Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Blog 3~Kurt Blankenheim

Kurt Blankenheim

Ms. Nielsen

English 9 (1)

19 February 2012                                                                                                                              ©        ™   ®

  

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       Hola once again for my last blog on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. This story is a wonderful late 14th century middle-English literature. The book's author is completely anonymous because it's so old. This is my first blog, so I've just started it, about a couple hundred pages into it. First off it is a VERY long book, all 727 pages of it! It's really long because that's the way things were written hundreds of years ago. So in the climax Sir Gawain comes back as a brave hero. But, I just got to the second part of the deal and finishing the book. The year and one day come and now its the Green Knight turn.........So, Sir Gawain saw the Green Knight sharpening his blade in the forest and was again very nervous! The Green Knight comes up to him and asks are you ready? And Sir Gawain says confidently yes! So he rises his huge heavy blade above his head to strike him, and Sir Gawain flinches, but the Green Knight pulls back the ax. Sir Gawain didn't realize what was going on. He became very angry with the Green Knight as to why he hadn't cut his neck! So the Green Knight reached back to strike him for the second time, and once again he pulled back, except this time Sir Gawain didn't flinch.  This shows a sign of Sir Gawain not being a coward and being brave and strong! This angers Sir Gawain even more, and he demands he strikes him back on the neck, that was the deal he says! After a long argument, the Green Knight finally agrees to hit him back, however, he only causes minor damage on his neck. The reason the blade couldn't cut through Sir Gawain's neck was because he had become more powerful than the ax! The ax couldn't break through his body now that he has decided to be brave. So, in all they both live, and the author teaches an important lesson that anyone can help someone else with their needs. Also the fact that Sir Gawain, once was a "coward," but later changed to a brave knight all because of the lesson he was taught. Everyone at Arthur's Round table is dumbfounded! Everyone couldn't believe their eyes, especially King Arthur. None of them would even do it, how could a coward like him do it they were all wondering. The people at the round table now accept Sir Gawain.........And the story, ends in a good way!
     So other important things I was thinking throughout the book was like what's going to happen next. This story has a lot of suspense! I still think that the best character is Sir Gawain, because he improved the most of anyone in this book. He is the protagonist! Everyone has to love him, he's no longer a coward or weak, he's now one of the most bravest knights alive! If you all are still wondering about that weird mysterious green knight I found a quote that will help describe him a little bit better. "There hurtles in at the hall-door an unknown rider, One the greatest on ground in growth of his frame: From broad neck to buttocks so bulky and thick, And his loins and his legs so long and so great, Half a giant on earth I hold him to be, But believe him no less than the largest of men, And the seemliest in his stature to see, as he rides, His waist in its width was worthily small, And formed with every feature in fair accord was he. Great wonder in hall At his hue most strange to see, For man and gear and all Were green as green could be." ~From Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I hope that helps you get a better picture of him! He was hard to understand at first because its so hard to believe! Two last questions I still have about this book is one who wrote it......we may never know. and the other is how did the Green Knight become green in the first place?
     I would for sure recommend this story to anyone to read! It's a great story and plot, and showing how all of these influences can effect Sir Gawain, and maybe you can apply it to your daily life............. This is why the author decided to write this story, to have the theme of teaching people how to live better lives. To also get out and enjoy life and show people who you really are. Some people may think it's a stupid story, but really the Green Knight shows an important lesson in life. He also made Sir Gawain wait a whole year and a day for his turn to be hit. This had Sir Gawain worried 24/7, but after the story is over he soon finds out he needs to be a more powerful knight. He now understands in the resolution of the story that he needs to not worry about things as much, be brave, and don't ever be afraid of anything. It's a fun story to read, and highly recommended. If you can't find the book anywhere (which is highly likely) try a download on Amazon.com! Great story! Thanks I hope my blog helped! Have a fun time exploring the rest of blogger!


                                                                                                 ~posted via Blackberry

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Blog 2~Kurt Blankenheim

Kurt Blankenheim

Ms. Nielsen

English 9 (1)

19 February 2012                                                                                                                              ©        ™   ®

  

                                                                           Blog:

