#7

Dear Random Relative,

            You must have heard of the tragic death of Caesar, but you may not know the full details of how his murder came about. A brutal surprise attack came upon him by a gang of conspirators, one of them being his most trusted comrade, Brutus. Brutus’ speech at Caesar’s funeral seemed ostensibly honest and made of good intentions, but Antony’s speech had shown me the light. Brutus, being a deceiving unscrupulous man, had been trying to convince the people of Rome that he slewed Caesar for our sake. He spat out lies about Caesar trying to take advantage of his kingdom and that he was “ambitious”. Antony’s speech had timely came after Brutus’ and acquitted Caesar’s name. With intended sarcasm, he proved Brutus’ statements to be false, winning over the plebian crowd. Not only is Antony a phenomenal public speaker, but he truly believes in what is right for Rome, unlike Brutus who lies to us citizens. Caesar was not power hungry in the least bit, but he was murdered because of this false reason. Who would you follow? A kind, humble man who has good morals and believes in what is right? Or a unethical, shameless senator? I hope I can trust you to make the right choice.

                                                                        Zoe

#6

            No matter what outward front people hold, everyone is afraid of being treated as a social pariah. Everyday, mental and physical differences collide and transform into wars defined by their disagreements. In society, no one wants to speak up about their opinion, if they are not supported by others. This leads to many ignoring their true beliefs and instead adopting other people’s, even if they do not agree with them.

            Typical among teens is peer pressure, the act of kids persuading their friends to do things the way they think they should. Smoking, drinking, whatever the cause may be, it seems a common thread strings the reasons as to why kids pressure each other. Maintaining a “cool” appearance and holding a strong stance to that exterior can be seen as a reason as to why kids fall into the trap of peer pressure. Besides, no one wants to be left as an outcast.

            Like everyone else, I tend to go with the flow. I’ll follow my friends, but if I strongly disagree with something or find it to be wrong, I will speak up. Yes, peer pressure is a difficult barrier to pass through, but you have to know your limits. I can hold my own opinions, but my friends can persuade me through reason and logic. Friends should be able to have different views, but share them at the same time. Friends should be able to ask their friends to try things, instead of forcing them. Friends shouldn’t bring each other down through peer pressure, as that is not a true friend.

Society is influenced by everything and nothing is truly original anymore. But when suggestive influences turn into forceful pressure, it is a sign that things have gone down the wrong road. 

#5

“They would not have you to stir forth today. Plucking the entrails of an offering forth, they could not find a heart within the beast.” (II. ii. 41-43)

a.              Servant

b.              Caesar, Calphurnia

c.              Caesar had asked for the servant to cut open the body of an animal and to use it as a fortune telling device. Here, the servant tells Caesar his “future”.

d.              The servant tells him that a heart was not found in the beast and this is a very bad sign. He sees this as an omen, to add onto the other ones, and warns Caesar not to go out today. Caesar ignores this and find it cowardly not to go to the Capitol just because of a abnormal animal.

“O, let us have him, for his silver hairs will purchase us a good opinion.” (II. i. 156-157)

a.              Metellus

b.              Cassius, Casca Cinna, Brutus, Decius, Trebonius

c.              The conspirators are discussing whether or not to include Cicero in their plan to kill Caesar.

d.              Metellus says that they should recruit Cicero as he is older and therefore wiser. He also believes that if they have Cicero, they will gain respect from others as Cicero is a revered figure.

“Let’s be sacrificers, but not butches, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, and in the spirit of men there is no blood.” (II. i. 179-181)

a.              Brutus

b.              Caius, Cassius, Decius, Casca, Cinna, Metellus

c.              Continuing with the plan, Brutus and the rest of the conspirators discuss how Caesar’s murder should go.

d.              Brutus wants Caesar to be killed cleanly, not hacked and bloodied. He wants to sacrifice Rome’s “beloved ruler” rather than truly murder his body. Caesar’s carcass should be “fit for the gods”.

“If he love Caesar, all that he can do is to himself: take though and die for Caesar.” (II. i. 200-201)

a.              Brutus

b.              Cais, Cassius, Decius, Casca, Cinna, Metellus

c.              Mark Antony is brought up in the conversation about their plan and some of conspirators are worried that he will come to aid of Caesar and perhaps revenge his death. The others try to quell that fear about Antony.

d.              Brutus believes that the best Antony can do for Caesar is kill himself once he is dead. If Antony truly loves Caesar, he will take his own life once Caesar is dead.

“And with a heart new-fired I follow you to do I know not what; but it sufficeth that Brutus leads me on.” (II. i. 360-362)

a.              Ligarius

b.              Brutus

c.              Ligarius is joining the Brutus’s and Cassius’s team. He is going to help plan Caesar’s demise.

d.              Ligarius is not completely sure as to what role he will play in the plan, but he is joining because Brutus is the leader. This shows that Brutus is seen as powerful and is respected by many others. Despite not knowing the full details, Ligarius is up for anything Brutus will give him.

#4

“Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.” (I. ii. 204-205)

a.              Caesar

b.              Mark Antony

c.              Caesar feels wary about Cassius and his intentions and shares this with Antony who assures him that there is nothing wrong with Cassius.

d.              This passage is an example of foreshadowing since Cassius truly is conspiring against Caesar and is planning to kill him.

