* entry of your choice: My Room 101
The part of the book that left the most impression on me was Room 101. Room 101 is a torture chamber where the victim gets tortured by their worst fear. Since the party knows everything, they would know your biggest fear no matter how hard you tried to keep it hidden. Room 101 definitely brought about very strange feelings for me. I ended up thinking about myself and I imagined that, if I were in the place of Winston, what would I do??? I am sure I would do the same thing that Winston did, and betray my companion, although I cannot make that decision without actually being there and going through the events that Winston faced.
My biggest fear is of SPIDERS and DEATH. I am terrified of both of these things to the extreme and I can't imagine what the party would do to me with spiders or death. :O It is a very scary thought!! I do not know how the party would portray death but I presume it would be in a terrifying way.
What caught my interest was that Winston was not really frightened by Room 101 at first but more intrigued and interested in the room. He witnessed people doing anything to escape from going to Room 101, yet when it came time for his turn to enter Room 101 he did not show any resistance like some others had. Winston is a very confusing character at times but I enjoyed learning and coming to understand some of his complex characteristics in the novel 1984.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Question 7: 1984
* are there are any current situations in the world that relate to the novel? what are they, and how do they relate? does the novel shed any light on how current situations could be resolved or "fixed"?
There are many current situations that relate to the novel 1984. Some current situations like what is happening in North Korea can relate to the novel 1984. The situation in North Korea is not as extreme, in some ways, as in 1984. For example, North Koreans are not observed by telescreens and thought crime doesn't exist, but children and adults are being killed for their beliefs and actions. This is unjust and wrong.
In 1984, people who commit thought crime or rebel against the party are either put to death or sent to the Ministry of Love. In the Ministry of Love most people are not killed but, instead, are tortured and corrupted into loving the party. This is almost the exact opposite in North Korea. Most people in North Korea are not put on trial but are immediately killed if they oppose the government. Some similarities between the North Korean situation and 1984 are things like the government having complete censorship over the entire nation, abusing power for their own glory, not letting people believe or spread their own beliefs about religion and not being able to escape from the country or to escape from the false reality they are trapped in. I do not think that the novel 1984 sheds any light on solving the situation in North Korea.
There are many current situations that relate to the novel 1984. Some current situations like what is happening in North Korea can relate to the novel 1984. The situation in North Korea is not as extreme, in some ways, as in 1984. For example, North Koreans are not observed by telescreens and thought crime doesn't exist, but children and adults are being killed for their beliefs and actions. This is unjust and wrong.
In 1984, people who commit thought crime or rebel against the party are either put to death or sent to the Ministry of Love. In the Ministry of Love most people are not killed but, instead, are tortured and corrupted into loving the party. This is almost the exact opposite in North Korea. Most people in North Korea are not put on trial but are immediately killed if they oppose the government. Some similarities between the North Korean situation and 1984 are things like the government having complete censorship over the entire nation, abusing power for their own glory, not letting people believe or spread their own beliefs about religion and not being able to escape from the country or to escape from the false reality they are trapped in. I do not think that the novel 1984 sheds any light on solving the situation in North Korea.
Question 6: 1984
* are there any settings in this novel which you have found to be beautiful? or disturbing? or memorable?
I found many settings in this novel to be memorable. In particular I found the scene in which the refugee woman shields her child from being hit by the bullets to be very memorable. This was a helpless effort by the woman but she still held her son to her chest as if that would help save her son from being showered with bullets, along with herself. Pg 11: " There was a middleaged woman who might have been a jewess sitting up in the bow with a little boy screaming with fright ad hiding his head between her breasts as if he was trying to burrow right into her and the woman putting her arms around him comforting him although she was blue with fright herself. All the time covering him up as much as possible as if she thought her arms could keep the bullets off him."
Throughout this scene the whole audience is laughing and enjoying this brutal massacre. I found this to be very disturbing. How could people actually find it funny to see other people being killed and murdered in grotesque ways?? How long did this process take to change people's minds so they found tragically heartbreaking events funny? These were some questions I asked myself when reading this passage. I did not understand at all how a human of any kind could find something like this humourous. Today there are some people who are mentally sick and just completely weird who might find this kind of thing funny, unfortunately. But in this scene EVERYONE is laughing and enjoying this murder. Therefore, this is why I found this scene to be memorable and very disturbing.
I found many settings in this novel to be memorable. In particular I found the scene in which the refugee woman shields her child from being hit by the bullets to be very memorable. This was a helpless effort by the woman but she still held her son to her chest as if that would help save her son from being showered with bullets, along with herself. Pg 11: " There was a middleaged woman who might have been a jewess sitting up in the bow with a little boy screaming with fright ad hiding his head between her breasts as if he was trying to burrow right into her and the woman putting her arms around him comforting him although she was blue with fright herself. All the time covering him up as much as possible as if she thought her arms could keep the bullets off him."
Throughout this scene the whole audience is laughing and enjoying this brutal massacre. I found this to be very disturbing. How could people actually find it funny to see other people being killed and murdered in grotesque ways?? How long did this process take to change people's minds so they found tragically heartbreaking events funny? These were some questions I asked myself when reading this passage. I did not understand at all how a human of any kind could find something like this humourous. Today there are some people who are mentally sick and just completely weird who might find this kind of thing funny, unfortunately. But in this scene EVERYONE is laughing and enjoying this murder. Therefore, this is why I found this scene to be memorable and very disturbing.
Question 5: 1984
* please choose one passage from the novel that is significant to you. why is this passage meaningful?
Pg 69: "The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was the final, most essential command. His heart sank as he thought of the enormous power arrayed against him, the ease with which any Party intellectual would overthrow him in debate, the subtle arguments which he would not be able to understand, much less answer. And yet he was in the right! They were wrong and he was right. The obvious, the silly, and the true have got to be defended. Truisms are true, hold on to that! The solid world exists, its laws do not change. Stones are hard, water is wet, objects unsupported fall toward the earth's center. With the feeling that he was speaking to O'Brien, and also that he was setting forth an important axiom, he wrote, Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four. If that is granted, all else follows."
