to kill a mockingbird essay

Sometimes the setting and environmental surroundings of where you are can affect what you do. In this case, the setting of “To Kill a Mockingbird” helped keep the plot going. This book was set in an old age and time period so things were really different. They all live in a small town where everybody is known. In this part of time everyone was completely racist. So racist that it changed the ending of this book. These examples of factors can affect a plot of a story greatly.

The time period of this book effected how they acted. Since this is set in the olden days, children were grown to act very proper. They talk, act and handle situations differently too. One major key point is that there is no modern technology so for example; no DNA testing for crime scenes. This is something that would’ve been needed at the end of this book.   “Presently I picked up a comb from Jem’s dresser and ran its teeth along the edge” page 178. This shows how their Aunt Alexandria is teaching Scout and Jem to act mature, proper, to take good care of themselves and to have good hygiene.  The year that this book is set in effects the output on problems in the story, things could go differently if this book was set in more recent times.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” was also set in a small town where everyone is known or heard about and has lots of gossip. To prove how it’s a small town, some examples would be; Rumors are being spread about Boo Radley around town. Even though these rumors are not even true, still everyone believes what people tell them.  Another example would be that since it’s a small town the transportation is fast. Jem, Dill, and Scout can all hand out easily and can basically walk to each other’s houses. Scout makes a play about Boo Radley’s life even though she doesn’t really know anything about him whatsoever. “a s the summer progressed, so did our game. We polished and perfected it, added dialogue and plot until we had manufactured a small play upon which we rang changes every day.” Page52. This proves how word gets around even to children easily. This shows how everyone knows one another and children made up a play about a local man. You should be careful what you say because there are ears everywhere.

The last plot changer is the racism and unfairness in the town. They like to use the “N” word instead of saying African American which is very disrespectful and mean. Scouts dad, Atticus Finch supported a black guy named Tom Robinson in a court case, so people hated on him and looked at him differently just because he supported someone of a different color then them which is extremely unfair.  The major sign of racism is when the cruel jury pleaded the innocent Tom Robinson Guilty.  “This case is as simple as black and white” Page 271. This is a really good quote showing how people were predigest. Tom was obviously innocent but just because he’s black they just assumed differently.  He couldn’t Have raped anyone because he was crippled. Racism is very unfair.

As you can see the setting of this book affected the plot extremely. The time period It was set in, the fact that it was a small town, and the racism were a big part in the outcome of this book. If these factors weren’t included in the book, the plot would be very different. The book would probably not even be called this or even be about anything stated before.

Fin. 

The Sea and An Old Man

The old man and the sea, Earnest Hemingway, Scribner Paperback, Fiction,1952.

This story is about marlin having a battle with an old man named Santiago, who has not caught a fish in 84 days.Santiago is considered so unlucky that is young friend, Manolin, has been forbidden by his parents to sail with the old man. The boy however visits Santiago's shack each night. The old man tells his young friend that he will venture to the gulf stream to end his unlucky streak. On the 85th day Santiago sets out alone onto the gulf stream. By noon that day a huge fish takes his bate but is unable to pull in the great marlin. He is determined to catch this fish but because of its dignity no one will be worthy of eating the marlin. On the Third day Santiago is completely worn out but uses all of his strength to pull the huge fish onto its side and stab the marlin with a harpoon. This ended the "battle" between the old man and the fish. He brings the fish home thinking about how many he will feed and the high prices at the market. Santiago continues to the shore, where there are sharks that attracted to blood from the marlin. He ends up killing 5 sharks with his harpoon which breaks after the first kill. The sharks have eaten most of the marlin leaving its skeleton of backbone, tail, and its head. The next day a group of fishermen gather and measure the marlin to be 18 feet long. Manolin is impressed so he brings the old man newspapers and coffee. They promise to fish with each other again.

"The Old Man and the Sea helped to revive Hemingway's reputation as a writer of great acclaim."

     ~James Topham About.com book reviewer 

I chose this quote because I thought it was cool how this book helped his reputation of great approval. In other words it was a good story and well written. I do agree with this quote and that he is a good author. It is a very nice compliment to Earnest Hemingway so that is why i have chosen it.

"The stars were bright now and and he saw the dolphin clearly and he pushed the blade of his knife in his head and drew him out from under the stern." (page 78)  This quote really stood out to me, because the author's writing style has a lot of vivid imagery. Just by reading this line I can picture the scene clearly and easily. Hemingway's writing is very detailed and full of great imagery which allows us to visualize what is going on in the story. That makes the story more interesting and fun for the readers.

