Reflection
(Hooray, no more blog post!!!)
I am currently thinking about my experience blogging about reading this year and about what it means to have an 'online identity'. I can't believe that it's finally the end of the school year and it's even harder to believe that I've actually done like 30 blog posts this year.
As a reader and a writer, I've learned a lot through blogging. This experience helped to make me more confident in what I say. I was able to express the thinkings that I usually would not be able to say through the blog posts. It's different from writing in a notebook because first of all, one is on the computer and the other is on paper, and secondly, I have more to say when I type than when I actually have to write out the words. Something I don't like about writing online is that everyone sees when you are writing, and so sometimes it may limit when you can write about and it also has to be written in a formal way.
I 'm staying neutral about the thought that teenagers abuse the freedom that being online gives you on sites like facebook because they are able to do whatever they want to do. What does "abusing the freedom" means? Does it means that just because you say mean things behind someone's back through online resources that you are abusing the freedom? We often exercise our freedom of thoughts by thinking about mean things behind their backs so does this means that we are abusing our freedom because we aren't being good people who always help one another over obstacles? I get the whole idea about cyber bullying and that people often commit suicide because they are bullied online, but does that means that in order to stop these incidents from happening, the internet should be shut down and the economic pace should be slowed down? I mean, seriously, I often say horrible things behind people's back just to get the conversation going. I think it would be fine as long as you don't go over the board.
Honestly, I can't imagine myself blogging ever again about the books that I'm reading. I only blog because it is a homework assignment, and I've done too much that I'm getting annoyed by it. I feel that I get the point about how blogging can do more benefits than harm and such and such, but blogs are starting to frustrate me. I believe that I shouldn't have to blog just to complete the assignment before the due date.
But overall, I'm proud of myself for the 30 posts (31 including this) that I've done. We should all celebrate the fact that this is finally our last blog post!...But wait now we still have the memoir due...
Friday, June 15, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
When is it Right to Feel Guilty?
When is it Right to Feel Guilty?
Ending the Philosophy Unit...? Probably second to last blog post~
According to the book, "Willow", by Julia Hoban, Willow blames herself for the deaths of her parents in a car accident because she was the one driving the car. Even after seven months, she still feels guilty because she believed that she was the root of all the tragedies. She tries to hide her pain by constantly cutting her body. I feel that this is not the right way to solve a long-lasting problem. Why can't people think about the consequences before they make a decision? Why do people, especial young teens, always choose to hide their emotions away and not discuss their issues with someone they trust? Does keeping secrets always result in a good ending? When is it right to feel guilty and when it is right to let it go?
Willow in the story starts cutting herself with a razor after she accidentally caused her parents to die. She believes that it's all fault for everything and that her older brother hates her for what she had done. I don't think this is necessary because like I've mentioned, it was an accident. An accident is "an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss". Willow had no intention in really killing her mom and dad. She could have died too if she wasn't too lucky and so if that did happen, who would then take the blame? Willow blames herself because she was the one driving the car but it was actually the car's problem, not hers. She's not guilty until proven so. The accident occurred naturally, not on purpose. And yet, she chose to cut herself to make herself "stronger". If it was the other way around and her parents were driving while she was sitting in the back seat, then would they have to take the blame if they got into a car accident causing Willow to die?
I feel that she should think about the consequences before she make a choice. Why would she choose to cut herself? There are many other better tortures she could have done to herself like eat a bunch of deserts, run a long marathon, get into a college, or something else that she could do to get her mind off of the accident. Just get over it! Hurting your body only creates more problems, it doesn't do anything to solve it. Really, young teens should try to free their minds by talking to adults that they are comfortable with and discuss their issues and have them make advices. Kids tend to think they know everything which is not true. They still need help with adults because of their lack of experience. Keeping secrets can sometimes lead to bad consequences. If she hadn't talk about her issues to somebody else and continue to take the blame, she might have ended up committing suicide and just die off like her parents.
In conclusion, I feel that Willow should try to let everything go and just think about what is happening in the future. Looking back will only may her trip even more. It's no longer alright to blame yourself when you're not the one at fault. Luckily, she gets help at the end and stops cutting herself. In real life, when students face a difficult problem that they cannot fix by themselves, they may choose to talk to their parents, guidance counselor, and their friends. Unfortunately Willow is left without her parents and her dark personality has cost her many friends but she could have still talked to her guidance counselor first before trying to solve her emotional trauma by herself. Finding help can do more good than harm.
Ending the Philosophy Unit...? Probably second to last blog post~
According to the book, "Willow", by Julia Hoban, Willow blames herself for the deaths of her parents in a car accident because she was the one driving the car. Even after seven months, she still feels guilty because she believed that she was the root of all the tragedies. She tries to hide her pain by constantly cutting her body. I feel that this is not the right way to solve a long-lasting problem. Why can't people think about the consequences before they make a decision? Why do people, especial young teens, always choose to hide their emotions away and not discuss their issues with someone they trust? Does keeping secrets always result in a good ending? When is it right to feel guilty and when it is right to let it go?
Willow in the story starts cutting herself with a razor after she accidentally caused her parents to die. She believes that it's all fault for everything and that her older brother hates her for what she had done. I don't think this is necessary because like I've mentioned, it was an accident. An accident is "an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss". Willow had no intention in really killing her mom and dad. She could have died too if she wasn't too lucky and so if that did happen, who would then take the blame? Willow blames herself because she was the one driving the car but it was actually the car's problem, not hers. She's not guilty until proven so. The accident occurred naturally, not on purpose. And yet, she chose to cut herself to make herself "stronger". If it was the other way around and her parents were driving while she was sitting in the back seat, then would they have to take the blame if they got into a car accident causing Willow to die?
I feel that she should think about the consequences before she make a choice. Why would she choose to cut herself? There are many other better tortures she could have done to herself like eat a bunch of deserts, run a long marathon, get into a college, or something else that she could do to get her mind off of the accident. Just get over it! Hurting your body only creates more problems, it doesn't do anything to solve it. Really, young teens should try to free their minds by talking to adults that they are comfortable with and discuss their issues and have them make advices. Kids tend to think they know everything which is not true. They still need help with adults because of their lack of experience. Keeping secrets can sometimes lead to bad consequences. If she hadn't talk about her issues to somebody else and continue to take the blame, she might have ended up committing suicide and just die off like her parents.
In conclusion, I feel that Willow should try to let everything go and just think about what is happening in the future. Looking back will only may her trip even more. It's no longer alright to blame yourself when you're not the one at fault. Luckily, she gets help at the end and stops cutting herself. In real life, when students face a difficult problem that they cannot fix by themselves, they may choose to talk to their parents, guidance counselor, and their friends. Unfortunately Willow is left without her parents and her dark personality has cost her many friends but she could have still talked to her guidance counselor first before trying to solve her emotional trauma by herself. Finding help can do more good than harm.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Social Classes
Persepolis
Social Classes
In the book, "Persepolis" by Marjiane Satrapi, there is a quote, "The reason for my shame and for the Revolution is the same: the difference between social classes" (30). If you reverse the sentence, it basically means that the difference between social classes is the reason for her to be shameful and the reason for the country's revolution.This excerpt is pretty simple to understand and it made me wonder why is this the case. Are we still considered equal when people are not in the same social classes? Why do people in higher social classes get more opportunities? Why are people categorized for their values?
In the story, Marji's friend, a maid, was unable to marry another guy that she loves because he was in a different social class. When that guy found out that she was a maid, he didn't want to be with her anyway. I can't forgive this guy. You love someone for who they are, not based on their values, their job, or their living conditions. Everyone should be given the same chances and the people from the higher social classes should lend a hand and support the poorer ones to improve the economy. But of course, it was a good that that he dumped her because now she knows what a bastard he is.
We can apply the same concept in life today also. Let's just say in a job recruitment, there is a rich guy with a nice suit and clean shoes along with a poor guy wearing torn jeans and flip-flops. Even if the poor guy is slightly smarter than the other one, the manager will mostly likely employ the rich dude because he will give the company a better reputation. This is unjustifiable because he was biased when making his decisions. People shouldn't be classified in certain groups because of how much money they have. Some people may have just been born in a really good family, while some others just aren't too lucky. But, we are all humans. We deserve the same rights as others. We should be viewed a certain way not because of our social class but because of our ability. But sometimes even this wouldn't be as fair because children at richer families tend to have better education.
As you can see, I feel that social classes are sometimes a limiting factor. Personality and ability should be more important than how much money your family earns, which is quite unfair. If I had to employ a worker, I would absolutely select one based on their working ability and not on their values.
Social Classes
In the book, "Persepolis" by Marjiane Satrapi, there is a quote, "The reason for my shame and for the Revolution is the same: the difference between social classes" (30). If you reverse the sentence, it basically means that the difference between social classes is the reason for her to be shameful and the reason for the country's revolution.This excerpt is pretty simple to understand and it made me wonder why is this the case. Are we still considered equal when people are not in the same social classes? Why do people in higher social classes get more opportunities? Why are people categorized for their values?
In the story, Marji's friend, a maid, was unable to marry another guy that she loves because he was in a different social class. When that guy found out that she was a maid, he didn't want to be with her anyway. I can't forgive this guy. You love someone for who they are, not based on their values, their job, or their living conditions. Everyone should be given the same chances and the people from the higher social classes should lend a hand and support the poorer ones to improve the economy. But of course, it was a good that that he dumped her because now she knows what a bastard he is.
We can apply the same concept in life today also. Let's just say in a job recruitment, there is a rich guy with a nice suit and clean shoes along with a poor guy wearing torn jeans and flip-flops. Even if the poor guy is slightly smarter than the other one, the manager will mostly likely employ the rich dude because he will give the company a better reputation. This is unjustifiable because he was biased when making his decisions. People shouldn't be classified in certain groups because of how much money they have. Some people may have just been born in a really good family, while some others just aren't too lucky. But, we are all humans. We deserve the same rights as others. We should be viewed a certain way not because of our social class but because of our ability. But sometimes even this wouldn't be as fair because children at richer families tend to have better education.
As you can see, I feel that social classes are sometimes a limiting factor. Personality and ability should be more important than how much money your family earns, which is quite unfair. If I had to employ a worker, I would absolutely select one based on their working ability and not on their values.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Persepolois
Persepolois
Random Thoughts
I was reading the comic novel, "Persepolis" by Marjiane Satrapi, which about a girl name Marji who faces many obstacles and was in the revolution to overthrow the Shah. She grows up with the new regime and sees how the new Iran ruler was always oppressive and treats his people badly. She is sent to Vienna because the country's at war and it was more safer and better there. I see the connection with the Islamic Revolution. People were controlled as puppets and harshly treated. This leads me to wonder why people want to fight in wars and rebel against their leaders.
According to the book, there is a war between Iran and Iraq. The ruler is extremely religious and only cares about what he wants. In real life, Iran called for a Shia revolution in Iraq which alarmed the Iraqi leaders. This initiated the war. But in general, why do we fight in wars? I think it is because we want freedom, we want to get what we deserve. Like in the Spanish-American war, we wanted independence. But in the book, the war only occurred because of one's selfishness.
