1. What does the literature and/or media I consume say about me?

Through the semester in ENG4U, I have consumed a wide variety of literature and media all contributing to my character and self image. Firstly, it shows I enjoy diversity and variety in how I consume my media. This is exhibited through my readings of fiction, mobster based thriller novels: to learning mental performance strategies for self improvement. In addition, I enjoy consuming knowledge in various ways including books, TedTalks, podcasts, music, and more. On the other hand, there are similarities and patterns that can be concluded through my media consumption. The fictional books Jaws, The Sisters Brothers, and The Outsiders all involve a thrilling, yet sophisticated and meaningful story plot. This reveals my connection to emotionally charged and intelligent environments. Additionally, I enjoy reading informatory books that provide guidance to a better self and unlocking my potential. This is because I enjoy working on being the best I can be in all facets of life. Similarly, in the TedTalks, Masterclass, and some of the podcasts, they focus on improvement of mindset and habits to improve the quality of life. The Smartless and New Heights podcasts exemplify my love for humour and sports. In regards to music, I value artists whose lyrics carry deeper meaning: explaining my urge to connect with the song and empathize with the artist. 

2. How might these texts be influencing my thoughts, views, values and/or actions? 

For myself in particular, I never enjoyed reading fiction. I always wanted to read for the purpose of gaining information. However, ENG4U forced me to expand my literature boundaries, helping to uncover the value in fiction novels. I realized there are underlying morals in fiction texts that required me to think deeper, and I learned how to use effective strategies learned in class to identify the author's intent. Some of the text influences my internal drive to work hard and to strive to be a more capable individual in all of life’s aspects. It has helped me understand the balance of different pillars in life. For example, the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce exemplifies what it means to be balanced. Both are highly successful in their NFL and broadcasting careers. It took countless hours of hardwork and dedication to get to where they are. They also take time to go to parties, hangout with family and friends, and participate in leisure activities they enjoy. Their balance inspires me to do the same. Subsequently, Tony Robbins, author of Awakening the Giant Within teaches us how to achieve fulfillment. In the text, he mentions the importance of hard work and time to sit back and enjoy leisure moments. 

3. How might these texts reflect my thoughts, views, values and/or experiences?

In reflection, some aspects of these texts correlate with my thoughts, views, values, and experiences. For example, in The Godfather, it highlights the importance of trust, respect, and family. Those traits are key values I hold for myself. Another notable connection is with the book Do Hard Things. This book explains the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to your healthy limits. In my life, I work to do the same with experiences such as cold plunges, running, and speaking in front of crowds. 

4. What patterns, or gaps, exist in the literature and/or media I consume?

A pattern in my literature and media is the natural gravitation towards action/thrilling fiction novels built with knowledge and meaning behind them. This kind of literature helps me feel connected to the details of the plot. Additionally, I enjoy any kind of literature or media I am able to learn from and apply towards my daily life. Gaps in my media or literature consumption are poems and memoirs. Taking time to read and annotate more poems are important to expand vocabulary, encourage creativity, and consider new perspectives. Memoirs help take experiences from someone else's life and use their interpretation to gain wisdom for my own. 

5. What am I going to do about it? 

To fill in the gaps, I can set SMART goals to encourage myself to read more poems and memoirs. I can ask the librarian for recommendations and make a goal to read a small piece of the literature before bed each night. 

How is your identity, worldview, or understanding of humanity shaped by the texts you consume?  

The texts I consume contribute to my identity, worldviews, and understanding of humanity. In particular, Do Hard Things gives us a perspective on how new generations are growing up “softer” in society. With billions of people having access to mobile phones, it creates even greater opportunities for easy gratification. People scroll through social media for self-satisfaction; instead of working hard on goals and values. Do Hard Things has shaped my understanding about the work involved to achieve long term satisfaction. There is more fulfillment with this type of success. 

In Unstoppable by Bill Nye, he discusses the importance and relevance of climate change. He mentions how a large portion of the population does not see climate change as a big threat. This is because the effects are slowly taking place and many don’t understand the significance of these gradual changes. On the other hand, many have been enlightened to global warming issues and are working to take action to prevent a major disaster. This book has furthered my understanding of climate change and shaped my identity to become more environmentally friendly.

1. How have you/could you 'read' your texts like an English professor? How did you deepen your understanding or interpretation of the text? 

Through reading literature, I work to incorporate the skill of reading like an English professor to deepen my understanding of the text. I work to identity any of the notable 10 elements of a quest in my readings. Looking back on the texts, The Godfather displays instances where elements of reading like a professor can be interpreted. For example, at the start of the book, there are nothing but sunny skies. At this moment life is good for the Corleone family and their grand wedding. As the book progresses, dark and rainy weather was associated with killing or kidnapping (like when Sunny got killed in his car). Highlighting the use of seasons the author deliberately chose. 

