Stephen White

Annotated Bibliography

Senior Capstone

1. Garvey, Erin. Personal interview. 31 Jan. 2015.

Ms. Garvey is my main source because she’s my capstone mentor. Ms. Garvey is the Algebra 1 teacher for all of my students and knows their grades, work ethic, strengths and weaknesses which is helpful for me. As a math teacher, she knows what works and what doesn’t work for students. Ms. Garvey can also give me advice on how to tutor and teach the kids algebra 1 effectively. One limitation of this source is that Ms. Garvey won’t help me create any of the quizzes or notes sheets. She’s more of a consultant. But, as my mentor, I believe that Ms. Garvey will help lead me in the right direction of success with my senior project.

2. Khan, Salman. "Khan Academy." Khan Academy. N.p., 9 Sept. 2006. Web. 27 Jan. 2015.

I selected this source because it’s one of the main math resources that I will use during my capstone. This source provides me with everything I need when it comes to math. From pre-algebra to algebra 2, Khan Academy teaches a number of lessons that I could show the students or base my lessons off of. Another thing about Khan Academy’s website that makes it useful is that it’s easily accessible online so when they’re at home, the kids will be able to study and get instructional video help while they’re at home. It will help make my job easier.

3. Stapel, Elizabeth. "Purplemath." Purplemath. N.p., 1998. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

I selected this source because it’s another one of the main math resources that I will use during my capstone. This source provides me with everything I need when it comes to math. From pre-algebra to algebra 2, Purple Math teaches a number of lessons that I could show the students or base my lessons off of. Another thing about Purple Math’s website that makes it useful is that it’s easily accessible online so when they’re at home, the kids will be able to study and get instructional video help while they’re at home. It will help make my job easier.

4. Latimer, Brad. "Personal Interview." Personal interview. 31 Jan. 2015.

Mr. Latimer is another source because she’s my capstone mentor. Mr. Latimer is a math teacher for a lot of my students, including me. As a math teacher, he knows what works and what doesn’t work for students. Mr. Latimer can also give me advice on how to tutor and teach the kids algebra 1 effectively. One limitation of this source is that Mr. Latimer won’t help me create any of the quizzes or notes sheets. She’s more of a consultant. But, as my mentor, I believe that Mr. Latimer will help lead me in the right direction of success with my senior project.

5. "Solving Systems of Equations by Substitution." Solving Systems of Equations. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

I selected this source because it gives detailed notes on solving systems of equations using substitution, a lesson that the students are currently learning and struggling with. This source provides important notes, practice problems, and examples of systems of equations that can help the kids before they take their standards or their retakes. This helps push the kids to achieve their goal. Unlike other students, my students will have a note sheet that they will study from for their standards.

6. "Solving Systems of Equations in Two Variables." Math Planet -. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

I selected this source because it also gives detailed notes on solving systems of equations with variables, a lesson that the students are currently learning and struggling with. I know that this will probably be one of the worst standards.So when they need to take standard retakes, this source provides important notes, practice problems, and examples of systems of equations that can help the kids before they take their standards or their retakes. This helps push the kids to achieve their goal. Unlike other students, my students will have a note sheet that they will study from for their standards.

7. Martin, Donald. "How to Study Effectively." How to Study Effectively. How to Study Effectively, 1988. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

This source provides information studying effectively. I chose this source because it’s important that the students learn how to study if they want to improve in math. Studying and repetition is the key to perfection. If the students study effectively, they’ll pass their quizzes easily. The source gives tips on building good study habits, taking control, making it enjoyable, and generating a positive attitude. These are all important factors in creating a helpful study session. I plan to print the key points out and present it to the students the first day of tutoring. This way they get an idea on how to make the tutoring sessions successful.

8. Xiao, Emily. "Math Test Generator - How to Make Math Test." Wondershare. N.p., 10 May 2015. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

I selected this source for information on how to build a quiz. This is important for my capstone because I need to create quizzes to teach my students. This source is also helpful because it provides templates that I can use for my math tests. Another feature of this source is that I can even input some of my equations and put them directly on the quizzes. The quizzes will be utilized for each topic and/or lesson that we go over during the study sessions. This essential for the students to complete so they will be able to get practice outside of school. It’s also necessary to gauge how the students are learning and how much or how little they are improving since the lesson that I gave them after school.

