Journal #7 - Heroes or Fools?

Act 5

      I think Romeo and Juliet are both heroes and fools. Their actions of suicide are quite foolish because the decisions to do so are very rash and don't have much thought put into them. However, these actions result in the end of the Capulet's and Montague's quarreling. In Act 5, Scene 3, lines 305-306, the Prince says ,"A glooming peace this morning with it brings. The sun for sorrow will not show his head." The Prince says this after Lord Montague and Lord Capulet have sworn peace. The Prince is making a very good summary of the situation with the words "glooming peace" because Romeo and Juliet have died/committed suicide, but it brought and end to the two families' fighting. Therefore, I think Romeo and Juliet are both fools and heroes because of their actions.

Journal #6 - Villian or Complex Human Being?

Act 4

     I think that Shakespeare presents the Capulets as complex human beings, not as villians. Earlier in the play, Capulet is very merry and tolerant because in Act 1, Tybalt tells Lord Capulet of Romeo's presence at the party, but Capulet just brushes it off and tells Tybalt to leave Romeo alone. In Act 1, Scene 5, lines 63-66, Capulet tells Tybalt,"Content thee, gentle coz, let him alone. 'A bears him like a portly gentleman, And, to say truth, Verona brags of him To be a virtuous and well-governed youth." This shows that Capulet can be merry and tolerant. However, later in the play, Capulet is very stern and intolerant because, in Act 3, when Juliet refuses to marry Paris, Capulet calls Juliet an ungrateful child and says he will disown Juliet if she does not  marry Paris. In Act 3, Scene 5, lines 154-157, Capulet says,"To go with Paris to Saint Peter's Church, Or I will thee on a hurdle thither. Out, you green-sickness carrion! out, you baggage! You tallow face!" This shows that Capulet can be stern and intolerant. This is why I think Shakespeare presents the Capulets as complex human beings.  

Journal #5 - Reactions

Act 3, Scenes 1-3

     
     I think Romeo and Juliet are very loving and caring yet enamoring characters because they have similar reactions to Romeo's banishment. Juliet is very saddened by Romeo's banishment as she might die a widow before ever truly being a wife. In Act 3, Scene 2, lines 135-137, Juliet says,"But I, a maid, die maiden-widowed. Come, cords; come, nurse. I'll to my wedding bed; And death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead!" Romeo is deeply saddened that he may never be able to see Juliet again. In Act 3, Scene 3, lines 29-33, Romeo says,"'Tis torture, and not mercy. Heaven is here Where Juliet lives; and every cat and dog And little mouse, every unworthy thing, live here in heaven and may look on her; But Romeo may not." Seeing as both are depressed and saddened by the fact that they may never see each other again, I can see that they are both very loving and caring towards each other. However, they have known each other on a personal level for about two or three days and have been married for just a few hours, making me think that they easily fall in love and are very enamoring people.

Journal #4 - Is it Worth It?

 Act 2, Scenes 3-6

    I do somewhat agree with Romeo's statement because Romeo and Juliet's love will be a joyful time for the both of them and could potentially end the horrible quarrel between the Capulets and Montagues. Their love, even if it cost them their lives, will make their last few days feel bliss and will end the fighting between the two families. In Act 2, Scene 6, lines 6-8, Romeo's exact statement is,"Do thou but close our hands with holy words, Then love-devouring death do what he dare— It is enough I may but call her mine." Romeo is saying that death can take him the day after his and Juliet's marriage is official, but Romeo just wants to be able to call Juliet his wife. Their marriage could end the seemingly endless squabble between the Capulets and the Montagues, and it would make both Romeo and Juliet extremely happy to be with the one they "love". This is why I agree with Romeo's statement.

Journal #3 - Shallow or Inspiring Love?

Act 2, Scenes 1-2

     I think that the love Romeo and Juliet have for each other is shallow and fake. I may just believe this because I have never experienced this wondrous thing called love, but I just don't think Romeo and Juliet truly love each other. It appears they fell for each other's looks and never sought for each other's character traits and personality. For example, in Act 2, Scene 2, in lines 15-19, Romeo says, "Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheeks would shame those stars". Romeo is only speaking of Juliet's outer beauty, paying no mind to the inner beauty she may or may not hold. Like I said before, I have never experienced love, so the love they share may be love at first sight, like so many people believe in. However, I do not believe this, and therefore think Romeo and Juliet's love for each other is shallow and fake. 

Journal #2 - Is Mercutio Romeo's Foil?

