Blog 17: Further Ideas for Research
If I was to have to write a research paper for this class, there would be many different areas that I would be able to touch on. Would include topics ranging from the role of women in the books that we have read, to the different styles in which the books are written to capture the reader. Other topics such as the different ways in which the books are classified, and what aspects of the book allows you as a reader to group them into that category is also interesting. I decided that one of the most interesting aspects of all the books we read this semester was the precisely the difference of each book in how it portrays the story to the reader.
The first groups of books were classified as high fantasy, and included books such as The Hobbit and Redwall. These two books told a story about animals and their journey. They were classified as high fantasy and it takes place in another world. This other world can be classified as being parallel to our universe. The second group of books we read were classified as Real vs. Secondary World. These books included The Phoenix and the Carpet, The Magician’s Nephew, and The Goblet of Fire. Each one of these books included both the real world, the world in which we live in now, and the secondary world, a world in which the characters of the story are able to travel to. These two genres of books are similar to each other in that they include that secondary, or parallel world, but the second group does now have the aspect of high fantasy.
The next set of books we delved into in class were dystopia. These books included Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, The Giver, Among the Hidden, The City of Ember. What makes these books a dystopia is the aspect of an alternate reality in a controlled society, where everything must be perfect. Finally, the last groups of books that we are just finishing up now are the grotesque/dark fantasy books. These included James and the Giant Peach, The bad Beginning, and Coraline. All of these books have the idea of horror and death riding on the dark fantasy aspect, and things being out of place, or odd and disturbing in the grotesque aspect.
All in all, I thought the different ways in which each story was written, and how it could be classified into a larger gene because of the characters, or world in which they inhabited would be a great idea for further research.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Blog 16: Rhetorical Reflection, Notable Moment, Analysis-Coraline
Blog 16: Rhetorical Reflection, Notable Moment, Analysis-Coraline
Rhetorical Reflection: Coraline
Coraline, the last book of the semester is one that I have neither read, nor heard of. It is described as being the “book that tells a fascinating and disturbing story that frightened me nearly to death” by Lemony Snicket. This book, by Neil Gaiman, was a New York Times best seller, and it has also been made into a movie. From reading the back cover, the story line is about a girl who discovers a house that is almost exactly like her own and she must find a way to return to her own life and escape the family who wants to make her their own. Although dark gloomy books are not my favorite, I look forward to reading this book over thanksgiving break, and seeing how the story unfolds.
Notable Moment: Coraline
After finishing Coraline, I have to admit that it is not one of my favorite books. The plot line was very creepy and I don’t think that I would choose to read this book on my own. With that said, there were plenty of moments that caught my interest. Whether it was the two ladies Miss. Forcible or Miss. Spink, or Mr. Bobo the characters were very interesting and had their own stories about themselves. A notable moment that I enjoyed was closer to the beginning of the book in chapter four. This marked the beginning of Coraline’s journey in the other house with the other mother, and other father. Also, the animals can talk here and this is where Coraline meets the cat. After much discussion Coraline tries to be nice to the cat and asks its name.
“The cat yawned slowly, carefully, revealing a mouth and tongue of astounding pinkness, ‘Cats don’t have names,’ it said. ‘No?’ said Coraline. ‘No,’ said the cat. ‘Now, you people have names. That’s because you don’t know who you are. We know who we are so we don’t need names.”
All in all, this introduction with the cat grew into a friendship between Coraline and the animal and ended with them both being saved and escaping the other family.
Analysis: Coraline
For the Analysis of Coraline I wanted to focus mainly on the button eyes that the other mother and other father have and what they portray in the book. Of course there can be many different meanings for the button eyes, but in my opinion I thought of rag dolls upon the mention of them. Because rag dolls have these button eyes and are only dolls they are controlled by the person who plays with them.
In the case of this story, the other mother was trying to turn Coraline into something that she could control and she was doing it by the button eyes. If Coraline was to accept the button eyes, and allow the other mother to put them on her, she would no longer be able to see the world around her and, in essence, would be controlled by the other mother like a rag doll.
Also, the button eyes take away your vision and no longer allow you to feel as free as you would if you had eyes. Finally, the button eyes of the mother are unique in the fact that she takes away others eyes to make up for her eyes being taken, and it is a way for her to steal souls.
Rhetorical Reflection: Coraline
Coraline, the last book of the semester is one that I have neither read, nor heard of. It is described as being the “book that tells a fascinating and disturbing story that frightened me nearly to death” by Lemony Snicket. This book, by Neil Gaiman, was a New York Times best seller, and it has also been made into a movie. From reading the back cover, the story line is about a girl who discovers a house that is almost exactly like her own and she must find a way to return to her own life and escape the family who wants to make her their own. Although dark gloomy books are not my favorite, I look forward to reading this book over thanksgiving break, and seeing how the story unfolds.
Notable Moment: Coraline
After finishing Coraline, I have to admit that it is not one of my favorite books. The plot line was very creepy and I don’t think that I would choose to read this book on my own. With that said, there were plenty of moments that caught my interest. Whether it was the two ladies Miss. Forcible or Miss. Spink, or Mr. Bobo the characters were very interesting and had their own stories about themselves. A notable moment that I enjoyed was closer to the beginning of the book in chapter four. This marked the beginning of Coraline’s journey in the other house with the other mother, and other father. Also, the animals can talk here and this is where Coraline meets the cat. After much discussion Coraline tries to be nice to the cat and asks its name.
“The cat yawned slowly, carefully, revealing a mouth and tongue of astounding pinkness, ‘Cats don’t have names,’ it said. ‘No?’ said Coraline. ‘No,’ said the cat. ‘Now, you people have names. That’s because you don’t know who you are. We know who we are so we don’t need names.”
All in all, this introduction with the cat grew into a friendship between Coraline and the animal and ended with them both being saved and escaping the other family.
Analysis: Coraline
For the Analysis of Coraline I wanted to focus mainly on the button eyes that the other mother and other father have and what they portray in the book. Of course there can be many different meanings for the button eyes, but in my opinion I thought of rag dolls upon the mention of them. Because rag dolls have these button eyes and are only dolls they are controlled by the person who plays with them.
In the case of this story, the other mother was trying to turn Coraline into something that she could control and she was doing it by the button eyes. If Coraline was to accept the button eyes, and allow the other mother to put them on her, she would no longer be able to see the world around her and, in essence, would be controlled by the other mother like a rag doll.
Also, the button eyes take away your vision and no longer allow you to feel as free as you would if you had eyes. Finally, the button eyes of the mother are unique in the fact that she takes away others eyes to make up for her eyes being taken, and it is a way for her to steal souls.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Blog 15-Retorical Reflection, Notable Moment and Analysis: Lemony Snicket
Blog 15-Retorical Reflection, Notable Moment and Analysis: Lemony Snicket
Rhetorical Reflection
The Bad Beginning is the first book of thirteen in the A Series of Unfortunate Events. They are written by Lemony Snicket, and although I know little about the book itself, I do know that a movie was made over the first book. After reading the back cover, I somewhat gave a little chuckle. The back cover explanation of the book goes on to say how horrible the story will be in the book and how the three characters will have bad luck, and then at the end goes on to say that you could put the book down and choose a happier one if you prefer. Judging from that review I don’t know if I am looking forward to reading the book or and we will have to see it I enjoy it.
Notable Moment
After finishing The Bad Beginning, it is hard to find a moment that is notable in this book. All of the scenes end in something bad happening to the children, and it is hard to find a moment that is enjoyable for me a reader. After much thought, I decided that the moment at the end of the book when it had become clear that the once legal marriage is now illegal because Violet signed her name on the official document with her left hand instead of her right hand which is her dominant hand.
“Finally, she smiled. ‘If Violet is indeed right-handed,’ she said carefully, ‘and she signed the document with her left hand, then it follow that the signature does not fulfill the requirements for the nuptial law. The law clearly states the document must be signed in the brides own hand.”
The quote above, stated by Justice Strauss, shows the reasoning behind the marriage not being legal. This part of the book was probably my favorite at the time because this is probably one of the few happy moments that occurs in the book. Although this is not the point of the book, because it is all about bad beginnings, I enjoyed that the book did have some happy moments.
Analysis
A series of unfortunate events is a unique book in the way that it is written. The author makes the book educational in that words are introduced to the reader, and they are then defined. The first word to be introduced to the reader in the book is rickety, and following that it is then defined as being unsteady, or likely to collapse.
The uniqueness of the way the author does this subtly to introduce new words to the reader is very interesting. I have never read a book like this is way the author has written it, and the style that it is written. Because of this, I enjoyed the book, and thought that the way these words are introduced to the reader make the book easier to read also. This style was a nice spin on the book, and I thought it was a great asset to the book.
Rhetorical Reflection
The Bad Beginning is the first book of thirteen in the A Series of Unfortunate Events. They are written by Lemony Snicket, and although I know little about the book itself, I do know that a movie was made over the first book. After reading the back cover, I somewhat gave a little chuckle. The back cover explanation of the book goes on to say how horrible the story will be in the book and how the three characters will have bad luck, and then at the end goes on to say that you could put the book down and choose a happier one if you prefer. Judging from that review I don’t know if I am looking forward to reading the book or and we will have to see it I enjoy it.
Notable Moment
After finishing The Bad Beginning, it is hard to find a moment that is notable in this book. All of the scenes end in something bad happening to the children, and it is hard to find a moment that is enjoyable for me a reader. After much thought, I decided that the moment at the end of the book when it had become clear that the once legal marriage is now illegal because Violet signed her name on the official document with her left hand instead of her right hand which is her dominant hand.
“Finally, she smiled. ‘If Violet is indeed right-handed,’ she said carefully, ‘and she signed the document with her left hand, then it follow that the signature does not fulfill the requirements for the nuptial law. The law clearly states the document must be signed in the brides own hand.”
The quote above, stated by Justice Strauss, shows the reasoning behind the marriage not being legal. This part of the book was probably my favorite at the time because this is probably one of the few happy moments that occurs in the book. Although this is not the point of the book, because it is all about bad beginnings, I enjoyed that the book did have some happy moments.
