Reading Log Questions #1

Jessica Smith
Professor Young
English 1101
February 4, 2016

1.  What is the meaning of the good lord bird? What does it represent?  How does it connect to the title of the book?

The meaning behind the good lord bird is something immaculate. For instance, when Fred is talking about it on page 33, he says that when people look at it they say, “Good Lord.” With that being said, the bird is supposed to represent John Brown, because he is considered, “immaculate.” When people see John Brown they have a similar reaction in a sense of saying “Good Lord,” in shock. This connects to the book because the “Lord,” the Good Lord Bird, and John Brown all relate to religion. John Brown is very religious and references the Lord with almost everything. The Good Lord Bird relates to the Lord as well, making it tie into the idea of religion as well as the other two components, John Brown and the Lord.  

2.     What is Henry’s nickname?  How did he earn it?

Henry’s nickname is Onion. He gets this nickname because John Brown had an old onion in his pocket and took it out to give to Henry as a good luck charm. Henry then took a bite of it because that is what he thought he wanted him to do because Henry thought he was John Browns “prisoner.” (Page 23-24)

                        

3.    What was Henry’s rationale for continuing to live a lie?  Was it justifiable?

Henry is continuing to live a lie because he is scared John Brown and his “army” trust him too much. On page 35, Henry talks about how white folk normally tell their slaves more than they would tell each other because they had no one else to tell. Specifically Henry says, “Back in them days white folks told niggers more than they told each other, for they knowed Negeros couldn’t do nothing but say, “Uh-huh,” and “Ummmm,” and o on about their own troubled business.” In my opinion, his lie was justifiable because you can tell he lied out of fear. John Brown is an intimidating person and he doesn’t know what will happen to him if he confesses his actual gender.

Permissible to Lie

Jessica Smith

Prof. Young

February 1, 2016

250 word response

            Many individuals specifically teachers, students, parents, children, actresses, actors, politicians and bosses, frequently lie. However, do these people have the right to do so? Lies can range from all sizes and severity. The reasons behind the lies created can vary as well. Some individuals feel the need to lie to protect those they care about from the truth that will hurt them. Others may lie simply for the fact that they are not strong enough to tell the truth. Since there are so many reasons for all types of lies, I strongly believe that it is permissible to lie when necessary. 

            There was a time I was forced to lie to my best friend about a surprise party we were all throwing for her. It was harsh at first when all of her friends, including myself, ‘coincidently’ made plans on her birthday. However, when it came time for her to walk into a room full of her loved ones screaming, “Happy Birthday!” she never seemed happier. It was up until that point where the lie was blossoming into something that could have hurt my friend’s feelings. Though, the look on her face made it all worth it. Lies like covering for a surprise party I feel are allowed to be permissible, though there are some that are not.

            As I was younger, around the age of 16, I never told the truth to my parents. I figured if I told them the truth about what I wanted to do, I would never be allowed to leave the house. I told them I was sleeping at a friend’s house when really I would be out at a party down the street. Looking back, I see it was wrong of me to lie because I see now that if I just told them the truth, I would have been allowed to do whatever I wanted. Overall, lying is only permissible sometimes. If a person is lying to protect someone’s feelings it may be necessary. However, if a person is lying to protect him/herself, it doesn’t seem right.

Getting to Know Me

Jessica Smith
ENGW 1101
Prof. Young
January 29, 2016


        My name is Jessica Smith and there are many things that make me stand out from the other 6,928 Jessica Smith's in the world. To begin, I would say I'm most passionate about traveling. For instance, over winter break I was able to go to many different places. Maryland, Georgia, Delaware, and New York were places I was able to visit. To add, I'll also be the first to admit that I've told a couple of lies during my 18 years of life. The most ridiculous lie I think I've ever told would probably be when I told my friend I didn't have food in my dorm, when in reality I just didn't want to share. Looking back, it's funny thinking about how I lied because I didn't want to share a couple of snacks. When it comes to writing, like right now, I tend to just stare at the computer rather than making an outline. Outlines make my thoughts flow more quickly however I never seem to make any.  However, so far I'd say my writing experience has been rough. I never proof read, which is hurts my grade every time. Also, its sad to say that the last time I think I read a book cover to cover was sophomore year when we had to read, To Kill a Mockingbird. Every time I try and get into a book I never seem to be interested enough to finish it. Though, I can stay up and scroll through social media forever. Whenever I have free time I'm on some sort of social media. With that being said, this semester, the most important thing for me to learn would be stay focused on my reading. When it comes to a hero, the definition of one would be someone who stands up for something they believe in. One example of a hero in my eyes would be my dad. He always seems to stand up for something he has a strong opinion on like commitment, honesty and loyalty. Which brings me to my next point, which is one of the last times I failed at something. I was dishonest to my dad about something he confronted me about. I felt as though I failed him because I went against everything a "hero" stands for in my opinion. From this experience, however, I learned to never be dishonest. I've never felt so awful about lying to my "hero," which is why I'm going to continue my days as being honest. Lastly, as a writer, I would rate myself as a B or C student. Like I said earlier, I'm able to put all of my ideas down on paper, but when it comes to proofreading, I never do. Overall, there's a lot of things to know about me, but this is the gist of it. Out of the 6,928 Jessica Smith's in the world, I'd like to say I'm pretty unique.