Seniors Purple #1 journal--from a Personal Point of View
In the movie, The Dead Poets Society, English teacher John Keating (played by Robin Williams) stands on his desk, and invites his students to do the same, in order to see the world from a different point of view. Looking down at things sure does wonders for those with inferiority complexes, doesn't it?
When Keating is fired at the end of film, his students stand on their desks in tribute to their "captain." You'll just have to watch the film to understand ALL of this, but you don't need to in order to complete this journal assignment.
For this first exercise of the third marking period, you'll learn how point of view effects a story.
Here's the scene that you will write about:
It's lunchtime on a Monday afternoon at a large diocesan Catholic school in Delaware with these three characters: Joe, Tom, and Susan. Tom and Susan are high school seniors and have been dating for a while. Joe is Tom's best friend, but he and Susan have never gotten along too well. Tomorrow all three have a big Calculus test, but tonight, the football team is playing in the state finals (OK, it's a Monday night football game--it "could" happen). Win or lose, a big victory party is planned afterwards, and "everyone" is invited.
Tom is torn—to study or not to study, that is the question.
Susan is very certain of where she stands. Knowing that Tom needs a good Calc grade this semester to get into Virginia Tech (the school to which she has already been accepted), Susan feels the need to get together with him to study; to her, the football game is not an option.
Joe, on the other hand, will definitely attend the game and the party, and hopefully with his friend, Tom. Whether Susan joins them is up to her.
The three are eating lunch. After this thirty-minute period, each person wants to be sure to have his or her fate for the night decided. So, using one of the three first person points of view below, tell the story.
FOR EXTRA CREDIT---Working with a partner in your class, tell the same story from TWO different points of view. Post together at Schoolsville.
Choose from the following points of view to tell your story of what takes place:
Interior monologue or stream of consciousness—the reader gets to tune in to somebody's train of thought or stream of consciousness. Choose either Tom,
Dramatic monologue--another first person point of view. The reader gets to overhear someone speaking aloud to and interacting with another person. The "other person" does not respond. See "Straight Pool" in Points of View for an example. This point of view could work if ONE of the characters is a "big talker." Have him or her dominate the conversation, reacting perhaps to "unheard" dialogue by the others.
posted by JTF @ 7:52 AM
19 comments
19 Comments:
Joe
This sucks. Why doesn't he just go to the game and the party? Its senior year and all he does is study because of her. God I hate her. Its not like they're gonna make it through college anyway, even if they go to the same one. This is a one in a lifetime chance and he is ruining it. I don't know why I'm his best friend. I should have stayed friends with those kids on the baseball team. They knew how to have fun. His idea fun is hanging out with her all day. He wouldn't know a good time if it hit him right in the face. If grades mean so damn much to him he should be studying right now instead of hooking up with her. She ruins everything. There's gonna be a keg at the house and so many hot girls there and he's gonna miss it for her. He could have gotten with so many girls if he hadn't stayed with her. God knows how bad its gonna be if they go to college together. I should try to break them up. Hell, I'd be doing him a favor. Why would you even wanna start college tied down to a girl, especially her. She's not even that hot. College is for partying and getting with tons of girls every weekend, not just one. I don't think I've even seen him outside of school for like a month. He's so whipped. If this keeps up he's gonna see a lot more of her because he's gonna have to start looking for a new best friend.
Alright man you need to listen to me. This is your senior year of high school you need to go to this game with me. I don't care what Susan is telling you about college and your future. You know that you can get in to Virginia Tech stop being so soft. I'm sick of you bailing on me to study with her. I know that you like her and all but dude you have to have some guy time once in a while. You have to come to the game with me; and we can go out to the party after it's going to be so sick. You have bailed on me so many times and I'm not going to let you do it again. Forget everything else you have to do this, you're not married don't let her run your life. You need to do what you want to do and I know that you want to go to the game with me. Seriously look she's coming back now what is it going to be? Are you going to be soft and study with her or are you going to be Tom and come out and party with me tonight? Yes, I knew you would make the right choice. Now when are you picking me up?