Analysis
A series of unfortunate events is a unique book in the way that it is written. The author makes the book educational in that words are introduced to the reader, and they are then defined. The first word to be introduced to the reader in the book is rickety, and following that it is then defined as being unsteady, or likely to collapse.
The uniqueness of the way the author does this subtly to introduce new words to the reader is very interesting. I have never read a book like this is way the author has written it, and the style that it is written. Because of this, I enjoyed the book, and thought that the way these words are introduced to the reader make the book easier to read also. This style was a nice spin on the book, and I thought it was a great asset to the book.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Blog 13 B/C-Notable Moment and Analysis: James and the Giant Peach
Blog 13 B/C-Notable Moment and Analysis: James and the Giant Peach
After reading James and the Giant Peach, it is hard for me to choose one notable moment. There are so many situations in the book where I’m drawn in. Whether it is the evil aunts getting crushed by the giant peach, or it is James catching seagulls to tie to the stem of the peach the book was enjoyable for me. My favorite part beyond all is when James introduces all of the insects to the city of New York.
He first introduces the centipede and makes up a poem about him.
“My friends, this is the Centipede, and let me make it known
He is so sweet and gentle that (although he’s overgrown)
The Queen of Spain, again and again, has summoned him by phone
To baby-sit and sing and knit and be a chaperone
When nurse is off and all the royal children are alone”
Once James is done introducing the Centipede he then goes on to introduce the earthworm, then the grass-hopper, glow-worm, miss spider, ladybug, and finally silkworm. Each poem was unique in its own way describing each insect. Upon finishing up the last poem about the silkworm, the insects and James are all saved from the Empire State Building. This is then pretty much the end of the story and then it is illustrated that James lives inside the giant peach pit in the middle of central park.
Analysis
For my analysis of James and the Giant Peach, I have decided to do it over whether or not James lived happily ever after or not. After finishing reading the book myself I was under the impression that he did live happily ever after. James was no longer trapped by his evil aunts in their house up on the hill. He now had friends that were other children, and he was not isolated away from society any longer. Also, he had a home where he lived inside the giant peach pit and had visitors every day. He was described as being famous and had more fame than most of the other insects that made their way over to the United States with him.
On the other hand, you can argue that James did not have a happy ending. First of all he lived in a peach pit in the middle of central park in one of the most crime ridden cities in the United States. He had not real family at all anymore. He only had a celebrity sort of fame and was never going to be able to live the life of a just a child. He had visitors come, but he did not have any friends. All in all, I feel that Roald Dahl intended for the book to have a happy ending for James, so I would have to argue with the first side of the story I argued.
After reading James and the Giant Peach, it is hard for me to choose one notable moment. There are so many situations in the book where I’m drawn in. Whether it is the evil aunts getting crushed by the giant peach, or it is James catching seagulls to tie to the stem of the peach the book was enjoyable for me. My favorite part beyond all is when James introduces all of the insects to the city of New York.
He first introduces the centipede and makes up a poem about him.
“My friends, this is the Centipede, and let me make it known
He is so sweet and gentle that (although he’s overgrown)
The Queen of Spain, again and again, has summoned him by phone
To baby-sit and sing and knit and be a chaperone
When nurse is off and all the royal children are alone”
Once James is done introducing the Centipede he then goes on to introduce the earthworm, then the grass-hopper, glow-worm, miss spider, ladybug, and finally silkworm. Each poem was unique in its own way describing each insect. Upon finishing up the last poem about the silkworm, the insects and James are all saved from the Empire State Building. This is then pretty much the end of the story and then it is illustrated that James lives inside the giant peach pit in the middle of central park.
Analysis
For my analysis of James and the Giant Peach, I have decided to do it over whether or not James lived happily ever after or not. After finishing reading the book myself I was under the impression that he did live happily ever after. James was no longer trapped by his evil aunts in their house up on the hill. He now had friends that were other children, and he was not isolated away from society any longer. Also, he had a home where he lived inside the giant peach pit and had visitors every day. He was described as being famous and had more fame than most of the other insects that made their way over to the United States with him.
On the other hand, you can argue that James did not have a happy ending. First of all he lived in a peach pit in the middle of central park in one of the most crime ridden cities in the United States. He had not real family at all anymore. He only had a celebrity sort of fame and was never going to be able to live the life of a just a child. He had visitors come, but he did not have any friends. All in all, I feel that Roald Dahl intended for the book to have a happy ending for James, so I would have to argue with the first side of the story I argued.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Blog 13A-Anticipating the Novel: James and the Giant Peach
Blog 13A-Anticipating the Novel: James and the Giant Peach
So I am aware that we do not have to do an anticipating the novel for James and the Giant Peach, but this is the one book that I had read on the whole list so I decided I would blog on it. First of all, James and the Giant Peach was a book that I read when I was little, and I remember getting to watch the movie after I had read the book. I don’t remember everything from the book, but I do remember enough that I know that I liked it. Overall, I look forward to reading the book again, and reliving the adventure.
So I am aware that we do not have to do an anticipating the novel for James and the Giant Peach, but this is the one book that I had read on the whole list so I decided I would blog on it. First of all, James and the Giant Peach was a book that I read when I was little, and I remember getting to watch the movie after I had read the book. I don’t remember everything from the book, but I do remember enough that I know that I liked it. Overall, I look forward to reading the book again, and reliving the adventure.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Blog 12C-Analysis: The City of Ember
Blog 12C-Analysis: The City of Ember
The city of ember, the last dystopia book that we will have read for the semester is one that is full of desire. From the view of Lina and Doon, they both have a growing desire in the book, which eventually turns into one. Which is to break out from the city of ember using the note in which Lina has discovered.
Lina’s desire is very clear from the beginning of the book; it is made obvious what she wants. She wants to have a good job, one that she likes, and one that she will enjoy. Lina’s desire then shifts once she starts discovering things out about the city of ember. She starts to realize that the note she has found in her house if important in some way, and she somehow needs to find out what it is talking about.
Doon on the other hand, has desire to bring good to the city and save it from perishing. He soon discovers that he will not be able to do this once he realizes the declining state of the city of ember and how much corruption there is from the mayor and higher authorities. This in turn results in collaboration between Lina and Doon to figure out the note and uncover all the clues and find out what they need to do to save the city of ember and help everyone escape. Finally, once the two are able to escape, along with Lina’s little sister Poppy, they are able to look back down on the city and give them instructions on how to find their way out, and hope that they have the same desire to find a better life not in fear of darkness.
The city of ember, the last dystopia book that we will have read for the semester is one that is full of desire. From the view of Lina and Doon, they both have a growing desire in the book, which eventually turns into one. Which is to break out from the city of ember using the note in which Lina has discovered.
Lina’s desire is very clear from the beginning of the book; it is made obvious what she wants. She wants to have a good job, one that she likes, and one that she will enjoy. Lina’s desire then shifts once she starts discovering things out about the city of ember. She starts to realize that the note she has found in her house if important in some way, and she somehow needs to find out what it is talking about.
Doon on the other hand, has desire to bring good to the city and save it from perishing. He soon discovers that he will not be able to do this once he realizes the declining state of the city of ember and how much corruption there is from the mayor and higher authorities. This in turn results in collaboration between Lina and Doon to figure out the note and uncover all the clues and find out what they need to do to save the city of ember and help everyone escape. Finally, once the two are able to escape, along with Lina’s little sister Poppy, they are able to look back down on the city and give them instructions on how to find their way out, and hope that they have the same desire to find a better life not in fear of darkness.
Blog 12B-Notable Moment: The City of Ember
Blog 12B-Notable Moment: The City of Ember
Among all the excitement in this book, the notable moment which stands out the most to me would have to be the scene where Lina and Doon are exploring the pipeworks, trying to find any clue as to what the note is about. In this specific scene, Lina and Doon find a door, which is at the end of a pathway. This door has a lock on it, and they are unable to get in, but they can see that there is a light inside. The noise of footsteps causes them to scatter quickly, but they soon see a person with a very familiar walk. The door opens, and closes and then noises from above are heard. The person who inhabits this room is found out to be the mayor of the town. Below is an excerpt from chapter 9, The door in the roped off tunnel.
“Lina felt a smooth, hard surface. There was a round metal knob, and below the knob, a keyhole. It seemed an ordinary door—not at all like the entrance to a new world. But that was what made things so exciting—nothing was every how you expected it to be.”
“‘Quick,’ Doon whispered. He made his way back toward the lighted tunnel, with Lina following. They ducked under the rope and rounded a turn, then stopped, stood still, and listened. A harsh scraping sound. A thud. A pause…and then a sound of an impact, a short, explosive breath, and a muttered word in a gruff, low voice.”
These two excerpts both show the intensity of this scene. Lina and Doon are starting to find out the truths about the city. The further explorations in the pipeworks eventually lead to their escape into the real world with grass, and birds, etc. All in all, I felt this scene was a notable moment because it was one of first moments in which the reader realizes that something is just not right with the way things work in the city of ember.
Among all the excitement in this book, the notable moment which stands out the most to me would have to be the scene where Lina and Doon are exploring the pipeworks, trying to find any clue as to what the note is about. In this specific scene, Lina and Doon find a door, which is at the end of a pathway. This door has a lock on it, and they are unable to get in, but they can see that there is a light inside. The noise of footsteps causes them to scatter quickly, but they soon see a person with a very familiar walk. The door opens, and closes and then noises from above are heard. The person who inhabits this room is found out to be the mayor of the town. Below is an excerpt from chapter 9, The door in the roped off tunnel.
“Lina felt a smooth, hard surface. There was a round metal knob, and below the knob, a keyhole. It seemed an ordinary door—not at all like the entrance to a new world. But that was what made things so exciting—nothing was every how you expected it to be.”
“‘Quick,’ Doon whispered. He made his way back toward the lighted tunnel, with Lina following. They ducked under the rope and rounded a turn, then stopped, stood still, and listened. A harsh scraping sound. A thud. A pause…and then a sound of an impact, a short, explosive breath, and a muttered word in a gruff, low voice.”
