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.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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.
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