Student #1 [male]

Essay on the book Catherine, Called Birdy

In the book Catherine, Called Birdy, by Karen Cushman, Catherine’s behavior was so unacceptable that it could only get better. Change is always horrible, so don’t be afraid to take opportunities for change. Catherine lived in England in 1200. All she wanted was to be left alone, but her father wanted her to marry Shaggy Beard. So she behaved badly and ran away to marry someone she would be happy with. In the beginning of the story Catherine is a very foolish, stubborn little girl, but near the end she is a quite responsible, mature adult.

Catherine was an unwilling child with a very immature attitude. For instance she said “If Edward thinks that by writing a journal I will grow less childish, then he will have to write it for me, less childish indeed.” This outrageous behavior show her poorness of heart. Also showing that she’s little miss cranky pants and that she needs improvement. When her father informed her of Shaggy Beard she responded pathetically. For example, her expressions were clear “By a pig’s tail, I will not be given into marriage.” When Shaggy Beard arrived to the Manor she hid in a barn hoping that he would leave.

Near the end of the story Catherine pulled herself through and grew to be a responsible, mature grown up. For instance, she took responsibility by buying a bear in order to stop the fight that was about to happen. There would be 2 bears that would fight for entertainment. She thought it was dull so she bought the bear. When the King's cousin saw Catherine, she told her, "Sometimes you can’t push back, you have to take life as it is.” When the time came she didn’t push back! It was incredible. Catherine gave many impacts by the end of the story byu taking things seriously and peacefully.

In the beginning of the book Catherine, Called Birdy, Catherine needed an attitude adjustment for she was quite a stubborn child. But it turns out that she realized that change was needed and she came out on top of her good. Catherine wanted to be free but her father wanted Catherine and Shaggy Beard gotether. So, she became mature and responsible and married someone she loved. Change is not always needed, although sometimes it’s just what people need.

Final assessment on Frost’s poetry: explication of “The Sound of the Trees”

“The Sound of the Trees” by Robert Frost is a fantastic poem. It describes his passion and wonders. Why shall we put up with the trees and their swishing noises? Trees change Frost’s mood from bad to good. The author says how he “acquires” the listening air of these marvelous creatures we call trees. The trees talk about leaving, but they never keep their word. So, as “they grow wiser and older,” like Frost used to say, they keep their roots down in the floor and he watches them sway. Then, he decides to go forward and to make a reckless choice.

One of these days when the white clouds are up and the trees are in voice Frost won’t hear a sound for very far Frost shall be. The poem’s theme is that the trees are the people who say they will accomplish goals and dreams but they are still dreaming. And that Frost is the one who will come awake. The tone of Frost is courage to be the living and not dreaming tree. The accent of “the sound of the trees” is “ I wonder’ about’ the trees.’/Why do’ we wish’ to bear’ forever’ the noise’ of these.” The mood the author used was joy for happy Frost will be.