Fire and Ice response: Eileen Cuevas

“Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost is a poem that addresses the theme of destruction. The author suggests that the destruction of the world will be brought about through humankind. One of the ways this is suggested is by the use of symbolism. For example, the fire and ice themselves are symbols of something greater. The fire represents desire, which is evident in the lines “From what I’ve tasted of desire / I hold with those who favor fire.” The speaker has had some experience with desire, which is a fiery emotion. Thus, the speaker believes that it is mankind’s overwhelming desire that will be the fire that destroys the world.
On the other hand, ice is also a symbol. The ice mentioned in the poem represents hate. The lines “I think I know enough of hate / to say that for destruction ice / is also great,” refers to ice as hate. In addition to experiences with desire, the speaker has experiences with hate. He or she considers hate to be a powerful emotion that is strong enough to potentially destroy the world. Therefore, man’s cold indifference is strong enough to cause the end of the world.
Additionally, the poem “Fire and Ice” addresses the theme of duality. The author uses diction to make this idea clear. The author uses the words “But if it had to perish twice” to acknowledge that there is more than one way for the world to end. There exists two ways for the world to be destroyed in the poem; one is with fire and the other is with ice. Duality is the existence of opposing ideas within one thing. Fire and ice, as well as desire and hate are both opposites. Knowing that both of these ideas can play a role in the end of the world refers to duality. Hence, the fire and ice exist as the duality within destruction.

Examples of duality exist everywhere. Duality in daily life can refer to a lot of things. Even the foods we eat have a lot of contrary ideas to them. Frozen Hot Chocolate, for instance, is a Hot Chocolate flavored drink that is not hot. Instead, it has the flavor of hot chocolate and is served cold. Therefore, duality can be seen the simplest things one sees every day.
Additionally, in American culture, duality can refer to a person’s dual ethnicity. America is a country full of people with all kinds of ethnicities. For example, a person can be both American and Hispanic, such as they were born and raised here while their family is from the Dominican Republic. Both of these ethnicities have their own set of ideas and customs. Many of these customs may clash with each other at times. Even though two ethnicities may have completely different ideas and customs, they can still co-exist within the same person. The person then finds a way to balance both of these contrary ideals, creating a duality within them.
Furthermore, duality can be seen in literature. In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the characters constantly face the challenge of staying civilized or becoming savages. These two opposing characteristics are seen in Ralph, who is in the middle of civilized and savage. Ralph does show his civilized side as well as a more savage side throughout the novel, depending on the situation he is in. Because he is in the middle, he has a sense of duality within him.

Fire and Ice Response: Exiel Sanchez

Exiel Sanchez
In the poem “Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost, he addresses the theme of destruction. The author suggests that if the world will end or be destroyed he wishes for the world to end in ice. One of the ways the author suggests this is through the literary element of symbolism. For example, the author uses the literary element of symbolism when he writes, “I think I know enough of hate to say that for destruction ice is also great and would suffice”. In this example the reader can tell that Robert Frost would prefer dying in ice because fire can be a symbol of hatred and he doesn’t want that. Also the reader can tell that he prefers the world ending in ice because he says it is also great and it is just enough.
Fire and ice is one example of duality in life, there are many more. For example, black & white, right & wrong, negative & positive, yes & no, dry & wet. I can’t say America is just one culture because in the borough I live in there are many different cultures. The people in America have a different way of life and different beliefs and customs. American literature is great because anything you have in mind to read, there is to read. For example right now am reading “Still I Rise” by Rolland Laird. What I love about this book is that is a graphic novel about African American history. The literature in America is written in many different ways. There are also many genres to read. The literature in America is unlimited. There are always new books coming out and many young talented writers writing their own book.

Mrs. Zaglauer

Hi All,
I will look forward to learning all about the students and instructors in your class as well as your program and culture. My students are introducing themselves in separate posts. Please feel free to read about them and comment. We will be uploading pictures soon as well.


Mrs. Zaglauer
Senior English Teacher
Mott Hall High School
Harlem, New York

English 6 Student Introductions

•    Hello my name is Oneisha Jackson. I’m 16 years old and I live in Harlem New York. Harlem is a very diverse place. Even though it’s very diverse everyone is pretty much into the same thing. Every weekend most teens love to party and hangout. Lately the new trend for teens is going to teen clubs. It’s a lot of fun hangout there listening to music. New York is a lot of fun. 

