Is The Merchant of Venice a Tragedy or Comedy?

In my opinion I feel that the Merchant of Venice is both a tragedy and a comedy. Due to the sad ending of Shylock's tale and fight for revenge, the large crowds of people in the court, and the suspense created, the play would be considered a tragedy. But because of the other character's happier endings, the play would be considered a comedy. Throughout the play, there was also numerous jokes said by the characters, which contributes to it being a comedy. There were many intertwining plots that occurred, where different lovers tried to overcome difficult problems throughout the play. Therefore, I believe that Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice is both a Tragedy and Comedy.

The Diary of Anne Frank and Humility

In The Diary of Anne Frank, to show humility to one another could have been a very difficult task in such a terrible time in history. Anne had a hard time cooperating with the people she stayed hidden with for the few years of hiding; her own family and another family. Everyone had their own moments of pride and anger, either if it was being annoyed by someone else, thinking they were having a more miserable life than the others, wanting to pick fights, taking more rations of food or facility time than others, et cetera. It would be hard to live under so much stress during those times, and it would be hard not to think of yourself during your own time of need and care. Although, everyone should or had learned that they weren't the only ones scared and miserable. Everyone was suffering through the same thing. Since that was the case, think of how much they, or we in general, could get along when we consider other people's thoughts, and help them out when they are feeling down, or angry, or upset. People should always have consideration towards each other, and help them out, and not just ourselves. No one is better than anyone.

The Diary of Anne Frank Review

I believe that The Diary of Anne Frank play was quite good. I found it entertaining and different. The stage set-up was unique with the different components of two rooms coming forth out of the walls (stairs, tables, beds, doors, etc.). When the actors and singers first pulled them out, it was very neat, and I also found it a bit surprising. I was expecting to see people bringing out the furniture and props used for the play. This way with the props and furniture coming out of the walls, it would be more efficient than having people coming out to reset the set. I found that the different uses of light in the play gave the performance an eerie effect when emphasising Hitler giving his speeches behind the wall, making him look dark and scary. The way they were able to shake the set also added a scary experience, especially when the bombs were going off and the gun shots were going on.
I thought that the acting was good. The actors fit well with their assigned part. Although when I had read a bit of Anne Frank's diary, I wouldn't have thought her as so annoying and energetic. Near the end of the play, I found it had ended a bit suddenly, but that could have been how it had ended in real life. I did not finish reading the book.
I had also noticed that there were a few parts of the diary that had been placed in different spots of play, and a bit was changed or tweaked. Overall, the play was good. I believe that other viewers found the play a bit more emotional than I did, but that is just my opinion.

"In Portia's Shoes"

If I was in the same position as Portia from The Merchant of Venice, I would not be completely sure if I would follow the instructions my father left me before he died. Knowing myself, I would defiantly not enjoy having a husband I did not choose for myself, or fall in love with, for that matter. I would do whatever I could to marry the man of my choice, who I loved, and who loved me back. Although, I would have to honour my father, and do what is right for the place I would sit in society. Having a man 'win me' is not such a pleasant thought, and I would wish my life not to end up that way. What a miserable life I would live if I let that happen. So if I decided to follow the instructions of my father, I would ask, pray, and look for guidance to help me have the best chance of finding the right husband I would love. Even if it means having to put up with a lottery-type event for my suitors; one of them to be the lucky winner, getting me as his bride.

Self Reflection

My greatest success in this course so far, is being able to understand the technology used for our work. It has been a bit of a struggle for me, since I was always used to handouts and rough drafts of work being done on paper. I am successfully able to do my work quickly over the Internet, and doing it with less stress than the former ways of writing out my assignments.
My greatest challenge in this course so far, is the amount of time given for finishing our tasks and assignments. I find that a lot of my time during week days after school, is given to working on assignments over the Internet. For me, I enjoy to come home and not have homework to do, or very little homework, so than I can spend time with my family, and work on hobbies. Although, the amount of tasks to do gives me more responsibility, and I'm learning to plan my time more efficiently and dedicating more time to my work for school.

Humility- Golden Mean, Excess, Deficiency

Golden Mean of Humility: showing humility is thinking about others before yourself. You don't think highly of yourself or about your rank in society. You are humble and meek.
Excess of Humility: showing an excess of humility is when someone could be very shy and quiet. They may have a lack of participation in things, such as events or discussions. They try not to be noticeable in society.
Deficiency of Humility: showing a deficiency of humility is when people like to think highly of themselves. They may not think of others before themselves. They like to gain attention from others and make themselves noticeable.