worked with nb purple
Okay, finally Joe got up to get his lunch. Think it took long enough? You think I couldn't hear you guys talking but I definitely could with Joe's big mouth. I can't believe he's telling you these things. It's your FUTURE for god's sake. Aren't you worried about it at all? Virginia Tech is not an easy school to get into. I mean come on it was even hard for me to get into and you know the kind of grades I get. What? You think I study too much? How about when you don't get into Tech, then how do you think you'll feel? You won't be telling me I study too much. And what was he saying about a party after? Come on, Tom. We all know you don't like going to parties. Why are you trying to be something you're not? Oh, you're not trying to be something you're not? Don't give me that face. Then how about you tell your friend that school is more important to you than some football game. I can't believe you just said that. He says you bail on him all the time? What about last weekend when you two went to the movies without asking me. I'm pretty sure that's bailing on ME. And what was Joe even saying about us not "being married?" Who cares if we're not married, we can still hang out. Joe obviously doesn't know what it's like to have a girlfriend. Has he ever had one? Okay that doesn't count. Having a girlfriend in the 6th grade is not real. Stop nagging you? I can't believe you just said that. Okay, you know what Tom? Fine, you go to the game with Joe. Don't say I didn't try to help. See you tomorrow in Calc.
Worked with bh purple.
Interior Monologue of Joe
You gotta be kidding me? Is he really buying into all her bull? Like come on Tom your really going to blow off the game and party, and me? What! Susan don't bring me into this. My grades aren't important to this subject. Who cares if I am pulling Cs. This just isn't fair. If she would stop running her mouth for five minutes I could get my word in and it will be a done deal. I have been persuading Tom into doing things my way since we were five, there's no way he will choose to study over going to the party with me. I mean if she would stop being such a stuck up for once she could even come too, but I'm not trying to ruin the party. I can't take this crap it's making me hungry. A cheese steak would really hit the spot right now. But wait, if I get up now Susan can say whatever she wants to get Tom to stay home and study. Dang, twenty minutes left in lunch. Susan would you shut up! Alright cool my telepathy worked, she's getting up to go get some food. What, Tom you idiot don't go with her. Dang guess ill get my food now too. Me and Tom can always talk later, that is if Susan hasn't locked him up so he can't do anything. Oh well, cheese steak here I come.
I’m not sure what I’m going to do for tonight Susan. Yes, Susan I know I need to study for this test, but Joe wants me to go to this game with him. Yes I realize that he is not the one I’m dating, but he is still my friend. I mean come on its been weeks since the last time I went out with my friends to an event like this. I know I need to get into college and I’ll study. I just don’t see why I can’t do both. Besides all I need is a B on this Calculus test to be accepted so that shouldn’t be too hard. Yes, I realize that I haven’t done well on my last few Calc tests, but I know this section, believe me. Fine how about this; I’ll make a compromise with you. I’ll go to the game, hang out with Joe, then afterwards I’ll go home and study, is that okay with you? Well I’m sorry then I don’t know what to tell you cause I can’t study for three hours straight like you can. Susan, it’ll be okay I’m going to do fine on my test, but I’m going to the game tonight. Oh time for class, see ya later and don’t worry it’ll all work out fine.
worked with tt purple
He's only doing this because Joe's telling him to. If it weren't for Joe maybe he would actually be smart enough to realize what's important. If only he were like Pete. Pete was a good guy, till he dumped me for that younger girl that is. I can't be thinking like this anymore. Pete is way out of the picture these days. "I don't understand why you think one stupid party is more important than getting into school next year. If you do bad on this test you're not going to get a B for the quarter, Tom." What is he talking about? Wow. Why do boys only ever think about themselves? And why can’t Joe just stay out of this? He has other friends he can go to that damn party with. I only have one boyfriend! “What do you mean it’s only one night out?! Are you actually going to spend your Monday night at some lame party? Bottom line Tom, it’s the party or your future.” I can’t believe he might actually go. He seems pretty set on it. Should I break up with him? No way, people would call me controlling, mean, and maybe even crazy. “Tom, where are you going? Why would you walk away from me? Come back! I’m sorry, you can go if you want!” Where did he go? I guess I’ll just study for Calc alone then. Whatever, boyfriends are overrated anyway.
Here we go again she’s going to try and talk him out of the party. I swear to God she has a banging body, but she is such a drag. Tom, pass me the ketchup and salt. Susan you know you don’t have to go to the party to Tom and I will be fine alone. A matter of fact you should study so we can cheat off you. If she comes we might as well not even go, she will ruin the fun. I don’t think you’ll like the drinking and drugs. And sex, if she knew we were planning on meeting up with the Maroni twins she would freak on Tom. Tom be a man for once, at least if you go to the party you know your going to have fun. Mind my business…. Susan Tom and I have been best friends since pre-school his fun is my business. Why are you telling me to chill out she started it? That’s it Tom do what you always do take the past of least resistance, freaking chicken. Oh great now she’s going to start crying, time to put the plan in work. Wait for it…wait for it…there always so predictable. Tom, are you going to let her say that? Finally, now we got this thing back on track hopefully he can close the deal this time. You don’t have to yell like that Tom; she is your girlfriend after all. Laugh out loud she is speechless for once this is hilarious at least Tom stuck to the plan. Well, Susan I guess you and Tom won’t be spending time together anyway tonight. Her face is turning red hopefully he can tough it out. Three. Two. One. Lift off, we win I can’t believe it she actually got up and left. Tom I told you, all you had to do was start an argument and we could get rid of her for the night. Even though I never thought you had the balls to pull it off. Yea I know I'm a genius, I'm always right.
