Topic 1: Do you think our government could become like that in V for Vendetta? Why or why not? If yes, how might it come about?
I think that our government could become like the one in V for Vendetta. I think that if a person, with enough greed and control, came into power then this could easily happen. These days a lot of people or politicians are mostly concerned with money and power. These individuals want to be seen and heard, even though they are not doing anything special. I hope that this does not ever happen but there is a possibility of this becoming the case.

Topic 2: Now think about Anthem. What could happen to make our society like that in Rand's novel? Is this realistic? Which future is more likely, that of V or Anthem?
-I can’t even fathom what might make our society become like the one Rand portrayed in Anthem. Maybe if a huge meteoroid crashed into half our planet? I think that a future like the one in V for Vendetta is more realistic than the one in Anthem.

Topic 1: How important do you think individuality is? Can one be an individual and work in harmony with society? If forced to choose, which is more important - individuality or conformity? Why?
I think that individuality is very important. I think that everyone should be able to express their ideas and feeling. I feel that one can be an individual and work in harmony with society. We see this happening every day. Some people like to hike outdoors and others may like to play the piano or paint, yet they can still interact within the societal realm. If I were forced to choose, I would defiantly feel that individuality was more important. The world would be boring if everyone were exactly the same. I mean who can honestly say that they would like to live in the world where there were at least 10 other people who looked and acted pretty much the same as they did. I know I certainly wouldn’t want to live like this.

Topic 2: If modern society were destroyed, what part would you hope to play in rebuilding? Discuss.
I would like to have a part in rebuilding the charity work that modern society plays a part in. Charity work is a very rewarding experience. There is not a more gratifying feeling than knowing that you made a difference in someone’s life. Anything from volunteering at a Goodwill Center to donating blood to the American Red Cross is rewarding. Helping others who do not have the ability to help themselves, is the best thing one can do to give back to their society. This is a part of society that should remain the same.

Topic 1 - In V for Vendetta, several groups are persecuted by the new government. It is unfortunate that over and over again we see groups of people choose to marginalize certain people. Why do you think we persecute people who are different than we are?
I think that one reason, people persecute others that are different than them, is because they are scared. People, who are scared, often do or act in ways that they normally wouldn’t. People don’t always take the time to try to see things from a different perspective. Some people believe that there is only one way to view a topic and that is the correct way. Everyday people are taking more chances and putting numerous lives in danger for something so irrelevant. Sometimes people just need to calm down and try to view situations from other angles.

Topic 2 - Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all prejudiced against certain groups of people. Is there a way to end this? In our lifetime? In the lifetime of our children? Please don't rely on the argument that it's just "human nature" to behave this way.
I think there is a way to end prejudice, although it will take a great deal of time and work. Most people, throughout their life, have been feared or looked down upon at one time or another. People often associate fear with a certain group of people, while associating other feelings with other groups of people. This behavior is hard to end. It is especially hard to put a stop to this when a certain group of people act in a manner for which they have been associated. For example, when someone acts in a way to instill fear in others, people often try to ignore or stay away from them afterwards. Prejudice towards others can be eliminated if everyone would start treating others as they would want to be treated. This is not hard to do, however most people do not display this manner on a day to day basis.

Week 3

My favorite memory related to reading would be going to the library for story hours during the summer. I would go along with my sister and best friend. Each week that library would have a theme such as cowboys and Indians, ballerinas, etc. We would get all dressed up and excitedly go to the library. After story hour, we would have the opportunity to go check out books. We would then go and pick a corner to sit and read. That would probably be my fondest memory of reading when I was little.


My favorite literary character would be Robin Hood. He is brave and smart. He is also willing to steal from the rich and give it to the poor. He fights against the injustices placed against the poor and the evil king who taxes the people unfairly. Robin Hood’s life is filled with exhilarating moments while is on the run or stealing from the rich. He is so generous to others. He could simply steal the money from the rich and keep it for himself; however, he is always willing to help others.

Topic 2: Drama is more closely related to media (such as TV shows and movies) than the other literary forms we've studied. Would you characterize TV shows and movies as literature?
I would characterize some TV shows and movies as literature. Some movies, especially Disney, and television shows have a theme that they try to deliver to their viewers. Some of these movies/shows encourage messages such as deciding good over evil. They also use symbols and have specific settings. However, there are some television shows that I have watched before that do not have a point. In conclusion, I would classify certain TV shows and movies as literature but not all of them.

Topic 1: This week we're studying the different elements that work together to create a literary work. Has this helped you to understand and appreciate literature more or less? -Studying the elements that work together to create literary work has helped me to understand and appreciate literature more so than I did. The setting of a literature work provides the historical and cultural context. Knowing that authors use symbols, to represent further layers of meaning, compel me to dig deeper to grasp what the author is trying to convey. Studying the different elements used in literary works has made me appreciate the authors of these works more. So much work goes into producing a literary work than one might think at first. Themes, symbols, among other elements have to be thought out carefully to be fully comprehended.

Hey everyone!
My name is Carrie Newton. I live in Millen, Georgia and I am a transient student. I attend the University of Georgia and I will be a junior in the fall. My major is Biological Sciences and I hope to attend medical school.

Carrie Newton