•    Hello fellow student from India, my name is Joel. India has been a country I've always been fascinated by. The culture, and the people are beautiful and amazing. The Bollywood scene is another aspect of India that i enjoy. India isn't the only country that fascinates me but other countries as well, maybe its because i would love to travel and learn new things about other cultures would be a enjoyable feeling for me. The history behind these countries success or beliefs is something that intrigues me. You guys can probably infer that I am opening minded about new ideas which is very true. Learning new things about your home country and yourself would be a wonderful experience for me.
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•      MY name is Ivana Floyde. I am seventeen years old. In am Cruzan while my mom Puerto Rican and my dad is St. Lucian. My birthday IS April 8^th I am an Aries. I was born on the main virgin island of St. Croix, and have 6 brothers and four sisters and counting…. I live with my mom and 2 brothers and one sister. Though my dad lives back in the Caribbean.  I love playing cards, mahjong, writing and reading. I have been drawing since I was five and have been writing since I was ten. I live in New York cities and my favorite past times are shopping for clothes, make up, bathing suits, and painting my nails. I love learning about Asian and Indian culture and would one day like to see Tokyo, Japan and go see the markets and learn to speak the languages there. I hope to be a traveling world journalist, or a fiction writer.
•       Hello my name is Emmanuel Lucas Diaz Riva. I’m a musician, I play guitar and bass. I love my music and my guitar. Many different bands such as Def Leppard influence me. Guns N Roses, Iron Maiden, Skid Row, Killswitch Engage, Aerosmith, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, Anthrax, Metallica, Ozzy, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Scorpians, and Deep Purple. I grew up listening to these bands since my dad is a musician and a diehard Pink Floyd fan. These are the things that make me who I am. So basically I am the guitar guy with the curly hair that’s how everyone knows me.
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•       For starters my name is Eunique Gray. I was born in raised in East Harlem, New York. It’s not the best neighborhood, but I’ve lived there my entire life (so far) and sort of know all the people that live there (except for the newcomers). I am sixteen years of age. I don’t really have much of a hobby. Although, I do like hanging out with my friends (i.e.: bowling, movies, walking around, and eating at restaurants). I would consider myself to be a likable individual.
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•      One unique thing about me is that I am always busy. I’m involved in an enrichment program afterschool (East Harlem Tutorial Program). There, I am currently enrolled into the FIRST Robotics Program. We build robots based on the game of the year. I have been in the TOURO Pre-Med Program for three years running. During my first year, I went to a college in Harlem, New York (TOURO College) and learned interesting facts about the human body. I actually got the opportunity to go into a lab where cadavers are held and observe and hold human body parts (brain, lung, liver, and heart). I was a bit anxious when I saw the full body cadaver. Also I just got a job working at a frozen yogurt/smoothie) shop.

Thanks for Reading!!

•       My name is Eileen Cuevas. I believe that creativity runs through my blood. My time is spent involving myself in music. I play the piano and reading music has slowly become a third language for me. I usually perform with my high school’s band and have done many performances with them. When I’m not doing anything involving music, I am usually drawing on whatever I can. I am always thinking of something new to draw. The Arts always play a large role in my life.  
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•       My name is Whitney Page and I am a junior at Mott Hall High School in Harlem. I am very content with the person and I am and where I am going in my life. I aspire to be a college graduate and one day become a real estate broker and/or agent. I live in the NYC Public Housing developments in uptown Harlem. I in no way let that become or influence my personal character. I feel like I know who I am already and I don’t want to change. I’m confident in the person I am and I feel everyone should have high self-esteem. I am seventeen years old and this is my last year of high school. I know I have made many mistakes in my life so far but I believe in having no regrets and referring to them as lessons learned. I feel I am very mature for my age; I have lived a life where I have been subject to see things beyond my years. I don’t allow my parents’ life or my environment to mold me. I am my own person. I am a very motivated person and I want to go far in my life. Living in Harlem has opened me up to a lot of culture and diversity and I love that. Being in high school has made me a more responsible more mature person and I love the person I am becoming.
• 
  
•           Hi, my name is Yennifer Guzman and i am 18 years old. I'm a

student of New York City, Mott Hall High School in Harlem. I am going

to introduce myself even more than you just knowing my name, my age,

and the school I am going to in NYC. Well, my strength in general, in

school and out of school is writing poem's, i love to play sports

(Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hand ball (new thing with me and my

friends to spend time with each other, and volleyball). I am an

athletic girl that does not go shopping, doing my nails all the time

and think about what other people have to say about me from time to

time. My weaknesses in general is cleaning after other people's mess

that is not caused by me, I don't enjoy reading books from the

schools' library because the teachers don't pick out books that is not

most of the time fun to read in class or at home. If you have any

chance please respond back to this letter.

