1/5/2011

 Level-headed Heroes

By: Emmanuel Perry

Pine Point school

January 5,2011

(IS)A quiet hero, which can be anyone, is someone who loves to help others and stands for what he thinks is right. (CM)They also don’t throw insults and fight those who irritate them or threaten them. (CM)A subtle hero is always humble and tries to make peace wherever there’s conflict.(CM) Our world is filled with these peaceful men and women of courage, like my parents. (CM)As I might add, there is one person in a book I am reading named Atticus, and I think he is a great hero too!

(SM) The ‘quiet hero’ I recognize in To Kill a Mockingbird is Atticus Finch. (CM) In the climax of the story, we find out he is the lawyer of a black man that is accused of rape.  (CM) Atticus had a lot of courage to stand up for a black man, especially in that time period. (CM) He definitely knew he was going to be rejected by the white community. (CM) He was standing up for someone even though others despised it. (SM) In fact the accuser, Mr. Ewell, spat in Atticus’s face a few days before the court case. (CM) Then Mr. Ewell said, “too proud to fight, you nigger loving B****d?!”. (CM) Personally, I would have flattened him right then and there. (CM) However, Atticus just wiped it off coolly and said “no, too old” and walked off. (CM) He acted like the bigger person; Atticus didn’t even raise his voice! (CM) That is a trait a quiet hero should have; the ability to forgive and to understand were others are coming from. (SM) Atticus fought hard for Tom in court, but the jury still found him guilty. (CM) Tom was sent to prison and tried to escape in broad daylight; a mad dash like a hen to a new pot of feed. (CM) “They shot him, he [Tom] was running. It was during there exercise period. They said he just broke into a blind raving charge...” is how Atticus describes the bad news. (CM) Poor Tom ended up with 17 shots into his body. (CM) Atticus seemed like he wasn’t devastated, but he was on the inside. He acted like this because he was a leader; he wanted to be steadfast in front of his kids and sister. (CS) That’s why Atticus is a hero to me; he is level-headed, daring, and enduring.

(IS)Now that I think about it, there are a few quiet heroes I know of in real life. (SD)My mom, for example, is very supportive. (CM)She was on our school board last year, helping our school become what it is today. (CM)On top of that, she also helps out at our church. (CM)She greets guests and members with warm smiles and participates in special meetings held by the elders. (CM)She also tries to organize get-togethers with other families. (CM)For example, she assisted Mrs. Santos in making a Christmas pageant, one that was positively criticized, when they had no pre-made scripts. (CM)She doesn’t have to be far away too, she sends me emails on things that would help me do homework or study. (CM) Sometimes it gets annoying, but I’m glad she is thinking about everyone, even me!  (SD)My dad is also a selfless hero because He is really good with his hands. (CM)He shovels my grandparent’s driveway, made lumber for my uncle, and connects wires and sets up TV systems at my church or at a party. (CM)He is also very positive and is always trying to make my sister and I laugh. (CM)He even takes us to boat shows or to our favorite restaurants. (CM)He helps people without expecting a thank you gift, which is why he is a humble hero to me. (CM)Finally, I think that being around these great examples has changed me to become somewhat of a self-facing hero. (CS)They have taught me to be eager to help and support others.

(IS)A quiet hero, which can be anyone, is someone who loves to help others and stands for what he thinks is right. (CM)They also don’t throw insults and fight those who irritate them or threaten them. (CM)A subtle hero is always humble and tries to make peace wherever there’s conflict.(CM) Our world is filled with these peaceful men and women of courage, like my parents. (CM)As I might add, there is one person in a book I am reading named Atticus, and I think he is a great hero too!

Self-Assessment

1. One thing I am working on is to keep each paragraph at a balanced length.

2. One thing that was good in this essay was that I could relate to my life in the second Body Paragraph.

3. Something wrong in this essay is that the appositives weren't as obvious.

I'd give myself an A-