I usually don't read books, but a similar book that i have read is called The little fish that got away by Bernadine cook and Crockett Johnson. The Old man and the Sea and The little fish that got away are both about male fishers who struggle to catch a fish and to not give up on their dreams. They both try their hardest to succeed. Both books obtain the same theme. Something different would be their ages. The old man and the sea is about an old experienced fisher and in  The Little fish that got away it's about a little boy who hasn't had much practice before. 

In my opinion the quote  "A man can be destroyed but not defeated." means that you can be put down and beaten up or struggle with a certain problem but you can't be done forever. You can still try to fix the problem and never give up no matter how impossible it may seem. I do agree with this quote because it happens in everyday life. 

 I don't really enjoy fishing, or the outdoors really, but one I've gone fishing a couple of times. I recently went fishing with my boyfriend and caught my first fish ever. I didn't give up and i was so proud of myself. Well, it was my first try that day so it was probably beginners luck. Anyway I am still glad i tried. I didn't mind this book, but I thought it was boring and not my type of book. I don't read anyways so..

My rating on The old man and the sea: 3 paws ~ Pounce on it

Finding Philippe

1. I want the reader to understand Deltreece's love for green day and philipee and Ren. I also want them to laugh while reading this and to know that Deltreece is has never stood up for herself.
2. I think the events that happened were easy to create and fun to write.
3. Some problems were how to end the story.
4. Helpful advice would be how to end paragraphs or to add more voacb.

Finding Philippe:
by Renee Stoltz

All of Deltreece's life has been about punk music and taking care of her best friend Philippe. Their friendship is stronger than any kind. But her relationship with Green Day is almost as strong. Both her friend and that band help her stay strong and get her through her days. Her parents are really hard on her and they treat her like dirt. They expect everything from her, so she stays away from them. She works at a small food shop in the middle of town. It's only her and another charming and handsome man named Ren. They have a flirtation-ship i guess. I forgot to mention, her best friend Philippe, is a sloth. Yes, a perverted, fat, lazy sloth who sits on Deltreece's shoulder and arm. Deltreece struggles with a problem though, she can't let her parents see that she has a sloth as a pet.

So during the summer, Deltreece has been working her butt off at that shop with Ren. She hasn't spent any of her cash because she is saving it for a concert at the end of the summer. Her parents would never allow her to go, but she wants to sneak out and see the concert with Ren and Philippe. Deltreece's plan is to hide Philippe in her shirt. It probably wont work but Philippe is her best friend so she couldn't not leave him alone.

The summer is now coming to an end. Deltreece is sick and tired of her family and just wants to go to the concert with Ren and Philippe. The concert is in two days and they are all excited. Deltreece packs a lot of sloth food in a bag in preparation. Hopefully Philippe will control his hormones and not sniff anyone's butts while they are there. He tends to do that a lot. He is a sneaky sloth! Ren and Deltreece are going to steal Ren's Older brothers car to drive to the concert. Hey, with strict parents, creates sneaky children.

So it's the day deltreece is going to see her soul mate (or so she thinks he is) on stage. Live. In person. To see all of his gorgeousness and flawlessness! Its 7pm and they are on their way. Deltreece still doesn't believe that her parents haven't found out yet. For such strict parents, they are dumb. After 2 hours of driving they finally reach the huge arena, and they can hear fans cheering and that gets her pumped up. This is the guy from her dreams. The guy she dreams to meet everynight at 11:11. The band she is obsessed with and now she has a chance to see their faces in real life. This is to much for Deltreece to handle. Her and Ren enter the building and see everyone with drinks and rock signs formed by their hands. After a short waiting time, the sound of Tre cool on his drums startled everyone. It was so loud and exciting. Billie Joe Armstrong jumps off a high stack of amps and screams in the microphone. THIS IS CRAZY! They start playing the song St. Jimmy which is one of Deltreece's favorite songs by them. Deltreece's heart and brain stop working. She doesn't notice anyone or anything, just Billie Joe, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool. She watches Billie strum on his guitar, Blue. He head-bangs his head and his black spikey hair goes all over the place and Deltreece covers her mouth and almost cries. She is so caught up in watching them, that she didn't even realize that Philippe was no where to be found.
"UGH Philippe! WHERE ARE YOU, YOU SNEAKY --" says Deltreece as Ren cuts her off.
"Easy Deltreece. it's okay we will find him." says Ren sweetly.
"I know, but what about the concert.. this has been my dream since forever!"
" That sloth is your best friend. You have to find him. He is probably attached to another girl or finding food."
"Okay yeah you're right, lets go find him, but QUICKLY!"

