Amy Li, PD 2, 1/21/21, Day A

 Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or non-fiction covered in class.

    In class recently, we finished reading about the Egyptian and Norse mythologies. Before covering these two myths in class, I had a basic understanding about the Egyptians and the Norse. I simply thought that the Egyptians cared about death and the afterlife the most in their lives, and that the Norse were Vikings with stories of valor and heroism. The stories covered in class expanded my understanding on these myths: Egyptians valued the eternity of an afterlife, which is why they dedicated everything in their living moments to preparing for death. The Norse myths were not just about a warrior's valor, instead it was about the gods preparing for Ragnarok and the events leading up to it. All the while, I found these stories very interesting and entertaining, as I learned more about the cultures and their values.

Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

    During our readings of the Norse stories, my team was assigned with presenting Loki's character. In my mind, I had a general idea of who Loki was. He was a clever trickster who caused mischief for fun and can cunningly escape punishment. He was simply, a "bad guy". However, as my group and I dug deeper and deeper into Loki's character, we discovered that he was more than just a "bad guy". Through his character, he acted as a catalyst for the gods to improve and grow from. Even though he causes many troubles for the gods, in the end, he helps them get new weapons or better their defense in preparation for Ragnarok. Learning about this perspective of Loki made me think about other characters that I've thought of as a "bad" or "good" guy. Perhaps there is another dimension to them that I haven't thought about before. As we continue to Beowulf, I plan to try analyzing his character and see him more than just a hero.

How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

    From my group's project on Loki, I learned that in order for light to shine, there has to darkness. I've applied this saying to other classes, as sometimes I don't do so well on a test or assignment. I get upset over it, but I know to keep trying for a better score next time. Setbacks and failures are like the darkness, without it, I can't learn to improve or grow from my mistakes. A good test grade or higher average, are like the shining light. They are there because I've learned from my mistakes and grew from it.