Essay 2 (Emily Dickinson)

Emily Dickinson is known mainly for her solitude and rebellious behavior in her writing and in her life. Her writing style was very different from the typical writing style of most poets in her day; she uses dashes and capital letters in places in her poetry that would have been frowned upon by most other poets and publishers. Her rebellious nature isn't only in her style of poetry but in the topics of her poetry as well. For instance, in one of her poems (A Narrow Fellow in the Grass) she writes about nature and a snake. At that time, women were expected to stay inside and take care of the children and the house, men were the ones who went out and hunted and experienced nature. The fact that she wrote about nature shows that she has experienced it at least a few times in her life, which at the time would have been frowned upon. She is definitely a rebellious and unusual poet for her time and that is very admirable to me. She had the courage to be different and express it in a way that was specific to her and rebellious in and of itself.

Essay 1 (Naomi Shihab Nye)

In the poems about the Grandmother by Naomi Shihab Nye, relationships were extremely important not only to the poem itself but to the narrator as well. Her poems talk about how the narrator feels a connection to his/her grandmother even though they do not speak the same language and live in separate countries. She also mentions that even though there is a language barrier, there is still a strong understanding of each other and they love each other. Her grandmother was hardworking and tended a farm for most likely her whole life. She mentions that her grandmother is also illiterate saying "When one comes, she announces it, a miracle, listening to it read again and again in the dim evening light.". She is saying that her grandmother listens to the letter being read to her because she cannot read it. Although her grandmother is a simple person, so to speak, she says how she admires her grandmother and wishes to think in the positive and personal tone she does. Their relationship, no matter how far away they are from each other, is strong.

Oral Reflection

I think I did very well on my oral presentation. At the beginning I was very nervous so my voice wasn't very loud and didn't sound very confident, but as I got into it more and became more comfortable I kind of got into a flow. I liked the way I wrote my notes and they were very clear and easy for me to understand. I had a lot of analyzation of the text and how we transferred that/adapted that into our script and scene. I also had a lot of backstory as to why and how I portrayed my character and why it was accurate to me. I should have had more specific examples from the text and from our scene to back up my opinions and points. I also should have had more information as to why we chose to stage the scenes the way we did and how we used the space.

Oral Presentation

Setting

• Book/Story
• A young couple (girl- 18 boy- 20ish)
• Writing to each other
• Boy is at sea (escaping bc. He was rebel radio host)
• Girl is in Haiti (living with father and can’t leave bc. Father’s controling)

• Scene
• Takes place before The Children of the Sea
• Keeps three main characters from story
• daughter, father, boyfriend/radio host
• Shows/Tells how the situation escalated and where the perspectives of the characters came from
• Very minimal staging (little to no props)
• Used very little lighting and sounds
• Only used lighting and sounds during important scenes
• ei sounds of ocean in between transitions to show that the next scene was on a beach
• ei used different colored lights while he was broadcasting to show we were in different places

Theme

• young love
• ei daughter and radio host
• Defiance
• ei daughter and father

Character

• The character I played was the daughter
• I observed the character and found common interests
• made it easier to connect with the character
• She had no name
• kept this way so it would not be confusing
• we thought it would help the audience connect better because it could be anyone
• Didn't move much at the beginning
• tried to show that I was shy
• stayed to myself and was quiet around the radio host
• Opened up more around the boyfriend during the dates
• In the book she seems very open
• States her opinions
• Doesn’t back down from her opinions
• I tried to keep that as a main feature of her
• From begining was standing up for herself
• Ei argument with father
• Stood up for her and boyfriend when father came found them
• We imagined she was around 18
• Tried to portray her as mature
• Thought out argument as to why I wanted to go/made valid points
• Walked slowly (accept when excited) and at a calm pace

Symbolism

• We used a flower as a symbol of our love
• he called me 'his daffodil'
• he had to leave and he told me not to wilt (not to be sad)
• We used a letter for foreshadowing
• Foreshadowed the letters we would write back and forth
• He also asked me directly to write to him in the letter

Style

• Style of writing in story was letters
• To and from boyfriend and girlfriend
• Tried to show how the style came to be
• Took information in book to adapt characters correctly
• Boyfriend: neat, correct grammar/punctuation
• Showed that he was literate/had some form of education
• Girlfriend: messy, no caps letters, little to no punctuation
• Showed that she didn’t have proper education if any.
• Adapted/interpreted that style as she didn’t need education because her job didn’t require it.
• Used that info for setting
• ei I never worked in the scene
• ei only showed my boyfriend at his workplace