These two excerpts both show the intensity of this scene. Lina and Doon are starting to find out the truths about the city. The further explorations in the pipeworks eventually lead to their escape into the real world with grass, and birds, etc. All in all, I felt this scene was a notable moment because it was one of first moments in which the reader realizes that something is just not right with the way things work in the city of ember.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Blog 11C-Analysis: Among the Hidden
Blog 11C-Analysis: Among the Hidden
Among the Hidden is the second dystopia book that we have read and this book definitely had many characteristics of a dystopia that are clear to me as a reader. First of all, it is stated in the book that the society in which they live in is totalitarian; it is not a democracy anymore. Also, there are rules that make up the society in which everyone must follow, similar to the giver. The idea of having a third or fourth or even fifth child is against the law and if someone is discovered to have a shadow child, as they call these children, there are consequences to follow. Another way in which this book becomes classified as a dystopia is by the absence of freedom. This is shown multiple times in the book. It is clear when Luke’s father gets a letter in the mail saying that he is forbidden to grow anything inside, and all of the things that he has bought will be confiscated. All in all, the book was very interesting and it would be interesting to be able to read some of the other books in the shadow children series.
Among the Hidden is the second dystopia book that we have read and this book definitely had many characteristics of a dystopia that are clear to me as a reader. First of all, it is stated in the book that the society in which they live in is totalitarian; it is not a democracy anymore. Also, there are rules that make up the society in which everyone must follow, similar to the giver. The idea of having a third or fourth or even fifth child is against the law and if someone is discovered to have a shadow child, as they call these children, there are consequences to follow. Another way in which this book becomes classified as a dystopia is by the absence of freedom. This is shown multiple times in the book. It is clear when Luke’s father gets a letter in the mail saying that he is forbidden to grow anything inside, and all of the things that he has bought will be confiscated. All in all, the book was very interesting and it would be interesting to be able to read some of the other books in the shadow children series.
Blog 11B-Notable Moment: Among the Hidden
Blog 11B-Notable Moment: Among the Hidden
Having started Among the Hidden on a Sunday morning, I finished it that same evening and was surprised how captivating the book was. After reading the back cover, the story seemed interesting, but it seemed somewhat gloomy and not the normal type of book I would enjoy. Although, there were a few notable moments that I thought sparked my interest in the story and kept me reading. When Luke gets the courage to sneak over to the sports family house and discovers Jen, this is a great part of the book. My favorite part is probably when Luke sneaks back into Jens house and her step father surprises him while he is trying to find out where Jen went.
This scene shows so many emotions in it, and I changed from being terrified that Luke was going to die to being upset to realize that Jen had died at her rally, to being scared again when the population police show up to raid the house. Luke is terrified when he hears, “Turn around slowly. I have a gun. Who are you and why are you here?”. The situation then turns to a sad mood when her step father says, “‘Jens—‘ his voice broke. ‘Jen is no longer with us.’ ‘She –?’ She’s dead,’ the man’s voice said harshly.” Finally, Luke becomes terrified, he hears “pounding on the door, and then the command, ‘Open up! Population Police!” This whole relay of events if so exhilarating that the rest of book flew by as I read till the read.
Having started Among the Hidden on a Sunday morning, I finished it that same evening and was surprised how captivating the book was. After reading the back cover, the story seemed interesting, but it seemed somewhat gloomy and not the normal type of book I would enjoy. Although, there were a few notable moments that I thought sparked my interest in the story and kept me reading. When Luke gets the courage to sneak over to the sports family house and discovers Jen, this is a great part of the book. My favorite part is probably when Luke sneaks back into Jens house and her step father surprises him while he is trying to find out where Jen went.
This scene shows so many emotions in it, and I changed from being terrified that Luke was going to die to being upset to realize that Jen had died at her rally, to being scared again when the population police show up to raid the house. Luke is terrified when he hears, “Turn around slowly. I have a gun. Who are you and why are you here?”. The situation then turns to a sad mood when her step father says, “‘Jens—‘ his voice broke. ‘Jen is no longer with us.’ ‘She –?’ She’s dead,’ the man’s voice said harshly.” Finally, Luke becomes terrified, he hears “pounding on the door, and then the command, ‘Open up! Population Police!” This whole relay of events if so exhilarating that the rest of book flew by as I read till the read.
Blog 11C-Analysis: The Giver
Blog 11C-Analysis: The Giver
With the Giver finished, I realized that the thing that most interested me throughout the whole book was all of the rules that the community had and were expected to follow. The importance of rules for the society was to provide structure and balance. Nobody was able to escape the rules in any way. The time Jonas brought home an apple from school, there was an announcement played over the loudspeakers that snacks are to be eaten, not hoarded. It was obvious at the time to Jonas that he was the one that the announcement was directed towards.
The reason for all of these rules in the society is stated simply to be for safety. Without the rules, the people are lost. This was shown when the community was victim to the memories from Rosemary, the past receiver, after her release. The effect of all the rules results in total control over the community. Nobody is allowed to brag, or ride a bike if you have not reached your ninth birthday yet. You are only allowed two children to a family, a boy and a girl and the parents are chosen by the elders. You must apply for a child, and you don’t always get one.
Again, the rules are like a safety blanket for the community. Nobody is able to break them and everybody must follow them. This is what makes the community so unique, and what interested me in the book as a reader. Because I have never experienced anything like it before, experiencing the way that this community worked and the ways in which the people interacted was what kept me interested as a reader. All in all, the Giver was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it, and it was a very quick read for me.
With the Giver finished, I realized that the thing that most interested me throughout the whole book was all of the rules that the community had and were expected to follow. The importance of rules for the society was to provide structure and balance. Nobody was able to escape the rules in any way. The time Jonas brought home an apple from school, there was an announcement played over the loudspeakers that snacks are to be eaten, not hoarded. It was obvious at the time to Jonas that he was the one that the announcement was directed towards.
The reason for all of these rules in the society is stated simply to be for safety. Without the rules, the people are lost. This was shown when the community was victim to the memories from Rosemary, the past receiver, after her release. The effect of all the rules results in total control over the community. Nobody is allowed to brag, or ride a bike if you have not reached your ninth birthday yet. You are only allowed two children to a family, a boy and a girl and the parents are chosen by the elders. You must apply for a child, and you don’t always get one.
Again, the rules are like a safety blanket for the community. Nobody is able to break them and everybody must follow them. This is what makes the community so unique, and what interested me in the book as a reader. Because I have never experienced anything like it before, experiencing the way that this community worked and the ways in which the people interacted was what kept me interested as a reader. All in all, the Giver was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it, and it was a very quick read for me.
Blog 11B-Notable Moment: The Giver
Blog 11B-Notable Moment: The Giver
Having finished the Giver, the notable moment that I have chosen is from the scene where Jonas discovers what being released is. This part of the book I felt was somewhat disturbing. This is because we as the reader become aware of the impact of being released, which is death by injection of anesthesia. Jonas finds out about being released by the video of his father injecting the baby twin that was born and this becomes emotionally tough for him. We then find out that Rosemary, the past receiver requested release, and her fate was handed to her in the same room as the baby. Below is an excerpt from this very scene with Rosemary.
“When the speaker notified me that Rosemary had applied for release, they turned on the tape to show me the process. There she was—my last glimpse of that beautiful child—waiting. They brought in the syringe and asked her to roll up her sleeve.”
This revelation for Jonas was so painful and he became so distraught that he ended up spending the night at the Givers. Jonas is so emotionally upset about his father’s actions and why he has never told them about it. Jonas, among all his rage says, “‘I won’t! I won’t go home! You can’t make me!’ Jonas sobbed and shouted and pounded the bed with his fists.” Because Jonas emotions were so out of control the Giver must then calm him down, and this is where the plan is then devised by the Giver and Jonas.
Having finished the Giver, the notable moment that I have chosen is from the scene where Jonas discovers what being released is. This part of the book I felt was somewhat disturbing. This is because we as the reader become aware of the impact of being released, which is death by injection of anesthesia. Jonas finds out about being released by the video of his father injecting the baby twin that was born and this becomes emotionally tough for him. We then find out that Rosemary, the past receiver requested release, and her fate was handed to her in the same room as the baby. Below is an excerpt from this very scene with Rosemary.
“When the speaker notified me that Rosemary had applied for release, they turned on the tape to show me the process. There she was—my last glimpse of that beautiful child—waiting. They brought in the syringe and asked her to roll up her sleeve.”
This revelation for Jonas was so painful and he became so distraught that he ended up spending the night at the Givers. Jonas is so emotionally upset about his father’s actions and why he has never told them about it. Jonas, among all his rage says, “‘I won’t! I won’t go home! You can’t make me!’ Jonas sobbed and shouted and pounded the bed with his fists.” Because Jonas emotions were so out of control the Giver must then calm him down, and this is where the plan is then devised by the Giver and Jonas.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Blog 10C-Analysis-Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Blog 10C-Analysis: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
After finishing Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and talking about it in class, the idea of nature versus humanity much more clear to me. The rats, which are animals, are born illustrating the idea of nature. They lived in a storm sewer pipe and snuck out at night to eat garbage leftover from the farmers market. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the rats till they were captured and tested in a laboratory setting. Before Nicodemus was captured he stated, “It was a rough life, but not so hard as you might think, because of the market.” This statement by Nicodemus perfectly illustrates the rats living in nature happily with few worries but getting food on Sundays in the Marketplace.
Upon the escape of the rats, and the few mice that made it, the rats no longer looked to live in a place such as the farmers market. They looked for something grander, for they were smarter and stronger. Nicodemus described it as, “We had, in a way, to learn all over again how to get along, for although the world outside the laboratory was the same, we were different.” He then goes on to describe how they had to eat garbage a few times and it is almost as though they are disgusted by this. This difference in the way they rats thought about themselves before and after the lab show just how much different their lives are from the marketplace to the rosebush. Being contrasted with electricity, elevators, and even windows the rats lives inside the rosebush are so much more advanced than their simple lives in nature by the marketplace. This is why the rats, especially Nicodemus, are eager to move ahead with the plan and no longer have to rely on the humans for everything that they want in life.