I was wondering why countries would still fight in wars when millions of people end up sacrificing themselves and die. Is it justifiable to value the individual's life over the benefits of nation? Should dangerous materials like nuclear weapons be used to kill enemies? Is it necessary to declare war when the problem could be talked out? Is violence even right the first place?
Violence should only be considered when it is necessary and when the problem cannot be peacefully solved. Fighting wastes energy, time, and reputation. There's no point for countries to fight each other because it uses a large amount of money and people. The leader of the nation should consider all the harming factors before declaring a war. The "king" in the book didn't do this.
As you can so, I'm starting to wonder about the world after reading this comic. Harsh consequences often occur because of someone's selfishness. The book is similar to the world and it makes me question how the world is full of flaws.
Random Thoughts
I was reading the comic novel, "Persepolis" by Marjiane Satrapi, which about a girl name Marji who faces many obstacles and was in the revolution to overthrow the Shah. She grows up with the new regime and sees how the new Iran ruler was always oppressive and treats his people badly. She is sent to Vienna because the country's at war and it was more safer and better there. I see the connection with the Islamic Revolution. People were controlled as puppets and harshly treated. This leads me to wonder why people want to fight in wars and rebel against their leaders.
According to the book, there is a war between Iran and Iraq. The ruler is extremely religious and only cares about what he wants. In real life, Iran called for a Shia revolution in Iraq which alarmed the Iraqi leaders. This initiated the war. But in general, why do we fight in wars? I think it is because we want freedom, we want to get what we deserve. Like in the Spanish-American war, we wanted independence. But in the book, the war only occurred because of one's selfishness.
I was wondering why countries would still fight in wars when millions of people end up sacrificing themselves and die. Is it justifiable to value the individual's life over the benefits of nation? Should dangerous materials like nuclear weapons be used to kill enemies? Is it necessary to declare war when the problem could be talked out? Is violence even right the first place?
Violence should only be considered when it is necessary and when the problem cannot be peacefully solved. Fighting wastes energy, time, and reputation. There's no point for countries to fight each other because it uses a large amount of money and people. The leader of the nation should consider all the harming factors before declaring a war. The "king" in the book didn't do this.
As you can so, I'm starting to wonder about the world after reading this comic. Harsh consequences often occur because of someone's selfishness. The book is similar to the world and it makes me question how the world is full of flaws.
Friday, May 18, 2012
When It Happens...Again
When It Happens...Again
In the book, "When It Happens," by Susane Colasanti, Sara, a nerd, finds true love by getting together with Tobey, a slacker. While finishing the book, I'm starting to see how much the characters have changed. I'm starting to wonder how much grades, popularity, and even friends can impact you either in a negative or a positive way. In the real world, it works the same by affecting how others will view you as.
According to the story, because Sara became Dave, popular jock's girlfriend, her life completely changed. People who had once ignored her for being a dorky teacher's pet. starting complimenting of her discount shirts, talking with her in school, and even ate lunch with her. They claimed that they were her friends and she was cool and they should hang out all the time. After she dumps Dave for Tobey because he was always forcing her to do things she didn't wanted to, those so-called friends immediately stopped talking to her. What are friends, really? Just people you take advantage of and leave behind after they become useless? Obviously, people talked to her because she was Dave's girlfriend and being friends with her could get a ticket to become one of the popular kids. I googled up the definition of friends, and it says that it is "a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts". Is that the image I'm seeing from her friends? Someone who would be for you no matter what? Uh, no. In our society, "friendships" often formed for economic or political benefits. People become friends with celebrities to get fame, countries allies with other nations to increase trade, and much more! I think these shouldn't be considered friends, more like beneficial partners. I don't believe that you should take advantage of friends and just throw them away when they are worthless.
I'm also noticing how grades can affect Tobey. In the beginning of the stories, teachers always pick on him and yells at him for slacking. Towards the end when he improves his grade to impress Sara, the teachers would give him smiles and stop being mean to him. Do grades really make people view you differently even though you are just the same as before? Teachers often pick favorites and treat them better than they do with other kids, but is this really right? Is it fair to value someone more than another because of how well they do in school. I think it's quite unjust to pick on the ones that really don't have the talent or skills for school. If this was in a different case where teachers like rich people more than the poor ones because they often donate money to school or such then would it be ethical? I don't think people should be treated differently. All men are equally, well women too, and and we should practice this rule in real life too and not just have it sitting on a paper.
Therefore, things like popularity and grades can change so much as to how others think about you. We should all be treated equally. I believe that it's unfair for those factors to determine your personality.
In the book, "When It Happens," by Susane Colasanti, Sara, a nerd, finds true love by getting together with Tobey, a slacker. While finishing the book, I'm starting to see how much the characters have changed. I'm starting to wonder how much grades, popularity, and even friends can impact you either in a negative or a positive way. In the real world, it works the same by affecting how others will view you as.
According to the story, because Sara became Dave, popular jock's girlfriend, her life completely changed. People who had once ignored her for being a dorky teacher's pet. starting complimenting of her discount shirts, talking with her in school, and even ate lunch with her. They claimed that they were her friends and she was cool and they should hang out all the time. After she dumps Dave for Tobey because he was always forcing her to do things she didn't wanted to, those so-called friends immediately stopped talking to her. What are friends, really? Just people you take advantage of and leave behind after they become useless? Obviously, people talked to her because she was Dave's girlfriend and being friends with her could get a ticket to become one of the popular kids. I googled up the definition of friends, and it says that it is "a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts". Is that the image I'm seeing from her friends? Someone who would be for you no matter what? Uh, no. In our society, "friendships" often formed for economic or political benefits. People become friends with celebrities to get fame, countries allies with other nations to increase trade, and much more! I think these shouldn't be considered friends, more like beneficial partners. I don't believe that you should take advantage of friends and just throw them away when they are worthless.
I'm also noticing how grades can affect Tobey. In the beginning of the stories, teachers always pick on him and yells at him for slacking. Towards the end when he improves his grade to impress Sara, the teachers would give him smiles and stop being mean to him. Do grades really make people view you differently even though you are just the same as before? Teachers often pick favorites and treat them better than they do with other kids, but is this really right? Is it fair to value someone more than another because of how well they do in school. I think it's quite unjust to pick on the ones that really don't have the talent or skills for school. If this was in a different case where teachers like rich people more than the poor ones because they often donate money to school or such then would it be ethical? I don't think people should be treated differently. All men are equally, well women too, and and we should practice this rule in real life too and not just have it sitting on a paper.
Therefore, things like popularity and grades can change so much as to how others think about you. We should all be treated equally. I believe that it's unfair for those factors to determine your personality.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
When It Happens
When It Happens
Archetypal Journey
In the fascinating book, "When It Happens," by Susane Colasanti, one of the protagonist Tobey, is going on an archetypal journey, specifically for loss of innocence. He's gets impacted by others around him in a positive and negative ways. Although I am not yet done with the book, I can still predict how different he would be after his journey ended.
Based on the story, Tobey's more like the class slacker, rock-star wannabe until Sara, his crush, gets near him. When he's with other girls, even Cynthia (sexy kind of slut?), it's no big deal to handle them. But once he sees Sara, his eyes would sparkle and he wouldn't even been able to speak. He starts to realize what's true love even though he is lacking the courage to speak it out loud. During his journey, he is starting to loose his innocence but in a he-will-mature way. Sara is the positive person that has affected him the most because it was her that forces him to think back at all the crazy things he had been doing. She is the person that gets him to mature. Dave is probably the negative person that has been constantly impacting him because he asked Sara out before him, but he could also be a positive factor because he forced Tobey to realize that he should step up and not be a wimp.
Later on in the story, like most stories, I can infer that Tobey will start to display more courage to get the girl she wants. He will learn that if he doesn't take the steps now, he will no longer have any to take. His journey will cause him to mature and become more like a hero. Living in the real world, we also have to be brave enough to take the first step or else once the right timing is gone, there will be no other chances.
In conclusion, these interpretation shows Tobey's emotional journey. He is starting to mature because of the negative factors and is motivated by the positive factors. He's becoming more like a different man and will become so after his journey is accomplished.
Archetypal Journey
In the fascinating book, "When It Happens," by Susane Colasanti, one of the protagonist Tobey, is going on an archetypal journey, specifically for loss of innocence. He's gets impacted by others around him in a positive and negative ways. Although I am not yet done with the book, I can still predict how different he would be after his journey ended.
Based on the story, Tobey's more like the class slacker, rock-star wannabe until Sara, his crush, gets near him. When he's with other girls, even Cynthia (sexy kind of slut?), it's no big deal to handle them. But once he sees Sara, his eyes would sparkle and he wouldn't even been able to speak. He starts to realize what's true love even though he is lacking the courage to speak it out loud. During his journey, he is starting to loose his innocence but in a he-will-mature way. Sara is the positive person that has affected him the most because it was her that forces him to think back at all the crazy things he had been doing. She is the person that gets him to mature. Dave is probably the negative person that has been constantly impacting him because he asked Sara out before him, but he could also be a positive factor because he forced Tobey to realize that he should step up and not be a wimp.
Later on in the story, like most stories, I can infer that Tobey will start to display more courage to get the girl she wants. He will learn that if he doesn't take the steps now, he will no longer have any to take. His journey will cause him to mature and become more like a hero. Living in the real world, we also have to be brave enough to take the first step or else once the right timing is gone, there will be no other chances.
In conclusion, these interpretation shows Tobey's emotional journey. He is starting to mature because of the negative factors and is motivated by the positive factors. He's becoming more like a different man and will become so after his journey is accomplished.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place
Blog Post
At the beginning of the story, Margaret from the book "The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place" by E.L. Konigsburg, is forced to stay at Camp Talequa while her parents are away. During this time, she isolates herself from the others and refuses to participate in any of the activities. I believe that she chose to act this way because she wanted attention. But, if I were to be in her shoes, I would have done things differently.
Firstly, I can infer that she refuses to cooperate with the teachers because she wanted her family to be more concerned over her. Her parents left her to go to Peru and her uncles didn't invited her to come over to their house. Since she had no other options, she must spend the four summer weeks in the camp until her parents come back. To me, it seems that she has been abandoned. She described herself as "an only child" with "excellent traveling companion", who "never required extra bathroom stops" and "never demanded special foods". Additionally, she also said "regardless of how endless the car ride was, I never asked, 'Are we there yet?'". But at the end, no one wanted her to come along with them. In the camp, whenever the teachers tell her to do something, she always says "I prefer not to". I think that she just wanted the teachers to call her family or relatives so that she could get the attention she wants. She feels that her pride has been wounded and her heart has been bruised over the decisions her family made regarding to where she should stay so she chose to "scare" them by getting into troubles. To sum it up, she rebels since she wants to be noticed and cared by others.