Relationship

• Keep relationships in story same in adaptation
• ei daughter is defiant to father
• ei father doesn’t like the boyfriend
• Names never used in book
• Never used names for characters but made sure the audience would know who they are
• ei I called my father Papa
• ei called my boyfriend ‘my love’ and he called me his daffodil

Overall

• What I think I did well
• Learn my lines and improvise where I needed
• Some of the lines were not said by another actor or were said too early
• I did a good job filling in the lines when needed
• Portrayed the character accurately
• Changed mannerisms and tone of voice to what I believed she would sound like
• What I didn’t do as well
• Wish I worked more on staging
• Maybe used more props or was more accurate with them
• Ran through the scene more and timing
• Should have kept up with other actors/partners
• Should have made sure they knew their lines more
• Should have gone through the scene with them more
• Made sure we were all on the same page

Progress

After receiving the feedback and timing for our act I think that we have a lot of work to do. There was a lot of feedback on Jack's character seeming too old for mine. I think an easy way to fix that is by mentioning our ages in the script so the audience knows how old we are. Also I think that Jack comes off a little creepy and should not do the deep voice he tries to do when talking. I like the emotion I bring to the scene and want to amp it up a bit. I think that Zony and Jack both need to show more emotion in the scene to bring more life to the characters they are playing. We also need to work on blocking more. In the part where jack asks me out Zony was supposed to be father back so he couldn't hear us and it was like a private moment for us. He also gets too easily distracted by his phone and doesn't remember what his lines are/where he is in the script. Overall we need more dialog because our scene is too short but I think if we slow down our speaking as well it will help a lot.

Adaptation

Scene 1 opens and Gia is standing with her arms crossed on stage left, Zony pacing back and forth in front of her.

Gia: “Please Papa, I won’t bother you during your meeting. I just want to tag along!”

Zony: “No, I know why you want to come and it’s not appropriate. He’s too old for you and a bad influence. Besides, the chances of you actually meeting him is very slim.”

Gia: “Papa, I promise. I’ll stay in the background, you won’t even know I’m there.”

Zony: “There is no way I am letting a child come to a very important meeting such as this one.”

Gia: “I can't believe you just said that!”

Gia looks appalled and storms off to stage right. Zony sighs and thinks for a moment then follows her.

Zony: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call you a child.”

No reply from Gia

Zony: “Will you stop being mad at me if I let you come?”

Gia gets up excitedly and walks/skips past Zony and exits stage left.

Gia: “Really? Thank you so much, Papa!”

Exuent.

Scene opens with Gia standing behind Zony stage right, waiting. Zony turns around and addresses Gia

Zony: “Now remember, you cannot repeat any of the things said at this meeting. It’s strictly confidential.”

Gia: “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word!”

Zony turns around. Jack enters from stage left and Zony holds out his hand and they shake hands.

Zony: “Ah! You must be the man to show us around.”

Jack: “Yes I am, shall we get started?”

Gia gasps, recognizing his voice. She covers her mouth and Zony turns and gives her a stern glare.

Jack: “And who might this be?”

Zony: “This is my daughter, pay no attention to her.”

Jack turns to Gia and holds out his hand to her.

Jack: “Nice to meet you.”

Gia just shakes his hand and nods.

Zony: “So shall we get started? I’m very curious about this place.”

Jack: “Yes, let’s continue this way.”

They slowly walk towards stage left and Zony breaks off to look at some things.

Jack: “Does your dad always take his beautiful assistant with him to meetings?”

Gia: “Pardon?”

Jack: “Do you usually come with him to meetings?”

Zony: “These walls seem very thick, was that purposeful?” he says this in the background and they ignore him.

Gia: “Oh, no. I asked him if I could come.”

Jack: “Why was that?”

Gia: “Well, I actually listen to your broadcast and was hoping I would get to meet you…”

Zony: “There are no pictures on these walls, we need to liven it up!”

Jack: “We don't get many visitors, let alone any as beautiful as you.”

Gia: “Thank you.”

Jack: “This may be a bit forward, but would you like to go out with me?”

Gia: “Me? Really?”

Jack: “I'm sorry, it was inappropriate of me to-”

Gia: “Yes. I can think of no better way to spend my time.”

Zony walks over to the two and interrupts them.

Zony: “There’s a lot of work to be done but we can do it.”

Jack: “Thank you for your time sir.”

They shake hands.

Jack: “I hope to be seeing you again.” He directs this towards Gia.

Gia: “As do I.”

Lights fade to black.

Scene 2 opens Jack standing center stage with a blanket on the ground. Gia enters from stage right and walks over to Jack.

Jack: “Hey, I’m glad you’re here. You look beautiful.”

