"She wasn't especially tall, but something about the way she carried herself, always very straight with her head right up, made you think she was. She wore her silvery hair tied back... she talked to you in her quiet, deliberate voice." (pg. 39)
This is an example of indirect characterization. Authors use this type of characterization when there's more to say than she is tall or she is quiet. I think this type of characterization is helpful to readers because it does go into more detail. The reader now knows what Miss Emily acts and dresses and what she somewhat looks like.
Chapter 4 talked about how Kathy met Ruth. Ruth had come up to her and asked her if she wanted to ride her horses. Kathy agreed, found out her horses were imaginary, and rode them anyway. I think she initially thought Ruth was weird and didn't really want to be her friend, but she was nice to her anyway. Also, in this chapter, Miss Lucy was talked about and the question was asked about what happens to their artwork. I think the kids are feeling proud that adults think that their artwork is so good, but sad that they are taking it away to an unknown place.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Chapter 3 - More Talk With Tommy
"The first time you glimpse yourself through the eyes of a person like that, it's a cold moment. It's like walking past a mirror you've walked past every day of your life, and suddenly it shows you something else, something troubling and strange." (pg. 36)
This quote is an example of an aphorism. Although it isn't that brief, it clearly shows something that the author has learned in life. I think the author did this to sort of summarize the chapter by pointing out a life lesson that everyone needs to learn.
This chapter of the book has some interesting progression in why Tommy's attitude changed. Miss Lucy did have a conversation, but it wasn't just about him. Tommy said she was angry about something. I, as well as Kathy, wondered why she was angry. Then, the topic drifted over to talk about Madame who is very strange. The students believe she is afraid of them, but I don't see why she would. The author says she is "probably quite still young," and the only people that I know that are afraid of kids are older. Something about that is just not right. Maybe she just doesn't like kids so she tries to avoid them, who knows.
This quote is an example of an aphorism. Although it isn't that brief, it clearly shows something that the author has learned in life. I think the author did this to sort of summarize the chapter by pointing out a life lesson that everyone needs to learn.
This chapter of the book has some interesting progression in why Tommy's attitude changed. Miss Lucy did have a conversation, but it wasn't just about him. Tommy said she was angry about something. I, as well as Kathy, wondered why she was angry. Then, the topic drifted over to talk about Madame who is very strange. The students believe she is afraid of them, but I don't see why she would. The author says she is "probably quite still young," and the only people that I know that are afraid of kids are older. Something about that is just not right. Maybe she just doesn't like kids so she tries to avoid them, who knows.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Chapter 2 - Maturity
"...the lunch queue was one of the better places to have a private talk.... Quiet places were often the worst, because there was always someone likely to be passing within earshot." (pg. 22)
This quote serves as an example of irony. One would think that going to a more quiet place would be better to have a conversation, but she's saying that the loud lunchroom is actually better. I, for one, do not go think to go to loud places to have a conversation with someone, but she seems to have a pattern that she follows so people don't notice she is talking to Tommy.
In this chapter, Tommy matures a little and stops throwing his tantrums. We, the readers, learn that he started being bullied because drew a picture of an elephant in the grass that looked like a much younger kid drew it, and the teacher applauded him for it. The other kids thought that he was getting too much attention, and he really didn't deserve it. Towards the end of the chapter, the narrator questions Tommy about why he changed. Tommy replied saying that he talked with Miss Lucy, and she told him that he didn't have to be creative if he chose not to. The narrator did not believe that that is what changed him, but they decided to meet after lunch in a private spot. I somewhat agree with Kathy because I don't think that changed him that much. I believe he just matured a little bit.
This quote serves as an example of irony. One would think that going to a more quiet place would be better to have a conversation, but she's saying that the loud lunchroom is actually better. I, for one, do not go think to go to loud places to have a conversation with someone, but she seems to have a pattern that she follows so people don't notice she is talking to Tommy.
In this chapter, Tommy matures a little and stops throwing his tantrums. We, the readers, learn that he started being bullied because drew a picture of an elephant in the grass that looked like a much younger kid drew it, and the teacher applauded him for it. The other kids thought that he was getting too much attention, and he really didn't deserve it. Towards the end of the chapter, the narrator questions Tommy about why he changed. Tommy replied saying that he talked with Miss Lucy, and she told him that he didn't have to be creative if he chose not to. The narrator did not believe that that is what changed him, but they decided to meet after lunch in a private spot. I somewhat agree with Kathy because I don't think that changed him that much. I believe he just matured a little bit.