Perfect Example of Humility

Golden Mean of Humility: The quality or condition of being humble, modest in opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
I had found the perfect paragraph that explains humility of Annabel's personality. Lord Ranulf had taken notice of it, and here's a bit of it from the story:

Ranulf hated to think it, but the maiden haunted him too, and he of all people should know better. Her perfect features, her beautiful blue eyes, and her blond hair waving about her shoulders... but it was her kindness to others, her quiet nature and the way she preformed her duties with meekness and without ceremony that had caught his attention. Page 85, paragraph 3.

This is an example of one of my virtue tracking findings I had found in "The Merchant's Daughter". Annabel Chapman is a girl who shows pure humility in all that she does. Many people notice her humility, but use her humbleness as an easy target for harm towards her. She still presses on though, believing that God will provide a way for her to get through the struggles she goes through each day. Some other people also see her humbleness, but see how innocent she is, and the help she needs. The only few people who see this is the Mistress she works with in the kitchen, and her village's lord she's a servant for, Lord Ranulf le Wyse.

Concrete Poetry

The steps my group took to get through the concrete poems was a bit confusing. We had a hard time understanding some of the very complex poems. We had to switch back and forth to the questions we had to answer, the steps of how to find the purpose of the poem, and the poems themselves. Although, we were able to work through them, and find the main gist of each. The concrete poems with the smallest of information was surprisingly the hardest ones, yet fastest to accomplish in finding the purpose. The poems with the most information would give more towards finding the purpose, but because of all the details that contributed to it, it took a long while to find the whole story within it.  

Blood Brother

I believe that Rocky's friend, the director of the film, might have impacted how Rocky was portrayed because he thinks that he is a great person. They have been best friends for a long time, and he knows a lot about his family, interests, strengths, weaknesses, etc., and would always be there for him.
On the other hand, people who may not know Rocky or understand him, will have their own opinion about him. It may effect the way the film would portray Rocky, either in a good way or bad. They may be against the way he thinks or what his beliefs are, or how he had left his family to be with sick children of India.
There are many contributions that might change the outcome of the film by what kind of directors perspective it comes from.

Traveling and Experiences

The only place I've been furthest from home is Montreal, Quebec. It did feel a bit different from home because I was in a French-speaking province. It was also a larger city than I'm used to, with lots of tourist attractions, restaurants, old architecture, museums, etc. I thought it was a neat experience, but I was with my grade eight class, whom I feel more comfortable being around than if I would be alone in a large place, like that.

Community Service Hours, and if this Requirement is Fair or Not

As an Ontario student, you are required to volunteer for 40 hours in order to graduate high school. Do you think this requirement is fair? Why or why not?

I believe that the requirement of volunteering for 40 hours of community service, in order to graduate highschool, is fair because it prepares you for work in the future. I also believe that it helps you gain responsiblity for completing goals and achivements when you are older. When you complete your goals on time and well, you gain more respect from others around you, and that means you'll be a more successful person in life, with more choices and decisions to make.

Syllogism on Humility

If people showed humility like Mother Teresa, then the world would be a better place.
People are doing acts of humility like Mother Teresa,
Therefore, the world is a better place.

Testing a Syllogism

8.	If I get into trouble with the police, my parents will be angry. My parents are angry. Therefore, I must be in trouble with the police.	Categorical Hypothetical Disjunctive	Valid Invalid
9.	All musicians have had formal music training. Bruno Mars is a musician. Therefore, he must have had formal music training.	Categorical Hypothetical Disjunctive	Valid Invalid
10.	If Joe ditches Lynda, then she will die of a broken heart. Joe will ditch Lynda. Therefore, Lynda will die of a broken heart.	Categorical Hypothetical Disjunctive	Valid Invalid
11.	All language means to communicate ideas and emotions. Swearing means to communicate emotions. Therefore, swearing is a language.	Categorical           Hypothetical            Disjunctive	Valid       Invalid

8. It is hypothetical deduction because it is an 'if', 'then' statement. The major premise has a plausible causal relationship, but the minor premise affirms the consequence, which means it is invalid.

9. It is categorical deduction because it starts with 'ALL'. The major premise has a sound inductive reasoning. The minor premise gives an example of a musician. And nothing new is introduced in the conclusion. Therefore, it is valid.
10. It is hypothetical deduction because it is an 'if', 'then' statement. It is invalid because the major premise does not have a plausible causal relationship.

