Candide

 If I had to choose a book to save, I would definitely save Candide written by Voltaire. If the reader understands the time period in which the book is written, many hidden satirist comments can be found under a thin veil of naïveté. This book contains unrealistic situations that always seem to ensnare the protagonist and his friends that would never actually happen. An example of such a situation is the survival through numerous ordeals that would kill any other person. For its time, Candide turned its world upside down. Voltaire attacks religious structures, both Catholic and Protestant, which are hypocritical along with the political atmosphere throughout Europe and its colonies. As the book travels from Eastern Europe to Spain and to the New World, the reader cannot help but laugh at the senselessness of the characters and events in the book. How religious superstition overcomes common sense and the obvious truth to the reader. Even the dialogue of the book is of satirist tone. Almost of the characters suffer unrealistic negative events that are so far out there, that even the most empathetic reader has to have a little chuckle.  

Halloween

As a kid I went trick or treating, until I was about 13 years old. I always enjoyed the event, but now I can just take candy from my brothers when they go. The best part of Halloween is all of the horror movies that fill every time slot for major television channels. I feel that after Halloween most people and stores already begin their displays for Christmas, which is still two months away and therefore too soon and a nuisance.  On top of that since my last name is Trick, I always get a lot of jokes based on my last name.  Overall, I still enjoy Halloween, just through other outlets other than trick or treating, such as haunted trails and buildings. It’s nice to see how my brothers enjoy Halloween in their own special ways, and it is always interesting to see what they want to dress up as.                                   

Wright State Changes

I am not too sure I would change anything about Wright State. Overall my experiences here have been good. Each instructor is unique and has their own way of teaching, so since that is most likely the main argument for change at a school that can be thrown out here.  As a freshman there is a lot I still don’t know about Wright State in general. Everyone seems nice enough, and I haven’t encountered any huge problems.  Maybe students should have more freedom in the material of a course. I think students in college should have the ability to choose what classes they want to take, and when to do so.

Revisions

My revisions are somewhat different from my original copies, but with changes in wording and sentence structure, instead of the overall ideas behind the paragraphs. Overall, I am satisfied with my midterm portfolio grade. It wasn’t the highest grade it could be, but it wasn’t a C either.  The revision process takes time, which I think is best if it is done in multiple days so you don’t rush through it. The topic assignments are not too challenging, even though they are not the topics I would choose to write about. I feel that our work would be better if we had multiple drafts done instead of just one, allowing more people to give their opinions on our work.