This passage was a real eye-opener for me. I found this passage to contain so much about life and free will. Winston makes a complete 180 by the end of the book. At the end he agreed with everything the party said. After finishing the book and then re-reading this passage, I was very discouraged because in this passage Winston seems to be so strong and firm about what he believes and by the end he doesn't believe in anything. His brain becomes an empty shell filled with all of the Party's ideas and laws. I hated to see this happen to Winston.
Pg 69: "The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was the final, most essential command. His heart sank as he thought of the enormous power arrayed against him, the ease with which any Party intellectual would overthrow him in debate, the subtle arguments which he would not be able to understand, much less answer. And yet he was in the right! They were wrong and he was right. The obvious, the silly, and the true have got to be defended. Truisms are true, hold on to that! The solid world exists, its laws do not change. Stones are hard, water is wet, objects unsupported fall toward the earth's center. With the feeling that he was speaking to O'Brien, and also that he was setting forth an important axiom, he wrote, Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four. If that is granted, all else follows."
This passage was a real eye-opener for me. I found this passage to contain so much about life and free will. Winston makes a complete 180 by the end of the book. At the end he agreed with everything the party said. After finishing the book and then re-reading this passage, I was very discouraged because in this passage Winston seems to be so strong and firm about what he believes and by the end he doesn't believe in anything. His brain becomes an empty shell filled with all of the Party's ideas and laws. I hated to see this happen to Winston.
Question 4: 1984
* who are the main characters in the novel? do you like them? why or why not? what is special about them? what do they reveal about the universal human experience?
The main characters in the novel 1984 are Winston, Julia, O'Brien and Big Brother (slthough Big Brother is not real person).
I do not really like any of the main characters in this novel. I like to think that if I were Winston or Julia I would have not given in at the end, and that I would have stood up for what I believed in. But, if I think about it deeper, I am not quite sure if I would have given into O'Brien or not. I would only be able to know, for sure, if something like that actually happened to me.
I like Winston in some ways because I can relate with him in some aspects, but my experiences are not nearly as extreme as the ones Winston goes through. I dislike Winston when he gets caught and throughout his time in the Ministry of Love. I like some characteristics of O'Brien as well. In some ways he reminds me of people I know. Although he is mean and corrupted he does persuade and act as a kind of friend to Winston, even though he is torturing him. O'Brien was the perfect person to torture Winston. They are both very similar and remind me of brothers. (O'Brien being the older brother who teaches Winston and shows/guides him onto the same path in which he is walking; although in this book, this is a bad thing.)
There is something special about every main character in any book. In this case I found that all the characters in the novel 1984 are exceptionally intelligent and have very interesting views of the world. I found each character interesting to read about and get to know. Each main character can represent the world and people in today's world.
The main characters in the novel 1984 are Winston, Julia, O'Brien and Big Brother (slthough Big Brother is not real person).
I do not really like any of the main characters in this novel. I like to think that if I were Winston or Julia I would have not given in at the end, and that I would have stood up for what I believed in. But, if I think about it deeper, I am not quite sure if I would have given into O'Brien or not. I would only be able to know, for sure, if something like that actually happened to me.
I like Winston in some ways because I can relate with him in some aspects, but my experiences are not nearly as extreme as the ones Winston goes through. I dislike Winston when he gets caught and throughout his time in the Ministry of Love. I like some characteristics of O'Brien as well. In some ways he reminds me of people I know. Although he is mean and corrupted he does persuade and act as a kind of friend to Winston, even though he is torturing him. O'Brien was the perfect person to torture Winston. They are both very similar and remind me of brothers. (O'Brien being the older brother who teaches Winston and shows/guides him onto the same path in which he is walking; although in this book, this is a bad thing.)
There is something special about every main character in any book. In this case I found that all the characters in the novel 1984 are exceptionally intelligent and have very interesting views of the world. I found each character interesting to read about and get to know. Each main character can represent the world and people in today's world.
Question 3: 1984
* what is the mood of this novel? do you find this novel saddens you in any way? why?
The mood of this novel is a very dark and secretive. In the novel 1984 the government has complete control over everything. So, another mood of this novel involves fear, fear of getting caught or being hanged like the people they see at least once a month being hanged in the park. People live in fear and this keeps them from violating any laws or rules that Big Brother puts into place.
This novel was full of many different emotions and changes. I had many different feelings throughout this novel. The end of the novel surprised me in a very disturbing way. When I took the time after finishing the novel to think about the end, it did sadden me. To think that in the end the Party wins and Winston seems to forget everything that happened before his arrest. I suppose that the events which happen to him in the Ministry of Love are very traumatizing. Even though I can see how Winston, in the end, ended up loving Big Brother, it seems so hard for me to accept that. That Winston actually believed 2+2=5 and many other concepts that O'Brien taught him is difficult to accept. Even though all these events take place I didn't want Winston to end up loving Big Brother. It certainly does sadden me in many ways to think that every truth Winston came into contact with was shapped by O'Brien into either a lie or a mistake. It is disturbing that the human mind can be changed so drastically, to the point at which you may forget or corrupt your past and your memories.
The mood of this novel is a very dark and secretive. In the novel 1984 the government has complete control over everything. So, another mood of this novel involves fear, fear of getting caught or being hanged like the people they see at least once a month being hanged in the park. People live in fear and this keeps them from violating any laws or rules that Big Brother puts into place.
This novel was full of many different emotions and changes. I had many different feelings throughout this novel. The end of the novel surprised me in a very disturbing way. When I took the time after finishing the novel to think about the end, it did sadden me. To think that in the end the Party wins and Winston seems to forget everything that happened before his arrest. I suppose that the events which happen to him in the Ministry of Love are very traumatizing. Even though I can see how Winston, in the end, ended up loving Big Brother, it seems so hard for me to accept that. That Winston actually believed 2+2=5 and many other concepts that O'Brien taught him is difficult to accept. Even though all these events take place I didn't want Winston to end up loving Big Brother. It certainly does sadden me in many ways to think that every truth Winston came into contact with was shapped by O'Brien into either a lie or a mistake. It is disturbing that the human mind can be changed so drastically, to the point at which you may forget or corrupt your past and your memories.