After finishing Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and talking about it in class, the idea of nature versus humanity much more clear to me. The rats, which are animals, are born illustrating the idea of nature. They lived in a storm sewer pipe and snuck out at night to eat garbage leftover from the farmers market. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the rats till they were captured and tested in a laboratory setting. Before Nicodemus was captured he stated, “It was a rough life, but not so hard as you might think, because of the market.” This statement by Nicodemus perfectly illustrates the rats living in nature happily with few worries but getting food on Sundays in the Marketplace.
Upon the escape of the rats, and the few mice that made it, the rats no longer looked to live in a place such as the farmers market. They looked for something grander, for they were smarter and stronger. Nicodemus described it as, “We had, in a way, to learn all over again how to get along, for although the world outside the laboratory was the same, we were different.” He then goes on to describe how they had to eat garbage a few times and it is almost as though they are disgusted by this. This difference in the way they rats thought about themselves before and after the lab show just how much different their lives are from the marketplace to the rosebush. Being contrasted with electricity, elevators, and even windows the rats lives inside the rosebush are so much more advanced than their simple lives in nature by the marketplace. This is why the rats, especially Nicodemus, are eager to move ahead with the plan and no longer have to rely on the humans for everything that they want in life.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Blog 10B-Notable Moment: Mrs. Frsiby and the Rats of NIMH
Blog 10B-Notable Moment: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
After reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, my overall opinion of the book was that it was a cute story that definitely served to teach some lessons. These lessons were seen through actions of the different animals, such as Nicodemus no longer believing in stealing. Although, of all the different journeys the rats had, and the different experiences that brought each different animal to the Fitzgibbon’s farm, Mrs. Frisby’s journey into the house was a notable moment for me.
It is first of all ironic that the task that lies ahead of her is the same task that her late husband, Jonathan Frisby, would perform for the rats. Also, this is the first part of the book where we, as the reader, are introduced to the Fitzgibbons and see them socializing as people. This awakened me up as the reader to the fact that I wanted Mrs. Frisby, the little mouse, to escape and not be captured by the humans. I wanted her to be set free.
The first thoughts of Mrs. Frisby after she had been caught in the colander by Billy were, “A few days! Mrs. Frisby felt sick. And after a few days—then what? Would they let her go? Or would Billy plead for a few more? But even if they did set her free—her children were alone; the rats were coming tonight to move her house. Why had Billy picked today, of all days, to sit on the stool?” This quote shows the maternal side of the mouse in that she is worried for her children, and then she becomes worried for the moving of the house, which is what got her captured in the first place.
By the end of the chapter, Seven Dead Rats, Mrs. Frisby becomes worried for the safety of not only her kids, but also the safety of the rats. This is portrayed at the end of the chapter where it is stated, “And now she had another urgent reason to get out of the cage. Somehow, she had to warn Nicodemus. All in all, this moment was notable because it shows the interaction of mice and people and how they are similar in values of family and friends.
After reading Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, my overall opinion of the book was that it was a cute story that definitely served to teach some lessons. These lessons were seen through actions of the different animals, such as Nicodemus no longer believing in stealing. Although, of all the different journeys the rats had, and the different experiences that brought each different animal to the Fitzgibbon’s farm, Mrs. Frisby’s journey into the house was a notable moment for me.
It is first of all ironic that the task that lies ahead of her is the same task that her late husband, Jonathan Frisby, would perform for the rats. Also, this is the first part of the book where we, as the reader, are introduced to the Fitzgibbons and see them socializing as people. This awakened me up as the reader to the fact that I wanted Mrs. Frisby, the little mouse, to escape and not be captured by the humans. I wanted her to be set free.
The first thoughts of Mrs. Frisby after she had been caught in the colander by Billy were, “A few days! Mrs. Frisby felt sick. And after a few days—then what? Would they let her go? Or would Billy plead for a few more? But even if they did set her free—her children were alone; the rats were coming tonight to move her house. Why had Billy picked today, of all days, to sit on the stool?” This quote shows the maternal side of the mouse in that she is worried for her children, and then she becomes worried for the moving of the house, which is what got her captured in the first place.
By the end of the chapter, Seven Dead Rats, Mrs. Frisby becomes worried for the safety of not only her kids, but also the safety of the rats. This is portrayed at the end of the chapter where it is stated, “And now she had another urgent reason to get out of the cage. Somehow, she had to warn Nicodemus. All in all, this moment was notable because it shows the interaction of mice and people and how they are similar in values of family and friends.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Blog 10A: Anticipating the Novel-Mrs. Frisby adn the Rats of NIMH
Blog 10A: Anticipating the Novel-Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is another book that I have not read. I am also unfamiliar with this book, and haven’t heard of it till this class. After reading the back cover, the book appears as though it will be “cute”. We will see if my opinion changes once I have read it. Based off of the back book summary, the book is about a widowed mouse with four children and she must move from where they are situated to their summer quarters or die. The one thing standing in the way if their move is the youngest son has pneumonia and he cannot be moved. This is where the rats of NIMH come into play.
First of all, I am not sure what NIMH stands for so I went to look it up and found that it stands for the National Institute of Mental Health. Don’t know if this was just a surprise for me, but I was a little taken aback by this. The rats come from NIMH, and they are not normal rats, they are laboratory rats. The book does look interesting, now that I have figured out a little more about it, and hopefully reading about these little mice will not only be cute, but also enjoyable.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is another book that I have not read. I am also unfamiliar with this book, and haven’t heard of it till this class. After reading the back cover, the book appears as though it will be “cute”. We will see if my opinion changes once I have read it. Based off of the back book summary, the book is about a widowed mouse with four children and she must move from where they are situated to their summer quarters or die. The one thing standing in the way if their move is the youngest son has pneumonia and he cannot be moved. This is where the rats of NIMH come into play.
First of all, I am not sure what NIMH stands for so I went to look it up and found that it stands for the National Institute of Mental Health. Don’t know if this was just a surprise for me, but I was a little taken aback by this. The rats come from NIMH, and they are not normal rats, they are laboratory rats. The book does look interesting, now that I have figured out a little more about it, and hopefully reading about these little mice will not only be cute, but also enjoyable.
Blog 9A-Anticipating the Novel: The Lightening Thief
Blog 9A: Anticipating the Novel-The Lightening Thief
Well, I have already purchased the Lightening Thief, so I figured why not write at least one blog on it, so here it goes. Since this is just an anticipating the novel blog, I intend only just to judge the book by its cover and back, and maybe even do a little research online. Based off of the cover, the book seems captivating the scene is very gloomy and shows a skyline with water and a boy holding a sword and in the air is lightening.
After reading the back summary, it seems as though the boy in the picture is Percy Jackson who is the main character in the story. The book seems full of excitement, and the story seems to have a thick plot line based on Greek mythology. Also this book is a part of a series, but it is the first book in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series. While looking this book online, I also discovered that there is a movie which was made after the book. I will admit that I probably will not read this book, but all in all, it seems as though it would have been an enjoyable read seeing as though it was a New York Times #1 best-selling series.
Well, I have already purchased the Lightening Thief, so I figured why not write at least one blog on it, so here it goes. Since this is just an anticipating the novel blog, I intend only just to judge the book by its cover and back, and maybe even do a little research online. Based off of the cover, the book seems captivating the scene is very gloomy and shows a skyline with water and a boy holding a sword and in the air is lightening.
After reading the back summary, it seems as though the boy in the picture is Percy Jackson who is the main character in the story. The book seems full of excitement, and the story seems to have a thick plot line based on Greek mythology. Also this book is a part of a series, but it is the first book in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series. While looking this book online, I also discovered that there is a movie which was made after the book. I will admit that I probably will not read this book, but all in all, it seems as though it would have been an enjoyable read seeing as though it was a New York Times #1 best-selling series.
Blog 8-Analysis: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Blog 8: Analysis of Nesbit, Lewis, and/or Rowling-
After reading all three novels assigned by Nesbit, Lewis, and Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was definitely my favorite book. The Magicians Nephew came in second, and was followed by The Phoenix and the Carpet in third. As a result, I have chosen to do my analysis on Harry Potter. There are many different themes that run through harry potter, anything from relationships to different nationalities, and even race, all of which we discussed in class. One steady theme that I recognized throughout the whole book was that of growth.
I felt this theme, or idea, was shown constantly in the book. Whether it be the relationship Harry had with Ron and Hermione, or the one he had with Mad-eye Moody. Each one grew in its own unique way, and this was especially true for Harry’s relationship with Cedric Diggory.
Both boys were chosen to represent Hogwarts for the tri-wizard tournament, but from the start there was a dislike for Harry which was shown in the pins that the students wore. These pins read, “Support Cedric Diggory—the real Hogwarts champion!” and when pressed flashed another saying, “Potter stinks”. When it came down to it though, Harry was the first to reach out to Cedric and warn him of their first task, which were the dragons. As the story progressed, Harry then is stuck with solving the golden egg, but Cedric is the one to give him advice and help him complete the task. The last task is where the true growth between the two boys is seen. In the end, Cedric is killed, but Harry is the one who brought his body back with him, and was visibly upset about the series of events which unfolded.
While I felt that Cedric’s and Harry’s relationship was the one that grew the most in this book, there were also others that were very important and influential on the book. These included relationships among Dumbledore, Mad eye Moody, Krum and Hermione, and many more.
After reading all three novels assigned by Nesbit, Lewis, and Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was definitely my favorite book. The Magicians Nephew came in second, and was followed by The Phoenix and the Carpet in third. As a result, I have chosen to do my analysis on Harry Potter. There are many different themes that run through harry potter, anything from relationships to different nationalities, and even race, all of which we discussed in class. One steady theme that I recognized throughout the whole book was that of growth.
I felt this theme, or idea, was shown constantly in the book. Whether it be the relationship Harry had with Ron and Hermione, or the one he had with Mad-eye Moody. Each one grew in its own unique way, and this was especially true for Harry’s relationship with Cedric Diggory.
Both boys were chosen to represent Hogwarts for the tri-wizard tournament, but from the start there was a dislike for Harry which was shown in the pins that the students wore. These pins read, “Support Cedric Diggory—the real Hogwarts champion!” and when pressed flashed another saying, “Potter stinks”. When it came down to it though, Harry was the first to reach out to Cedric and warn him of their first task, which were the dragons. As the story progressed, Harry then is stuck with solving the golden egg, but Cedric is the one to give him advice and help him complete the task. The last task is where the true growth between the two boys is seen. In the end, Cedric is killed, but Harry is the one who brought his body back with him, and was visibly upset about the series of events which unfolded.
