Charles Darnay

Through out the novel A Tale of Two Cities Charles Darnay is characterized with many different traits that shape his character. In chapters nine and ten Charles is portrayed to be a caring, honest, and intelligent these aren't the only traits that Darnay possesses. When Darnay is talking to his uncle he shows that he is loving and has a kind heart for people. This is demonstrated in the conversation between the two because Darnay's uncle wants to leave all of his riches to Charles when he passes but, Charles Darnay would like to give it to the less fortunate to hopefully help them out of poverty. Darnay believes that the poor deserve and need it more than he does and doesn't want to take his uncle's riches. For example Darnay says," If it ever becomes mine, it shall be put into some hands better qualified to free it slowly"(Dickens 95). The context of these lines prove that even though Charles Darnay was accused of a crime doesn't mean he isn't kind or loving to others. Also it is shown that Charles is honest when he is talking to Dr. Manette about having Lucie's hand in marriage. After Dr. Manette says that he approves of his daughter being with Darnay, Charles Darnay tries to be honest with Dr. Manette. He tells him that he isn't the same person that he has always said he is and Dr. Manette dismisses Charles and tells him to stop and not say anymore. Even though Charles is cut off he is still trying to be honest with Lucie's father because he really loves her. Although Charles Darnay seems to be a good man he still seems to have a mysterious side to his personality.

Light and Darkness

Charles Dickens uses light and dark to set the tone of optimism for Lucie and Dr. Manette’s relationship. “...on her fair young face, that looked as though she passed like a moving light”(Dickens 32). Lucie is the light in her father’s life even though he just met his daughter for the first time. Dr. Manette didn’t know if he had a male or a female baby or even if the baby had lived. Lucie is going to bear light on her father and help him out of his darkness which is his depression. He is depressed because he has been locked away for 18 years and missed most of his child's life and missed the passing of his wife. Hopefully Lucie is what Dr. Manette needs to complete himself as a father and Dr. Manette is the piece Lucie needs to complete herself as a daughter. “‘ I want,’ said Defarge; ‘to let in a little more light here. You can bear a little more?’”(Dickens 30) It is unknown to Dr. Manette that Lucie is this light that Defarge is going to be bringing into the room. The light that Lucie will bestow upon her father is going to lift him out of his depression and take away the worry of who his child is and how they are doing. As shown in the chapters when Lucie is brought into the room and spark ignites in Dr. Manette and the source of this light is Dr. Manette thinking that Lucie was his wife. As he begins to think more and more into the possibility of Lucie beining his wife he becomes happy again from thinking back to his days with the women he loves. Defarge bringing Lucie into the same room as Dr. Manette makes him realize that before he was arrested his life was great and connecting with Lucie will make his life great again. “darkness had fallen on him in his place”(Dickens 32). Dr. Manette had been locked away from the world for years and his loneliness and sadness fell on him like darkness. When Lucie comes into his life and explains who she is it brings joy to his life. So, the darkness from all of the years of being alone is suddenly lifted off of Dr. Manette and he becomes optimistic for the future. In conclusion, optimism is the tone when Lucie meets her father, created by the light and darkness.

Wine Shop

 The wine from chapter 6 in a Tale of Two Cities  demonstrates the poverty that was president back in the 1860s.   When the wine was spilled in front of the wineshop many people try to salvage the wine in the street.  this is because liquids  and food come rarely to these people.  as the poor people observed the one that was spelt they ran to the site and tried to feed this to their infants to get some liquids in their system.  in my drawing I am from a watchers point of view looking out a window  at the scene that is unfolding.
The quote from chapter 6 reads, " or even with him kerchiefs from woman's heads which were squeezed dry into infants mouths." ( Dickens 21).   this quote demonstrates that these people do not have the advantages of good food and water to live.  even though today we think children drinking alcohol is wrong that was all they had. Many  poor people were excited about this event because it wasn't just ordinary water it was expensive wine that came free to them.
 Secondly Charles dickens writes, "  But so much mud got taken up along with it that there might have been a scavenger in the street if anybody acquainted with it could believed in such a miraculous presence." (Dickens 21).  This quote demonstrates that many people didn't care what came with the wine as long as they got as much as they could to supply their family.  as the scene continued many people rushed in so they could get enough wine to go around.
 Lastly, Charles Dicken demonstrates that many wealthier people were appalled by the site. For example, " All the people within reach had suspended their business or their idleness to run to the spot and drink the wine."  This quote shows that not only the poor people ran for this wine but also people who own and run buissnesses that also wanted this free wine.
This scene demonstrates all the poverty that lived back in the day and it still continues today. For some it isn't easy to get the luxeries of many things, so they have to be prepared at all times.

Family

           The word family could have many different definitions depending on the person you ask. But, for me family is generations of related people that are always there for you in time of need. What many need to understand is you don’t have to be related by blood to be family you can be related by heart. Family is a term that means a lot to me because my family are the people I choose to surround myself with that love me for me. My family has always been there for me and I will always be there for them.

            In my life, the essay Stone Soup by Barbara Kingsolver, and the novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith family and the meaning of family is present. For example in the essay Stone Soup the writer tells the cold hard truth about families today. The author says, “The sooner we can let go the fairy tale of families functioning perfectly in isolation, the better we might embrace the relief of community.” Behind this quote is a very strong explanation. The writer is trying to tell us that families are not perfect and we need to stop thinking that you don’t ever need help from someone else. So we need to realize that sometimes even the most admirable parents need help from other people such as family and friends. When a family member needs help with raising a child or needing a home that's what family is there for to help and support one another. This quote also relates to my life because my family has gone through some tough times but helping one another and sticking together is what has made us stronger. Such as, when my grandparents passed away it was a hard time for all of us but, we were there for one another to offer comfort and love. Not only was my family there but, friends were too to give a helping hand with anything my family or I need in that sad time.