Question 2: 1984
* what is the climax of this novel? what happens? how do the events of this novel make you feel?
The climax of the novel 1984 is when Winston and Julia visit O'Brien's house. This is the point of the novel in which Winston and Julia cannot return to their regular lifestyles or turn back to their normal ways. After their conversation with O'Brien they are already shortening their time together, but it is only a vague possibility they believe they can avoid. Many events lead up to the climax. First, Winston and Julia start their affair. Second, Julia brings Winston's thoughts out and, in a way, corrupts WInston and encourages him to make that final step in receiving "the book". If it were not for Julia, Winston wouldn't have gone as far as he did but, with Julia at his side, he felt sure and confident. Third, Winston took a leap of faith and went to O'Brien's house, where he received information and an understanding about the general ideas of the Brotherhood. While reading this section of the novel I was kept on the edge of my seat, reading for hours at a time. These events were very intriguing and suspenseful. They are not as suspenseful as the events that take place after Winston and Julia are caught, but they certainly build up to the point at which they are arrested.
The climax of the novel 1984 is when Winston and Julia visit O'Brien's house. This is the point of the novel in which Winston and Julia cannot return to their regular lifestyles or turn back to their normal ways. After their conversation with O'Brien they are already shortening their time together, but it is only a vague possibility they believe they can avoid. Many events lead up to the climax. First, Winston and Julia start their affair. Second, Julia brings Winston's thoughts out and, in a way, corrupts WInston and encourages him to make that final step in receiving "the book". If it were not for Julia, Winston wouldn't have gone as far as he did but, with Julia at his side, he felt sure and confident. Third, Winston took a leap of faith and went to O'Brien's house, where he received information and an understanding about the general ideas of the Brotherhood. While reading this section of the novel I was kept on the edge of my seat, reading for hours at a time. These events were very intriguing and suspenseful. They are not as suspenseful as the events that take place after Winston and Julia are caught, but they certainly build up to the point at which they are arrested.
Question 1: 1984
* what is the major theme of this novel? why is this theme important to a teenager living in 2007?
The major theme of the novel 1984 is about power and how the government chooses to use it. This theme is important to a teenager living in 2007 because we have to be aware of how the government uses its power and the government uses its power for. All groups of people should be aware of the actions of their own government and the decisions it makes, because it can affect them.
In the novel, the party had absolute control of the state. I think that the question that haunts readers today after reading 1984 is: Could the world in 1984 ever really exist? Sadly, in some areas of the world this may be true, but perhaps not as extreme as in the novel.
Another major theme in this novel is history, and understanding the truth of where you've come from. The history of country or region is what shapes it and molds it. In the novel, the government manipulated history and shaped it so that it didn't contradicte anything that Big Brother said. One of the main reasons Winston rebelled against the government was because he wanted to know the whole history and not a false history that resulted in the false reality in which he was living. The party knew the importance and influence that history could have on the people and so to avoided rebellion and conflicts by eliminating all the history before Big Brother.
The major theme of the novel 1984 is about power and how the government chooses to use it. This theme is important to a teenager living in 2007 because we have to be aware of how the government uses its power and the government uses its power for. All groups of people should be aware of the actions of their own government and the decisions it makes, because it can affect them.
In the novel, the party had absolute control of the state. I think that the question that haunts readers today after reading 1984 is: Could the world in 1984 ever really exist? Sadly, in some areas of the world this may be true, but perhaps not as extreme as in the novel.
Another major theme in this novel is history, and understanding the truth of where you've come from. The history of country or region is what shapes it and molds it. In the novel, the government manipulated history and shaped it so that it didn't contradicte anything that Big Brother said. One of the main reasons Winston rebelled against the government was because he wanted to know the whole history and not a false history that resulted in the false reality in which he was living. The party knew the importance and influence that history could have on the people and so to avoided rebellion and conflicts by eliminating all the history before Big Brother.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Question 8: Fahrenheit 451
* entry of your choice: What would you rate this book between 1-10? why?
I would rate the novel, Fahrenheit 451 an 8 out of 10. I didn't really enjoy reading this book but I can appreciate Ray Bradbury's ideas and thoughts. The books relations to our lives are strong. What is interesting is that he wrote this novel a long time ago yet the material in it is still relevant to us today and for those in the future. I don't think this was the best book for me even though I can relate with many of the characters. In parts of the book I was confused and had to re-read many parts of the book to fully understand what Ray Bradbury was trying to say. I didn't really like it, but at the same time I didn't hate it. The novel was very good at explaining itself but in parts it was very confusing and seemed to be irrelevant. In the end though everything ties together and comes into focus. Some seems did not make any sense, for example on Page 48-" The Hound, he thought. It's out there tonight. It's out there now. If I opened the window... He did not open the window."
I honestly don't like this part of the book. What is the point in saying this? I got really confused with this part. But many other scenes in this book are intriguing and interesting. Ray Bradbury is a very good author and his ideas have impacted the world in my opinion.
I would rate the novel, Fahrenheit 451 an 8 out of 10. I didn't really enjoy reading this book but I can appreciate Ray Bradbury's ideas and thoughts. The books relations to our lives are strong. What is interesting is that he wrote this novel a long time ago yet the material in it is still relevant to us today and for those in the future. I don't think this was the best book for me even though I can relate with many of the characters. In parts of the book I was confused and had to re-read many parts of the book to fully understand what Ray Bradbury was trying to say. I didn't really like it, but at the same time I didn't hate it. The novel was very good at explaining itself but in parts it was very confusing and seemed to be irrelevant. In the end though everything ties together and comes into focus. Some seems did not make any sense, for example on Page 48-" The Hound, he thought. It's out there tonight. It's out there now. If I opened the window... He did not open the window."
