Grapes of Wrath Journal Entry #25
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
1-13-13
Grapes of Wrath Journal Entry #25
Steinbeck beautifully describes the blooming fruits and flowers and the land of California’s spring in this chapter. One can easily paint a picture in their head
and feel like they are their smelling the sweet, delicious scents of: oranges, black and red cherries, nectarines, dark purple plums. One can almost touch the soft green grass and see the men at work farming the land. Steinbeck gently transitions to a different side of the description and goes into deep detail about how the fruits start to rot and the debts start to rise. Then, the grape vineyards go bad and they are not able to make wine. The agriculture dies and rots just how the economic system of the country does, at this period of time. And then we understand why the book is titled the way it is. Steinbeck says, “And in the eyes of the people there is the failure; and in the eyes of the hungry there is a growing wrath. In the souls of the people, the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.” (Page 477) The people’s anger and wrath with the economy is compared to the rotting of the fruit needed for a farmer’s living. I loved the way Steinbeck wrote this chapter. He did a great comparison of the way the economy was rotting and the people could not support themselves and their families, just in the same way as the fruit rotted and the farmers did not have crops to sell and then could not support their families either. This was my favorite chapter of this novel. I finally understood the meaning and all the pieces started to fit together and I gained a new appreciation for this book.
My first draft of this entry was not polished and edited at all, so I improved the grammar usage and punctuation. I also tried to use more figurative language.
1-13-13
Grapes of Wrath Journal Entry #25
Steinbeck beautifully describes the blooming fruits and flowers and the land of California’s spring in this chapter. One can easily paint a picture in their head
and feel like they are their smelling the sweet, delicious scents of: oranges, black and red cherries, nectarines, dark purple plums. One can almost touch the soft green grass and see the men at work farming the land. Steinbeck gently transitions to a different side of the description and goes into deep detail about how the fruits start to rot and the debts start to rise. Then, the grape vineyards go bad and they are not able to make wine. The agriculture dies and rots just how the economic system of the country does, at this period of time. And then we understand why the book is titled the way it is. Steinbeck says, “And in the eyes of the people there is the failure; and in the eyes of the hungry there is a growing wrath. In the souls of the people, the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.” (Page 477) The people’s anger and wrath with the economy is compared to the rotting of the fruit needed for a farmer’s living. I loved the way Steinbeck wrote this chapter. He did a great comparison of the way the economy was rotting and the people could not support themselves and their families, just in the same way as the fruit rotted and the farmers did not have crops to sell and then could not support their families either. This was my favorite chapter of this novel. I finally understood the meaning and all the pieces started to fit together and I gained a new appreciation for this book.
My first draft of this entry was not polished and edited at all, so I improved the grammar usage and punctuation. I also tried to use more figurative language.
A Letter to Pearl
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
1-13-13
A Letter to Pearl
My sweet, little Pearl,
How could so much joy come out of such a great sin? You are a blessing that came out of one of my biggest mistakes, but it was also a mistake that I would never take back. I know you don't fully understand right now what is happening or why we both are being treated the way we are, but I love you more than anything in the world and I won't let anything happen to you.
As I sit here in this room, the small, dim light glowing from the candle onto my paper, I wonder what the future holds for you. I wonder what I can do to give us a better life. You must wonder why your mother is shunned from the rest of the world and why she is forced to wear such a strange symbol upon her breast. I know it seems silly but I have learned a lot from this embroidered letter A; I have learned things that I can teach you. One day you will understand all of this and it will make more sense but for now we must stay strong together with God.
My little Pearl, a mischievous, little elf, you are so smart and the sweetest, little girl I've ever known. It is so hard to shelter you from this bitter world. I want to keep you from the all the evil on this earth but I know that isn't possible and that bothers me very much. I don't want you to feel the pain that I do. But you amaze me all the time my little, Pearl; like the time when you defended yourself when those children were being mean to us. You are so young, but yet already so strong. I want the best for both of us and I will try my best to take care of you. I love you very dearly.
With love, your mother,
Hester
In this letter I hope the reader notices that I tried to had more brushstrokes and my wording more flowery. I tried to get Hester's voice as much as possible.
