So.. I have yet to finish this book but this will be my last blog of the summer...
It's ironic and unfair that the soldier's are trapped within the catch. If you question about your sanity then you would be rendered as sane. Which would lead you into flying more missions. So what is the definition of crazy ? Yossarian keeps saying the people around him are crazy yet I feel as though all of the characters mentioned in these first few chapters are complete lunatics.
It's also ironic how Doc Daneeka has so many problems himself, yet he still receives patients and the soldiers still go to him for help.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
2. Catch-22
The little exchange between Yossarian and Orr is quite comical, as Yossarian continually asks why Orr talks with objects in his mouth, which just leads to another set of questions.
It was also interesting how the soldiers all didn't know who T.S. Eliot was and how they kept taking turns asking who he was.
They're incessant questioning of things renders me as childish at times yet it is slightly humorous.
The symbol of flight doesn't represent freedom in these early chapters, as Yossarian's only objective to fly up is to come back down safely. In Doc Daneeka's case, the airplane is restrictive for him, as he feels claustrophobic and trapped within the boundaries of the plane.
Yossarian's paranoia is irritating...but it makes me want to read on.
It was also interesting how the soldiers all didn't know who T.S. Eliot was and how they kept taking turns asking who he was.
They're incessant questioning of things renders me as childish at times yet it is slightly humorous.
The symbol of flight doesn't represent freedom in these early chapters, as Yossarian's only objective to fly up is to come back down safely. In Doc Daneeka's case, the airplane is restrictive for him, as he feels claustrophobic and trapped within the boundaries of the plane.
Yossarian's paranoia is irritating...but it makes me want to read on.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
1. Catch-22
This book was quite perplexing because it kept going off in random tangents, and I couldn't quite grasp what it was trying to exactly tell me. I was interested in reading this because it was described as funny and engaging, but for now I'm just confused.
However, I found it interesting how Yossarian would rearrange the letters, leaving only a, an , and the. It's also ironic how he refers to those around him crazy, when frankly I think Yossarian himself is crazy or at least on the verge of it. He is also quite paranoid as he is always suspecting of people trying to kill him.
Many questions came to mind while reading, like "Why does the Texan want to make Yossarian and Dunbar unhappy?"
What missions do they need to fulfill? Why do does it have to be fifty missions?
Then again, I feel as though these questions are merely plot questions and not relevant to analyzing this book...
I've also noticed that each chapter is named after a person, but the author doesn't really delve specifically into that character. Instead, he often switches off to other characters which is quite confusing at times and difficult to keep track of all the characters.
However, I found it interesting how Yossarian would rearrange the letters, leaving only a, an , and the. It's also ironic how he refers to those around him crazy, when frankly I think Yossarian himself is crazy or at least on the verge of it. He is also quite paranoid as he is always suspecting of people trying to kill him.
Many questions came to mind while reading, like "Why does the Texan want to make Yossarian and Dunbar unhappy?"
What missions do they need to fulfill? Why do does it have to be fifty missions?
Then again, I feel as though these questions are merely plot questions and not relevant to analyzing this book...
I've also noticed that each chapter is named after a person, but the author doesn't really delve specifically into that character. Instead, he often switches off to other characters which is quite confusing at times and difficult to keep track of all the characters.
Monday, August 9, 2010
6. Kiterunner
Finished kiterunner!
Overall this book was fairly engaging and typically a fast read, compared to the other two books.
Some things I noticed:
When Sohrab defeated Assef, it reminded me of David and Goliath once again because of their physical appearances. Hassan's prediction about One-eyed Assef was also fulfilled, when Sohrab used his slingshot.
Amir resembles Hassan with his injury on his lip, which looks like a hare-lip!
Anyways, I particularly liked the last scene as Amir was running the kite for Sohrab and he said the same words as Hassan, "For you, a thousand times over." The seasons came up again in the last few sentences when he says, "Because when spring comes, it melts the snow one flake at a time..." I guess the snow could mean the somewhat cold relationship between Sohrab and Amir, and spring in this case would mean new beginnings for the both of them.
Overall this book was fairly engaging and typically a fast read, compared to the other two books.
Some things I noticed:
When Sohrab defeated Assef, it reminded me of David and Goliath once again because of their physical appearances. Hassan's prediction about One-eyed Assef was also fulfilled, when Sohrab used his slingshot.
Amir resembles Hassan with his injury on his lip, which looks like a hare-lip!
Anyways, I particularly liked the last scene as Amir was running the kite for Sohrab and he said the same words as Hassan, "For you, a thousand times over." The seasons came up again in the last few sentences when he says, "Because when spring comes, it melts the snow one flake at a time..." I guess the snow could mean the somewhat cold relationship between Sohrab and Amir, and spring in this case would mean new beginnings for the both of them.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
5. Kiterunner
Whoa! so, Hassan is Amir's half brother! No wonder why Baba always referred back to Hassan and no wonder why he was furious when Amir suggested that they get new servants!
Also the way the Taliban treated the inhabitants of kabul reminded me of how the U.S. dealt with the Japanese internees. They both made excuses in place of their threats and illogical violence toward weaker races that they wanted to get rid of.
Again, on pg.240 I see how Amir still feels immense guilt for abandoning Hassan in the alley, as he dreams a nightmare and imagines that he is the one who kills Hassan.
It is also interesting to note that the watch that Amir gave to Farid's youngest son was treated just like Baba's watch that was given to Amir.
The Ghazi Staidum scene was horrific and it made me think back to the Crucible because of the adultery issue.
When Sohrab came out, it seemed to me like he was the Taliban's little puppet, who control him and make him do whatever they want. It is sickening to read about the way Assef touched Sohrab during his conversation with Amir...
I think Amir was laughing during the fight with Assef because he felt as though the weight of the fight partly liberated Amir from his past sins. Fighting Assef was symbolic for rejoining the relationship between Amir and Sohrab in a way, since Amir had long lost his relationship with Hassan.
Also the way the Taliban treated the inhabitants of kabul reminded me of how the U.S. dealt with the Japanese internees. They both made excuses in place of their threats and illogical violence toward weaker races that they wanted to get rid of.
Again, on pg.240 I see how Amir still feels immense guilt for abandoning Hassan in the alley, as he dreams a nightmare and imagines that he is the one who kills Hassan.
It is also interesting to note that the watch that Amir gave to Farid's youngest son was treated just like Baba's watch that was given to Amir.
The Ghazi Staidum scene was horrific and it made me think back to the Crucible because of the adultery issue.
When Sohrab came out, it seemed to me like he was the Taliban's little puppet, who control him and make him do whatever they want. It is sickening to read about the way Assef touched Sohrab during his conversation with Amir...