11. It is categorical deduction because it starts with 'ALL'. The major premise has a sound inductive reasoning. The minor premise gives an example that swearing communicates emotion. Although, it says that swearing is a language, but it is only words of a language. The conclusion also introduces the new topic, making it invalid.

My Real World Example of Humility

My real world example of humility is Mother Teresa and how she showed love and compassion towards people who needed help and support. She left her comfort zone of being in a convent and teaching students, to help sick children in India. She thought of others needs before her own, showing kindness to everyone she met. People should act by putting others before themselves, like her. And to take the moment to think of someone else other than themselves.

I was drawn to Mother Teresa because of the kindness she showed to others. In the images of her over the internet, there are pictures of her doing something kind for someone, ethier if it's hugging them, helping them, or feeding them. It seems like she is preoccupied doing good for others. In my generation however, we seem to be preoccupied with technology that takes up most of our lives, not giving even a glance to someone in need. We have been thinking too much of ourselves and our achivements in society to take the time to think of others, and we need to limit the distractions we have in our life that are keeping us from seeing the world and people around us.

Here are some links that I found to help with my real world connection.

http://www.loyolapress.com/saints-stories-for-kids.htm?cId=77288
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/663304-these-are-the-few-ways-we-can-practice-humility-to
http://www.biographyonline.net/nobelprize/mother_teresa.html

Virtue Tracking

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
I found an example of humility in 'The Help', when Aibileen, a African American house maid and nanny, in 1962, would write in her prayer book every night for people she thought needed help and support. She cared for others and wanted to help them by praying to God for them every day. She saw people in need who might have been treated wrongly or uncared for. She wanted to be there for them because she knew what it was like to be treated unfairly.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
When Skeeter, a young writer, was little girl, her house maid, Constantine, was always there to help her during her times of troubles. Skeeter was once called ugly by her brother's friend, and Constantine would say to her, "You gone have to ask yourself, Am I gone believe what them fools say about me today?"
Skeeter felt that all her life she had been told what to do and what to think, but Constantine gave her hope in that she had a choice in what she could believe. Constantine showed humility by being beside Skeeter whenever she needed help, and taught her that everyone has the choice to believe in what they think is right.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
Aibileen was like a mother to Miss Leefolt's daughter. She worked for her family, raising the young girl, Mae Mobley. She wanted to teach Mae to be kind, and to love herself the way she was, during the time she had left with her. Aibileen cared for all the children she helped raise in all the family's homes she worked for, and she wanted to make sure they grew up to be happy, and kind to everyone. Aibileen cared more for the kids than anything because their parents ignored them or were mean to them. She showed the love of a mother towards them than what their parents could give. Aibileen showed humility through taking care of those children.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
Aibileen was always concerned for the children she looked after. She wanted to teach them how to treat everyone equally, not by how people look.  She taught Mae Mobley stories about treating others fairly, by showing humility to one another and showing that they care for each other, and not just themselves.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
Humility was shown through young Skeeter's old mother, how she said that Stuart, Skeeter's ex-boyfriend, didn't know how lucky he was to have her. Even though her mother hadn't exactly been there for Skeeter like Constantine had, her mother still loved her as a daughter, and wanted to make her feel special and loved.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
Skeeter's mother quoted, "They say it's like true love, good help. You only get one in a lifetime." This here is an example of humility because she feels for the last maid she had, Constantine. She and Skeeter were both missing her. Sadly though, Constantine was fired, and died not much longer afterwards. Constantine had been a part of their family, and it was like they were missing a family member without her.


The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
An example of the deficiency of humility in The Merchant's Daughter, is when Edward, a selfish older brother to seventeen year old Annabel, decides to make the decision of sending her away to marry an old wealthy man, Bailiff Tom. Edward and their other brother both agreed that the bailiff would help their family's debt.
"You will marry him, because there's no other way." Edward leaned over her, his eyes cold and dark. "Besides, where will you get a better offer of marriage than from the bailiff?" (9)
Annabel Chapman comes from a wealthy family, in Glynval, England, year 1352, but because her father died of disease, and his ship went down with all their wealth, they no longer have money to take care of themselves. To make matters worse, her family had been shirking their share of help with the lord's harvesting, so they've been sentenced to pay a large amount of money to make up for their laziness, and one child has to go and work as a servant for the lord for three years without pay.
Her two brothers believe that being children of a wealthy merchant and grandchildren of a knight means they're too good to be doing hard field work or serving others. Edward had told Tom that his sister would marry him, not caring what she might think about it. Edward's only thought was that the man's wealth would solve their problems and get them out of doing their duties. He didn't care about what might happen to his sister, only what might happen to himself.
Annabel vowed never to have anything to do with the vile man. So she took up her family's load, and left to go work for Lord le Wyse as a servant for three years, despite that her family tried to fix their money problem by wanting her to marry a terrible man. Though, she still showed humility towards her family.