•        My name is Dyani Martinez. I’m sixteen years old and Dominican. Both of my parents are Dominican. I go to Mott Hall High school, where I’m a junior and about to start the college process. I want to major in Computer Science or Graphic Design. I know during my college experience I want to travel because at this age I haven’t seen many places. I have a nine year old brother by the name of Julian who I adore. He’s only in the second grade, but I hope he looks up to me as a role model.  I feel that life is about learning new things and people. That is why I try to live my life to the fullest. My favorite subject is English because I love to read and write.  I enjoy going to school because I honestly do love to learn. I feel like I grew up knowing how important school is. I try my best to do well in school because I do have high expectations for myself and my parents expect a lot from me.
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•     I dread waking up in the mornings. It’s like, even though I slept eight hours, I still haven’t slept enough. However, once I’m up, I’m ready to take on the day.  If it’s a weekday, I get ready for school like any other teen. Almost everyday I rush out the door. Those minutes really make a difference.  If it’s a weekend I wake up at 7:30 to get ready for the college courses that I take every Saturday morning. Other times, I might be getting ready for a volunteer project. I am a team leader in New York Cares volunteer group at Mott Hall High School. Besides volunteering, I love to read. I feel that it takes you into another world that you couldn’t even dream of. Being a high school junior is really hectic. There is so much to do and so little time. I feel like I became seventeen over night. I have to worry about what Colleges I’m going to apply to, and where they are located or taking SAT courses and passing the SAT. It may not seem like a lot, but a fellow junior would truly understand the stress I feel. Living in New York, the city of opportunity is really beneficial. Living in Manhattan as a junior in High school is truly interesting.
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•      The world and the Universe is too vast a place to not explore it. All the different cultures, traditions and knowledge I am eager to experience. My name is Kelsey and my heart belongs to the world. I'm grateful that I was born in the heart of New York City because I get a taste of the world every time I pass through the streets. I am also grateful that the Internet is allowing me to have contact with people my age that live on a completely different continent.
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•     People listen to music and might even have a song on repeat. My passion and my job is to make that song repeat in peoples mind. I love music and everything that's included in it. I am a drummer and want to become known all around world as the person who is the greatest at what he does and a great musician. Music is the greatest feeling and the greatest thing that ever happen to me. My name is Ashmel and it's a pleasure to introduce myself to you.
• 
  
•      This weekend I spent it with the people I love the most but the most tragic thing happened during Saturday. We lost one of our family friends, which is the craziest thing to happen on a weekend while your trying to have fun. Especially if you’re a Dominican Latina like me, when someone dies we don't want to seem disrespectful and start partying after someone has passed. My name is Shanika Hernandez, I am sixteen years old about to be seventeen June 23rd and I attend Mott Hall High School in Harlem. My school's mostly filled with African-Americans and Latinos/Latinas, but we do learn from one another. I am Dominican as I wrote above but I was born here in New York. Both of my parents are Dominican so I was raised with Dominican culture, and I only have one sibling her name is Sareidy and I adore her with all my heart she's only nineteen about to be twenty but we get along so well as if she was my age or near my age group. My favorite things to do is spend time with my family and listen to music and take things easy even if life is as difficult as people make it seem and is! But I try not to stress myself as much as other people. I like to eat as well all types of food, I like variety and eating something different everyday. My favorite artist of all time is Lady Gaga and I admire her with all my heart and I don't really pay mind to what people say about her. I'm a regular teenage kid you can say, I probably sound like every other teenager and I wouldn't find it odd since when you see something happening you want to be cool as well. It happens we can't do anything about even if you say your not trying to fit in. Another thing about me is that almost every summer I spend it in the Dominican Republic, I really don't see myself spending a summer in New York just because the beaches aren't all that clean and everything just gets filled with people so almost everything is just busy and its hot you really don't want to be around a lot of people. Things I don't like are people who are nosy and are also annoying who repeat themselves a lot I also dislike celery. Well, that's pretty much it about me. Not much to me but those are my likes and my dislikes and also the things I enjoy doing. I really don't do much I consider myself different but who isn't but you can also consider me to be a more matured teenager.
• 
  