I honestly don't like this part of the book. What is the point in saying this? I got really confused with this part. But many other scenes in this book are intriguing and interesting. Ray Bradbury is a very good author and his ideas have impacted the world in my opinion.
Question 7: Fahrenheit 451
* are there are any current situations in the world that relate to the novel? what are they, and how do they relate? does the novel shed any light on how current situations could be resolved or "fixed"?
Currently in the world people or groups of people are being persecuted and thrown in jail by the government. Right now missionaries in many places around the world are being tortured for meeting with groups of Christians in basements for church services. In North Korea people aren't even allowed to be Christians, or to worship anyone or anything but Kim Jung Il. These problems that are happening in the world right now relate to the novel Fahrenheit 451 because both Montag, and people without freedom today, are being prevented from teaching others and having free will of speech and actions. The government in Fahrenheit 451 catches people, and tortures or kills them, if those people disagree with government control. For Montag this is what would have happened to him if he was caught by the mechanical hound. The novel can relate to us today and help us to fix our problems through the trials and experiences Montag faced and went through. The novel, Fahrenheit 451, sheds light on the fact that governments can use their control and power for wrong, but when people keep standing up for what they believe in, they can make a difference in the world. Like Beatty, I think the governments who are doing this to these people groups will "want to die" after they come upon the truth of what they are doing.
Currently in the world people or groups of people are being persecuted and thrown in jail by the government. Right now missionaries in many places around the world are being tortured for meeting with groups of Christians in basements for church services. In North Korea people aren't even allowed to be Christians, or to worship anyone or anything but Kim Jung Il. These problems that are happening in the world right now relate to the novel Fahrenheit 451 because both Montag, and people without freedom today, are being prevented from teaching others and having free will of speech and actions. The government in Fahrenheit 451 catches people, and tortures or kills them, if those people disagree with government control. For Montag this is what would have happened to him if he was caught by the mechanical hound. The novel can relate to us today and help us to fix our problems through the trials and experiences Montag faced and went through. The novel, Fahrenheit 451, sheds light on the fact that governments can use their control and power for wrong, but when people keep standing up for what they believe in, they can make a difference in the world. Like Beatty, I think the governments who are doing this to these people groups will "want to die" after they come upon the truth of what they are doing.
Question 6: Fahrenheit 451
* are there any settings in this novel which you have found to be beautiful? or disturbing? or memorable? describe these settings and comment on why they were meaningful to you.
I found many scenes throughout the novel Fahrenheit 451 to be memorable. The most vivid one is the scene in which Montag urges the old lady to come with him but she refuses and he leaves, leaving her to burn to her death.
Pg 35- "It was a flaking three-story house in the ancient part of the city, a century old if it was a day, but like all houses it had been given a thin fireproof plastic sheath many years ago, and this preservative shell seemed to be the only thing holding it in the sky."
These words paint a clear picture of the house and what the people inside the house are like. I found this to be very heart-wrenching because I feel remorse and saddness and compassion towards the old lady. When I was reading the part where the old lady decides to stay behind and burn to death, I was shocked and wanted to keep on reading to discover what happens next. I am not quite sure why this scene has stuck with me. This scene is important and a key turning point for Montag in the book. Like Montag this scene was a key turning point for myself, this scene was key for me to help understand this book.
I found many scenes throughout the novel Fahrenheit 451 to be memorable. The most vivid one is the scene in which Montag urges the old lady to come with him but she refuses and he leaves, leaving her to burn to her death.
Pg 35- "It was a flaking three-story house in the ancient part of the city, a century old if it was a day, but like all houses it had been given a thin fireproof plastic sheath many years ago, and this preservative shell seemed to be the only thing holding it in the sky."
These words paint a clear picture of the house and what the people inside the house are like. I found this to be very heart-wrenching because I feel remorse and saddness and compassion towards the old lady. When I was reading the part where the old lady decides to stay behind and burn to death, I was shocked and wanted to keep on reading to discover what happens next. I am not quite sure why this scene has stuck with me. This scene is important and a key turning point for Montag in the book. Like Montag this scene was a key turning point for myself, this scene was key for me to help understand this book.
Question 5: Fahrenheit 451
* please choose one passage from the novel that is significant to you. why is this passage meaningful? Please type it into one of your entries and comment on what you think about the passage.
Pg 162- "Look at the world out there, my God, look at it out there, outside me, out there beyond my face and where it's finally me, where it's in the blood, where it pumps around a thousand times ten thousand a day. I get hold of it so it'll never run off. I'll hold onto the world tight someday. I've got one finger on it now; that's a beginning."
During this scene, while Montag is saying this quote, he is looking at the city he has just escaped from. Montag has so many thoughts running through his head and he just stops to look at the world and what he may have done to shape it, or what he is going to do. In this scene he is seated with Granger and the other men around the campfire and they are about to leave to continue with their travels.
This passage is meaningful to me because it describes the purpose for which we live and breath in this world. I think we all have an obligation to do something meaningful with our lives, especially if we are Christians. If you read the Bible, it tells you you are supposed to go out and spread the word about Jesus, and to love others and serve them. If everyone did that, we would change the world. This passage touched me and made me sit and think about it for a couple of minutes. To stop and take a moment to ponder the world, and what you have done to shape it, is an odd and unsettling thought. I have, many times, thought of what kind of impression I might make in the world. How will I effect those that I love and those that I have never met? Therefore, this passage really touched me and related to me.
Pg 162- "Look at the world out there, my God, look at it out there, outside me, out there beyond my face and where it's finally me, where it's in the blood, where it pumps around a thousand times ten thousand a day. I get hold of it so it'll never run off. I'll hold onto the world tight someday. I've got one finger on it now; that's a beginning."
During this scene, while Montag is saying this quote, he is looking at the city he has just escaped from. Montag has so many thoughts running through his head and he just stops to look at the world and what he may have done to shape it, or what he is going to do. In this scene he is seated with Granger and the other men around the campfire and they are about to leave to continue with their travels.