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
Annabel showed humility towards her friend, Stephen Blundel. Because Stephen had a bad hip, and walked differently than others, he was often picked on by the village kids. The kids would mock him, laugh at him, and throw stones at him, even though Stephen had done nothing to harm them. Annabel had always become angered at this, and stood up for her friend, not bearing to stand and watch the boys hurt him for no reason. Her and Stephen were more like sister and brother, than friends. They would help each other during any type of trouble.
Frustration with the morning's events surged through her. "Get away!" she screamed at the boys. She bent and dug her fingers into the dirt as she snatched up some rocks of her own. "You leave him alone or I'll---!" She drew back her fist full of rocks and aimed them at the largest boy, the leader. (11)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
When Annabel was approached by the bailiff the same day her brother turned his back on her, Bailiff Tom had wanted her for his wife. He had shown a deficiency of humility by instead of leaving her alone after she had not accepted marrying him, he grabbed her and threw insults at her, then pushed her out onto the dirt road. He did not care for her safety, for Lord le Wyse had nearly ridden his horse over her. But the lord stopped in time, and retrieved Annabel off the ground. Lord le Wyse seized his bailiff, and demanded him to apologise and ask for forgiveness for his disrespectful behaviour towards the maiden. Annabel forgave the bailiff for his rudeness, and found the lord a caring person, despite his fierce temper.
Anger surged through her. She gave a sudden tug at her arm and, managing to maneuver around Tom, she stood in the doorway. He let go with a shove, sending Annabel falling backward through the door. She struggled to right herself as she fell, and landed on her hip in the dusty street. (20)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
While Annabel had been working in the fields for the first time, ordered by Lord Ranulf le Wyse, she had been very inexperienced and confused. During the afternoon she had become very fatigue, and happened to fall into a stinging nettle plant. By the time a girl, Beatrice, another dairy maid, had come to her aid, Lord Ranulf had ordered Annabel to help Mistress Eustacia in the kitchen. That proved that Ranulf had been keeping a close eye on her, and had noticed that she wasn't used to such hard labour. He had shown humility, by giving her a better job that she may be more useful for, without her becoming weak. He cared for her health and safety.
"Lord le Wyse wants you to go back to the manor house and help Mistress Eustacia." (45)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
One night, when Annabel had gotten ready for bed, the other maidens in the undercroft (where the women servants slept), had been gossipping. They had also been talking about men, including Lord le Wyse. Annabel had found this very improper, especially they way they were talking about their lord. Annabel had been showing humility, not including herself in the conversation, and trying to stay out of it as much as possible. She prayed she wouldn't be called on by one of the maids to give opinions, and even pretended not to be listening, unlike one of the maids who had been showing a deficiency of humility, Beatrice. She had started the conversation, and was the head of it. She wanted all the maidens to know which men she was attracted to, and why. This is the reason Annabel had thought the conversation uncomfortable and improper, knowing at how disrespectful the girls were being towards their lord.
Annabel sank down into the straw mattress as anger welled up inside of her. Lord le Wyse was rude, had a bad temper, and seemed to especially dislike her. Still, she didn't like the way they were disrespecting their lord. If Lord le Wyse heard them talking so, what would he do? His anger would stop their laughter and send them running for cover. (74)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
I had found the perfect paragraph that explains humility of Annabel's personality. Lord Ranulf had taken notice of it, and here's a bit of it from the story:
"Ranulf hated to think it, but the maiden haunted him too, and he of all people should know better. Her perfect features, her beautiful blue eyes, and her blond hair waving about her shoulders... but it was her kindness to others, her quiet nature and the way she preformed her duties with meekness and without ceremony that had caught his attention." (85)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
All her life, Annabel had wanted to read the Holy Bible. The only way she thought she would be able to, is by becoming a nun, and living in an abbey. This would also help her live in safety, away from the men who wanted to marry her. But since she did not have the money to enter one, she prayed to God to allow her to read His Holy Book, and she even tried asking the village priest if she could borrow the Bible, although, he didn't even own one, and thought women were unreliable and unworthy to hold such things in their lives. But one day, Lord Ranulf le Wyse had asked her to read to him, and she accepted, since she was the only servant who could read Latin. And it was the Bible he wanted her to read from. God had answered her prayers, and shown humility to her through Lord le Wyse. And through that Book, she had learnt the real truth and the real way of life.
Lord le Wyse actually owned a Bible and was allowing her to read it! She took deep breaths, working to calm herself and force back the tears. (88)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
