Katia's "Love" Essay

                                                                Forever Beloved

In William Maxwell’s short story “Love”, the author uses foreshadowing to warn the reader about the teacher’s upcoming death. To begin with, Maxwell gives a hint of the death of Ms. Brown when the teacher writes her name on the board. “The name [ Miss Vera Brown] might as well have been graven in stone” (Maxwell 8). Here the writer compares how Vera Brown writes her name on the blackboard with a grave stone which shows the teacher will die soon. As the reader can see, in the cemetery there are tombstones with the names of all the people who died. How the author uses the name of the young woman describes how a teacher’s name is written on the board and it warns the audience that Vera Brown will be in the cemetery soon and her name will be printed on a headstone. Next, William Maxwell shows that Miss Vera Brown will pass away when the teacher opens the gift from the students. “Her [Miss Brown’s] delicate fingers seemed to take forever to remove the ribbon” (Maxwell 8). Ms. Brown was a young woman, she was 23 years old, and at this age normally she must be healthy and stronger or at least have a little energy. She was removing a ribbon from one gift, this is easy to take off, but she took a lot of time to remove it. this shows that the simple things are getting harder for her and something is wrong. Mr. Maxwell clues the reader how weak she is becoming; she is really fragile now and is dying. Lastly, the author demonstrates the fatality of the teacher when the two boys went out to the house where Vera Brown was. “The angel who watches over little boys” (Maxwell 10). Here the writer uses the word angel which for many cultures is related with heaven and the afterlife, this gives a hint that Vera Brown sadly pass away. The teacher was an amazing and good person, all the children loved her, and she loved all her students. This demonstrates that when she dies, she does not will leave alone all her precious and beloved boys and girls, she will take care of all, and will watch them but not more from this world but from the eternal rest. After seeing all this, the reader can see how Mr. Maxwell in his short story “Love” uses hints to foretell the audience about Miss Vera brown unexpected death.

Miyuki's "Love" Essay

The Path of The Soul

In William Maxwell’s short story “Love,” the author uses foreshadowing to warn the reader about the teacher’s upcoming death. Initially, the writer gives a hint that Miss Vera Brown will die when at the beginning of school year, Miss Brown writes her name on the board for the students. “The name [Miss Vera Brown] might as well have been graven in stone” (Maxwell 8). Here Maxwell illustrates that the teacher name will be sculptured on the headstone. This is kind of strange according of how young and strong the teacher is supposed to be. This gives the audience to understand that soon the teacher will be in a tomb resting in peace. Later, Mr. Maxwell gives a prediction that the mentor will pass away when two of her students are on the way to visit her. “At the place where the road turns off to go to the cemetery… there was a red barn” (Maxwell 9). Here the reader can see that the author uses the word cemetery as an act of symbolization of the shortly upcoming death of Miss Vera Brown. Including the word red means her blood as well. Also, her students would be able to see how bad her condition is, announcing her trip to heaven. Finally, Mr. William Maxwell warns of the instructor’s fatality when the students see her so different. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seemed concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). At this point, watching the teacher lay down in her bed barely moving her body makes the reader think that the teacher will be underground soon. All those marks on her face, all the suffering on her body, all the sadness and weakness on her eyes, shows that this young woman is slowly departing from earth. By reading what the author is writing, he is suggesting that the educator will soon rest in peace.

