3/9/24

Julian Spiessberger

Dr. Malashewski

IB English HL

I have developed much as a reader this quarter. In the three pieces of literature we

covered so far, I have improved my annotations on each one. With Glengarry Glen Ross,

I wrote basic observations on writing style and figurative language, but stayed at that

level through the play. In A Doll’s House, however, I began to notice symbolism and

possible messages Ibsen could have been trying to convey to the reader. Lastly, in The

Lying Life of Adults, my annotations were a lot deeper, discussing my thoughts on the

meaning of certain phrases or passages, and the development of the story and how that

had impacts on characters and themes. I have also grown as a writer, as my dialectical

journals show. Like my annotations, I have begun to discuss more complicated themes

and topics in the texts, specifically in The Lying Life of Adults, which shows the growth

in my ability to put into written words my thoughts about a piece of literature. All of the

texts this semester have addressed feminism and the role of women in society. Glengarry

Glen Ross demonstrates how the role of women in the workplace was seen to be almost

insignificant by the author, and how feminine qualities were often a thing to be ridiculed,

as ws having respect for women. A Doll’s House explored early thoughts of feminism,

and women, in this case Nora, discovering her autonomy and her freedom. Lastly, The

Lying Life of Adults contrasts feminist ideals, as well as how Giovanna experiences these

sides as she grows up. My last quarter reflection goals were to improve my annotations

and take better notes while reading texts. I have made some progress towards this goal, as
I have already discussed my growth in deepening the meaning and improving the quality

of my annotations. I have not taken many physical notes on the readings, however, which

was part of my goal. This may be because of my reading style, as I have trouble making

annotations as well because I try to become enveloped in the story, rather than critically

analyzing it. In the future, I will try to write a short summary after an especially

significant event in the text, which will help me remember that for my dialectical

journals, as well as think more holistically about the book or work.