I think Amir was laughing during the fight with Assef because he felt as though the weight of the fight partly liberated Amir from his past sins. Fighting Assef was symbolic for rejoining the relationship between Amir and Sohrab in a way, since Amir had long lost his relationship with Hassan.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
4. Kiterunner
The scene of where Soraya has read Amir's stories to Baba is particularly touching. Baba is finally starting to appreciate Amir and see his potential!
It is also ironic how Amir thought that America was a place with no ghosts, no memories and no sins, yet he always comes back to thinking about his past. I feel as though Amir is really critical toward himself throughout this book. In his own childhood, Amir always asked himself what he did wrong to not deserve Baba's acknowledgement or why he wasn't good enough for Baba's expectations. He would question or doubt himself more than recognizing that it was simply not his fault that Baba treated him differently. Even when Soraya is infertile, Amir blames himself because he believes that karma was the reason why he couldn't have a child.
It is also paradoxical when Amir says that there was a emptiness between Soraya and himself, "like a newborn child."
The relationship between Soraya and the general is similar to the relationship of Amir and Baba...When both of their dad's are frail, they share a greater intimacy compared to the usual indifferent relationship.
The Taliban remind me of the U.S. army troops who intervened in wars; both were presented as a sign of peace to the people in need, but eventually they became hostile threats to the people.
It is also ironic how Amir thought that America was a place with no ghosts, no memories and no sins, yet he always comes back to thinking about his past. I feel as though Amir is really critical toward himself throughout this book. In his own childhood, Amir always asked himself what he did wrong to not deserve Baba's acknowledgement or why he wasn't good enough for Baba's expectations. He would question or doubt himself more than recognizing that it was simply not his fault that Baba treated him differently. Even when Soraya is infertile, Amir blames himself because he believes that karma was the reason why he couldn't have a child.
It is also paradoxical when Amir says that there was a emptiness between Soraya and himself, "like a newborn child."
The relationship between Soraya and the general is similar to the relationship of Amir and Baba...When both of their dad's are frail, they share a greater intimacy compared to the usual indifferent relationship.
The Taliban remind me of the U.S. army troops who intervened in wars; both were presented as a sign of peace to the people in need, but eventually they became hostile threats to the people.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
3. Kiterunner
It's interesting how Baba's treatment is so different toward Amir in America...why is that? Amir's character didn't necessarily change as he was in America either...
And why does Baba keep mentioning Hassan's name? For example, "I wish Hassan had been with us today."
Why is General Taheri always wearing his suit and watch? He's not on duty in America, and it's highly unlikely that he will return to Afghanistan...
The way Amir describes Soraya makes me think of Romeo & Juliet. They way he refers to her as, "The morning sun to my yelda", makes me think of how Romeo compared Juliet; "It is in the east, and Juliet is the sun."
The image of Baba hobbling makes me think back to Ali who had a bad leg and also hobbled... In a sense, that goes back to the Marked for Greatness chapter...Even though Ali and Hassan have physical defects, they still live with vigor and optimism even when they could use their defects as an excuse to mistreat others like Amir.
Soraya has a physical marking and is a character who goes through some hardships, yet she is still strong, and in my opinion, balances Amir's passive personality.
And why does Baba keep mentioning Hassan's name? For example, "I wish Hassan had been with us today."
Why is General Taheri always wearing his suit and watch? He's not on duty in America, and it's highly unlikely that he will return to Afghanistan...
The way Amir describes Soraya makes me think of Romeo & Juliet. They way he refers to her as, "The morning sun to my yelda", makes me think of how Romeo compared Juliet; "It is in the east, and Juliet is the sun."
The image of Baba hobbling makes me think back to Ali who had a bad leg and also hobbled... In a sense, that goes back to the Marked for Greatness chapter...Even though Ali and Hassan have physical defects, they still live with vigor and optimism even when they could use their defects as an excuse to mistreat others like Amir.
Soraya has a physical marking and is a character who goes through some hardships, yet she is still strong, and in my opinion, balances Amir's passive personality.
2. Kiterunner
It is ironic how Amir wanted so badly to please Baba through his actions and show him that he could live up to his expectations; when he is the one who in turn causes him grief by lying about Hassan's act of theft, forcing Baba's childhood friend, Ali to leave.
I am not sure if rain means anything besides sadness for Baba or hope for a better life for Ali and Hassan...
It's interesting how Baba is somehow childish now, as he cannot read or speak proper English compared to his presence in his old home, where he was revered and seemed somewhat godly.
Bird imagery comes up when Soraya is mentioned," ...like the arched wings of a flying bird..."
It comes up again when Amir mention's her suitors who, "...fled like startled birds."
It's sad how Baba rejects healthcare when he knows that he is dying. When Amir asks the question, "What about me...", Baba still rejects help. Perhaps Baba was trying to teach Amir to be independent...Or maybe he is admitting to his destiny like any other cancer patient, as he continually refused medications that were offered to him.
I am not sure if rain means anything besides sadness for Baba or hope for a better life for Ali and Hassan...
It's interesting how Baba is somehow childish now, as he cannot read or speak proper English compared to his presence in his old home, where he was revered and seemed somewhat godly.
Bird imagery comes up when Soraya is mentioned," ...like the arched wings of a flying bird..."
It comes up again when Amir mention's her suitors who, "...fled like startled birds."
It's sad how Baba rejects healthcare when he knows that he is dying. When Amir asks the question, "What about me...", Baba still rejects help. Perhaps Baba was trying to teach Amir to be independent...Or maybe he is admitting to his destiny like any other cancer patient, as he continually refused medications that were offered to him.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
1. The kiterunner
Hello, kiterunner.
pgs. 1-90
So after reading the first few pages, I believe that the relationship between Amir and Hassan with both their fathers, respectively is called a foil. Perhaps the author deliberately made the characters polar opposites in order to highlight their characteristics.
The pomegranate tree made me think about the priests back in the days of Jerusalem and how their robes had pomegranates attached to the bottom which acted as bells, to tell the others outside the Holy of Holies whether or not he was alive or dead.
The imagery of Baba when he's smoking seems as though he is talking through a "fog" which could symbolize how he can't Amir for his potential even though he is different from what Baba had expected of him.
Rahim Khan in a sense, is Amir's father figure as he is always encouraging and acknowledging Amir. Whereas Baba, seems to be dissatisfied with Amir and dissapointed because of Amir's different physical appearance or demeanor.
When Amir questions himself of why he denies Hassan as his friend, I believe deep down, he knows that he treats Hassan just as badly as everyone else in his neighborhood; rather he gives things to Hassan to make his own compensate his own conscience and not feel guilt.