My next point is that no matter how desperate she was in try to get attention I think it's better if she chose to have a great time in the camp and have her parents feel proud over her. If she pretended like she had a fantastic month there, then her family would also regret not being able to join her to have the "fun". Refusing to do what she should do only makes herself look bad. Her parents may only feel more stressful because of her actions and get angry at her for ruining their vacation. If she wanted attention, then she could get it by being a good kid and having the teachers praise her performance to her parents. That's indeed better than having them mad at her.
In conclusion, I believe that she decided to act in a rebelling way to get people to be concerned over her. In my shoes, I would have done the opposite thing of what she did to get positive attention instead of negative ones. Especially since she's an only child, she didn't had to compete with other siblings so that parents would care more for her. Yet, she lacks the care she wants. Making decisions can be easy but making the right decisions may be way harder.
Blog Post
At the beginning of the story, Margaret from the book "The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place" by E.L. Konigsburg, is forced to stay at Camp Talequa while her parents are away. During this time, she isolates herself from the others and refuses to participate in any of the activities. I believe that she chose to act this way because she wanted attention. But, if I were to be in her shoes, I would have done things differently.
Firstly, I can infer that she refuses to cooperate with the teachers because she wanted her family to be more concerned over her. Her parents left her to go to Peru and her uncles didn't invited her to come over to their house. Since she had no other options, she must spend the four summer weeks in the camp until her parents come back. To me, it seems that she has been abandoned. She described herself as "an only child" with "excellent traveling companion", who "never required extra bathroom stops" and "never demanded special foods". Additionally, she also said "regardless of how endless the car ride was, I never asked, 'Are we there yet?'". But at the end, no one wanted her to come along with them. In the camp, whenever the teachers tell her to do something, she always says "I prefer not to". I think that she just wanted the teachers to call her family or relatives so that she could get the attention she wants. She feels that her pride has been wounded and her heart has been bruised over the decisions her family made regarding to where she should stay so she chose to "scare" them by getting into troubles. To sum it up, she rebels since she wants to be noticed and cared by others.
My next point is that no matter how desperate she was in try to get attention I think it's better if she chose to have a great time in the camp and have her parents feel proud over her. If she pretended like she had a fantastic month there, then her family would also regret not being able to join her to have the "fun". Refusing to do what she should do only makes herself look bad. Her parents may only feel more stressful because of her actions and get angry at her for ruining their vacation. If she wanted attention, then she could get it by being a good kid and having the teachers praise her performance to her parents. That's indeed better than having them mad at her.
In conclusion, I believe that she decided to act in a rebelling way to get people to be concerned over her. In my shoes, I would have done the opposite thing of what she did to get positive attention instead of negative ones. Especially since she's an only child, she didn't had to compete with other siblings so that parents would care more for her. Yet, she lacks the care she wants. Making decisions can be easy but making the right decisions may be way harder.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tangled Together
Tangled
Different Point of Views: Skye and Jena
According to the story “Tangled” written by Carolyn Mackler, there are many perspectives rotating around it. The ones that I find the most appealing are Skye’s and Jena’s. Since they live under different conditions, they tend to think things in different ways. It’s fascinating because I’ve realized how unlike people can view the same things.
To begin, Jena views Skye as a perfect, rich goddess that everyone admires. She has a cute boyfriend, goes to a classy private school, and has a mother who lives off of her grandpa’s oil trust fund that could last for decades. Not just that, Skye is also an actress that has been on numerous of films and commercials. She has a nice body and knows celebrities. Jena basically thinks that Skye is gorgeous and lives a wealthy life. She could get anything she wants before she even wanted it. She often desires to become like Skye because she is plain and thinks that she has no appeals to males.
On the other side, Skye compares herself to a day without sunlight. She feels that she can’t do anything the way she wants it to be. Unlike what Jena had thought at the beginning, she broke up with her awesome boyfriend who immediately found a new girl. Because she got so miserable seeing them together hugging and kissing the whole time she was at school, she decided to drop out and be home-schooled. She doesn’t really even have friends because she’s always practicing her lines or preparing for an audition. Sure, she’s been in many films but she mostly got the small parts. She went to tons of auditions but there’s probably only a few that actually gave her callbacks. And when she finally got the role she wanted, she’s forced to decide whether or not it was worth the consequences. She also often compares herself to other girls that went to the same auditions as her so that she can calculate her chances of getting a part. Her dad has died before she was born which she was told was because of a motorcycle accident, but she’s starting to learn some secrets behind it that her mother failed to inform her about.
I find the book attention-grabbing because the author puts several perspectives onto one book to show how different people would react to the same things. They are all somehow tangled together. I get to see both sides of the story, and I find it really interesting how Skye’s life is completely different from how Jena describes it. Without Skye’s story, I would have thought like Jena that she has a flawless life. This makes me think that how readers feel about the situation in a book also directly relates to how the characters feel about the situation because we see the scenes through their minds, their voices. These different points of views made me realize how reality could be totally unlike how you may have imaged it as. Through their perspectives, I can also conclude that money can’t buy happiness and that you can’t judge things solely by their covers and how you interpret it. Both sides give a different feel to the readers too. With Jena’s side, there is an envious, jealous mood to it, while on Skye’s side; it has this depressing and heartbreaking mood to it. It’s important to have these points of views to furthermore understand the story and dig deeper.
All in all, I get to see different sides of a character through different perspectives. Skye’s life is actually more ripped than Jena views it. To add on, the rotation of different point of views from this book is also similar to “Heartbeat” by Loretta Ellsworth. In reality, parents often lie to their children so that they only have to bare the pain by themselves. They don’t want to share their stress with the kids. We may think that they are happy but they may not be. If we knew their perspectives then we would also be able to understand the situation more. Too bad our lives aren’t like books.
Different Point of Views: Skye and Jena
According to the story “Tangled” written by Carolyn Mackler, there are many perspectives rotating around it. The ones that I find the most appealing are Skye’s and Jena’s. Since they live under different conditions, they tend to think things in different ways. It’s fascinating because I’ve realized how unlike people can view the same things.
To begin, Jena views Skye as a perfect, rich goddess that everyone admires. She has a cute boyfriend, goes to a classy private school, and has a mother who lives off of her grandpa’s oil trust fund that could last for decades. Not just that, Skye is also an actress that has been on numerous of films and commercials. She has a nice body and knows celebrities. Jena basically thinks that Skye is gorgeous and lives a wealthy life. She could get anything she wants before she even wanted it. She often desires to become like Skye because she is plain and thinks that she has no appeals to males.
On the other side, Skye compares herself to a day without sunlight. She feels that she can’t do anything the way she wants it to be. Unlike what Jena had thought at the beginning, she broke up with her awesome boyfriend who immediately found a new girl. Because she got so miserable seeing them together hugging and kissing the whole time she was at school, she decided to drop out and be home-schooled. She doesn’t really even have friends because she’s always practicing her lines or preparing for an audition. Sure, she’s been in many films but she mostly got the small parts. She went to tons of auditions but there’s probably only a few that actually gave her callbacks. And when she finally got the role she wanted, she’s forced to decide whether or not it was worth the consequences. She also often compares herself to other girls that went to the same auditions as her so that she can calculate her chances of getting a part. Her dad has died before she was born which she was told was because of a motorcycle accident, but she’s starting to learn some secrets behind it that her mother failed to inform her about.
I find the book attention-grabbing because the author puts several perspectives onto one book to show how different people would react to the same things. They are all somehow tangled together. I get to see both sides of the story, and I find it really interesting how Skye’s life is completely different from how Jena describes it. Without Skye’s story, I would have thought like Jena that she has a flawless life. This makes me think that how readers feel about the situation in a book also directly relates to how the characters feel about the situation because we see the scenes through their minds, their voices. These different points of views made me realize how reality could be totally unlike how you may have imaged it as. Through their perspectives, I can also conclude that money can’t buy happiness and that you can’t judge things solely by their covers and how you interpret it. Both sides give a different feel to the readers too. With Jena’s side, there is an envious, jealous mood to it, while on Skye’s side; it has this depressing and heartbreaking mood to it. It’s important to have these points of views to furthermore understand the story and dig deeper.
All in all, I get to see different sides of a character through different perspectives. Skye’s life is actually more ripped than Jena views it. To add on, the rotation of different point of views from this book is also similar to “Heartbeat” by Loretta Ellsworth. In reality, parents often lie to their children so that they only have to bare the pain by themselves. They don’t want to share their stress with the kids. We may think that they are happy but they may not be. If we knew their perspectives then we would also be able to understand the situation more. Too bad our lives aren’t like books.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Out of My Mind
Out of My Mind
In the story, "Out of My Mind", by Sharon M. Draper, a disabled girl named Melody faces criticisms and hardships because she is unable to communicate with the people around her. Everyone thinks she's dumb but that's not true. She's smarter than anyone in the class or maybe even at school even though nobody acknowledges her because she can even speak or walk. She has a long-lasting memory and can remember everything she has every seen before. But all these only existed in her head. No one knows that she's smart, no one even knows that she existed. Even her parents isolates her. I understand how her parents feel even though they treat Melody harshly because taking care of a disabled child is not easy.
When Melody's parents first learned that Melody was "stupid" and could not either speak or walk, they were disappointed and shock. I know a distant relative who's child has learning incapability and disability too. It takes a lot of patience and money to take care of that child. Sometimes they get really frustrated when their child doesn't understand something that they have been repeatedly trying to teach him. Melody's parents are similar. They try to do their best to take care of her but sometimes it's just too hard. She eats all over the place and rips everything she sees. Her mom especially, always had to clean up after her. I know that they try to help her overcome her obstacles but sometimes it's just a compete failure. They don't understand her and they, too, believe that Melody is just a hopeless idiot. My distant relative and Melody's parents are alike because they also cannot properly communicate with their child the right way. It also cost a lot of money for a family that's not rich. I understand how they feel because it is indeed hard to watch out for a kid who lives in a different world.
I really like this book because it clearly shows that you shouldn't judge things by the cover. No one would have ever realize that Melody was actually a genius despite the fact that she cannot communicate with people. She can remember everything that she had seen in exact detail like it has been video taped. But sometimes I feel that remembering may be painful. We people often forget only the bad things that has happened in our lives. That's how we managed to live even when we also have hard things in our life. Melody won't be able to forget. She'll always remember the smirks of her classmates, her parents hitting her, and the stares of her relatives. It's really depressing to always all the miserable events in detail.
Therefore, Melody has a life filled with hardships. No one understands her and she has to face all the tragedies all by herself. It's painful to be alone. I would highly recommend this book because it clearly explains the life of the disabled. It'll never be out of my mind.
In the story, "Out of My Mind", by Sharon M. Draper, a disabled girl named Melody faces criticisms and hardships because she is unable to communicate with the people around her. Everyone thinks she's dumb but that's not true. She's smarter than anyone in the class or maybe even at school even though nobody acknowledges her because she can even speak or walk. She has a long-lasting memory and can remember everything she has every seen before. But all these only existed in her head. No one knows that she's smart, no one even knows that she existed. Even her parents isolates her. I understand how her parents feel even though they treat Melody harshly because taking care of a disabled child is not easy.