       Hola again here for blog number 2! This story is a wonderful late 14th century middle-English literature. The book's author is completely anonymous because it's so old. This is my first blog, so I've just started it, about a couple hundred pages into it. First off it is a VERY long book, all 727 pages of it! It's really long because that's the way things were written hundreds of years ago. So I just got to the part of Sir Gawain's task that the Green Knight gives to him. Pretty much in the middle of the story. The task the Green knight gives to Sir Gawain is to take his axe and chop off the Green Knight's head. This is obviously a hard objective for Sir Gawain, because he never kills anyone, he's always too nice. If this was a quest for anyone else they probably would have no problem doing it. But for Sir Gawain its extremely hard and the fact that he's also very very intimidating! So the Green Knight is trying to break Sir Gawain's bad habits and make him become a better knight. Make him more powerful, brave, courageous, and feel more confident.  So, even though he's scared out of his mind, Sir Gawain gladly takes him up on the offer. The deal is Sir Gawain gets to take a hit on the Green Knights neck, to get ride of fear. However, in exactly one year, and a day, the Green Knight gets to take a hit on him back if he's still living. So, the deal is made. 
        At fist, Sir Gawain keeps on asking are you sure I should do this? Are you sure? But, all the Green Knight says is stop wasting time do it! But, Sir Gawain is still feeling really iffy. However, he still needed to accomplish this task so Sir Gawain took his remarkable hit on the Green Knights neck, and it was critical! Then Green Knight's head crashed to the ground, and he just picked it right back up and said I'll see you in one year and a day. So the Green Knight didn't die! This shows he's immortal, he can't die! So Sir Gawain soon realizes why he was given this task. It was no longer what he thought it was to kill him, the Green Knight wanted to teach him a lesson on braveness. So, Sir Gawain goes back to the castle talking all about how brave he was, trying to get every one's attention.  So I think the good part of this section of my reading would be the importance of Sir Gawain starting to become brave and learning to be a better knight, however, he still isn't there yet. But, based on what's happened I bet when I continue to keep on reading the author will show more improvements of Sir Gawain getting to be a real knight who is no longer a "coward." 
      If you all are still wondering about that weird mysterious green knight I found a quote that will help describe him a little bit better. "There hurtles in at the hall-door an unknown rider, One the greatest on ground in growth of his frame: From broad neck to buttocks so bulky and thick, And his loins and his legs so long and so great, Half a giant on earth I hold him to be, But believe him no less than the largest of men, And the seemliest in his stature to see, as he rides, His waist in its width was worthily small, And formed with every feature in fair accord was he. Great wonder in hall At his hue most strange to see, For man and gear and all Were green as green could be." ~From Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I hope that helps you get a better picture of him! 
     However, I still have a few questions that have been unanswered in this story. One is how the heck did the Green Knight become green in the first place? Another question is why did the author choose to make him green? Why not blue, red, or purple? I would hope I could get an answer soon, but I doubt it will just come out and tell me why!


                                                                                                       ~posted via Blackberry

   

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight~blog 1 Kurt Blankenheim

Kurt Blankenheim

Ms. Nielsen

English 9 (1)

19 February 2012                                                                                                                              ©        ™   ®
  
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         Hola Solon Spartans! This is Kurt Blankenheim currently reading Sir Gawain and the Green knight.  This story is a wonderful late 14th century middle-English literature. The book's author is completely anonymous because it's so old. This is my first blog, so I've just started it, about a couple hundred pages into it. First off it is a VERY long book, all 727 pages of it! It's really long because that's the way things were written hundreds of years ago.
       But what has gone on so far in the story, is it begins off on Christmas day in a town called Camelot, in England. The main  characters in the book are King Arthur, obviously the king of the city. Who's very powerful and strong. There's also Sir Gawain, son of King Orkney, he is the brave knight who ventures off to find the Green Knight. Everyone at King Arthur's round table thinks little of him, they think he is a "Coward," a nickname soon made for him in the beginning of the story. He was always known as the weakest, very tall and thin. All of the members of royalty make fun of him. So, the author, gives Sir Gawain a chance to shine, by giving him a a quest from the Green Knight. I do not yet know the quest he is given, but everyone at the round table didn't want to take a risk with the Green Knight so Sir Gawain does. He knows he needs to do this because no one else will, they are already scared. And the last main character, is indeed the Green Knight. The Green Knight is actually 99% green, that's how he got his name. All the way from his beard to his clothes to his skin. The only part of him that isn't green are his mysterious red eyes. Everyone wonders about him all the time. People consider him to be the "Spook" of the town. Especially since he's green! The author try to built up his character throughout the book by explaining how weird he is. He/she also try to built up suspense. By making the readers wonder what is going to be his role in the story. Also about all the things he does, you wonder what's going to happen. Is he going to kill someone with his power? Will he turn out to be a good person?
       I think that the part I'm just now at a good part. Probably the best, because it shows that this man is ready to do anything to prove to the men at the roundtable he will do anything to stop being called all of these names. It shows he is a good character and is starting to built up confidence and courage, even though he doesn't know what the quest is yet. I think this is kinda building into why this author decided to write this story. I think she/he, (the person we don't know) wrote this because they wanted people for the future to know if you're being picked on, do something about it. There's always good in every person, so find something to do that you are good at and people will recognize you better. So there are indeed many themes this author is trying to teach us, but I think their main theme is talking to readers about how to be a good person in life. If its not going so well, there are ways to fix it. Look at what you can do better or help out some cause to be known. 
       I think the best character is obviously Sir Gawain. Mainly because he has been feeling down on himself all of these years because he's not as good as everyone else, but he did something about it. if people won't change to being nice to him then he will do something. So he takes on this mysterious task with the Green Knight, and if he completes it correctly, the knights and king will soon like him. I think it shows he's ready to impress everyone, with a huge change in self-esteem.
      I also found a pretty cool quote I wanted to share from the narrator talking about the Green Knight since I bet you are wondering still more about him! "There hurtles in at the hall-door an unknown rider, One the greatest on ground in growth of his frame: From broad neck to buttocks so bulky and thick, And his loins and his legs so long and so great, Half a giant on earth I hold him to be, But believe him no less than the largest of men, And the seemliest in his stature to see, as he rides, His waist in its width was worthily small, And formed with every feature in fair accord was he. Great wonder in hall At his hue most strange to see, For man and gear and all Were green as green could be." ~From Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I picked out this quote because it fit a well described image of the Green Knight. I hope that also gave you all a better picture of what he looks like now, kinda creepy! Its always just fun to read about him. 
      And a question I would have would be one What is the task that the Green Knight is going to give to Sir Gawain? and another being......How did the Green Knight get to be green in the first place? I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and hopefully it influences you to read it! Its a great story and I've only just started! At least get the free download on your kindle at the Amazon store, its great!
                                                                                                                   