Here We Go Again - Chapter 1
"I don't think anyone heard me, because they were all laughing at Laura - the big clown of the group - mimicking one after the other expressions that appeared on Tommy's face as he ran, waved, called, tackled." (pg. 8)
This is an example of direct characterization because the author straight out tells us who Laura is. I believe authors do this just so they don't have to go through and formally describe every aspect of the character. If they did this, they might get off topic and get away from what they really want to say.
Starting this book, I feel bad for Tommy because it seems that everyone always picks on him. The kids don't pick them for the football teams just so they can watch him throw a tantrum. The part that I don't get is why is Tommy the one getting picked on if he's so good at it? Is it the narrator's misconception, or do the guys just like making the boy mad? All of this may be unimportant as the narrator seems to be having a flashback too. She explained how she loved her school and appreciated it, but then starts talking one afternoon she remembers. Is the story going to continue from where this chapter left off or continue with different flashbacks of the same memory of her school? I guess we'll find out...
This is an example of direct characterization because the author straight out tells us who Laura is. I believe authors do this just so they don't have to go through and formally describe every aspect of the character. If they did this, they might get off topic and get away from what they really want to say.
Starting this book, I feel bad for Tommy because it seems that everyone always picks on him. The kids don't pick them for the football teams just so they can watch him throw a tantrum. The part that I don't get is why is Tommy the one getting picked on if he's so good at it? Is it the narrator's misconception, or do the guys just like making the boy mad? All of this may be unimportant as the narrator seems to be having a flashback too. She explained how she loved her school and appreciated it, but then starts talking one afternoon she remembers. Is the story going to continue from where this chapter left off or continue with different flashbacks of the same memory of her school? I guess we'll find out...
Friday, July 1, 2011
THE END!
"Slowly, very slowly, like two hundred unhurried compass needles, the feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-south-west; then paused, and, after a few seconds, turned as unhurriedly back towards the left. South-south-west, south, south-east, east...." (pg. 259)
What kind of ending is that? I truly have no idea what this even means. Did John hang himself? If he did, why are his feet going in that order? The wind? All I know is that John is dead, probably a suicide, because of the press. All he wanted was to be alone, and he couldn't even get that at an abandoned lighthouse. I feel his pain, and now he is finally alone.
Hmmm... Although the book kept me somewhat interested throughout, I don't think that I liked it. I feel that it was unrealistic, and I like to read books that can actually happen. There were some similarities between it and our society now, which I find very interesting given the fact that it was written in 1932.
What kind of ending is that? I truly have no idea what this even means. Did John hang himself? If he did, why are his feet going in that order? The wind? All I know is that John is dead, probably a suicide, because of the press. All he wanted was to be alone, and he couldn't even get that at an abandoned lighthouse. I feel his pain, and now he is finally alone.
Hmmm... Although the book kept me somewhat interested throughout, I don't think that I liked it. I feel that it was unrealistic, and I like to read books that can actually happen. There were some similarities between it and our society now, which I find very interesting given the fact that it was written in 1932.
Chapter 17 - Religion
"Degrade him from what position? As a happy, hardworking, goods-consuming citizen he's perfect." (pg. 236)
The second sentence of the quote is an example of an anastrophe. Writers use an anastrophe to show emphasis. In this example, Huxley wanted us to see the descriptions of making one "perfect" before saying that one was "perfect."
In this chapter, John and Mustapha Mond get into the topic of religion. Mustapha shows John several books including the Bible explaining God and who He is. John asks Mustapha Mond why he doesn't tell the others about God, and Mustapha tells him that God is old and they don't like old. God has not changed, but people have. I feel like this can kind of relate to our society now. Some people have given up on God for drugs, alcohol, sex, and personal pleasure. It upsets me that people do this, but I can't do anything about it; it's their life. John is mad that Mustapha Mond hides God from the society.
John even says, "'But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin.... Not to mention the right to grow old and ugly and impotent; the right to have syphilis and cancer; the right to have too little to eat; the right to be lousy; the right to live in constant apprehension of what may happen tomorrow; the right to catch typhoid; the right to be tortured by unspeakable pains of every kind. I claim them all.'"
The second sentence of the quote is an example of an anastrophe. Writers use an anastrophe to show emphasis. In this example, Huxley wanted us to see the descriptions of making one "perfect" before saying that one was "perfect."
In this chapter, John and Mustapha Mond get into the topic of religion. Mustapha shows John several books including the Bible explaining God and who He is. John asks Mustapha Mond why he doesn't tell the others about God, and Mustapha tells him that God is old and they don't like old. God has not changed, but people have. I feel like this can kind of relate to our society now. Some people have given up on God for drugs, alcohol, sex, and personal pleasure. It upsets me that people do this, but I can't do anything about it; it's their life. John is mad that Mustapha Mond hides God from the society.
