To Kill a Mockingbird has been such a good book so far. You get really engaged into the story because of the numerous characters that give it life. Each of the characters in the novel has a purpose and has their own ways of making you interested in the story. The playfulness of Scout, the adventuress of Jem and Dill and the mystery of Boo Radley all adds to the story. I think that he is my favorite character so far.
Boo Radley reminds me so much of Sloth from The Goonies. The way that Boo is described by all the rumors paints the picture of Sloth. Maybe not necessarily the physical characterizes but the fact that they were both seclude from the outside world by their family. They both also had rumors about them which you are unsure if they are factual or not. In the end of The Goonies, Sloth was nice and not a scary creature like the rumors portrayed him to be. In the story he is the one who supposedly put the blanket on Scout while Miss Maudie's house was on fire. And when Scout and Jem discover the items in the knothole, you want to believe it is Boo who is leaving the items there.
This story is pouring with characters that just grab you and make you want to devour this book. All of the characters so far have something behind them that you are dying to figure out. While reading, you think Atticus is a nice and straight forward kind of guy but you then find out that in his youth he was the best shot in the county, "One-shot Finch." Towards the end of Part 1, you are given a little bit of preview of what is to come in the next part, and you are pulled in. I cannot wait to finish this book and figure out the mystery of Boo Radley.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A Separate Peace
Our last and final book of the summer was a great piece to end on and not to mention one of my favorites. The introduction of the story was a remarkable approach to get you hooked right away. It makes you question what happened at the Devon School to make this unknown guy seek the grounds of the school for memories of his youth. Then you are brought back to 1942, the year of the first Summer Session at the Devon School, you are introduced to Phineas. This character, in my opinion, makes this whole story. Finny, as the boys called him, is a very strong worded, rule braking, athletic, wise and ambitious teenage boy. That dream shattering fall during a gathering of the Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session should have ended Finny's hope of excelling. However, that accident just fueled his determination to make something great. That something was Gene.
"But they couldn't use that trick forever, so for us in the forties they've cooked up this war fake." That quote from the text made the character of Finny become so much clearer to me. His mind set of everything had an alterior motive. Although, this was not a deceiving trait, it was an honorable one. The day Finny beat the "100 Yards Free Style" swimming record he didn't want it publicize it, he just wanted to see if he could beat it. When he and Gene went to the beach, he just wanted to swim; it gave him a sense of freedom, something that was the opposite from the Devon School. The most apparent example would be after the fall which made him incapable of sports; he put his knowledge, dedication and drive for Gene becoming successful.
The way John Knowles told his story was a great feature to whole understanding of the book. This was not a difficult book to follow but finding the deeper meaning took effort. If you just saw Gene and Finny as best friends at a boarding school, then I believe you did not receive a full and proper understanding of such an amazing book. You had to place yourself in the setting, make yourself be in Finny’s pink woven broadcloth shirt, to understand Finny's mannerisms and to finish the book with a compression as I did.
"But they couldn't use that trick forever, so for us in the forties they've cooked up this war fake." That quote from the text made the character of Finny become so much clearer to me. His mind set of everything had an alterior motive. Although, this was not a deceiving trait, it was an honorable one. The day Finny beat the "100 Yards Free Style" swimming record he didn't want it publicize it, he just wanted to see if he could beat it. When he and Gene went to the beach, he just wanted to swim; it gave him a sense of freedom, something that was the opposite from the Devon School. The most apparent example would be after the fall which made him incapable of sports; he put his knowledge, dedication and drive for Gene becoming successful.
The way John Knowles told his story was a great feature to whole understanding of the book. This was not a difficult book to follow but finding the deeper meaning took effort. If you just saw Gene and Finny as best friends at a boarding school, then I believe you did not receive a full and proper understanding of such an amazing book. You had to place yourself in the setting, make yourself be in Finny’s pink woven broadcloth shirt, to understand Finny's mannerisms and to finish the book with a compression as I did.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
The Crucible
The Crucible has to be one of the most exciting books we've read this summer. The reason I liked this book so much has to be the way it is written. I think if the story was written in any other way than the play it would not have had the effect that it does. The plot is so interesting that it could have been written in 1st person but like I said, it wouldn’t have been that great of a book as it is.
