For class the other day we read two short stories that had to do with coming of age. While I enjoyed reading the stories, I did noticed that they were very different from the other stories and novels we have read in the class this semester. Out of the two stories, I think I enjoyed reading The Nothingness Forest the most because it was so different. I loved that the author took on the task of writing from the perspective of a young child (or actually an infant) and then a dog. I thought that this was very interesting and definitely different from anything I have ever read or heard of before. I also enjoyed reading this story more because I understood it better. I loved the "moral" or "lesson" that came from the story and the writing was just very beautiful.
I did not like the story The Gifts of War very much because I was confused by it. Until we talked about what was going on in the story during our class time, I was unsure of some aspects of the story. I got confused when they started referring to "she" in the scenes in the store and found myself unsure of what exactly was going on with the woman and other characters. I think now that we have talked about what actually happened and about the main character (the mother and wife), if I were to go back and re-read the story, I would understand it a lot more and get more out of it.
Overall, I thought the two short stories were a good way to end the semester. They both took on a interesting view of coming of age and left us (the class) with a broader view of what coming of age is.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha: 220-end
I have now finished reading Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha and I have really enjoyed reading this novel. While I enjoyed reading this book, looking at it as a whole, it is truly a sad story. Throughout the course of the novel, I, as a reader, have really noticed the change (or coming of age) in Paddy. In the beginning of the novel the book focuses on Paddy and his friends. The book tends to jump all over the place with different stories and events in Paddy's life and, for the most part, there is no rhyme or reason for the stories. As a reader, it seems like there is no plot in the novel, at the start of the book. However, as the novel continues and the fights between Paddy's parents escalate, Paddy begins to mature. As a result, the book becomes more focused and "mature" and flows a lot better than it did in the beginning. The language in the novel even becomes more structured, complex, and "grown up." With the fights escalating between Ma and Da, Paddy becomes more aware of his family life and, like any child, wants to help the situation get better because he does love both of his parents. This is a very sad fact because Paddy is ultimately unable to help his parents.
At the end of the novel, after Paddy's parents have split up and Da has moved out of the house and out of the family's picture, Paddy takes on the role of "man of the house." Although the readers are not shown this, we are told this simple but realistic fact. When Da comes back at the end of the novel, I could see the distance between Paddy and his father. I feel that this distance came from Paddy's coming of age, growing up, and his father's leaving (not just one but all combined).
Although I could comment a lot more on this novel, I just want to state that I really enjoyed reading it. Though similar in structure to Ceremony I enjoyed and understood this novel a lot more and I enjoyed reading it. It was not nearly as painful and it was a great read! I would recommend this book to someone any day!
At the end of the novel, after Paddy's parents have split up and Da has moved out of the house and out of the family's picture, Paddy takes on the role of "man of the house." Although the readers are not shown this, we are told this simple but realistic fact. When Da comes back at the end of the novel, I could see the distance between Paddy and his father. I feel that this distance came from Paddy's coming of age, growing up, and his father's leaving (not just one but all combined).
Although I could comment a lot more on this novel, I just want to state that I really enjoyed reading it. Though similar in structure to Ceremony I enjoyed and understood this novel a lot more and I enjoyed reading it. It was not nearly as painful and it was a great read! I would recommend this book to someone any day!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha: 115-220
As I have continued to read I have noticed the character of Paddy to be developing more and more. With each story that he shares with us, the readers, we are able to more clearly see into his life and place in the family. Paddy shares stories of him and Sinbad as well as of his friends. We are able to see a lot of what Paddy does in his free time and how he feels about things. Contrary to some of my classmates belief that Paddy is abusive and violent, I feel that he is just a young child growing up...he's a typical or "normal" 10 year old boy from my point of view. Paddy's relationship with his brother Sinbad seems to be like any other brother-to-brother relationship. The two fight and have their differences but we, as the readers, are able to see a side of Paddy and Sinbad together where they actually show that they love each other (like all siblings do deep down inside).
As I have read further I am noticing the fighting between Ma and Da to be increasing. As a result, the character of Paddy is being affected by it despite the fact that he is not fully aware of what is going on. We, the readers, are unsure of what the fighting is about and are somewhat "in the dark" as to what is actually going on between Ma and Da because we are getting a child's (Paddy's) point of view. In other words, because we are seeing this fighting develop and grow through the stories of Paddy through a child's eyes we cannot be completely clear as to what is happening.
On page 191 (in my book) I have started to see another side of Paddy...or I am starting to see him "come of age." At this point, Paddy is starting to understand the fighting and become more aware of the way that his Da treats his Ma. In this section, just a few pages or paragraphs earlier, Paddy witnesses his Da slapping his Ma across the face. Paddy is startled and shocked and begins to want to protect his Ma. For me, this allowed me to see that Paddy is starting to grow up and "come of age." As a result, I am curious to read further and see how he develops and starts to "grow up" more with other situations that I feel are going to arise between Ma and Pa.
As I have read further I am noticing the fighting between Ma and Da to be increasing. As a result, the character of Paddy is being affected by it despite the fact that he is not fully aware of what is going on. We, the readers, are unsure of what the fighting is about and are somewhat "in the dark" as to what is actually going on between Ma and Da because we are getting a child's (Paddy's) point of view. In other words, because we are seeing this fighting develop and grow through the stories of Paddy through a child's eyes we cannot be completely clear as to what is happening.