1-13-13
A Letter to Pearl
My sweet, little Pearl,
How could so much joy come out of such a great sin? You are a blessing that came out of one of my biggest mistakes, but it was also a mistake that I would never take back. I know you don't fully understand right now what is happening or why we both are being treated the way we are, but I love you more than anything in the world and I won't let anything happen to you.
As I sit here in this room, the small, dim light glowing from the candle onto my paper, I wonder what the future holds for you. I wonder what I can do to give us a better life. You must wonder why your mother is shunned from the rest of the world and why she is forced to wear such a strange symbol upon her breast. I know it seems silly but I have learned a lot from this embroidered letter A; I have learned things that I can teach you. One day you will understand all of this and it will make more sense but for now we must stay strong together with God.
My little Pearl, a mischievous, little elf, you are so smart and the sweetest, little girl I've ever known. It is so hard to shelter you from this bitter world. I want to keep you from the all the evil on this earth but I know that isn't possible and that bothers me very much. I don't want you to feel the pain that I do. But you amaze me all the time my little, Pearl; like the time when you defended yourself when those children were being mean to us. You are so young, but yet already so strong. I want the best for both of us and I will try my best to take care of you. I love you very dearly.
With love, your mother,
Hester
In this letter I hope the reader notices that I tried to had more brushstrokes and my wording more flowery. I tried to get Hester's voice as much as possible.
A Flood of Sunshine: The Scarlet Letter chapter 18
My favorite chapter in this book was chapter 18: A Flood of Sunshine. The reason why I liked this chapter so much was because it was so bright and full of
happiness; it brings your own emotions into the story. Now that they have decided to go to Europe, Arthur Dimmesdale says he is finally happy and joyful again. In earlier chapters, Pearl has said that the sunshine fears and runs away from her mother's scarlet letter; Hester has removed the letter and flung it into a pond and now Pearl describes that the sun is bright and lights up the forest, which they are in. "All at once as will a sudden smile of heaven, forth burst the sunshine, pouring a very flood onto the obscure forest." (page 199) Hester feels the weight lifted off of her and she lets down her hair and finally regains some confidence. As I read this chapter I found myself smiling because I was so happy for Hester, she finally feels she has been unchained from this punishment. I think one can actually feel the emotions that were portrayed in this part of the novel. I believe it was one of the most important parts of the story. It was so beautiful the way Hawthorne describes the happiness and the love shared among Dimmesdale, Hester and Pearl; it finally shows the three as a family. "Such was the sympathy of Nature - that wild, heathen Nature of the forest, never subjugated by human law, nor illumined by higher truth - with the bliss of these two spirits! Love,
whether newly born, or aroused from a deathlike slumber, must always create sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance that it overflows upon the
outward world." (page 199)
I tried to revise this entry better so that it was more understandable. I noticed that I used "you" a lot so I changed that. I also tried to put more of my feelings into it.
happiness; it brings your own emotions into the story. Now that they have decided to go to Europe, Arthur Dimmesdale says he is finally happy and joyful again. In earlier chapters, Pearl has said that the sunshine fears and runs away from her mother's scarlet letter; Hester has removed the letter and flung it into a pond and now Pearl describes that the sun is bright and lights up the forest, which they are in. "All at once as will a sudden smile of heaven, forth burst the sunshine, pouring a very flood onto the obscure forest." (page 199) Hester feels the weight lifted off of her and she lets down her hair and finally regains some confidence. As I read this chapter I found myself smiling because I was so happy for Hester, she finally feels she has been unchained from this punishment. I think one can actually feel the emotions that were portrayed in this part of the novel. I believe it was one of the most important parts of the story. It was so beautiful the way Hawthorne describes the happiness and the love shared among Dimmesdale, Hester and Pearl; it finally shows the three as a family. "Such was the sympathy of Nature - that wild, heathen Nature of the forest, never subjugated by human law, nor illumined by higher truth - with the bliss of these two spirits! Love,
whether newly born, or aroused from a deathlike slumber, must always create sunshine, filling the heart so full of radiance that it overflows upon the
outward world." (page 199)
I tried to revise this entry better so that it was more understandable. I noticed that I used "you" a lot so I changed that. I also tried to put more of my feelings into it.