Kites are mentioned and so far, it could symbolize Amir and Hassan's friendship or Hassan could be the kite trying to fly free and be all that he wants to be, but is being held back by Amir, who is the kiteholder. For instance, when Amir is reading to Hassan, he chooses to read all the easiest stories in fear that Hassan will learn and become smart.
Pg.60 The way the surroundings are described make me think that Amir and Hassan were in heaven... "The streets glistened with snow and the blameless blue sky...I squinted against the blinding white when Hassan and I stepped through the wrought-iron gates..."
When Hassan confronts Assef and the other two boys that are bullying him and Amir, I think of David and Goliath. Although, Hassan doesn't necessarily defeat Assef yet, he might later in the book. We'll see.
Whoa! Even more so on page 73, when Hassan is again cornered by the same boys and this time he hurls the rock at Assef's FOREHEAD.
I am not quite sure of what the Amir's dream means...
How could Amir simply abandon Hassan, his loyal, childhood,forgiving, BEST FRIEND?
How could he just succumb to cowardice at the time his friend needed him the most?
Amir went from jealousy, to guilt, to comfort and finally hate.
Does Amir feel empty even after being able to spend a few days with Baba alone because of his guilt that he's still feeling after abandoning his childhood friend?
pgs. 1-90
So after reading the first few pages, I believe that the relationship between Amir and Hassan with both their fathers, respectively is called a foil. Perhaps the author deliberately made the characters polar opposites in order to highlight their characteristics.
The pomegranate tree made me think about the priests back in the days of Jerusalem and how their robes had pomegranates attached to the bottom which acted as bells, to tell the others outside the Holy of Holies whether or not he was alive or dead.
The imagery of Baba when he's smoking seems as though he is talking through a "fog" which could symbolize how he can't Amir for his potential even though he is different from what Baba had expected of him.
Rahim Khan in a sense, is Amir's father figure as he is always encouraging and acknowledging Amir. Whereas Baba, seems to be dissatisfied with Amir and dissapointed because of Amir's different physical appearance or demeanor.
When Amir questions himself of why he denies Hassan as his friend, I believe deep down, he knows that he treats Hassan just as badly as everyone else in his neighborhood; rather he gives things to Hassan to make his own compensate his own conscience and not feel guilt.
Kites are mentioned and so far, it could symbolize Amir and Hassan's friendship or Hassan could be the kite trying to fly free and be all that he wants to be, but is being held back by Amir, who is the kiteholder. For instance, when Amir is reading to Hassan, he chooses to read all the easiest stories in fear that Hassan will learn and become smart.
Pg.60 The way the surroundings are described make me think that Amir and Hassan were in heaven... "The streets glistened with snow and the blameless blue sky...I squinted against the blinding white when Hassan and I stepped through the wrought-iron gates..."
When Hassan confronts Assef and the other two boys that are bullying him and Amir, I think of David and Goliath. Although, Hassan doesn't necessarily defeat Assef yet, he might later in the book. We'll see.
Whoa! Even more so on page 73, when Hassan is again cornered by the same boys and this time he hurls the rock at Assef's FOREHEAD.
I am not quite sure of what the Amir's dream means...
How could Amir simply abandon Hassan, his loyal, childhood,forgiving, BEST FRIEND?
How could he just succumb to cowardice at the time his friend needed him the most?
Amir went from jealousy, to guilt, to comfort and finally hate.
Does Amir feel empty even after being able to spend a few days with Baba alone because of his guilt that he's still feeling after abandoning his childhood friend?
Friday, July 30, 2010
6. What is the what
pgs. 367-535
Finally, I finished this book.
After reading this, I had many mixed feelings. To read through this was emotionally exhausting, but rewarding since I learned about what truly happened to the Sudanese during this difficult time. Looking back, Valentino reminds me of Job from the Bible, who lost all his family members, property, and was inflicted with deadly diseases but still managed to praise God through his sufferings. Valentino, who technically loses his family, friends and belongings, bears a similar plight to that of Job. Valentino is forced to trek a vast distance in search for a better and safer life, with barely any necessities and minimal guidance. Several times, he is met face to face with death and barely escapes with perseverance and other times because of luck.
In the end, he sets many resolutions as he starts all his sentences with ,"I will...I will...I will..."
"All the while I will know that you are there. How can I pretend that you do not exist? It would be almost as impossible as you pretending that I do not exist."
This could be Valentino talking about God, it could be him talking about the peoples of the world who have chosen to ignore the plight of the Sudanese or simply don't know their story.
As for the question, What is the what, I believe that it is up to interpretation... That's a vague answer...but I'm still trying to figure out what What is...
Finally, I finished this book.
After reading this, I had many mixed feelings. To read through this was emotionally exhausting, but rewarding since I learned about what truly happened to the Sudanese during this difficult time. Looking back, Valentino reminds me of Job from the Bible, who lost all his family members, property, and was inflicted with deadly diseases but still managed to praise God through his sufferings. Valentino, who technically loses his family, friends and belongings, bears a similar plight to that of Job. Valentino is forced to trek a vast distance in search for a better and safer life, with barely any necessities and minimal guidance. Several times, he is met face to face with death and barely escapes with perseverance and other times because of luck.
In the end, he sets many resolutions as he starts all his sentences with ,"I will...I will...I will..."
"All the while I will know that you are there. How can I pretend that you do not exist? It would be almost as impossible as you pretending that I do not exist."
This could be Valentino talking about God, it could be him talking about the peoples of the world who have chosen to ignore the plight of the Sudanese or simply don't know their story.
As for the question, What is the what, I believe that it is up to interpretation... That's a vague answer...but I'm still trying to figure out what What is...
Thursday, July 29, 2010
5. What is the what
pgs. 231-363
So alot happens in these pages, but I'm only putting some of the things I see...
Valentino and Achor Achor call the police, hoping to justify their losses and punish the robbers, but to their dismay, they are not taken seriously by the officer. Instead, their incident is labeled as a mere complaint and disregarded. In a way, their hopes are just like Valentino's when he looked to Ethiopia for hopes and a better life. In a way, the U.S. is similar to Ethiopia as it is presumed as a land of opportunities and change but in reality, in terms of treatment, the Dinka as still obstructed from many privileges and looked down upon.
The scene describing how the women could be sold off by cattle disturbed me. But I guess that's how Sudanese people measured another's worth.
The cattle also made me think back to the clay cattle which could represent the Dinka people and how they are constantly being "stepped on"...
When Achor Achor and Valentino go to the hospital, they are once again held up
and they have to wait for 3 hours before they get any official treatment.
There are times when Valentino goes through the water.. but I doubt he's being baptized because he is neither being changed nor does he choose to go into the water.