On page 191 (in my book) I have started to see another side of Paddy...or I am starting to see him "come of age." At this point, Paddy is starting to understand the fighting and become more aware of the way that his Da treats his Ma. In this section, just a few pages or paragraphs earlier, Paddy witnesses his Da slapping his Ma across the face. Paddy is startled and shocked and begins to want to protect his Ma. For me, this allowed me to see that Paddy is starting to grow up and "come of age." As a result, I am curious to read further and see how he develops and starts to "grow up" more with other situations that I feel are going to arise between Ma and Pa.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Paddy Clarke Ha, Ha, Ha: 1-115
I started reading Paddy Clarke Ha, Ha , Ha by Roddy Doyle just a few days ago and I am really enjoying it. Prior to reading this book for class I heard about it in high school (it was one of the books we could choose to read over the summer in my honors English class junior or senior year). I didn't really know what it was about so I picked it up with little hopes, expectations, or feelings towards it. As I read a few pages, I noticed that the structure of the novel is very similar to that of the novel we just finished reading, Ceremony. The reason I feel that the structures are similar is because neither this book or Ceremony were broken down into chapters. Thoughts, scenes, and events happen "randomly" or are not written down in the book as chronological events. Contrary to Ceremony, however, I am able to better follow the events and happenings in this book even though they are quite "random."
In the 100+ pages that I have read so far I feel that I have come to know the main character and narrator pretty well. Patrick (or Paddy Clarke) is a young boy of about 10 years old who is growing up in a small town in Ireland. As a young child, Paddy seems to be very curious and this often gets him and his friends in trouble. His younger brother, Sinbad, often leads Paddy to get into trouble and the two do not seem to get along all that way (like most young brothers though). For the most part, Paddy seems like a normal every day boy just growing up. Everything that I have read so far seems to just be events that have happened in his life so far and little things he has experienced as a young boy.
Something that I have noticed to be developing so far is that Paddy's parents seem to have some quarrels. I am not sure if this is going to amount to more as I read further, but I have noticed that both "Ma" and "Da" do not get along all too well. Paddy tells a story to the readers about a small or "quiet" should I say fight that his parents had. He explains that it happened on an afternoon where the family had gone out for a drive. This story was explained, by Paddy, the narrator, through his own eyes as a child and this really helps the author to understand his character more. To be put in the main character and narrators shoes really helps to give a deeper more meaningful perspective to the book and situations that occur.
I hope to continue to enjoy this book as much as I have so far!
In the 100+ pages that I have read so far I feel that I have come to know the main character and narrator pretty well. Patrick (or Paddy Clarke) is a young boy of about 10 years old who is growing up in a small town in Ireland. As a young child, Paddy seems to be very curious and this often gets him and his friends in trouble. His younger brother, Sinbad, often leads Paddy to get into trouble and the two do not seem to get along all that way (like most young brothers though). For the most part, Paddy seems like a normal every day boy just growing up. Everything that I have read so far seems to just be events that have happened in his life so far and little things he has experienced as a young boy.
Something that I have noticed to be developing so far is that Paddy's parents seem to have some quarrels. I am not sure if this is going to amount to more as I read further, but I have noticed that both "Ma" and "Da" do not get along all too well. Paddy tells a story to the readers about a small or "quiet" should I say fight that his parents had. He explains that it happened on an afternoon where the family had gone out for a drive. This story was explained, by Paddy, the narrator, through his own eyes as a child and this really helps the author to understand his character more. To be put in the main character and narrators shoes really helps to give a deeper more meaningful perspective to the book and situations that occur.
I hope to continue to enjoy this book as much as I have so far!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Ceremony: 191-end
Although I have now finished the book I still feel a bit unsure of how to look at it and realize what I think I about it as a whole. I feel that I have been able to connect with the character of Tayo and understand his pain and struggle as an "outcast." His life seems extremely sad and lonely all because he is an Indian. On the bottom of page 194 on to the top of page 195, frogs are mentioned in order to show just how different the Indians are from the American people (or the white people). It says, "...people always told us not to kill frogs because the frogs would get angry and send so much rain there would be floods. The Science teacher laughed loudly..." This one quote shows that the Indians (Tayo's beliefs) are extremely different from that of the Americans only creating an even larger racial/cultural gap between them. This makes life in America for the Indian people very difficult.
As I read further, I was able to come to some conclusions and understand more of what happened to the character of Tayo while at war. At this point, felt that Tayo was really an outsider, although he was fighting for the United States. A specific quote mentions him being an Indian and stating that he is "too much trouble, and they would let him go," because he is injured. This part hurt me to read and I actually understood (or I think I did) what was going on and what time the event was taking place.
As I approached the end of the novel, things started to cheer up for Tayo and in turn made the book seem a little happier. When Tayo starts to have a relationship with Montano (also called Ts'eh) and they begin to fall in love, I felt happy for Tayo. I felt that because Tayo was able to relate to Ts'eh because she was an Indian and they genuinely seemed to care for each other. I loved when it said, "When he cried now, it was because she loved him so much." I felt that Tayo had changed because of Ts'eh and that his life was little bit brighter with her in it.