Kimia's "Love" Essay

Fluffy Flower

            In William Maxwell’s short story “Love,” the author uses foreshadowing to warn the reader about the teacher’s upcoming death. First of all, William Maxwell gives a suggestion that Miss Vera Brown is going to die when she cannot open the gift from her student. “Her [Miss Brown’s] delicate fingers seemed to take forever to remove the ribbon” (Maxwell 8). At this point writer, which “delicate finger” means Miss Vera Brown is sick and poor and she will soon be in a tomb. Also, the young woman like 21 years old does not have enough power to open a simple ribbon because the other girls like her can open the ribbon easily. She turns sick and this is not a normal action for girl same age as her. Secondly, Maxwell warns of Miss Vera Brown’s death when the students go visit her. “At the place where the road turns off to go to the cemetery there was a red barn” (Maxwell 9). The writer uses the word of “cemetery” to point to the dying of the teacher because a cemetery is a place for dead people. Also, William Maxwell uses the “road turn off” to show she was healthy then but now she is weak. Her life begins to change. Lastly, the writer foretells that Miss Vera Brown soon will go to heaven when the students see her sleep on a bed in her house. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seemed concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circle around them” (Maxwell 10). Here the author demonstrates Miss Vera Brown is sick and maybe she cannot eat anything; that is why her arms turns thin, and she cannot move. Also under her eyes is dark and that does not have good meaning for young women. She is in her illness and she looks like she will rest in peace. Mr. William Maxwell uses hints in short story “Love” to make the reader think Miss Vera Brown will pass away. 

Celeste's "Love" Essay

A Flower Named Vera Brown

In William Maxwell’s short story “Love,” the author uses foreshadowing to warn the reader about the teacher’s upcoming death. First, the writer predicts Miss Brown’s departure when he compares her life with the life of the flowers. “She reminded me of pansies” (Maxwell 8). Mr. Maxwell uses different types of flowers to compare with Vera Brown. The writer uses different kinds such as pansies, purple asters and sweet peas. In this way, the author hints to the audience that the life of Miss Brown will be just as short as that of the flowers. Second, Maxwell gives a hint that Miss Vera Brown will die when her students give a present for her birthday. “Her [Miss Brown’s] delicate fingers seemed to take forever to remove the ribbon” (Maxwell 8). At this point the readers can see that even though the instructor is so young, she is very weak. This is surprising because at her age she should be strong and full of life. Finally, Mr. Maxwell shows the critical condition of the teacher when her fifth graders went to visit her. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seemed concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). Here the writer shows the sick appearance of Miss Brown, who is at death’s door. This warns the reader about the imminent fatality because she is so weak, she can barely eat and that is why she is so skinny. Her eyes seem like dark holes, and the light has abandoned her young face. She is not that beautiful and nice teacher anymore, because the disease seems to have eaten her from the inside. This is how Mr. William Maxwell with the help of clues and hints has predicted in his short story that Miss Vera Brown will soon rest in peace.

Miyuki's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

Anticriminal Life

In O. Henry’s short story “A Retrieved reformation,” Jimmy Valentine must go free, as he has transformed his life. First, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’ Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job, and he changes for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes because he is respectable and must not be punished. Next, Mr. Spencer decides to give away his implements. “She believes in me, and I would not do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I will bring along the tools with me” (O’ Henry 193). Prisoner 9762 was deeply in love and his conscience is driving him crazy, so he decides to take his tools and give away. He needs to let his past walk away from him, so no one would know about it. This demonstrates that Jimmy has no intention of commit another crime. Lastly, Jimmy Valentine reveals himself and does a heroic act. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place… He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell” (O’ Henry 195). While citizens were watching him astonished, Valentine rescues Agatha by using his drill to open the safe. This heroic act shows the readers that he would not use his tools for ambition, but for a good reason or if there is no other option.

Once the reader looks through his accessible evidence, the conclusion is that Ralph D. Spencer ought to go free due to his demonstrated acts of reconstructing his life.

BEA - "Love"

Beatriz Rivera

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 24, 2017

Propped up on Pillows

            In Maxwell’s short story “Love,” foreshadowing is used repeatedly to warn the reader about the young, beautiful, caring teacher’s tragic death. First, the author hints to the reader that Miss Brown will pass away when he describes that she is taking a long time to do a simple task like open a present. “Her [Miss Brown’s] delicate fingers seemed to take forever to remove the ribbon” (Maxwell 8). This makes the reader think of a skeleton. The writer describes her as weak and boney, which is unusual for a young teacher who is only 23. This image indicates she is ill.  Next, the writer gives a clue that the young teacher will soon die when he explains how the children celebrate her birthday. “We escorted (led) her downtown in a body to the special matinee (afternoon movie)” (Maxwell 9). The writer uses the words body and escorted to cause the reader to think about a coffin in a funeral procession. Even though Miss Brown is celebrating a birthday, she will not likely live long. Due to her disease, tuberculosis. Lastly, Maxwell describes to the readers that Miss Brown is close to death when her students pay her a visit. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seemed concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). This makes reader suspect she is going to die soon. Maxwell details that she is soon to be not with us because she already looks like a corpse. She is so weak; she is unable to hold herself up. The author of “Love “utilize hints and clues to notify about the youthful, attractive, warmhearted teacher’s terrible death.