9. "Finding Equations of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines." Mathshell. UC Berkley & University of Nottingham, 2012. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

In Ms. Garvey’s Algebra 1 class the students are learning about the properties/similarities/differences between the two. Their standards are approaching and it’s time for the students to start studying. Even if I can’t present the information on parallel and perpendicular lines in times for their standard quizzes, in a poll taking in class today, the majority of the students are going to sign up for retakes after the quiz. UC Berkley’s lessons on finding the equations of Parallel and Perpendicular lines are helpful for new students who aren’t proficient in finding the equations of the lines and need video/text help when I’m not there.

10. "Reteach: Slopes of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines." Holt Algebra 1, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2015.

My final course is the Holt Algebra 1 book. This book is full of lessons of algebra 1. This book covers all of algebra 1 from beginning to end. It’ll be helpful because I can use this book for the rest of the year unlike my other sources. This educational book provides, pictures, notes, and text examples that I can print out and hand out. I plan on getting examples periodically from the book to use to help teach the kids whatever algebra 1 topic I’m teaching. One limitation of this source is that I’m going to have to make a lot of photocopies since the whole book isn’t digital. If the teachers allow me to make copies everything should be fine.

“Crixus! Crixus! Crixus! Crixus!” the crowd cheers.

I close my eyes as I hear the gates open, and walk towards the sunlight as the announcer says my name over the speakers.

“Get ready everyone as he approaches...the fresh, the young, the quick, the cunning...Atticus!!!!”

The fans are fired up. Yelling their tonsils out as I breathe it all in. They love me now but I know they’d love to see me in pieces by the time the match is over. I turn and look at my opponent. Crixus the Creator. He was given this name due to the way he demolishes his foes with flawless victories. His matches never last more than 5 minutes, he’s surely one of the Gladiator Gods. Standing at an opposing 6’3” with a built wrestler body that appears to have no weaknesses. I need a plan if I’m going to make it out of here alive. I circle the ring as I stare him down scrambling to find an achilles heel. I determine I can’t find one as the bell rings.

“Do not fear death,” was all I’ve been told through training. Right now, I’m pretty frightened.

“Fuck, I’m done for!” I think to myself as I make a break back to the gates.

They shut right in my face. There’s no way out. I clench the metal and press my face on the gate with my eyes closed as I pray to god and start my repentance.

Maybe he couldn’t understand me though, since I was bawling my eyes out so hard I stopped breathing for a couple of seconds.

I muttered “p-p-pl-please god forg-forgive me for all my sins,” as I broke down.

I’m cut short by the sound of moving chains and Crixus’s battle cry “Ahh!!!”.

I turn around to see Crixus swing his smart disc at my face, I immediately fell to the ground, dodging the frisbee of spikes. I scramble to my feet, gripping my flaming sword so hard my fingers began to lose their color.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha. You look scared boy! Why don’t you make this easier on both of us and just give it up. I’ll make it nice and quick.” I lift my fiery sword in it’s fighting position. “Have it your way!” Crixus charges at me at full speed. I swing my flaming sword back and forth, up and down but surely miss all of him. He laughs again as he swings his smart disc to attack.

“Get down! Dip! To the Left!” my brain tells my body as I dodge the spikes. After playing defense the whole fight I close my eyes and swing my pyro sword towards Crixus’s face as I feel myself connect. I open my eyes to see him standing there shocked. I cut his cheek and drew blood; something that’s never been done before; something that made him angry. As the crowd got louder, Crixus got angrier and charged again, this time with harder, faster, and sharper blows. Knocking me to the ground with a punch to the gut, the wind was knocked out of me. After a few seconds of laying in the dirt, I flip over onto my back and only see the outline of his body as the sun behind him blacks him out.

“Fin-ish him! Fin-ish him! Fin-ish him!” the crowd chants.