In all honestly I hated the end of the book. It was really hard to read because it seemed to cruel and I was kind of lost as to why it all was happening. The end of the book was full of death and I would have liked to have known more about where Tayo was...I got the feeling that he was a lot happier and that he was back living with his Auntie and Grandmother and Robert. I felt that Tayo had finally come to realize who he was. I thought it was interesting for the Grandmother to point out the idea of hearing a similar story with the death of Pinkie...she said she heard the story before but with different names allowing the readers to see that history seems to repeat but with different people in the Indian group. (At least this is the way that I took in all of this...I just hope I am semi-right.)
I realized I did have some questions as I read and they were: Who is the girl at the hunters? (I sort of was able to answer this later on in reading.) Is Tayo better when he says, "When he had lain in bed vomiting and crying."?
As I read further, I was able to come to some conclusions and understand more of what happened to the character of Tayo while at war. At this point, felt that Tayo was really an outsider, although he was fighting for the United States. A specific quote mentions him being an Indian and stating that he is "too much trouble, and they would let him go," because he is injured. This part hurt me to read and I actually understood (or I think I did) what was going on and what time the event was taking place.
As I approached the end of the novel, things started to cheer up for Tayo and in turn made the book seem a little happier. When Tayo starts to have a relationship with Montano (also called Ts'eh) and they begin to fall in love, I felt happy for Tayo. I felt that because Tayo was able to relate to Ts'eh because she was an Indian and they genuinely seemed to care for each other. I loved when it said, "When he cried now, it was because she loved him so much." I felt that Tayo had changed because of Ts'eh and that his life was little bit brighter with her in it.
In all honestly I hated the end of the book. It was really hard to read because it seemed to cruel and I was kind of lost as to why it all was happening. The end of the book was full of death and I would have liked to have known more about where Tayo was...I got the feeling that he was a lot happier and that he was back living with his Auntie and Grandmother and Robert. I felt that Tayo had finally come to realize who he was. I thought it was interesting for the Grandmother to point out the idea of hearing a similar story with the death of Pinkie...she said she heard the story before but with different names allowing the readers to see that history seems to repeat but with different people in the Indian group. (At least this is the way that I took in all of this...I just hope I am semi-right.)
I realized I did have some questions as I read and they were: Who is the girl at the hunters? (I sort of was able to answer this later on in reading.) Is Tayo better when he says, "When he had lain in bed vomiting and crying."?
Ceremony: Pages 121-190
I am not sure what I think of this book at this point in my reading. At times I feel very clear and sure of what is going on buy then all of the sudden I become extremely lost. I find myself having a hard time understanding what is going on, where the characters are, and what point in time it is. I had a great deal of trouble with understanding who Betonie was and then about the story that was told with Descheeny and the ceremonies. At this point in the book I got very confused as to what exactly was happening and the significance of this in the book. I feel as if I may have lost something due to my confusion. However, in the following "scene" with Harvey, Leroy, and Helen Jean, I felt "back on track" with the book. Although I understood this part of the book in the car (as Harvey, Leroy, etc. are drunk) and then at the bar, I was still a bit confused as to when this all was happening.
I seem to be drawn into the scenes in the book, but then get confused as I try to figure out when things are taking place. I find myself, however, continuing to read through the pages in hopes that the pieces will come together later on and that I will then be able to understand.
AS I have been reading, I have noticed a theme of invisibility. Specifically, on page 123, I took notes as I read. On this page, it says, "They sent me to this place after the war. It was white. Everything in that place was white. Except for me. I was invisible." This is said by Tayo when talking to the medicine man. I feel that this statement made really shows how Tayo feels in the world. He is constantly feeling like an outcast and wants to be or sees himself as invisible to everyone else. In the hospital, at his "home" with this Auntie and everywhere in between, Tayo feels lost and confused.
Overall, I feel this theme, along with others such as drought, confusion, and loneliness, seem to be carried throughout the book. I feel bad for the character of Tayo and hope that as I read further and reflect n the book that I will be able to come away with a better understanding of the life of an Indian in America and the struggles that it involves.
I seem to be drawn into the scenes in the book, but then get confused as I try to figure out when things are taking place. I find myself, however, continuing to read through the pages in hopes that the pieces will come together later on and that I will then be able to understand.
AS I have been reading, I have noticed a theme of invisibility. Specifically, on page 123, I took notes as I read. On this page, it says, "They sent me to this place after the war. It was white. Everything in that place was white. Except for me. I was invisible." This is said by Tayo when talking to the medicine man. I feel that this statement made really shows how Tayo feels in the world. He is constantly feeling like an outcast and wants to be or sees himself as invisible to everyone else. In the hospital, at his "home" with this Auntie and everywhere in between, Tayo feels lost and confused.
Overall, I feel this theme, along with others such as drought, confusion, and loneliness, seem to be carried throughout the book. I feel bad for the character of Tayo and hope that as I read further and reflect n the book that I will be able to come away with a better understanding of the life of an Indian in America and the struggles that it involves.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Ceremony: Pages 5-120
In all honesty, when I first picked up this book and started to read it I was extremely confused. I really had no idea who the character of Tayo was or what was going on. Because the book seems to go back and forth between dreams I found myself getting lost in the beginning few pages. I found it difficult to keep up with what was going on, but after a while I started to get a sense of what was happening and who the characters were.
