Antonio experiences his first catechism in this chapter and sees his God with wide eyes.
The priest talks to the children about hell and how people go there. During the time, his friend, Florence, is forced to hold out his arms in the middle of the altar while the sunlight shines of him. He doesn't believe in God, but in this chapter, he is a (you guessed it), Jesus figure...an atheist Jesus figure. Oh the irony.
Monday, December 6, 2010
11. Bless Me Ultima ch 16
The chapters seem to be getting shorter. There must be something juicy in the next few chapters!
By this point, Antonio views God as this unforgiving and uncaring being that only loves those who have received their communion, and instead believes that the Virgin Mary will help him. His thoughts from the beginning of the book where he was absolutely faithful in God to this point is a huge step, especially for an upcoming priest.
By this point, Antonio views God as this unforgiving and uncaring being that only loves those who have received their communion, and instead believes that the Virgin Mary will help him. His thoughts from the beginning of the book where he was absolutely faithful in God to this point is a huge step, especially for an upcoming priest.
10 Bless Me Ultima Ch 15
Antonio sees all 3 of his brothers leave in this chapter. Not only that, but they see his father age right in front of them; symbolizing that his father's dreams were old now and that they are fading along with him. In order to avoid his fate, all 3 of his brothers leave, seeking their own paths.
9. Bless Me Ultima Ch14 part 2
This chapter was really long.
Antonio realizes that he isn't as pure as he thought. He has witnessed the death of a man, an exorcism, and a mob that tried to kill Ultima. While he is trying to become a priest, he realizes that he isn't so pure himself and that his hands have been bloodied. This is one of the more powerful chapters, as a lot happens in such a short time.
Antonio realizes that he isn't as pure as he thought. He has witnessed the death of a man, an exorcism, and a mob that tried to kill Ultima. While he is trying to become a priest, he realizes that he isn't so pure himself and that his hands have been bloodied. This is one of the more powerful chapters, as a lot happens in such a short time.
8. Bless Me Ultima ch 14
Antonio has to perform a play about the birth of Christ and he is left in school with the bad crowd. They are all forced to play roles, Antonio being a shepherd. This is ironic, as the corrupt and misguided people are playing the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. It may be a symbol of how the Catholic church is corrupted and how Antonio is a shepherd to light the way to the truth.
7. Bless Me Ultima ch 13
This book is powerful, as it not only makes powerful statements about religion; but also about social and moral issues.
When Antonio is on his way to El Puerte, he thinks about the Virgin Mary and God. He comments on how God is like a mad and is so unforgiving and punishes his people severely while the Vigin Mary is forgining and loving and kind. He takes a stand against men and sides with women to be a good god.
When Antonio is on his way to El Puerte, he thinks about the Virgin Mary and God. He comments on how God is like a mad and is so unforgiving and punishes his people severely while the Vigin Mary is forgining and loving and kind. He takes a stand against men and sides with women to be a good god.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
6. Bless Me Ultima ch 12
In this book, the idea that good triumphs evil is evident and strong. we see that in this chapter.
Symbolism is heavy in this book. Tenorio, an evil man who accuses Ultima of being a witch, has his eye gorged out by Ultima's owl. This symbolizes the all seeing, all knowing punishing a sinner, a theme that keeps on re-appearing throughout the novel.
Symbolism is heavy in this book. Tenorio, an evil man who accuses Ultima of being a witch, has his eye gorged out by Ultima's owl. This symbolizes the all seeing, all knowing punishing a sinner, a theme that keeps on re-appearing throughout the novel.
5. Bless Me Ultima Ch 11
Antonio becomes exposed to a pagan religion in this chapter. He visits Narcisco's garden and eats a carrot with his friend, Cico. An allusion to the Garden of Eden and Adam eating the apple maybe? Afterwards, he visits a secret pond holding the god of the religion: the golden carp. In there, he feels as tho he was in communion and becomes baptized into this religion. Later that night he dreams of the two faiths tearing him apart, and the Ultima comes and says that they are both one and the same.
4. Bless Me Ultima Ch. 10
Ultima is a curandera; one who cures with herbs and magic. When Antonio's uncle gets cursed by three witches, she must cure him to save his life. He has been through doctors and the church, but is still cursed. Ultima cures him, and Antonio begins to wonder: "is Ultima more powerful than the heavens and God itself?". Faith comes into question as the chapter slaps religion and science in the face.
3. Bless Me Ultima ch9
I messed up because i have 17 more blogs to go and my book is only 22 chapters soooo ill just try something at the end.
