Vocabulary Notes (Week Ten)

1. carol (v.)
     /ˈkær·əl/

    to sing carols, esp. by going from house to house 

   We went caroling in the neighborhood.

2. folkloric (n.) [U]

     /ˈfəʊk.lɔːr/

     the traditional stories and culture of a group of people 

    In Irish folklore, the leprechaun had a large piece of gold.

3. tavern (n.) [C]

    /ˈtæv·ərn/

     a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk 

4.  prodigal

      /ˈprɑd·ɪ·gəl/

     tending to spend or use something without thinking of the future 

    He was prodigal with his talents.

5. nursery (n.) [C]

     /ˈnɜr·sər·i/

    a place where young children and babies are cared for while their parents are somewhere else 

   The store has a nursery where you can leave your children while you shop.

Children's Literature (Week Ten)- Mother Goose

1. How To Answer the Exam Appropriately
(1) About the Term Explanation
     How to write? Just Following the three questions: " What is it? What is that for?
      Why should we care?"
(2) The usage of writing down a name of a book or a story
     a. The name of a short story-->  using the quotation  eg. "The Little Mermaid"
     b. The name of a whole book--> using the underline  eg. Charlotte's Web
(3) Essay
    While describing the leadership qualities, we must list the speciality of the character. Take 
    Charlotte for instance, she was friendly and trust-worth, and she kept her promise.

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2. Christmas Song－ It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
(1) It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (lyrics)－ From Andy Williams

(2) Good word and phrases in the lyrics

     a. go caroling 報佳音   

     b. marshmallow 棉花糖 *They always toast the marshmallow first before eating it.
     c. be glowing

     d. mistletoe 檞寄生 

     *They believe kissing underneath the mistletoe can make their love last forever. 

       eg. There is a scene showed this tradition in the movie－ While You Were Sleeping.

         -- Jack and Lucy happened to stand underneath the mistletoe, and Jack's family asked them to kiss 

             each other because it's the tradition.

     e. gay---> Initially, it only means the feelings of happy and enjoyed but now it is the 

         another name of Homosexual.

     f. holiday greeting

     g. call on someone 拜訪....

(3) Skills of reading the lyrics

     a. Put emphasis on nouns and verbs.

     b. Pause while you are reading the "of".

     c. Indicate the pause for the students. 

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3. Mother Goose

(1) Introduction of the book－ Mother Goose

     a. Mother Goose is a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

     * There are not only nursery rhymes in Mother Goose, but some short fairy tales.

     b. The real author of this book, Mr. Charles Perrault, gathered some oral literature and 

         created this book. 

     c. Some of the stories were re-written by the Brothers Grimm.

     d. There are some famous short stories in the book such as "Little Red Riding Hood" and     

         "The Queen of Hearts".

     e. "Little Red Riding Hood"--> Hood is a kind of hat. When students faced the graduation,     

         they would have a Hood Ceremony. 

     f. "The Queen of Hearts"--> The illustrator of this short story is William Wallance Denslow.

         The Queen loves to off someone's head. She has bad temper.

     * A Song refers to the Queen of Hearts－Desperado(lyrics) from Eagles. 

                                                  Don't you draw the queen of diamonds, boy 

She'll beat you if she's able 
You know the queen of hearts is always your best bet 

(2) Mother Goose, the main character/author of this book
     a. In reality, Mother Goose is an imaginary author. 
     b. She always wear a bonnet hat.

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4. Genres in Mother Goose

(1) Definition of the nursery rhymes

       Nursery rhyme is used for traditional poems and songs for young children. The oldest 

     children's songs of which we have records are lullabies.

     * nursery--nurse (有照護.養育之意)-- nursing mom (照顧嬰兒的母親)

(2) Definition of the fairy tales

      Fairy tale is a type of short story that typically features folkloric fantasy characters, such 

      as fairies, goblins, elves,trolls, dwarves, giants, mermaids, or gnomes, and 

      usually magic or enchantments.

     * Ogre- It is a large, hideous creature which loves to eat human-beings.

              Shrek is a typical feature of an ogre.

(3) 補充 Christmas Pantomime

     a. It is a form of musical comedy stage production, designed for families. It was developed in 

         the United Kingdom and mostly performed during the Christmas and New Year season.

     b. Some may think this kind of performance is a little bit tacky. 