While I felt that Cedric’s and Harry’s relationship was the one that grew the most in this book, there were also others that were very important and influential on the book. These included relationships among Dumbledore, Mad eye Moody, Krum and Hermione, and many more.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Blog 7B-Notable Moment: Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
Blog 7B-Notable Moment: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in the series written by J.K. Rowling. In this book, Harry Potter is chosen to compete in the Triwizard Tournament and the way in which he was selected for this tournament was very unique. First of all, Harry’s age proved to be a factor in him actually being able to put his name in the Goblet of Fire for the tournament. This is because Dumbledore stated,
“To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation, said Dumbledore, I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross the line.”
This quote is significant because it shows that Harry was not the one who put his name in the Goblet of Fire, it had to be someone else. The following night when the Goblet of Fire chooses Harry Potter, it is evident that he is an exception to the rule in more ways than one. His name somehow getting placed in the goblet is one exception, his age is seen as another, with him only being fourteen at the time. Also, there are normally three magicians who are chosen to compete, but Harry is the fourth. Lastly, because Harry’s name was placed in the Goblet he has to compete in the tournament till the very end. It is ironic how during the feast,
“Harry thought briefly of Dumbledore’s insistence that nobody under seventeen should submit their name, but then the wonderful picture of himself winning the Triwizard Tournament filled his mind again…he wondered how angry Dumbledore would be if someone younger than seventeen did find a way to get over the Age Line…”
This quote is just one example of the foreshadowing that J.K. Rowling uses to show to the reader that there are exceptions to the rules and Harry Potter proves that he is an exception.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in the series written by J.K. Rowling. In this book, Harry Potter is chosen to compete in the Triwizard Tournament and the way in which he was selected for this tournament was very unique. First of all, Harry’s age proved to be a factor in him actually being able to put his name in the Goblet of Fire for the tournament. This is because Dumbledore stated,
“To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation, said Dumbledore, I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross the line.”
This quote is significant because it shows that Harry was not the one who put his name in the Goblet of Fire, it had to be someone else. The following night when the Goblet of Fire chooses Harry Potter, it is evident that he is an exception to the rule in more ways than one. His name somehow getting placed in the goblet is one exception, his age is seen as another, with him only being fourteen at the time. Also, there are normally three magicians who are chosen to compete, but Harry is the fourth. Lastly, because Harry’s name was placed in the Goblet he has to compete in the tournament till the very end. It is ironic how during the feast,
“Harry thought briefly of Dumbledore’s insistence that nobody under seventeen should submit their name, but then the wonderful picture of himself winning the Triwizard Tournament filled his mind again…he wondered how angry Dumbledore would be if someone younger than seventeen did find a way to get over the Age Line…”
This quote is just one example of the foreshadowing that J.K. Rowling uses to show to the reader that there are exceptions to the rules and Harry Potter proves that he is an exception.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Blog 7A-Anticipating the Novel: Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire
Blog 7A: Anticipating the Novel-Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I am finally getting around to writing this blog for anticipating the Harry Potter book that we will be reading this week for class. Of course I have heard of Harry Potter, and I have read some of the books, but I did not get around to reading this book in my childhood. I believe that I stopped after the second or the third book in the series. I know most of these books are a continuation of the previous one before so it will be interesting to read the fourth book in the series.
Also, along with it being the fourth book, The Goblet of Fire was also made into a movie some five years later. It will be interesting to see some of the differences between the movie and book since I already watched the movie. Although this is one of the longer books, I think that it will be one of the more enjoyable ones since I am already familiar with it.
I am finally getting around to writing this blog for anticipating the Harry Potter book that we will be reading this week for class. Of course I have heard of Harry Potter, and I have read some of the books, but I did not get around to reading this book in my childhood. I believe that I stopped after the second or the third book in the series. I know most of these books are a continuation of the previous one before so it will be interesting to read the fourth book in the series.
Also, along with it being the fourth book, The Goblet of Fire was also made into a movie some five years later. It will be interesting to see some of the differences between the movie and book since I already watched the movie. Although this is one of the longer books, I think that it will be one of the more enjoyable ones since I am already familiar with it.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Blog 6B-Notable Moment: The Magician's Nephew
BLOG 6B: Notable Moment - The Magicians Nephew
In the Magicians Nephew, a notable moment that stuck out for me was when Digory is instructed by Aslan to go to the place where he can get an apple to protect Narnia from the witch. In this scene, Digory is able to go through the gates and enter this place where he grabs an apple and stuffs it into his pocket. We later discover that the witch has already made it to this place and she is eating the apples which are for bidden. The sign on the entrance gate read:
“Come in by the gold gates or not at all,
Take of my fruit for others forbear,
For those who steal or those who climb my wall
Shall find their heart’s desire and find despair.”
Digory realizes that he is able to take some of the fruit and bring it back to Aslan, but he is not to eat any himself. This scene shows that Digory is smart in the way that he follows all the rules written on the gate. The witch, on the other hand, is selfish and tries to get Digory to eat an apple himself. She also tempts Digory with the idea that he could sneak off and bring an apple home to his mother and heal her. These nasty words by the witch show that there is evil in this second world, and although it may be hard, resisting temptations can be for the best.
This proved true for Digory because Aslan let him take an apple and bring it home to his mother to help heal her. All in all, I felt that this notable moment showed that Digory had grown as a person and was able to resist the witch in her evil ways and do the right thing, which was not eat the apples in the situation at hand.
In the Magicians Nephew, a notable moment that stuck out for me was when Digory is instructed by Aslan to go to the place where he can get an apple to protect Narnia from the witch. In this scene, Digory is able to go through the gates and enter this place where he grabs an apple and stuffs it into his pocket. We later discover that the witch has already made it to this place and she is eating the apples which are for bidden. The sign on the entrance gate read:
“Come in by the gold gates or not at all,
Take of my fruit for others forbear,
For those who steal or those who climb my wall
Shall find their heart’s desire and find despair.”
Digory realizes that he is able to take some of the fruit and bring it back to Aslan, but he is not to eat any himself. This scene shows that Digory is smart in the way that he follows all the rules written on the gate. The witch, on the other hand, is selfish and tries to get Digory to eat an apple himself. She also tempts Digory with the idea that he could sneak off and bring an apple home to his mother and heal her. These nasty words by the witch show that there is evil in this second world, and although it may be hard, resisting temptations can be for the best.
This proved true for Digory because Aslan let him take an apple and bring it home to his mother to help heal her. All in all, I felt that this notable moment showed that Digory had grown as a person and was able to resist the witch in her evil ways and do the right thing, which was not eat the apples in the situation at hand.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Blog 6A: Anticipating the Novel-The Magician's Nephew
Blog 6A: Anticipating the Novel: The Magician’s Nephew
The Magician’s Nephew is a novel that was published in the Chronicles of Narnia Series. While I have heard of this series of books, I have yet to read them all, but I have read one, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The book that we are reading, The Magician’s Nephew, is the sixth book published in this series, and is about the journey of two children. Their Uncle Andrew is the magician who sends the children to another world. This book not only explores the fantasy world, but it also has many elements in it which are similar to C.S. Lewis’s life.
The children are similar to C.S. Lewis in that they are growing up in the early 1900’s in London, the same time that Lewis was. Also, both the children and Lewis lose their mothers in early childhood, and their fathers live in another country as they grow up. The children and Lewis, on a lighter note, both wanted a pony when they grew up. Lastly, this book has a little more humor and is a little lighter in tone compared to the other books in the series perhaps due to Lewis as a older man reflecting back on his childhood.
Judging from the cover, it is clear that there is an aspect of fantasy in the book by the horse with wings, and the children riding it over a vast countryside with mountains, trees, and water. I then went on to read the first line, last line, and ninety-ninth page to anticipate the novel in a new way. The first line opens the story up nicely and clearly stating that the story begins when my grandfather was a child, illustrating to the reader that the book happened a while ago. The last line, and the ninety-ninth page were both quotes so it was harder to comprehend these. All in all, I look forward to reading the book and seeing what new adventure lies ahead of me.
The Magician’s Nephew is a novel that was published in the Chronicles of Narnia Series. While I have heard of this series of books, I have yet to read them all, but I have read one, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The book that we are reading, The Magician’s Nephew, is the sixth book published in this series, and is about the journey of two children. Their Uncle Andrew is the magician who sends the children to another world. This book not only explores the fantasy world, but it also has many elements in it which are similar to C.S. Lewis’s life.
The children are similar to C.S. Lewis in that they are growing up in the early 1900’s in London, the same time that Lewis was. Also, both the children and Lewis lose their mothers in early childhood, and their fathers live in another country as they grow up. The children and Lewis, on a lighter note, both wanted a pony when they grew up. Lastly, this book has a little more humor and is a little lighter in tone compared to the other books in the series perhaps due to Lewis as a older man reflecting back on his childhood.
Judging from the cover, it is clear that there is an aspect of fantasy in the book by the horse with wings, and the children riding it over a vast countryside with mountains, trees, and water. I then went on to read the first line, last line, and ninety-ninth page to anticipate the novel in a new way. The first line opens the story up nicely and clearly stating that the story begins when my grandfather was a child, illustrating to the reader that the book happened a while ago. The last line, and the ninety-ninth page were both quotes so it was harder to comprehend these. All in all, I look forward to reading the book and seeing what new adventure lies ahead of me.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Blog 5B: Notable Moment-The Phoenix and The Carpet
Blog 5B: Notable Moment-Phoenix and the carpet
The notable moment that I chose from the Phoenix and the Carpet came from the first chapter titled the egg. In this chapter the children discover the Phoenix that hatches from the egg, and I feel that as the reader, I was able to see the fantasy aspect of the book. This, in turn, allowed me to get more involved in the adventures that the kids would soon embark on.
The following quote shows the first impression that the children have of the Phoenix when it hatched from the fiery egg. “They were not astonished, but they were very, very interested. They looked at the bird, and it was certainly worth looking at.” The children are amazed with this bird, and at that moment the story of the Phoenix and The Carpet begins. The children are told of the magic powers of the carpet, and the ability of it to grant three wishes. They are also informed about the life of the Phoenix, and soon learn about his personality and traits he has.