Ren and Deltreece go around the arena searching for Philippe. He is no where to be found. They go around asking people if they have seen a sloth, but people just look at them like they're high on something. Maybe we should just give up, they both think. But they can't, because Philippe is just too important.They are then startled by an awful thing. They walk near the exit to check if Philippe went outside, but instead they find Deltreece's parents with their arms crossed. Crap. This wasn't supposed to happen.

"We knocked on your room door to ask about your grades so far. You didn't respond so we came in and OH YEAH HAHA you weren't there..." says her mom sarcastically.
Deltreece didn't answer them.
"Your computer was on your desk and we noticed you had an open tab. As good concerned parents we are, we clicked it and found a Green Day concert information site open. There happened to be a concert for today at this time and this place. Coincidence, I think not!"says her dad sternly.
"Can we guys just give me a break. I'm always trying to impress you and this was supposed to be a special night for me. I never have fun, i just work and study every other day. UGH i hate you!!"
"We want you back home immediately Deltreece!
"NO! i never stand up for myself and you're making me cause a scene right now!"
"Never talk to your parents like that! We have treated you decently you ungrateful worthless --." her dad didn't get to finnish.

Deltreece walks away with Ren and her parents scream for her to get back. Deltreece falls to the ground and starts to cry quietly. Ren hugs her and says its okay. He says that she is none of those things. Deltreece looks up at him and kisses him for a long time. She has always wanted to do that. Ren is shocked. He has loved Deltreece for a long time now. They both stand up and are greatful when Philippe jumps on Deltreece's back. They are so happy he came back.

The concert was still going on and Ren and Deltreece hold hands, with Philippe on her shoulder. They all are quietly listening to Billie sing. Ren pulls Deltreece closer and wrap their arm around eachother. After all this was a pretty good day. Deltreece finally stood up to her parents, she found Philippe, and she has Ren as her man. Deltreece hasn't had a better night. They listen to the beautiful sound of the band and as the night comes to an end. And well, Deltreece, Ren, and Philippe lived happily ever after...

The End :p

Drop the bass

What can't you live without? What do you do or dream every single day? Anything, just think about it. If you lost this item would a part of you die? Value is vague. It could mean many different things including price, experience, or appreciated things or moments. Everyone has their opinions but sometimes yours is most valuable. It's what you choose to value that determines your future and our own mood. Value is a big topic to think about. I myself value a lot of things. Many people, experiences, and items are appreciated by me and it's hard to choose two main ones to share. But that's whats required for this essay right ?


So here I am, at this huge thrill seeker, problem blocker, busy memory filled, yummy food-smelling, big open space filled with laughing, screaming, conversations, and music... Because saying six flags is too mainstream. I'm with my two acquaintances or "Besties" that I've been friends with since before i knew what acquaintance was. We're all girl-ifyed with our cute summer tank tops, short shorts, and converse. We've got our make up on to attract the boys and we're just ready for a good time.


My personal favorite ride was batman or bizzaro, but then the Goliath was built. My friends Maddie and Amanda, and I saw the line of this bright green neon and blue coaster and it was intimidating. I honestly am not scared of any ride. I will literally ride any ride/rollercoaster, you name it. But sence that line was so long we decided to wait and go on the one and only Bizzaro. The sun was shining it's hot waves on our heads and faces. Thank god it started sprinkling rain and cooled us down. The anticipation was killing me. We were at the gate of the cart in which held many bodies of thus wanting to ride. It slowly opened and the smiles of my firends and i were priceless. We put our belt on and lowered the yellow safety bar on our lap. The employees quickly ran down both sides of the cart and tighten all of our belts. Tappin my feet with excitement, I look at my friends with a huge smile. "ALL CLEAR..WHOOP"! says one of the employees over a microphone. "WHOOP" , says all of us coping it's noise. I guess it's a tradition persay, to make that noise before a ride at six flags The cart starts shooting forward quickly and i grab my friends hand. Eminem starts playiing in the speakers of the seat while we go up the track. It makes a clicking noise everytime we go up higher. It's neverending! WIth the clicking, high view, and bass of the speakers, it gives us all a rush of excitement. I have the shaky\excited feeling right now as i'm writing this! As we get to the top, eveyone's hands are up and we start to lean forward... BAM. In a split second I'm falling rapidly towards the earth, my stomach's in my throat, and i'm not focusing on anything. The wind is blowing my hair everywhere and there's screaming. I don't know what to think. It all happens so fast. We hit other smaller drops and twists. We look at eachothers relieved faces and messed up hair. We laughed because it was just amazing. We get off and run to the Goliath which is more intimidating than bizzaro. As we reach the front of the line we notice a fearless 11 year old boy who decided to ride with us. He wasn't scared at all and has ridden it a million times. Unlike us, we havn't experienced the mightly Goliath, and lets just say it was totally worth the wait!