As I have been reading, there are some specific things that I have taken note of. One thing I noticed a lot of was the talk of drought. It is a very apparent image throughout this first half of the book. The author included a lot of talk of drought and how it effects the people and the animals alike. Tayo and Harley look for water, Tayo talks about the drought during his childhood, and he also mentions having to possibly sell the cattle for a very cheap price because they may die soon from the drought. The animals are all bony and sickly because there is not water for them to drink or water to help the grass grow for them to eat.
Another image I noticed a lot through my reading so far is the image of the deer head. I am not exactly sure what it means just yet in relation to the book and the message the author is trying to get across to to readers though. Tayo talks about the deer head from when he was a child and he seems to think of this image and be comforted by it while in agony.
I feel really bad for the character of Tayo but I am not exactly sure what is wrong with him. I noticed that he seems to get sick and vomit as soon as he feels rejected or uncomfortable. For example, just as he is starting to feel well again, he tells his uncle, Robert, that he thinks he is feeling up to helping him on the ranch. Tayo feels that Robert does not want him to help and that Auntie and everyone just want him to leave. As soon as this happens, Tayo falls back into his sickness again. This is only one example, of the many times that he does get sick after feeling lost, confused, or rejected.
I think that this is an interesting book, although it does confuse me at times. I feel that the author purposely confuses the reader with switching scenes so often so that the readers are able to feel how confused Tayo is with who he is and where he belongs. I may be wrong, but this is the first thought that came to my mind when I realized how lost I was when first reading. I hope that I am able to understand this book to the fullest and gain an idea for what it is like to be caught in between two cultures (Indian and American).
**My question is: How old is Tayo? This is something I am not totally sure of at this point.**
As I have been reading, there are some specific things that I have taken note of. One thing I noticed a lot of was the talk of drought. It is a very apparent image throughout this first half of the book. The author included a lot of talk of drought and how it effects the people and the animals alike. Tayo and Harley look for water, Tayo talks about the drought during his childhood, and he also mentions having to possibly sell the cattle for a very cheap price because they may die soon from the drought. The animals are all bony and sickly because there is not water for them to drink or water to help the grass grow for them to eat.
Another image I noticed a lot through my reading so far is the image of the deer head. I am not exactly sure what it means just yet in relation to the book and the message the author is trying to get across to to readers though. Tayo talks about the deer head from when he was a child and he seems to think of this image and be comforted by it while in agony.
I feel really bad for the character of Tayo but I am not exactly sure what is wrong with him. I noticed that he seems to get sick and vomit as soon as he feels rejected or uncomfortable. For example, just as he is starting to feel well again, he tells his uncle, Robert, that he thinks he is feeling up to helping him on the ranch. Tayo feels that Robert does not want him to help and that Auntie and everyone just want him to leave. As soon as this happens, Tayo falls back into his sickness again. This is only one example, of the many times that he does get sick after feeling lost, confused, or rejected.
I think that this is an interesting book, although it does confuse me at times. I feel that the author purposely confuses the reader with switching scenes so often so that the readers are able to feel how confused Tayo is with who he is and where he belongs. I may be wrong, but this is the first thought that came to my mind when I realized how lost I was when first reading. I hope that I am able to understand this book to the fullest and gain an idea for what it is like to be caught in between two cultures (Indian and American).
**My question is: How old is Tayo? This is something I am not totally sure of at this point.**
Sunday, March 23, 2008
ZenZeLe: Chapters 10-end
Although I didn't totally love this book, I was able to get through it with no problem. I found myself reading and getting lost in the words because some chapters or scenes tended to really drag on. If I were to think of the book right now, after having recently finished it, there is one chapter that really sticks out in my mind. It was the chapter about love. In the chapter, I believe it was chapter eight, Zenzele's mother teaches her that she will meet two men in her life; one will make your hand shake and the other will make it steady. The story that the mother tells her daughter about the lady killing her husband and then drowning her baby all for a man was so sad to read but I think it was a great lesson for the mother to teach to her daughter and the author to teach to the readers. I'm not sure exactly why, but this chapter really stood out for me...Maybe it was because the lesson being taught was so important and moving but I enjoyed it.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book (which I really did not enjoy reading most of the time) was the end of the novel. The very last page of the book almost made me cry. I immediately thought of my mother telling me what Zenzele's mother was saying to her. I got sad at this point and really connected with the mother as an actual mother more than just a narrator talking to me.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, in all honesty. It didn't have a plot that I could follow and did not keep my interest. The author is a great writer, but just did not catch my personal interests.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book (which I really did not enjoy reading most of the time) was the end of the novel. The very last page of the book almost made me cry. I immediately thought of my mother telling me what Zenzele's mother was saying to her. I got sad at this point and really connected with the mother as an actual mother more than just a narrator talking to me.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, in all honesty. It didn't have a plot that I could follow and did not keep my interest. The author is a great writer, but just did not catch my personal interests.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
ZenZeLe: Chapters 1-9
This book is extremely different than that of anything I have ever read before and to be honest I do not think that I really like it. It is not that the writing is of poor quality or anything like that, but I find myself getting bored as I read. The book is very repetitive and I find myself wanting to hear the voice of the daughter rather than the voice of the mother throughout the entire piece. I guess this is where my confusion begins...Because this is a coming of age story, I feel that the daughter who is in America should have a more dominant role in the book. I feel that because of the letter format that the book is written in and because the stories that are incorporated into the work are all about the mother I am starting to view it as the mother's coming of age more than ZenZeLe's. Although I do understand that the mother (and narrator of the book) is trying to teach her daughter about her roots, life, love, and many other things through her experiences, I am not sure that it is clearly a coming of age story for ZenZeLe. I may be missing something, but this is just the way that I have viewed the book so far.