Journal #1
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
Journal Entry
1-12-13
I Remember...
I remember this morning when my mother woke me up for school. She whispered, "Doodle, (a nickname she gave to me) it is time to wake up for school." Yawning extremely loud, I rolled over and squeaked out of my lips, "But mom! I'm so tired and I really don't feel the need to go to school." As she laughed and rolled her eyes at me I slowly got out of my warm, soft, comforting bed and felt the chill breeze hit me from the opened window. BAM! The light from the hallway blinded me in both eyes. Ughh I hate this part of the day I whined to myself. Hold on, my nose smelled something delicious coming from the kitchen. Hallelujah! My loving mother made me pancakes for breakfast! At this point, my day had just gone from a 1 to a 10. After I scarfed down my delicious meal I hoped into a hot, steamy shower and got ready for school. As I walked up to my locker I thought about what books I needed. Mmm...I'll need my Civics book and my orange notebook. After that I made my way to Mr. Etter's room.
I picked one of my journal entries because obviously, they need a ton of work. So I took this entry and tried to add bunch of brushstokes and smiley-face tricks. I also tried to clean up my grammar errors
Journal Entry
1-12-13
I Remember...
I remember this morning when my mother woke me up for school. She whispered, "Doodle, (a nickname she gave to me) it is time to wake up for school." Yawning extremely loud, I rolled over and squeaked out of my lips, "But mom! I'm so tired and I really don't feel the need to go to school." As she laughed and rolled her eyes at me I slowly got out of my warm, soft, comforting bed and felt the chill breeze hit me from the opened window. BAM! The light from the hallway blinded me in both eyes. Ughh I hate this part of the day I whined to myself. Hold on, my nose smelled something delicious coming from the kitchen. Hallelujah! My loving mother made me pancakes for breakfast! At this point, my day had just gone from a 1 to a 10. After I scarfed down my delicious meal I hoped into a hot, steamy shower and got ready for school. As I walked up to my locker I thought about what books I needed. Mmm...I'll need my Civics book and my orange notebook. After that I made my way to Mr. Etter's room.
I picked one of my journal entries because obviously, they need a ton of work. So I took this entry and tried to add bunch of brushstokes and smiley-face tricks. I also tried to clean up my grammar errors
Crucible Essay
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
Crucible Essay
1-12-13
A Dive into a Lie
Heart racing, hands grasped tightly around my freinds', I took a deep breath, a running start, and I leaped off the edge. My feet were the first to feel the chilly, breath stealing, water of Lake Michigan before the rest of my body was fully emerged. My head quickly popped out of the sparkling, sunlit water. With a deep gulp, gasping for air, a grin slowly appeared on my sun-kissed face. I had finally felt the rush of pier jumping.
"Jaclyn Elyse, I don't want you pier jumping this summer. It's too dangerous and if I find out you did, you will be in huge trouble." Those were the exact words I kept replaying my head as I walked back across the hot sand thinking about what I had just done. I couldn't help it mom, I just had to do it, it was fun! I argued back in my head. My friends did it too! I could already hear her coming up with an analogy to prove her point, if-your-friends-jumped-off-of-The-Empire-State=Building-would-you-do-it-too? You know, that kind of analogy.
Well, this all took place a couple of days after school and a couple of days right before my birthday. It was June, it was hot, it was summer, and I was going to be 16! My friends and I wanted to do what every newly licensed teenager would do: drive around in a new car, go see movies, go shopping, go to the beach. Anything we could do to feel like we were finally "grown up." I felt like I was on top of the world, like I was invincible! Of course, my friends and I were going to find trouble, or maybe trouble would find us. Either way, you could say I didn't have my head on straight.
What was our first thing on our summer bucket list? Pier jumping. It was the one thing my mom was totally against. So why did I do it? Oh, the thrill of jumping of that pier, My mom will never find out. I was wrong. Maybe, next time I will think twice before telling my sister a secret of mine.