Act 1, Scenes 4-5

     I think Mercutio is a character who enjoys joking around and likes to make things not so serious. He likes to keep things light and airy. Romeo mopes around and acts severely depressed, thus making it seem like Mercutio is Romeo's foil. In Act 1, Scene 4, line 52, Romeo says, "In bed asleep, while they do dream things true", and Mercutio responds, in lines 53-56, "O, then I see Queen Mab has been with you. She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes In shape no bigger than an agate stone On the forefinger of an alderman..." Mercutio is making a lighthearted joke about how Romeo thinks dreams actually mean something. This shows their opposite opinions on the matter and shows another reason as to why Mercutio is Romeo's foil. 

Journal #1 - Romeo

Act 1, Scene 1    
   
     I think Romeo is a person who easily becomes infatuated or enamored with something or someone. For example, when talking to Benvolio in Act 1, Scene 1, in lines 178-181 he says, "Why, such is love's transgression. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, Which thou will propagate, to have it prest With more of thine." Romeo is complaining to Benvolio about the pain he is feeling from a young woman he saw. Romeo became infatuated with this young lady and soon found his heart aching at the thought that this lady might never be a woman he can call his own. This is why I think he is a person who becomes easily obsessed over something or someone.

Duet!

If you could sing a duet with any musician in history, who would you choose? Why? What kind of song would you sing?

   If I could sing a duet with any musician, I would choose to sing with Troye Sivan Mellet. Troye Sivan Mellet is a South-African born Australian singer, songwriter, actor, and YouTuber. He is a gay 20-year-old that has inspired me so much. He is so brave to be open about who he is, he is so sweet and kind, and he is extremely adorable. I strive to be like him. I also really enjoy his music because the lyrics are so deep and absolutely amazing, and his voice is so incredible.

    I would sing "for him." by Troye because I am addicted to this song. It is so astounding, and the lyrics are just so deep and sweet.

   "You don't have to say I love to say I love you

Forget all the shooting stars and all the silver moons

We've been making purple out of red and blue

Sickeningly sweet like honey, don't need money

All I need is, you

All I need is you, you"

    If I could sing a duet with any musician, I would sing with Troye Sivan Mellet because he is such an inspiration to me, and I absolutely adore his music. I would sing his song "for him." because it's such a great song, and the lyrics are so fascinating. Thank you for reading!

Spring Starts The Party

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"

-Robin Williams

     Robin Williams, the amazing actor that is sadly no longer with us, once said this. The meaning behind this can be interpreted many different ways. Personally, I see it as how Williams's perspective on what spring is. Since spring is the time of year where everything is sprouting and growing again and baby animals are being born, it can be seen as the start to something new or the start of a big celebration for the coming of spring and summer.  

     I agree with Williams statement because I feel like there was no better way to say it. Out of all four seasons, spring is the most lively and out there, with everything blossoming or being born. With all this excitement, it's no wonder Williams said such a thing. 
     Williams once said, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" There are many interpretations to that statement, but no matter what way you look at it, it cannot be more true.  

Aaliyah's Adventures

     If I were to make a children's TV show, I would make a show called Aaliyah's Adventures. This show would explore different adventures with Aaliyah, the protagonist, and her friends. Aaliyah and her friends would face conflicts through every adventure, ranging from simple conflicts with basic lessons to complex conflicts with deeper meanings. These adventures would take place in the basic settings of every child's life, home, school, and the occasional movie theater or playground. A unique aspect that would make the show different from other shows would be to have the episodes filmed from one of Aaliyah's friend's perspective, making the viewer feel like one of Aaliyah's friends.
     I feel like it is important to note some of the lessons that would be conveyed in the show. Some lessons would be as simple as be kind to all and sharing is good. However, some more complex lessons would be introduced to show the children how to deal with those situations. For example, one of the children's parents may be getting a divorce, and Aaliyah would help make them feel better, or maybe a child is struggling with their identity or an illness that cannot be treated with medicine. I feel this would be important because the children of today do not understand the people who struggle with these things.
     I would also like to note that this would be a live action TV show.
     Aaliyah's Adventures would be the kid's show I would make if I were given the opportunity. This show would explore deeper conflicts and teach important lessons. Thank you.

P.S. I loved "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" when I was kid. It was my favorite TV show! I sang along to the theme song when I played it.  

When I looked up and saw Cupid with his bow, I knew we were in trouble.