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Clarification

When you post, I want you to write in sentences and paragraphs.  Do not use bulleted or numbered lists.  Write about your book, don't just write the briefest possible answers to each question.

 I am reading the book Alphas. It is by Lisi Harrison. I am currently on chapter six. This book is set up differently then most. There is three main characters. The book is told from each of their points of view.  So far the author has introduced us to each of the main characters. The main characters are teenage girls who got excepted into an elite school for talented girls. I have learned about each of the girl's talents as well as some of their past and secrets. Skye Hamilton is the first main character introduced. She is an extreamly talented dancer, with a passion for fashion. Allie J is a poet and song writer who's work has been published. Charlie is an inventor. I am now reading about the Alphas Academy from each of the girl's point of view.

I have really enjoyed this book so far. It is interesting to read because of the way the author set up the book.  Each of the girl's have their own problems, so their is always something interesting happening in the book. I can relate to the characters in many ways because they are the same age as me. Once I start reading this book I want to keep reading it!

I think the author's motivation for writing the book was to get across to readers some life lessons. I think it would also be fun to write because of the unique way it is set up. The theme is to pursue your dreams even when you are faced with challenges push forward. Don't let nothing stop you from achieving your goals in life.

The best character so far is Skye. She is faced with the pressures of  following in her mother's footsteps. Her mom was a famous dancer and Skye is expected to live up to her mothers achievements. What Skye wants most is her mom to be proud of her. She has grown in that she strives for perfection in all that she does. She is a good leader and friend.

"To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first." William Shakespare. The house keeper Thalia quoted Shakespear when Allie J doubted herself. Thalia is a wise women who often gives the girls advice. The quote goes along with the theme of the book.

I am curious to see how everything ties together in the end. I'm also wondering if there are more books in the series, or more books by this author.   
  

My First Post On Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater

I have read to about Chapter twenty-five. So far in the book a boy named Jack has gotten killed from a wolf. Grace, the protagonist, has always had a close relationship with the wolves expectially the one with the yellow eyes also known as "her wolf." Grace one day tries to stop these hunters from killing the wolves, they do eventually stop the hunting trip. When she gets home she finds a wolf in human form on her back porch, he had been shot. when she looks into his eyes she sees it is her wolf and she takes him to the hospital. They start talking, she finds out his name is Sam and he is only in human form when its warm out, but as he gets older he will eventually stop turning human. Sam starts to stay with her at her house Grace's parents don't notice him there cause they are never home. Grace starts to miss school, on the day that she missed school a wolf showed up to the school and mad a scene. Sam said it was Jack. Jack turned into a wolf when they "killed" him. Sam goes and tries and finds Jack so he doesn't do anymore stupid stuff. 

I so far love this book cause i'm getting both Grace and Sam's thoughts, but mostly Grace's thoughts.

Maybe Maggie S. wrote this book because she likes wolves. I think this is her motivation because the book is based off of wolves.

The theme of the book is based on love. The author wants us to see the love connection and growth between Grace and Sam, and the struggle it will be for Sam to stay human. 