This book had such craziness in it. The thing I could not get over while reading the book was that how could your friend and neighbor just turns on you like that? Friends naturally have this bond that they don’t turn on each other and they protect them. Being neighbors you developed a bond similar to the one you’d have if you were the best of friends. That is why I do not understand how you and be accused of something ridiculous from someone that you have a bond with. I guess it could go along with the trend "if they're doing it, so should I." But something such as witchcraft is too big of something you pick someone randomly to accuse.
Puritans have the mindset that they have to be perfect. That is honestly what started the whole mess in the town. The girl’s didn’t want their imperfectness to be discovered so that is why they lied. They still wanted to be seen in their community and to their families that they were still perfect. I'm not sure if it was just the times or the religion or the way the girls were raised but they were scared to death to be seen as anything but perfect. I personally think that is crazy! I know and most other people know that perfect does not exist and for reasons as if it did exist people who were not perfect would endure the cruel torture that the accused in the story experienced.
This book had such craziness in it. The thing I could not get over while reading the book was that how could your friend and neighbor just turns on you like that? Friends naturally have this bond that they don’t turn on each other and they protect them. Being neighbors you developed a bond similar to the one you’d have if you were the best of friends. That is why I do not understand how you and be accused of something ridiculous from someone that you have a bond with. I guess it could go along with the trend "if they're doing it, so should I." But something such as witchcraft is too big of something you pick someone randomly to accuse.
Puritans have the mindset that they have to be perfect. That is honestly what started the whole mess in the town. The girl’s didn’t want their imperfectness to be discovered so that is why they lied. They still wanted to be seen in their community and to their families that they were still perfect. I'm not sure if it was just the times or the religion or the way the girls were raised but they were scared to death to be seen as anything but perfect. I personally think that is crazy! I know and most other people know that perfect does not exist and for reasons as if it did exist people who were not perfect would endure the cruel torture that the accused in the story experienced.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Scarlet Letter
The Scarlet Letter was one of the more intriguing books we've read so far. This story is pouring with mystery, deception, exclusion and unfaithfulness. Nathaniel Hawthorn, a great and notable author, used a numerous amount of effective literary elements to aid in the understanding and relation of the book. One very obvious component is symbolism. The letter "A" presents the public of Hester's crime. "A” is the symbol of adultery. In the beginning of the story you are informed of the crime that has been committed and the sentence that is being distributed to the criminal. Hester Prynne committed adultery and had to wear a vibrant scarlet "A" on her breast to display her wrongfulness.
Hester Prynne was passionate young girl who married Mr. Prynne (who later adopts the name Roger Chillingworth to hide is relation to his deceitful wife). He sent her to the "New World" for them to begin a new life. This is when Hester commits her sin. Mr. Prynne was going to meet her there but then he discovers the situation that is unfolding with Hester he is embarrassed and discussed and seeks vengeance. He wants absolutely nothing to do with his wife. The father of the illegitimate child is not revealed for some time and that adds mystery to the plot. This allowed me and probably more of the readers keep interest in the story.
I observed that Hester’s character became much stronger throughout and at the end of the story. She starts out beginning scared and ashamed but grew to become a powerful and motivational character. She was no longer shunned but in a way complimented for her strength. This example of character development is used extremely well. Hawthorne used this factor to prove that through tough and unattractive times people can rise above and come out triumphant.
Hester Prynne was passionate young girl who married Mr. Prynne (who later adopts the name Roger Chillingworth to hide is relation to his deceitful wife). He sent her to the "New World" for them to begin a new life. This is when Hester commits her sin. Mr. Prynne was going to meet her there but then he discovers the situation that is unfolding with Hester he is embarrassed and discussed and seeks vengeance. He wants absolutely nothing to do with his wife. The father of the illegitimate child is not revealed for some time and that adds mystery to the plot. This allowed me and probably more of the readers keep interest in the story.