One night while Annabel was sleeping in the undercroft, the barn that had held all of the village's crops had burned from fire. All of the servants were summoned to help put out the fire, but while Annabel was rushing to help put it out, she could not find her lord. Some of the labourers said he had gone in search for the sheep that had been trapped inside, and she had felt a feeling of fear for her lord, afraid he would be trapped himself. Annabel had raced to find him, travelling so close towards the barn, she could feel the heat singeing her eyebrows. She did not care for her own safety, but for the safety of her lord. Besides Lord Ranulf being angry, rude, and loud all the time, he had been quite kind to her while she read to him, and she saw him as a different man than what she first perceived of him.
She came around the back side of the barn and nearly ran into Lord le Wyse and Gilbert Carpenter. Lord le Wyse's arm was around the master mason's shoulders as he seemed barely able to stay on his feet. Her lord looked alarmed. "Annabel! What are you doing? Where are you going?"
"I was searching for you." (104)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
Ranulf had made it safely out of the barn fire, and saved the flock of sheep. But during that progress, he had been severely burned on his arm, and Annabel was there to help him. She had given up her time every morning and every night for weeks tending to his burn, changing the bandage, washing the wound, applying honey, adding comfrey, and reapplying a new bandage to his arm. He had been grateful for her help, since he could not do it on his own. In the past, he had saved a maiden from a wolf attack, but lost his eye during the battle, received many scars, and couldn't use his one arm. And during her tasks, she always showed humility, by showing meekness and being a kind, quiet girl.
"It is a sever burn, my lord. You must allow me or Mistress Eustacia to inspect it every day and continue applying the honey." (111)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
Annabel was always being treated wrongly by the village's bailiff, and one night when she was travelling back to the undercroft, he grabbed her and pulled her into the forest by force, and tried to take advantage of her. Annabel fought with all her strength against him, and managed to get away before he truly hurt her. Luckily Stephan, Annabel's friend, heard her struggling, and came to her aid. The bailiff had been threatening to hurt both of them, and tried to charge at them with the knife he had taken from Annabel, the knife she always kept with her in case she had to defend herself. Stephan tried to defend her, throwing a rock at the bailiff to keep him away from both of them. The bailiff fell and lay unmoving. Stephan showed humility and bravery to stand up for his friend and save her from the man who was harming her. He thought of his friend's safety instead to his own.
Stephen hefted the rock and grunted as he let it fly. Annabel gasped as the rock slammed into Bailiff Tom's head near his right eye. (139)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
Lord le Wyse had been in the forest the same night as when Stephen had defended Annabel from the bailiff. Ranulf had also heard Annabel struggling, but had only come to find her with one other person, rushing out of the forest. It wasn't that much further down the trail that he had discovered the bailiff's body. He found Annabel later that night inside the manor, and had asked her what had happened. She told him about the bailiff attacking her, but she did not tell who had defended her, for she was afraid Stephen would have to face the death penalty if the bailiff had died. Later, once the bailiff was being taken care of in his sister's home, since he was still alive but unconscious, the coroner had come to investigate both the barn fire, and Tom's circumstance.
It came to the point where the coroner had to investigate Annabel, since he figured out about the bad relationship between her and the bailiff. He found out she was attacked by Tom, and someone was there to defend her. His guess was Lord le Wyse, since someone had witnessed him coming out of the forest after Annabel. Annabel defended her lord, telling the truth of Ranulf being innocent, but she still wouldn't come forth to say who her real defender was. She showed humility by standing up for her lord. Unlike the rest of the village, who thought of Ranulf being cursed, bringing all of this misfortune upon them, would gladly say he was Tom's attacker.
"Did Lord le Wyse strike him?"
Annabel drew back in horror. "No!" (184)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
Just before Annabel was about to be asked to come and stand before the jury, answering questions about Bailiff Tom's circumstance, her and Stephen were asked to come and speak with the coroner. Stephen had omitted that he was responsible for the state that the bailiff was in, but had explained that he was doing it to protect Annabel, and how he would never let anything like that happen to her.
When the coroner had listened to this, he decided that Stephen was doing the right thing to help Annabel. He decided not to continue the investigation any further, and let Annabel, Stephen, and Ranulf go, without any further concern. He knew that the bailiff had been doing terrible things to the young woman, and believed that they should all go in peace and know that this matter was over. He told the jury that they would continue the investigation if the bailiff ever came back to his normal self and remembered the events that had happened that night, but from there on, this case was over. The coroner had chosen mercy over justice.
"May the bailiff recover and God's grace shine upon him and the village of Glynval," Sir Clement concluded. (229)