When Valentino meets Moses again, could the book be alluding to the Bible ? The whips on Moses' back resembles Jesus' whips when He was carrying His cross up the hill.... I'm not sure.
on pg.273 The horse Moses mentions ironoically symbolizes captivity but in Valentino's eyes, at least in the past times that he mentions a horse, it is associated with power or freedom.
Also Moses' story of him being kidnapped makes me think to Joseph who was also kidnapped and brought across the desert, but in the end he not only survived, but benefited greatly from it as he became a powerful figure in the area that he was kidnapped to...
I suppose the Dinka boys see the white man as a possible murahaleen since they associate him with death, salvation?, and fire.
It's also ironic how some of the Dinka see the white man as superior or angelic but in Valentino's eyes he is fragile, and pig like.
Pg.287, I feel like Valentino unconsciously lives up to his name that Father Matong gave him, as he says valentino , "...you will have the power to make people see." I also think that is one of the reasons why Valentino is put through so much misery; so that he can share his and his people's story with others and a change can be made. The next sentence, talks about a jailer's daughter, which leads me to the obvious question... Who is the jailer's daughter for Valentino?
The awkward scene where Valentino meets the Royal Nieces and goes to their house...I believe Valentino is growing up, as he experiences new feelings and sees new things. More irony, as Valentino and Achor Achor are in the hospital, which in my opinion represents refuge and peace but instead it is where they are thrown into pandemonium when they hear that the war is going on again. Then again, it is a false alarm.
The emotions the boys were going through as the camp was becoming more and more militarized made me think back to the seasons. In the summer, there is passion to train in Bonga to become a soldier, but in the autumn there is decline and finally in the winter, there is death since all four of the boys from Group Eleven die.
Why would you make weak, inexperienced, malnourished boys fight a war? Shouldn't the "seeds" be nourished in order to prepare them for succeeding the future Sudan?
The scene of the woman was utterly disturbing and sad. Why would a mother ever bring her son's to death?
So alot happens in these pages, but I'm only putting some of the things I see...
Valentino and Achor Achor call the police, hoping to justify their losses and punish the robbers, but to their dismay, they are not taken seriously by the officer. Instead, their incident is labeled as a mere complaint and disregarded. In a way, their hopes are just like Valentino's when he looked to Ethiopia for hopes and a better life. In a way, the U.S. is similar to Ethiopia as it is presumed as a land of opportunities and change but in reality, in terms of treatment, the Dinka as still obstructed from many privileges and looked down upon.
The scene describing how the women could be sold off by cattle disturbed me. But I guess that's how Sudanese people measured another's worth.
The cattle also made me think back to the clay cattle which could represent the Dinka people and how they are constantly being "stepped on"...
When Achor Achor and Valentino go to the hospital, they are once again held up
and they have to wait for 3 hours before they get any official treatment.
There are times when Valentino goes through the water.. but I doubt he's being baptized because he is neither being changed nor does he choose to go into the water.
When Valentino meets Moses again, could the book be alluding to the Bible ? The whips on Moses' back resembles Jesus' whips when He was carrying His cross up the hill.... I'm not sure.
on pg.273 The horse Moses mentions ironoically symbolizes captivity but in Valentino's eyes, at least in the past times that he mentions a horse, it is associated with power or freedom.
Also Moses' story of him being kidnapped makes me think to Joseph who was also kidnapped and brought across the desert, but in the end he not only survived, but benefited greatly from it as he became a powerful figure in the area that he was kidnapped to...
I suppose the Dinka boys see the white man as a possible murahaleen since they associate him with death, salvation?, and fire.
It's also ironic how some of the Dinka see the white man as superior or angelic but in Valentino's eyes he is fragile, and pig like.
Pg.287, I feel like Valentino unconsciously lives up to his name that Father Matong gave him, as he says valentino , "...you will have the power to make people see." I also think that is one of the reasons why Valentino is put through so much misery; so that he can share his and his people's story with others and a change can be made. The next sentence, talks about a jailer's daughter, which leads me to the obvious question... Who is the jailer's daughter for Valentino?
The awkward scene where Valentino meets the Royal Nieces and goes to their house...I believe Valentino is growing up, as he experiences new feelings and sees new things. More irony, as Valentino and Achor Achor are in the hospital, which in my opinion represents refuge and peace but instead it is where they are thrown into pandemonium when they hear that the war is going on again. Then again, it is a false alarm.
The emotions the boys were going through as the camp was becoming more and more militarized made me think back to the seasons. In the summer, there is passion to train in Bonga to become a soldier, but in the autumn there is decline and finally in the winter, there is death since all four of the boys from Group Eleven die.
Why would you make weak, inexperienced, malnourished boys fight a war? Shouldn't the "seeds" be nourished in order to prepare them for succeeding the future Sudan?
The scene of the woman was utterly disturbing and sad. Why would a mother ever bring her son's to death?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
4. What is the what
Pgs. 188- 227
The Nile is ironic in the sense that it is supposed to represent hope and a new path to freedom but instead, it is filled with dead bodies and mosquitoes that fed on the already malnourished Dinka. The same is for the Gilo River, which is infested with crocodiles. The other side of the Gilo river is described by Valentino as "....it looked very much like the side of the river we were on..." And just as Valentino says, later on when they do reach the other side, they find nothing that they hoped for.
Also, it is in the dark, that Valentino reunites with his best friend, William K. Rain is also mentioned and it has dual purposes; as it is the sign William K recognizes for when he will return home and it also creates a swamp that the boys have to trudge through.
There is a part on pg. 194 that makes me think back to U.S History again as they discribe how southern Sudan and northern Sudan can't unite and that the chiefs of both sides couldn't possibly reconcile. This relationship resembles the Union and the Confederacy at the time of the Civil War.
When a boy died, "...his head touched the tree, the life in him would fall away and his flesh would return to the earth." This reminds me of the Oversoul cycle, or Walt Whitman's poem, Leaves of Grass.
The man that refers to himself as "nobody" is symbolic for something, but I'm not quite sure for what...
The color red is commonly associated with the sun and the bicycle is mentioned again and it seems like another symbol of freedom for Valentino.
Also, its ironic how Ethiopia seems like heaven for William K and Valentino but turns out to be nothing like they imagined. Instead of having a new life with school, supplies, and homes, they are met with death and no food once again.
The Nile is ironic in the sense that it is supposed to represent hope and a new path to freedom but instead, it is filled with dead bodies and mosquitoes that fed on the already malnourished Dinka. The same is for the Gilo River, which is infested with crocodiles. The other side of the Gilo river is described by Valentino as "....it looked very much like the side of the river we were on..." And just as Valentino says, later on when they do reach the other side, they find nothing that they hoped for.