When Melody's parents first learned that Melody was "stupid" and could not either speak or walk, they were disappointed and shock. I know a distant relative who's child has learning incapability and disability too. It takes a lot of patience and money to take care of that child. Sometimes they get really frustrated when their child doesn't understand something that they have been repeatedly trying to teach him. Melody's parents are similar. They try to do their best to take care of her but sometimes it's just too hard. She eats all over the place and rips everything she sees. Her mom especially, always had to clean up after her. I know that they try to help her overcome her obstacles but sometimes it's just a compete failure. They don't understand her and they, too, believe that Melody is just a hopeless idiot. My distant relative and Melody's parents are alike because they also cannot properly communicate with their child the right way. It also cost a lot of money for a family that's not rich. I understand how they feel because it is indeed hard to watch out for a kid who lives in a different world.
I really like this book because it clearly shows that you shouldn't judge things by the cover. No one would have ever realize that Melody was actually a genius despite the fact that she cannot communicate with people. She can remember everything that she had seen in exact detail like it has been video taped. But sometimes I feel that remembering may be painful. We people often forget only the bad things that has happened in our lives. That's how we managed to live even when we also have hard things in our life. Melody won't be able to forget. She'll always remember the smirks of her classmates, her parents hitting her, and the stares of her relatives. It's really depressing to always all the miserable events in detail.
Therefore, Melody has a life filled with hardships. No one understands her and she has to face all the tragedies all by herself. It's painful to be alone. I would highly recommend this book because it clearly explains the life of the disabled. It'll never be out of my mind.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Memories and Hope
Memories and Hope
Blog Post
Continuing the book, "In a Heartbeat," by Loretta Ellsworth, Eagan who dies after an accident, donates her heart to Amelia, who is saved because of this. The one who's now alive suddenly becomes different, liking things that she had never touched upon before. This seems like fate and that they were destined to exchange a life for the another. I feel that memory places a big part in the story. The book suggests that memory are significant and that it represents some one's personalities. Even if a person is gone forever, as long as you still remember that person, that person will still be living inside your heart. Hoping also means a lot to the author. Her life experiences are similar to the plot itself too.
Memories are important to everyone, of course. It's what make up who we are. Without it, we would be soulless ghosts that constantly forgets everything every seconds. Our decisions would be affected and we would have to continuously relearn things that we've learn ten minutes ago. We wouldn't know our names, our age, our parents, our friends. We would be nobodies. Connecting this to the story, Amelia starts to behave different then she used to be. She figured that she had obtained the characteristics of her donor as a matter of fact. Because of this, Amelia starts to experience and realize things that she never would have bothered to look at before. It's like she had went through a hidden world. Someone else's memories gave her a chance to look at things that were new to her. She develops interest for skating and even started to like purple lollipops, which was inherited by her donor. This made me believe that memory is significant for someone's growth. Even though Eagan is dead, her unique self is still there, just in another form. A part of her still lives within us, although it may just be in our memories. And if you think about it the other way, you also learn from memory because if you failed the first time, you'll know what to do the next time to do better.
I feel that the author, Loretta Ellsworth probably wrote the book in honor of her mother and nephew, who are a bit similar to Eagan and Amelia. Her mother and Amelia are alike because both have poor health although her mom did died from congestive heart failure, which was also Amelia's problem but was resolved with Eagan's heart. Her nephew and Eagan are also a bit alike because they died from an accident that costed their lives and are also both organ donors. She understand how it feels to lose a relative and feels that a part of them still lives in her memories.
And also, I think that she wrote this book to change what have happened to her mother. Instead of dying, this story brings hope to patients waiting for a new heart like Amelia. Hope is a small theme in the story because she wants to encourage patients to not give up and that miracles could happen. Stressing over something would only worsen the problem. It means the same thing as giving up.
Overall, memory and hope are essential aspects of the story impacts not only the characters in the story but also the author itself. Think about it, if you have good memories, even if the end of the world was coming, you wouldn't regret a single thing. And even if that day going to come, that doesn't mean that you have to stop hoping. Therefore, I believe that it's important to remember and to hope.
Blog Post
Continuing the book, "In a Heartbeat," by Loretta Ellsworth, Eagan who dies after an accident, donates her heart to Amelia, who is saved because of this. The one who's now alive suddenly becomes different, liking things that she had never touched upon before. This seems like fate and that they were destined to exchange a life for the another. I feel that memory places a big part in the story. The book suggests that memory are significant and that it represents some one's personalities. Even if a person is gone forever, as long as you still remember that person, that person will still be living inside your heart. Hoping also means a lot to the author. Her life experiences are similar to the plot itself too.
Memories are important to everyone, of course. It's what make up who we are. Without it, we would be soulless ghosts that constantly forgets everything every seconds. Our decisions would be affected and we would have to continuously relearn things that we've learn ten minutes ago. We wouldn't know our names, our age, our parents, our friends. We would be nobodies. Connecting this to the story, Amelia starts to behave different then she used to be. She figured that she had obtained the characteristics of her donor as a matter of fact. Because of this, Amelia starts to experience and realize things that she never would have bothered to look at before. It's like she had went through a hidden world. Someone else's memories gave her a chance to look at things that were new to her. She develops interest for skating and even started to like purple lollipops, which was inherited by her donor. This made me believe that memory is significant for someone's growth. Even though Eagan is dead, her unique self is still there, just in another form. A part of her still lives within us, although it may just be in our memories. And if you think about it the other way, you also learn from memory because if you failed the first time, you'll know what to do the next time to do better.
I feel that the author, Loretta Ellsworth probably wrote the book in honor of her mother and nephew, who are a bit similar to Eagan and Amelia. Her mother and Amelia are alike because both have poor health although her mom did died from congestive heart failure, which was also Amelia's problem but was resolved with Eagan's heart. Her nephew and Eagan are also a bit alike because they died from an accident that costed their lives and are also both organ donors. She understand how it feels to lose a relative and feels that a part of them still lives in her memories.
And also, I think that she wrote this book to change what have happened to her mother. Instead of dying, this story brings hope to patients waiting for a new heart like Amelia. Hope is a small theme in the story because she wants to encourage patients to not give up and that miracles could happen. Stressing over something would only worsen the problem. It means the same thing as giving up.
Overall, memory and hope are essential aspects of the story impacts not only the characters in the story but also the author itself. Think about it, if you have good memories, even if the end of the world was coming, you wouldn't regret a single thing. And even if that day going to come, that doesn't mean that you have to stop hoping. Therefore, I believe that it's important to remember and to hope.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
In a Heartbeat
Two Girls, One Heart
(Love at first sight?...nah, that's not even close)
Protagonists and their Perspectives
I was pretty much running out of good books to read when I spotted a copy of "In a Heartbeat", by Loretta Ellsworth, laying on the shelf helplessly trying to convince someone to read it. It's interesting at first because I've noticed that there are actually two protagonist. According to the part I'm up to right now, a girl named Eagan dreams of becoming a professional figure skater and to win the Olympics but is always fighting with her mother, who used to also skate, because of different opinions. Then one day she crashed her head on a sharp point in the ice rink and is therefore, dead. Amelia is the other protagonist who has a heart failure and is blessed with Eagan's heart in order to live a normal life. Eagan's behavior, personalities and words seem to live inside Amelia's new heart now. Based on what I'm reading now, I feel that it was the author's purpose for applying both of their perspectives in the story.
In Eagan's world, she seems to handle things too easily, causing her to not appreciate what she has that others don't have. She's always wasting time fighting with her mother and now that she's dead, it's just too late to fix the wound. She could have stayed alive if she was just a little bit less than half an inch away from the sharp point. There's nothing she can do when her heart's not even with her body, you know. Even if she's desperate to fix up their relationship, what else could she have done when her heart is beating inside a body of a stranger's? Her perspective is important in understanding that she should have done better things then to fight with someone who only wants the best for her. Time is priceless. It's like in the book "Romeo and Juliet" because people die so unexpectedly. Tybalt, then Romeo, then Juliet. Even though it was wrong for Capulet to suddenly force Juliet to marry Paris, it was understandable because life can be shorter than you think.
In Amelia's side, she seems to understand the pain of not haven't something. Because of her congestive heart failure, she is always home schooled and stays most of her life in the hospital with the tubes and pipes sticking in her body. She wishes to go on school trips and have friends who she could talk to. When she gets the chance to have a heart transplant surgery, she is overwhelmed with guilt but can't stop her happiness. It's strange that if you think about the fact that Amelia was allowed to stay alive because Eagan was dead. She has never experienced the fun of life and if you think about it, life and death is pretty much just less than half an inch away.
Both of these perspective are important to make readers think about how life could be so short and that there's no time to waste around. Eagan died so unexpectedly in an accident and Amelia, who had believed that her life would end soon, ended up have a new heart and a new life. Of course, you'll never know how something will feel unless you've experienced it before, and this was why two perspectives were given to readers in order for us to understand the best—or maybe the worse of both sides.
To be honest, so far, I'm really liking this book in which I had started yesterday. I was able to look through the minds of both of the characters that have completely different personalities and behaviors but are struggling in the battle of life and death. The two perspectives really made a big difference in the reading experiences and understanding the book better. A small mistake can cost a life and thousands of regrets and like I said before, time is priceless.
(Love at first sight?...nah, that's not even close)
Protagonists and their Perspectives
I was pretty much running out of good books to read when I spotted a copy of "In a Heartbeat", by Loretta Ellsworth, laying on the shelf helplessly trying to convince someone to read it. It's interesting at first because I've noticed that there are actually two protagonist. According to the part I'm up to right now, a girl named Eagan dreams of becoming a professional figure skater and to win the Olympics but is always fighting with her mother, who used to also skate, because of different opinions. Then one day she crashed her head on a sharp point in the ice rink and is therefore, dead. Amelia is the other protagonist who has a heart failure and is blessed with Eagan's heart in order to live a normal life. Eagan's behavior, personalities and words seem to live inside Amelia's new heart now. Based on what I'm reading now, I feel that it was the author's purpose for applying both of their perspectives in the story.
In Eagan's world, she seems to handle things too easily, causing her to not appreciate what she has that others don't have. She's always wasting time fighting with her mother and now that she's dead, it's just too late to fix the wound. She could have stayed alive if she was just a little bit less than half an inch away from the sharp point. There's nothing she can do when her heart's not even with her body, you know. Even if she's desperate to fix up their relationship, what else could she have done when her heart is beating inside a body of a stranger's? Her perspective is important in understanding that she should have done better things then to fight with someone who only wants the best for her. Time is priceless. It's like in the book "Romeo and Juliet" because people die so unexpectedly. Tybalt, then Romeo, then Juliet. Even though it was wrong for Capulet to suddenly force Juliet to marry Paris, it was understandable because life can be shorter than you think.
