Campbell

= =

=Introduction/Reflection =  **What do you feel your portfolio says about you as a 9th grade English student? What are we as viewers supposed to "get"/understand about you when we see your work? ** This portfolio is meant to show my progress from the first day to the last day as 9th grade English student. All these reflect my views at the time of the each project. Some have changed and some have remained the same, much like my English habits and skills. · My first project was the ‘Me Magazine’, which shares a little bit about my interests and me. · __The Odyssey__ essay was my first formal writing project for the year, and reflects my earlier writing skills and opinions. · Next project was my memoir piece, which is about a very memorable moment in my childhood. · The __Kindred__ essay was my 3rd quarter benchmark, and was about the childhood of one of the characters in the book and how that affected his relationship with others. · My __Macbeth__ project includes quote analysis from the Shakespeare play using photographs I took which are meant to represent each quote. · I have four journal entries, each in response to a different prompts: what makes a good story, what does it mean to be self-reliant, how does childhood shape a person, and why do we write. All these pieces reflect me throughout the year, and shows my progress as a 9th grade English student.

**What do you consider to be your strengths in English? What are your weaknesses? What would you still want to work on?**  At the beginning of this school year I thought one of my strength’s was writing. As the year went on, I learned more and more, and I have become less sure of what my strength’s are. I would like to think that one of my strength’s is getting my voice heard through my writing, and making my opinion very clear. I feel that one of my weaknesses is getting everything in my writing to connect and support my thesis. Having my statements connect and support the thesis is definitely something I would like to continue to improve on. I would also like to work on analysing statements and quotes within my writing. These are specific examples of areas I would like to work on. Overall, I would like to improve in all aspects to take my writing to the next level.

**What were your experiences in making this portfolio? What issues did you encounter? How did you resolve them?**  Throughout this portfolio I had a relatively easy and enjoyable experience. I encountered few issues, and they were easily resolved. Each of my pieces under went careful revising to check for any errors or typos. Some parts of the portfolio needed to be strengthened if there were larger errors than misspelling, but they were quite easy to fix.

**What is the piece you are most proud of, and why?**  I am proud of all pieces in my portfolio. I believe that some pieces are better than others, but I learned a lot through the process of each, and that is something to be proud of. My first formal writing piece was //the Odyssey// essay. From this essay I learned which skills I need to work on most in my writing. I also discovered a new interest in photography, during the //Macbeth// creative piece project. I think that all of my work is something to be proud of, as all of them took a lot of care and effort.

=**Odyssey Essay ** =  This essay was my first quarter benchmark and was my first formal writing essay from this year. It is about Telemachus's journey throughout the book __The Odyssey__ written by Homer.

**__The Odyssey __** __The Odyssey,__ written by Homer, is a story that has been retold for generations. The epic poem dates back to 630 B.C. Many people have read __The Odyssey__ and found it not only an impressive poem, but and a fascinating book. People have enjoyed __The Odyssey__ because it suits their taste in books. The characters are complex and go on captivating journeys. It also has unpredictable plot lines in each book. The tale of __The Odyssey__ is intriguing and enthralling as a result of its intertwined motifs.

The characters in __The Odyssey__ are all associated with each other in someway. The story focuses around Odysseus, who left for the Trojan War twenty years ago, and still has not returned, even after the ten years since the war ended. Odysseus was the king of Ithaca, and was considered a great leader. His son, Telemachus, has never known Odysseus; but in the book it is clearly stated that there are very similar to each other. Telemachus goes on a journey, and on his journey he goes to King Nestor, who was a good friend of his father. King Nestor tells Telemachus about the Trojan War and Odysseus. “I look at you and a sense of wonder takes me. Your way with words- it’s just like his- I’d swear no youngster could ever speak like you, so apt, so telling.” (King Nestor to Telemachus. Book 3, lines 137-140) Not only are these two characters associated as father and son, but as two great leaders. Odysseus is known for having strong leadership and being notably cunning. On the other hand, Telemachus is just beginning to be more like the great leader his father was. In a way, Telemachus and Odysseus are the past and the future of each other. Odysseus was once young and boyish, similar to the way Telemachus was at the beginning of __The Odyssey__. And Telemachus is starting to be, and will continue to be more like the independent and wise leader, similar to Odysseus. Another example of two similar characters are Penelope and Clytemnestra. Penelope is the wife of Odysseus, and Clytemnestra is the wife of Agamemnon. Odysseus and Agamemnon both left for war, leaving their wives at home. Over time Penelope and Clytemnestra were both faced with suitors. They both manage to avoid the suitors for quite sometime. Penelope has avoided all suitors and anything else that reminded her dear husband, who she believes to be dead. On the contrary, Clytemnestra eventually gave in and was wooed by Aegisthus. These two characters are both faced with similar situations, but dealt with them in very different ways. While Penelope resisted the suitors, Clytemnestra did not, which in the end cost her and Aegisthus lives. Reading __The Odyssey__ leaves questions about the characters similarities and differences between other characters. For an instance, will Penelope be able to resist the suitors until Odysseus’s return? Or will she end up like Clytemnestra, betraying her husband and in the end causing her death?

