Saturday, February 27, 2010

Alice in Wonderland By Ellie Dow

As we all know, the new Alice in Wonderland movie is coming out. But the real question is, is it a new version of the same story? (This summary is from google)
Alice Kingsley, now 19, attends a party at a Victorian estate shortly after the death of her beloved father. Alice spots a white rabbit wearing a waistcoat and pocket watch. In shock and confusion, she runs off into a maze and follows the White Rabbit through it. She eventually tumbles down a rabbit hole into Underland, more commonly referred to as "Wonderland" by its inhabitants. She had visited this place 10 years earlier, but had entirely forgotten about it. She is also told that she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwock, the dragon who terrorizes the inhabitants of Wonderland under the rule of the Red Queen.

Wow! I really want to see that.
Just for more fun, here's a quote from the book:
Alice
If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?

Monday, February 22, 2010

How we relate to The Scarlet Pimpernel's masks

Have you ever realized that we all have masks too? Especially in jr. high. Example, say that you are in love with someone, I'm not saying anyone is, we're a little too young, your day is horrible when they are gone, even for a day, then when you finally see them, they lift your spirts and brighten your day. Even if they didn't mean to. You're in love with that person but you wish to tell them how you feel, but it might change the future, you could be friends in the future but your one slip of the tongue ruins your would be future? So you wear a mask, it hides you and your real self. Does anyone ever realize that there's a hopless sap waiting inside your soul for a brief second that you believe the one you can't live without loves you back? Deep inside we all live for that and we all wear that mask. But who would be the one to change that for every one in the world? No one.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

What is in the future for our world?

As we begin "The Scarlett Pimpernel" I cant help but think of the Holocaust. As a race, we have an embarrassing record for killing. We kill animals, destroy countries and cities, take out entire rain forests, and we kill each other. Why do we keep repeating this cycle? How can it be stopped? We have had wars, and we have killed. We have had the Holocaust, and we have killed. We are hurting each other. We are destroying the world. Look back on all the times you have made someone feel unwanted, or forgotten. They will never forget the pain you have inflicted upon them. The survivors of the Holocaust will never forget. The families of dead soldiers will never forget. It is time we figure out who the enemy really is, instead of fighting with each other. We must unite, we must build each other up instead of tearing each other down. I hope that you will think of these words, and you will strive to make the world, community, family, a better place.

Sincerely,

The Yellow Iris

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The Scarlet Pimpernel

The scarlet pimpernel is actually a flower known as "the blood red flower". Why would the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel choose such a flower as their symbol? Pay attention to the possible meanings and symbolism behind this choice as we begin to read!

Versailles

Click on the picture of the courtyard of Versailles for the amazing interior views!

*Remember this is where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette last resided.

History of Versailles: PALACE OF VERSAILLES The Palace of Versailles was the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. It was originally a hunting lodge, built in 1624, by Louis XIII. It was expanded by Louis XIV beginning in 1669. He used it as a little lodge as a secret refuge for his amorous trysts with the lovely Louise de la Valliere and built a fairy tale park around it. Jules Hardouin Mansart, the king's principal architect, drew the plans to enlarge what was turning more and more into a palace from A Thousand and One Nights. The terrace that overlooked the gardens was removed to make way for the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, the Galarie de Glaces. It is here from which the king radiated his power and where the destiny of Europe was decided over a century. The French classical architecture was complemented by extensive gardens (information found here).
Click here to see what the 8th graders thought about this place last year (read the comments).

Monday, February 1, 2010

Viva la Republique!


Get ready for a swashbuckling classic....The Scarlet Pimpernel!

As we read and study this novel together, you will encounter many words foreign to you and your understanding. The following phrase book (see link below) has helped many students understand those "huh?" type of words. Use and enjoy. Printing out the phrase book is encouraged.