The Merchant's Daughter, by Melanie Dickerson
One day when Ranulf had been inside of his newly-built home, a large group of villagers had come to kill him. Bailiff Tom had gotten better, and was fired by Ranulf as soon as he woke up. Tom had been angry at him ever since, and convinced the village that their lord was cursed, and that they should rid of him.
Annabel had witnessed Ranulf being shot with an arrow in his leg, and went to his aid. She forgot that there was the risk of her getting hurt, but she needed to help Lord le Wyse.
Annabel stood up for Ranulf, and convinced the village that he was a good person, explaining all the good things he had done for them, and never once doing anything to harm them. The villagers had listened to her, and left, feeling bad about what they were about to do to their lord.
Annabel could have been with the villagers out there, accusing their lord of being cursed. But she had fallen in love with Ranulf, and Ranulf with her, and she saw how good a person his is to everyone, and how much he cared for everyone. Within the next three weeks they were married, all because they had shown humility to one another.
"Will you kill your own lord for crimes he has not committed?" She stared them down, making eye contact with one villager, then another. "Will you kill a man who had been kind to you? Who of you has not benefited from your lord's kindness? Who among you was able to replace the grain burned in the barn fire? Your lord did this---the man, Ranulf le Wyse." (253)


Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld

Aleksandar Ferdinand is the prince of Austria-Hungary, in the year 1914, at the beginning of World War 1. Some of his mentors and himself flee from their land, since all of the people have turned on him, and have been trying to kill him. On the run, they take their Stormwalker (a powerful machine used for war). Master Klopp is in charge of the machine, and is responsible for teaching 15 year-old Alek how to use it. When Alek had his first try, he broke into a run, but lost the machine's footing, and let Master Klopp take over before the machine fell. Humility was shown by Alek, by letting his master take over the machine for him, knowing that he wasn't able to keep it on its feet. He knew he couldn't do it by himself. But he did portray himself as showing a deficiency of humility when he was angered by his fencing teacher, Count Volger, when he pointed out humility was being taught.

Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld

When Alek and his mentors entered the town of Lienz, Master Klopp had to buy some parts for the Stormwalker. They went to the nearest mechanic shop, and when Alek spoke to the storekeeper, he forgot to keep quiet. Alek showed a deficiency of humility when he spoke in his own royal accent, and had shown his ability to understand the complications of mechanics. This was suppose to be kept secret, and no one was to figure out that the prince was fleeing from his homeland.

Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld

When Alek and his crew aboard the Stormwalker arrived to their hiding spot in the Alps, that same night, the Leviathan, a British air beast crashed in that same area. It had been shot down by German zeppelins, and Alek thought to go and help the survivors, even though he was their enemy. Count Volger had forbidden it, knowing that it wasn't Alek's duty to help those people out there. Alek had agreed with the Count, but hadn't kept his word, and snuck out that night with medical supplies. Alek showed humility by helping the soldiers, despite that he was a prince and they were enemies of his country. People were people, he couldn't let them die because of his own rank in society.

Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld

After Alek had helped the crew of the Leviathan, the two enemies made a agreement with one another to help each other. Alek and his crew would help give food and supplies to the British to get their air-beast up and working again, if the British would drop them off and let them go free in the Ottoman Empire. Although, no one knew that Alek was the prince of Austria, so no one thought of holding them captive. While Alek was helping them, he made a new friend named Dylan Sharp who worked on the outside of the airship, and was able to trust him enough to tell him what had happened to his parents and how he would be the new ruler of Austria. Dylan showed humility by keeping his word in promising not to tell anyone. And Alek showed humility by not thinking highly of himself, and even wished that he could be normal like Dylan, a soldier who could go on an adventure, do what he wanted, and do what he enjoyed.