Gia: “Thanks! I like the flower.” Jack smiles and hands it to her.

Jack: “Daffodil’s are my favorite, second to you.”

Gia: “You're so sweet.”

He takes her hand and sits on the beach.

Jack: “Do you see those boats over there? They travel for thousands of miles just to get to another country. Sometimes I wonder, what it’s like… if it’s worth it? It seems people are always looking for something better, but when does it end? Every second of our lives is meant to be cherished and right now I can’t think of anything I'd love to do more than sit here on the beach with you.”

Gia: “Yes, you're right, but sometimes I think about it. Do you ever wonder what it’s like to live in America? What it’s like to not live in fear?”

Jack: “Of course I do, but realistically, that’s never going to happen so we should just enjoy the moment now, my Daffodil.”

Gia: “Yeah, I will truly cherish every moment I have with you.”

Lights fade to black.

Scene 3 opens with Jack and Gia sitting in chairs across from each other at center stage, Gia facing stage left and Jack facing stage right and Zony enters from stage left.

Gia: “Papa! Why are you here?”

Zony: “That is my question, what are you doing here?” (To Gia )

Zony: “You are not allowed to be around my daughter.” (To Jack)

Jack: “What do you mean? With all do respect sir, I love her. And she loves me!”

Zony: “My daughter doesn't love you, she will meet someone who is going to give her happiness which means a stable life. And that man is not you.”

Jack: “How do you know I cannot treat her well? Please trust us and bless our love.”

Zony: “I refuse to let you near my daughter ever again. She will never be able to love you as long as I am alive.”

Gia: “Why? He has a steady job, a home. He can support me and we can have a family! He kind and loving, he will treat me well and we can be happy. Why is this so hard for you to understand?”

Zony: “It is not that I don't trust him to treat you well, it is because he might bring trouble to you.”

Gia: “Papa, please trust him, we can solve any problems when we are together. I love him, and love can conquer anything. You don't understand, he can protect me and we can have a good life.”

Zony: “My girl, you are too young to realize how dangerous this world is. Listen to me this time, leave him.”

Gia: “I’m sorry, I promise to come back for you, my love!”

Zony and Gia exit stage left.

Lights fade to black.

Scene 4 opens with Gia sitting at stage left with a radio next to her, a blue light cast over her. Jack stands with a microphone next to him at stage right, a red light cast over him.

Jack: “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I hope everyone is having a glorious day. The sun is shining upon the town of Riverdale. Spring is here and the flowers are almost in full bloom. By noon on sunday all the daffodils will be in full bloom. The garden outside the station will truly be a phenomenal sight to see. With this outstanding weather everyone should get outside and explore the world, and remember kids don't forget to sunscreen up. Unless of course you want to look like a lobster. Yummm. Anyways I’ve got to hand off the mike to my boy Jeff here to give you the daily updates. Jeff do you want to take it over?”

The red fades to black and Gia gets up and exits stage left, the blue goes black after she leaves.

Scene 5 open with Zony sleeping/snoring in a chair center stage. Gia enters from stage right and tries to sneak by Zony without waking him. Just as she gets past him the floor creaks as she steps and waking him.

Zony: “My girl, what are you doing up? It's late you should be in bed.”

Gia: “I, umm. I was just going to make something to eat! I woke up starving and-”

Zony: “The kitchen is that way my dear.” He says pointing towards stage right.

Gia: “Yes, of course. I was just going to the bathroom first and umm, tried not to wake you.”

Zony: “alright my dear. Make your midnight snack and hurry back to bed.” Zony closes his eyes and crosses his arms.

Gia: “Goodnight, Papa.” Zony begins to snore again and Gia runs off.

Scene 6 Jack is writing on stage right while Gia enters stage left and picks up a note on the ground.

Jack: “My Daffodil,

I’m hoping this message reaches you in time. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to see you, I was chased off by the government. I had to flee the country in order to survive. I wish I could have taken you with me, but that would have been selfish. I did not want you to be in the danger I’m in. You have a life to live, and it shouldn't be one driven by fear. Once I have escaped I will send for you. I will find you and find a way to get you to my safe haven. I will write to you every day, and I hope you do the same. I will see you again soon, my Daffodil. I hope my love is enough to keep you from wilting in my absence.

Forever yours,

Your one love.”

Lights fade

Props/Costumes:

Zony: Collared shirt, black tie, black pants, blazer.

Gia: Sweater and jeans w/ sneakers.

Jack: Khakis and a t shirt. (daffodil)

Set:

Scene 1- nothing

Scene 2- blanket

Scene 3- two chairs

Scene 4- radio, microphone and stand

Progress

Scene opens and Gia is standing with her arms crossed on stage left, Zony pacing back and forth in front of her.