The journeys that are taken throughout __The Odyssey__ have parallels that can be draw between them. In support of this, the mental physical journey that Odysseus must take is comparable to the mental and physical journey that Telemachus is required to go on. Odysseus must get over his physical obstacles, in order to return home to Ithaca. Telemachus is going on a journey to manhood, as well as finding his father. The god of the sea and hurricanes, Poseidon is making it very difficult for Odysseus to return home. He is stirring up the sea so much that it is impossible for Odysseus to return. In Ithaca, Penelope’s suitors are being stubborn and refusing to leave Telemachus’s and Penelope’s home. Telemachus is in need to man up by taking some responsibility and in order to rid their home of the suitors. “You must not cling to your boyhood any longer- it’s time you were a man.” (Mentes (Athena) to Telemachus. Book 1, lines 341-342) Although their journeys are very different, they both have stubborn barriers, physically and mentally, which they must overcome in order to complete their journey. While Odysseus is trying to make it home, where he can continue being the great leader of Ithaca he is, Telemachus is making his way to becoming the great leader he needs to be. The journeys that each character must take all have a similar theme, which is to become the person whom they were meant to be, and to find their rightful place in the world.

The genres within the books are cleverly linked together, which makes each book more interesting. There is romance, which is intertwined with an action and betrayal element in each book. For an example, in the story of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, Agamemnon leaves for Troy and while he is a way Clytemnestra was wooed by Aegisthus. In order to be together Clytemnestra and Aegisthus plot to kill Agamemnon when he returns home from war. King Nestor explains the story how Aegisthus and Clytemnestra betrayed Agamemmnon to Telemachus. “Clytemnestra the queen, her will as faithful still. And there was a man, what’s more, a bard close by, to whom Agamemnon, setting sail for Troy, gave strict commands to guard his wife. But then, that day the doom of the gods had bound her to surrender, Aegisthus shipped the bard away to a desert island, marooned him there, sweet prize for the birds of prey, and swept her off to his own house, lover lusting for lover”. (King Nestor to Telemachus. Book 3, line 303-310). When Agamemnon returns, his wife and her lover murder him. Upon hearing this, Agamemnon’s son, Orestes, avenges his father, by killing Clytemnestra and Aegisthus. This tale contains the romance between Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, the betrayal of Clytemnestra to Agamemnon, and the action that Orestes took in order to avenge his father. As a result of the interwoven genres, the plot with in __The Odyssey__ is unpredictable and leaves you wanting to read on.

As a result of the parallels between the characters, the comparable journeys that the characters take, and the genres that are linked together, __The Odyssey__ is a captivating and interesting book as well as an epic poem. The similarities between the characters leave you wanting to read more about their parallels within each book. The journeys that each character must embark upon is intriguing due to the in depth comparisons between each journey. Lastly the interwoven genres adapts __The Odyssey__ to suits everyone’s taste in books, so no one will never get tired of hearing a plot line, which may be similar to another. __The Odyssey__ is intriguing and enthralling, which is why it will be continued to be told for generations.

=**<span style="background-color: #0facf5; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 230%; text-align: center;"> Memoir Recording ** = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> This memoir was written and recorded by myself. It is about a childhood memory which will stay with me throughout my whole life. The memory is bitter-sweet, and is in my point of view of when I was younger.

media type="file" key="Campbell_Engl BM 2 digital.mp3" width="240" height="20"

=<span style="background-color: #ff1a00; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 230%; text-align: center;">Kindred = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The __Kindred__ essay was my third quarter benchmark about the relationship between one of the main characters and the other characters in the book. The book was written by Octavia E. Butle r, and is about the Antebellum South. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: center;">**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16pt;">Kindred __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> As the famous Beatles song states, “all you need is love”. Yet in __Kindred__, for Rufus Weylin, the main character, love was not enough. Rufus lived in the 1800’s Antebellum South. His father was a white slave owner, who cared for Rufus as if it was his duty, not his precious child. On the other hand, Rufus’ mother was constantly worrying about him. The relationship between Rufus and his parents left him love-hungry and dependent on others. Rufus was desperate for the affection he never got from his father, and craved for the infatuation that wasn’t always fussing over him, the way his mother did. He pined for superiority that was easily achieved. Unfortunately for Rufus, this was not easily obtained or preserved. He befriended Alice because she cared more about being his friend than their social statuses and race. When he met Dana, he felt that she genuinely cared and was there for him. Once he had the love of Alice and Dana, he craved for the power. But once he gained that control, he lost all their affection. Due to Rufus’ lack of parental love, he aspired for both and power over Alice and Dana, but due to the drastic measures he took to pursue the love and power, he ended up harming them and himself instead.