“And why should Caesar be a tyrant then? Poor man, I know he would not be a wolf but he sees the Romans are but sheep” (I. iii. 106-109)

a.              Cassius

b.              Casca

c.              Cassius and Casca were discussing Caesar and how they very much dislike him. Cassius compares the Romans to sheep and that Caesar would take advantage of his citizens. He believes that Caesar will become power hungry and turn into a raging tyrant.

d.              This passage gives insight into why Cassius hates Caesar so much. It also shows how he is trying to convince Casca into joining his side.

“He is a dreamer. Let us leave him.” (I.ii. 29)

a.              Caesar

b.              Soothsayer, Antony, Calphurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, and Casca

c.              A soothsayer comes up to Caesar and says, “Beware the ides of March.” Caesar brushes it off, finding fortune telling frivolous and irrelevant.

d.              If Caesar heeded his warning, perhaps he would not have been killed. Since he ignored the prediction, Cassius and his conspirators had the opportunity to get rid of him.

“ ‘Brutus’ and ‘Caesar’ – what should be in that ‘Caesar’? Why should that name be sounded more than yours?” (I. ii. 149-150)

a.              Cassius

b.              Brutus

c.              Cassius is trying to make a point to Brutus that he is equal to Caesar, so why should Caesar be more powerful? Why should Caesar rule and not Brutus?

d.              Cassius is slyly trying to get Brutus on his side and have him go against Caesar. By flattering him and showing him that he is equivalent to Caesar, Cassius hopes to have Brutus as one of his conspirators.

“A man of such feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world and bear the palm alone.” (I. ii. 136-138)

a.              Cassius

b.              Brutus

c.              Cassius does not believe that Caesar is fit to rule all of Rome and is trying to get this point across to Brutus. He is playing mind games with Brutus and is trying to convince him that Caesar is not right for Rome, but that Brutus is.

d.              With these words, Brutus slowly turns into one of Cassius’ conspirators. He believes that Caesar does not belong as king and feels the need to get rid of him. All of Cassius’ tricking on Brutus works and Brutus teams up with Cassius later on.

#3

                  The mighty Caesar is praised by the plebians and normal folks of Rome, but a few tribunes are displeased by the fact that he may be crowned. Brutus, loyal and kind-hearted, question Caesar’s intentions and only wants the best for Rome. While sly Cassius is only jealous and bitter and wishes to see him overthrown. These two opinions contrast as one holds good intentions and the other is purely spiteful. It is plainly clear who the hero is and who the villain is in this situation. Brutus only wants the best for his city, which is why I would side with him. Unlike Cassius, Brutus is unbiased and stays loyal to Caesar. Cassius tells bitter tales to Brutus about how Caesar was weak and power-hungry, tales that may not even be true. Virtuously and righteously, Brutus is true to himself, Caesar, and Rome. 

#2

Dear ___________,

            I’ve spent six years, four months, and three days by your side. I’ve cried every tear you shed, heard every laugh that left your lips, and felt every thrash of anger that you’ve ever felt.

I can see the temptation, the reason for this chaos created by drug-use, unwanted side effects, and a large amount of praise. The need to be the best, I can understand. In the long run, however, these things will just be haunting you, and your glory days will be long forgotten. Is a game of baseball really worth all of this? You won’t speak to me about it, so I’m left no choice, but to turn you in. From your point of view, I guess you would find this harsh, cruel, and see me as a backstabber. But, since I’ve taken a moment in your shoes, step into mine. Here I am, proud at your success and winnings, but scared to death over what could be your death. Frightened, confused, and trying to figure out what’s the truth, I need to be secure about your safety. Please take this as a sign of true friendship, rather than betrayal.

                                                                                                From,

                                                                                                     Your friend

#1

Fall is supposed to be a joyful season, spent with crisp apple cider and auburn leaves. Last year, I spent most of my autumnal days locked inside my room, concentrating on what would make the thesis of my honors English essay enticing. Rifling through stacks of papers, choosing the best of the best, was the way I spent my “down time”. Writing lengthy essays in front of the TV with a bag of chips, the room only lit by its screen, was as much fun as I could have. Being with my friends wasn’t much of an option, considering I had to finish my applications for the honors classes that I was trying to get into. For those few months, I spent my time in educational purgatory, though I knew the outcome would hold greater benefits in the end. No pain, no gain, was basically the statement that became my mantra. Intro, thesis, body, conclusion. Intro, thesis, body, conclusion. Like a cheesy song on repeat, I had to endure the seemingly never-ending torture.

Looking at everything from a far perspective helped make things easier. Realizing that though it was hurting me at the moment, doing all of this work will eventually help me. Progressing through the workload was plainly difficult. Beside the fact that it was time consuming, every sentence, paragraph, and paper did not feel good enough. The words felt forced, rather than fluid and the sentences ran on for days. Revise, edit, finish. Revise, edit, finish. Repeat, repeat, repeat and so on.

By the time portfolios were due, I was glad to be rid of the sickening papers. Finally could I dump my memory of advanced vocabulary and varied sentence structures. Relief ran course through my head and I remained on autopilot for practically the rest of the year. Spring flowers carried over April and our results were unveiled. Thankfully, the strenuous hours paid off and I made it into the classes I had wanted to be in. My 3 months of misery became another success story of how hard work pays off.