Did my mom find out? Yes. As my stomach filled with butterflies and my hands became all sweaty, my thumbs twiddled while I waited for my mom's reaction. "I didn't jump of the pier, mom! I promise!" Was the lie that rolled off of my lips. I just kept digging my grave deeper and deeper. The real problem wasn't that I jumped off the pier, it was that I went my behind my mom's back and then even lied about it. At first, I didn't think it was a big deal, but now I know it was wrong to go behind my mom's back and then go even further: lie about my fun on the St. Joseph Pier.
Statement of Purpose:
In The Crucible, Reverend Hale was in a similar situation. Initially, he thought he was also making a good decision, but in the end, realized he wasn't and changed his mind to what he knew and thought was right. He had a change of heart and so did I.
I tried to make this piece of writing better with more brushstrokes and with stronger word choices. I also changed a lot of my grammar usage and sentence fluency.
Crucible Essay
1-12-13
A Dive into a Lie
Heart racing, hands grasped tightly around my freinds', I took a deep breath, a running start, and I leaped off the edge. My feet were the first to feel the chilly, breath stealing, water of Lake Michigan before the rest of my body was fully emerged. My head quickly popped out of the sparkling, sunlit water. With a deep gulp, gasping for air, a grin slowly appeared on my sun-kissed face. I had finally felt the rush of pier jumping.
"Jaclyn Elyse, I don't want you pier jumping this summer. It's too dangerous and if I find out you did, you will be in huge trouble." Those were the exact words I kept replaying my head as I walked back across the hot sand thinking about what I had just done. I couldn't help it mom, I just had to do it, it was fun! I argued back in my head. My friends did it too! I could already hear her coming up with an analogy to prove her point, if-your-friends-jumped-off-of-The-Empire-State=Building-would-you-do-it-too? You know, that kind of analogy.
Well, this all took place a couple of days after school and a couple of days right before my birthday. It was June, it was hot, it was summer, and I was going to be 16! My friends and I wanted to do what every newly licensed teenager would do: drive around in a new car, go see movies, go shopping, go to the beach. Anything we could do to feel like we were finally "grown up." I felt like I was on top of the world, like I was invincible! Of course, my friends and I were going to find trouble, or maybe trouble would find us. Either way, you could say I didn't have my head on straight.
What was our first thing on our summer bucket list? Pier jumping. It was the one thing my mom was totally against. So why did I do it? Oh, the thrill of jumping of that pier, My mom will never find out. I was wrong. Maybe, next time I will think twice before telling my sister a secret of mine.
Did my mom find out? Yes. As my stomach filled with butterflies and my hands became all sweaty, my thumbs twiddled while I waited for my mom's reaction. "I didn't jump of the pier, mom! I promise!" Was the lie that rolled off of my lips. I just kept digging my grave deeper and deeper. The real problem wasn't that I jumped off the pier, it was that I went my behind my mom's back and then even lied about it. At first, I didn't think it was a big deal, but now I know it was wrong to go behind my mom's back and then go even further: lie about my fun on the St. Joseph Pier.
Statement of Purpose:
In The Crucible, Reverend Hale was in a similar situation. Initially, he thought he was also making a good decision, but in the end, realized he wasn't and changed his mind to what he knew and thought was right. He had a change of heart and so did I.
I tried to make this piece of writing better with more brushstrokes and with stronger word choices. I also changed a lot of my grammar usage and sentence fluency.
Journal Entry from The Grapes of Wrath
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
Letter to the Joad Family
1-12-13
Dear Joad Family,
As I read your story, I love the way you stick together as a family. Hungry bellies, tired minds, your family did not give up on your dream of making it to California. Because of this, I admire you very much. I think family is the most important thing in the world. I don't know what I would do without my family and friends. Some days may be hard but I know that you guys are strong enough to make it through.
As I think about all of the Joads in that car, small and cramped, I can only imagine what it would be like to spend so many days crammed together. But, don't worry Joad family, your destination is almost at your fingertips! You will be to your "promise land" shortly and I am just as excited for you to start your new life. Good luck and be safe!