One thing I did pick up and take note of as I read was that the mother hits on the image of "roots," "seeds," and "growth" a few times. She is constantly trying to instill African roots in her daughter and remind her that she does have a past and native roots that she must remember and not forget about while she is away from her country. The last time I noticed this was on page 104 about half way down. I know I read about the seeds and roots a few chapters earlier and am I curious to see if this image comes up again. (I have a strong feeling that it will because I am finding this book to be kind of repetitive like I said before.)
Although I am not very interested in this book so far, there have been a few times that I have been absorbed into the novel. I am not going to give up on the book or lose complete interest in it just yet, but I will say that this is not a book I would read on my own or just pick up to read on a 'lazy day.'
One thing I did pick up and take note of as I read was that the mother hits on the image of "roots," "seeds," and "growth" a few times. She is constantly trying to instill African roots in her daughter and remind her that she does have a past and native roots that she must remember and not forget about while she is away from her country. The last time I noticed this was on page 104 about half way down. I know I read about the seeds and roots a few chapters earlier and am I curious to see if this image comes up again. (I have a strong feeling that it will because I am finding this book to be kind of repetitive like I said before.)
Although I am not very interested in this book so far, there have been a few times that I have been absorbed into the novel. I am not going to give up on the book or lose complete interest in it just yet, but I will say that this is not a book I would read on my own or just pick up to read on a 'lazy day.'
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Persepolis: Question 2
Question: How is Persepolis organized and structured? What has Satrapi chosen to emphasize in her childhood? How is the passage of time presented? Describe Satrapi's drawings. How do the drawings add to the narrative of the story?
Answers:
1) Persepolis is organized as a comic strip of sorts. Cartoon drawings are accompanied by a narrative as well as dialogue from the characters in the story.
2) kI think that Satrpapi has chosen to emphasize the changes that occurred during her childhood in dealing with the politics (or change in political power) during the years where she was growing up/coming of age. Satrapi has chosen events (which she portray as stories/scenes) that changed her own personal life and effected her family, friends, and schooling.
3) Satrapi's drawings, to say the least, I think, are exotic and different. They are, however, very clear and easy to understand. I think that they really help the reader(s) to see and understand exactly what happens in each scene and what occurred, over time, during her childhood/young adulthood. I am not sure if it is coincidence or on purpose but the drawings are black and white...and the saying "very black and white" means clear or easy to understand. The fact that these drawings are black and white, I think, represent explaining her childhood in black and white (if this even makes sense).
4) This drawings really add clarity for the readers of the story. To actually see (with the pictures) exactly what happened during the years she spent growing up in a time of religion/political turmoil helps the readers to better understand the situation. I know that for me, personally, the pictures helped me to really see what was going on because, at times, the story (had it been created not in cartoon-ish style) would have had me lost, confused, or unsure as to what was happening.
Answers:
1) Persepolis is organized as a comic strip of sorts. Cartoon drawings are accompanied by a narrative as well as dialogue from the characters in the story.
2) kI think that Satrpapi has chosen to emphasize the changes that occurred during her childhood in dealing with the politics (or change in political power) during the years where she was growing up/coming of age. Satrapi has chosen events (which she portray as stories/scenes) that changed her own personal life and effected her family, friends, and schooling.
3) Satrapi's drawings, to say the least, I think, are exotic and different. They are, however, very clear and easy to understand. I think that they really help the reader(s) to see and understand exactly what happens in each scene and what occurred, over time, during her childhood/young adulthood. I am not sure if it is coincidence or on purpose but the drawings are black and white...and the saying "very black and white" means clear or easy to understand. The fact that these drawings are black and white, I think, represent explaining her childhood in black and white (if this even makes sense).
4) This drawings really add clarity for the readers of the story. To actually see (with the pictures) exactly what happened during the years she spent growing up in a time of religion/political turmoil helps the readers to better understand the situation. I know that for me, personally, the pictures helped me to really see what was going on because, at times, the story (had it been created not in cartoon-ish style) would have had me lost, confused, or unsure as to what was happening.
The Kite Runner: Chaper 24-end
As I read the end of the novel, I was a little saddened by the fact that I had already read the novel once before because the element of surprise (or what would happen at the end of the story) wasn't there this time. Because I knew the ending, I wasn't surprised by the fact that Amir decided to take Sohrab back to the USA and keep him as his "son." One thing that did still strike and upset me this read through was that Sohrab tried to kill himself in the bathtub. This scene at the end of chapter 24 upset me and made me extremely sad. I hated reading this part of the novel because it was just so powerful despite the scene being described action by action.