LEAH - "Love"

Leah Hirneisen

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 30, 2017

                                                            Graven in Stone

            In William Maxwell’s short story “Love,” foreshadowing is used repeatedly to warn the reader about the beautiful, young, caring teacher’s tragic death. First, the author hints to the reader that Miss Brown will pass away when he introduces her. “The name [Miss Vera Brown] might as well have been graven in stone” (Maxwell 8). This makes the reader think of a cemetery. The writer describes her name as being on a tombstone, which is unusual for a young, healthy person. This clue indicates that Miss Brown will soon die. Next, the writer indicates that Miss Brown will soon literally live with the dead when he describes the route the boys use to find her home. “At the place where the road turns off to go to the cemetery… there was a red barn” (Maxwell 9). This makes the reader think that the young healthy teacher the boys expected to find is not doing well. The writer uses the word cemetery to make the reader think about death. Very soon, Miss Brown is going to live in the cemetery rather than close to it. Finally, Maxwell foreshadows the beautiful, young teacher’s death when he describes her physical appearance when the boys visit her. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seemed concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). At this point, Vera Brown is so sick that she is unable to move. She is weak and is starting to look more and more like a skeleton. Miss Brown is soon going to die of tuberculosis. The author of “Love” applied hints and clues to advise the readers about the passing of the young, lovely, kind teacher Miss Vera Brown.

ANGIE - "Love"

Angie Q. Ramirez

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 30, 2017  

Teacher’s Death

In Maxwell’s short story “Love,” foreshadowing is used repeatedly to warn the reader about the young, beautiful, caring teacher’s tragic death. First, Maxwell gives clues when Miss Brown will soon fall ill when he introduces her. “The name [Miss Vera Brown] might as well have been graven in stone” (Maxwell 8). Here the reader thinks of a cemetery. Maxwell is giving details of her name being on a tombstone, which a young person does not have. He indicates that her death will come soon. Next, the author gives signs to the reader that Miss Brown will pass away when he describes her difficulty opening a present. “Her [Miss Brown’s] delicate fingers seemed to take forever to remove the ribbon” (Maxwell 8). This makes the reader think of a skeleton. The writer describes her bony fingers when she is opening the present, which is unusual for a healthy person. This clue/image indicates that Miss Brown will soon die. Lastly, the writer is indicating that Miss Brown is near death when the students go visit her. “Propped up on pillows on a big double bed was our teacher, but so changed. Her arms were like sticks, and all the life in her seems concentrated in her eyes, which had dark circles around them” (Maxwell 10). Here the author shows that she’s transformed to a sick person. Maxwell is describing her weak body and how different she looks. She is like a corpse now. The author of “Love” utilizes hints to fill in about the awful downfall of the lovely, graceful and charming educator.  

BEATRIZ: Retrieved Reformation

Beatriz Rivera

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

Free Jimmy Valentine

            In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation”, Jimmy Valentine deserves to be freed despite his acts of crime because selflessly gave up everything to save the life of a child. To begin, Mr. Valentine reforms himself into a trustworthy citizen. “At the end of a year situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Valentine is no longer pursuing a life of crime. While he used to rob safes, he now runs a successful, legitimate business. Now that Valentine is a respectable gentleman, he is engaged to the banker’s daughter. Next, Valentine has transformed into an honest businessman and is no longer a criminal. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me “(O’Henry 193). Falling in love with the banker’s daughter has motivated Valentine to live a clean life. He is giving away safe breaking equipment. Without his gear, Valentine will be unable to rob safes over again. Finally, Jimmy Valentine returns to being to his villainous, dishonest ways, to save Annabel’s niece. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Jimmy gave up his chance on having a better life for the love of his life. He saved the bankers granddaughter from dying and in doing so, lost his life. Jimmy Valentine, the protagonist in O’Henry’s story “A Retrieved Reformation”, earns his freedom after being a lawbreaker because he was unselfish when he saved the little girl.