This passage is meaningful to me because it describes the purpose for which we live and breath in this world. I think we all have an obligation to do something meaningful with our lives, especially if we are Christians. If you read the Bible, it tells you you are supposed to go out and spread the word about Jesus, and to love others and serve them. If everyone did that, we would change the world. This passage touched me and made me sit and think about it for a couple of minutes. To stop and take a moment to ponder the world, and what you have done to shape it, is an odd and unsettling thought. I have, many times, thought of what kind of impression I might make in the world. How will I effect those that I love and those that I have never met? Therefore, this passage really touched me and related to me.
Question 4: Fahrenheit 451
* who are the main characters in the novel? do you like them? why or why not? what is special about them? what do they reveal about the universal human experience?
The main characters in this novel are Guy Montag, Beatty, Mildred, Faber and Clarisse McClellan. I really liked the characters Montag, Faber and Clarisse because they were willing to oppose the government and fight for their rights and the knowledge that the books hold. (Except for Faber.) I liked Faber because he was the sort of person that reminded me of my Grampa. He is sort of shy but inside he has a longing and desire for the truth. Like Faber, he does not actually go through with what is running through his mind but keeps it to himself until the right moment. I liked Montag because he is battling internally with himself in so many areas of his life. He has stumbled upon a realization that his world is not what he thought it was, and he is confused at first about what to do about it. I can relate with Montag in many of these types of situations. Many of these characters reflect the personalities and character traits in today's society. I liked getting to know the characters because they reminded me of people in my family.
I didn't like the characters Mildred and Beatty. They were both living in a world of false realities. Mildred was so caught up with what the government was selling to her. I can relate with Beatty being stuck between two worlds and knowing what he was doing was wrong. I think everyone can relate with Beatty at least once in their lives.
The main characters in this novel reveal that when you go against the authoritiese you are shunned, rejected and victimized. "Going against the flow" is not accepted by anyone who does not want to change. Even though you may be "normal" or acting in a normal way, if it is not the way people usually do things it is considered abnormal and wierd.
The main characters in this novel are Guy Montag, Beatty, Mildred, Faber and Clarisse McClellan. I really liked the characters Montag, Faber and Clarisse because they were willing to oppose the government and fight for their rights and the knowledge that the books hold. (Except for Faber.) I liked Faber because he was the sort of person that reminded me of my Grampa. He is sort of shy but inside he has a longing and desire for the truth. Like Faber, he does not actually go through with what is running through his mind but keeps it to himself until the right moment. I liked Montag because he is battling internally with himself in so many areas of his life. He has stumbled upon a realization that his world is not what he thought it was, and he is confused at first about what to do about it. I can relate with Montag in many of these types of situations. Many of these characters reflect the personalities and character traits in today's society. I liked getting to know the characters because they reminded me of people in my family.
I didn't like the characters Mildred and Beatty. They were both living in a world of false realities. Mildred was so caught up with what the government was selling to her. I can relate with Beatty being stuck between two worlds and knowing what he was doing was wrong. I think everyone can relate with Beatty at least once in their lives.
The main characters in this novel reveal that when you go against the authoritiese you are shunned, rejected and victimized. "Going against the flow" is not accepted by anyone who does not want to change. Even though you may be "normal" or acting in a normal way, if it is not the way people usually do things it is considered abnormal and wierd.
Question 3: Fahrenheit 451
* what is the mood of this novel? do you find this novel saddens you in any way? why?
The mood of the novel Fahrenheit 451 is one of desperation, despair, longing and darkness. It is desperate because of Montag's longing for greater knowledge, like in the scene where Montag takes the book from the Old Lady. Montag is not quite sure why he takes the book but he knows that there is something inside of the book that is strong enough people would die for it. In this scene he desires, and is desperate to know, why people die for these books and what is between the covers of these books.
The novel is very dark and is the opposite of a cheerful and happy love story. It is full of suspense and awful events take place. An example of this would be when Montag has to leave the Old Lady behind and let her burn in the house. This scene was very disturbing and memorable.
This novel was intriguing in parts but very disturbing and dark. This novel did sadden me in some ways. I was sad for Mildred because she was so sucked into the media and buying everything other people told her. She really had no life and was just kind of wasting away. When I got thinking about her and who else may be like her right now, I was saddened. To think that someone/anyone would want to just waste their life is a horrible thought.
The mood of the novel Fahrenheit 451 is one of desperation, despair, longing and darkness. It is desperate because of Montag's longing for greater knowledge, like in the scene where Montag takes the book from the Old Lady. Montag is not quite sure why he takes the book but he knows that there is something inside of the book that is strong enough people would die for it. In this scene he desires, and is desperate to know, why people die for these books and what is between the covers of these books.
The novel is very dark and is the opposite of a cheerful and happy love story. It is full of suspense and awful events take place. An example of this would be when Montag has to leave the Old Lady behind and let her burn in the house. This scene was very disturbing and memorable.
This novel was intriguing in parts but very disturbing and dark. This novel did sadden me in some ways. I was sad for Mildred because she was so sucked into the media and buying everything other people told her. She really had no life and was just kind of wasting away. When I got thinking about her and who else may be like her right now, I was saddened. To think that someone/anyone would want to just waste their life is a horrible thought.
Question 2: Fahrenheit 451
* what is the climax of this novel? what happens? how do the events of this novel make you feel?
The climax of the novel Fahrenheit 451 is the scene in which the Firemen go to burn Montag's house. Montag helps to burn his house down and, in the end, kills his Chief, Beatty. Montag comes upon a truth by killing Beatty. Beatty wanted to die because he was trapped in a false world. He wasn't able to fight against that false world, like Montag, because he was in a position of power and control. So he wanted to die because he knew what he was doing was wrong. The climax of a novel is the point in which the main character cannot return to their previous life. In this case, this happens when Montag kills Beatty. He cannot return to his normal life because, after killing Beatty, the government would not allow him to stay alive and he would not want to return to his normal life after realizing the truth about his own life and culture. So, he is forced to run for his life and begin a new journey.
