It sounds like you need to discover the art of BSing. Basically, if you think something as you're reading the assignment, write it down! Look for connections to the rest of the story. Make up some theory about how the hat symbolized something, even if you think it didn't. Then make up some BS about how it had all been leading to that, etc. English teachers love BS.

Dont waste time on the old stuff, do what's due tomorrow. Complete the assignment. That's the important thing. It doesn't necessarily have to be good, but it does have to be done.

In terms of time:
I learned about 11th grade, as things became more complicated, something has to give. Usually it's sleep. If you can cut some of the stuff from 4:00 to 9:46, you'd probably be better off. Priorities man.