Amir's love for Sohrab really shines through though when he takes care of Sohrab (emotionally) after his attempted suicide. The fact that he wants to "break though" the hospital doors to get to Sohrab, right after the incident, really shows that he has already sort of accepted Sohrab as his son. I love that he does this because this gives another side to Amir and shows just how much of a caring, loving, and concerned person he is/can be.
Sohrab's silence is something I really don't understand, to be perfectly honest. At times, although I feel very badly for him because of all he has been through in his short life, in these ending chapters, I got annoyed with Sohrab. I wanted him to talk and be "normal" and just develop a good relationship with Amir and Soraya (especially Soraya because she wanted to treat Sohrab like a son and raise him as her own).
I really enjoyed the ending of the book and how it closes with the scene of Amir running the kite. The book, with this scene, is really brought full circle and ends on a high note. I thought of Hassan when I read the last line of the novel, "I ran." because HE was the "original" kite runner and now I feel that Amir has matured and taken over Hassan's role of kite runner and father of Sohrab. I liked Amir by this point in the novel, and I was really pleased with the ending. After the entire story, it was made apparent that Amir did come of age and this makes him a likable character by the end of the novel.
Amir's love for Sohrab really shines through though when he takes care of Sohrab (emotionally) after his attempted suicide. The fact that he wants to "break though" the hospital doors to get to Sohrab, right after the incident, really shows that he has already sort of accepted Sohrab as his son. I love that he does this because this gives another side to Amir and shows just how much of a caring, loving, and concerned person he is/can be.
Sohrab's silence is something I really don't understand, to be perfectly honest. At times, although I feel very badly for him because of all he has been through in his short life, in these ending chapters, I got annoyed with Sohrab. I wanted him to talk and be "normal" and just develop a good relationship with Amir and Soraya (especially Soraya because she wanted to treat Sohrab like a son and raise him as her own).
I really enjoyed the ending of the book and how it closes with the scene of Amir running the kite. The book, with this scene, is really brought full circle and ends on a high note. I thought of Hassan when I read the last line of the novel, "I ran." because HE was the "original" kite runner and now I feel that Amir has matured and taken over Hassan's role of kite runner and father of Sohrab. I liked Amir by this point in the novel, and I was really pleased with the ending. After the entire story, it was made apparent that Amir did come of age and this makes him a likable character by the end of the novel.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Kite Runner: Chapters 11-23
It has been a long time (chapter wise) since I have posted on my blog. Although I have already read the book once before, a lot has happened in the past 12 chapters. To start, the death of Baba was extremely emotional for me. Although I did not like him in the start of the novel (because of the way he was portrayed by the narrator, Amir) I came to truely love his character by the time of his death. I loved that Amir and Baba were able to develop a "real" father-son relationship in the years before Baba's passing and I am coming to like Amir because he is proving to be more human (showing feeling, emotion, love, care, etc.). I am also happy that Amir has married Soraya. I think that she has brought life to Amir's life and I really love her character. She is a caring individual who has helped to make Amir a better person (in my eyes). Soraya has given Amir someone to love and care for, which in turn, forces him to "come of age" and mature as a real man. The death of Baba also is helping Amir to "come of age" more because he is now forced to be on his own and learn lessons for himself.
I feel badly for Soraya and Amir because they are unable to have children. I think that if Amir and Soraya were to have a child together, it would have given Amir a way to mature, get away from his past, and start over. Soraya also really needs a child because I can see in her character the longing for someone else to love and care for besides Amir. Soraya is a teacher (so she obviously love children) and when she is unable to have a child of her own, as I read, I felt the pain that her character must have felt.
To be honest, in my first read through, I was shocked that Amir decided to go to Kabul. However, I was happy that he faced his fears and went out to find Sohrab even though he was afriad of what would happen to him. When Amir ran out of Rahim Khan's apartment saying that he would not go to find Sohrab (Hassan's son) I was afriad that he would not come back, yet deep down inside I had a feeling that Amir would not let Hassan's son be left in the orphanage after he had learned about what had happened to Hassan, Sohrab's mother, and everything else. Amir, in my eyes, came of age when he came back to Rahim Khan's apartment and said that he would go and find Sohrab. Amir, although scared and unsure of what would happen to him, decided that he was ready to make amends for his past.
The fight with Assef made me nervous and tense as I read. I already knew the outcome of the fight, but at the same time I still felt tied in the moment and uneasy about the whole situation. Amir's bravery and fear both were very apparent in this scene in the story. It was a very emotional scene because as I read I could see the terror in little Sohrab's face as he watched Amir and Assef fight (almost to the death of them). It was difficult to read this part because the imagery was so vivid...I felt as if I were right there in the room. I am proud of Amir for fighting Assef because at this point he is able to finally fight for Hassan (by saving his son from Assef) and do something for him after all Hassan did for Amir in the past. It is at this point that I feel Amir changed even more and I came to like him more as a character in the story...because he doesn't think of himself (for once) at this point in the novel.