Also, it is in the dark, that Valentino reunites with his best friend, William K. Rain is also mentioned and it has dual purposes; as it is the sign William K recognizes for when he will return home and it also creates a swamp that the boys have to trudge through.
There is a part on pg. 194 that makes me think back to U.S History again as they discribe how southern Sudan and northern Sudan can't unite and that the chiefs of both sides couldn't possibly reconcile. This relationship resembles the Union and the Confederacy at the time of the Civil War.
When a boy died, "...his head touched the tree, the life in him would fall away and his flesh would return to the earth." This reminds me of the Oversoul cycle, or Walt Whitman's poem, Leaves of Grass.
The man that refers to himself as "nobody" is symbolic for something, but I'm not quite sure for what...
The color red is commonly associated with the sun and the bicycle is mentioned again and it seems like another symbol of freedom for Valentino.
Also, its ironic how Ethiopia seems like heaven for William K and Valentino but turns out to be nothing like they imagined. Instead of having a new life with school, supplies, and homes, they are met with death and no food once again.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
3. What is the what
pgs.159- 187...
*I have been noticing for a while now, that the roles of light and dark are switched. Whenever Valentino sees light, he encounters new hardships, like the Arabs shooting at him, or it is when he is running from the Baggara. Whereas in the dark, there's a sense of serenity, as he's dreaming about his family, which gives him comfort and security. In the light, Valentino is vulnerable to his surroundings and he is also obviously, seen in the daylight by the Arabs, so his chance of surviving is slimmer. "Pinpricks of white" leap before Valentino's eyes, which once again puts him in danger again on pg. 158.
The scene with Monynhial who was one of the boys walking with Valentino was pitiful, when he dug a hole for himself to just die in and exclude out all hope for survival. The conditions of walking were unbearable to the point where a young boy like Monynhial just gave up on all hope.
"The feel the guilt in knowing that they could have done something sooner had they only been listening." Does Valentino's reference to the christian neighbors somehow connect to the bigger picture of the "other" people who have known about the problem in Sudan but haven't done anything about it, causing innocent children like Valentino to suffer the war?
There are also incidents of sexism when Mary who helps the Lost Boys of Sudan is blamed for many of the unfortunate events that occur in their lives, and also when the Lost Girls are deemed as unimportant compared to the Lost Boys...
*I have been noticing for a while now, that the roles of light and dark are switched. Whenever Valentino sees light, he encounters new hardships, like the Arabs shooting at him, or it is when he is running from the Baggara. Whereas in the dark, there's a sense of serenity, as he's dreaming about his family, which gives him comfort and security. In the light, Valentino is vulnerable to his surroundings and he is also obviously, seen in the daylight by the Arabs, so his chance of surviving is slimmer. "Pinpricks of white" leap before Valentino's eyes, which once again puts him in danger again on pg. 158.
The scene with Monynhial who was one of the boys walking with Valentino was pitiful, when he dug a hole for himself to just die in and exclude out all hope for survival. The conditions of walking were unbearable to the point where a young boy like Monynhial just gave up on all hope.
"The feel the guilt in knowing that they could have done something sooner had they only been listening." Does Valentino's reference to the christian neighbors somehow connect to the bigger picture of the "other" people who have known about the problem in Sudan but haven't done anything about it, causing innocent children like Valentino to suffer the war?
There are also incidents of sexism when Mary who helps the Lost Boys of Sudan is blamed for many of the unfortunate events that occur in their lives, and also when the Lost Girls are deemed as unimportant compared to the Lost Boys...
Friday, July 16, 2010
2. What is the what
pgs.109- 159
In the past pages, I noticed that Valentino has some Christ-like attributes. For example, when he is praying alone in the forest and when he talks about him teaching children.
These chapters seemed to allude to U.S history. Pg.134, Like the Indian Americans, who were forced off their reservations because of Americans, the Dinka tribe is forced to flee from their homeland because of the Baggara who mercilessly exploit and ravage their land. Also on pg. 141, the way the Arabs were describing the Dinka sounded alot like the "White Man's Burden"... well, maybe that's just me.
The white headpiece on Deng's head makes me think that the Arab's are like the Ku Klux Klan, with their white headpieces and robes, and their spiteful treatment towards the Dinka.
White, which symbolizes peace in many cultures, can also symbolizes death (chinese culture)...so that might mean something.
The record of boys dying everyday from disease was disheartening, to have so many boys die after another and not even a proper burial for any of them. Especially for Valentino, who is at such a young age, having this harrowing experience in his childhood years...
And it's ironic how Valentino seems to be crying out for help and company on pg.142
but at the same time he finds serenity in being alone , i.e. when tonya and michael tv boy leaves his apartment, and when Valentino loses consciousness from the bombs that are exploding near him...
....And what does that blue dog symbolize? Or does is it not symbolic for anything?
Turns out I was correct, Deng later dies of disease with the white headpiece on his head...
In the past pages, I noticed that Valentino has some Christ-like attributes. For example, when he is praying alone in the forest and when he talks about him teaching children.
These chapters seemed to allude to U.S history. Pg.134, Like the Indian Americans, who were forced off their reservations because of Americans, the Dinka tribe is forced to flee from their homeland because of the Baggara who mercilessly exploit and ravage their land. Also on pg. 141, the way the Arabs were describing the Dinka sounded alot like the "White Man's Burden"... well, maybe that's just me.
The white headpiece on Deng's head makes me think that the Arab's are like the Ku Klux Klan, with their white headpieces and robes, and their spiteful treatment towards the Dinka.
White, which symbolizes peace in many cultures, can also symbolizes death (chinese culture)...so that might mean something.
The record of boys dying everyday from disease was disheartening, to have so many boys die after another and not even a proper burial for any of them. Especially for Valentino, who is at such a young age, having this harrowing experience in his childhood years...
And it's ironic how Valentino seems to be crying out for help and company on pg.142
but at the same time he finds serenity in being alone , i.e. when tonya and michael tv boy leaves his apartment, and when Valentino loses consciousness from the bombs that are exploding near him...
....And what does that blue dog symbolize? Or does is it not symbolic for anything?
Turns out I was correct, Deng later dies of disease with the white headpiece on his head...
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
1. What is the what
Pgs. 1- 108
I started reading What is the What.. and the way the story is told makes me think back to english class last year, about how it is a frame story, like the Catcher in the Rye.
I find it interesting and ironic that Valentino regards his intruders as his friends as they rob him. How he'd rather be in Sudan fleeing from soldiers and guns, while struggling through the wild then in America, supposedly the land of the free. Or at least a land that would seem to offer more opportunities for advancement.