The Phoenix, the mythical character in this book, is a very conceited and outspoken individual who believes he is entitled to just about everything. It is interesting that these qualities are given to the main character that the book is centered on because of the message it may be giving to children. The following excerpt shows the conceited nature of the bird. “My fame has lived then for two thousand years, it said. Allow me to look at my portrait.” In this quote, the Phoenix has just been hatched and is talking about himself when he says that the fame has lived for two thousand year. These characteristics which are noteworthy to the Phoenix may be intentionally assigned to the bird to illustrate or portray a certain type of individual in society. This bird may stand to illustrate a greater theme of the division of social classes in society which I may choose to go into detail later on in my analysis.
The notable moment that I chose from the Phoenix and the Carpet came from the first chapter titled the egg. In this chapter the children discover the Phoenix that hatches from the egg, and I feel that as the reader, I was able to see the fantasy aspect of the book. This, in turn, allowed me to get more involved in the adventures that the kids would soon embark on.
The following quote shows the first impression that the children have of the Phoenix when it hatched from the fiery egg. “They were not astonished, but they were very, very interested. They looked at the bird, and it was certainly worth looking at.” The children are amazed with this bird, and at that moment the story of the Phoenix and The Carpet begins. The children are told of the magic powers of the carpet, and the ability of it to grant three wishes. They are also informed about the life of the Phoenix, and soon learn about his personality and traits he has.
The Phoenix, the mythical character in this book, is a very conceited and outspoken individual who believes he is entitled to just about everything. It is interesting that these qualities are given to the main character that the book is centered on because of the message it may be giving to children. The following excerpt shows the conceited nature of the bird. “My fame has lived then for two thousand years, it said. Allow me to look at my portrait.” In this quote, the Phoenix has just been hatched and is talking about himself when he says that the fame has lived for two thousand year. These characteristics which are noteworthy to the Phoenix may be intentionally assigned to the bird to illustrate or portray a certain type of individual in society. This bird may stand to illustrate a greater theme of the division of social classes in society which I may choose to go into detail later on in my analysis.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Blog 5A: Anticipating the Phoenix and the Carpet
Blog 5A: Anticipating The Phoenix and the Carpet
The Phoenix and the Carpet, written by E. Nesbit, is actually the second book in a trilogy to Five Children and It. This book seems as though it will focus more on the magic aspect of fantasy. The back of the book did not have that much information as to what the book is about. It makes a reference to a magic carpet, but little is explained in reference to characters.
Because I was unable to find a lot of information on the book I looked it up online and found that the book was written in 1904, more than 100 years ago. There are five main characters in the book, and the book follows the adventures of these characters. The story focuses around this carpet that was ruined in a fire, and was then replaced and found to have magic powers. This magic carpet has the power to transport the children anywhere they want and grants then three, and only three wishes a day.
In conclusion, I think this book will be a quick read. Judging from the length of the book and the setup of the chapters, this book will hopefully be another interesting book that will be a fun read.
The Phoenix and the Carpet, written by E. Nesbit, is actually the second book in a trilogy to Five Children and It. This book seems as though it will focus more on the magic aspect of fantasy. The back of the book did not have that much information as to what the book is about. It makes a reference to a magic carpet, but little is explained in reference to characters.
Because I was unable to find a lot of information on the book I looked it up online and found that the book was written in 1904, more than 100 years ago. There are five main characters in the book, and the book follows the adventures of these characters. The story focuses around this carpet that was ruined in a fire, and was then replaced and found to have magic powers. This magic carpet has the power to transport the children anywhere they want and grants then three, and only three wishes a day.
In conclusion, I think this book will be a quick read. Judging from the length of the book and the setup of the chapters, this book will hopefully be another interesting book that will be a fun read.
Blog 4C: Analysis Redwall
Blog 4C: Analysis-Redwall
Redwall, a book about mice and the land in which they live in, is a piece of work by Brian Jacques. Brian Jacques was born, raised, and still lives in Liverpool, England, and has written many books about Redwall. It is noted that in many of his books there is the common theme of good versus evil. This theme is one that is common in many children books, which separates the lines between characters that possess notable characteristics, and those that possess bad characteristics.
Similar to what was done in one of our class discussions; the separation of characters can be seen in this book. The good animals, the mice, badgers, squirrels, hedgehogs, moles, otters, shrews, and many other animals take on characteristics that are admired by people that are reading the book. These animals are caring, want to save their home, and protect the animals that are there friends and that they love. Not only do these animals possess notable characteristics, but they also have names that suggest that they are good creatures. Matthias, Methuselah, Martin the Warrior, and Mordalfus (brother Alf) are all names that suggest these creatures are good and not evil. The importance of having names that correspond to the characteristics of these animals further accentuates the difference between good and evil.
On the other hand, the evil creatures are uncivilized, mean, and in respect, opposite of the creatures of Redwall who are good. These evil characters include Cluny the Scourge, who is leader of the rats. The rats, along with weasels, stoats, ferrets, the adder, and the foxes are all evil characters. The rat names, Redtooth, Cheesethief, Fangburn, and Darkclaw are all sinister names that suggest their evil natures. Another evil creature, Asmodeussssss the snake, also has all the characteristics of being evil. Most of these creatures that are a part of this category are seen as only caring about themselves and not about anyone else.
All in all, the contrast of animals that are good and evil in the Redwall book illustrates the main theme that in life there are going to be similar situations. Cluny the Scourge is the evil creature who is distained the most and whom ends up dead in the end. The lesson learned is that those who are evil will not prevail against those who are bad.
Redwall, a book about mice and the land in which they live in, is a piece of work by Brian Jacques. Brian Jacques was born, raised, and still lives in Liverpool, England, and has written many books about Redwall. It is noted that in many of his books there is the common theme of good versus evil. This theme is one that is common in many children books, which separates the lines between characters that possess notable characteristics, and those that possess bad characteristics.
Similar to what was done in one of our class discussions; the separation of characters can be seen in this book. The good animals, the mice, badgers, squirrels, hedgehogs, moles, otters, shrews, and many other animals take on characteristics that are admired by people that are reading the book. These animals are caring, want to save their home, and protect the animals that are there friends and that they love. Not only do these animals possess notable characteristics, but they also have names that suggest that they are good creatures. Matthias, Methuselah, Martin the Warrior, and Mordalfus (brother Alf) are all names that suggest these creatures are good and not evil. The importance of having names that correspond to the characteristics of these animals further accentuates the difference between good and evil.
On the other hand, the evil creatures are uncivilized, mean, and in respect, opposite of the creatures of Redwall who are good. These evil characters include Cluny the Scourge, who is leader of the rats. The rats, along with weasels, stoats, ferrets, the adder, and the foxes are all evil characters. The rat names, Redtooth, Cheesethief, Fangburn, and Darkclaw are all sinister names that suggest their evil natures. Another evil creature, Asmodeussssss the snake, also has all the characteristics of being evil. Most of these creatures that are a part of this category are seen as only caring about themselves and not about anyone else.
All in all, the contrast of animals that are good and evil in the Redwall book illustrates the main theme that in life there are going to be similar situations. Cluny the Scourge is the evil creature who is distained the most and whom ends up dead in the end. The lesson learned is that those who are evil will not prevail against those who are bad.
Blog 4B: Notable Moments-Redwall
Blog 4B: Notable Moment-Redwall
With all the action in the book, Redwall, I feel that there were a few notable moments that I felt were worthy of a blog from me. First of all, one of the beginning scenes where we are introduced to Cluny the Scourge interests the reader because the distinguishing features of this character. Another moment when we are experiencing the battle between the Redwall mice and the rats proves to be important because that is what the book is about. Defending Redwall and protecting all of the animals inside of it. Among all of these moments, I feel that the moment when Brother Methuselah discovers the writing beneath the tapestry where Martins picture hung was the most notable moment of the story for me. After this discovery, Matthias and Methuselah’s journey to find the resting place of Martin the Warrior, and his sword becomes the quest of this book.
The writing beneath the wall took the form of a poem, and not only made it interesting for the reader, but it also was a riddle too. The writing went as follows:
“Who says that I am dead
Knows nought at all.
I—am that is,
Two mice within Redwall
The Warrior Sleeps
`Twixt Hall and Cavern Hole.
I—am that is,
Take on my mighty role.
Look for the sword
In moonlight streaming forth
At night, when day’s first hour
Reflects the North.
From o’er the threshold
Seek and you will see;
I—am that is.
My sword will wield for me.”
At the discovery of the riddle began the journey for Matthias and Methuselah to capture the sword that once belonged to Martin the Warrior. The two mice then realize that the line “I—am that is” refers to Matthias himself and that this poem was written for him and that he will be the next mighty warrior of Redwall. I felt that once I had finished this chapter, I knew that the real quest was about to begin.
In the end, the capture of the sword proved to be an important part of the story. The search for the sword went all over the surrounding countryside of Redwall, and Matthias met many different animals that were both good and bad. All in all, Matthias had done what Martin had asked, and in the end he had saved Redwall.
With all the action in the book, Redwall, I feel that there were a few notable moments that I felt were worthy of a blog from me. First of all, one of the beginning scenes where we are introduced to Cluny the Scourge interests the reader because the distinguishing features of this character. Another moment when we are experiencing the battle between the Redwall mice and the rats proves to be important because that is what the book is about. Defending Redwall and protecting all of the animals inside of it. Among all of these moments, I feel that the moment when Brother Methuselah discovers the writing beneath the tapestry where Martins picture hung was the most notable moment of the story for me. After this discovery, Matthias and Methuselah’s journey to find the resting place of Martin the Warrior, and his sword becomes the quest of this book.
The writing beneath the wall took the form of a poem, and not only made it interesting for the reader, but it also was a riddle too. The writing went as follows:
“Who says that I am dead
Knows nought at all.
I—am that is,
Two mice within Redwall
The Warrior Sleeps
`Twixt Hall and Cavern Hole.
I—am that is,
Take on my mighty role.
