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?
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