LEAH: Retrieved Reformation

Leah Hirneisen

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

Worthy Of Freedom

            In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” Jimmy Valentine deserves to be freed despite his acts of crime because he selflessly gave up everything to save the life of a child. To begin, Mr. Valentine reforms himself into a trustworthy citizen. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Valentine is no longer pursuing a life of crime. While he used to rob safes, now he runs a successful, legitimate business. As a respectable gentleman, he is engaged to the banker’s daughter. Next, Valentine transforms into an honest businessman and is no longer a criminal. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Falling in love with the banker’s daughter, has motivated Valentine to live a clean life. He is giving away his safe-breaking equipment. Without his gear, Valentine will be unable to rob safes ever again. Finally, Mr. Valentine risks his freedom to save a child. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immoveable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Valentine’s fiancé’s niece gets trapped in a safe. Valentine is forced to go back to his old safe-breaking self. Mr. Valentine risks his life to save another. Jimmy Valentine in O’Henry’s “A Retrieved Reformation”, is worthy of freedom because he risks everything he had to save a little girl. 

ANGIE: Retrieved Reformation

Angie Q. Ramirez

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

A Changeful Man

            In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” Jimmy Valentine deserves to be freed despite his acts of crime because he selfishly gave up everything to save the life of a child. To begin, Mr. Valentine reformed himself into a trustworthy citizen. “At the end of a year situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Valentine is no longer pursuing a life of crime. While he used to rob safes, he now runs a successful, legitimate business. Now that Valentine is a respectable gentleman, he is engaged to the banker’s daughter. Then, Valentine transforms into an honest businessman and is no longer a criminal. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Falling in love with the banker’s daughter has motivated Valentine to live a clean life. He is giving away his safe cracking equipment. Without his gear, Valentine will be unable to rob safes ever again. Lastly, Valentine gave up everything to save the bankers granddaughter. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Valentine risked everything to save his fiancé’s niece. He finally revealed himself and showed what he was from the start. He didn’t care what people said just to save the banker’s granddaughter. Mr. Valentine, the main character in “A Retrieved Reformation” by O’Henry, did illegal felonies, but must be set free because his helpful act saved a child’s life. 

MEL: Retrieved Reformation

Melach McCabe

English 9

Mrs. Henderson

October 4, 2017

The Changed man

In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation”, Jimmy Valentine deserves to be free despite his acts of crime because he gave up everything to save a life of a child.  Firstly, Mr Valentine reforms himself into an honest citizen.  “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Heny 192).  Valentine is not pursuing a life of crime.  While he used to rob safes, he now runs a successful, legitimate business.  Now that Valentine is a respectful gentleman in town, and he is engaged to the banker’s daughter.  Next, Valentine promises to throw away the only life he knew as a thief to keep his lover.  “She believes in me, and I would not do another crooked thing for the whole world.  Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you.  I will bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193).  Valentine is reborn into a new man.  He is giving away his tools which will render him unable to rob again.  Finally, Valentine, or Spencer, broke his cover to do a heroic thing.  “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place….  He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat.  In a deep silence and immovable, others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195).  Spencer sprang into action turning back into Valentine with his tools when his fiancé’s niece is trapped in a bank safe.  He Knows he will lose the one he loves but he opened the safe anyway.  In “A Retrieved Reformation” by O’Henry, Jimmy Valentine deserves to be set free because he sacrificed his entire future to save a child.