The bell rings and we all bolt out of that terrible prison we call "school". I walk home in the cold, the snow crushing beneith my boots, I wait patiently before crossing the street. The cold air makes my eyes water and nose red. I finally walk to my house and enter the warm presence of my cozy kitchen. I say hi to my mom and talk about my day until she has to leave to pick up my younger brother from school. I lock my door and hide in my room. I turn my stero loud with the bass turned up all the way. As i'm jamming out to Green Day, I see it. There it is with its shiny screen reflecting the surroundings of my room. My pink IpodTouch 5th generation 32gig. I pick it up and feel it's thinness and smoothness. I click the home button, type in my passcode, and it brings me to the endless pages of social media, music, games, photography apps, and everything imaginable. I honestly don't remember what I was doing with my life before I got an IPod. I had my old one for four years and it didnt have a camera and was outdated. So i went to the apple store with my saved money and perchased the brand new Ipod. I was so excited. It has panaramic view also, so you can take long range photos. I go on many apps including facebook, youtube, twitter, instagram, kik, ect... It's basicly my life. Sometimes I'm too distracted on it, that I don't do anything productive. Which doesn't bother me, but I know i should be trying to establish a hobbie. I get to talk to my friends and be creative on it, that's why it's addicting. Just being able to hold this technology still shocks me. I don't understand how we can go from being cavemen and living off of the eart to now having everything at our fingertips and haveing any modern technology. It honestly blows my mind.


Im many ways my two valueable items are obviously different, but if we look into the deeper meaning of theese things, they are a little alike. My ipod and rollercoaster drops have the same reaction by me. They both are simply, exciting. I get excited about every little detail. For example when I'm first in line for my favorite ride, Or even when I'm buckled up waiting for the people to do a safety check. It just gets my anxiesty and adrenaline pumping. Another example would be when i have wi-fi, or a new notification on facebook. It can just be the simplest things that are valueable too. Roller coasters and my Ipod give me the feeling of blocking out my problems. When i'm hitting zero to sevnty miles per hour in the course of four seconds, do you think i give a crap about anything? Other than the fact that i have a chance of plumiting into the earth and possibly dying. And when I'm on my ipod watching a funny video or watching my favorite youtubers vlog, I'm getting rid of all the negativity I have by watching or doing something that makes me happy.

Now on to the obvious ways they are different. My Ipod compared to the size of a rollercoaster is like a grain of sand on a beach. It's tiny but can hold a lot of data. Ipods are smooth where as roller coasters are most likely rugged or rusty. Lets move aside from the physical difference. Roller coasters are dangerous and give you a rush. My Ipod is safe and can give your mind a rest from anxiety and just listen to a song. I have to focus on the meaning of the lyrics, but during rollercoaster drops i'm not focusing at all, and my mind is blank during them. You can be indoors and hiding from the world on an ipod. On rollercoasters your outdoors, Out in the open, and high in the air. These two items are similar yet different.


I value My IPod, because it is basically my life. I value rollercoaster drops, because the feeling of them is too intense.I show my value for my Ipod by using it every day. I value the price, and how it's very expencive. I'm very lucky to have one, because most people do not. I value the exceitment and experience of rollercoasters. They are expensive to build and to have a whole park full of them is incredable. I value both of my items deeply and value them in lots of ways.


Many things are valuable to me, Weather it's priced or priceless. I believe everything is both priced and priceless, Rollercosters are priced due to the tickets to ride them, to build them, and to get in the park. But they are priceless too because of the amazing rush they bring. My Ipod costs money so its priced, but the way the music makes you fell is priceless. It;s important to truely value and appreciate eveything you have, because others aren't as fortunate to have those items. So just take the time and think to yourself, right this moment. What do you truely value?

the end .