In Amelia's side, she seems to understand the pain of not haven't something. Because of her congestive heart failure, she is always home schooled and stays most of her life in the hospital with the tubes and pipes sticking in her body. She wishes to go on school trips and have friends who she could talk to. When she gets the chance to have a heart transplant surgery, she is overwhelmed with guilt but can't stop her happiness. It's strange that if you think about the fact that Amelia was allowed to stay alive because Eagan was dead. She has never experienced the fun of life and if you think about it, life and death is pretty much just less than half an inch away.
Both of these perspective are important to make readers think about how life could be so short and that there's no time to waste around. Eagan died so unexpectedly in an accident and Amelia, who had believed that her life would end soon, ended up have a new heart and a new life. Of course, you'll never know how something will feel unless you've experienced it before, and this was why two perspectives were given to readers in order for us to understand the best—or maybe the worse of both sides.
To be honest, so far, I'm really liking this book in which I had started yesterday. I was able to look through the minds of both of the characters that have completely different personalities and behaviors but are struggling in the battle of life and death. The two perspectives really made a big difference in the reading experiences and understanding the book better. A small mistake can cost a life and thousands of regrets and like I said before, time is priceless.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Comedy in a Minor Key
Comedy in a Minor Key
Blog Post
In the book, "Comedy in a Minor Key" by Hans Keilson, there was a couple who was nice enough to allow Nico, a Jew who had no where to go, to live in their house and stay like a hideout place. This story is not full of comedy and as a matter of fact, it holds more tragedies because afterwards, Nico ends up dying from a disease. The couple, Wim and Marie showed great bravery because of hiding a random Jew and risking their lives (possible to face consequences) because they live in a place where tit is controlled by the Nazis. I feel that the setting and time period showed great importance in the story. Without this, the whole story couldn't even take place. This story is also a bit similar to the story of Anne Frank's.
Firstly, the couple lived in a place where there were neighbors in all directions of their house. If the neighbors saw Nico, the couple could be killed for helping. I wouldn't be able to be like them and take chances to danger my life. They could not have predicted how long this mass murder with the Jews would last. It will stain their lives if they were caught doing such an "uncivilized" thing. The horrors they faced are just like the real event where Jews were quickly being eliminated. The setting is significant because it showed reality and represents the real scene. It showed how people felt during that time period. This story couldn't have occur without the Nazis occupation.
Secondly, the book is sort of similar to Anne Frank's life, although they were not arrested. She faces situations that were alike; for example, she also had to hide to escape from the Nazis persecution. Their family had to live secretly and have others to provide them with food and supplies because it would put them in jeopardy if they were to be discovered. They were arrested and brought to camp later on. Most of the people were dead from diseases. Nico was lucky that he hasn't been discovered but diseases were spreading like wild fire and he soon too, caught pneumonia.
I feel that it was generous of the Dutch couple to help someone that they hardly know because they are completely putting their lives in danger. They are just ordinary people, probably in the middle social class or lower but they still took the Jew in. They even had to help get rid of his body after his death. If I were to be in their shoes, I would probably get a broom and kick Nico out because I don't want to become a victim of the government. I won't take chances to get my family dead just to help a dude who has no blood relationship with me. It's cruel but this is reality. I guess I just can't be as courageous as them so blame Hitler.
Therefore, I believe that this story clearly shows the horrors at that time period. Many people would probably be able to relate to it. I feel that the author did a great job in describing the event with the characters. Keilson was in the Dutch resistance group during the war, which made it easier and more believable for him to write such a strong story. His experiences enriches the book and allowed the setting and characters to seem more interesting.
Blog Post
In the book, "Comedy in a Minor Key" by Hans Keilson, there was a couple who was nice enough to allow Nico, a Jew who had no where to go, to live in their house and stay like a hideout place. This story is not full of comedy and as a matter of fact, it holds more tragedies because afterwards, Nico ends up dying from a disease. The couple, Wim and Marie showed great bravery because of hiding a random Jew and risking their lives (possible to face consequences) because they live in a place where tit is controlled by the Nazis. I feel that the setting and time period showed great importance in the story. Without this, the whole story couldn't even take place. This story is also a bit similar to the story of Anne Frank's.
Firstly, the couple lived in a place where there were neighbors in all directions of their house. If the neighbors saw Nico, the couple could be killed for helping. I wouldn't be able to be like them and take chances to danger my life. They could not have predicted how long this mass murder with the Jews would last. It will stain their lives if they were caught doing such an "uncivilized" thing. The horrors they faced are just like the real event where Jews were quickly being eliminated. The setting is significant because it showed reality and represents the real scene. It showed how people felt during that time period. This story couldn't have occur without the Nazis occupation.
Secondly, the book is sort of similar to Anne Frank's life, although they were not arrested. She faces situations that were alike; for example, she also had to hide to escape from the Nazis persecution. Their family had to live secretly and have others to provide them with food and supplies because it would put them in jeopardy if they were to be discovered. They were arrested and brought to camp later on. Most of the people were dead from diseases. Nico was lucky that he hasn't been discovered but diseases were spreading like wild fire and he soon too, caught pneumonia.
I feel that it was generous of the Dutch couple to help someone that they hardly know because they are completely putting their lives in danger. They are just ordinary people, probably in the middle social class or lower but they still took the Jew in. They even had to help get rid of his body after his death. If I were to be in their shoes, I would probably get a broom and kick Nico out because I don't want to become a victim of the government. I won't take chances to get my family dead just to help a dude who has no blood relationship with me. It's cruel but this is reality. I guess I just can't be as courageous as them so blame Hitler.
Therefore, I believe that this story clearly shows the horrors at that time period. Many people would probably be able to relate to it. I feel that the author did a great job in describing the event with the characters. Keilson was in the Dutch resistance group during the war, which made it easier and more believable for him to write such a strong story. His experiences enriches the book and allowed the setting and characters to seem more interesting.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
To Speak and Not Be Heard
Speak'ring for Thy Self
Symbolism
After a long time, I've decided to revisit the book "Speak", by Laurie Halse Anderson which is about a girl named Melanie who was isolated and disliked from others in high school. She gets raped and even the new girl Heather, ends up betraying her because she thought she was too boring to be friends with. Melanie has to draw trees for her art project for the whole semester and this makes me feel that the tree is kind of symbolic to her character. I also liked how the title has a bigger meaning then just any kind of titles. In all, these symbols are meaningful and important to Melanie.
When Melanie was first assigned to draw trees, she find it hard to believe since she think that it's too easy to do and that "anyone can draw a tree". But as the story proceeds, she discovers that a tree is not just a tree. It is like a mirror image of her. A tree does all it can to live. Drawing trees represents her feelings. They have flaws like her but will fight for the nutrients and water so that it can survive. She's like dead in her own world. She feels that she cannot change until the branches of sick trees were being cut down in her yard. It turns out that in order for the tree to survive, the damaged parts must be eliminated. This tells Melanie that she can still save herself by stepping up and speak for herself to get rid of her "damaged" parts. When she is troubled, she drew a tree that has been struck dead. The tree seems to symbolize her feelings and growth. She starts to grow out of the pain. Now that I think about it, sometimes trees are shaped to look like human features and maybe this is why Anderson chose this as the symbol. The branches stretch wide and large to show its beauty while Melanie just hides constantly in her closet. Her struggles are shown when she draws the tree.
The title "Speak" is important to Melanie because that is what she has to do. She has to speak up and prove to others that she can do just the same as others can. She has to suck up all the depressing memories and just live without any burdens from the past. She was scarred, true, because she has been raped and no body believes it, but later she found evidence to prove that it has happened. If she had not spoke up, nothing like this would have ever occurred. The final goal for her seems to be to speak up for herself.
I feel that the symbols in the story tells a lot about Melanie's personally. She is complicated and may seem strange to others even though she has a nice heart. She may have been lost, but she will surely find a way that will allow her to move on to the right track. Speaking up can be more difficult for her, but that's the only method. The trees and the title represents Melanie as a whole and her growing up. It's frustrating and truly sad when you speak and not be heard, to be annoyed and not be seen. Hiding seems to be the only thing that she could have done, but no. Speaking makes a big difference.
Symbolism
After a long time, I've decided to revisit the book "Speak", by Laurie Halse Anderson which is about a girl named Melanie who was isolated and disliked from others in high school. She gets raped and even the new girl Heather, ends up betraying her because she thought she was too boring to be friends with. Melanie has to draw trees for her art project for the whole semester and this makes me feel that the tree is kind of symbolic to her character. I also liked how the title has a bigger meaning then just any kind of titles. In all, these symbols are meaningful and important to Melanie.
When Melanie was first assigned to draw trees, she find it hard to believe since she think that it's too easy to do and that "anyone can draw a tree". But as the story proceeds, she discovers that a tree is not just a tree. It is like a mirror image of her. A tree does all it can to live. Drawing trees represents her feelings. They have flaws like her but will fight for the nutrients and water so that it can survive. She's like dead in her own world. She feels that she cannot change until the branches of sick trees were being cut down in her yard. It turns out that in order for the tree to survive, the damaged parts must be eliminated. This tells Melanie that she can still save herself by stepping up and speak for herself to get rid of her "damaged" parts. When she is troubled, she drew a tree that has been struck dead. The tree seems to symbolize her feelings and growth. She starts to grow out of the pain. Now that I think about it, sometimes trees are shaped to look like human features and maybe this is why Anderson chose this as the symbol. The branches stretch wide and large to show its beauty while Melanie just hides constantly in her closet. Her struggles are shown when she draws the tree.
The title "Speak" is important to Melanie because that is what she has to do. She has to speak up and prove to others that she can do just the same as others can. She has to suck up all the depressing memories and just live without any burdens from the past. She was scarred, true, because she has been raped and no body believes it, but later she found evidence to prove that it has happened. If she had not spoke up, nothing like this would have ever occurred. The final goal for her seems to be to speak up for herself.
I feel that the symbols in the story tells a lot about Melanie's personally. She is complicated and may seem strange to others even though she has a nice heart. She may have been lost, but she will surely find a way that will allow her to move on to the right track. Speaking up can be more difficult for her, but that's the only method. The trees and the title represents Melanie as a whole and her growing up. It's frustrating and truly sad when you speak and not be heard, to be annoyed and not be seen. Hiding seems to be the only thing that she could have done, but no. Speaking makes a big difference.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Protagonist: Self to Text
The Protagonist:
Self to Text Connections
I have just started to read the book, "Kiki Strike Inside the Shadow City", by Kristen Miller, which started off with Ananka Fishbein discovering an underground city near her house. I infer that she has a strong personality and thinks that girls are no less than boys. She is the protagonist that controls what will happen in the story. Ananka feels that other people always looks down on her, like she's too weak to handle something serious. She takes advantage of being a girl to prove to others that she can do the same, actually more, than what boys can do. I can sort of understand why she feels this way.