can’t believe you. How can you be so disrespectful? I understand that you have your “boy” needs to go to the game but, you also have needs to get into college! Don’t you want to have a good career and a nice life with me? All you seem to care about is fooling around and that’s not something that lasts. A distinguishing life is what lasts. WHAT?! Why are you staring at me, Joe? You have something you want to say? That’s what I thought. Idiot. You never think about anyone but yourself. All that matters is that you have fun regardless of the people you hurt! Do you know how hard I worked to get into Virginia Tech? And you just sit around on your lazy ass and expect me to do all the studying and then just cheat off of me later! Well no more. I am laying down the line and you are NOT going to that party. You WILL stay home with me and study. It’s one night in. How much can it hurt?
Interior monologue
Joe listening to Susan and Tom fighting
…. Sometimes Susan can be so nagging. I don’t really understand why she is persuading him to study he should be able to choose what he wants to choose. He needs to break up with her and be with me. Wait what am I saying…. She is really pretty but I can’t stand the way she acts. But her beautiful brown locks… Uh she looked at me. Look down at the floor and try not to be obvious I was looking at her. I wish she didn’t have to study and would come to the party. Although Tom is my best friend I find you super attractive. Why are you with Tom? He is an awesome friend but I don’t know why you go out with him. He still sleeps in his superman pajamas. If only you could hear what I’m thinking. Whoa wait a second, did she just say that?! Wow that’s a turn off. I forgot about how rude she can be at times and cocky. How did I get caught up in my emotions and like her? Come on Tom man up tell her you are coming to the party with me. You can still probably get into college if you don’t study for one test. How much can it hurt?
I’ve got no idea. I’ve only got a couple more months with these guys, I should spend as much as I can with them, there won’t be another party like this and I’m gonna miss Joe, he wants me there so badly. I’ve only got a couple more months with these guys. . . actually if I end up at UD I’ve got four more years with them. I can’t do that, I can’t go. I’m just going to study, I need this grade. Joe doesn’t think about college, not like Susan, she’s right I’ll just stay in and get this over with. I don’t need to go to the party, I can go to parties at Virginia Tech., that’ll be fun…
Quit making me feel bad, I don’t want to study, I’ve got to. Joe why do you have to be like this, can’t you just shut up? I’m sorry. He’s got other people to talk to there, he’ll have fun, he’ll be fine, I won’t be if I don’t get into Virginia Tech. Susan say something, stand up for me, you know I cant go, back me up, that’s what you’re supposed to do.
. . .Thanks Susan, I think Joe’s afraid of you, that’ll stop him. He’s gonna feel hurt for a while, but I’ve got to do what’s good for me, Thanks Susan.
Interior Monologue Joe
Look at her. How can she eat like that? Everyday she gets three slices of pepperoni and a bucket of fries that she loads with mountains of salt and ketchup. What does Tom see in her? I’m tired of her drooling all over him. He hasn’t hung out with the boys in over a month. She doesn’t let him do anything! She might as well be his mother. I mean this calc test is going to be a joke anyway. Does he really think that an A on one little calc test is going to get him into Virginia Tech. Besides this is the most important night of our entire senior year. We haven’t been to the championship game in twenty years and he’s going to miss it because uptight Susan wants him to study for calc. This is ridiculous! Maybe she doesn’t even want him to go. Now that I think about it, I bet she doesn’t want Tom to go so that she can flirt with other guys at the party. Yeah, that’s it! I’ve got to tell T before it’s too late.