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5. Comparing the fable, parable, and allegory. (中文都稱寓言)

(1) Fable

     A fable is a succinct fictional story that features animals or inanimate objects which 

     are anthropomorphized, and that leads to an interpretation of a moral lesson.  eg. Aesop's fable

(2) Parable

     a. Parable differs from a fable in that fables employ animals and inanimate objects, or forces

         of nature as characters, whereas parables have human characters. (It means there is no 

         any animal in parables)

     b.  It was always used in New Testament (新約聖經).  

          eg. Prodigal Son (who was wastefully extravagant) 浪子回頭

          eg. Lost Sheep 迷途羔羊

                   Prodigal Son    Lost Sheep  

(3) Allegory

     a. Allegory is a literary device in which characters or events in a literary, visual, or musical art 

         form represent or symbolize ideas and concepts. As a literary device, an allegory in its most 

         general sense is an extended metaphor.

     b. Authors commonly uses names associated with morality and virtue.

         eg. The Faerie Queene and Edmund Spenser

     c. Paradox literature (似是而非的文學) --> critical thinking or dilemma 

        *di- 有分割的意思 eg. divide

        Quotes: Paradox is thus a much deeper and universal concept than the ancients would 

          have dreamed. Rather than an oddity, it is a mainstay of the philosophy of science.

        eg. Othello (a tragedy), these are old fond paradoxes to make fools laugh in the alehouse.

        * alehouse 小酒館--ale 餐前酒-- ginger ale薑汁汽水  

        

(I love this brand)

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6. Vocabularies and Phrases 

(1) go caroling 報佳音 

(2) call on someone 拜訪

(3) nurse 照護;養育 *nurse(s) (英式)幼稚園說法

(4) folkloric 民俗的;大眾的 *folk 大眾

(5) tavern 小酒館 (alehouse)

Children's Literature (Week Nine)- Midterm Exam

Term explanation: 

1. Onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeia is a word that imitates or suggests the source of the sound it   describe. It refers to the property of such words. Common occurances of onomatopoeia include animal noises such as ''woof", "meow", and "chirp". Sometimes thing are named after their sound it describe such as "zip".

    

2. picture books: Books include lots of pictures. It combines visual and verbal narratives in a book format. Picture books are often aimed at young children. Some may have very basic language, especially designed to help children develop their reading skills. For example, The Tale of Rabbit and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

3. Fantasy: It is a genre of fiction. It commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a  primary plot element, theme, or setting. Fantasy is a popular genre and it may be found in almost every medium, not only in literature. For example, The Lord of the Ring, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Harry Potter.

4. nonsense: It is a communication that lacks any coherent meanings. Sometimes in ordinary usage, nonsense is synonymous with absurdity. Many poets, novelists, and songwriters have used it in their works for the reasons ranging from pure comic amusement. For example, the nursery rhyme, "Hey! Diddle Diddle" and the poem, "Jabberwocky".  

Essay: 

1.      What is children's literature? Are there certain specific characteristics detaching children’s literature from adult’s books? If yes, what are they? If no, why are we here to study this subject?

          In my conception, it is a kind of literature which is suitable for children’s understanding. Children’s literature can help children develop their reading skills and extend their level knowledge and they can enjoy in reading as a amusement. 

         In addition, as for the second question, my answer is yes. First of all, the vocabularies in children’s book are easier and some authors would even use some “incorrect ” words intentionally such as “hunny” and “aker” to fit in with their lower capability of spelling. Second of all, the illustrates in children’s book would be relatively more than which in adult’s book since colorful pictures or beautiful illustrates can attract children’s attention. In a nutshell, it is simple for adults to read children’s books and they may discover some lesson behind the text but to children, there would be necessary to have their own literature called “Children’s Literature” because of their lower level of congnition. That is also the reason why I don’t agree with Mr. Harold Bloom ‘s opinion.

2.     We’ve watched an enchanting film, "Miss Potter," based on the life of Beatrix Potter, the bestselling author of children's books of all time, this semester before the midterm. One of the phrases that opens and ends the whole movie is the voice of the title protagonist, “there's something delicious about writing those first few words of a story. You can never quite tell where they will take you. Mine took me here, where I belong.” Could you paraphrase what that means in the context of your understanding of Miss Potter’s works, life, as well as your life experience and expectation?

