Destiny

I want to learn about the the word destiny because everyone has their own definition of it. Destiny is a very complex word, and it seems like it could serve as several different meanings. To me, destiny is a persons fate. It is the point at the end of the road that you will without a doubt end up at. Some people say that you make your own destiny, but I think that your destiny is set and you get to choose how to get there. I also want to research the word fate a little bit in connection to destiny because a lot of dictionaries equate the two.
ps. my sister's middle name is Destanee. 

Frankenstein Criticism

1. Mary Shelly does not portray Frankenstein in the correct representation of England.
2. Imperialism is shown not in its correct form; although it does surface throughout the novel, it is not portrayed truly.
3. The antagonist in Frankenstein is God himself who competes with women as the maker of children. 
4. Frankenstein is competing with women as a maker.
5. Boys and girls have reversed gender rolls. Frankenstein cannot produce a daughter.
6. Mary Shelly tries to show that creation is not purely based on science. She does this by having three different childhood friends that represent three connecting realms. Henry = practical reason Victor = theoretical reason Elizabeth = aesthetic judgement These people do not coexist harmoniously.

Surviving Anglo-Saxon Britain versus Surviving High School

In the Arthurian romance, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Gawain displays several characteristics that are comparable to “typical” teenage, high school students. Throughout the course of the story, Gawain tries to make a name for himself, takes a short cut that he knows he should not, and regrets it later – all of which are classic markers of a high school student’s life.

When the green knight challenges King Arthur, Gawain steps up to take the king’s place. He asks the knights to vote “to give Gawain the game / And release the king outright” (page 122 line 364-65). People speculate as to why Gawain would do such a thing, but most come to the conclusion that he is trying to show that he too is brave enough to face up to the knight. Before Gawain confronts the knight, it is clear to the reader that he is a minor character because he is never so much as mentioned. By his actions, Gawain makes himself known and starts to prove himself to the rest of the knights. This is a lot like a freshman in high school that has to battle to be noticed and make a name for him/herself. New freshmen often do things that they would not normally do so that they can start to prove themselves to the rest of the students.

Further, Sir Gawain faces a moral decision when he has to decide weather to keep the belt or give it to his host. In the end, Gawain decides to keep the belt so that the Green Knight cannot harm him. Gawain handles the challenge dishonestly and takes the easier way out instead of doing what is the right thing to do. Often times in high school students have to choose weather to work hard or just slide by. Some are honest students and they deserve the grades they earn, others, like Gawain, cheat or do not give it their all, and get grades that they are not worthy of. These students choose the easy way out and will later regret it.

Gawain goes on to face the Green Knight and the knight confronts him about the belt. The knight punishes Gawain for being dishonest by nicking him on the neck and, later, reveals himself as the host. Gawain is embarrassed and “[shrinks] back in shame” and, on his entire journey home, he cannot shake the guilty feeling that he has. (page 162 line 2372). He keeps the belt to “remember with shame” the mistake he made and he never truly stops feeling remorseful again. Like Gawain, high school students almost always pay for the short cuts they take. By cheating on a test, the student does not learn the material for later use. By not trying to the best of their abilities, students do not get the grades that they could and will probably have a harder time getting into college. Students often think they are making a good decision to cut corners, but they later realize that it was actually detrimental in the long run.

Making mistakes is necessary for Gawain to learn better and experience the consequences. High school is a time of trying new things, growing as a person and a student, and yes, making mistakes. It is important for teenagers to have a time when it is ok and even expected to make mistakes so that they can grow in making choices for themselves. Gawain will always remember the guilt he felt for the mistake that he made so the next time he has the option of taking the easy way out, he will think twice and choose the right choice. Gawain learns and grows through this experience just like a student does in high school.

Venerable Bede

• 8th century 
• monk at Northumbrian Monastery in Sutherland, England
• Father of English History
• wrote Historia Ecclesiatica Gentis Anglorum = The Ecclesiastical History of the English People