Antonio has visions that forsee the future, giving him prophet like abilities. His vision consists of his struggle to find himself as a part of the llano, or as part of the luna. A symbol of his struggle is when his two of his brothers decide to leave to make something of themselves and not follow their parent's dreams. Antonio and his other brother, Andrew, stay, symbolizing how he is tied to his parent's dreams and not by his own faith.
Antonio has visions that forsee the future, giving him prophet like abilities. His vision consists of his struggle to find himself as a part of the llano, or as part of the luna. A symbol of his struggle is when his two of his brothers decide to leave to make something of themselves and not follow their parent's dreams. Antonio and his other brother, Andrew, stay, symbolizing how he is tied to his parent's dreams and not by his own faith.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
2. Bless Me Ultima ch 4-8
In 4 chapters, there is such a rich culture, described in so little words, that is oddly mystifying, yet beautiful.
Antonio, the speaker, questions his identity: to be a man of the wild, or a priest: two opposites. He is brought up by his mother to be a Catholic, but his father is a rebel, who roams the earth, free. His grandmother, Ultima, teaches him the beauty of the world and the paragon of animals, and how he must find himself and not listen to anyone else.
Antonio, the speaker, questions his identity: to be a man of the wild, or a priest: two opposites. He is brought up by his mother to be a Catholic, but his father is a rebel, who roams the earth, free. His grandmother, Ultima, teaches him the beauty of the world and the paragon of animals, and how he must find himself and not listen to anyone else.
Friday, December 3, 2010
1. Bless Me Ultima ch1-3
Another late night blogging. oh how i missed these.
My book poses an interesting problem: some parts are in spanish and i forgot most of my spanish. I didn't know that...unfortunately. But still, i find it a great story about a boy trapped between his religion, Catholicism, and the freedom of the llano. Imagery in the book so far is beautiful, with scenes very descriptive, and heavy symbolism. I shall crack this book in 4 days.
Wish me luck.
My book poses an interesting problem: some parts are in spanish and i forgot most of my spanish. I didn't know that...unfortunately. But still, i find it a great story about a boy trapped between his religion, Catholicism, and the freedom of the llano. Imagery in the book so far is beautiful, with scenes very descriptive, and heavy symbolism. I shall crack this book in 4 days.
Wish me luck.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Hamlet process paper revisions 1
well i was sitting down for a half an hour with no idea on what to improve or write on when inspiration came to me. now im trying to finish this as quickly as possible before all my ideas run out of my head. anyways, ive added a few more things to my paper, adding more substance and making my argument stronger.
see ya in another hour
see ya in another hour
Sunday, August 15, 2010
20. The Kite Runner: Conclusion :D
Every end has a new beginning.
I loved this book. I loved how Khaled Hosseini made it seem like it was Amir telling his story to us, in person, making us feel what he felt. And I loved his irony. His language was beautiful, deep, poetic, wonderfully crafted. It flowed so well, and really fitted in, each word tucked into place.
All of his characters were far from perfect, which drew me in to the book even more. His characters were complex, each with their own motifs and their own personalities.
This book has shown that while you have done wrong, there's always a way to make it right.
Well it was wonderful blogging. But i believe i'm finished here. Have a great last day :)
I loved this book. I loved how Khaled Hosseini made it seem like it was Amir telling his story to us, in person, making us feel what he felt. And I loved his irony. His language was beautiful, deep, poetic, wonderfully crafted. It flowed so well, and really fitted in, each word tucked into place.
All of his characters were far from perfect, which drew me in to the book even more. His characters were complex, each with their own motifs and their own personalities.
This book has shown that while you have done wrong, there's always a way to make it right.
Well it was wonderful blogging. But i believe i'm finished here. Have a great last day :)
19. The Kite Runner Ch.19- 25
I'll skip the boring details and go into the flesh of it all.
Amir's view of Baba has dramatically changed ever since he learned the truth. That Hassan is his illegitimate brother. That Baba probably does all the good deeds he does in order to redeem himself, and to forgive himself. That the reason why Baba treated Hassan like his son was because...he was his son. And that he saw himself in Amir, and that's why he was so hard on his son. Does Amir forgive Baba for all of that? CAN he forgive Baba?
Irony once again strikes. Kabul, his once thriving city, is reduced to ruble and ashes. He meets the person who takes Hassan's son, Sohrab, and finds out that it's (you guessed it), Assef, who brings out his brass knuckles. AND, Sohrab, who has his slingshot, makes Assef Goshkhor, One-Eyed Assef. To top it all off, like his father, Sohrab was raped by Assef and his men. Doubletake.