         As I know, Miss Potter let her “story”, which I defined as destiny, lead her to the Hill Top farm in the end. Before this, due to loneliness, she devoted to draw some animals regarded as good friends of her such as bunnies, goose, and so on. If she hadn’t kept accompany with those friends, she wouldn’t meet her fiance and she wouldn’t stay in the Lake district for the rest of her life. Life is unpredictable, so was Mr. Potter’s, especially her “story”. However, In my opinion, under some circumstances, she seems to face a dead end, but, in fect, the final decision was to her. Miss Potter took herself to where she belong.   To me, life is so unsure as well. I will never know what would occurr to me at the next moment, but my story will take me there eventually. My experience told me that I can’t trust what I got now but I can trust who I am now. What I have to learn is to face it, to feel it, and to cope with it. I hope that one day I can say it out loud : “ I, not anybody else,  led myself here, where I belong.”

3.    The climax is the high point of the story, where the culmination of events creates the peak of the conflict. In the plot of narrative work, a resolution consists of a series of events that follow the climax, and thus serves as the conclusion of the story, even though not all stories have a resolution. Could you (1) relocate where the climax of Charlotte's Web is and (2) analyze your resolution that (3) associated with the idea of conflicts?

          After my deliberate, I think the climax of Charlotte’s Web appears when it dawned on Wilbur that he could do something for Charlotte perhaps. The first conflict was shown here as well. Because before this part, Wilbur always waited for Charlotte to figure out some ways to keep him away from slauttered, but now it’s his time to assist his ture friend. I am glad that Wilbur awared this and really helped Charlotte take care of her kids. As for the resolution, I think it was not so obvious in this book but I found it there when Wilbur was true to what he promised to Charlotte. He looked after her egg sac carefully and patiently waited for the coming of the new babys. Apparently, this was not the stupid Wilbur anymore, on the other hand, the true-to-friend and responsibe Wilbur took the old one instead. These are what he learned from Charlotte and this is another conflict. 

4.      A leader is someone who guides and inspires others.  Leaders have many qualities. Think about the characters in Charlotte's Web or Winnie the Pooh. Does any one of the characters show leadership qualities? Name the characters and explain your answers. Which quality do you admire the most? Why? 

          In Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte was responsible for her promise and she was steady and calmed when she faced some problems. For example, she put lots of efforts on finding a good way to keep Wilbur’s life and she did not stop trying to discover appropirate words. Also, when Charlotte knew the truth that Wilbur might lose, she chose to hide the truth and gave Wilbur some confidence. Althogh she lied, she used her last strength to protect him. In Winnie-the-Pooh, though Winnie was not the smartest character, he still has what a leader need. He is calm and relaxed to confront every odd. For instance, when he encountered problems, he would sit calmly and say “Think. Think. Think. ” Also, he is brave and courageous, because he was always the guide of any adventures even if he felt afraid. As for me, I prefer Winnie-the-Pooh more because in real life, a leader need so much courage to lead a team to a better level. The leader who equips a cool head and courage will make the adventure of life or work more billiant and splendid.

Vocabulary Notes (Week Eight)

1. sermon (n.) [c]
     /ˈsɜr·mən/

    a talk on a religious or moral subject, esp. one given by a religious leader during a religious 

   ceremony 

   The Reverend William Cronshaw delivered/preached the sermon.

2. sensational (adj.)

     /senˈseɪ·ʃən·nəl/

    very exciting, or extremely good 

   She was absolutely sensational in that movie.

3. radiant (adj.)

     /ˈreɪ·di·ənt/

    expressing great happiness, hope, or beauty 

   The bride looked radiant on her wedding day.

4. pledge (n.) [c]

     /pledʒ/

    a formal promise, or something that is given as a sign that you will keep a promise

   The telethon raised $150,000 in pledges for leukemia research.