Since childhood, Rufus and Alice have been friends. Alice was a free slave, who lived by the Weylin’s plantation. Despite Rufus and Alice’s social and physical differences, they got along well. But it didn’t take too long before Rufus ruined their friendship, as his love for Alice grew past friendliness. Unfortunately for him, the adoration was not mutual. One of his attempts to gain Alice’s love involved raping her, which only caused Alice to hate him more and get her husband, Isaac involved. Dana transports back in time, to when Isaac is beating up Rufus. While this is happening Alice explains to Dana. “’Got to where he wanted to be more friendly than I did,’ she said. ‘He tried to get Judge Holman to sell Isaac south to keep me from marrying him’” (Pg. 119). In a desperate attempt to keep Alice, Rufus ruined her happiness and their trust. He begged and bribed her to stay with him. But each time Alice refused, for she was in love with Isaac, a field hand at the Weylin plantation. Alice’s rejection left Rufus angered and devastated. Rufus was the son of a wealthy white slave owner and would eventually have control over their plantation. He would amass much more authority later in his life. It was inconceivable to him that Alice would not want him when he had so much admiration and privileges to offer. It was clear that Rufus never wanted to harm Alice in anyway. While Alice is resting after being caught and being beat up after she ran away, Rufus explains to Dana why he went to such drastic measures. ““I didn’t want to just drag her off into the bushes,” said Rufus. “I never wanted it to be like that. But she kept saying no. I could’ve have had her in the bushes years ago if that was all I wanted.” (Pg. 124) Rufus loved Alice, and because of the control he had already obtained, it had led him to believe that he could have Alice, even if she did not want him. Alice made him happy by her presence, and knowing that she was stubborn and not obedient, but he still had power over her. For that reason, he abused her, threatened her, and made false promises, all to keep her by his side. Although Rufus had killed all hope of love, and eventually gained power over her, he could not have done it without Dana.

Rufus would never have had gained control over Alice, had it not been for Dana Franklin. Dana and Rufus relied on each other to save one another. When Dana relied on Rufus to get letters to Kevin so that they can reunite and return home, she made a deal with Rufus. But to keep Dana’s love, Rufus came up with conniving plots, which gave him more power to keep Dana with him. When Dana is planning to reunite with Kevin, she gives Rufus a letter to send to him, but in return Dana must not run away. Rufus makes sure that Dana stays by bribing her. “That map is still bothering me. Listen, if you want to get that letter to town soon, you put that map in the fire too.” (Pg.142) Dana took care of Rufus, and was there to forgive him for his mistakes. Rufus thrived off of Dana’s love and depended on her greatly. Even if it meant being dishonest, he would do anything to keep Dana’s fondness and support. Dana gave up her map and Rufus tells her he will send the letter. But unfortunately for Dana, Rufus had other plans. While Rufus is away, Dana snoops through some of his draws. In these drawers are the two letters that she had asked him to send to Kevin. “Two letters, their seals broken, their face covered with my handwriting.” (Pg. 170) To prevent Kevin from collecting Dana and leaving him, Rufus hid the letters that Dana wrote. Rufus did so because he could not bare to lose the affection, support, and authority he had with Dana. When he was with Dana he easily had his ways, and was often supported or forgiven for them. Due to the fact that Dana was the only one who provided that safety barrier for Rufus, he could not cope with the thought of Dana leaving him. In those desperate acts to keep her, they were proven to be consequential towards Dana and himself, and the balance at the Weylin plantation drastically changed.