ALANNAH: Retrieved Reformation

Alannah Guardado Ventura 

Emory Henderson 

English 9 

October 4, 2017 

Prized Possession  

In O' Henry's short story "A Retrieved Reformation" Jimmy Valentine deserves to be free despite his criminal behavior because of his selfless acts to save a child.  Firstly, Jimmy Valentine reforms into an honest citizen. "At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoes store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks "(O' Henry 192).  Falling in love and starting a legitimate business makes Jimmy Valentine commit to changing every aspect of his life. Despite his criminal past, Valentine has been reborn he is now trustworthy and full of integrity.   Secondly, Jimmy Valentine has redeemed himself and pledged to live a crime free life. "She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully's, for I must see you. I'll bring along the tools with me" (O' Henry 193) For their strong connection Jimmy Valentine is willing to give up his most prized possession. Finally, Jimmy Valentine uses his criminal skills for good instead of bad. "With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place.... He set his suitcase down on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immoveable, the others watched him as if under a spell"(O' Henry 195). Opening the safe saved a little girls life but ruined Jimmy Valentines. He made a new life for it to be taken away for his skills. "Retrieved Reformation" short story by O' Henry, main character Jimmy Valentine needs to go free for winning the respect of everybody, not doing anything else bad and saving a child's life.  

BRETT: Retrieved Reformation

Brett Oswald

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 12, 2017

Reopening His Criminal Past

In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” Jimmy Valentine deserves to go free despite his criminal behavior because of his selfless act that saved a child. First, Jimmy Valentine reforms into an honest citizen. “At the end of the year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Falling in love and starting a legitimate business makes Jimmy Valentine commit to changing every aspect of his life. Despite his criminal past, Mr. Valentine has been reborn. He is now trustworthy and full of integrity. Later, Jimmy Valentine has redeemed himself and pledged to live a criminal free life. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Jimmy Valentine is passing his bank robbing tools on to an old friend. Without the tools, Jimmy Valentine cannot rob any more banks. He chooses to live a responsible, honest life. Lastly, Jimmy Valentine gave up his new life as Ralph D. Spencer to save a little girl trapped inside a safe. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In the deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Jimmy Valentine gives up on his happy, normal life. He has reopened his criminal past for everyone to see, so he could save a little girl. In “A Retrieved Reformation” a short story written by O’Henry, Jimmy Valentine changes from his criminal past and must not go back to prison because he saves a child’s life. 

ANDRES: Retrieved Reformation

Andres Alvarado

English 9

Ms. Henderson

October 4, 2017

Clean Slate

In O. Henry's short story "A Retrieved Reformation" Jimmy Valentine deserves to be free despite his criminal behavior because of his selfless act that saved a child. First, Jimmy Valentine reforms into an honest citizen. "At the end of the year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks" (O. Henry 192). Falling in love and starting a legitimate business makes Jimmy Valentine commit to changing every aspect of his life. Despite his criminal past, Valentine has been reborn. He is now trustworthy and full of integrity. Later, Jimmy Valentine falls in love and leaves his criminal life completely. "She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing in the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully's, for I must see you. I'll bring the tools with me" (O. Henry 193). As a result of being engaged, Jimmy Valentine shifts into a whole different person. He ditches his tools to be with the woman he loves and to be a clean and honest man. Lastly, Jimmy Valentine risks his whole life to save a little girl. "With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away and Jimmy Valentine took his place.... He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In deep silence and immovable, he others watched him as if under a spell" (O. Henry 195). Seeing the little girl trapped causes Jimmy Valentine to use his illegal skills and open the safe. He lets her out and gives up his whole life just to save a child. Jimmy Valentine, the main character in O. Henry's short story, "A Retrieved Reformation" is now worthy of freedom because of his redemptive actions.

KIMBERLY: MY NAME

Kimberly Torres

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 15, 2017                                   Baby Pink

       In English my name is like the wood of the royal forest. In Spanish my name means baby.it means happy it is like the number 21. A baby pink color goes with my name because as a baby my room was a baby pink color. Kimberly is a calm name like the singing birds “tweet, tweet.” 

      My parents choose the name Kimberly because my dad used to watch this show called Power Rangers, and there was this girl named Kimberly, and he liked it. Also the name Kimberly is the name of a tasty kit-Kat bar. I don’t really like the name Kimberly because thousands of people are named Kimberly. Gemini is my zodiac sign Gemini, is the 3^rd sign of the zodiac. Which means people under this sign love to talk and I love to talk.