On my last plea I reach for my pyro sword and he steps on my wrist, reassuring me that this fight is over. Crixus then grabs my sword and cocks it into the air above his head, ready to strike for the kill. I stare into the sky and await for the world around me to go black. In the last couple of seconds my life flashes before me. The training sessions with my dad where he used to pull me close and apologize profusely on how this was his fault that I was in this situation, my mother’s smile, and most importantly the times I shared with Augusta. Damn, I know she misses me as much as I miss her. At that instant, I look to my soon killer and a tear rolls down my eye. It’s really over.

In the crowd I hear “Atticus! Atticus!” just as the blade is coming down.

“Atticus get up!!’ I lift my body up, look around and see my room, feel my arms and chest to make sure this is real.

“It was just a dream?...” I say to myself confused as I wipe the night sweat off my forehead.

Right then my mother barges in the room

“Atticus! Wake up! Now!”

“I’m up! I’m up mom. Chill out, no one wants to hear you yelling this early in the morning,” I mutter to myself.

“What was that?” my mom replies. I don’t respond.

As annoying as my mom is, I respect her enough to never disrespect her to her face. When I’m alone though, that’s another story.

“Good. Now go to the store and pick me up some milk, we’re going to need it for our Cream of Wheat.” she orders.

I look out my window into the city and daydream what it’s like to live down there. No one I’ve ever known has ever been downtown. Our kind isn’t allowed there. I roll off my mattress and pick up my old flip flops, throw on my dirty tank top, and slide into my dusty shorts while leaving my room. I hate it here. Calling my room modest is a stretch. I have an old hand-me-down mattress that is on the floor, a bookshelf that’s just collecting dust (what does someone like me need to read books for?) and I only have enough clothes to fill one drawer. 5 pairs of underwear, 8 pairs of socks (half of which are ripped), 3 pants, 4 shirts, and about 10 cockroaches running around my house floors. I run down the steps and kiss my mom on the cheek goodbye as she hands me $1 and I head out the door.

“Augusta! Augusta!” I scream out at the top of my lungs to her 1st floor bedroom window.

She then replies “Atticus! Shut up! I’m trying to sleep!”.

“Aw c’mon! I’ll be out here screaming all day if you don’t come out!” “Ughh fine! I’ll be down in a sec,”. There she is my best friend Augusta.  She lives across the street and we’ve been best friends our whole lives. Her dad died in a gladiator fight just like mine, which only made us grow closer. Her luck is better than mine though, since she’s a girl she doesn’t have to fight, she just cooks and cleans. Unlike me, on my 16th birthday I have to register to be a gladiator to bring money home for my mom. After technology took over the world, the U.S. decided to invest most of it’s money into the “new age”. One day the cloud that controlled all forms of technology became overloaded and broke down. Leaving not just the U.S. but the majority of the world broke. Most large countries decided to re-introduce gladiators to cut down some of the population and to bring in some revenue. The problem is, that every 16 year old boy living in poverty must register. I’m not too threatening, 5’8, 130 lbs. Athletic build. I’m more on the small side. So I’ve been training vigorously on the tree in my backyard so when my time comes I’m remotely ready.

When she finally made it out the house she went on a rant “You’re crazy. You can’t just yell at the top of your lungs in the middle of the street like some crackhead.”. .

“Well good morning to you too!” I replied.

She rolled her eyes and said “What’s the rush anyway?”.

“Oh nothing I just needed some company to the store,” I said.

“You got me out of bed for this? You know I’m not your bodyguard right Atticus? You’re a big boy now. You can walk yourself to the store.”

“Ouch. That cut deep,” I chuckled as I picked up the milk.

As we made our way home it hit me that I am turning 16 in a couple of months. I wasn’t ready. I wish there was somewhere for me to run away from all of this.

When Augusta saw my face she nudged me and asked “What’s wrong?” Since Augusta was always a tomboy, I always saw her as a brother and nothing more. She’s tougher than most guys I know. She’s not afraid to fight and not afraid to get dirty, two traits that I wished would rub off on me.

I walked her to the door and said “Nothing. It’s just the big day is coming up and I’m just nervous as all.”

“Oh yeah...I’m sure you’ll do fine. You’re still practicing right?”

“Training Augusta! It’s training! But yeah, speaking of that, I gotta go train right now. See you tomorrow!”