I observed that Hester’s character became much stronger throughout and at the end of the story. She starts out beginning scared and ashamed but grew to become a powerful and motivational character. She was no longer shunned but in a way complimented for her strength. This example of character development is used extremely well. Hawthorne used this factor to prove that through tough and unattractive times people can rise above and come out triumphant.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby. This book has to be my favorite so far out of summer reading and I am guessing that I will not be alone. I think that this book is so relatable. The story seems more current and that the acts could have happened today and it is very fun to read . When you begin the novel you are introduced to an educated, highly social and intriguing man. He goes into detail about how he was taught by his father to not place judgment onto others. This is tested throughout the story.
When you are first introduced to Gatsby, you are automatically intrigued. A young, rich, partying man that has a mystery to him. To me he seems like the guy everyone wanted to know and be associated with. He is all about the American dream. To be known and to have materialistic things. Later you reveal that is the theme to the story. But back to Gatsby. As you read the story, you find his love, Daisy. She is the reason that Gatsby is the way he is. He just wants Daisy, so he uses his wealth and social standings to impress her. This is a difficult thing to do because of her husband (however he is in a love affair himself with Myrtle). Affair I think is the motif of the story. Tom is in an affair, Daisy attempts an affair, Myrtle get killed because of her affair and Gatsby gets killed because of his love affair of Daisy.
To continue on the theme. Gatsby mentions the "green light" which I thought was to be his version of the American dream. He has worked for his "green light" although his methods of work might not have been honest. Everything he did in his "green light" was for Daisy. But when he dies, so does the love of Daisy, the American dream and the "green light." This was a great book and influenced me to think about what I have to dream about.
When you are first introduced to Gatsby, you are automatically intrigued. A young, rich, partying man that has a mystery to him. To me he seems like the guy everyone wanted to know and be associated with. He is all about the American dream. To be known and to have materialistic things. Later you reveal that is the theme to the story. But back to Gatsby. As you read the story, you find his love, Daisy. She is the reason that Gatsby is the way he is. He just wants Daisy, so he uses his wealth and social standings to impress her. This is a difficult thing to do because of her husband (however he is in a love affair himself with Myrtle). Affair I think is the motif of the story. Tom is in an affair, Daisy attempts an affair, Myrtle get killed because of her affair and Gatsby gets killed because of his love affair of Daisy.
To continue on the theme. Gatsby mentions the "green light" which I thought was to be his version of the American dream. He has worked for his "green light" although his methods of work might not have been honest. Everything he did in his "green light" was for Daisy. But when he dies, so does the love of Daisy, the American dream and the "green light." This was a great book and influenced me to think about what I have to dream about.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Grapes of Wrath
Book number two, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck was yet again a difficult read. The complexity of this book differs from Huck because Twain started with a whole adventure pouring out of the text while you had to dive into Grapes of Wrath to find, not necessarily an adventure but the purpose. It might not be a book for enjoyment but it has purpose, like all stories. This story starts out mournfully painful describing the way the dust is blown, thickly around a small community and how this tragedy causes the tenets to lose sight of their farms, produce, and neighbors around them. That first chapter describing this event is foreshadowing the hardships to come. Their "sight" being blocked by something they cannot control.
All of the books we are assigned have a purpose for us. The Grapes of Wrath's purpose, I believe, is to enlighten the reader that life is really not perfect. Take the Joads for instance. This family is tough and resilient, and that quality is passed down from generation to generation. Grampa is a hard, dirty worded, loud mouth that doesn't take smack from anyone. Pa is just like that but does not express it has vocally as Grampa. Then there is Tom. He obviously is tough and strong, being able to endure years in jail, being paroled unharmed. But like I was saying, they're not perfect. Tom murdered a man, the Joads where forced out of their home, their house was punctured, and they were basically left homeless with no income. Depressing, none the less it does not get much better.