When Calls the Heart, by Janette Oak

When Calls the Heart, by Janette Oak

Elizabeth Thatcher was a school teacher in Toronto during 1910, until her mother received a letter from her eldest son who was living out west in Calgary. In the letter, Johnathan (Elizabeth's half brother), had asked if she would want to come to Calgary to teach, since they were in desperate need of teachers. Her mother was already excited for her, and wanted Elizabeth to go. But this surprised Elizabeth, and she did not know what to say or think about the situation. She showed humility towards her mother, by saying she would think about the offer, rather than saying right then and there that she wasn't comfortable leaving Toronto to go and live in the West, away from her home. She could not bare to disappoint her mother just because it was what she felt comfortable.

I loved her. She was a dear mother. Never would I wish to hurt her. I didn't dare bluntly blurt out that the whole idea was outlandish and that Jonathan had been foolish even to suggest it. With mother sitting there before me, the "well" still lingering in her gaze, I couldn't say no. (13)

When Calls the Heart, by Janette Oak

After long decision making, Elizabeth decides to go to Calgary, and help teach the children there who haven't had the right opportunity to get taught, and learn. When she arrived and met her brother and his family, she showed a deficiency of humility when she outright stated that she was here strictly on teaching business, and not here to look for marriage with any of the single men looking for wives. She shouldn't have had such an outburst towards her new family members she was just getting to know.

My face suddenly drained of all color. I knew that I should apologize for my outburst, but somehow I couldn't get the words through my tight throat. (29)

When Calls the Heart, by Janette Oak

When Elizabeth moved from Calgary up north to Lacombe to teach at the small schoolhouse in Pine Springs, she spent her time living in a small Teacherage all by herself during non-school hours. The church service that she attended was located in the schoolhouse until a proper church could be built in Pine Springs, and still the church service did not have a proper preacher. At the time, Mr. Dickerson had produced the service, but clarified that this was not a sermon because he was not a preacher. That was showing humility, letting people know that he was not a preacher and neither worthy nor wise enough to give a sermon.

It was not a sermon, he clarified, because he was not a preacher. He voiced some worthwhile insights, and I appreciated his direct approach. I even found myself thinking that it was a shame he was not a preacher. (82)

When Calls the Heart, by Janette Oak

While Elizabeth spent some time to herself in her brother's library during Christmas break, her nephew and Johnathan were having a chat about sin, and how her nephew should apologise for the mistakes he did. This caused guilt in Elizabeth because she had fibbed about how her ankle had been hurt while tobogganing with her family and Wynn (a family friend she had become fond of). She had only twisted her ankle briefly, and it hadn't been hurt much, but Wynn insisted to help her. Elizabeth would have been able to walk on it, but she wanted to gain attention from Wynn, so she said that it was quite hurt. Wynn had carried her by his own doing, without asking her if it was okay. Elizabeth had enjoyed every moment of it, but then felt terrible afterwards about lying. So she had the courage to tell Wynn the truth about her ankle, and how she only wanted attention from him. He forgave her, but Wynn confessed that he had also done something wrong. Since he was an RCMP officer, he knew about medics, and had known her ankle wasn't badly hurt, he only wanted to carry her. As you can see, both people were showing humility to one another when confessing that they had sinned and did wrong to one another. Each of them were not prideful enough to believe that they did not have to apologise for their sins and ask for forgiveness.

"Elizabeth," he said softly, "I can't tell you how much I respect you for what you've just done. Few people---" he hesitated a moment. "You've asked for my forgiveness. I give it---willingly, and now I, in turn, must ask yours." (151)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson, a grade six student, is not an ordinary boy. He lives with dyslexia and ADHD, unable to perform well in school. And each year, he finds himself attending a new school because of the weird mishaps that occur to him or to others that concern him, which then gets him kicked out of school. But it being almost the end of the school year, he finds a friend, Grover.

When Percy gets back at home for summer break, himself and his mother go on a trip out to the lake. One night, Grover comes pounding on their small cabin door during a storm, bearing bad news, and telling both Percy and his mother to drive away fast.

Percy unable to understand the events taking place, Grover, himself, and his mother were on the run, trying to avoid the thing chasing them. As they were driving, a lightning bolt struck the car, causing it to crash and harm Grover. Percy showed humility both to his mother and Grover, thinking to helping them get across the hill that Percy's mom was leading him to. He would not leave Grover behind, nor his mother, to face the beast that was chasing them. Even as his mother had kept telling him she couldn't go over the hill, Percy was determined to save them both.

"'I climbed across Grover and pushed the door open into the rain. "We're going together. Come on, Mom."'