“Bye!” she replied.

On my way back across the street my mind was swirling: “How do I get better?; I’m so small they’ll beat me to a pulp; Stop Atticus. You’re great you can do this!” I negotiated with myself. So I dropped the milk off and went outback to train. “Let’s start with some cardio” I said to myself. 100 jumping jacks and 100 jump ropes. Next up was lower body “50 squats, 50 lunges” then I finished with 100 push ups and 100 crunches. After my gruesome workout, I was beat, so I fell asleep on the grass.

I awoke to the screaming of my mom “Atticus! Time to eat!” said my mom. “You shouldn’t be working out so hard in this heat, you’ll drop dead!”

“I have to, I have to be ready for the registration on my birthday,” I replied.

Then she said “I know, I just hate to see you end up like your father. I can’t lose you too.”

She began to cry and I didn’t know what to do so I assured her that everything would be alright, even though I didn’t have the slightest amount of hope in myself. After Dinner, I made my way back outside and practiced my poison dart accuracy. The darts consists of Komodo Dragon saliva extract and enhanced to kill it’s victim within minutes. At that time, I was new to this, so I practiced throwing darts at a target over and over. I never hit the bullseye. Most times I missed but sometimes if I was lucky, I hit the outer ring. I gave up and decided to just call it a night and head to bed. I had to get up early tomorrow for school. I attended Spartacus Secondary School. It’s a pretty big school even though it’s only from 8th to 10th grade and only boys are allowed to attend. Boys from around the city come here before they’re sent off to the camps for their fights. I have less than a year. Less than a year to live my life before I become someone else’s property. In less than a year I’ll be transforming from a good kid who wishes there was a way out of the system, to a cold-blooded killer, a warrior, a gladiator.

I woke up the next morning and was so late that I almost missed the school hovercraft. I chased it for blocks when it finally stopped and let me on. As I walked down the aisle, everyone was laughing at me and throwing paper balls at my head. If you can’t tell, I’m a wimp here. I get no respect and I’m constantly pushed around by my enemy, Leonidas. When he catches me in the hallway he calls me names or he knocks all of my stuff on the ground. But today he took it too far.

“Augusta! Augusta!” he mocks as he laughs at me with his friends. “How’s your little girlfriend short stuff?”

“That’s not my girlfriend Leo, what do you want?”

He became serious, “I want your money. Give me everything in your pockets,”

“C’mon Leo stop playing, I have a class to go to.” I said while trying to walk away.

“No you don’t,” He said as he moved closer menacingly. Then him and his friends suddenly  pushed me to the wall and started jumping me. Bang, bang, boom, the sounds my body was making while they punched me in the face, eyes, stomach and ribs. Even though my body was killing me, I attempted to raise my hands and fight back but my body wouldn’t let me. I was weak and fell to the ground and curled up like an armadillo. During this time, all I could think about was how much I hated being smaller than everyone else, how much I hated being bullied, and how much I hated Leonidas.

Before I blacked out, I heard my savior. “Stop! Stop! Get off of him!” as the bullies scrambled away.

It was Mr. Petrus. He ran over and helped me stumble to my feet.

“You got quite the beat down there kid. Good thing I came over when I did, I don’t know how much longer you would’ve lasted!”  

“Thanks for your help Mr. Petrus. Beat downs like that are starting to become routine.” I said as I spit out blood from my mouth.

“I used to be like you, so I want to help you.” he said in a friendly voice. “Something like a mentor,” he added.

“Like a trainer?” I questioned.

“Exactly. I’ll just have to talk your mom and run it by her. Also, I have to be sure you’re dedicated to this. I can’t waste my time on a pupil who doesn’t want to learn.”

“I promise I’ll be dedicated I promise!!! Just teach me how to fight so I can stand a chance.” “Alright, just let me take you home and we’ll work it out with your mom.” he said assuringly.

“What happened to your eye!?!?” my mother said.

“Nothing mom. But Mr. Petrus is here to talk to you about training me for the registration.”

“Training? What kind of training?” she asked.