5. lullaby (n.) [c]

     /ˈlʌl·əˌbɑɪ/

    a quiet, gentle song sung to children to help them go to sleep

Children's Literature (Week Eight)- Charlotte's Web 3 and Beatrix Potter

1. Analysis Charlotte's Web 
(1) Analysis of the plot
     a. Although Wilbur got into lots of troubles, he met many many good friends who can 
         help and support him(貴人). -- page 86
     b. "whisper"--> You can demonstrate the verb but you have to compare with the 
         adjective.-- page 86
     c. I am just about average for a pig. --> No one is average, no one is ordinary. -- 
         page 91
     d. On page 100 to page 101, the book tried to let us discuss how to promote the pig.
     e. The relationship between Charlotte and Wilbur are friends or like mother and son.
          -- page 104
     f. A kid is afraid of loneliness the most. -- page 104
     g. Nobody pointed out that the web itself is a miracle. --> This part is praising the Lord.
         -- page 109
     * There is a poem which is also about praising the Lord, "Tiger". (from William Blake)
     h. The climax of this book appears when Wilbur said "Why did you do all this for 
          me?". --page 164.
 (2) How to read aloud
     When the sound of "r" shows many times, it means we have to put our voice low.
 (3) Good Sentences
     a. A promise is something that I will never break. -- page 101
     b. Humble is your not proud or near the ground. -- page 141
     c. It is not often that someone comes along who is true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was 
         both. -- page 184

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2. The Poem of Praising the Lord－"Tiger" From William Blake
(1) 

TIGER, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies	5
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder and what art
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?	10
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand and what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp	15
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the lamb make thee?	20
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

(2) Analysis of the poem

     a. The first stanza and the sixth stanza are almost the same. The middle parts of  the poem are 

         supporting the them and these two stanzas.

     b. "symmetry"(平衡) The reason of using this word is because the patterns on the tigers 
         are symmetrical.
     c. Using the words, "dare" and "dread", shows the revering. (敬畏之心)
     d. "He" means the Lord/ God.
(3) How to read aloud
     Put emphasis on nouns and verbs. (名詞重.動詞重.原本重的重.強調重)

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3. The Recommended Movie－ Jerry Maguire

Good Lyrics

Look I don't have all the answers. To be honest, in life, I failed as often as I succeeded. But I 

love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success.

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4. The Poem about the Word "Success" －"Success is Counted Sweetest" From Emily Dickinson 

Success is counted sweetest 

By those who ne'er succeed. 

To comprehend a nectar 

Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple host 

Who took the flag to-day 

Can tell the definition, 

So clear, of victory!

As he, defeated, dying,

On whose forbidden ear

The distant strains of triumph

Burst agonized and clear!

* nectar -瓊漿玉液 ; purple 是大權之色 ; agony 身上帶有極大痛苦

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5. Miss Beatrix Potter

(1) "Potter" this last name is originated form "pot"

(2) the song－"When you taught me how to dance" (Lyrics)

(3) Good words in the lyrics

     a.misty eyes  b. silent glance  c. cast your spell 下咒語  d. beguile 欺騙

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6. Vocabularies and Phrases

(1) miraculously (adv.) ---> miracle (n.)

(2) stare at

(3) Sunday sermon 星期天的講道

(4) sensational 也可以是腥羶色之意

(5) progress "o" pronounce /a/

(6) radiant -- originated form ray (四散發射而去)

(7) lullaby 搖籃曲

(8) spin 紡織(羊毛)

(9) left-over 剩菜

(10) grownups 大人;成人

(11) Ferris Wheel 摩天輪 *Mr. Ferris invented it, the it was named from his name.

(12) pledge (宣誓) make vow(s) to someone

(13) puddle 小漥

(14) fiance 未婚夫 fiancee 未婚妻

Vocabulary Notes (Week Seven)

1. wriggle (v.)
     /ˈrɪg·əl/

     to make small quick movements with the body, turning from side to side 

    Somehow he twisted himself about and wriggled free of Farkas’s grip and danced away.

2. damp (adj.)

     /dæmp/

     slightly wet, esp. in a way that is not pleasant or comfortable 

    damp socks ; damp day

3. puzzle (n.) [c]

     /ˈpʌz·əl/

     something that is difficult to understand 

    The police are trying to solve the puzzle of who sent them the letter.

4. vertical (adj.)

     /ˈvɜr·t̬ɪ·kəl/

     standing or pointing straight up or at an angle of 90 to a horizontal surface or line 

    Water that had leaked from above formed a vertical line down one wall.

5. shed (v.)

     /ʃed/

    to produce tears, light, blood, etc.

   She shed a few tears at her daughter's wedding.