The scene in which Valentino "soars" to Amath reminds me of "Flights of Fancy" from how to read literature. There is evidence of bird imagery where Valentino "soars", and Amath's dress which is decorated with birds.
The imagery of Valentino on the horse made me think of him being in heaven since he was on a higher level physically and he felt almighty and powerful. However, while he is fleeing the Baggara, there is a scene where he is on the ground like a snake, which makes me think of Satan because in the Bible he is usually portrayed as a serpent... But, that doeesn't mean that Valentino is a snake, rather it makes me think that Valentino is in hell, since he sees fire up ahead... and he is being chased...all the while wishing that God would save him from his misery.
*this long run on sentence... grammatically incorrect*
There were also some colors mentioned in these chapters..
Yellow- Sudan, Valentino's mother's dress,candies that Valentino is offered by a soldier, things that represent happiness for Valentino....?
Red- Tonya's clothes, Blood,fire, anger
Black- lion's silhouette, darkness...duh
...that's it for now...
I started reading What is the What.. and the way the story is told makes me think back to english class last year, about how it is a frame story, like the Catcher in the Rye.
I find it interesting and ironic that Valentino regards his intruders as his friends as they rob him. How he'd rather be in Sudan fleeing from soldiers and guns, while struggling through the wild then in America, supposedly the land of the free. Or at least a land that would seem to offer more opportunities for advancement.
The scene in which Valentino "soars" to Amath reminds me of "Flights of Fancy" from how to read literature. There is evidence of bird imagery where Valentino "soars", and Amath's dress which is decorated with birds.
The imagery of Valentino on the horse made me think of him being in heaven since he was on a higher level physically and he felt almighty and powerful. However, while he is fleeing the Baggara, there is a scene where he is on the ground like a snake, which makes me think of Satan because in the Bible he is usually portrayed as a serpent... But, that doeesn't mean that Valentino is a snake, rather it makes me think that Valentino is in hell, since he sees fire up ahead... and he is being chased...all the while wishing that God would save him from his misery.
*this long run on sentence... grammatically incorrect*
There were also some colors mentioned in these chapters..
Yellow- Sudan, Valentino's mother's dress,candies that Valentino is offered by a soldier, things that represent happiness for Valentino....?
Red- Tonya's clothes, Blood,fire, anger
Black- lion's silhouette, darkness...duh
...that's it for now...
Friday, June 25, 2010
5. How to read lit.
Interlude : One Story
So this comes up again...How everything any writer ever wrote about, it's all part of one story. I like how that is because we can recall some of the things that we see in the new books that resemble the old texts and possibly see a connection.
Ch.21 Marked for Greatness
I never thought about what it meant when characters were marked....but after this chapter, I finally learned a little as to what it means when characters have physical imperfections.
Ch.22 He's Blind for a Reason, You Know
I like how Foster explains how the author introduces blindness in the story because he or she intends to, "...emphasize other levels of sight and blindness beyond the physical." Now, I also know that when authors want the readers to know something important about their character, they will introduce it early...
ch.23 It's never just heart disease...
This chapter was interesting, the significance of heart disease never dawned on me in literature, until I read this chapter. Part of it was slightly obvious, since the heart is symbolically the place of emotion. And much like the other things mentioned in this book, heart disease can mean a number of things, depending on what the author wants to intend. But it usually has to do with the characters having emotional trouble...
ch.24 ...And rarely just illness
So... I don't know too much regarding diseases, so it'll be a difficult for me to understand the symbolism behind the different types... But I like how Foster outlines the importance of diseases in this chapter.
ch.25 Don't read with your eyes
That's what I've been doing all along. I usually read from my perspective, which I realized is ineffective if I am trying to analyze literature. I guess in order for me to not read with my eyes, I would first have to understand or have a little background knowledge of the social, historical, and cultural happenings of the time of the author.
ch.26 Is He serious? And other ironies
Irony...That word brings back the memory of ninth grade English. That was a thought provoking class, it challenged me more than any of my English classes that I've taken. But back to this, Irony can be easily misused or misunderstood .. but that's what makes irony interesting... at least to me. I remember reading Hemingway from English class in Junior year, and I didn't catch the irony that Hemingway basically layered on again and again in his work. But, basically irony = a sign that is used in a way other than the intended one.
ch.27 A Test Case
After reading this and the section after the story, I did catch certain symbols and meanings from the story but others completely flew past me
For ex. I recognized the social class struggle between the rich family and the latter
The weather posed questions to me, but I wasn't exactly sure of what to make out of it. Then it clicked when I realized it had to do with the social class struggle
I completely and utterly missed the bird imagery. Besides the fact that she, "floated", and after I read the answer to the story, I was shocked.
The title also made me wonder...what about the garden? Do the roses symbolize the upper class because they are rare and the daisies the lower class since they are so common? Maybe.
Overall, there were some symbols that were apparent to me, while others I did not even think of.
So this comes up again...How everything any writer ever wrote about, it's all part of one story. I like how that is because we can recall some of the things that we see in the new books that resemble the old texts and possibly see a connection.
Ch.21 Marked for Greatness
I never thought about what it meant when characters were marked....but after this chapter, I finally learned a little as to what it means when characters have physical imperfections.
Ch.22 He's Blind for a Reason, You Know
I like how Foster explains how the author introduces blindness in the story because he or she intends to, "...emphasize other levels of sight and blindness beyond the physical." Now, I also know that when authors want the readers to know something important about their character, they will introduce it early...
ch.23 It's never just heart disease...
This chapter was interesting, the significance of heart disease never dawned on me in literature, until I read this chapter. Part of it was slightly obvious, since the heart is symbolically the place of emotion. And much like the other things mentioned in this book, heart disease can mean a number of things, depending on what the author wants to intend. But it usually has to do with the characters having emotional trouble...
ch.24 ...And rarely just illness
So... I don't know too much regarding diseases, so it'll be a difficult for me to understand the symbolism behind the different types... But I like how Foster outlines the importance of diseases in this chapter.
ch.25 Don't read with your eyes
That's what I've been doing all along. I usually read from my perspective, which I realized is ineffective if I am trying to analyze literature. I guess in order for me to not read with my eyes, I would first have to understand or have a little background knowledge of the social, historical, and cultural happenings of the time of the author.
ch.26 Is He serious? And other ironies
Irony...That word brings back the memory of ninth grade English. That was a thought provoking class, it challenged me more than any of my English classes that I've taken. But back to this, Irony can be easily misused or misunderstood .. but that's what makes irony interesting... at least to me. I remember reading Hemingway from English class in Junior year, and I didn't catch the irony that Hemingway basically layered on again and again in his work. But, basically irony = a sign that is used in a way other than the intended one.
ch.27 A Test Case
After reading this and the section after the story, I did catch certain symbols and meanings from the story but others completely flew past me
For ex. I recognized the social class struggle between the rich family and the latter
The weather posed questions to me, but I wasn't exactly sure of what to make out of it. Then it clicked when I realized it had to do with the social class struggle
I completely and utterly missed the bird imagery. Besides the fact that she, "floated", and after I read the answer to the story, I was shocked.