“Well Alexandra, as you can see your son Atticus gets bullied quite frequently. I would just like to help him get better, faster, and stronger; since you know his big day is coming up.” said Mr. Petrus.

“Why does he need your help?” she retorted.

“Well ma’am Atticus’s registration date is soon approaching and he needs a lot of work. I was once in training for Gladiator fighting and could be of great help in the survival of your son. I see my younger self in young Atticus and would only like to push him towards reaching his maximum potential.” he said heartwarmingly.

As I looked at Mr. Petrus I could see the vague description of a former Gladiator. Wide Shoulders, big arms, muscular frame. He was probably one of the best; I thought to myself.

“The training would be every day directly after school, and I promise, if Atticus gives me his maximum effort you’ll see a change in him. Physically and Mentally.” he reassured.

“Please mom please? I need help! I’m always getting pushed around and the registration is only a couple of months away!” I pleaded.

“I don’t know Atticus…” she argued.

“Mom! Please!” I groveled once more.

“Ok! Ok! Fine! Just keep my son safe Mr. Petrus. He’s the only thing I have left.” My mom said as she started to tear up.

“He’s in good hands Alexandra. We start tomorrow bring your A-game kid. I don’t need my time wasted.” Mr. Petrus said seriously.

“I will!” I replied.

Then he looked at me with a smirk and said “Good, that’s what I want to hear. I’ll be over here around 4 tomorrow so we can start.”

then he walked away. I couldn’t wait I was so excited. I called Augusta outside.

“You’re looking at a soon to be gladiator,” I said cockily.

“What are you talking about?” she asked.

“Well I’m gonna start my training for the registration starting tomorrow with one of my teachers.” “Well it doesn’t matter what training you do. I could still kick your ass.” she retorted.

“Ha. Ha. Ha. I could whoop you with my right hand tied behind my back.” I said.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes.”

After school the next day I rushed home and got ready for training. Mr. Petrus was already there waiting. “You’re late Atticus.” he said seriously.

“I’m sorry, I got home as quick as I could.” I responded.

“Well let’s start with an overview of your weaponry.”

“Okay, I have my poison darts, flaming sword, and my ray gun. I need some help in learning how to use them. I’m not confident in them.”

He looked me in my eyes and said “First lesson. You should always believe in yourself and if you do, a sling shot can become a deadly weapon. What’s a gun without a confident shooter behind the trigger?” We started with the poison darts. He got behind me and fixed my form and showed me other ways to improve my accuracy. Next we practiced my sword fighting. Mr. Petrus brought his sword from his gladiator days to help me. Finally, I had target practice for my ray gun, hitting bottles of a gate 10 yards away and gradually getting larger. After months of training I could see a change in myself. I became confident, faster, stronger, a better fighter, and an actual contender.

The day before my birthday, he told me it was my last day of training and that today was the final test. I had to fight him. “Are you sure Mr. Petrus?” I asked. “I don’t want to hurt you,” I continued.

“I’m your enemy now, he’s not worried about your wellbeing so why are you worried about his? I’m trying to hurt you. Hands up.” he said calmly.

“But Mr. Petrus I d-” he punch me in the nose. I fell to the ground, surprised, and confused. “Get. Up.” he said angrily. “You better fight back or I’m just going to beat you down,” he swung again. I dipped to the left then dipped backwards to avoid the combination of punches. Then I swung and hit him in the mouth. His emotion didn’t change, he just pulled out a sword and charged towards me. I pulled out my flaming sword as I got in my defensive stance. “Mr. Petrus, I don’t want to fight you!” I replied.

He replied calmly “You have no choice.” he struck his sword towards my legs as I parried his attack numerous times. “Click, Clank, Clank” the sounds of the swords clashing together under the sunset orange sky. Until an elbow to the chin disarmed Mr. Petrus and knocked him to the ground. I stepped on his chest and put my sword to his neck.

“Stop. It’s over.” He gripped a handful of soil from my mother’s garden and threw it in my face. I rubbed my eyes and before I knew it he had my ray gun to my face.

