Eli's+Page

Throughout my life many things have shaped me into who I am. These things are my dad, my mom, football, central, my grandparents, TV, the internet, my cousin Von, friends, and my dog. First off, my dad has taught me a lot throughout my life. I think the most important thing is to keep a sense of humor. He always keeps a smile on my face and helps look at the positive in life. Also my mom has influenced me greatly. She taught me how to work hard and try my best. Football has gave me a sport to love and a great hobby to participate in. Next central school district has gave me a greater education than many schools could have offered in this area. My grandparents have also taught me to work hard and love life. TV has taught all kinds of things from jokes to how you sing a certain song. The internet has provided an easy way to find out any thing I might need to know at anytime. My cousin Von has been more like a brother to me and we had great times together over the years. Other friends have been their for me also and I have been with them since I came to Central back in 4th grade. Last but not least my families dog has taught me how to be responsible and take care of someone.

Zoe Rehman - Eli, I found it very interesting that tv and internet is one of the things that influences/shapes your life. I would never have thought of using those two things, but yet I would say a lot of people could say that. Technology has became a major part in everyone's lives and you are right, we can learn things from tv from the different shows we watch and what we hear and see. Also internet is another way to learn new information that we need. I think that it was very unique to use those two things in your essay!

I have to say as funny as it sounds, my daughter would probably cite TV as a major influence on her life as well! :-) -Mrs. Sands

Reading Post #1: ** You are supposed to have 3 parts to each post: Summary, Analysis and Application! This is incomplete and does not give enough information. 20/25 **

The beginning of my book, Beowulf, is mostly the who is who for the book. The first couple parts just tell you how Beowulf is connected to some of the other characters. It gets good however when a demon by the name of Grendel attacks King Hrothgar and his Danes. He causes havoc there for twelves years until Beowulf, a great warrior in Geatland, hears of the monster and decides to help out. He sets off with 14 men and they go meet Hrothgar in order to help defeat Grendel. Beowulf defeats Grendel and is praised and given great rewards. Then Grendel's mother comes back to avenge Grendel's death. She kills Hrothgar's favorite adviser, Aeschere, and retreats back to her swamp lair. Beowulf then went after Grendel's mother and is about to battle her when I stopped reading. I think that this part of the book was pretty intense. Although it started a little slow, it really picked up. Also it really makes Beowulf out to be a great warrior. You can tell that he must become something great in the book like a king or legend. My book seems to make human nature as just doing whats best for others. Beowulf traveled by ship just to help some people that he heard were in dire distress. Also it shows that human behavior is to try and the be the hero. At first the Danes didn't accept Beowulf coming because they were jealous of him and wanted to be able to defeat Grendel on their own. Lastly human ideals shows how only see the greatness they possess instead of the bad. For instance Beowulf never worried about fighting Grendel like the others worried. He didn't even wear armor for the fight because he believed 100% in his abilities. So far my book is very interesting and I hope the second part is the same way.

Reading Post #2: ** You also fail to provide the pages you covered. Still incomplete. 19/25 **

The second half of Beowulf picked up right where the first half left off. Beowulf went to where the monster was hiding and defeated it in a great battle. His companions couldn't believe he was able to defeat the beast and he brought back the sword he used and the head of Grendel for proof. He was giving even more treasure and praise for helping Hrothgar once gain and he set of with his fellow Geats to return home. He then visits his King Hygelac and Queen Hygd to share some of his earnings with them. Extremely pleased they reward Beowulf with land and other valuables. Later Hygelac dies and Beowulf takes over as king after Hygelac's son also dies in a fight. Then he leads the Geats greatly for 50 years and he becomes extremely wise. A new threat emerges as a angry dragon attacks his people. Beowulf eventually dies while killing the dragon and the people honor him greatly. This part of the book shows human nature as wanting whats right. Beowulf wouldn't become king at first because he wasn't Hygelac's son, so he didn't think it was right. LAter he saw that the people needed him so he took the role. Also their roles shows that many want to go out remembered greatly. Beowulf sacrificed his own life for the good of the Geats. Lastly human ideals show that loyalty is a key characteristic to possess. All of Beowulf's men abandoned him in battle except Wiglaf. Wiglaf then helps him defeat the beats and the others feel guilty once they find out Beowulf has died. It shows that no matter what you will always have at least one person that is loyal to you through it all. All together Beowulf was a really great book that I think taught some valuable lessons.
 * Glad you liked it because you will be reading with the class. I did not realize you were using this book as your SSR book. **