         I wouldn’t change my name because Kimberly can be called by many different ways. My friends and parents not just call me Kimberly they call me Kim or Kimmy. Some of my friends call me Kimbo and the reason they call me like that was because at Seneca, my civics teacher, Mr. Bell, asked me what did I wanted to be called, and I said I really didn’t care so he told me my name is going to be Kimbo, so Then my friends heard, and they started to call me like that, Everyone in my civics class had nicknames that the teachers and students would  laugh at.

    I also like the name Kimberly because it sounds like a happy name like if someone is giving a gift to you. It sounds like a summer name like a kitten flying on kites on a sunny afternoon. I am the only person in my family named Kimberly that’s why I would like to keep it.   

JOSEPH: MY NAME

Joseph Nguyen

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 20, 2017

God Shall Add

            In Hebrew, my name means God shall add. In English, it means helpful, nice, kindness. My name is the color of yellow. It is the number 16 for good luck. At home my name means joyful, proud, and calm. In school my name means stressed and mad. At church my name means peaceful, religious, saint, and God. My name sounds like the ocean waves splashing.

            My parents named me Joseph because it was after a saint. My name is as gentle as a fish. My parents chose that name because it was after Saint Joseph, and they hoped I would have the same characteristics as Saint Joseph. My name is so common the more than a billion people have my name. I feel like I’ve become someone more powerful.

            I wouldn’t change my name for anything. I like my name because I was named after a Saint. My name is like an angel flying around helping people. I’ve become a better person because I’ve learned to do things on my own and help out people. I’ve become someone I thought I would never be.

BRETT: MY NAME

Brett Oswald

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 20, 2017

Not a Shadow

            In English, my name means a native of Brittany. At home my name means calming. It is the color blue. The ocean, calming, but full of surprises. My name is the sound of a crashing wave on the sea shore, ‘cashh-shhh’. It is the number 6, it is an even number, but is made of odd numbers, (3+3). I am the only Brett in the whole school.

            I was born on April 8, 2003. In the Chinese Zodiac, I am a sheep. During ancient times, sheep fur was used for blankets to keep warm. Sheep blankets kept people warm during cold, country winter days. I am like a sheep, warm and friendly.

My name is unique; you don’t hear it every day. My name describes me perfectly, I am not a shadow following someone around. I can become what I choose. My name is mine. I am Brett.

ROCELYN: MY NAME

Rocelyn Rodriguez

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 15, 2017

Unusual and uncommon

            In Scottish, my name is from the peninsula, but in Spanish my name comes out mellow. My name is like the number 5. It isn’t perfect, but it is decent. It is not the color purple, but not the color blue either. My name is like the crunching of fall leaves as you step on them.

My mother choose my name. She has always liked uncommon and unusual spelling for names. My mother tells me she decided my name she was watching TV one night and saw the name “Rocelyn” pop up. From that moment forward she admired that name. My mother decided to give me such an unusual name that nobody in the world had.

My name in Spanish comes out as if it was sliding down a slippery slide. Many people can’t spell it right cause there are millions of different spellings for it. My name forces me to be helpful to others. My name is the taste of candy, sweet but sometimes bitter, depending on how you say it. I wouldn’t change my name because it’s my own name. Not very many people have it. I am like the swan in a flock of ugly ducks.

ANDRES: MY NAME

Andres Alvarado

English 9

Ms. Henderson

September 20^, 2017

Keeping My Name Alive

            In Spanish, my name means manly and brave. In English, it means proud. It is outgoing and quick to say. It is like the number 2. My name has a bitter sound to it once you say it. It is the color orange, and is like a basketball banging on the basketball court. My name inspires me to be a good person no matter what happens.

            Before I was born, my uncle passed away and his name was Andres. He was a very nice and generous person that everyone loved. When he passed, everyone was very sad, including my parents. My mom and dad decided that they wanted to keep his name alive, and so they chose to name me Andres and wanted me to be a generous and loving person just like my uncle.

            When I was younger I always wanted to change my name to something other than Andres, but that was before my mom told me the real reason she named me Andres. I constantly wanted to change my name to Peter because I loved Spider Man as a kid. I always wanted to be something in life and have a positive impact on people’s lives. Now that I know the real meaning behind my name, I love it and would never change it no matter what. Even though hundreds and thousands of people have my name, they don’t have the same story behind it like I do. 