The title also made me wonder...what about the garden? Do the roses symbolize the upper class because they are rare and the daisies the lower class since they are so common? Maybe.
Overall, there were some symbols that were apparent to me, while others I did not even think of.
Friday, June 18, 2010
4. How to read lit.
Ch.16 It's all about sex...
I am confused as to when the author will be referring to sex or not.. since in literature... sex doesn't have to look like it. What is the point of putting sex into literature? How does it contribute to the plot or theme of the book? .. I guess it could symbolize or point to what the character is dealing with in his or her personal life....
Ch.17 ...Except sex
So usually what the author is writing about... it's not about sex. Simply because its quite awkward to elaborate on the act... well, if I had to ...it'd probably be extremely awkward..... . So I'm still wondering as to what sex means in literary works.. well, to answer my own question, there are many possibilities.... ... Duh.
ch.18 If she comes up, it's baptism
It's interesting how even though in certain situations when characters don't even experience the physical components of baptism , i.e. sprinkling water over their head or even coming into contact with the water, they can technically still be baptized .. if they are reborn ... I learned that we just need to look at symbols in baptism : death and rebirth through the medium of water. I also learned that.. just because a character goes through that physical process of baptism, it doesn't symbolically mean that they were , unless they were ready to receive the baptism..
Ch.19 Geography matters...
An author places his or her character or story in a certain place for a reason. It's where it is to define or develop character development, be a plot, or it could be a character in itself.
Ch.20 ...So does season
This chapter made me recall back to the weather chapter , "It's not just rain or snow" .. and always interpreted the seasons generically; Spring = New beginnings, youth, Summer = passion, romance , Fall= harvest, Winter = death...
I always thought about how harvest in the fall can mean different things , whether physically harvesting something or harvesting something as a person..
And of course, there's irony that can change the meaning of all these seasons.
I am confused as to when the author will be referring to sex or not.. since in literature... sex doesn't have to look like it. What is the point of putting sex into literature? How does it contribute to the plot or theme of the book? .. I guess it could symbolize or point to what the character is dealing with in his or her personal life....
Ch.17 ...Except sex
So usually what the author is writing about... it's not about sex. Simply because its quite awkward to elaborate on the act... well, if I had to ...it'd probably be extremely awkward..... . So I'm still wondering as to what sex means in literary works.. well, to answer my own question, there are many possibilities.... ... Duh.
ch.18 If she comes up, it's baptism
It's interesting how even though in certain situations when characters don't even experience the physical components of baptism , i.e. sprinkling water over their head or even coming into contact with the water, they can technically still be baptized .. if they are reborn ... I learned that we just need to look at symbols in baptism : death and rebirth through the medium of water. I also learned that.. just because a character goes through that physical process of baptism, it doesn't symbolically mean that they were , unless they were ready to receive the baptism..
Ch.19 Geography matters...
An author places his or her character or story in a certain place for a reason. It's where it is to define or develop character development, be a plot, or it could be a character in itself.
Ch.20 ...So does season
This chapter made me recall back to the weather chapter , "It's not just rain or snow" .. and always interpreted the seasons generically; Spring = New beginnings, youth, Summer = passion, romance , Fall= harvest, Winter = death...
I always thought about how harvest in the fall can mean different things , whether physically harvesting something or harvesting something as a person..
And of course, there's irony that can change the meaning of all these seasons.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
3. How to read lit.
.... Ch.11 More than it's gonna hurt you: concerning violence
Whenever I see or hear about violence, I usually cringe at the thought or sight of it. .. But as I was reading this chapter, it says that, "Violence is one of the most personal and even intimate acts between human beings..." which to me seemed ironic at first since the words personal and intimate made me think of ... nonviolence. But maybe because, I'm only looking at violence from the conventional perspective..
It's also interesting how violence can mean can be associated to seeemingly diverse issues... like physchological dilemma, historical or social concerns...
Ch.12 Is that a Symbol?
symbols... It's interesting yet.. annoying that symbols can mean so many things. I mean it shouldn't have only one meaning. or else according to the book, it would be an allegory. But at the same time, with so many meanings, it's confusing for the reader... Since every writer is from a different time period and there are different social/political concerns during their times....
Ch.13 It's All Political
I didn't really understand the i hate/ love "political" writing part... The edgar allan poe paragraph was interesting, as I remember reading it during junior year..
That whole Rip Van Winkle political analogy was a stretch for me... it made me think of u.s. history..well since the colonists were mentioned.
Ch.14 Yes, She's a Christ Figure, Too
I liked this chapter because I saw many familiar characteristics describing Christ and I do see a lot of Biblical allusions / symbols used in the past books that I have read. One thing that stuck out to me in this chapter was when he said, "...You need to put aside your belief system, so you can see what the writer is trying to say..." I realized that before when I read, I often would read through a certain perspective and I would miss a lot of the symbols that the author intended to disclose.. perhaps those symbols weren't as evident to me because I was reading through my own perspective.
Ch.15 Flights of Fancy
I have never thought of flight as freedom..even though it makes perfect sense. Again, I read too literally in the past. ... The question of flight also leads me to ask the question... What happens when they are falling? And, of course Foster answers that.. but It can mean different things. according to situation and author ....
Whenever I see or hear about violence, I usually cringe at the thought or sight of it. .. But as I was reading this chapter, it says that, "Violence is one of the most personal and even intimate acts between human beings..." which to me seemed ironic at first since the words personal and intimate made me think of ... nonviolence. But maybe because, I'm only looking at violence from the conventional perspective..
It's also interesting how violence can mean can be associated to seeemingly diverse issues... like physchological dilemma, historical or social concerns...
Ch.12 Is that a Symbol?
symbols... It's interesting yet.. annoying that symbols can mean so many things. I mean it shouldn't have only one meaning. or else according to the book, it would be an allegory. But at the same time, with so many meanings, it's confusing for the reader... Since every writer is from a different time period and there are different social/political concerns during their times....
Ch.13 It's All Political
I didn't really understand the i hate/ love "political" writing part... The edgar allan poe paragraph was interesting, as I remember reading it during junior year..
That whole Rip Van Winkle political analogy was a stretch for me... it made me think of u.s. history..well since the colonists were mentioned.