“No. Now it’s over. Bang. You’re dead. You lost.” He put the gun down. “You never show mercy to your opponent,” The most important lesson he told me was to “kill the opposition before they killed me.” “Atticus. Everyone has a reason and a drive to keep them in the Gladiator Battle. Yours is your mother. Without you, she’s done for. She needs you to bring money home to live. Now these other guys on the other hand, will either be slaves fighting for their freedom or poor, desperate boys like you who are in the battles to bring home money for their family. There’s no room for nice guys here Atticus. Remember that.” He helped me up. “You’ve grown so much in these last couple of months, physically, as a fighter, and as a man. I can almost look at you as a son. It’s been a pleasure to train a wonderful young student like yourself. I only wish for the best of you on your registration day.”

“Thank you Mr. Petrus, thank you for believing in me and saving my life. I don’t know how long I would’ve lasted without you.” We started to pack everything up.

“Night kid, I’ll see you at the registration,” He waved and walked off into the sunset.

The next morning I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror, I didn’t see my former self. The small, fearful, young kid was now gone. He’s been replaced with a confident, walking tall, lion hearted man. Before I left for the registration, I had to talk to Augusta. “Augusta! Augusta!” I called out like I used to.

“Hey Atticus, long time no see.”

“I gotta talk to you,” I called out.

“Alright, I’m on my way down.” she responded. “Wassup?” She said.

“No Happy Birthday? You’re the worst.”

“I was getting around to it!” she laughed. “Besides, it’s not much of a happy day. But, I got something for you.” From behind her back she pulled out a dog tag that said “A.A. the dynamic duo. Together forever.” I stared shocked.

“How could you afford this?...” I said, with my eyes still wide open.

“Don’t worry about it! Just a little saving,” she smiled and laughed.

“You like it? I bought it so you’d know, during the registration and during your fights I’ll be there fighting with you.”

Still in disbelief I said. “I love it. I’ll never take it off. Shit. I’m almost late!” I gave her a long, tight, 5 20 second hug before I ran off. When I got to the registration there were hundreds of boys already there. Most looked ready but some of them looked frightened like me before training with Mr. Petrus. I felt bad for them, I knew how they felt. When it was finally my turn to register, they asked me my name, my weight, where I was from and my weapon preference. I told them what they wanted and received a number and waited for my number to be called.

After waiting for some hours I heard “#773 and #821 report to your respected locker rooms.” When I got there a man was waiting for me.

“Today you will be put up against another contestant in a fight to the death. The winner moves to the next round and will travel to Camp Sparta for further training and battles. I’d advise you to make yourself appealing to the fans to get your name out there. Okay? You have 10 minutes to prep.” and he left, just like that. I sat in the locker room and thought about my mother’s smile and cry when I left, and most importantly the times I shared with Augusta and our last moments together. Finally, I tried to remember everything Petrus taught me before I put my gear on.

“5 more minutes until showtime Augusta.” the man said. I took a deep breathe as I walked to the arena tunnel. I could hear the crowd get pepped up as I moved closer to the end of the tunnel. I closed my eyes and kissed my necklace from Augusta and then traced a cross on my chest before my name was called. “Hereeeeee comesssss Atticus!!!!!” The crowd roars as I grip my weapons and walk towards the light at the end of the tunnel.

Books and movies are known to portray false love in today’s modern day society. Ever since childhood, children watch movies and T.V. shows that focus on fantasies of true love. Princesses, castles, princes, and other fantasies brainwash kids at a young age into thinking that this is how life should go and this is how relationships work. In the book “Taming of the Shrew”, Bianca and Lucentio are looked at as the dream couple with no issues or problems and live the fantasy marriage. In 50 first dates Drew Barrymore was in a car accident and now has no short term memory. Everytime she goes to sleep she forgets everything from the day before. After falling in love at first sight, Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore hit it off immediately only for her take wake up tomorrow morning forgetting that she ever met him. Each day Adam Sandler goes out of his way and uses chivalry to win Drew Barrymore’s love every day. Love at first sight can happen with the same person at any time, any day.

