Skimdude009's Blog

Arguement of the “Quote of the Novel.”

skimdude009 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:37:55 +0000

In Montana 1948, written by Larry Watson, there are many quotes that stand out to the public and may just be the best lines to sum up the book in one sentence. I think though Larry Watson, an author, shows this masterful line on page 16 where Mercer County is described with a double meaning foreshadowing the characters of the book. The line reads, “Mercer County is plains, flat a tabletop on its western edge and river with gullies ravines and low rocky hills to the east because of the work the Knife River has done for centuries. The only trees that grow in that part of the county, aside from a farm cottonwoods along the riverbank, have been planted by farmers and town dewellers. And they haven’t planted many. If the land had its way, nothing would grow taller than sagebrush and buffalo grass.” I think this is the quote I would save from this book because it just has so many deep meanings. First of all it gives you a clear picture of Mercer County, making you use your sense of sight, and then it also is a huge metaphor in the process. I think the two sides of Mercer County depict the two very different brothers of the book. One side is green and beautiful with a just pure glorious scenery. While the other side is a wasteland and very boring. Now I think the two sides could decribe either of the brothers at times in the book. The idea of this quote at the beginging of the book really helps you think during the whole time how different these two characters are from one another. The metaphor is a good one, but for some hard to catch. I didn’t notice it right away, but I did notice the way it tapped into my imagination. Right away I started picturing a place of just green grass and almost perfect, while the other is just boring and almost destroyed. This quote is the quote of the novel because it somes up the book and how everything can be very black and white, yet have very little similiarities.

The Essay of Place.

skimdude009 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:58:12 +0000

I have lived in Paddock Lake, Wisconsin my whole life. My family is not the richest or the poorest, but we do not take expensive trips and travel the world, but we do explore Wisconsin. At least once a year, when the leaves have changed or possibly even during the time of when the sun is beating down on us, I attend a Wisconsin Badger Football game. My family always walk to the game down State Street of Madison, maybe stopping to eat. Agh, just the thought of State Street on game day. Red and White just covering everything and everyone. The sounds of no cars on the street because EVERY student walks to show their Badger Spirit. Bumping into someone at this place ad having a polite conversation seems to always occur. Not only does the personality of how nice Madison’s people are show, but also so weird. There is always that aburpt stop on the walk to watch a street performer or just a group of kids cheering before the game. Not only does State Street have a special place in my heart on a game day, just all the time. The look of it is so old and rugged, and yet so modern. You could go to one of the oldest stores and next just be a fad of the time. State Street’s look isn’t just cool and hip, it’s arcuticually perfect. The long road where cars are not allowed, surrounded by all buildings, that leads up to the beautiful Capitol Building. If you ever have the chance to walk down State Street on a hot, but nice summer day, because you will never find yourself bored at anytime or hungry. State Street isfull of fashion, but also full of the smell of a college kids dream meals. The B Dubs, Mia Za’s, and Ian’s just waiting to serve you. All these thoughts popping in my mind now, making me want to go there this moment. Now, to some individuals this place wouldn’t be the same for them as it is to me, but growing up seeing my brothers attending Madison hoping I do, too. Makes it just ten times better. State Street in Madison is just Wisconsin at it’s finest. Nice people, good food, and beautiful sceneary to complete it. The atmosphere just draws you in and makes you want to live in Madison. The Street is not only a glorious place to look a, but it’s a helpful place, too. When you ask one of the kind strangers of Madison ” How do you get to such and such?”. They always reply with “Well, do you know where State Street is?”. State Street is the center of Madison and the at the center of my heart. It’s impacted me with good personalit, the hope of getting great education, and just made some boring days into a “Let’s explore down on State Street day.” I think if you were to compare me and State Street we are almost the same. Polite, helpful, and social the three things that are always roaming in the air of State Street.

The Character Sketch.

skimdude009 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:34:31 +0000

In my life there has been many times where I’ve been asked “Who is your mentor?”. I always just used a simple answer of someone in the family, but a couple years ago I think thatanswer had changed to someone I don’t know, but know all about. This man shows leadership, dedication, and just pure drive. This 4x Iowa State Champion, 4x NCAA Champion, and now Iowa Sate Coach is Cael Sanderson.

My life has been deeply impacted by wrestling over the past few years. It’s shown me the pure emotions of people and how they can be connected to something like a sport. This man, undeafted in his college carrer(159-0), is just one example of some who turns a hobby into a lifestyle and makes them a better person. Yes, I know where he was born, his moves, I even wear his shoes, but honestly I don’t know what he’s like at all. Being the first wrestler my brother told me about and the way I watch him almost religiously, makes me think “Why do I look up to him?”. Cael Sanderson makes me just want to do everything in my life 100% all the time. Not only looking at his stats and such things, but being able to live your life for something shows true heart. The though of meeting him just makes me want to be a State Champ. He just has an aura to him that could just make someonenormal as you and I complete their dreams. That’s another thing the fact that at times it got tough, but in his mind no one was stopping him from his goal. As i said before wrestling has made me the person I am today, but the combination of Cael Sanderson and wrestling has taught me many lessons. It’s shown me drive, leadership, confidence, and discipline. The mind set of everything to 100% of my ability has helped me with not only sports, but school and friends. Working late to get a re-do in, that I may not need to even do, or just going to extra mile to make a friend happy. Teaching me the important lesson of life, “Just to try.” Cael gives me the hope for others to get things done. He is what picks me up when I’m tired, frustrated, or mad. Another thing that I admire is that wrestling is his life, but in a healthy way. I’ve seen kids/adults waste their time on something they have no care for what so-ever. This man has made me the strong, brave, and dependent teenager who I am today. Cael Sanderson, Iowa’s Champ, is also this Wisconsin boy’s Hero.

Quote of Place.

skimdude009 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:33:35 +0000

Page 101 To the east of Bentrock was a grassy butte called Circle Hill, the highest elevation around.

Quote Of a Relationship.

skimdude009 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:28:30 +0000

Page 41 But since Frank and Gloria had no children I always felt some pressure to please them, to be like the son they didn’t have.

Quote of a metaphor

skimdude009 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:24:09 +0000

Page 65 But the wind has a different smell here. In North Dakota it always smelled like dirt. Even in the middle of winter with all the snow there could still be the smell of dirt in the air. As if the wind came from some open place that never froze. But here thw ind smells like the mountains. Like stone. No matter how far away the mountains are, I still feel them out there. I can’t get used to it. I never will. I guess I’m a flatlander at heart.

Quote of the NOVEL.

skimdude009 — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:14:32 +0000

Page 16 Mercer County is plains, flat a tabletop on its western edge and river with gullies ravines and low rocky hills to the east because of the work the Knife River has done for centuries. The only tress that grow in that part of the county, aside from a farm cottonwoods along the riverbank, have been planted by farmers and town dewellers. And they haven’t planted many. If the land had its way, nothing would grow taller than sagebrush and buffalo grass.

skimdude009 — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:38:06 +0000

Grandpa Hayden

The bitter cold mountain high above the rest

Blows in a harsh wind to disturb the nest

Ignoring the people with its cold shoulder

Once in a while throwing down a boulder

Making people nervous and shake

The mountain roars with a large earthquake

Specific destruction only to some

Making sure others know it’s his kingdom