Ch.14 Yes, She's a Christ Figure, Too
I liked this chapter because I saw many familiar characteristics describing Christ and I do see a lot of Biblical allusions / symbols used in the past books that I have read. One thing that stuck out to me in this chapter was when he said, "...You need to put aside your belief system, so you can see what the writer is trying to say..." I realized that before when I read, I often would read through a certain perspective and I would miss a lot of the symbols that the author intended to disclose.. perhaps those symbols weren't as evident to me because I was reading through my own perspective.
Ch.15 Flights of Fancy
I have never thought of flight as freedom..even though it makes perfect sense. Again, I read too literally in the past. ... The question of flight also leads me to ask the question... What happens when they are falling? And, of course Foster answers that.. but It can mean different things. according to situation and author ....
Sunday, June 13, 2010
2. How to read lit.
So.. this post has been postponed for a week almost...
ch.6 When in Doubt it's from Shakespeare.
It's interesting.. how Shakespeare's work is seen from the 18th- 21st centuries... How does he do it? Well, the question is kind of answered in the chapter.. It has to do with intertextuality again.. The values in his works, I guess , carry on into other writer's works in a way..
Ch.7... Or the Bible
Its awesome how biblical parallels are everywhere in literature, because of all the universal values and human notions that are featured in the Bible. Since I'm christian, its even more interesting to discover the allusions in the books that I've read in the past year.. I remember T.S. Eliot's The Love song of J.Alfred Prufrock had some Biblical allusions..
Ch.8 Hanseldee and Greteldum
Writers use parallels, analogies, plot structures, and references from Kid Lit. That's smart.
Ch.9 It's Greek to Me
"Myth is a body of story that matters." I always had the correlated myths w/Greek fables and all that kiddie stuff, because I used to read Aesop's fables...
"One of the ways classical myth works: overt subject matter for poems and paintings and operas and novels" I liked how Foster later asks why would authors want to draw from myths , because that was exactly the question that surfaced.
Ch.10 It's more than just rain or snow
Mrs. Panosian! one of the things that was mentioned in her class, Rain = Purification! It can also be a plot device.. It's ironic how rain can cleanse you but also blemish you in a way (with mud).
Rain also signifies spring, which has restorative powers and symbolizes new beginnings. The symbolism snow carries is also interesting, since it has so many meanings.
Interlude Does he mean that?
Whaaaa? Too many symbols, too many allusions..... How can an author plan out all that. It was difficult to see all the literary devices authors used in past books like The great gatsby, The snows of kilimanjaro, and the catcher in the rye.. Hopefully I can start seeing all the symbols and be able to recognize allusions...
ch.6 When in Doubt it's from Shakespeare.
It's interesting.. how Shakespeare's work is seen from the 18th- 21st centuries... How does he do it? Well, the question is kind of answered in the chapter.. It has to do with intertextuality again.. The values in his works, I guess , carry on into other writer's works in a way..
Ch.7... Or the Bible
Its awesome how biblical parallels are everywhere in literature, because of all the universal values and human notions that are featured in the Bible. Since I'm christian, its even more interesting to discover the allusions in the books that I've read in the past year.. I remember T.S. Eliot's The Love song of J.Alfred Prufrock had some Biblical allusions..
Ch.8 Hanseldee and Greteldum
Writers use parallels, analogies, plot structures, and references from Kid Lit. That's smart.
Ch.9 It's Greek to Me
"Myth is a body of story that matters." I always had the correlated myths w/Greek fables and all that kiddie stuff, because I used to read Aesop's fables...
"One of the ways classical myth works: overt subject matter for poems and paintings and operas and novels" I liked how Foster later asks why would authors want to draw from myths , because that was exactly the question that surfaced.
Ch.10 It's more than just rain or snow
Mrs. Panosian! one of the things that was mentioned in her class, Rain = Purification! It can also be a plot device.. It's ironic how rain can cleanse you but also blemish you in a way (with mud).
Rain also signifies spring, which has restorative powers and symbolizes new beginnings. The symbolism snow carries is also interesting, since it has so many meanings.
Interlude Does he mean that?
Whaaaa? Too many symbols, too many allusions..... How can an author plan out all that. It was difficult to see all the literary devices authors used in past books like The great gatsby, The snows of kilimanjaro, and the catcher in the rye.. Hopefully I can start seeing all the symbols and be able to recognize allusions...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
1. How to Read Literature Like a Professor
So this is my first blog. Finally. Anyways, How to Read Literature Like a Professor turned out to be much more engaging and interesting that I had originally thought it to be.
Some thoughts after reading the first five chapters: Some of the advice Foster gives us can be puzzling at times, but I appreciate the examples that he gives and how thoroughly he explains himself.
Before starting this book, I remember that most of the symbolism and allusions in the readings that I studied were not evident to me until the teacher had revealed them to me. I thought that it was a bit of a stretch each time the teacher told us about symbolism, parallels, and allusions in the books. After reading through these first few chapters, I realized it was because I read too literally and often missed many of the signs. A few things popped up that were memorable for me, such as the term Intertextuality which was something I was never conscious of and after I read about that I began to see a lot of examples of that in my past and present readings. It was also nice to have a little review on Sonnets, because honestly, I don't remember much about poems and their forms. The Vampire chapter really stuck to me, with its symbolism that represents "selfishness, exploitation, and a refusal to respect other's autonomy..." It made me think about how that symbolism connected with real life while also having academic importance.
Ch.5 also raised a question, with Foster's statement of how , "There's only one story..." which led me to think.. "What is that one story that everything is related to and borrowed from?"
Irrelevant, but when Foster mentioned the Vampires, I immediately thought of Twilight and Edward Cullen.....
Some thoughts after reading the first five chapters: Some of the advice Foster gives us can be puzzling at times, but I appreciate the examples that he gives and how thoroughly he explains himself.
Before starting this book, I remember that most of the symbolism and allusions in the readings that I studied were not evident to me until the teacher had revealed them to me. I thought that it was a bit of a stretch each time the teacher told us about symbolism, parallels, and allusions in the books. After reading through these first few chapters, I realized it was because I read too literally and often missed many of the signs. A few things popped up that were memorable for me, such as the term Intertextuality which was something I was never conscious of and after I read about that I began to see a lot of examples of that in my past and present readings. It was also nice to have a little review on Sonnets, because honestly, I don't remember much about poems and their forms. The Vampire chapter really stuck to me, with its symbolism that represents "selfishness, exploitation, and a refusal to respect other's autonomy..." It made me think about how that symbolism connected with real life while also having academic importance.
Ch.5 also raised a question, with Foster's statement of how , "There's only one story..." which led me to think.. "What is that one story that everything is related to and borrowed from?"
Irrelevant, but when Foster mentioned the Vampires, I immediately thought of Twilight and Edward Cullen.....
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