•       My name it Trevor Trotz. I am a young and energetic African American male. My ethnic background is consists have Brazilian, West Indian, and black. I am a laid back person I tend to be too laid back at times and wait until the last Minute to get things done. I pay great attention to details small details especially. I am not a talkative person the most I speak is when I am in class I don't really like school but what kid would say that he likes school, school comes easy to me but I always just settle for the minimum but when I apply myself I am capable of anything I put my head to. I don't like to get into verbal conflicts because it tends to lead to what I like physical conflict and I hate being told no and that I can't. I am a very strong minded and persuasive person.

•       Running is a great gift of mine.  Out of everyone that I have met in my life, I'm one of the quickest people.  My name is Moussa.  I'm attending Mott Hall high school and have been here for three years. Having my parents come from Africa and being as athletic as my dad, many say that it isn't a surprise  how quick I move.  I love basketball, I play and watch basketball.  I'm a really independent person and don't like socializing as much as being alone just relaxing.  Once I finish high school and finish college, I want my career to have something to do with computers and things like that.

•             In this letter I will introduce myself to you.

I am a seventeen-year-old girl.

My surname is Trinidad and my first name is Maria
I have  ........two brothers. 
             ....... two sisters. 
I live with my parents and siblings
 I like reading, shopping, video games, try new things, education, hanging out with friends

I love music, family and friends, being a Christian girl, my church, traveling

I am fond of singing

I am in a Harlem, NY, school named Mott Hall High school
         

I think I am  nice, spontaneous, joyful, nice,
  
I was born in New York

My eyes are brown

My hair is brown

It is long and curly.

I am medium-size.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

•       Hello friends from the other side of the world(I assume). I am writing to you guys from Manhattan, New York. A small little island in the state of New York. Supposedly the greatest city in the world, let me tell you that it probably is the greatest city, but not if you are under age because you are restricted from doing lots of things. First off let me state my name which is Jesus Angel Paredes. I am a Mexican-American Latino, in the school that I am in which is called Mott Hall High School there is not that many of them. This sort of gives me a sense of uniqueness but it also makes me feel like an outcast. I am actually also really interested in music and playing guitar, I like to think this makes me stand out, in a good way. Most probably, the tastes in music we have are different but I am open to almost anything so if you know of any good music please tell me about it. I also must state that I really like soccer, more internationally known as football. Do you guys know about it? I would also like to hear about your  likes and dislikes so write about those.

•      Hey what's up, my name is Exiel Sanchez and I am a student at Mott Hall High School. I am currently in the 11th grade. I Am very athletic I play football, basketball, and I am also a boxer. I just currently won a championship in the Great Leaps Basketball Tournament in the Bronx. I am also from the Bronx but my school is located in Harlem. I Am very outgoing anything that I put my mind to I usually accomplish. I like to read a lot, I find books very interesting it's like a television on the go. My favorite types of books are biographic and realistic fiction. I am very vivacious most of the time and I love learning new interesting things.

Snehlata from New Delhi

Greetings from Delhi.

We are in the month of May. The sun beats down mercilessly. It is very, very hot in Delhi right now. The average day time temperature is 41 degrees Celsius.
Tomorrow is the last day of school. From 11th May the schools will close till 30th June for the Summer Vacation.
We will be able to write on the blog only after that.


Until then.
Best Wishes.

priscila johanna logroño

Hello my name is Priscila percent me very happy to interact kids from arother country because i love seeing new people and culture of another country.

Priscila Johanna Logroño

My name is Priscilla, I'm from Santo Domingo I have 16 years of age live in new york manhattan high., I'm golden skin, dark eyes and black hair say I love clothes say I love to be a fashion I like going out with my friends like fun ride and love the family reunions that I like being with family and I percent comfortable with them because I am a bit shy.  I live with my mom and sister.

I study in school and as part of the school that I hope I can fit better and to learn English very quickly in spite of all I like to go to classes that he knows many people from other nationalities and I can learn from other cultures. and also as not I'm very funny.