From the point of view of Joe
Look at him and that disgustingly goofy grin on his face…. How does Susan have such a hold on him? I can already tell what he’s going to do—just call me a fortuneteller. Fortuneteller Joe Connelly at your service! But seriously, this happens all the time. Tom and I have plans to do something awesome, and that little beauty queen over there goes and ruins it for me. When Todd had that banger Tom had to help her clean her car! When it was MY birthday it was their 14 month anniversary. Today his grade is on the line. What’s next? Skipping out on prom because they have plans to elope?! On second thought, they should have already done that—they act like an old married couple anyways. Yeah yeah yeah. I’m fine Tom. Go ahead and do what you got to do to make sure that your girl’s perfect face doesn’t become all pouty and blotchy with tears. No, I’m not angry. I’m simply cracking my knuckles because I had to write an essay in English class and my hand hurts… Oh no, you two cuties aren’t going to hold hands across the table now, are you? We’re in a CATHOLIC SCHOOL. Can I get a nun over here? Some inappropriate contact going on! Thank God for this salami sandwich, it really is delicious. Now I just have to eat it really slow and not look up. I’m not annoyed. At least according to those two lovebirds I’m not. They’re busy planning their exciting calculus study night and gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. Yeah, thanks for giving the idea of going to the football game with me a split second of thought Tom, some best friend you are. I’ll see you two soul mates tomorrow.
Worked with TM
Joe
Dude this kid is so freakin’ whipped. Does he know how sweet this party will be? Of course he knows he has to know, I told him ten times. There will be mad fine girls, lots of other cool people and I’m sure fun stuff and trouble to get into. Man I need him to come with me. I NEED A WINGMAN! He’s so good at helping me get the conversations rolling with a group at girls. We’ve been doing this forever. We’ve been friends since fifth grade. I hate Susan. She’s such a buzz kill! Tom was never like this until she came around. Just because she wants to sit home and be anti-social and be a nerd doesn’t mean he has to! She’s so worried about his grades. They’re his grades. He doesn’t even seem to care about this calc test. But of course he has to act like he does when she’s around because if he doesn’t, she’ll be off the wall, nagging, and yelling and doing all the dumb girlfriend stuff girls do. Whatever, I got to just talk to him when she’s not around. I’ll be able to get my point across and convince him then.
Tom
Dude what do I do? Joe has a point. I mean it’s the finals of football I can’t miss that and the party after. Joe is gonna be so mad if I blow off the game and party of the year for studying. Who knows how long he’ll be making fun of me and he'll think i'm totally whipped by Susan… Good thing he just got up to get food. Now I can figure this thing out without hearing any input from him. Why do I hafta make choices like this? I mean they are basically putting me in the middle. Whoever or whatever I choose the other person is going to be mad at me. At the same time Susie has a point too. She doesn’t hafta worry about this, but I hafta get in to Virginia Tech. I’d look so stupid if I didn’t get in and she already has. Plus she’s willing to help me study and if I fail my whole senior year is going to be messed up all cause of a game. Maybe I could go to both? Geez, If Susan would just be quiet for a minute so I could actually be able to think? This has to be the longest lunch period ever… Great he’s back now I hafta hear them argue over what I’m going to do. I don’t care it’s my choice and they just are going to hafta live with that. Okay decision time before someone says something else. Is it just me or did the cafeteria become really quiet… I think I know what to do. I’ll go to the game, but skip the party. There are gonna be so many more parties this year. It’s our senior year. So I will come home and study for a couple hours and swing by and catch the game. Be home by ehhh.. 9:30 or so and then study for a couple more hours. That’ll work. Now I gotta see what they will say…
JOE-
God! She's so controlling. She is always telling Tom what to do. If he doesn't want to study then he shouldn't have to. It's just one test. He'll get into Virginia Tech. It's our senior year and its the state championship. i mean come on susan..why would he even think of skipping it? and he'll miss the after party. everyone whose anyone will be there. he can just skip school tomorrow and miss the test. its no big deal, people do it all the time. then stupid susan can study with him all weekend. they can study for hours for all i care. and if he doesn't get into Virginia Tech..GOOD. then he wont be attached to the old ball and chain anymore. God! she drives me crazy. i really don't know why he likes her or how he stands her. she treats him like she's his mom. tom study. tom do your homework. tom this! tom that! DOES SHE EVER SHUT UP. he already got accepted into Delaware. which is where i got accepted..and we planned on being roommates. until she came along. she ruins everything. maybe him coming to Delaware with me will be a good test of their relationship. hahaha i hope they break up. she's the worst. plus, everyone knows you don't bring the high school girlfriend with you to college. theres a whole new babe pool.
