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This cartoon challenges us to comprehend structural injustice and the unreasonable expectations directed against the minority population. It features a teacher who accuses a student who is attempted physically of resistance of “not trying,” ignoring the many constraints which make it impossible for the student to perform satisfactorily. The picture depicts the blindfold and bonds as representative of barriers such as social injustice or discrimination while the teacher is viewed as the authoritative figure who has no comprehension to these barriers.

The cartoon demonstrates how those who have the power do not think the same about the other, that is, abused and marginalized persons have their own barriers and starting points. Though such acts can be justified with a simple answer of ‘playing safe’, no empathy and understanding of systemic concerns is shown here as the lack of effort is pointed out.

In this sense, the cartoon depicts how systemic challenges ought to be dealt with, in order to promote fairness. It urges the audience to re-evaluate such systems that admonish the victim of the situation whilst considering the interplay of privilege and success and/or effort as well.

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In this interview, the narrator of The Pit and the Pendulum shares his terrifying experience in a dark prison, where he faced a deadly and walls that closed in to push him toward a pit. He explains his desperation to survive, using rats to escape his bindings, and the haunting feeling of always being watched. Though he was eventually saved, he reveals that the trauma and fear still linger, reminding him of his strength to survive.

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Interview with the narrator from the Pit and the Pendulum

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Interview with the narrator from the Pit and the Pendulum

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In this mind map, I explored various creative ideas for The Tell-Tale Heart. These components provide a comprehensive overview for deeper exploration of the story.

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In this presentation on Feminist Critical Theory, I defined the framework for analyzing gender in literature and culture, covered key concepts of the feminist critical theory and gave examples of it. 

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My first mock IO experience was a valuable learning opportunity, allowing me to better understand my strengths and areas for improvement. I felt confident in my ability to analyze the texts and follow the structure of the task. I made sure to present my ideas clearly and systematically, which helped ensure my argument was logical and well-organized. I also linked the global issue to my statements. Next time, I would focus more on achieving a better balance in my argument. In my mock IO, I realized that at times I talked more about the Pit and the Pendulum in comparison to Get Out, which was evident in the uneven time distribution. Next time I will time myself better to avoid this. Additionally, I found that the answering of the questions at the end of the IO could be improved. I was nervous, and I blanked out instead of giving a constructive answer. Next time I will make sure to calm myself down before the IO and prepare for the questions better by using my bullet points in my answers. Overall, the mock IO was a good first step, and I now have a clearer idea of what I need to work on to improve my performance for the real assessment.

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Theme: Freedom and Serenity

The picture develops an emotional resonance with the use of lighting, colors, and composition. The key elements and their meanings are highlighted below.

1. Subject (The Silhouette)

- Pose: The outstretched arms symbolize freedom, release, and embracing life. It evokes a sense of liberation and openness.

- Location: Standing on a pier forms a transitional space, bridging land (stability) and water (uncertainty).

2. Lighting

- Sunlight: The sun being at the center, evokes warmth, energy, and even hope; the strong glow would immediately signal renewal and optimism.

- Contrast: This dark silhouette against bright light brings the viewer to notice his individuality.

3. Color Palette

- Warm Colors: The rich gradient from deep orange to soft purple speaks of tranquility, peace, and connection with nature.

- Psychological Impact: These colors promote calmness and introspection.

4. Natural Elements

- The Ocean: This is a symbol of infinity, emotional depth, and the flow of life.

- The Sky: Its vastness amplifies feelings of freedom and endless possibilities.

5. Composition

Balance: The image is symmetric, with the sun and the silhouette right at the middle. This symmetry creates harmony.

Perspective: The pier going further into the distance creates depth and symbolizes journey or transition.

Symbolism Summary

Freedom: Free-spread pose, open sky, and endless ocean-mean to break free from restrictions and embrace possibilities.

- Hope and Renewal: The rising (or setting) sun suggests the end of one phase and the beginning of another.

- Individuality: The lone figure emphasizes personal growth and self-expression.

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Dear Mother,

I never imagined this would be my reality sitting in a hospital room, hair gone, fighting something I can’t see. It’s as if I’ve lost a part of myself. My hair was always a part of who I was, the symbol of my beauty and worth. But now, without it, I feel almost invisible, like I’m losing the value that society places on appearance.

For so long, I’ve been defined by what I look like, by the image of a perfect, beautiful princess. But losing my hair, losing this physical part of me, is forcing me to confront the fact that my worth was never truly mine it was something dictated by others, by the world around me.

However, this experience is teaching me that my true strength comes from within, from my ability to endure, to keep going, and to resist the pressures of a world that values women based on their beauty rather than their resilience. Maybe this isn’t the end, but a chance to grow in ways I never imagined beyond the image that others have of me.

Much love,

Rapunzel

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Duffy's Little Red Cap resonates with me because it encapsulates the journey out of naivety into self, a journey that most young women and young men can relate to. The journey into the "forest" of life, encountering characters who introduce themselves as guides but each with his or her own agendas, sounds so true to life. This poem makes me reflect upon one moment in my own life when I've had to disentangle influence and control, taking the lesson and being able to continue exercising agency. Also, the literary symbolism of being a source of empowerment and seduction speaks to my own passion for reading. Books and stories can open doors to other worlds, but they also play a part in shaping perception and expectation. Little Red Cap challenges me to listen to the stories that I read and to the stories that I tell myself.

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Historical and Political Context Othello was composed and performed sometime in 1603–1604, at the beginning of the reign of King James I. This was an era of growing English colonial enterprise and

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In Term 2, I learned more about how to analyze Othello through learning Shakespeare's language, structure, and context, especially how he presents themes like race, jealousy, and manipulation. I also completed my Individual Oral (IO), which helped me improve my ability to compare literary and non-literary texts. I performed better than my first practice IO, especially in speaking more confidently and staying within the time limit. I also came to realize the importance of bringing historical and cultural context to support my analysis. Overall, I've learned more about how to write a good argument and support it with evidence.

What I struggled with & what I'll focus on next:
One place I struggled was integrating critical theory more deeply into my IO. Although I did better this time, I see that integrating more feminist, postcolonial, or psychoanalytic theories could put my mark higher, preferably to a 6 on the next attempt. I also struggled with composing analytical paragraphs within time pressure, especially in making context-to-writer purpose connections. In Term 3, I’ll focus on revising key scenes from Othello and practicing how to weave in critical theory naturally in both written and oral work. I’ll also work on writing stronger introductions and conclusions in exam conditions.