When Dana returned to the antebellum south for the sixth time, the Weylin plantation was not the same. This time front of her was Alice, dangling from a rope. Dana asks Sarah about Alice’s death, and she replies, “‘He did it!’ she hissed. ‘Even if he didn’t put the rope on her, he drove her to it. He sold her babies!’” (Pg. 249) cried Sarah, when talking about Alice’s death. When Alice ran away, Rufus got her back. But in order to keep her with him, he “sold” their children, Joe and Hagar. In actuality, they were just with Rufus’ mother, in Massachusetts. Rufus’ jealously over Alice’s attachment to their children, made him more determined to gain Alice’s love. So, he eliminated the one thing that stood in his way, their children. This may had left Alice vulnerable and in need of Rufus’ care, if she was not so resistant. But instead it left her in despair and killed her. Another instance where Rufus displayed his power and love was when Dana confronted him. She came close to forgiving him, like she had done many times before. But this time Rufus had gone to far, and Dana realized that. In order to keep Rufus from harming more people, Dana plunges a knife into his side. “I was aware of him trying not to hurt me even as I raised the knife, even as I sank it into his side.” (Pg. 260) She did not kill Rufus out of pure hatred; she killed him out of sentiment. Dana could tell that he never meant to harm anyone. He had lost all love, and tried to use his power to gain it back. He had pushed his power too far, and because of this it forced Dana to kill him, in order to prevent him from harming himself and others any further. In the end it was Rufus extreme measures that had led to his death.

When Rufus had love, he had no power, and when he had power, he had no love. In attempt to gain both adulation and supremacy, he took drastic measures, which in the end destroyed the great relationships he had with some of his most treasured friends. Had his father treated him more caringly, or his mother had not worried over him so much, it may have been another story. But due to him being deprived of a more happy relationship with his parents, he strived for that relationship of both love and power with others. For most, the Beatles song is true; “all you do need is love”. But for those, who are more power hungry, love is not enough. = = =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**<span style="background-color: #3c8807; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 230%; text-align: center;"> Macbeth ** =

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">__Macbeth__ is a play written my William Shakespeare in the 1600's. The play is based in Scotland during and after the reign of King Duncan. For the project we had to pick five quotes from the play and analyze them. We then had to make a creative piece based off of the quotes. For my creative piece I chose to take photographs representing each of the quotes.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16pt;">Creative Piece: Photo Essay __** media type="custom" key="6277449" **__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16pt;">Macbeth Quote Analysis __** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me.” (Macbeth, Act I, scene iii) At this stage in the play Macbeth has just returned from battle, and was received as the thane of Glamis, thane of Cawdor, and King thereafter. When Macbeth reunites with his fellow thanes, he learns that part of the prophecy became true. Macbeth, thane of Glamis and Cawdor, is allowing for the future to lay out the stepping stones in his path to becoming the King of Scotland. He does not want to enforce this prophecy but allow it to come true on its own. Lady Macbeth on the other hand will hold enough power to make Macbeth go against his better instincts.

“Stars, hide your fires! Let not light see my black and deep desires.” (Macbeth, Act I, scene iv) King Duncan had just announced that his son Malcolm is to be Prince of Cumberland. This has struck a slight nerve of jealousy in Macbeth, who is now another step down from the throne. He is not quite aquatinted with the thirst for power and to be King of Scotland, and it is probable that he feels slightly embarrassed about it. Macbeth is a gallant warrior and thane, he lives to serve the king, and now he wants to over throw Duncan in order to be king himself without anyone suspecting anything.

“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it.” (Lady Macbeth, Act I, scene v) Macbeth is accustomed to being the innocent flower, doing his best to serve Duncan, but now he is plotting to murder him. Macbeth is unsure of whether he wants to follow through with the plan, but is convinced it is best to do so by Lady Macbeth. In order to not be caught or attract suspicion, Macbeth must play the role as the gallant warrior and thane like he was before, to cover up the conniving murder and schemer he is to become.

“Thou hast it now: King, Cawdor, Glamis, all, as the Wëird women promised, and I fear thou play’dst most foully for’t.” (Banquo, Act III, scene i) Banquo was with Macbeth when they encountered the Weird sisters. And he knows of Macbeths prophecy and is beginning to be suspicions of Macbeth and the current events. Duncan had just been killed, and both his sons have fled, leaving the throne of Scotland unoccupied. Banquo seems to not want to believe that Macbeth was the cause of the unfortunate events. Macbeth has always been the loyalist thane and the kindest of friend to Banquo. But little evidence for otherwise leads Banquo to have little trust in Macbeth. Because of Macbeth's fear of Banquo, he plans Banquo's murder.

“I am in blood, stepp’d in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o’er” (Macbeth, Act III, scene iv) Macbeth has already killed Duncan, and has now just killed his best friend, Banquo. Macbeth is no longer the loyal and gallant thane that the others know him as. He has become determined to keep the throne and Scotland under his power. And to do so he has murdered people he once trusted and served. Macbeth has realized what he has become, and can no longer turn back and return to his gallant state as before. Nor can he continue on the path of regret and guilt. When Macbeth reaches this point, he is at his weakest, which then leads to his death.