'"I told you---"'

'"Mom! I'm not leaving you. Help me with Grover."' (49 and 50)

The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

Percy was able to reach the other side of the hill, saving Grover, and defeating a Minotaur. Although, his mother had been squeezed to dust by the Minotaur, and had disappeared. After Percy had regained his strength from the help of the camp he had entered, Grover had recovered and started to introduce him to the camp members, including himself, for Grover was a satyr.

When Grover introduced Percy to Camp Half-Blood's councillors, he had met Chiron, a centaur, and Mr.D (or Dionysus), who was a Greek god. Mr.D was showing a deficiency of humility towards Percy. He didn't care about the boy, was rude to him, and made sure of letting everyone know that he thought Percy was stupid. Dionysus didn't like any of the kids at Camp Half-Blood. He was only sent by the other gods to work at Camp Half-Blood as punishment, without being able to drink any alcoholic beverage, knowing that he is the god of wine.

"...Oh, I love mortals---they have absolutely no sense of perspective. They think they've come so-o-o far. And have they, Chiron? Look at this boy and tell me." (68)  

The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

Percy's first day was tough. People were mean to him, and found him odd. He was being introduced to a whole new world, learning now that he was a demigod, a son of one of the Greek gods. All of the other demigod kids would stare or keep away from him, knowing that he was able to defeat a Minotaur. The only camper who would acknowledge him was Luke, a son of Hermes. He showed humility towards Percy, letting him stay in his cabin until they found who Percy's father was. Luke was the only camper who was nice and thoughtful towards him, also including Grover, who was Percy's only friend. 

'He seemed to understand how lost I felt, and I was grateful for that, because an older guy like him---even if he was a counselor---should've steered clear of an uncool middle-schooler like me. But Luke had welcomed me into the cabin. H'ed even stolen me some toiletries, which was the nicest thing anybody had done for me all day.' (101)

The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

A few days after getting used to Camp Half-Blood, Percy was assigned to go on a quest to return Zeus's Bolt to Olympus by the summer solstice, retrieving it from the grasp of Hades in the Underworld. But secretly, his main wish was to get his mother back from the Underworld, hoping to make an agreement with Hades to give her back.

On his journey, Percy chose Grover to help him and a girl named Annabeth, daughter of Athena, who he also met at Camp Half-Blood. As they're travelling together, they try taking a bus, but end up meeting three monsters trying to kill them (mainly Percy). Annabeth shows humility towards Percy by giving him her invisibility cap, hoping he would get away safely. Percy then showed humility towards his friends, saving them from getting hurt by the monsters who were only looking for him. He could have saved himself, but he loved his friends, and would do anything to help them.

I looked at the open doorway. I was free to go, but I couldn't leave my friends. I took off the invisible cap. (165)

The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan

Annabeth and Grover are the best of friends anyone could ask for. When they all had arrived in the Underworld and were in the presence of Hades, Percy had found out that Hades wasn't the one who stole Zeus's Lightning Bolt, everyone thought it was Percy who stole it, along with stealing Hades's Helm of Darkness. That was why the god had stolen Percy's mother, to make an exchange with him. But Percy hadn't stolen any of those items. So he was planning to leave the underworld, hoping to bring his mother with him since he had the magic pearls that were given to him earlier during his quest. But he only had three, one for him and each of his two friends; not enough for his mother. Annabeth and Grover were each volunteering themselves to stay behind for Percy, in order for him to save his mother. They too would anything for Percy, and not just for themselves.

'"No." Annabel drew her bronze knife. "You two go on. Grover, you have to protect Percy. You have to get your searcher's license and start your quest for Pan. Get his mom out of here. I'll cover you. I plan to go down fighting."'

'"No way," Grover said. "I'm staying behind."'

'"Think again, goat boy," Annabeth said."' (316)

Five Quotes of Humility

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to you're former self."

- Earnest Hemingway

"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."

- C.S. Lewis

"True humility does not know that it is humble. If it did, it would be proud from the contemplation of so fine a virtue."

- Martin Luther

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

- James 4:10 NKJV Holy Bible

"Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up."

- Jesse Jackson

Humility and What It Is

Golden Mean of Humility- The quality or condition of being humble, modest in opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.
Excess- An excess of humility may give the impression of someone being weak or being incapable of success or having a lack of confidence.
Deficiency- A deficiency of humility may produce an attitude of arrogance. Lack of humility may cause one to think themselves as more important than others.