Look for the sword
In moonlight streaming forth
At night, when day’s first hour
Reflects the North.
From o’er the threshold
Seek and you will see;
I—am that is.
My sword will wield for me.”
At the discovery of the riddle began the journey for Matthias and Methuselah to capture the sword that once belonged to Martin the Warrior. The two mice then realize that the line “I—am that is” refers to Matthias himself and that this poem was written for him and that he will be the next mighty warrior of Redwall. I felt that once I had finished this chapter, I knew that the real quest was about to begin.
In the end, the capture of the sword proved to be an important part of the story. The search for the sword went all over the surrounding countryside of Redwall, and Matthias met many different animals that were both good and bad. All in all, Matthias had done what Martin had asked, and in the end he had saved Redwall.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Blog 4A-Anticipating Redwall
Blog 4A-Anticipating Redwall
It seems like not too long ago that I was writing my first blog on what I thought The Hobbit was going to be like, and now here I am writing about Redwall. Redwall is another book that I have not read before. Judging from what was said in class, it seems as though it will not be as easy of a read as The Hobbit was. However, I am ready to get started and that is why I writing this blog, so I can begin my reading.
My thoughts on this book are that first of all, the cover catches my eye and having heard of the authors name before is also a plus. Then, after reading the back cover and flipping through the book, I gained that the book is about mice, and Redwall is where the story will take place. Also, there is a terrible one-eyed mouse named Cluny, who is the bad guy of the story that is there to take over the town. The story seems like an easy plot to follow, with the bad mouse trying to take over the good mice and their town.
In conclusion, while this book seems a little longer than the last, its division into three books makes for an interesting setup. My hopes are that the book will be a fun read, and I look forward to finding out what happens between Cluny and the mice of Redwall.
It seems like not too long ago that I was writing my first blog on what I thought The Hobbit was going to be like, and now here I am writing about Redwall. Redwall is another book that I have not read before. Judging from what was said in class, it seems as though it will not be as easy of a read as The Hobbit was. However, I am ready to get started and that is why I writing this blog, so I can begin my reading.
My thoughts on this book are that first of all, the cover catches my eye and having heard of the authors name before is also a plus. Then, after reading the back cover and flipping through the book, I gained that the book is about mice, and Redwall is where the story will take place. Also, there is a terrible one-eyed mouse named Cluny, who is the bad guy of the story that is there to take over the town. The story seems like an easy plot to follow, with the bad mouse trying to take over the good mice and their town.
In conclusion, while this book seems a little longer than the last, its division into three books makes for an interesting setup. My hopes are that the book will be a fun read, and I look forward to finding out what happens between Cluny and the mice of Redwall.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Blog 3C-The Hobbit Analysis
Blog 3C-Analysis: Heroism of Bilbo
My first reaction when I finished The Hobbit was that there was a strong theme of heroism throughout the story. The journey of Bilbo Baggins from his comfortable hole to the land of the mountains illustrates how much he grew as a character, and how Tolkien used different situations to show how he developed into a hero. The way in which Bilbo was portrayed as a hero is evident in each confrontation that the dwarves, the wizard, and the hobbit encounter in their quest to regain the mountain and the arkenstone.
A few ways in which Tolkien was able to develop Bilbo as a hero was through his many journeys. One of the first situations arose when Bilbo confronted the trolls in the woods, and then managed to weasel his way out of a situation with Gollum. Bilbo then saved the dwarves from the spiders. This scene made you as the reader realize that Bilbo was more than just a friend to the dwarves, and Tolkien used this scene touch back on heroism. Bilbo then rescued the dwarves again at the hands of the lake-people. Bilbo was clever enough to devise a plan to load the dwarves into barrels and float them down the river so they could escape. Finally Bilbo would be recognized as a hero after he was brave and clever enough to go and talk to Smaug, the dragon.
Although all of these moments helped develop Bilbo’s character, the turning point that made me realize he was a hero was at the end of the story when each group of characters showed the utmost respect for him. The dwarves, for example, forever held him close to their hearts and Thorin especially showed respect and gratitude towards Bilbo on his deathbed. Thorin even stated, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West.” The Elvenking also showed his respect for Bilbo when he said, “I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent! And I name you elf-friend and blessed.” All of these moments in which Bilbo was looked up to were important in Tolkien showing that Bilbo was a hero. He was the one that saved so many creatures, and brought the land of the Mountain back to a pleasant place to inhabit.
All in all, Bilbo was the hero of the book. He grew from the little timid hobbit who always wanted to be back home with the tea kettle on the stovetop, to a strong hobbit who was able to save his friends and restore peace back to the land of the mountain.
My first reaction when I finished The Hobbit was that there was a strong theme of heroism throughout the story. The journey of Bilbo Baggins from his comfortable hole to the land of the mountains illustrates how much he grew as a character, and how Tolkien used different situations to show how he developed into a hero. The way in which Bilbo was portrayed as a hero is evident in each confrontation that the dwarves, the wizard, and the hobbit encounter in their quest to regain the mountain and the arkenstone.
A few ways in which Tolkien was able to develop Bilbo as a hero was through his many journeys. One of the first situations arose when Bilbo confronted the trolls in the woods, and then managed to weasel his way out of a situation with Gollum. Bilbo then saved the dwarves from the spiders. This scene made you as the reader realize that Bilbo was more than just a friend to the dwarves, and Tolkien used this scene touch back on heroism. Bilbo then rescued the dwarves again at the hands of the lake-people. Bilbo was clever enough to devise a plan to load the dwarves into barrels and float them down the river so they could escape. Finally Bilbo would be recognized as a hero after he was brave and clever enough to go and talk to Smaug, the dragon.
Although all of these moments helped develop Bilbo’s character, the turning point that made me realize he was a hero was at the end of the story when each group of characters showed the utmost respect for him. The dwarves, for example, forever held him close to their hearts and Thorin especially showed respect and gratitude towards Bilbo on his deathbed. Thorin even stated, “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West.” The Elvenking also showed his respect for Bilbo when he said, “I will take your gift, O Bilbo the Magnificent! And I name you elf-friend and blessed.” All of these moments in which Bilbo was looked up to were important in Tolkien showing that Bilbo was a hero. He was the one that saved so many creatures, and brought the land of the Mountain back to a pleasant place to inhabit.
All in all, Bilbo was the hero of the book. He grew from the little timid hobbit who always wanted to be back home with the tea kettle on the stovetop, to a strong hobbit who was able to save his friends and restore peace back to the land of the mountain.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Hobbit-Notable Moment Blog 3B
Blog 3B-Notable Moment
As I wrapped up reading The Hobbit, I went back and looked at my list of moments that I felt were notable and got me interested in the book. The first moment I took note of was in the first chapter, an unexpected party, when all the dwarves started showing up. This part interested me because one after another the dwarves began arriving at Bilbo’s home, and along with each dwarf, we soon found out, came a different trait that made each one unique. But as I read on, the goblins caught my interest, and so did the scene where Bilbo said his goodbyes to the dwarves and Thorin. I soon realized that so many creatures were alive in this book, but I decided to go with the scene where Bilbo and Gollum are telling riddles back and forth to each other.
This part of the book interested me because the story could go in so many different ways if Bilbo got one of the riddles wrong. The suspense came when it was Bilbo’s turn to answer to riddle:
“This thing all things devour:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.”
Of course, the answer was “Time!”, but the suspense was in the air as Gollum began moving up the bank towards Bilbo, and the hobbit’s mind was racing a mile a minute to say the right answer or be eaten. This part of the book, although close to the beginning, was a climatic part in my reading and what kept me interested as the reader.
The way that the riddles played out, and were answered, was like a firework ready to go off. Similar to a fuse running out as it burned closer and closer to the explosion. Without any say on how much time was left, the hobbit was able to quickly devise a plan, in essence, to cut the fuse and stop the explosion. He did this with his idea to have Gollum guess what was in his pocket. This plan was clever at the moment, but we would soon learn that the thing in his pocket was of great importance for his survival throughout the rest of the book.
All in all, this moment in the book may serve as a lesson to the reader to not ever give up, to always keep fighting.
As I wrapped up reading The Hobbit, I went back and looked at my list of moments that I felt were notable and got me interested in the book. The first moment I took note of was in the first chapter, an unexpected party, when all the dwarves started showing up. This part interested me because one after another the dwarves began arriving at Bilbo’s home, and along with each dwarf, we soon found out, came a different trait that made each one unique. But as I read on, the goblins caught my interest, and so did the scene where Bilbo said his goodbyes to the dwarves and Thorin. I soon realized that so many creatures were alive in this book, but I decided to go with the scene where Bilbo and Gollum are telling riddles back and forth to each other.
This part of the book interested me because the story could go in so many different ways if Bilbo got one of the riddles wrong. The suspense came when it was Bilbo’s turn to answer to riddle:
“This thing all things devour:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.”
Of course, the answer was “Time!”, but the suspense was in the air as Gollum began moving up the bank towards Bilbo, and the hobbit’s mind was racing a mile a minute to say the right answer or be eaten. This part of the book, although close to the beginning, was a climatic part in my reading and what kept me interested as the reader.
The way that the riddles played out, and were answered, was like a firework ready to go off. Similar to a fuse running out as it burned closer and closer to the explosion. Without any say on how much time was left, the hobbit was able to quickly devise a plan, in essence, to cut the fuse and stop the explosion. He did this with his idea to have Gollum guess what was in his pocket. This plan was clever at the moment, but we would soon learn that the thing in his pocket was of great importance for his survival throughout the rest of the book.
All in all, this moment in the book may serve as a lesson to the reader to not ever give up, to always keep fighting.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Blog 3
Blog 3
Anticipating the Novel: The Hobbit
The semester has begun, and so has the reading. The Hobbit will be the first book that I have read in a while that has nothing to do with chemistry, or genetics, or something along that realm of study, so I believe that I will enjoy this book. I have knowledge of the author and that he wrote a well known book called, Lord of the Rings, which is a sequel to the Hobbit.