Also in the essay Stone Soup Barbara Kingsolver writes, “To judge a family’s value by its tidy symmetry is to purchase a book for its cover.” This quote really caught my eye and intrigued me because it means so much. When I read this quote I couldn’t just read it once but, had to read it multiple times. The point the author is trying to put across is don’t judge a family by the way the dress or where they live or even how much money they have. What shows on the outside is most likely not what is on the inside. For example someone could be really poor and be a very sweet, loving, compassionate person but you wouldn’t know that if you judged them by the clothes on their back or the roof they have over their head. This same type of theme is evident in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn because even though the Nolans don’t have the nicest clothes or enough money to go to the candy store every day or for Francie to have a different bow for everyday of the week the Nolans have respect, loyalty, and most importantly they know how to love. In the novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn the author also refers to not judging a family by the way they look when Katie compares her children to the McGarrity children. Katie says, “But her children are not as good or smart as my children. They are mean and greedy towards others because they have things to taunt poor children with.”(Smith 206). This quote by Smith also shows that what is present on the outside of people or families is not the same as what is deep within their hearts. Katie says that the McGarity children are not very nice children and just because they have money and nice things doesn’t mean what is inside is the same. So before you judge someone look deep within their hearts and see what they are actually made of and not what money has made them.

Why is the Nolan family so loving and supportive? Well I believe that once Johnny died Katie realized that she has to roles to play as mother and father to her children. Katie thought life would be easier without Johnny but both Katie and the kids got used to the feeling of a complete family and, even though Johnny had a difficult time with supporting and being there for his family he still loved and cared for them. A quote that Betty Smith wrote that touched my heart was about Johnny and the line read, “She picked up the flowers- two dozen far red roses on a sheaf of ferns. She looked at the owner's name on the card but her own name was on the card. The card said: For Francie on graduation day. Love Papa" (Smith 351). This is a very emotional time for Francie because Johnny is gone but, he thought ahead to make sure that Francie knew that she got recognition for her hard work. This quote adds on to the compassion that family members have for one another.

         In conclusion no matter what life throws at you, you’ll always have your family there to support and love you unconditionally.

Sacredness of the Ordinary

    It may just be a silly pillow with a face to many but; it holds emotion and sorrow I have felt. The pain and worry that some nights bring is taken away by a simple stuffed animal. Some may laugh and say I am just a little kid but, this pillow pet holds tears that I have shed. When there was no one to hold or tell me it was going to be alright that pillow was there when I needed just to hold something tight. When no one is there to hold me when I am mourning the loss of my grandparents I just hold it tight and, think of the great moments I cherished with my grandparents. Even when I didn't have a great day in general climbing into bed and squeezing that pillow so tight gives me that feeling of comfort and relief. Or maybe I didn't play great in a soccer game I can hold that pillow tight and it helps to release stress that is built up inside. Also when my mom was diagnosed with cancer there would be countless restless nights and I would be scared of the outcome but I would hug my pillow pet and it would make me feel so much better. People will look at the pillow and laugh but I look at that pillow and many memories come flowing back at once. Both good and bad memories, such as my first sleep over at a friend's house. I was terrified to go and leave home for a night but my pillow pet was there for me. The pillow brought me comfort as a piece of my house to help me get through the night. Also I brought my pillow pet along with me on my ride to Disney World. I am not a fan of driving in cars and long road trips but my pillow pet helped me get through it and made the ride feel shorter. Even though my pillow pet is not a living breathing person it feels like we have been best friends forever. This pillow has been with me through the good and bad times happy and sad and will always be there to comfort me no matter what. Some may take advantage of ordinary objects but to others ordinary objects may mean more than you think. Every time I look at this pillow it brings me joy because I love it so much. Many children and teens carry a special blanket with them through life and my pillow pet acts as my special blanket. A lot of kids have stuffed animals such as pillow pets that won't even claim a spot on their bed but, not only has my pillow claimed a spot on my bed but in my heart. Don't be ashamed if you have an object that means so much to you because those unique objects are what make you. As I age my pillow will age too and it may get worn out and old but the memories it holds will not.

About Me

           Let me just start off by saying my name is Cortney Barretto and I am a freshman attending Woburn Memorial High School. I started off in kindergarten and the Reeves Elementary school where I completed my first 5 years of my school career. After my 5 years in Elementary school I was ready to move on and explore new heights in my academic journey. Going to school is a daily routine for many and I am no different. Academics is very important to me because someday I would love to be able to get a good career and raise a family that I can support. I wake up everyday around the same time to get ready to learn something new and to achieve goals. I come from a very supportive family that always is there in time of need and always supports me in my academics and sports.  
          I have always had a passion for sports and since the kindergarten I have played soccer. I watched by sister play and I was always jealous of how good she was and I wanted to be just like her. When I was of age I was finally part of my first soccer team. I loved the sport and was always dedicated and I still am and now part of the WMHS girls freshman soccer team.
           I also have always loved and had a passion for working with special needs or handicapped children. This has always been an insterest of mine because I am healthy and I can do and play any sport that I would like to, so why not try to help these kids be able to do the same. In the past I have worked and helped many disabled children. Such as an elementary friend that unfortunately passed away too young and will always be missed. Another boy that I had worked with always could make anyone smile and was my recent best buddie in middle school. 
           I hope you all learned enough about me but it wasn't too long!