And the ending...well i believe it's perfect.
For you, a thousand times over.
Amir's view of Baba has dramatically changed ever since he learned the truth. That Hassan is his illegitimate brother. That Baba probably does all the good deeds he does in order to redeem himself, and to forgive himself. That the reason why Baba treated Hassan like his son was because...he was his son. And that he saw himself in Amir, and that's why he was so hard on his son. Does Amir forgive Baba for all of that? CAN he forgive Baba?
Irony once again strikes. Kabul, his once thriving city, is reduced to ruble and ashes. He meets the person who takes Hassan's son, Sohrab, and finds out that it's (you guessed it), Assef, who brings out his brass knuckles. AND, Sohrab, who has his slingshot, makes Assef Goshkhor, One-Eyed Assef. To top it all off, like his father, Sohrab was raped by Assef and his men. Doubletake.
And the ending...well i believe it's perfect.
For you, a thousand times over.
18. The Kite Runner Ch 13-18
Last 3. I'm almost done here people.
Oh how tragic is it that Amir and Soraya can't have an offspring. Is it really God's punishment, that since he ruined someone else's childhood, he's denied fatherhood?
But have no fear, redemption is here.
Rahim Khan offers him the opportunity to redeem himself, to make things right. What does he have to do? Not much...just save Hassan's child in Kabul. So much for digging away at old scars right? To make matters worse, the Taliban guards Pakistan. No adventure is without its obstacles right? (How to Read Literature Like A Professor reference! :D)
So why? Why does he risk his loving wife, his home in America, everything? Because, he feels the need to release the guilt that has engulfed his mind, body, and soul ever since that fateful winter in 1975. Every monster has its weakness. It's a shame that Amir is his own monster.
Oh how tragic is it that Amir and Soraya can't have an offspring. Is it really God's punishment, that since he ruined someone else's childhood, he's denied fatherhood?
But have no fear, redemption is here.
Rahim Khan offers him the opportunity to redeem himself, to make things right. What does he have to do? Not much...just save Hassan's child in Kabul. So much for digging away at old scars right? To make matters worse, the Taliban guards Pakistan. No adventure is without its obstacles right? (How to Read Literature Like A Professor reference! :D)
So why? Why does he risk his loving wife, his home in America, everything? Because, he feels the need to release the guilt that has engulfed his mind, body, and soul ever since that fateful winter in 1975. Every monster has its weakness. It's a shame that Amir is his own monster.
17. The Kite Runner ch. 7-12
For you, a thousand times over.
Wow...already in ch.7 and im blown off my feet. Was Amir right to simply watch Hassan get raped? Would things have turned out way different if he intervened?
It's amazing what Amir does to forget what has happened. Amir tries breaking off his friendship with Hassan, provokes him at the pomegranate tree, and in the end, frames him. And Hassan still is loyal to him. What was even more shocking was that Baba was willing to forgive Hassan, even though he admitted to the framing. Which brings up a bigger question: Why would Baba forgive him? Clearly, there is something going on behind the scenes, something we're not supposed to know. And when Hassan and Ali leave, Baba cries. Isn't that too much love for servants?
Moving to a new country means new beginnings for Amir. But also means the burial of his former life, and the eventual death of Baba. Amir meets Soraya, a girl who he falls in love with, even though she has an "interesting" past. A girl he can relate to. Also, Baba becomes sick with cancer, and it's not long before he dies. Maybe his death symbolizes the new beginning and end of the past for Amir. Maybe.
Wow...already in ch.7 and im blown off my feet. Was Amir right to simply watch Hassan get raped? Would things have turned out way different if he intervened?
It's amazing what Amir does to forget what has happened. Amir tries breaking off his friendship with Hassan, provokes him at the pomegranate tree, and in the end, frames him. And Hassan still is loyal to him. What was even more shocking was that Baba was willing to forgive Hassan, even though he admitted to the framing. Which brings up a bigger question: Why would Baba forgive him? Clearly, there is something going on behind the scenes, something we're not supposed to know. And when Hassan and Ali leave, Baba cries. Isn't that too much love for servants?
Moving to a new country means new beginnings for Amir. But also means the burial of his former life, and the eventual death of Baba. Amir meets Soraya, a girl who he falls in love with, even though she has an "interesting" past. A girl he can relate to. Also, Baba becomes sick with cancer, and it's not long before he dies. Maybe his death symbolizes the new beginning and end of the past for Amir. Maybe.