Another example is shown in The Sisters Brothers. In the novel, fire symbolizes chaos and leaving the past behind them. For example, when Charlie and Eli set the Commodore’s property on fire, it acts as dissemination on their previous life as murderous bounty hunters and their controlling boss. They also burned items they wanted to have left in the past to create separation from their wrongs. These were a few examples of how elements of reading like an English professor have helped deepen my understanding of text.  

2. How can you speak to the INTERTEXTUALITY of your collection of texts? Are there any texts or genres of texts that you feel speak to each other? Are they connected in some significant way? Does reading/watching one help you to understand another?

There are certain aspects of intertextuality involved in the texts I consumed in ENG4U. In the fiction books, Jaws, The Sisters Brothers, and The Godfather; there are intertextual relationships between them. In all three books, violence and power dynamics are used as a tool and theme. In The Godfather, the mafia family uses violence as power, The Sisters Brothers use violence as a way to express emotion, Jaws shows violence in the fight over nature. This is highlighting the common theme of using violence to fight for power.  Specifically, it can be the Corleones fighting to sustain their power in the New York mob, the brothers abusing their violent contact from the Commodore, or the townspeople trying to put an end to the killer shark. Reading The Godfather and noticing the brutality they use to keep their family in power helps us understand Eli and Charlie Sisters actions.  It gives credence to why they chose to act in violence against the Commodore at the end. The Commodore was an authority figure to Eli and Charlie and they wanted to end his control. 

In addition, all three books highlight the human struggle for survival and the tension that comes with it. Whether it is mafia killings, lawless western shootouts, or mass shark attacks; there is a risk of death in all three books. While the genres are all different, they can all have a common theme of violence and killing. Reading Jaws, there is a necessary violence for survival against the uncontrollable power of the great white shark. This relates to The Sisters Brothers, and Charlie and Eli using violence in certain cases for survival.  It also relates to The Godfather, and some moments where violence was necessary to avoid death.

What do the texts in your collection reveal about what it means to be human? Or to belong to a human community? 

The texts in my collection portray real action of what it means to be human. For example, Do Hard Things speaks to the potential of each human. It discusses how humans are meant to do hard things and take on challenges that push their limits. It frequently mentions the notion of forming communities through mentors, support networks, and peers. It discusses how humans are social creatures and thrive when they have supportive people around them. 

In The Godfather, the text reveals power, loyalty, and family are pivotal attributes on what it means to be human. It reveals how family influences action; this is shown in the Corleone family. Micheal becomes aware of his obligation to take over the family businesses. 

In Jaws, the text unveils how humans are stronger together as a community. This is demonstrated through the small town residents of Amity Island. The people of the island come together to defeat the shark and save many lives. 

Awakening the Giant Within displays what it means to be human through self-empowerment and personal growth. It also proves that they all have the potential to take control and create a life they desire.

1. How have you interpreted your texts using one of the literary lenses? What are some of the potential messages or significant themes that have emerged through these pieces?

Using just one of the literary lenses, I would use the psychoanalytic lens for the texts. In The Godfather, unconscious ambition and unappealing commitments shape the actions of some of the characters. In particular, Micheal Corloene doesn’t want to be involved in the mafia. Nonetheless, he takes over the businesses anyway due to unconscious feelings of family loyalty and power. Ultimately, he feels guilty for initiating and participating in criminal activity. Similarly, In Jaws, Chief Brody fears something he does not entirely understand himself. Brody unconsciously fears the water, even though the danger (shark), is real. He eventually confronts his fears by getting in the water with the shark. In parallel, in The Sisters Brothers, Eli has inner conflict with violence. He originally unconsciously wants to change and live a better life. Although, he’s continually wrenched back into the violence and chaos. Eventually, he confronts the problem and makes a permanent change for the better. 

2. Are there multiple lenses with which you can interpret your texts? How do they work together to construct meaning? How does knowing about literary lenses support your understanding of the complexity of a text? 

Yes, there are multiple lenses in these texts. For starters, The Godfather contains a feminist and psychoanalytic lens. In the book, women are often considered secondary to men and their role in the family business is insignificant. Together they help explain the complex relationship in the mob between gender, power, and psychological factors. 

There is a postcolonial lens in The Sisters Brothers. This is displayed in the California Gold Rush, where colonization and migration became prominent. The land was being used for economic benefit with no concern for Indigenous people or the environment.  This supports my understanding of the complex relationship between internal and external factors while being cognisant of the psychoanalytic lens as well. 

There is an ecocriticism lens in Jaws with a  human versus nature conflict. The shark is part of nature and humankind disrupted the shark, and brought it to the surface. The human reaction to eliminate the shark can reveal controversy, as it is part of nature and an ecosystem. This constructs meaning with the psychoanalytic. The external result of killing the shark happens because of the internal fear the shark may cause. This helps understand the text deeper through looking at the situation as if you were a member of that community.