=<span style="background-color: #ff00af; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 230%; text-align: center;">Journal Entries =

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Throughout the year we had various prompts in which we had to write a journal entry on. I chose four journal entries to share, and they are my own personal opinion on the specific prompts. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;"> To me a good story includes a trying and adventurous plot line, intriguing detailing, and unique and engrossing characters. My favorite stories since I was little to now all included adventure, sorrow, and triumphs. I loved to read the __My America__ books, about the Great Migration, WWII, and such. I did not enjoy the sorrows and loss, but more the victories and triumphs over them. Another of my favorite books from when I was younger was the Chronicles of Narnia. The historical anguish that the main characters faced at home, and then the adventure and obstacles they faced while they were away. Now that I am older, I have moved away from the short chapter books and childish tales. But the same love of adventure remains. Another key aspect of a good story for me includes illustrative details. Solely saying, “the black shoes were polished.” is not very intriguing and captivating, while a more enthralling statement may be “the sublime black shoes were polished in such a state that your reflection could be seen in them.” A story would not be a story if there were no one to be in it. For me the best characters are the ones you have to think about. The people were you start out thinking that they are horrid people or the savior of the town, and in actuality they are the contrary. People are unpredictable and always changing, so shouldn’t the people in the stories be the same way? The best stories have realistic components to it; they have their ups and their downs. The stories are descriptive and allow you to imagine what is being said. And the characters are multidimensional and different.
 * What makes a good story?** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">What does it mean to be self-reliant? **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Being self-reliant means doing stuff yourself without the help of others. People who are self-reliant are able to wake up every morning, make their breakfast, and go to school or work by their selves. They are able to find out information for themselves and carry out plans without the help or reminder of others. Self-reliance is a term I often hear from my sister, mainly when she is busy. It is a word she uses when I ask her for help with something. In these cases, I am not the most self-reliant person. I do occasionally rely on others for help and support. To me, self-reliance is important, but what is more important is to know when you have to be self-reliant. My sister often reminds me of self-reliance, and stresses the importance. But I see another form of self-reliance, which I feel she does not. At times, when you need help, self-reliant people cannot rely on others to just come to their rescue; that would not be very self-reliant. People who are self-reliant people need to be able to do things theirself, but also know when they need help, and be able to ask for it themselves.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Childhood is known as our learning years in our life. It when we learn what is right, and what is wrong, what we like and what we don’t like; it defined who we are. During childhood people experience many things for the first time, and those things make up a persons comfort zone and personal interests, or traits. I have been traveling since I was very young. I started out just going to visit my family, and before I even attended my first day of 9th grade, I had already been to three different contents. Because of those experiences I am no longer afraid to travel and experience different cultures, and I am even more open to it and wanting to go. Childhood experiences can make an impact on your life to make it better for you and the people around you. But unfortunately not all childhood experiences are good. I also have a horrid arachnophobia. I used to pick the legs off of daddy long legs when I was four years old. But one day, I woke up to an awful swollen eye; I had been bitten by a spider. From that day I have not been able to be near one since. This has affected me and everyone around me. Had I been bitten now, I may not have reacted the same way, and I may be still picking the legs off of daddy long legs. While some childhoods are good and some are bad, it shapes the way you view things, and the willingness you have to do something.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">How does childhood shape a person? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">People have been writing forever. How do we know this? Well, I did say they wrote it right? Writing has been a form of communication and records. Now a days we can tell how advanced other civilizations were based off of their manuscripts or other recorded writing. We know that the ancient Egyptians were advanced of their time in medicine, preservation, and such, not only because of physical remains of mummies and medicine jars, but through their hieroglyphics and records they kept. //The Odyssey// was an ancient story passed down from generation to generation, until Homer recorded the whole story on a paper. Had he not wrote the story down, the classic high school English book may have been changed or lost, and no longer enjoyed by future generations. When I travel to foreign countries I write so I will not forget my experiences I had there. I write a journal everyday so I do not forget what I did or what I ate or whom I met. I record these things so when I can go home I can share them with my friends and family. I also write letters to keep my friends and family informed while I am away. Some people write to record their knowledge, while others write to tell a story, or inform other people about a big event; I write to remember my experiences throughout my life.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Why do we write? **

=<span style="background-color: #80d100; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 230%; text-align: center;">Me Magazine = = = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">My __Me Magazine__ was my first project of the year. It is about my personal hobbies and interests. One of my articles is about my yearly travels to Scotland, and my favorite sport, volleyball. They also have ads about my favorite tv show, sports team, books and more.

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">media type="custom" key="6277457" =