16. The Kite Runner ch. 1-6
2 more days to go...
That's the last time i do that, i swear!
I love how the book is real, as you can understand the character's emotions, motives, and can predict what they'll do next.
Now Amir and Hassan are an odd couple, as they are almost opposites, in literacy, virtue and class. Also, Amir finds that he needs to earn Baba's love, and Hassan has somehow earned his affection, making Amir jealous. But (this is the punch line, drum roll please), they have a kinship, as they have fed off the same midwife's breast when they were babies. Another interesting thing to note is their "friendship". Is it really friendship, or a master/slave relationship? If so, why is it so intimate, like friends? When Amir and Hassan run into Assef, Amir says "But he's not my friend! He's my servant!", yet Amir reads to Hassan (although makes fun of him), plays panjapar, and flies kites with him.
Now kites...that's a story for another time.
That's the last time i do that, i swear!
I love how the book is real, as you can understand the character's emotions, motives, and can predict what they'll do next.
Now Amir and Hassan are an odd couple, as they are almost opposites, in literacy, virtue and class. Also, Amir finds that he needs to earn Baba's love, and Hassan has somehow earned his affection, making Amir jealous. But (this is the punch line, drum roll please), they have a kinship, as they have fed off the same midwife's breast when they were babies. Another interesting thing to note is their "friendship". Is it really friendship, or a master/slave relationship? If so, why is it so intimate, like friends? When Amir and Hassan run into Assef, Amir says "But he's not my friend! He's my servant!", yet Amir reads to Hassan (although makes fun of him), plays panjapar, and flies kites with him.
Now kites...that's a story for another time.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
15. 1984 - A Brief Conclusion
1984 was haunting, showing us the worst possible scenario in a society where the government ruled everything. What is scarier is that THAT could actually be the best scenario in which we are subjected to authoritarian rule.
I didn't appreciate this book to it's true potential, but i suppose this is because of audience appeal, where a person born around the Cold War era would greatly appreciate this book compared to a person in this day and age. Still, this book was pretty interesting, showing a con-Communism stance popular to that time, and how George Orwell strongly opposed Totalitarianism.
The book certainly had it's strong moments, such as when Winston and Julia meet, and then when they are taken away to the Ministry of Love, but at some points, it strays a little bit and i started to drift from the main point. It was really imaginative for Orwell, with the invention of the "telescreens" and the language, NewSpeak.
15/20. 6 days. Awesome.
I didn't appreciate this book to it's true potential, but i suppose this is because of audience appeal, where a person born around the Cold War era would greatly appreciate this book compared to a person in this day and age. Still, this book was pretty interesting, showing a con-Communism stance popular to that time, and how George Orwell strongly opposed Totalitarianism.
The book certainly had it's strong moments, such as when Winston and Julia meet, and then when they are taken away to the Ministry of Love, but at some points, it strays a little bit and i started to drift from the main point. It was really imaginative for Orwell, with the invention of the "telescreens" and the language, NewSpeak.
15/20. 6 days. Awesome.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
14. 1984 Part 3ii
He loved Big Brother
Those words coming from Winston shocked me. But a truly perfect end for the representation of a "negative utopia".
The way the Party breaks him is terrible. They use his greatest fear, rats, to betray the person he loves the most (Julia), and by betraying her, they break him and the only thing he had that the Party couldn't control - his love.
In the end, he becomes part of the Party, supporting it and loving the thing he loathed the most: Big Brother, and what he stood for.
It makes me sick thinking how easy it is to break a person so easily.
Those words coming from Winston shocked me. But a truly perfect end for the representation of a "negative utopia".
The way the Party breaks him is terrible. They use his greatest fear, rats, to betray the person he loves the most (Julia), and by betraying her, they break him and the only thing he had that the Party couldn't control - his love.
In the end, he becomes part of the Party, supporting it and loving the thing he loathed the most: Big Brother, and what he stood for.
It makes me sick thinking how easy it is to break a person so easily.
13. 1984 Part 2/ Part 3i
6 more days...
Sorry that's really geeky.
Where do i start? I feel this is where the ideas come together, mushed up in a few paragraphs. Also, it's pretty much the most shocking part of the book, where paradise ends, and hell begins. I honestly don't know where to start.
