254).
Although stories like that of Momm (37-39) who desired to leave her brothel and return home only to be drawn back to her pimp my her methamphetamine addiction, are disheartening, I believe one woman at a time really does make a difference. By allowing women to make their own choices and carve their own paths, they do what they feel is right for them. Rather than telling the women what they should do, opportunity for them is what will really make a change. By allowing women to break out of their societal norms, they will gain more equal positions with men, eventually displaying to other women that they can do the same. “Once people see that there are solutions, they will more willing to help in other myriad ways.” (248). I think the small changes will influence things on a larger pictures and communities that desire change, will eventually discover equality. It is difficult to enter a culture and tell its people that it is wrong, so just spreading awareness of the detriment of oppression will not be successful. It will take education and inclination for communities to chose change and equal opportunity for women.
It is stories like that of Dai Manju who provide hope in the difference an education can make. Her family didn't support her education and made her drop-out before she finished elementary school. Then, mostly by luck, she was given the opportunity to leave her families business, finishing all grades of school and then went on to the “equivalent of accounting school”. She made enough money to support herself and her family before finding a husband and having a daughter all at her own pace. Just because she was given the opportunity to receive and education, she found a successful life rather than just spending her years in her family’s village with barely enough money. Once girls are able to support themselves, sometimes they send money home, prompting their parents to send their younger sisters to school also.
As with all great changes, the transition for into equality for women takes time. Through equal education and opportunity, countries with a thirst for change, will find themselves providing women with the chance to hold up their half of the sky. Literate and numerate women will find themselves making differences within their societies and inspiring other women to do the same. Change will not come fast or easy, but eventually, we can hope that negative social norms are abolished.
Eradicating Female Oppression through Education
“Women hold up half the sky”- Chinese Proverb. Although women are responsible for 50% of the population, in many developing countries they are deprived of rights and respect purely because of their gender. “Every year, at least another 2 million girls worldwide disappear because of gender discrimination” (xv). Providing equal opportunity and education for girls in developing countries is a positive first step towards reducing the oppression of women and keeping girls out of brothels.
Education for girls is an excellent gateway for increasing equality for women. Currently, one of the major issues leading to rape and trafficking is lack of respect for women. “The consequences of failing to educate girls is a capacity gap not only in billions of dollars of GNP but also in billions of IQ points.” (239). A country will more educated people is more likely to run more smoothly. Typically, an uneducated woman is dependent on a man and therefore leading her to seem less capable or of less value. Women who are educated and have the ability to provide for themselves will generally gain more respect in the community which may lead her to have more confidence in herself and to begin the shift towards equality.
That is the power of education. One study after another has shown that educating girls is one of the most effective ways to fight poverty. Schooling is also often a precondition for girls and women to stand up against injustice, and and for women to be integrated into the economy, Until women are numerate and literate, it is difficult for them to start businesses or contribute meaningfully to their national economies. (169)
Educated women with access for the resources she needs to succeed will altow her to stand up for change for themselves and their families. Essentially, these habits will be passed through generations. “So let’s get on with it, give them a hand, and speed up the day when women around the world truly hold up half the sky.” (254).
Although stories like that of Momm (37-39) who desired to leave her brothel and return home only to be drawn back to her pimp my her methamphetamine addiction, are disheartening, I believe one woman at a time really does make a difference. By allowing women to make their own choices and carve their own paths, they do what they feel is right for them. Rather than telling the women what they should do, opportunity for them is what will really make a change. By allowing women to break out of their societal norms, they will gain more equal positions with men, eventually displaying to other women that they can do the same. “Once people see that there are solutions, they will more willing to help in other myriad ways.” (248). I think the small changes will influence things on a larger pictures and communities that desire change, will eventually discover equality. It is difficult to enter a culture and tell its people that it is wrong, so just spreading awareness of the detriment of oppression will not be successful. It will take education and inclination for communities to chose change and equal opportunity for women.
It is stories like that of Dai Manju who provide hope in the difference an education can make. Her family didn't support her education and made her drop-out before she finished elementary school. Then, mostly by luck, she was given the opportunity to leave her families business, finishing all grades of school and then went on to the “equivalent of accounting school”. She made enough money to support herself and her family before finding a husband and having a daughter all at her own pace. Just because she was given the opportunity to receive and education, she found a successful life rather than just spending her years in her family’s village with barely enough money. Once girls are able to support themselves, sometimes they send money home, prompting their parents to send their younger sisters to school also.
As with all great changes, the transition for into equality for women takes time. Through equal education and opportunity, countries with a thirst for change, will find themselves providing women with the chance to hold up their half of the sky. Literate and numerate women will find themselves making differences within their societies and inspiring other women to do the same. Change will not come fast or easy, but eventually, we can hope that negative social norms are abolished.