TOM-
The State Championship is tonight! It’s going to be crazy! I have to go! But what about my Calc test. I need to study for that. I can’t fail this test. Virginia Tech is still looking at my grades. Susan’s right I should study. And she’s smart so she’ll definitely help me out. But tom’s right. It’s my senior year and this is the State Championship! It’s only one test. I’ve been waiting for this game all year! And the after party will be wild if we win! I’ll just look over calc during homeroom. or i could just skip school tomorrow..that would work too. ah but then i would have no one to cheat off of if i get stuck. hmmm..I just hope Susan doesn’t get mad. She always get mad when I choose Joe over her. It’s so annoying. I wish they would just get along and then we could hang out together. Okay but I’m definitely going to the game. and hopefully i can convince susan to go too. sometimes she is such a party pooper. Thats why we work though..were such opposites!! Okay so we need to go buy paint. We have to paint our bodies. I want to go all out! were defiantly making signs. Ah I can’t wait!! We better win this game!!
Joe
Susan is really starting to annoy me. All she does is ruin Tom’s senior year and prevent him from coming out and having fun. She’s not even attractive in any way. It’s the end of high school; Tom should be coming out with me every weekend and meeting new girls. Instead he’s always stuck back at Susan’s doing absolutely nothing. Tom is a smart guy, I’m sure he’ll get into Virginia Tech and I’m sure he’ll do well on his calc test. I mean he has done well his whole high school career. How is this test different from any of the other ones? The only reason Susan wants him to study is so they can go to college together. I think it’d be best for them to go to different schools and both meet new people. The party tonight is going to be so much fun. I don’t know why someone wouldn’t go if they had a choice. He can just skip school tomorrow and make the calc test up the next day if he’s so worried about it. Hopefully Tom will realize how dumb he’s being and just come out with me after the game. I know he’ll regret it if he doesn’t.
Stop playing with your food and look at me! I’d swear you were dating him instead of me! But that will work out well for you two next year when you go to community college together! Maybe you two can get an apartment and live together. That will be cute! I can’t believe you are putting our future together in jeopardy over one stupid game. Okay, yeah yeah, it’s the state championship whatever. The point is I will be hours and hours away. You’ll be lucky if you see me once a month. Plus no employer is going to care whether your high school football team won the state championship or not! Don’t you roll your eyes at me! I am just looking out for your future and ours but you don’t seem to care about either. Games, partying, and your boyfriend Joe are all you care about. That will get you really far in life, Tom. Yes, I know we are seniors and this year should be fun but maybe if you had worked harder in the beginning of the semester you could afford a mediocre grade on this test but since you didn’t, I have no sympathy. Here comes Joe. Now I won’t bring it up again, Tom. If you get your priorities straight before tonight I will see you at my house by seven. If not, you better hope you find a lucky penny or a four-leaf clover on the way to Calculus tomorrow.
Tom has to go to this game! There’s no way I’m going to let stubborn Susan keep him home studying. He doesn’t even need to study! His grades are fine! What is she so worried about anyway? Boy she just needs to lighten up. Of course Tom is going to get into Virginia Tech. Has she ever thought to just let him have some fun? For once in her life could she just step outside of her box?! God forbid she go to a football game! I mean everyone in the school is going to be there! Plus the parties after the game are going to be the best parties of the year! We can’t miss this. I could care less if she comes, but there’s no way I’m letting Tom miss it. He’s going to be right by my side for that game, no matter what Susan says. How can she be so controlling and demanding!? We just want to have some fun! It’s senior year, and it’s such a big game! I don’t care what she says, we’re going. As soon as she walks into this cafeteria I’m going to lay down the law. She is not controlling Tom anymore. We’re going to this game together! Whether she comes is up to her, I could care less. But I’m not going to sit back and watch her tell him no!
Ok Tom, while Susan goes and gets her pathetic meal she calls a lunch, let’s talk about this party. I heard that she has been trying to convince you not to go, and you know I think that is just terrible. Ever since you have gone out with her you haven’t been having fun with your friends anymore. That includes me man, don’t you remember back when we became best friends in first grade? Come on now we do everything together. Are you really going to let this girl get in the way of your last high school party, the senior party of the year? This is your last opportunity in your life to ever party with all of these awesome people, besides you’ll have plenty girlfriends in the future. Susan isn’t even that good looking? Go to the party and don’t worry about the test, you are naturally smart you’ll probably do well anyway. Also didn’t you say earlier in the year you were looking at other colleges? I mean you don’t even really like Virginia Tech that much, are you really going to let her decide for you which college to go too? You need to take back control of your life and make decisions for yourself this instant. You know what I don’t even care if you go to the party or not at this point, just as long as the decision to not go is yours and not hers. Me and you, we have always been rebels getting trouble breaking the rules, in my opinion you should go and have a good time and maybe you can be yourself again. She has changed you to the point where she almost has made me not want to be friends with you. You are whipped to the extreme and do everything she says. Please Tom, just do the right thing for yourself and not because of her, go to the party.
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