Winston reading the book resembles Adam eating the apple, as he defies the will of the higher power (in this case, The Party acts as God) and therefore, is punished, and is sent to the Ministry of Love (gotta love irony). This might be a stretch, but the conflict between Winston and the Party is kind of like the conflict between science and religion. Two ideas, sense and belief, challenge each other, as they cannot exist harmoniously together.
What shocked me the most was how Winston still believed in O' Brien as a friend, even though he was part of The Party, and he resembled everything that he loathed. Yet he still believed in him, and was comfortable with him. Why?
I suppose i should read more to find out.
Sorry that's really geeky.
Where do i start? I feel this is where the ideas come together, mushed up in a few paragraphs. Also, it's pretty much the most shocking part of the book, where paradise ends, and hell begins. I honestly don't know where to start.
Winston reading the book resembles Adam eating the apple, as he defies the will of the higher power (in this case, The Party acts as God) and therefore, is punished, and is sent to the Ministry of Love (gotta love irony). This might be a stretch, but the conflict between Winston and the Party is kind of like the conflict between science and religion. Two ideas, sense and belief, challenge each other, as they cannot exist harmoniously together.
What shocked me the most was how Winston still believed in O' Brien as a friend, even though he was part of The Party, and he resembled everything that he loathed. Yet he still believed in him, and was comfortable with him. Why?
I suppose i should read more to find out.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
12. 1984 Part 2i
I feel there should be a sort of dramatic appeal to my blogs, so ill count down the days until school starts from here!
10 more days...
A single termite in a tree won't do much damage. Julia, however, is like a bomb. She is a virus within a computer, malicious to the system, and doing as much damage as possible.
And she's in love with Winston.
The ultimate form of rebellion in this crude, dull world is love...or sex. Lots of sex. Julia proved that the Party isn't as pure as they want the people, or parole to think. They are hypocrites. They need emotion too. They need love for each other, not just for this system, this ideology. And Julia is a sign that maybe not everything is as perfect in Oceania as they say.
Will this one termite bring a whole tree down? Or maybe bring her friends?
10 more days...
A single termite in a tree won't do much damage. Julia, however, is like a bomb. She is a virus within a computer, malicious to the system, and doing as much damage as possible.
And she's in love with Winston.
The ultimate form of rebellion in this crude, dull world is love...or sex. Lots of sex. Julia proved that the Party isn't as pure as they want the people, or parole to think. They are hypocrites. They need emotion too. They need love for each other, not just for this system, this ideology. And Julia is a sign that maybe not everything is as perfect in Oceania as they say.
Will this one termite bring a whole tree down? Or maybe bring her friends?
11. 1984 Part 1
A world under Totalitarian rule,where all live in fear, war is peace, freedom is slavery, and ignorance is strength; its not an apocalyptic nightmare - its 1984.
But it is closest thing to an apocalypse there is besides death.
Winston Smith, our hero, wishes to fight Big Brother, the Party, everything that symbolizes INGSOC. I love heros like that. I love that he is "corrupt" and "impure" because finally, the person who is supposed to be the villain is our hero.
Something else i found particularly interesting was the revisions the Party did, in order to "control" history. They simply erased every detail of something they saw as a danger to this Totalitarian society, and that made me wonder: did WE do this before? It's crazy, it's scary...but is it true? Is our history really what it is, or has evidence been erased, altered, changed for the worse.
Winston is questioning his society's values, and as i read more, i find that i am questioning mines as well. The dangers of thought is horrifying, it's a shame not many people use it.
But it is closest thing to an apocalypse there is besides death.
Winston Smith, our hero, wishes to fight Big Brother, the Party, everything that symbolizes INGSOC. I love heros like that. I love that he is "corrupt" and "impure" because finally, the person who is supposed to be the villain is our hero.
Something else i found particularly interesting was the revisions the Party did, in order to "control" history. They simply erased every detail of something they saw as a danger to this Totalitarian society, and that made me wonder: did WE do this before? It's crazy, it's scary...but is it true? Is our history really what it is, or has evidence been erased, altered, changed for the worse.
Winston is questioning his society's values, and as i read more, i find that i am questioning mines as well. The dangers of thought is horrifying, it's a shame not many people use it.
Monday, August 2, 2010
10. What is the What: A Brief Conclusion
What is the What changed my perspective on life, and in comparison to the Sudanese, i must say we have lived very comfortable lives!
It was a real eye opener, comparing survival to our urban way of living. It made me grateful for all the things i had, from the food on my table, to the computer im using to blog as we speak. We are indeed lucky, and most of us take these things for granted.
