What Grade do I deserve?

In all honesty, I feel like I have earned a low A, or a high B in the class.  My downfall is the fact that I simply had a very hard time reading the Novel of Anne Boleyn.  I just struggled through it and didn't do very well on a couple of the quizzes.  However, I really did make a focused effort to do well on the papers, and I tried to make the most of opportunities for bonuses.  We shall see.  I did put a lot of work into the class for the semester.

The Class in Review

This semester, I really do feel like I learned a lot.  Specifically, many facts about the technical details of writing.  Ms. Hanson has been more than great!  She has been tremendously helpful and supportive.  If you do the work and make any effort, there is no reason why someone shouldn't make a good grade in her class.  She bends over backwards to help her students.  I really enjoyed the class.  It was relaxed and fun.  We met in the evening time once a week for 3 hours, and I honestly liked the class meeting schedule more so than traditional class schedules. 

There is absolutely nothing I would suggest our teacher change about the setup of the course.  The only thing I did have a slight problem with was the book we were assigned to read for the semester.  Its not that the book wasn't good or entertaining, it just wasn't for me.  Its a romance novel all the way.  I went through a tough break up this semester which made it a very depressing read for me. 

If I had the option to take Ms. Hanson's class again, I definitely would.  I would just simply ask her for a different book next time :) 

Its been a pleasure getting to know all of you this semester.  Ive had a blast in the class while learning at the same time.  I wish all of you the best of luck going forward, and nothing but success!

Shattered Heart

The person I hold dearest to my heart, has recently torn my world apart.  I've felt down and depressed, to the point that it made me feel obsessed.  All I can think about are the things I've done wrong, but at the same time, I'm trying to remain strong.  I know who I am and what I'm capable of, and no one should ever question my devotion to love.  No one is perfect and people make mistakes, but forgiveness should always allow for a clean slate.  Our relationship was always strong, and now I'm wondering what went so wrong.  I hope that one day things will work out, but for now, I'm out.

Chap 13-15

During these chapters, It becomes more clear what Anne's fate is.  She appears to be the center of religious reform moving forward.  After 4 months of being removed from the Kings court, the King sends two men to visit her in Hever.  In chapt 13, during Christmas, Anne was visited by her good friend Margaret Wyatt.  Anne confirmed to the rumors Margaret had heard about the relationship she had with the King.  Margaret begged Anne to be careful due to the fact that she felt that Katherine would use all her power and connections to retain her marriage with the King.  The King sent for Anne asking she and her family to be his "guests".  This was significant to Anne because it meant she would not have to serve the Queen any longer.  She was also provided her own group of servants who were her close friends.  At the end of Chapter 15, Anne comes face to face with Katherine.  Katherine basically calls her a whore, but Anne held her ground and was not intimidated by Katherine.  This would be the last time they would speak again.

Anne Boleyn Chap 9-12

I am having an extremely hard time reading this book.  For one, its a romance novel even though it does has historical significance.  Secondly, I went through a very rough break up during this semester so reading a romance novel is torture for me given my circumstances.  I have been amazed of the politics required during this time period which were required in order to have the Kings marriage annulled.  The Kings affair with Anne was a very delicate political situation.  I was unaware of this prior to reading the book.  In Chapter 9, it becomes clear that Cardinal Wosley is an obstacle to overcome to have the Kings marriage annulled.  Although he was in the way, Anne and the King needed his political connections to continue to peruse their annulment.  I also could not believe that the King asked Anne to serve the Queen during her stay.  Although it was her duty, and it also helped avoid suspicion, I could not imagine being Anne and having to endure that.

A Novel of Anne Boleyn

First off, I have to admit that I am not a big fan of reading books that I have no particular interest in.  So far, I am intrigued slightly by the book and plan to continue reading.  We were asked to read the first four chapters.  I have started reading but not made through all four chapters yet. 

 

I found it interesting that the King has offered her the position of Maitresse en Titre, Anne had rejected the King because she was saving herself for he future husband. Anne had another love in her life, Lord Henry Percy but that future never happened because of the Cardinal Wolsey.  Anne knew she was worthy of marriage and being a mistress was not good enough for her. Henry finally arrived in the garden catching Anne talking to herself, this was found funny to the King(pg33).  Upon first sight of the King Anne found him magnificent in all of his grandeur.  Henry talked of his current marriage to Katherine that he had taken his brothers wife. This was a tainted marriage and he couldn't stay in it (pg 34).  During this conversation Henry professed his love of Anne and that he wanted  her to become his queen (pg 35). This was to remain a secret until his advisors could come up with the best plan for this to work.

 

Chapter 9 - Cause and Effect Essay

We are currently working on our second essay in class.  The essay is supposed to be a cause and effect essay.  Chapter 9 in the St. Martins Guide to Writing.  The reading did give me good insight on how to structure my essay, but I must say Im not comfortable with it yet.  Everyone in class was asked to pick an activist or activist group to do our essay on.  I chose to do mine on the National Rifle Association.  I have to admit I found it hard trying to decide what exactly to write about.  I ended up explaining the NRA's association with gun rights vs gun control and the role they play in the legislative process to protect our second amendment right.