It was Valentine's Day, the day of love, and I was with a group of friends, hanging out in our local park. I noticed something something glimmer in the corner of my eye and the sound of wings fluttering was heard from behind me. Out of curiosity, I looked back, expecting to just see a bird. However, I was greeted with none other than Cupid. Realization dawned on me as I caught sight of the bow. "SCATTER!" I yelled, knowing that if we stuck close together, we would end up falling in love with each other. A few confused glances were exchanged before my friends started running too, but I was already gone. I looked back to see a few of my friends holding hands and hugging. I swear I could see tiny hearts circling their heads. At this point, I didn't care anymore. I was just concerned with running away as fast as I possibly could. I did not want to end up like my other friends because I was a single pringle, and I was staying that way. As I reached the exit of the park, I saw my friend, Alex, nearing the same exit. For a small fraction of a second, I was happy to see that one of my friends survived this encounter, but then I realized Alex was running straight towards me, with Cupid not far behind. Within a split second, Cupid shot an arrow and hit Alex, forcing him to fall in love with something. I figured it was me, since it appeared Alex was looking straight at me, but he just walked right past me. I turned to see him hugging a tree. I started laughing so hard, I fell to the ground! When I was finally able to recover my breath, it appeared that Cupid was gone, and all of my friends were engaged in a relationship. With a shrug, I left the park, happy I was single for yet another day.

Love

Uncontrollable.

Inexplicable.

I don't know what this is.

     

Novel.

Confusing.

This feeling is unusual.

What is this called?

Why do I feel it?

Blushes.

Shyness.

I can't spell it, just feel it.

     

Laughter.

Happiness.

I feel amazingly wonderful and bright. 

But how could I ever say something?      

Why was I cursed with this, this feeling towards this person?

Secrets.

Lies.

I think I should say something.

Stuttering.

Stumbling.   

The words escaped my mouth.

I love you, and love is a song that never ends.

     

Meet a Famous Entertainer or Athlete

     It is very difficult for me to choose an athlete or famous entertainer that I would like to meet. This is because I don't really watch sports, and I don't find any of today's most famous celebrities very intriguing. However, there are a few people on the internet that inspire me every day. One person in particular is Stacy Hinojosa.
     If I had the chance to meet a famous entertainer, I would choose to meet Stacy Hinojosa. Stacy is a gaming YouTuber, meaning she uploads videos of her playing games to YouTube and earns money from it. Her channel is entitled "stacyplays". She is most known for playing Minecraft, especially her original series Dogcraft. It is based around her real life pets, Page, Molly, and Polly, her dogs, and Milquetoast, her cat. Stacy was born August 23, 1983 in Utah and has lived in many places across the U.S. In college, she majored in journalism and minored in political philosophy.
     I want to meet Stacy because she is such an inspiration to me, and I find her very relatable. Stacy inspires me because she is always trying to give back. Every year around Christmas time, she takes some of the money she has earned and donates to Toys for Tots. Stacy also inspires me because she has another Minecraft series called Bookcraft. In this series, Stacy selects a book and builds certain events or settings from that book. So far, she has created builds for The 21 Balloons, Charlotte's Web, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, Misty of Chincoteague, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and A Christmas Carol. I find this inspiring because Stacy is sharing her knowledge and making reading fun for younger viewers. I find Stacy relatable because she has a huge love for books, milk, and dogs. Stacy is also  very kind and friendly, and her videos are always fun to watch.
     If I were given the chance to meet a famous entertainer, I would want to meet Stacy Hinojosa because she is very inspirational and relatable. Thank you.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

For my entire life, I have only lived in a country that, I believe, practices individualism. The United States is probably one of the most famous countries to practice individualism, especially since it was built on the idea of freedom for all. A situation where individualism would be put in a good light is an individual's creations. What I mean is that each person is unique in their own way and can create something no one else can. For example, a person with a beautiful singing voice is the only person with that voice. Only that person can sing like that. The same goes for artists, dancers, inventors, and so many others. I believe this because creativity is such an amazing thing. Creativity helps keep life interesting. I can't even imagine a life where everyone acts as the same being, a life where nothing is new or different. 

Collectivism is a completely different story. One country I know that practiced collectivism was the previous Soviet Union (U.S.S.R.). I don't know much of what life was like to live in the U.S.S.R., to be honest, but I do know that in a collective society, being unique and an individual is discouraged, sometimes even considered a sin. However, collectivism could be seen as good because no one would think to say something that angers others nor would the thought of war enter one's head. This is one of the best benefits of collectivism because there is not the worry of war and anger, and peace is almost always instate. I believe this because I think war is not necessary to our society. War only causes more problems than there already are.

In my opinion, I believe individualism is better. Collectivism does have advantages and benefits, but we are human beings. We have feelings, talents, and ideas that need to be expressed. No, we're not perfect, but we deserve to have a say and deserve to be ourselves. This is why I believe individualism is better than collectivism. Thank you.