Sincerely,
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
As I looked back at my journal entries from this summer I've noticed how much I have improved as a writer. As I fixed this letter I added more smiley-face tricks and used participles to make this piece more interesting.
Letter to the Joad Family
1-12-13
Dear Joad Family,
As I read your story, I love the way you stick together as a family. Hungry bellies, tired minds, your family did not give up on your dream of making it to California. Because of this, I admire you very much. I think family is the most important thing in the world. I don't know what I would do without my family and friends. Some days may be hard but I know that you guys are strong enough to make it through.
As I think about all of the Joads in that car, small and cramped, I can only imagine what it would be like to spend so many days crammed together. But, don't worry Joad family, your destination is almost at your fingertips! You will be to your "promise land" shortly and I am just as excited for you to start your new life. Good luck and be safe!
Sincerely,
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
As I looked back at my journal entries from this summer I've noticed how much I have improved as a writer. As I fixed this letter I added more smiley-face tricks and used participles to make this piece more interesting.
Where I'm From Poem
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
Where I'm From Poem
1-12-13
"I AM FROM A LOVING FAMILY"
I am from giggling with my sister when we wouldn't go to bed;
behind the couch is where we would sneak in ice cream before our dinner.
(We thought it was funny to be sneaky behind mom and dad's back.)
I am from my Grandpa LaBaumbard, who made me sweet blueberry pancakes for breakfast,
(fresh big blueberries with sticky, dripping syrup.)
My Grandma LaBaumbard was the first one to show me how to make my fingers dance on the keys of a piano,
and her piano bench is where I spent my time as she taught me my first notes.
I am from my Grandma Ross, who snorts when she laughs just like me,
but I was never able to meet her face to face and see our similarities.
And I am from my Grandpa Ross, who I look just like, but we only shared a small amount of time together.
I am from basketball games where mom cheers me on,
And the green yard, (bright, green grass that stained my clothes,)
where dad played baseball with me.
I am from aunts and uncles who care for me,
from cousins who I love dearly,
I am from a family who loves me.
In this poem, I had to fix a lot of my sentence structuring and puncuation. I fixed those errors and I tried to add more detail. I wanted the poem to be more heart-felt so I tried to make it more personal.
Ode Poem
Jaclyn LaBaumbard
Ode Poem
1-12-13
Ode to My Baby Blanket
Oh, Blue, how I love you!
You were my first friend
who rode with home with me for the first time,
the first piece of comfort to wake up to after seeing a monster under my bed.
Your delicate stitching is covered in apple juice stains that remind me of the days I
had my sippy cup.
My blankie, the times we have been through,
wiping my tears while I sat in timeout,
to being the only friend that could keep me asleep.
Oh my Blue,
your smell is wonderful, smells of memories and smells of comfort.
Your scent is what I like to cuddle up to after a long day at school.
You keep my legs warm and toasty,
since you are no longer able to cover me from head to toe.
Blue, you are my only need.
Dear Blue, you are a true friend indeed!
In this piece I cleaned up my fragments and my grammar errors a
lot. I tried to use more description than I did before so that the poem could
have a clearer image of what I was trying to explain. I used a little bit of
repetition and I tried to use more show v. tell.
Ode Poem
1-12-13
Ode to My Baby Blanket
Oh, Blue, how I love you!
You were my first friend
who rode with home with me for the first time,
the first piece of comfort to wake up to after seeing a monster under my bed.
Your delicate stitching is covered in apple juice stains that remind me of the days I
had my sippy cup.
My blankie, the times we have been through,
wiping my tears while I sat in timeout,
to being the only friend that could keep me asleep.
Oh my Blue,
your smell is wonderful, smells of memories and smells of comfort.
Your scent is what I like to cuddle up to after a long day at school.
You keep my legs warm and toasty,
since you are no longer able to cover me from head to toe.
Blue, you are my only need.
Dear Blue, you are a true friend indeed!
In this piece I cleaned up my fragments and my grammar errors a
lot. I tried to use more description than I did before so that the poem could
have a clearer image of what I was trying to explain. I used a little bit of
repetition and I tried to use more show v. tell.