My first impression, based on the cover is that the book will enjoyable, but somewhat of a long read since it is almost 300 pages. I have not had any previous interest in J.R.R. Tolkien in the past, but I am looking forward to reading it. I realize this book is fantasy, so I am interested in seeing what characters the book will have and how detailed the book will be in explaining them. It is sometimes hard for me to get interested in fantasy literature because it not something that I normally read so I can’t wait to see if the book will catch my interest.
In response to the story line itself, I know little of what the book is actually about, other than what I have read from the back cover. My thoughts are that book will encompass many fantasy elements such as trolls, dwarves, goblins, and of course a hobbit. The hobbit, named Mr. Bilbo Baggins, is the main character that the book is written about. From my understanding the book details the journey of this hobbit and the many different people and things that he encounters.
All in all, The Hobbit will be the first of the many fantasy books that we read this semester and what I look forward to.
Anticipating the Novel: The Hobbit
The semester has begun, and so has the reading. The Hobbit will be the first book that I have read in a while that has nothing to do with chemistry, or genetics, or something along that realm of study, so I believe that I will enjoy this book. I have knowledge of the author and that he wrote a well known book called, Lord of the Rings, which is a sequel to the Hobbit.
My first impression, based on the cover is that the book will enjoyable, but somewhat of a long read since it is almost 300 pages. I have not had any previous interest in J.R.R. Tolkien in the past, but I am looking forward to reading it. I realize this book is fantasy, so I am interested in seeing what characters the book will have and how detailed the book will be in explaining them. It is sometimes hard for me to get interested in fantasy literature because it not something that I normally read so I can’t wait to see if the book will catch my interest.
In response to the story line itself, I know little of what the book is actually about, other than what I have read from the back cover. My thoughts are that book will encompass many fantasy elements such as trolls, dwarves, goblins, and of course a hobbit. The hobbit, named Mr. Bilbo Baggins, is the main character that the book is written about. From my understanding the book details the journey of this hobbit and the many different people and things that he encounters.
All in all, The Hobbit will be the first of the many fantasy books that we read this semester and what I look forward to.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Blog 2
BLOG 2
Self-Reflection (Resistance)
After completing my first blog I realized that I may enjoy this class a lot more than I had expected I would. Having never taken an English class here at Texas A&M, other than English 104, I have not experienced the world of actually reading something enjoyable for a class. Fantasy is not something that I normally read, but I am open to fantasy reading over a biochemistry textbook any day. Furthermore, I have not read any of the books on this list, but I look forward to what each one has to bring. Whether I enjoy each book or not, I am sure that I will learn more than I ever thought I would. All in all, I think that children’s literature is something that is important to understand, but that is also important that we are able to teach children about themes and characters and morals that can make up a book that is so enjoyable.
Self-Reflection (Resistance)
After completing my first blog I realized that I may enjoy this class a lot more than I had expected I would. Having never taken an English class here at Texas A&M, other than English 104, I have not experienced the world of actually reading something enjoyable for a class. Fantasy is not something that I normally read, but I am open to fantasy reading over a biochemistry textbook any day. Furthermore, I have not read any of the books on this list, but I look forward to what each one has to bring. Whether I enjoy each book or not, I am sure that I will learn more than I ever thought I would. All in all, I think that children’s literature is something that is important to understand, but that is also important that we are able to teach children about themes and characters and morals that can make up a book that is so enjoyable.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
BLOG #1
Survey of Reading Preferences – Questions
1. What associations do you have with reading? Do you have any personal history that makes reading seem more or less pleasurable?
Well, since I am a student I do a lot of reading, although most of it is school related. I love reading though and wish I had more time to read books that I would enjoy more.
2. Why do you read?
I read to mostly become informed about something I am trying to understand or learn about. Mostly to do well in school.
3. What has been your best experience in a literature course? (high school or college)
Being able to read books that are enjoyable.
4. What has been your worst experience in a literature course? (high school or college)
Junior year of high school when my English lit teacher got really into the readings and had us doing the accents and everything for the books we read.
5. What college-level literature courses have you taken in the English department?
This is my first Have only previously taken Engl 104.
6. Compared to other literature courses you have taken, what do you expect will be the level of difficulty of this course? Why?
Never taken another one, but I most expect the course to be moderate. Lots of reading and writing.
7. What themes do you look for when you read literature for adults?
Mostly humor, and sometimes love.
8. What are your favorite books written for adults?
Recently, “Dear John” and “Twenties Girl”
9. How do you determine whether a book you have read is good?
If I read it quickly and I was able to laugh or cry while reading it.
10. Do you think it is a good idea to study children’s literature?
Of course.
11. Why do you think scholars study children’s literature?
Because these are the books that we grew up reading as children, and it is important to understand how they influence us.
12. When you think of “children’s literature,” what comes to mind?
Reading that is enjoyable and fun with so many hidden meanings.
13. What do you look for when you search for a children’s book?
A book with a strong theme that a child could somehow relate to.
14. Why would you look for children’s books? What do you do with children’s books?
You would look for children’s books to influence a child in some way. For what to do with them, hopefully you would be able to learn a lesson from the book.
15. What children’s books do you most admire?
Charlotte’s Web, Holes, Island of the Blue Dolphins
16. What were your favorite children’s books as a child?
Same as above. Charlotte’s Web, Holes, Island of the Blue Dolphins
17. In what contexts did you read children’s books as a child?
Read for school, but also did a lot of reading for fun. Loved to read as a kid.
18. Are there certain themes that interest you in children’s books?
I enjoyed stories about the Holocaust for a while when I was young. Otherwise, anything that I could get my hands on.
19. Are there certain types of books that you think children shouldn’t read?
No, I believe whatever interests them they should explore.
20. How do you judge whether a children’s book is good?
Mainly on whether it is enjoyable and some sort of lesson or knowledge can be obtained from it.
21. What do you think of when you think of fantasy?
Wizards and witches, and magical creatures.
22. Do you like fantasy literature? Why or why not?
Yes, I enjoy fantasy literature. Reading those types of books makes you use a whole new part of your brain that biochemistry or genetics would use.
23. Explain your reaction when you learned that this course would focus on fantasy.
I thought wow this is going to be a lot of reading at first, but then I realized this is probably going to be the most enjoyable text I will have to read for any class.
24. Rank the following from most to least valuable:
o Nonfiction-9
o Poetry-6
o Historical Fiction-7
o Romance-4
o Fantasy Fiction-2
o Science Fiction-8
o Horror-5
o Mystery-3
o Adventure-1
1 is most valuable and 9 is least valuable
25. Explain your choice for #1 and #9 in your rankings above.
Mainly I chose nonfiction as the least enjoyable because that is the normal literature, such as essays and texts that you read every day. Adventure, fantasy fiction, and mystery are my top three because they are all genres that are interesting to me, enjoyable, and entertaining. Romance, horror, historical fiction, poetry, and science fiction are all there somewhere in between.
1. What associations do you have with reading? Do you have any personal history that makes reading seem more or less pleasurable?
Well, since I am a student I do a lot of reading, although most of it is school related. I love reading though and wish I had more time to read books that I would enjoy more.
2. Why do you read?
I read to mostly become informed about something I am trying to understand or learn about. Mostly to do well in school.
3. What has been your best experience in a literature course? (high school or college)
Being able to read books that are enjoyable.
4. What has been your worst experience in a literature course? (high school or college)
Junior year of high school when my English lit teacher got really into the readings and had us doing the accents and everything for the books we read.
5. What college-level literature courses have you taken in the English department?
This is my first Have only previously taken Engl 104.
6. Compared to other literature courses you have taken, what do you expect will be the level of difficulty of this course? Why?
Never taken another one, but I most expect the course to be moderate. Lots of reading and writing.
7. What themes do you look for when you read literature for adults?
Mostly humor, and sometimes love.
8. What are your favorite books written for adults?
Recently, “Dear John” and “Twenties Girl”
9. How do you determine whether a book you have read is good?
If I read it quickly and I was able to laugh or cry while reading it.
10. Do you think it is a good idea to study children’s literature?
Of course.
11. Why do you think scholars study children’s literature?
Because these are the books that we grew up reading as children, and it is important to understand how they influence us.
12. When you think of “children’s literature,” what comes to mind?
Reading that is enjoyable and fun with so many hidden meanings.
13. What do you look for when you search for a children’s book?
A book with a strong theme that a child could somehow relate to.
14. Why would you look for children’s books? What do you do with children’s books?
You would look for children’s books to influence a child in some way. For what to do with them, hopefully you would be able to learn a lesson from the book.
15. What children’s books do you most admire?
Charlotte’s Web, Holes, Island of the Blue Dolphins
16. What were your favorite children’s books as a child?
Same as above. Charlotte’s Web, Holes, Island of the Blue Dolphins
17. In what contexts did you read children’s books as a child?
Read for school, but also did a lot of reading for fun. Loved to read as a kid.
18. Are there certain themes that interest you in children’s books?
I enjoyed stories about the Holocaust for a while when I was young. Otherwise, anything that I could get my hands on.
19. Are there certain types of books that you think children shouldn’t read?
No, I believe whatever interests them they should explore.
20. How do you judge whether a children’s book is good?
Mainly on whether it is enjoyable and some sort of lesson or knowledge can be obtained from it.
21. What do you think of when you think of fantasy?
Wizards and witches, and magical creatures.
22. Do you like fantasy literature? Why or why not?
Yes, I enjoy fantasy literature. Reading those types of books makes you use a whole new part of your brain that biochemistry or genetics would use.
23. Explain your reaction when you learned that this course would focus on fantasy.
I thought wow this is going to be a lot of reading at first, but then I realized this is probably going to be the most enjoyable text I will have to read for any class.
24. Rank the following from most to least valuable:
o Nonfiction-9
o Poetry-6
o Historical Fiction-7
o Romance-4
o Fantasy Fiction-2
o Science Fiction-8
o Horror-5
o Mystery-3
o Adventure-1
1 is most valuable and 9 is least valuable
25. Explain your choice for #1 and #9 in your rankings above.
Mainly I chose nonfiction as the least enjoyable because that is the normal literature, such as essays and texts that you read every day. Adventure, fantasy fiction, and mystery are my top three because they are all genres that are interesting to me, enjoyable, and entertaining. Romance, horror, historical fiction, poetry, and science fiction are all there somewhere in between.
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