Katia's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

A Complete Change of Life

           In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation” James Valentine must go free as he has reformed his life. First, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job, and he changed for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes, because he is respectable and must not be punished. Next, Jimmy transforms his life by giving away his tools. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Mr. Spencer shows that he is really improved. He cares about what his fiancée thinks about him. He wants her to be proud of him because she trusts him, so he has decided to completely get reformed, to get the approval of her. He is becoming a new person and will not do any other bad job no matter what. He is going to let go of his precious burglar’s tools that he loved, and that were expensive and unique. He is becoming better and should not have to go to prison. Lastly, James Valentine uses his knowledge for good. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place …he set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). Mr. Valentine becomes a truly good man, and his actions are respectable. Jimmy Valentine is back but just for honorable reasons, because he rescues Agatha from the safe. No one else can do anything about the problem, just him, and he did it. Thanks to that she is alive. He is a hero for that child and he shows that he really cares about other person’s life. That is why he should have his liberty. After seeing the evidence, James Valentine must be liberated because he has changed his way of life.

Bryan's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

A Dream of Freedom.

            In O.Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” James Valentine must go free as he has reformed his life. First, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year a situation of Mr. Ralph D. spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’ Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job, and he change for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes because he is respectable and most not be punished. Next, his love for Annabel made him want to give away his tools. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’ Henry 193). He quits his old life, and he wants to give his tools to a friend. Mr. Ralph D. Spencer better known as Jimmy Valentine deserves a second chance, because he is a good man now, and he has a lovely family that cares about him. Lastly, he used his tools for a good reason. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place… He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’ Henry 195). He used the tools to save the little girl because she was trapped, and in a great danger inside the vault. As he rescued Agatha, Annabel’s niece, he shows his good intentions and bravely. Based on the evidence, Mr. Valentine must be free as he showed a change for the better. 

Celeste's A Retrieved Reformation Essay

Case #1246: Must Jimmy Valentine be Free?

In O’Henry’s short story “A Retrieved Reformation,” James Valentine must go free as he has reformed his life and behavior. Initially, Mr. Valentine changes his life to be an honorable man. “At the end of a year, the situation of Mr. Ralph D. Spencer was this: he had won the respect of the community, his shoe store was flourishing, and he and Annabel were engaged to be married in two weeks” (O’Henry 192). Jimmy gains the admiration of the citizens of Elmore, he has an honest job and changed for love. This shows that James has no need to commit crimes, he is respectable and must not be punished. Secondly, James Valentine does not want to possess his burglary tools anymore. “She believes in me, and I wouldn’t do another crooked thing for the whole world. Be sure to be at Sully’s, for I must see you. I’ll bring along the tools with me” (O’Henry 193). Jimmy Valentine knows that if he wants to change for good, the first thing he must do is to give away his tools. Love has changed Jimmy, and he swears he will not do anything that could hurt his girl. Finally, James is using his talent in a way that he is helping others. “With that act Ralph D. Spencer passed away, and Jimmy Valentine took his place…. He set his suitcase on the table and opened it out flat. In a deep silence and immovable, the others watched him as if under a spell” (O’Henry 195). When Valentine’s fiancée’s niece is in trouble, he does everything to save her, not caring about anything but the little girl’s safety. That proves that Jimmy Valentine has good intentions, and that he should enjoy his freedom. After looking at this evidence, Mr. Valentine must be free and live a normal life, just as every other citizen because there is not proof against him.  

Miyuki's My Name Essay

My Name Personalities

            In Japanese, my name means beautiful fortune, beautiful happiness and deep snow. It feels like the mystery never decipher. It is like a number seven. A pink color. It is calm, like a

plog-plog of an empty bucket.