But enough ranting about how spoiled we are.
The language used throughout the book was beautifully simplistic and real. There was no figurative language, no blemish to make something seem more than what it was. I could tell, from the first few pages, that our English, and the way we percieve the "english" language is way different than his, but he has done a good job connecting to us, through humor, through sadness, if barely touching pity.
What is the what? I believe it's what you make it.
It was a real eye opener, comparing survival to our urban way of living. It made me grateful for all the things i had, from the food on my table, to the computer im using to blog as we speak. We are indeed lucky, and most of us take these things for granted.
But enough ranting about how spoiled we are.
The language used throughout the book was beautifully simplistic and real. There was no figurative language, no blemish to make something seem more than what it was. I could tell, from the first few pages, that our English, and the way we percieve the "english" language is way different than his, but he has done a good job connecting to us, through humor, through sadness, if barely touching pity.
What is the what? I believe it's what you make it.
9. What is the What Book II to Book III
The last chapters of What is the What were powerfully comical, if in a sad way, and brilliantly optimistic about what the future held for the Lost Boys.
The death of Noriyaki was especially tragic and unexpected. To die before leaving a hell-hole like Kakuma, with all to live for in the future, was it an omen, was it a sign that Valentino shouldn't go to America? I believe it drove him to leave that prison, to seek boundless opportunities, no matter how shady the future looked.
That's what i loved about the book. Valentino took the chance to escape Africa, and was willing to shape the future in his own hands, the way he saw fit, no matter what obstacles were brought before him. While he saw America as a blessing as well as a curse, i believe the future looks bright for him and his people.
The death of Noriyaki was especially tragic and unexpected. To die before leaving a hell-hole like Kakuma, with all to live for in the future, was it an omen, was it a sign that Valentino shouldn't go to America? I believe it drove him to leave that prison, to seek boundless opportunities, no matter how shady the future looked.
That's what i loved about the book. Valentino took the chance to escape Africa, and was willing to shape the future in his own hands, the way he saw fit, no matter what obstacles were brought before him. While he saw America as a blessing as well as a curse, i believe the future looks bright for him and his people.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
8. What is the What: Book II, XV -XIX
Valentino is a great story teller, but is it just me, or does he stray from thought to thought a little too much? I don't know, it seems kind of weird.
Anyways, I found it interesting how Valentino had never seen a white person until they arrived in the at the Pinyudo camp, and how he compared the white people to gods. Even to the Sudanese, they look to the white man as a superior race, and as all powerful. That struck me as weird, that they would look down at their own people, in comparison to the white people and their "fragile" skin.
What also intrigued me was Valentino's luck. Is it really that poor, or is he just exaggerating? He survived through the worst: starvation, the elements trying to kill him and more. Yet his luck with the police woman and at the hospital, as well as his driving and other instances, is he really blessed or cursed?
Anyways, I found it interesting how Valentino had never seen a white person until they arrived in the at the Pinyudo camp, and how he compared the white people to gods. Even to the Sudanese, they look to the white man as a superior race, and as all powerful. That struck me as weird, that they would look down at their own people, in comparison to the white people and their "fragile" skin.
What also intrigued me was Valentino's luck. Is it really that poor, or is he just exaggerating? He survived through the worst: starvation, the elements trying to kill him and more. Yet his luck with the police woman and at the hospital, as well as his driving and other instances, is he really blessed or cursed?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
7. What is the What: Book 1, X - XIV
Barnes and Nobles is a wonderful place to escape distractions.
Valentino...i really don't know how you did it. You survived the dangers of lions, humans out to kill you, and the Sahara Desert. You've seen the people close to you, die in front of your face, suffered from hunger, from pain, and from much worse. And to be able to adapt to another culture, another language, another lifestyle...what else can this world throw at you?
What i also found interesting was the conflict within his own people, in America and in Gumuro, the city they last go to before reaching Ethiopia. I would think that the sudanese people would be closer, as they are all they got, but to be separated by tribes, it weakens them, and they prefer to be like that? Also i found it sad that they didn't appreciate, Mary, the person trying to make a better life for them, and instead scorned her for her gifts to them. Not only that, but in Gumuro, when the richer group kicks out Achak's group, it reminds me of the aristocratic system, and how the rich have all the power, while the poor are left with nothing.
On to Book II!