Gia: “Please Papa, I won’t bother you during your meeting. I just want to tag along!”

Zony: “No, I know why you want to come and it’s not appropriate. He’s too old for you and a bad influence. Besides, the chances of you actually meeting him is very slim.”

Gia: “Papa, I promise. I’ll stay in the background, you won’t even know I’m there.”

Zony: “There is no way I am letting a child come to a very important meeting such as this one.”

Gia looks appalled and storms off to stage right. Zony sighs and thinks for a moment then follows her.

Zony: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call you a child.”

No reply from Gia

Zony: “Will you stop being mad at me if I let you come?”

Gia gets up excitedly and walks/skips past Zony and exits stage left.

Gia: “Thank you so much, Papa!”

Exuent.

Scene opens with Gia standing behind Zony stage right, waiting. Zony turns around and addresses Gia

Zony: “Now remember, you cannot repeat any of the things said at this meeting. It’s strictly confidential.”

Gia nods in response and Zony turns around. Jack enters from stage left and Zony holds out his hand and they shake hands.

Zony: “Ah! You must be the man to show us around.”

Jack: “Yes I am, shall we get started?”

Gia gasps, recognizing his voice. She covers her mouth and Zony turns and gives her a stern glare.

Jack: “And who might this be?”

Zony: “This is my daughter, pay no attention to her.”

Jack turns to Gia and holds out his hand to her.

Jack: “Nice to meet you.”

Gia just shakes his hand and nods.

Zony: “So shall we get started? I’m very curious about this place.”

Jack: “Yes, let’s continue this way.”

They slowly walk towards stage left and Zony breaks off to look at some things.

Jack: “Does your dad always take his beautiful assistant with him to meetings?”

Gia: “Pardon?”

Jack: “Do you usually come with him to meetings?”

Zony: “These walls seem very thick, was that purposeful?” he says this in the background and they ignore him.

Gia: “Oh, no. I asked him if I could come.”

Jack: “Why was that?”

Gia: “Well, I actually listen to your broadcast and was hoping I would meet you…”

Zony: “There are no pictures on these walls, we need to liven it up!”

Zony walks over to the two and interrupts them.

Zony: “There’s a lot of work to be done but we can do it.”

Jack: “Thank you for your time sir.”

They shake hands.

Jack: “I hope to be seeing you again.” He directs this towards Gia.

Exuent.

Gia: “Papa! Why are you here?”

Zony: “That is my question, what are you doing here?” (To Gia )

Zony:“You are not allowed to be around my daughter.” (To Jack)

Jack: “What do you mean, I love her. And she loves me!”

Zony: “My daughter doesn't love you, she will meet someone who is going to give her happiness which means a stable life. And that man is not you.”

Jack: “how do you know I cannot treat her well?” “Please trust us and bless our love.”

Zony: “I am not the old fogey but I oppose your guys definitely.”

Jack: “Why? Please tell me why?”

Zony: “It is not that I don't trust you want to treat my daughter well, it is because you might bring trouble to my daughter.”

Gia: “papa, please trust him, we can solve any problems when we are together.”

Zony: “my girl,you are too young to realize how dangerous this world is. Listen to me this time, leave him.”

Then I bring my daughter back to home.

Jack: “Hey, I’m glad you’re here. You look beautiful.”

Gia: “Thanks! You look beautiful, too”

Jack: “Yeah”

He takes her hand and sits on the beach.

Jack: “Do you see those boats over there? They travel for thousands of miles just to get to another country. Sometimes I wonder, what it’s like… if it’s worth it? It seems people are always looking for something better, but when does it end? Every second of our lives is meant to be cherished and right now I can’t think of anything I'd love to do more than sit here on the beach with you.”

Gia: “Yes, you're right, but sometimes I think about it. Do you ever wonder what it’s like to live in America? What it’s like to not live in fear?”

Jack: “Of course I do, but realistically, that’s never going to happen so we can just enjoy to moment now.”

Gia: “Yeah, this is truly an amazing spot.”

Jack: “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I hope everyone is having a glorious day. The sun is shining upon the town of riverdale. Spring is here and the flowers are almost in full bloom. By noon on sunday all the daffodils will be in full bloom. The garden of eve will truly be a phenomenal sight to see. With this outstanding weather everyone should get outside and explore the world, and remember kids don't forget to sunscreen up. Unless of course you want to look like a lobster. Yummm. Anyways I’ve got to hand off the mike to my boy Jeff here to give you the daily updated. Jeff do you want to take it over?