Through the events in this novel I felt confused but at the same time I began to understand the events taking place. I also felt anger towards Mildred. Mildred was so corrupted and full of stupidity, even to the point at which she chose her "family" over her husband and, above all, the truth and knowledge that books contain. The events in this novel can be confusing but if you break them down and understand them they contribute so much to the book.
The climax of the novel Fahrenheit 451 is the scene in which the Firemen go to burn Montag's house. Montag helps to burn his house down and, in the end, kills his Chief, Beatty. Montag comes upon a truth by killing Beatty. Beatty wanted to die because he was trapped in a false world. He wasn't able to fight against that false world, like Montag, because he was in a position of power and control. So he wanted to die because he knew what he was doing was wrong. The climax of a novel is the point in which the main character cannot return to their previous life. In this case, this happens when Montag kills Beatty. He cannot return to his normal life because, after killing Beatty, the government would not allow him to stay alive and he would not want to return to his normal life after realizing the truth about his own life and culture. So, he is forced to run for his life and begin a new journey.
Through the events in this novel I felt confused but at the same time I began to understand the events taking place. I also felt anger towards Mildred. Mildred was so corrupted and full of stupidity, even to the point at which she chose her "family" over her husband and, above all, the truth and knowledge that books contain. The events in this novel can be confusing but if you break them down and understand them they contribute so much to the book.
Question 1: Fahrenheit 451
* what is the major theme of this novel? why is this theme important to a teenager living in 2007?
The major theme of this novel that Ray Bradbury is trying to convey is that no one should prevent learning about, or understanding, truth in the world. Also, censorship is a main idea in the novel Fahrenheit 451. In the world that Ray Bradbury portrays, books are burned because they contain ideas that contradict the government, and they can trigger discontent. Beatty explains to Montag that they burn books because the ideas in the books offend "minorities." The word "minorities" refers to any group of people with a common interest or background. Another smaller idea in this novel is happiness. Faber listed three things a person needs for true hapiness. They are 1)quality information with depth 2)leisure time to comput information and think 3)the right to carry out actions based on what we learn from the interaction of the first two.
The idea of happiness in the novel also ties in with entertainment. People in Fahrenheit 451 love to entertain themselves by interacting with characters from TV shows in their living room "saloons". This can make us think questions like: are we really happy with what we are watching on TV? Do these things really make us happy/fullfilled? Are we really happy when we are kept occupied or when we are "sucked into" the media?
Censorship continues to be part of our lives, but in 2007 it is not as extensive as in the novel. Schools are regularly censored for what is read and taught. In this time and age techonology has come a long way and has even come to control people. (Example: video games.) Many people in today's world do not look for happiness according to the three ways that Faber listed in the novel. Many people now are fulfullied by what the world around them offers, things that aren't meaningful such as money, fashion and entertainment. Instead we should be trying to be fulfullied by what Faber lists here.
The major theme of this novel that Ray Bradbury is trying to convey is that no one should prevent learning about, or understanding, truth in the world. Also, censorship is a main idea in the novel Fahrenheit 451. In the world that Ray Bradbury portrays, books are burned because they contain ideas that contradict the government, and they can trigger discontent. Beatty explains to Montag that they burn books because the ideas in the books offend "minorities." The word "minorities" refers to any group of people with a common interest or background. Another smaller idea in this novel is happiness. Faber listed three things a person needs for true hapiness. They are 1)quality information with depth 2)leisure time to comput information and think 3)the right to carry out actions based on what we learn from the interaction of the first two.
The idea of happiness in the novel also ties in with entertainment. People in Fahrenheit 451 love to entertain themselves by interacting with characters from TV shows in their living room "saloons". This can make us think questions like: are we really happy with what we are watching on TV? Do these things really make us happy/fullfilled? Are we really happy when we are kept occupied or when we are "sucked into" the media?
Censorship continues to be part of our lives, but in 2007 it is not as extensive as in the novel. Schools are regularly censored for what is read and taught. In this time and age techonology has come a long way and has even come to control people. (Example: video games.) Many people in today's world do not look for happiness according to the three ways that Faber listed in the novel. Many people now are fulfullied by what the world around them offers, things that aren't meaningful such as money, fashion and entertainment. Instead we should be trying to be fulfullied by what Faber lists here.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Question 8: Ender's Game
* entry of your choice: Is there any scene in this novel that reminds you of any place you have ever been or visited too?
When Ender first comes to the Battle School, he notices that the walls are sloped or not normal and that the gravity can be changed. This scene reminded me of a place that my family and I visited to a very long time ago. It was a museum and they had this room that made you feel disoriented. The walls were all sloped and jagged and the floor was slanted. It made you fall over because it felt like you should be standing on the wall instead of the floor. I can connect with Ender through the same kind of gravity sensation that he had. Not having the normal atmosphere or same kind gravity can through you off, it can totally confuse you and make you dizzy. Therefore, through this scene when Ender first comes to the Battle School, I was reminded of the disoriented room in the museum that my family and I visited many years ago.
When Ender first comes to the Battle School, he notices that the walls are sloped or not normal and that the gravity can be changed. This scene reminded me of a place that my family and I visited to a very long time ago. It was a museum and they had this room that made you feel disoriented. The walls were all sloped and jagged and the floor was slanted. It made you fall over because it felt like you should be standing on the wall instead of the floor. I can connect with Ender through the same kind of gravity sensation that he had. Not having the normal atmosphere or same kind gravity can through you off, it can totally confuse you and make you dizzy. Therefore, through this scene when Ender first comes to the Battle School, I was reminded of the disoriented room in the museum that my family and I visited many years ago.
Question 7: Ender's Game
* are there are any current situations in the world that relate to the novel? what are they, and how do they relate? does the novel shed any light on how current situations could be resolved or "fixed"?
Right now the Americans are still at war with Iraq. I think this situation could relate to the one in the book, Ender's Game. President George Bush has made some pretty bad decisions, but above all he has not rectified them by taking his army out of Iraq. He has killed many innocent civilians and has caused great disorder and hatred in Iraq. War is a horrible thing and like Ender I think President Bush will feel regret and compassion for the Iraqi citizens. This situation does not have to end like the one in Enders Game. It can simply end by President Bush realizing what is the right thing to do in a situation like this and that is to make peace with Iraq. The difference in these two wars is that Ender did not know what he was doing, but President Bush has a very clear idea of the destruction and hatred he is creating and yet he does not stop it.