“O yes, I saw sweet beauty in her face, Such as the daughter of Agenor had,” Act 1, sc. 1, Ln. 169

In ‘shrew’ Lucentio originally comes to Padua to attend the university but then lays eyes on Bianca. When he saw her he compared her Europa. In greek mythology it was said that Zeus saw her and fell in love immediately. Once he sets eyes on her, his goals and priorities change. He no longer attends school and spends his time in Padua trying to convince Bianca and Baptista that Bianca should marry him and not the other two suitors. The love at first sight hit him like a brick wall and changed everything.

The suitors in ‘Shrew’ and ‘50 first dates’ both have one goal in mind once they set their eyes on their girl. To marry their girls. In ‘50 first dates’ Adam Sandler first sets his eyes on Drew Barrymore in a café and immediately knows that he wants to be with her forever.

In the movie ‘50 first dates’ Adam sandler was a ‘fast’ man. He had sex with tourists who came to the island of Hawaii and sent them on their way. He was just spending time here before he took his research of seals to Alaska. Then, one day he walked into a café and set eyes on Drew Barrymore and changed his whole life. Love at first sight. For the first time, he was nervous and didn’t know how to approach her. When he finally spoke to her the next day they hit it off. This relates to ‘shrew’ because both couples fell in love with each other within the same day. But a big problem arose in ‘50 First Dates’ when they met up at the café again the next day.

Also, another comparison of these two couples are the hoops the men jump through to be together. In ‘50 first dates’ Adam Sandler goes through “50” different ways to get Drew Barrymore to fall in love with him. In ‘Shrew’ Lucentio must pose as Cambio, a school teacher, in order to get close to Bianca. Both men go through more problems in order to get the girl than an average man in real life.

“Basta; content thee, for I have it full.

We have not yet been seen in any house,

Nor can we lie distinguish’d by our faces

For man or master; then it follows thus;

Thou shalt be master, Tranio, in my stead,

Keep house and port and servants as I should

” Act 1, sc1 Ln. 204

In this section of the play, Lucentio has to dress up as Cambio, a school teacher, in order to get close to Bianca. Another problem Lucentio is faced with is the fact that Bianca’s father, Baptista, won’t let her marry before Katherine. It is difficult because Katherine isn’t a desired wife by most men. She is strong willed and has an adamant attitude. So Lucentio had to wait for Petruchio to take care of Katherine before he could come into the picture. Lucentio goes through all of this for one girl. He had a plan before he fell deeply in love with Bianca at first sight.

Lucentio and Adam Sandler are similar in the fact that each were willing to go extremely out of their way for one girl. Lucentio left school and Adam Sandler put his walrus research trip to Alaska on hold for Drew Barrymore. Even though both men put in great efforts to win their significant other’s love, the couple of problems that ‘Lucentio’ faced don’t compare to the hoops that Adam Sandler had to jump through from day one to have a future with Drew Barrymore.

In this section of ‘50 first dates’ Adam Sandler came to the café the next day expecting to have another beautiful day with Drew Barrymore. But then was surprised to find out that she had no recollection of ever speaking to him before. Once an employee of the café explained to Adam Sandler Drew Barrymore’s mental disability it became his priority to get her to love him forever. He thought maybe if he proved that he loved her and tried something new and ridiculous everyday, she would remember him and fall for him the way he fell for her the first time they met. Adam Sandler didn’t succeed in winning Drew Barrymore’s love the way he did times before the first couple of days trying to win her love again. In fact, more times than not he failed and she became angry with him. After what seemed like 50 attempts of trying to have a regular conversation to tricking her into talking to him. He figured out that she will never remember him the next morning. Making a very chivalrous decision he decided to stay with her and wake up next to her everyday and refresh her memory everyday of who he is and the relationship the two share.

‘50 First Dates’ and ‘Shrew’ have many similarities. But the most important similarity lies in what this book and this movie portray about society’s view on dating. In these two examples the men go after the girl giving all they have. Both men make their women their first priority at this stage in life, dropping all other things that seemed important before being in love became more important to them. ‘50 First Dates’ and ‘Shrew’ both support that you can fall deeply in love with the same person at any time, any day.

Citations:

Shakespeare, William . The Taming of the Shrew. New York: Washington Square Press, 1992. Print.

50 First Dates. Dir. Peter Segal. Perf. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Columbia Pictures, 2004. DVD.