The best character in the book is Grace, because I read more about he opinions and thoughts. She has not really changed he thoughts yet.

"'I think of the way you smell.' I said, truthfully. I reached over and lifted a few strands of her hair to my nose." This is important because it shows that same still has some wolf traits when hes in his human form.

Why do Graces parents not pay attention to her? They one time didn't check up on her at all for three days.

Reminder: Use correct conventions!

This blog is public, which means that anyone can read it.  I want the whole world to know what brilliant students Solon has.  Therefore, you should use correct conventions, even when commenting on someone else's post.  In particular, remember to capitalize "I."
Happy blogging!
Ms. Nielsen

1. Bad Girls Don't Die

I am reading Bad Girls Don't Die and the Author of this book is Katie Alender. I am in the middle of Chapter 11 of 30 Chapters. The two girls Alexis and Kasey often see this light that glows in their yard and go and take pictures of it in the middle of the night. Alexis is in High School and she is a very anti-cheerleader. Her sister and her have a very love-hate relationship. Alexis has a secret-admirer at school. But otherwise she doesn't have many friends. I think that this is a very good book. It is good because she doesn't have many friends ,but she has an exciting home life-style. She hasn't had the most graceful time in school. Her parents have a dysfunctional marriage, and that abruptly got passed on to her. The theme is very anti-school. The author wants us to think about how much the girls life and her sisters life is different. Her sisters best friend is her enemies younger sister. The best character is defiantly Alexis and Kasey. They both have there good and bad points in this book. They have both grown to know mostly everything about each others lives. "Oh, please. I am not afraid of the Doom Squad"--"It doesn't look right"--"Thats because you're looking at it with only one eye." These quotes are very important because she refers to the Cheerleaders as the Doom Squad. and the second quote is from a Cheerleader named Pepper talking to Alexis and the third quote is Alexis' response. These are really quotes that show Alexis' stand point or view of the "Doom Squad" and how she's bold and doesn't care what people think of her. I don't really have many questions about my book because I reread the parts I don't get to where they make sense.

I don't have a book yet...

Not sure what I'm going to read yet. :(

I am still looking for a great book! If you have any suggestions comment bellow

If You Liked The Prince and the Pauper, The Minstrel's Tale Might Be for You

A couple weeks ago I was browsing around for soemthing to read next.  When I'm not raring to start a particular book (usually because I've forgotten what I've been wanting to read-- I need to keep that list handy), I default to one of my standard genres or subjects.  So I went looking for something medieval.  I can easily lose myself in the Middle Ages.  It's fascinated me for years.

The book I ended up with was The Minstrel's Tale by Anna Questerly.  I wanted something quick and easy, and this book fit that bill perfectly.  It's at the younger end of the young adult spectrum.  My eleven year old could easily understand it.  It's a piece of historical fiction that wonders what happened to Richard II of England on his way to his coronation.  In Questerly's story he becomes an apprentice to a minstrel traveling through north-western Europe.  It was a fun, light read.

I got the impression that Questerly is herself a fan of medieval Europe who wanted to use her imagination to transport her reader to this complicated, violent, beautiful time and place.  She did a good job.  If she had an education similar to mine, European history courses often focused on the power struggles of the times, and her book definitely speaks to those with her use of a crown prince as the central character.  However, what I like about her book is that she also shows us what it was like to be an average, working-class person at that time.  Maybe like me, she liked to image herself in this world, not as a duchess or princess, but as someone closer to our real positions.  To that purpose, Amos the minstrel narrates the story.  I love little details like the description of Amos's methods for fishing and cooking.  She shows us the moment right before he begins a performance: "This was my favorite moment as a minstrel." I fell in love with his profession.  Amos was a sympathetic, believable character.  I enjoyed spending time with him and was glad when he began to consider romance for the first time since the death of his wife and child.


The one drawback of the novel was the framing device.  We are supposedly reading Amos's memoirs, and I felt that this could have stood on its own as a complete book.  However, Questerly chose to have a modern young woman find Amos's book in her family's ancestral home in France and present it to us.  This must have been a concession to her target audience.  It wasn't enough to have the (perhaps too) young Richard.  There had to be a tried-and-true, somewhat stereotypical teenager involved.  For an actual young adult reader, maybe this frame would be important.  For me, it added nothing.  Just give me Amos and Richard exploring medieval France and England!

Although the book does explore how power can corrupt and the sad gulf between the haves and have-nots, its real charm lies in the detailed picture of the Middle Ages.  If you look for themes of class division and the misuse of authority, you'll find them.  However, if you just want to go on a fun adventure in medieval Europe, you're more likely to be satisfied by The Minstrel's Tale.