First of all, I can connect with Ananka, because I also feel that people often underestimates girls for what they can do. She thinks. "No one takes you seriously? Let people believe what they want to believe, and the element of surprise will always work in your favor." She basically means that girls could surprise others by doing what they least expected. If you're poor at sports, surprise the boys by beating the "crap" out of them. "If they assume you're stupid, you'll out-think them every time." I agree with her, because guys treat girls like weaklings. They have low expectations on them. I know why she thinks this way because people tends to think that girls "couldn't possibly understand" when they say secrets in front of them. Girls should take use of this and surprise them by letting them change their perspectives on them. You can take advantage of staying invisible and collect secrets that could be used against them. I feel that Ananka's strong personality is similar to mines because of what she believes.
Second of all, she feels that girls should take use of their ability to "hide almost anywhere...disappear into any crowd." They could do more than what others could do. Boys aren't necessarily the best. For example, girls could hide in disguise. They could easily change their looks with just a brush. They could quickly hide their flaws with makeups. They could escape and hide into places that others couldn't see. I can connect with Ananka because she says that others refuse to acknowledge girls because of what they think previously. But you could also take advantage of being a girl. We should fight for ourselves and surprise them with our possible strength to change their views.
And finally, I can conclude that both of us thinks the same way. We shouldn't be considered weak just because of our ability to do things. Of course, we can take advantage of this sometimes and out-think them. We could surpass their ability if we try. There are times when people think that girls are "too sweet and innocent" to know anything. But what they don't know is that we can all hear what they say. I believe that people should not underestimate what little girls can do. In conclusion, Our thoughts are alike.
Self to Text Connections
I have just started to read the book, "Kiki Strike Inside the Shadow City", by Kristen Miller, which started off with Ananka Fishbein discovering an underground city near her house. I infer that she has a strong personality and thinks that girls are no less than boys. She is the protagonist that controls what will happen in the story. Ananka feels that other people always looks down on her, like she's too weak to handle something serious. She takes advantage of being a girl to prove to others that she can do the same, actually more, than what boys can do. I can sort of understand why she feels this way.
First of all, I can connect with Ananka, because I also feel that people often underestimates girls for what they can do. She thinks. "No one takes you seriously? Let people believe what they want to believe, and the element of surprise will always work in your favor." She basically means that girls could surprise others by doing what they least expected. If you're poor at sports, surprise the boys by beating the "crap" out of them. "If they assume you're stupid, you'll out-think them every time." I agree with her, because guys treat girls like weaklings. They have low expectations on them. I know why she thinks this way because people tends to think that girls "couldn't possibly understand" when they say secrets in front of them. Girls should take use of this and surprise them by letting them change their perspectives on them. You can take advantage of staying invisible and collect secrets that could be used against them. I feel that Ananka's strong personality is similar to mines because of what she believes.
Second of all, she feels that girls should take use of their ability to "hide almost anywhere...disappear into any crowd." They could do more than what others could do. Boys aren't necessarily the best. For example, girls could hide in disguise. They could easily change their looks with just a brush. They could quickly hide their flaws with makeups. They could escape and hide into places that others couldn't see. I can connect with Ananka because she says that others refuse to acknowledge girls because of what they think previously. But you could also take advantage of being a girl. We should fight for ourselves and surprise them with our possible strength to change their views.
And finally, I can conclude that both of us thinks the same way. We shouldn't be considered weak just because of our ability to do things. Of course, we can take advantage of this sometimes and out-think them. We could surpass their ability if we try. There are times when people think that girls are "too sweet and innocent" to know anything. But what they don't know is that we can all hear what they say. I believe that people should not underestimate what little girls can do. In conclusion, Our thoughts are alike.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Where's the Spot for "Non-Dreamers"?
Where's the Spot for "Non-Dreamers"?
Opportunities, Goals, and a Better Tomorrow
Quote Interpretation
"There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school"
Wrapping up "Prom", by Laurie Halse Anderson, I feel that sometimes the characters may be more deeper than it looks. Ashley Hannigan as mentioned before is now forced to led the prom committee since Natalia, the original head is stuck in the wheelchair. After many days of hard work, begging, and suffering, the senior prom is finally ready. And yet, Mr. Gilroy banned her from going to the senior activities because of the mistakes she had made before. This made me referred to one of Ashley's old thought. "There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school." It made me feel about how the normal people always gets the least amount of attention, which is why they are always wandering around without a goal to achieve.
Ashley is nothing more than a regular student who attends a regular high school. I think that she feels lonely, like the school had gave up hope on her because of what she used to be, even though she is already starting to change, bit by bit. I'm surprised about the massive amount of books that I've read, which are mainly about popular kids with problems. If a popular kid or a smart geek forget to do his/her homework or fails his/her test, the teachers will always comfort them with nice words and encourage them to try harder next time. On the other hand, when a kid who always gets into troubles faces the same situation, the teacher may criticize them or threaten to call their parents. They basically don't stand a chance because they aren't expected to do more than what they have been doing. I feel that it's unfair because those are the people that actually needs the most attention. Someone popular or smart in the school are able to handle their problems better than the messed-up kids but people, even adults, tend like them smart ones more and give them lots of opportunities. It feels that not everyone is treated equally, even in the modern days.
To add on, I think that Anderson also meant to tell readers about finding a goal. "Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school." I feel that this is also describing myself. I seriously don't know and does not want to even think about my future. I find it difficult to write a letter to my future-self. I can connect with Ashley, because I also feel lost with the directions that I should go. As a student, my job is to learn, study, and take tests. But what happens after that? What would happen when school is all over? Will my life fade along with it? I suppose that Anderson had the intention to tell readers that you should take the opportunities there are to find a goal for yourself. You should make others pay attention to you by paying more attention to yourself first. If you want to do something, do it immediately because you'll never know when the chance will be gone. You should not waste time and think that there is always a tomorrow for you to finish up with what you had to do.
In brief, I can tell that Anderson wanted to say that you should get a "life". Every step you take to reach your goal may be difficult, because others don't pay much attention to you but as long as you work your way up, you will get what you get. Your success in the future will surely cover up the mistakes in the past. It changes everything by having something you would want to do. This does not mean that you have to be like Martin Luther King though. Just be someone who can dream and achieve.
Opportunities, Goals, and a Better Tomorrow
Quote Interpretation
"There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school"
Wrapping up "Prom", by Laurie Halse Anderson, I feel that sometimes the characters may be more deeper than it looks. Ashley Hannigan as mentioned before is now forced to led the prom committee since Natalia, the original head is stuck in the wheelchair. After many days of hard work, begging, and suffering, the senior prom is finally ready. And yet, Mr. Gilroy banned her from going to the senior activities because of the mistakes she had made before. This made me referred to one of Ashley's old thought. "There are tons of books about the popular kids and some books about geeks. How many books are there about average kids? Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school." It made me feel about how the normal people always gets the least amount of attention, which is why they are always wandering around without a goal to achieve.
Ashley is nothing more than a regular student who attends a regular high school. I think that she feels lonely, like the school had gave up hope on her because of what she used to be, even though she is already starting to change, bit by bit. I'm surprised about the massive amount of books that I've read, which are mainly about popular kids with problems. If a popular kid or a smart geek forget to do his/her homework or fails his/her test, the teachers will always comfort them with nice words and encourage them to try harder next time. On the other hand, when a kid who always gets into troubles faces the same situation, the teacher may criticize them or threaten to call their parents. They basically don't stand a chance because they aren't expected to do more than what they have been doing. I feel that it's unfair because those are the people that actually needs the most attention. Someone popular or smart in the school are able to handle their problems better than the messed-up kids but people, even adults, tend like them smart ones more and give them lots of opportunities. It feels that not everyone is treated equally, even in the modern days.
To add on, I think that Anderson also meant to tell readers about finding a goal. "Kids that are passing, aren't in clubs and have no clue what they will do after high school." I feel that this is also describing myself. I seriously don't know and does not want to even think about my future. I find it difficult to write a letter to my future-self. I can connect with Ashley, because I also feel lost with the directions that I should go. As a student, my job is to learn, study, and take tests. But what happens after that? What would happen when school is all over? Will my life fade along with it? I suppose that Anderson had the intention to tell readers that you should take the opportunities there are to find a goal for yourself. You should make others pay attention to you by paying more attention to yourself first. If you want to do something, do it immediately because you'll never know when the chance will be gone. You should not waste time and think that there is always a tomorrow for you to finish up with what you had to do.
In brief, I can tell that Anderson wanted to say that you should get a "life". Every step you take to reach your goal may be difficult, because others don't pay much attention to you but as long as you work your way up, you will get what you get. Your success in the future will surely cover up the mistakes in the past. It changes everything by having something you would want to do. This does not mean that you have to be like Martin Luther King though. Just be someone who can dream and achieve.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Cinderella Story...
A Cinderella Story...
Prom
Topic: What hard things occur in text? Whose perspective is being used?
I've been reading the book "Prom" by Laurie Halse Anderson, which is about Ashley Hannigan, a girl who declares herself as average, because it's normal for students who attend Carceras High School to get into trouble all day long. In the story, the end of school is approaching, which means that prom is coming soon. Ashley is not the type of classy, girly girl that is bothered by the dress she should wear or the guys she should go with to the prom. Well, at least not like how the other girls are. Strangely, Natalia, also know as Ashley's best friend, is the leader of the prom committee. And right at the time people had least expected it to happen, the prom money collected was stolen and it from the math teacher too. I feel that the author chose to use Ashley's perspective in the book because even though she wasn't affected by the fact that the prom may be canceled, her friends around her sure were. She was also facing hard things besides struggling to comfort her friend, who had been ignoring her ever since. In all, Ashley is having a hard time organizing her life, which is why her perspective was used.
In the book, Ashley has many difficulties to deal with, and prom is basically her least concern. For example, Natalia is too upset to talk to her. Her small house is overcrowded with four naughty kids, another one in her mom's belly, and a unusable washer taking up a large space. On top of that, she is working with a job that she hates, which requires her to serve pizza to customers while wearing a rat costume. Additionally, her library fines are climbing up to the top of her table, and the detentions that she owes to the teachers are never really served. And most annoyingly, it's her dishonest slash lazy slash horrible boyfriend that cares about nothing. Ashley has too much things to worry about to even think about prom possibly being gone forever. I feel that she should use this opportunity to reorganize her life. If she study hard and get to a good college, then she could find a suitable job for her and leave the overcrowded house. If she return or replace the books, then she wouldn't be fined anymore. If she join the prom committee, then she won't have to serve detentions. If she have no more detentions, she can actually graduate. And plus, this way, Natalia won't be mad at her for not caring anymore. The solutions are here, it just depends on Ashley to decide whether or not she should do it.
On top of that, this makes me feel that the reason Anderson chose to use Ashley's voice to explain the story is because she started to do what she normally would not do. I believe that prom have became a symbol of making impossible things in her life happen. She's different from the other girls. If we view through the eyes of Natalia, the story gets pretty lame because the plot will be changed to how she was anticipating everyday for the prom and then cried over it because there may not be enough money to run the event. Ashley's role has a wise personality, who is stubborn and has a strong-will to save the day. That's the image of a heroin. Seeing through her mind is more interesting than seeing than a prom-freak girl's because they have nothing to worry about in there lives. They are like pretty, little barbie girls who don't even know where the kitchen is. I feel that the author used Ashley's perspective to write the story because of the contrast of her personality traits with the other people's.