            Assume that I born in winter time. The snow inspired my parents to give me the half of my name “Yuki” meaning “snow” in Japanese and adding the other two letters to make “Miyuki” … Well that is what my mom have been telling me all this time. But of course, my dad has his own story too… he says that literally they steal my cousin’s name, fixing it just a little. I think he is right because it makes sense, ours name are almost the same, look: Yuki Daling and Miyuki Darling. Funny, right? I like it so far. But what makes me mad sometimes is when people give me nicknames, for example when I was in 6^th grade some of my friends used to call me “Chucky” yes! That killer doll, or “mi yucca” (Spanish) meaning “my yucca”. Honestly I was not comfortable having them calling me chucky or mi yucca. It was irritable to hear them every time, but it could not make me hate my name, on the contrary, I loved it even more.

            I do not think in a name that could ix on me so well like “Miyuki” it is quiet, strong as a scorpion, and weak as a leaf saying good bye to his friends while it was falling to the ground. I am those kinds of person that once I feel affinity and trust with someone, I can give you a bunch of rain storm of trust and confidently, that is why my name fix so well on me, it describes me and it is telling people how I am. I am in love with my name ad I would never change it. 

Katia's My Name Essay

This Choose Me

            In Spanish, my name means earth worker, but in English it is an angel from above. It is euphoria, a confident name. You can hear it shhhhh, shhhhh like a sweet gust of wind in autumn that touches gently your face and ruffles your hair. You can feel inside of your body, so beautiful and free. It is like the number eight or the number five, just depends on you. A color explosion! Sometimes happy like the colors red, orange or green, sometimes more dark as blue black or brown. It is a long, lasting and large sound, almost infinitive, but that no matter how quiet you say it, you can hear it from kilometers in the distant … you just cannot ignore this, the name calls for your attention.

I got my name from my dad, his name is Jorge so I’m the female way. Mom said that they chose my name because they thought that I will born as a boy, but a sweet surprise! I was a strong baby girl so they had to change the name because obviously, I can’t be called Jorge, I think that a girl in this society with that name can be a little strange. Mom always tells me that when I was inside her it was like a million butterflies fighting together. As a child, I never was calm, I never slept, I was always doing something. I was completely a box of energy and emotions all the time. 

At home, I can’t be called another way; if I don’t clearly hear Georgina, how can I know that is me? Maybe they are talking with the wall. But there as being a little issue with being called correctly by my grandma. It costs me like a hundred year to teach her how to said my name properly. But well until now I don’t even know why, it just sounds weird inside her mouth. So, I give up, and prefer that she says my nickname, more easy and simple but always the same thing

I never thought to change my name, it is valuable for me just like the more precious jewelry that you can have. When you say Georgina, I feel like I want to take a unicorn and begin to chase the clouds. I know that this name was destined to be me, no one else has it, it is unique. I just cannot imagine myself with another name. Maybe if my parents would choose another name I won’t be the same, I will be a completely different type of person. This name completes me; this fills my soul. This name has its own personality. This name was destined to me from my mom’s belly I’m sure of that.

Celeste's My Name Essay

Heavenly

            In Spanish, my name means “from the heaven.” In French, it means ‘heavenly;”

probably that means that I am an angel. It is surprise. It is like the number six. A light blue color.

It is the whoosh sound of the wind, and its hard try to throw the trees on the floor.

I am the first in my family with such a name, or at least, that is what my mother says. She wanted me to be “Merari,” and I know it is a beautiful name too, but honestly, I think mine is much better. I am as strong and fierce as a horse. I am proud of how I am, like a butterfly is glad of its colored wings. It feels good to have such a particular name, it makes me who I am. Beautiful, strange and mysterious.

It was a book that named me, and probably that is the reason why I want to read every single book that has been written. The problem is that it was not a fiction book, neither a historic nor poetic, like the ones I like to read. It was a “Baby’s names” book, but at least it was a book and is that what indisputably matters.

In English, the way to pronounce my name changes, but just a little bit. In Spanish, it is “Celeste,” and every letter has a sound and an important part in it. But in English, the last “e” has not sound, and, in an American’s mouth, my name sounds like “So let’s…”. Because of that, sometimes I get confused.

If in the future, I have the option to change my name, I will probably not change it. Because it is my name, I appreciate it, and my mom did choose it especially for me and I like it. I’m sure when I say, that I won’t change it. Not even for all the books on the planet.