Valentino...i really don't know how you did it. You survived the dangers of lions, humans out to kill you, and the Sahara Desert. You've seen the people close to you, die in front of your face, suffered from hunger, from pain, and from much worse. And to be able to adapt to another culture, another language, another lifestyle...what else can this world throw at you?
What i also found interesting was the conflict within his own people, in America and in Gumuro, the city they last go to before reaching Ethiopia. I would think that the sudanese people would be closer, as they are all they got, but to be separated by tribes, it weakens them, and they prefer to be like that? Also i found it sad that they didn't appreciate, Mary, the person trying to make a better life for them, and instead scorned her for her gifts to them. Not only that, but in Gumuro, when the richer group kicks out Achak's group, it reminds me of the aristocratic system, and how the rich have all the power, while the poor are left with nothing.
On to Book II!
Monday, July 26, 2010
6. What is the What: Book 1, I - X
I really don't know what to say...the first 108 pages were intense! To suffer so much, and still in his youth, it is amazing, miraculous even, to live and tell the tale!
I found it ironic that he would prefer to go back to Sudan rather than live in the U.S. He found America to be a place of hope, but also of corruption and evil not found in Sudan, and now, i find that maybe it is us who lives in a backwards society, rather than the Sudanese.
It is also ironic how different African-Americans are compared to the Sudanese. Comparing Powder to Valentino, we can see the cultural drift of people of the same origin, and how they conflict with each other.
Gotta love America.
I found it ironic that he would prefer to go back to Sudan rather than live in the U.S. He found America to be a place of hope, but also of corruption and evil not found in Sudan, and now, i find that maybe it is us who lives in a backwards society, rather than the Sudanese.
It is also ironic how different African-Americans are compared to the Sudanese. Comparing Powder to Valentino, we can see the cultural drift of people of the same origin, and how they conflict with each other.
Gotta love America.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
5. How to Read Lit Like A Professor: Envoi
Ironically, this last chapter took me about 4 days to read. No joke.
How to Read Like A Professor is like an instruction manual for a car: reading it helps (but its necessity can be questionable). All 281 pages are filled with useful tips to analyze literature. But actually analyzing literature...is a different topic. Putting it into action is rather tedious, sometimes really frustrating. We have been given the tips, but do we have the capability to put these tools on the table and actually make use of them?
I loved that he broke it down, step by step, although some of the references im not quite familiar with, and cannot connect with him on the same level as he would expect us to be on. He made a rather boring lecture of how to analyze literature in a comedic, clever, and intuitive way, and for that i thank him.
Now it's time to read the other books. 1 out of 4. No pressure.
How to Read Like A Professor is like an instruction manual for a car: reading it helps (but its necessity can be questionable). All 281 pages are filled with useful tips to analyze literature. But actually analyzing literature...is a different topic. Putting it into action is rather tedious, sometimes really frustrating. We have been given the tips, but do we have the capability to put these tools on the table and actually make use of them?
I loved that he broke it down, step by step, although some of the references im not quite familiar with, and cannot connect with him on the same level as he would expect us to be on. He made a rather boring lecture of how to analyze literature in a comedic, clever, and intuitive way, and for that i thank him.
Now it's time to read the other books. 1 out of 4. No pressure.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
4. How To Read Lit Like A Professor ch. 20-25
Almost done with this book! and summer is halfway over...time to pick up my game.
Why do we tell stories? why do we even write to begin with? Those are the questions i asked in the interlude. We are part of a massive storyline, where our beginning is unclear, and our end has yet to have happened. But why tell these stories? Is it to explain our world as a whole? Or is it to explain ourselves? If only there was a true answer to these questions.
Injuries, handicaps, and diseases were something i usually didnt look into when i read a book. I knew they were symbols but usually i thought the meaning was pretty obvious. Now that i have read these chapters, i can guess that a large chunk of books ive read would probably make more sense if i came back to them and analyzed the significance of these ailments.
Why do we tell stories? why do we even write to begin with? Those are the questions i asked in the interlude. We are part of a massive storyline, where our beginning is unclear, and our end has yet to have happened. But why tell these stories? Is it to explain our world as a whole? Or is it to explain ourselves? If only there was a true answer to these questions.
Injuries, handicaps, and diseases were something i usually didnt look into when i read a book. I knew they were symbols but usually i thought the meaning was pretty obvious. Now that i have read these chapters, i can guess that a large chunk of books ive read would probably make more sense if i came back to them and analyzed the significance of these ailments.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
3. How to Read Lit Like A Professor 14-19 (I'm Getting There)
It's amazing on how much our literature is based on Christianity.