To wrap it up, Ashley is facing an ongoing series of troubles that does not seems to have an end. Hard things are hitting her whenever she least expects it. She's different from the other cheesy friends, which made her perspective special. I think that prom is a symbol of hope, and how you can make anything possible, because it was difficult to have the event with the low amount of money available but by the end, Ashley and the others came to put something great together. She is like Cinderella making the transition from being imperfect to perfect in order to go to the ballroom party. Her mean sister's perspective weren't used, because they do nothing more than be mean to someone who doesn't deserves it at all. In all, her obstacles differed from other people, which was why her viewpoint was used in the story.
Prom
Topic: What hard things occur in text? Whose perspective is being used?
I've been reading the book "Prom" by Laurie Halse Anderson, which is about Ashley Hannigan, a girl who declares herself as average, because it's normal for students who attend Carceras High School to get into trouble all day long. In the story, the end of school is approaching, which means that prom is coming soon. Ashley is not the type of classy, girly girl that is bothered by the dress she should wear or the guys she should go with to the prom. Well, at least not like how the other girls are. Strangely, Natalia, also know as Ashley's best friend, is the leader of the prom committee. And right at the time people had least expected it to happen, the prom money collected was stolen and it from the math teacher too. I feel that the author chose to use Ashley's perspective in the book because even though she wasn't affected by the fact that the prom may be canceled, her friends around her sure were. She was also facing hard things besides struggling to comfort her friend, who had been ignoring her ever since. In all, Ashley is having a hard time organizing her life, which is why her perspective was used.
In the book, Ashley has many difficulties to deal with, and prom is basically her least concern. For example, Natalia is too upset to talk to her. Her small house is overcrowded with four naughty kids, another one in her mom's belly, and a unusable washer taking up a large space. On top of that, she is working with a job that she hates, which requires her to serve pizza to customers while wearing a rat costume. Additionally, her library fines are climbing up to the top of her table, and the detentions that she owes to the teachers are never really served. And most annoyingly, it's her dishonest slash lazy slash horrible boyfriend that cares about nothing. Ashley has too much things to worry about to even think about prom possibly being gone forever. I feel that she should use this opportunity to reorganize her life. If she study hard and get to a good college, then she could find a suitable job for her and leave the overcrowded house. If she return or replace the books, then she wouldn't be fined anymore. If she join the prom committee, then she won't have to serve detentions. If she have no more detentions, she can actually graduate. And plus, this way, Natalia won't be mad at her for not caring anymore. The solutions are here, it just depends on Ashley to decide whether or not she should do it.
On top of that, this makes me feel that the reason Anderson chose to use Ashley's voice to explain the story is because she started to do what she normally would not do. I believe that prom have became a symbol of making impossible things in her life happen. She's different from the other girls. If we view through the eyes of Natalia, the story gets pretty lame because the plot will be changed to how she was anticipating everyday for the prom and then cried over it because there may not be enough money to run the event. Ashley's role has a wise personality, who is stubborn and has a strong-will to save the day. That's the image of a heroin. Seeing through her mind is more interesting than seeing than a prom-freak girl's because they have nothing to worry about in there lives. They are like pretty, little barbie girls who don't even know where the kitchen is. I feel that the author used Ashley's perspective to write the story because of the contrast of her personality traits with the other people's.
To wrap it up, Ashley is facing an ongoing series of troubles that does not seems to have an end. Hard things are hitting her whenever she least expects it. She's different from the other cheesy friends, which made her perspective special. I think that prom is a symbol of hope, and how you can make anything possible, because it was difficult to have the event with the low amount of money available but by the end, Ashley and the others came to put something great together. She is like Cinderella making the transition from being imperfect to perfect in order to go to the ballroom party. Her mean sister's perspective weren't used, because they do nothing more than be mean to someone who doesn't deserves it at all. In all, her obstacles differed from other people, which was why her viewpoint was used in the story.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Cross-Book Inquiry: "You're not dead, but you're not alive"
Cross-book inquiry
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. —Dr. Suess
I strongly believe that Lia from "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson, is similar to Mclean in "What Happened to Goodbye" by Sarah Dessen. They are not dead, but they don't seem alive either. In my opinion, both of them are not being honest to the readers or themselves. Both of them are trying to forgot the past but is facing struggles to accomplish that task. They don't live life like they exist. It's like they are borrowing someone's identity because of fear that their true self would be discovered. In general, I think that there are similarities between Lia and Mclean.
For instance, first, they both suffer because of their past. Lia, on one hand, is troubled with guilt because she felt that she was the reason her former best friend, Cassie, had died. She felt ashamed for not taking Cassie's calls at the times when she needed her the most. On the other hand, Mclean suffers from being stuck in between her mom and dad. They were divorced, and her mother has already remarried to a better, more richer man. These two girls have their past haunting them and is surely affecting their daily lives. They are similar also because they chose to escape the fact that they have problems. I think that Lia relieves herself by cutting her body to manage her stress. Mclean lives by changing her name every time she and her dad moves to a new town because of his job (and they move around many times a year). She does this so that she can leave her past behind and not bring any flaws with her. She does this so that she could be whoever she wants, whenever she moves and not have to face her old memories. I feel that even though both of them don't admit that they are having trouble (like when Lia denies that she has obstacles to her therapist, and when Mclean refuses to allow her dad talk to her about her new changes), the evidence of them struggling is still there. What they have to do is open up their hearts and talk truthfully with someone they trust. They have to face their problems and overcome them. There will still be dust in the floor if you don't clean it well. To conclude, these are the similarities between Lia and Mclean.
Another example is that both of them also say the opposite of what they think. They pretend to be someone else so that their true names won't be involved. This makes me think that they cannot accept themselves for who they are. In "Wintergirls", I've noticed that Lia's original thoughts were usually crossed out, then replaced with words that mean the opposite. I feel that the crossed out words usually shows her real feelings but they are crossed out because she is trying to trick herself into believing that the uncrossed-out words are what she really meant. She's not being honest this way either. Also, in Mclean's case, the fact that she always have a different identity and character whenever she is in a another neighborhood tells me that she isn't being real to herself and the people around her too.
Dr. Suess, the man who best understands kid's feelings, had said. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." I like this quote especially because it's like saying you should have the courage to stand up and declare, "this is who I am." People who truly care about you won't be bothered with your past. In another words, Lia and Mclean are connected in some way because of their personality.
All the things considered, I think that they are similar because of how they manage their issues. Unless they clear out the mess they have, they will never become their true self. Worrying and stressing over something that won't exist anymore is nothing but a waste of life. And you'll only have one life to live with too. This is makes me connect "Wintergirls" and "What Happened to Goodbye" because of how alike the characters are.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. —Dr. Suess
I strongly believe that Lia from "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson, is similar to Mclean in "What Happened to Goodbye" by Sarah Dessen. They are not dead, but they don't seem alive either. In my opinion, both of them are not being honest to the readers or themselves. Both of them are trying to forgot the past but is facing struggles to accomplish that task. They don't live life like they exist. It's like they are borrowing someone's identity because of fear that their true self would be discovered. In general, I think that there are similarities between Lia and Mclean.
For instance, first, they both suffer because of their past. Lia, on one hand, is troubled with guilt because she felt that she was the reason her former best friend, Cassie, had died. She felt ashamed for not taking Cassie's calls at the times when she needed her the most. On the other hand, Mclean suffers from being stuck in between her mom and dad. They were divorced, and her mother has already remarried to a better, more richer man. These two girls have their past haunting them and is surely affecting their daily lives. They are similar also because they chose to escape the fact that they have problems. I think that Lia relieves herself by cutting her body to manage her stress. Mclean lives by changing her name every time she and her dad moves to a new town because of his job (and they move around many times a year). She does this so that she can leave her past behind and not bring any flaws with her. She does this so that she could be whoever she wants, whenever she moves and not have to face her old memories. I feel that even though both of them don't admit that they are having trouble (like when Lia denies that she has obstacles to her therapist, and when Mclean refuses to allow her dad talk to her about her new changes), the evidence of them struggling is still there. What they have to do is open up their hearts and talk truthfully with someone they trust. They have to face their problems and overcome them. There will still be dust in the floor if you don't clean it well. To conclude, these are the similarities between Lia and Mclean.
Another example is that both of them also say the opposite of what they think. They pretend to be someone else so that their true names won't be involved. This makes me think that they cannot accept themselves for who they are. In "Wintergirls", I've noticed that Lia's original thoughts were usually crossed out, then replaced with words that mean the opposite. I feel that the crossed out words usually shows her real feelings but they are crossed out because she is trying to trick herself into believing that the uncrossed-out words are what she really meant. She's not being honest this way either. Also, in Mclean's case, the fact that she always have a different identity and character whenever she is in a another neighborhood tells me that she isn't being real to herself and the people around her too.
Dr. Suess, the man who best understands kid's feelings, had said. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." I like this quote especially because it's like saying you should have the courage to stand up and declare, "this is who I am." People who truly care about you won't be bothered with your past. In another words, Lia and Mclean are connected in some way because of their personality.
All the things considered, I think that they are similar because of how they manage their issues. Unless they clear out the mess they have, they will never become their true self. Worrying and stressing over something that won't exist anymore is nothing but a waste of life. And you'll only have one life to live with too. This is makes me connect "Wintergirls" and "What Happened to Goodbye" because of how alike the characters are.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wintergirls in Haunt
Wintergirls
Blog Post
Yesterday, I've picked up the book "Wintergirls", by Laurie Halse Anderson, to read because it seems interesting. The story revolves around Lia, who suffers from eating disorders. After knowing that her ex-best friend, Cassie, was found dead in a motel room by herself, she starts to fear the world. That is because Cassie has given her 33 phone calls the night she had died, but Lia purposely ignored them. This makes me think that Cassie is the antagonist because her death pressures her to assume that it was her fault she had commit suicide.
To begin, Lia is "chased after" by Cassie because she keeps on remembering the times they have spent together having fun, and then it ends with the reminder of the 33 missed calls. She feels guilty over the fact that she could have saved her, if she had only picked up the phone. Cassie is like the antagonist that is preventing her from advancing in her journey. She struggles to maintain a normal life, and her obsession with her weight definitely did not do much to help either. Also, she said. "The body of Cassandra Jane Parrish is asleep in a cold silver box. They'll dig a hole in the ground and plant her on Saturday. What about the rest of her, the real Cassie? I think she's coming here." She feels haunted by her, even in her dreams. Everywhere she goes, she senses Cassie following her, revenging her for not picking up the calls, for not caring about her anymore. She feels ashamed because of her death, even though I feel that it is partially not necessarily her fault. She was not the one who had killed her, right?
