Oakfield High School - Acorn Yearbook (Oakfield, ME)

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LITERATURE Essays WHAT I LOOK FOR WHEN I READ A BOOK HEN I indulge in my favorite pastime, reading, I try to derive some benefit. In reading any book, I try first to determine the author's purpose-is it to entertain, to show a character, to reveal the author's view point about life, to illustrate a theory, to exemplify a moral principle, to bring about a reform, to present a historical picture, or just what is it? I also try to detect any qual- ities in the author's style which would help me to identify him-is his plot and action true to life, could his characters possibly be real or are they merely fan- tastic individuals which result from an over-imaginative author, is there an attempt at atmosphere through description? As I read, I keep in mind the age which the story involves and note how people of that time looked at facts and interpreted life, I look for the political, social, and economic aspects of the period which may be reflected in the story, and the manner in which the people dealt with such problems of that nature. As it is important whether or not the author writes in a prejudiced manner concerning any conflicts in the story, I try to detect any of his traits which may be revealed through his char- acter. Finally, I look for friends, a new life, and beauty in literature-friends which are ever loyal, a life in which I may travel at will without trouble and expenseg and, the beauty which others have marveled at, which I may never have the opportunity to enjoy except through literature. Marian Mason, English IV. 14... THE BET CBY ANTON CHEKOVD 'The Bet' is a psychological story in that the interest is carried along not by action but by the reactions of men's minds to their situations. His greed for money sentenced the lawyer to fifteen years of solitary confinement, and led him to study and to make use of those fifteen years in gaining a wealth of knowledge. Yet, that study-the very thing by which he hoped to gain money-led him to scorn money and to despise the human race and its weak- nesses. After having been coniined fifteen years to obtain a sum of money, he found that he was above all that-all money had to offer. Thus he left a short while before his time was up and disappeared. The banker, also greedy, could have easily spared two millions when he made the bet. Through fifteen years of life, in which he had his friends and his freedom, he speculated in stocks and bonds and gradually lost his millions. Money meant more to him than life itself. He was willing to kill the lawyer with whom he had made the bet in order to keep his money. But after having read the lawyer's renunciation of humanity and its god-money, he could feel only contempt for himself. Such were the reactions of two men's minds to their situations-one of scorn for humanity, the other of contempt for himself. Edna Rhodes, English IV. 42

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LITERATURE WAITING Waiting, waiting, waiting, For the flashing lightning after the roaring thunder, For the sprinkling of raindrops as a dark rain cloud appears, For more fortunate hours to replace the lost empty ones, For the return of courageous sons sent to the front long agog And as crisis after crisis develop in the dictator countries, we Waiting, waiting, waiting. But for what? No one can tell us. Mary Angeles, English IV. E., LINES OF FREE VERSE We dwell in beauty. Our homes are surrounded with nature's wondersg The shining stars peep out on moon-lit scenesg A glowing sun turns all the sky to red, Yet people's minds are morbid and dull, They cannot grasp the wondrous glory. A senior, English IV. 1.4-1 STUDY! If we don't study, A small amount of honor, A small amount of pleasure, A small amount of confidence, A small amount of influence, A small amount of capital, A small amount of knowledge, We will gain If we don't study. Josephine Panek, English IV. lg-.. A STORM The wind comes thundering Through the trees Like a lion pack hunting down its prey, Roaring and growling with all its might Until the trees and grass All bow before its strength. Then comes a calm, Followed by a gentle rain To quench the thirsts of nature And cool her parched and dusty lips. Robert Maher, English IV. 41 are still

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LITERATURE WHY STUDY ENGLISH? EW realize that the study of English is rapidly growing more important in the education of our youth-important because the study of English is the mastery of our language as a science, as a history, as a joy, and, last, but not least, as a tool. The presentation of English as a science is grammar and analyzing. We form a sentence and then it is ruthlessly torn apart to learn what lies hidden behind the words, to learn of their origin, and then to put the entire thing together again, having been fascinated by its construction. To establish the scientific manner in which composition is created, however, one should possess restraint and the ability to construct. The good writer should be an artist, but he cannot climb to such heights if he does not study the fundamentals and basic factors of English. Writers such as Shakespeare and Keith make it possible for even the poor man to follow through and understand the thoughts of his ancestors. Notable works in prose and verse supply us with the knowledge of centuries ago. Through English we study these and make stronger our understanding of to- day's history as well as that of our ancestors. Poetry, essay, story, and drama, each having its own nutriment or correc- tion, provides one with enjoyment and relief. At a moment of despair one can seek refuge in the lovable works of his loved authors by whose charms he re- fines and sweetens. The study of English touches off the match, but to keep the flame in existence, one should continue with the wee task of extensive reading. Finally, we use English as a tool. Our language is the fundamental means of communicating with others. We use it to maintain what we command, to express ourselves, our thoughts, and our feelings, and to peculiarly arouse a close association between individuals. The culture derived from studying English cannot be obtained from any other high school subjectg therefore, let us all diligently study English. Mary Angeles, English IV. 43