Right now the Americans are still at war with Iraq. I think this situation could relate to the one in the book, Ender's Game. President George Bush has made some pretty bad decisions, but above all he has not rectified them by taking his army out of Iraq. He has killed many innocent civilians and has caused great disorder and hatred in Iraq. War is a horrible thing and like Ender I think President Bush will feel regret and compassion for the Iraqi citizens. This situation does not have to end like the one in Enders Game. It can simply end by President Bush realizing what is the right thing to do in a situation like this and that is to make peace with Iraq. The difference in these two wars is that Ender did not know what he was doing, but President Bush has a very clear idea of the destruction and hatred he is creating and yet he does not stop it.
Question 6: Ender's Game
* what is the mood of this novel? do you find this novel saddens you in any way? why?
The mood of this novel is complicated. It contains elements of regret, remorse, death, and despair. These components may make the novel seem dark and dreary but there is always a certain hope or happiness that resurfaces. The mood is witty and swift throughout the book during the battle and strategy games. The author, Orson Scott Card, wastes little time in explaining and capturing Ender's feelings and moods throughout this novel, and this is what shapes the novel.
I was sad when Ender is tricked into killing the Buggers. He knew that if he didn't kill them, they would kill him, but there is still remorse for the lose of lives. I the scene touching when Ender finds the Queen larva and decides to give it a chance at new life. I felt saddness towards Ender because all the people who had made him to be who he was, was not really what he wanted to be. They molded him into a "perfect soldier" but in fact they were making him into something he hated and at times could not control. In these parts of the book I felt sad, towards the Buggers and towards Ender.
The mood of this novel is complicated. It contains elements of regret, remorse, death, and despair. These components may make the novel seem dark and dreary but there is always a certain hope or happiness that resurfaces. The mood is witty and swift throughout the book during the battle and strategy games. The author, Orson Scott Card, wastes little time in explaining and capturing Ender's feelings and moods throughout this novel, and this is what shapes the novel.
I was sad when Ender is tricked into killing the Buggers. He knew that if he didn't kill them, they would kill him, but there is still remorse for the lose of lives. I the scene touching when Ender finds the Queen larva and decides to give it a chance at new life. I felt saddness towards Ender because all the people who had made him to be who he was, was not really what he wanted to be. They molded him into a "perfect soldier" but in fact they were making him into something he hated and at times could not control. In these parts of the book I felt sad, towards the Buggers and towards Ender.
Question 5: Ender's Game
* what is the major theme of this novel? why is this theme important to a teenager living in 2007?
The major theme of this novel is, the value of life and compassion. Compassion is what is constantly running through Ender's life. If it were not for his compassion he would have turned into a killing machine or a power hungry person like Peter. Also, Ender starts a new beginning for the buggers. Ender had compassion for the buggers and was able to make up for destroying them by giving them new life. The characters that were not allowed to show compassion end up showing compassion in the end and "becoming human." The buggers demonstrate compassion to Ender, and this convinces him that he must make it his mission to see that their queen is found a safe home to start over. Compassion provides hope for the future.
This theme is important for a teenager living in 2007 because it shows us that through all things we need to have and show compassion. We may be pushed to our limits and go through hardships but during those times compassion is all around us waiting to take hold of us, we just don't see it at the time and later look back on those memories and regret our mistakes.
The major theme of this novel is, the value of life and compassion. Compassion is what is constantly running through Ender's life. If it were not for his compassion he would have turned into a killing machine or a power hungry person like Peter. Also, Ender starts a new beginning for the buggers. Ender had compassion for the buggers and was able to make up for destroying them by giving them new life. The characters that were not allowed to show compassion end up showing compassion in the end and "becoming human." The buggers demonstrate compassion to Ender, and this convinces him that he must make it his mission to see that their queen is found a safe home to start over. Compassion provides hope for the future.
This theme is important for a teenager living in 2007 because it shows us that through all things we need to have and show compassion. We may be pushed to our limits and go through hardships but during those times compassion is all around us waiting to take hold of us, we just don't see it at the time and later look back on those memories and regret our mistakes.
Question 4: Ender's Game
* who are the main characters in the novel? do you like them? why or why not? what is special about them? what do they reveal about the universal human experience?
The main characters in this novel are Ender Wiggin, Colonel Graff, Valentine Wiggin, Peter Wiggin, Petra, Bean, Alai, and Shen. I like all of these characters very much except for Peter Wiggin and Colonel Graff. I don't like them because they are horribly cruel and take life to seriously. They both calculate every move they are about to make and only think about themselfs, as if the world revolves around them alone. I like Ender, Petra, Valentine, Bean, Alai, and Shen for all the opposite reasons. They are humans who have feelings and personalities. They can love one another even when they get mad, and they can also work together as a team. Their friendship is loyal and trustworthy. I feel comforted knowing that when Ender went into battle he had his best friends by his side. They were characters that I would want to be friends with. I can connect with some of them on different levels and you grow to love them through their personalities and behaviours. I came to really respect Petra and Alai in this novel as well. It may have been because they were leaders and bold, but I liked how they were "real" and weren't afraid to show who they really were. That is a very admerable thing. Each character represents a part of the world. Most people face different challenges and so do these characters. I don't think one person could represent the world but this group of friends could. Each character has a distinct characteristic about them and together they form a bond so strong, nothing can brake it.