I feel badly for Soraya and Amir because they are unable to have children. I think that if Amir and Soraya were to have a child together, it would have given Amir a way to mature, get away from his past, and start over. Soraya also really needs a child because I can see in her character the longing for someone else to love and care for besides Amir. Soraya is a teacher (so she obviously love children) and when she is unable to have a child of her own, as I read, I felt the pain that her character must have felt.
To be honest, in my first read through, I was shocked that Amir decided to go to Kabul. However, I was happy that he faced his fears and went out to find Sohrab even though he was afriad of what would happen to him. When Amir ran out of Rahim Khan's apartment saying that he would not go to find Sohrab (Hassan's son) I was afriad that he would not come back, yet deep down inside I had a feeling that Amir would not let Hassan's son be left in the orphanage after he had learned about what had happened to Hassan, Sohrab's mother, and everything else. Amir, in my eyes, came of age when he came back to Rahim Khan's apartment and said that he would go and find Sohrab. Amir, although scared and unsure of what would happen to him, decided that he was ready to make amends for his past.
The fight with Assef made me nervous and tense as I read. I already knew the outcome of the fight, but at the same time I still felt tied in the moment and uneasy about the whole situation. Amir's bravery and fear both were very apparent in this scene in the story. It was a very emotional scene because as I read I could see the terror in little Sohrab's face as he watched Amir and Assef fight (almost to the death of them). It was difficult to read this part because the imagery was so vivid...I felt as if I were right there in the room. I am proud of Amir for fighting Assef because at this point he is able to finally fight for Hassan (by saving his son from Assef) and do something for him after all Hassan did for Amir in the past. It is at this point that I feel Amir changed even more and I came to like him more as a character in the story...because he doesn't think of himself (for once) at this point in the novel.
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Kite Runner: Chapters 7-10
This section of the novel was extremely hard to read at sometimes. Not because it was a difficult read at all, but because it was so graphic and detailed. The rape of Hassan was painful and very upsetting to me as a reader. As I was reading the piece, I was very unhappy with the actions (or lack there of) by Amir. I could not believe that he would stand by and watch his best friend (basically his brother) be hurt so badly by Asseff. At this time I noticed a lot of sight imagery and details that had to do with seeing things. The first read though of this part, I did not notice these details.
From this section of the book I got a better idea of the kind of person that Amir is. I noticed that he is very self-centered, self-involved, curious, knowledgable, strong, weak, and guilt-stricken all at the same time. Amir clearly wants to win his fathers love and attention and because of this, I feel he takes the actions that he does. While I do not like this character of Amir in these chapters of the book I feel bad for him. I understand Amir's feeling of wanting to be loved by his father because he is so different from him...All children ever want is to be accepted for who they are by others, especially their parents. I wonder if Amir's relationship with his father were different if he would have done what he did to Hassan and ultimately his future.
From this section of the book I got a better idea of the kind of person that Amir is. I noticed that he is very self-centered, self-involved, curious, knowledgable, strong, weak, and guilt-stricken all at the same time. Amir clearly wants to win his fathers love and attention and because of this, I feel he takes the actions that he does. While I do not like this character of Amir in these chapters of the book I feel bad for him. I understand Amir's feeling of wanting to be loved by his father because he is so different from him...All children ever want is to be accepted for who they are by others, especially their parents. I wonder if Amir's relationship with his father were different if he would have done what he did to Hassan and ultimately his future.
The Kite Runner: Chapters 1-6
Being that I already read the Kite Runner when I was going off to college about two years ago I already have my opinion on the book as a whole. Having said this, it is difficult for me to look at specific parts of the book and comment on them without giving away the ending or referring to other parts of the novel...
I love this book and I love the way that the author writes. The narrator pulls me into the piece and once I start reading I cannnot stop. Since I have already read the book and know the ending I am trying to focus more on the words, images, and other literary techniques that the author may have included. So far, I am noticing a lot of imagery involving sight and eyes. These little things I did not pick up with my first read through of the book a few years ago.
Contrary to my feelings of the "coming of age" in the short story, "On Sunday," I feel that this novel is truly a "coming of age" story. The character is really changed by an event (or what turns into a series of events) that effects him for the rest of his life.
I love this book and I love the way that the author writes. The narrator pulls me into the piece and once I start reading I cannnot stop. Since I have already read the book and know the ending I am trying to focus more on the words, images, and other literary techniques that the author may have included. So far, I am noticing a lot of imagery involving sight and eyes. These little things I did not pick up with my first read through of the book a few years ago.
Contrary to my feelings of the "coming of age" in the short story, "On Sunday," I feel that this novel is truly a "coming of age" story. The character is really changed by an event (or what turns into a series of events) that effects him for the rest of his life.
Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl"
Reading this piece I thought it was incredibly unique. I have never read anything of this kind before and actually really enjoyed it. What I liked about the piece was that it was short, sweet, to the point, and sort of interesting to read. When I read it, the first thought that came to my mind was, "Wow, this mother is incredibly 'old fashioned'," but I guess reason I thought this was because I did not realize the origin of the piece and te influences of the culture.