Because of the antagonist, it makes me feel that instead of thinking about what she could have done to prevent her death, she should think about what she should do now. She's wasting her time scaring herself when she could have something nicer to Cassie. She has low self-esteem which is why she chose to cut herself in order to lose weight. It's not like she could rewrite the past to change the future anyways, and so that's why I think that she should stop feeling guilty for what she have done. Sure, it's hard not to feel responsible for her death because she could have done something to avoid the tragedies, but it's too late to blame now. Time won't stop to help you regain yourself. The number 33 keeps on appearing in her mind because she feels guilty of crime for Cassie's death. This is why I can tell that she is the antagonist who is opposing the main character in the story.
Therefore, I believe that Cassie is like Lia's enemy because her nonexistent slows her down from having a healthy lifestyle. It makes me think that another reason why she chooses to cut herself is because she is trying to punish herself. When Cassie was still alive, they often compete to be the skinniest. She is pretending not to feel haunted even though she is. In conclusion, I can tell that Cassie is the antagonist because she gives a negative impact to Lia in the story.
Blog Post
Yesterday, I've picked up the book "Wintergirls", by Laurie Halse Anderson, to read because it seems interesting. The story revolves around Lia, who suffers from eating disorders. After knowing that her ex-best friend, Cassie, was found dead in a motel room by herself, she starts to fear the world. That is because Cassie has given her 33 phone calls the night she had died, but Lia purposely ignored them. This makes me think that Cassie is the antagonist because her death pressures her to assume that it was her fault she had commit suicide.
To begin, Lia is "chased after" by Cassie because she keeps on remembering the times they have spent together having fun, and then it ends with the reminder of the 33 missed calls. She feels guilty over the fact that she could have saved her, if she had only picked up the phone. Cassie is like the antagonist that is preventing her from advancing in her journey. She struggles to maintain a normal life, and her obsession with her weight definitely did not do much to help either. Also, she said. "The body of Cassandra Jane Parrish is asleep in a cold silver box. They'll dig a hole in the ground and plant her on Saturday. What about the rest of her, the real Cassie? I think she's coming here." She feels haunted by her, even in her dreams. Everywhere she goes, she senses Cassie following her, revenging her for not picking up the calls, for not caring about her anymore. She feels ashamed because of her death, even though I feel that it is partially not necessarily her fault. She was not the one who had killed her, right?
Because of the antagonist, it makes me feel that instead of thinking about what she could have done to prevent her death, she should think about what she should do now. She's wasting her time scaring herself when she could have something nicer to Cassie. She has low self-esteem which is why she chose to cut herself in order to lose weight. It's not like she could rewrite the past to change the future anyways, and so that's why I think that she should stop feeling guilty for what she have done. Sure, it's hard not to feel responsible for her death because she could have done something to avoid the tragedies, but it's too late to blame now. Time won't stop to help you regain yourself. The number 33 keeps on appearing in her mind because she feels guilty of crime for Cassie's death. This is why I can tell that she is the antagonist who is opposing the main character in the story.
Therefore, I believe that Cassie is like Lia's enemy because her nonexistent slows her down from having a healthy lifestyle. It makes me think that another reason why she chooses to cut herself is because she is trying to punish herself. When Cassie was still alive, they often compete to be the skinniest. She is pretending not to feel haunted even though she is. In conclusion, I can tell that Cassie is the antagonist because she gives a negative impact to Lia in the story.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Theory of Common Sense
Blog Post
Common Sense
In the book, “When You Reach Me,” by Rebecca Stead, a youngster named Miranda loses her best friend Sal after a random dude called Marcus, punched him hard in his belly. Then, she starts receiving mysterious notes, remarks about her future. Her life begins to load up with matters that make no sense to her. Questions that don’t have any answers to it. When she meets Marcus another time, they got into a debate about the existence of time travel. He said to her, “Einstein says common sense is just a habit of thought. It's how we're used to thinking about things, but a lot of time it just gets in the way of what's true" (51). I agree with this statement because a lot of time we let common sense hide the truth. The author, Rebecca, seems to be giving a message through this excerpt.
For example, common sense is like the judgments we think that are logical. As stated in the text, “it is just a habit of thought”. We often let what we think is reasonable, blind us. Something is only common sense because no one questions about it. Back then, people thought that it was a common sense for black people to be slaves, or that women didn’t need education because their job as females was just to take care of the household. We only thought that way before because no one stepped up to say no and that this is wrong. This “theory” was fixed through a bunch of hard work. What we think is obvious, does “gets in the way of what’s true.” It’s not really fair to the others too because then it is like “common sense” had already planned their whole entire life for them like pigs could be killed for food but cats couldn’t be. This does not indicate that cats should be killed for food though. That’s not the point. The thing is that we should stay unbiased and make a possibility out of everything. “I don't know. I just feel stuck, like I'm afraid to take any steps, in case they're the wrong ones,” said Miranda. It’s like saying that people fear to change their opinions on what everybody think is true because they don’t want to be criticized or rejected. Common sense changes along with the time though. How would cavemen know that now we could rely on the internet to shop for clothing when they had to actually hunt the animals to make them before? That sure did not sound like a common sense back then, right?
Relating this to “A Wrinkle in Time,” by Madeline L'Engle, which was a book that was often mentioned in the story because of Miranda’s passion in it, time travel is actually possible. The author wants to remind us not to let what we’re used to knowing, influence what could happen. Although time travel seems to be impossible in the 21st century, who knows what could happen after 1000 years later. No one would know what would happen now because we won’t be living around anymore. The world is always improving. We shouldn’t just deny the existence of time traveling because we think that it’s common sense that it is fake, just something people in the movies made up to attract more viewers. We should look ahead in the future to explore the world of unknown. Marcus had also said, “…it used to be common sense that the world was flat and the sun revolved around it. But at some point, someone had to reject that assumption, or at least question it.” We changed our judgments because evidences have been discovered to bolster the statement. I can tell that the author wants us to make everything in life possible, even if it seems far too bizarre, because if we don’t think something can happen, then it will never occur.
To wrap up, I believe that Rebecca is telling readers to not let common sense camouflage the fact behind it. Nothing should be impossible until verified, and even after, corrections could still be made. It’s like the saying “no hypothesis is wrong until proven incorrect”. I would rather have the ability to see the hidden truth that others can’t see than be smart and have many common sense that aren’t entirely correct. Rebecca Stead’s “When You Reach Me”, makes me believe that “we're used to thinking about things, but a lot of time it just gets in the way of what's true”.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Blog Review
Blog Review
After reading Francesca Woodbridge's post on the book "It's Kind of a Funny Story" written by Ned Vizzini, I was able to understand more about "people" in general. According to the text, the main character Craig lives through a harsh life that forces him to want to commit suicide. I've seen many blog posts on the same book and I feel that this one stands out most from others because she elaborated deeply on the author's messages. She also made me want to read the book even though the ending was already spoiled, because of her passion in writing it. In all, I strongly believe that Francesca did well on her post because it was outstandingly detailed with supporting evidences to back up her point.
To start off, I think she did a remarkable job because instead of just writing summaries, she included the story's lessons and what should be right to do. I like how she said "to not bottle up our feelings, and don’t try to live with a problem, try to solve it". It's like how if you fill a bottle with too much water, then it would explode and spill all over the place. That's why you should stop before things get worse. She makes me think that you shouldn't keep your feelings inside of you. Covering it up with laughter and jokes won't help to save you from depression. When you're troubled, you should express your thoughts with someone you are comfortable with. People are creatures who always hide themselves from the rest of the world, which should be prevented. Francesca made a point about how telling the truth can make you feel better, therefore can avoid depression.
Second of all, the post made me want to read the book because I feel that Craig is facing troubles deciding between life or death, which many people can relate to it. We always escape from our problem and pretend that they don't exist to look strong in front of everyone else. But that's not right because these problems will pile up and eventually become visible. Leaving it unsolved won't make a change.
She brought up the point that "Craig’s parents said if he told them that he really wanted to kill himself, they could have done something about it. I, myself, did not understand why Craig did not tell his parents that he wanted to commit suicide, because you could tell that he didn’t want to keep feeling what he was feeling". I disagree because I might have done what Craig did at first too. Talking to my parents about a serious matter makes me nervous and I know that they don't think the same way as I do. I am the type of person that don't want my parents to be tied up too close to my life. But thinking now, I feel that talking to your parents should be your first option. What's the point of worrying every day when it could be solved by spending some time with someone you know well and sharing your thoughts with them?
Briefly, I think Francesca's post is strong and structured clearly. She did well in putting details together with the author's message. It made me think more deeply about life and changed my opinions on what is right. It seems like an interesting book that should be good to read. I like the voice she puts into it and overall, I believe that the post was written meaningfully with passion.
After reading Francesca Woodbridge's post on the book "It's Kind of a Funny Story" written by Ned Vizzini, I was able to understand more about "people" in general. According to the text, the main character Craig lives through a harsh life that forces him to want to commit suicide. I've seen many blog posts on the same book and I feel that this one stands out most from others because she elaborated deeply on the author's messages. She also made me want to read the book even though the ending was already spoiled, because of her passion in writing it. In all, I strongly believe that Francesca did well on her post because it was outstandingly detailed with supporting evidences to back up her point.
To start off, I think she did a remarkable job because instead of just writing summaries, she included the story's lessons and what should be right to do. I like how she said "to not bottle up our feelings, and don’t try to live with a problem, try to solve it". It's like how if you fill a bottle with too much water, then it would explode and spill all over the place. That's why you should stop before things get worse. She makes me think that you shouldn't keep your feelings inside of you. Covering it up with laughter and jokes won't help to save you from depression. When you're troubled, you should express your thoughts with someone you are comfortable with. People are creatures who always hide themselves from the rest of the world, which should be prevented. Francesca made a point about how telling the truth can make you feel better, therefore can avoid depression.
Second of all, the post made me want to read the book because I feel that Craig is facing troubles deciding between life or death, which many people can relate to it. We always escape from our problem and pretend that they don't exist to look strong in front of everyone else. But that's not right because these problems will pile up and eventually become visible. Leaving it unsolved won't make a change.
She brought up the point that "Craig’s parents said if he told them that he really wanted to kill himself, they could have done something about it. I, myself, did not understand why Craig did not tell his parents that he wanted to commit suicide, because you could tell that he didn’t want to keep feeling what he was feeling". I disagree because I might have done what Craig did at first too. Talking to my parents about a serious matter makes me nervous and I know that they don't think the same way as I do. I am the type of person that don't want my parents to be tied up too close to my life. But thinking now, I feel that talking to your parents should be your first option. What's the point of worrying every day when it could be solved by spending some time with someone you know well and sharing your thoughts with them?
Briefly, I think Francesca's post is strong and structured clearly. She did well in putting details together with the author's message. It made me think more deeply about life and changed my opinions on what is right. It seems like an interesting book that should be good to read. I like the voice she puts into it and overall, I believe that the post was written meaningfully with passion.
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