This family does not rely on their luck. For this reason they are lacking in that department. With Tom's crime, Casy's murder, and Rosasharn's baby being a stillborn. These woes are strewn on this family at almost every instant. Their only goal was to journey to California to begin a new life. I'm not too sure how Steinbeck does it, but his portrayal of the struggles this family endured in this tale were so realistic that we feel the pain as if we are a part of this depressing time. I felt at times that I too, was a Joad, having to live with all the misfortune. The tone played a factor. It’s a dreary and slow tone that aids in the connection to the story. The tone also could be helping the way the setting is presented. Difficult times infused with the setting were enhanced by the way Steinbeck used tone. "To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth..." That is just an example of how tone factored into the setting. The Grapes of Wrath is a meaningful book that makes me and probably others take a step back and see that I should be appreciative that I didn't have to indulge in such catastrophe as shown in The Grapes of Wrath and the Great Depression.
All of the books we are assigned have a purpose for us. The Grapes of Wrath's purpose, I believe, is to enlighten the reader that life is really not perfect. Take the Joads for instance. This family is tough and resilient, and that quality is passed down from generation to generation. Grampa is a hard, dirty worded, loud mouth that doesn't take smack from anyone. Pa is just like that but does not express it has vocally as Grampa. Then there is Tom. He obviously is tough and strong, being able to endure years in jail, being paroled unharmed. But like I was saying, they're not perfect. Tom murdered a man, the Joads where forced out of their home, their house was punctured, and they were basically left homeless with no income. Depressing, none the less it does not get much better.
This family does not rely on their luck. For this reason they are lacking in that department. With Tom's crime, Casy's murder, and Rosasharn's baby being a stillborn. These woes are strewn on this family at almost every instant. Their only goal was to journey to California to begin a new life. I'm not too sure how Steinbeck does it, but his portrayal of the struggles this family endured in this tale were so realistic that we feel the pain as if we are a part of this depressing time. I felt at times that I too, was a Joad, having to live with all the misfortune. The tone played a factor. It’s a dreary and slow tone that aids in the connection to the story. The tone also could be helping the way the setting is presented. Difficult times infused with the setting were enhanced by the way Steinbeck used tone. "To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth..." That is just an example of how tone factored into the setting. The Grapes of Wrath is a meaningful book that makes me and probably others take a step back and see that I should be appreciative that I didn't have to indulge in such catastrophe as shown in The Grapes of Wrath and the Great Depression.
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The first book of the summer The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was difficult yet eye opening. The reason this book is considered a classic is obvious within the first few chapters. My so called "honors English nerd" in me came out in the first chapter. Thanks to Mr. Baxter, my book has pencil all over it. (Don't worry Mrs. Jesik, it's my book) I just felt the need to respond to the story as it went along. I still ponder whether or not I took a liking to this book, but it did interest me.
Immediately I noticed the kind of kid that Huck is. While he is adventuresome, I believe that he is very mature for his age and that is proven by the way he reacts to his various encounters along the way. He doesn't purposely disobey the Widow but he disagrees with the type of person she was attempting to create. His maturity really appeared when his father made his way into the story. However, you could sense that Huck feared his father. When Huck was held captive, he wisely thought of a way to escape. Even while on the island, Huck’s trickery proved to be a mature choice in the long run. I felt that I used a lot of character analysis while completing the book.
The main reason why I'm not sure about my opinion of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was because of the difficulty in the language. Mark Twain writes using a very recognizable tone in his stories. The language aids the reader to really feel the setting of the Deep South and to create a perceived “Southern drawl” which adds to the authenticity of the characters. The language was a challenge but once you overcome it, it makes the reading more enjoyable. That's how I personally was able to understand the story.
Immediately I noticed the kind of kid that Huck is. While he is adventuresome, I believe that he is very mature for his age and that is proven by the way he reacts to his various encounters along the way. He doesn't purposely disobey the Widow but he disagrees with the type of person she was attempting to create. His maturity really appeared when his father made his way into the story. However, you could sense that Huck feared his father. When Huck was held captive, he wisely thought of a way to escape. Even while on the island, Huck’s trickery proved to be a mature choice in the long run. I felt that I used a lot of character analysis while completing the book.
The main reason why I'm not sure about my opinion of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was because of the difficulty in the language. Mark Twain writes using a very recognizable tone in his stories. The language aids the reader to really feel the setting of the Deep South and to create a perceived “Southern drawl” which adds to the authenticity of the characters. The language was a challenge but once you overcome it, it makes the reading more enjoyable. That's how I personally was able to understand the story.
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