Especially with predicting character's motives and actions, i found it interesting to know how to identify with Christian figures, which could help predict their actions. And Ch.18, the chapter about water, was interesting, as i've never thought about drowning in a river as a baptism, and thought of it more as a progression to the plot.
Gotta love symoblism, right?
What i thought was confusing was Ch 16 and Ch 17, yes, the sex chapters. When people aren't having sex, they are, and when they are, it means something entirely different. WHAT?! But does this apply to contemporary writing? I mean, back then, sex was practically taboo, and was not to be mentioned to the public. Now, its practically everywhere, in movies, television, etc.
So would a sex scene be to convey another message...or just for giggles?
Especially with predicting character's motives and actions, i found it interesting to know how to identify with Christian figures, which could help predict their actions. And Ch.18, the chapter about water, was interesting, as i've never thought about drowning in a river as a baptism, and thought of it more as a progression to the plot.
Gotta love symoblism, right?
What i thought was confusing was Ch 16 and Ch 17, yes, the sex chapters. When people aren't having sex, they are, and when they are, it means something entirely different. WHAT?! But does this apply to contemporary writing? I mean, back then, sex was practically taboo, and was not to be mentioned to the public. Now, its practically everywhere, in movies, television, etc.
So would a sex scene be to convey another message...or just for giggles?
Friday, July 2, 2010
2. How To Read Literature Like A Professor ch. 8-13
Gotta love late blog entries! It's 12:24 and i have nothing else to do, so what can i say, i might as well be productive.
It's interesting to say that people can borrow the format of simple folklore/fairy tails, and implement them in their own writing. So is there ever truly an original work of writing? Are we subjected to follow similar works in order to produce great stories? Is there anything that authors can create WITHOUT borrow from another piece of text? Those questions have been burning into my head for awhile now.
The ch about weather (ch 10 i think?) was really interesting, because i always thought of weather as a theatrical element rather than as a plot device or as an important element to the story. Apparently the cliche "it was a dark and stormy night" means something after all, not just to create a setting.
It's still confusing to me how symbols work. ANYTHING can be a symbol...yet its not. It is but isn't at the same time. HEADACHE! But its so interesting to know that a symbol is based on perspective and the reader's previous knowledge, and that anything can be a symbol, as long as there's some way to tie it to the theme of the story, no matter how obscure it is.
Okay, i just wanted to add another paragraph...because i can. I'll read more, and maybe i'll blog again around 3 or 4....maybe...not...get some sleep AP students!
It's interesting to say that people can borrow the format of simple folklore/fairy tails, and implement them in their own writing. So is there ever truly an original work of writing? Are we subjected to follow similar works in order to produce great stories? Is there anything that authors can create WITHOUT borrow from another piece of text? Those questions have been burning into my head for awhile now.
The ch about weather (ch 10 i think?) was really interesting, because i always thought of weather as a theatrical element rather than as a plot device or as an important element to the story. Apparently the cliche "it was a dark and stormy night" means something after all, not just to create a setting.
It's still confusing to me how symbols work. ANYTHING can be a symbol...yet its not. It is but isn't at the same time. HEADACHE! But its so interesting to know that a symbol is based on perspective and the reader's previous knowledge, and that anything can be a symbol, as long as there's some way to tie it to the theme of the story, no matter how obscure it is.
Okay, i just wanted to add another paragraph...because i can. I'll read more, and maybe i'll blog again around 3 or 4....maybe...not...get some sleep AP students!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
1. How to Read Literature Like A Professor Ch. 1-7
I'll be frank - I just started reading this book a few hours ago and got this far. But in such a short span of time, I've learned a lot about literature! I've noticed some ties between literature before, but what really surprised me was the ties with Shakespeare and the Bible. Some examples are blatantly obvious, such as the short story "Obsolete" in Chuck Palahnuik's novel, Haunted ( a great book to read, especially around 3 o'clock in the morning), where he uses the biblical reference to Adam and Eve, and puts them in a world where death is humanity's way to " emigrate" to paradise. But after reading those 6 chapters, i tied it in with the readings that we read last year and found our literature to be way more interesting. Take Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby (groan 3rd period Riskind). Perhaps Jay Gatsby's death was a comparison to Jesus Christ's death, as they both die for obviously different reasons, but have an ideal to live a dream - Gatsby for Daisy, Jesus for peace on earth. Anyways, i'll continue to read and see how far i get in the next few hours so peace :]
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