This piece, although I really enjoyed reading it, gave me a negative vibe. It was very, "do this and that and don't do this, or else." I was kind of scared for the girl because her mother simply listed what she couldn't or shouldn't do, and did not tell her all the great things about growing up and becoming an adult. This coming of age that the mother presents to the daughter in the piece is more of a scary and unpleasant time in life rather than something with positive aspects as well. Another thing I really did not like about this piece is that the young girl is being forced into her coming of age. Just because she has hit a certain milestone or age, I do not feel that it was right for her mother to expect her to change over night. Adolescense is a difficult time for most people and having being given a list of "To-Do's" only makes the time scarier for the girl.
When we heard the piece in class, read by Jamaica /Kincaid herself, my feelings toward the piece and the negative aspects of it only got stronger. The tone was extremely strong, but at the same time it added to the dynamic of the work. Hearing the author read how the piece should sound and be read allowed me to in the shoes of the young girl listening to her mother speak about "growing up."
This piece, although I really enjoyed reading it, gave me a negative vibe. It was very, "do this and that and don't do this, or else." I was kind of scared for the girl because her mother simply listed what she couldn't or shouldn't do, and did not tell her all the great things about growing up and becoming an adult. This coming of age that the mother presents to the daughter in the piece is more of a scary and unpleasant time in life rather than something with positive aspects as well. Another thing I really did not like about this piece is that the young girl is being forced into her coming of age. Just because she has hit a certain milestone or age, I do not feel that it was right for her mother to expect her to change over night. Adolescense is a difficult time for most people and having being given a list of "To-Do's" only makes the time scarier for the girl.
When we heard the piece in class, read by Jamaica /Kincaid herself, my feelings toward the piece and the negative aspects of it only got stronger. The tone was extremely strong, but at the same time it added to the dynamic of the work. Hearing the author read how the piece should sound and be read allowed me to in the shoes of the young girl listening to her mother speak about "growing up."
Michelle Cliff's "Columba"
To say it right off the bat, this story made me sad for the young boy, Columba, and the young girl in the short story. As I read, I felt that both of the younger children were being deprived of their childhood and never really had a chance to have fun and enjoy their lives. I understand that this story was set in a time period very different from that of today, but still, I felt sorry for both of the children. The young girl, because she was left under the care of her "hypo-condriacal aunt and her Cuban lover, a radio operator" I felt that she did not get the care, love, and attention that she deserves as a young girl of 12 years old. The girls Aunt Charlotte. who was described very vividly by the narrator (the young girl) makes me uneasy and I do not like her at all. Similar to the character of the young girl, the character of Columba, the young slave boy to Aunt Charlotte, is also deprived of a childhood. Being an African American boy growing up in the time period that this story is set, Columba is forced to live under a strict set of guidelines and standards. I feel pain for this character because of this...
One thing I really love about this story is the imagery in the name Columba. I thought it was great that the author named "a black boy after a white bird" and then had the death of his "childhood" or "innocence" (in a sense) die with the death of the white birds (the doves). I thought that this really tied the story together in a creative way.
I thought that this story was more a sad end to "childhood" and a painful, forced coming of age of the two younger characters. I hurt for the two characters at the end of the piece, but loved the last line, "I sat beside him in silence, my arm around his waist. This was not done." In a way, I took it as the young girl trying to deal with what had happened with the doves and to Columba saying that it was not right for them to had to have "grown up" in the way that they did.
One thing I really love about this story is the imagery in the name Columba. I thought it was great that the author named "a black boy after a white bird" and then had the death of his "childhood" or "innocence" (in a sense) die with the death of the white birds (the doves). I thought that this really tied the story together in a creative way.
I thought that this story was more a sad end to "childhood" and a painful, forced coming of age of the two younger characters. I hurt for the two characters at the end of the piece, but loved the last line, "I sat beside him in silence, my arm around his waist. This was not done." In a way, I took it as the young girl trying to deal with what had happened with the doves and to Columba saying that it was not right for them to had to have "grown up" in the way that they did.
Mario Vargas Llosa's "On Sunday"
When I reading "On Sunday" for the first time I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen in the story. To be honest, that was my main goal with my first read though. I was anxious to see what would happen instead of focusing on the turning point or the boys' coming of age. When I started to read the piece I immediately felt connected to the characters in the short story through Vargas Llosa's way of writing. When I read the part that said, "I've got to get a move on...Slowly, he stretched out his left hand until it touched hers; the contact made him aware that he was sweating. He begged for some miracle to happen, for that humiliation to be over. What do I say to her now? he thought..." I could see and feel the diliberation, nervousness and struggle that Miguel was going through. This scene allowed me to see into the character of Miguel away from the "boys" (the gang of the Hawks).
As I read I was a little unsure of the age of the characters but I assumed that they were in their teenage years...I guess it was because of the immature nature of the characters actions that I was thrown off. When the Miguel and Ruben, actually quite drunk, jumped into the water at the end of the piece I was really shocked. Inside my head, as I read, I was yelling, "You idiots! What is wrong with you?!? Are you crazy?" However, this scene did draw me even further into the piece because I was curious as to if they would be okay or if someone would die.
In reaction to the "coming of age" of Ruben and Miguel, I am unsure that because of their near death experience that they truly "came of age." In my own personal opinion I do not think that the two boys truly changed that much because of what happened in the water. I would have liked to have seen a snipet of what the two characters were like after the "incident" to see if they really had been changed for effected long term. Over all, this was a good story though.
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