The main characters in this novel are Ender Wiggin, Colonel Graff, Valentine Wiggin, Peter Wiggin, Petra, Bean, Alai, and Shen. I like all of these characters very much except for Peter Wiggin and Colonel Graff. I don't like them because they are horribly cruel and take life to seriously. They both calculate every move they are about to make and only think about themselfs, as if the world revolves around them alone. I like Ender, Petra, Valentine, Bean, Alai, and Shen for all the opposite reasons. They are humans who have feelings and personalities. They can love one another even when they get mad, and they can also work together as a team. Their friendship is loyal and trustworthy. I feel comforted knowing that when Ender went into battle he had his best friends by his side. They were characters that I would want to be friends with. I can connect with some of them on different levels and you grow to love them through their personalities and behaviours. I came to really respect Petra and Alai in this novel as well. It may have been because they were leaders and bold, but I liked how they were "real" and weren't afraid to show who they really were. That is a very admerable thing. Each character represents a part of the world. Most people face different challenges and so do these characters. I don't think one person could represent the world but this group of friends could. Each character has a distinct characteristic about them and together they form a bond so strong, nothing can brake it.
Question 3: Ender's Game
* what is the climax of this novel? what happens? how do the events of this novel make you feel?
I think the climax of this novel is the part in which Ender refuses to go to the Command School and stays at the location by the lake for two months. The climax of the book is when he decides to go to the Command School and become everything "they" want him to be, and more. Right before the climax, Ender is visited by his sister, Valentine. They have not seen each other for many years. Valentine was sent to Ender to try to convince him to go to Command School and after this he does, because that is what Valentine wanted him to do.
The events in this novel are very climatic and exciting, you never want to put the book down. I felt many different feelings through all the different events in this book. Feelings like hate, anger, nervousness, excited, frustrated, annoyed, caring, loving, and many more.
I think the climax of this novel is the part in which Ender refuses to go to the Command School and stays at the location by the lake for two months. The climax of the book is when he decides to go to the Command School and become everything "they" want him to be, and more. Right before the climax, Ender is visited by his sister, Valentine. They have not seen each other for many years. Valentine was sent to Ender to try to convince him to go to Command School and after this he does, because that is what Valentine wanted him to do.
The events in this novel are very climatic and exciting, you never want to put the book down. I felt many different feelings through all the different events in this book. Feelings like hate, anger, nervousness, excited, frustrated, annoyed, caring, loving, and many more.
Question 2: Ender's Game
* please choose one passage from the novel that is significant to you. why is this passage meaningful? Please type it into one of your entries and comment on what you think about the passage.
Pg 151, "He hated them and all their games. Hated them so badly that he cried, reading Val's empty asked-for letter again. The other boys in Phoenix Army noticed and looked away. Ender Wiggin crying? That was disturbing. Something terrible was going on. The best soldier in any army, lying on his bunk crying. The silence in the room was deep."
I find this passage meaningful because even though I am not a boy, I can still relate and have felt like this before. Not exactly like this because of course I have not gone to battle school and left my family but, I have experienced pain that has hurt so much you cry uncontrollably. It may not even be pain, but anger or hurt or frustration. I like this passage because it shows that Ender wasn't weary of being himself when hard struggles came along. Even though most boys never cried, Ender had no fear or regret that he did. This exposes him to be a "actual human-being". I personally have gone through hardships that have made me cry all through the night, but through these times where I have cried I have been happier with myself and have come to relize what is most important. So, I can connect with Ender through this passage in the book.
Pg 151, "He hated them and all their games. Hated them so badly that he cried, reading Val's empty asked-for letter again. The other boys in Phoenix Army noticed and looked away. Ender Wiggin crying? That was disturbing. Something terrible was going on. The best soldier in any army, lying on his bunk crying. The silence in the room was deep."
I find this passage meaningful because even though I am not a boy, I can still relate and have felt like this before. Not exactly like this because of course I have not gone to battle school and left my family but, I have experienced pain that has hurt so much you cry uncontrollably. It may not even be pain, but anger or hurt or frustration. I like this passage because it shows that Ender wasn't weary of being himself when hard struggles came along. Even though most boys never cried, Ender had no fear or regret that he did. This exposes him to be a "actual human-being". I personally have gone through hardships that have made me cry all through the night, but through these times where I have cried I have been happier with myself and have come to relize what is most important. So, I can connect with Ender through this passage in the book.
Question 1: Ender's Game
* are there any settings in this novel which you have found to be beautiful? or disturbing? or memorable? describe these settings and comment on why they were meaningful to you.
Towards the end of the novel, Ender stumbles upon a world that the buggers have made for him as a way to try to communicate. In this scene there is an a giant overgrown with grass and weeds, there is also a playground and a forest, but what I like most about this scene is the Tower/Castle. What I don't understand is why the "End of the World" is in the castle. A castle is where rules, laws, and new understandings come from, not where things end or stop. I found it beatiful but dangerous, like a Prince going into an enemy's castle, so did Ender venture into the the buggers castle. I thought that in perticular when he climbs into the tower and faces the fack snake, is a beautiful relization. I found this scene to be a true act of love that we should try to put into our lifes as well. Through this setting I felt compassion for the buggers because they put a lot of time and effort into trying to communicate with Ender their feelings and perspectives. I felt comforted knowing that the buggers were not as vicous creatures and that the longed to also understand humans and for them to understand them as well. This setting was exactly what I was looking for in this book, it was touching and moving. Through all of these things this setting was beautiful and memorable.
Towards the end of the novel, Ender stumbles upon a world that the buggers have made for him as a way to try to communicate. In this scene there is an a giant overgrown with grass and weeds, there is also a playground and a forest, but what I like most about this scene is the Tower/Castle. What I don't understand is why the "End of the World" is in the castle. A castle is where rules, laws, and new understandings come from, not where things end or stop. I found it beatiful but dangerous, like a Prince going into an enemy's castle, so did Ender venture into the the buggers castle. I thought that in perticular when he climbs into the tower and faces the fack snake, is a beautiful relization. I found this scene to be a true act of love that we should try to put into our lifes as well. Through this setting I felt compassion for the buggers because they put a lot of time and effort into trying to communicate with Ender their feelings and perspectives. I felt comforted knowing that the buggers were not as vicous creatures and that the longed to also understand humans and for them to understand them as well. This setting was exactly what I was looking for in this book, it was touching and moving. Through all of these things this setting was beautiful and memorable.
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