John even says, "'But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin.... Not to mention the right to grow old and ugly and impotent; the right to have syphilis and cancer; the right to have too little to eat; the right to be lousy; the right to live in constant apprehension of what may happen tomorrow; the right to catch typhoid; the right to be tortured by unspeakable pains of every kind. I claim them all.'"
Chapter 16 - A Talk With Mustapha Mond
"'And all the science propaganda we do at the College...'
'Yes; but what sort of science?' asked Mustapha Mond sarcastically. 'You've had no scientific training, so you can't judge. I was a pretty good physicist in my time....'" (pg. 225)
This quote has a rhetorical question in it when Mustapha Mond says "...but what sort of science?" He doesn't expect an answer and continues on with his explanation. Mustapha only says it to emphasize that there is no science, and he really doesn't even know what science is. Helmholtz silently agreed with Mustapha as he had no reason not to believe him. Mustapha Mond ended up telling the three troublemakers that they would be going to an island. Bernard erupts with anger and had to be taken out of the room to be put to sleep with soma. If I were told I was going to be sent to an island, I probably would erupt too. But somehow, John and Helmholtz stay calm. They just want to learn more about what Mustapha has to say.
'Yes; but what sort of science?' asked Mustapha Mond sarcastically. 'You've had no scientific training, so you can't judge. I was a pretty good physicist in my time....'" (pg. 225)
This quote has a rhetorical question in it when Mustapha Mond says "...but what sort of science?" He doesn't expect an answer and continues on with his explanation. Mustapha only says it to emphasize that there is no science, and he really doesn't even know what science is. Helmholtz silently agreed with Mustapha as he had no reason not to believe him. Mustapha Mond ended up telling the three troublemakers that they would be going to an island. Bernard erupts with anger and had to be taken out of the room to be put to sleep with soma. If I were told I was going to be sent to an island, I probably would erupt too. But somehow, John and Helmholtz stay calm. They just want to learn more about what Mustapha has to say.
Chapter 15 - Disorderly Conduct
"'But do you like being slaves?' the Savage was saying as they entered the Hospital....'Don't you want to be free and men? Don't you even understand what manhood and freedom are... I'll teach you; I'll make you be free whether you want to or not.' And pushing open a window that looked on to the inner court of the Hospital, he began to throw the little pill-boxes of soma tablets in handfuls out into the area." (pg. 212-213)
I think John had finally had enough of everyone being drugged up. He wanted to end this cycle of working then taking drugs to make you feel better. He has been one of the only people who have seen the consequences of this harmful soma, and he doesn't want the others to end up the same way. I feel that this was very gutsy of him to do, especially since he's never spoken in front of a crowd before. Because John was throwing the soma out of the window, a riot started, and the police had to come to stop it. Everyone ended up getting their soma anyway, so I kind of feel that John's outbreak was unnecessary. Instead, John could have talked directly to the person distributing them or some person of power. Now, John is a prisoner and dragging Bernard and Helmholtz with him.
I think John had finally had enough of everyone being drugged up. He wanted to end this cycle of working then taking drugs to make you feel better. He has been one of the only people who have seen the consequences of this harmful soma, and he doesn't want the others to end up the same way. I feel that this was very gutsy of him to do, especially since he's never spoken in front of a crowd before. Because John was throwing the soma out of the window, a riot started, and the police had to come to stop it. Everyone ended up getting their soma anyway, so I kind of feel that John's outbreak was unnecessary. Instead, John could have talked directly to the person distributing them or some person of power. Now, John is a prisoner and dragging Bernard and Helmholtz with him.
Chapter 14 - Death
"'Popé!' she murmured. and closed her eyes. 'Oh, I do so like it, I do...' She sighed and let herself sink back into the pillows." (pg. 204)
The quote is an example of an apostrophe. Popé is dead, and because she has taken so much soma, Linda is dreaming about times with him. She addresses him like he was in the same room as Linda and John, but he wasn't. John, as everyone, including me, would, gets angry that his mom is being with someone that he hates instead of him. He tries to wake her up, but it's no use.
The ending of the chapter disgusts me. After Linda dies and John becomes sad, the nurse walks over to him and tells him that he's disrupting the children's lesson of coping with death and possibly putting them back a couple months. If someone told me that after someone I knew died, I probably would have to hit them. I thought that that was so rude of the nurse, but I do somewhat understand the circumstances. I know that in that society that children have to cope with death and see it as a good thing, but they shouldn't have a lesson while John is grieving. The nurse should have had the lesson another time and taken the children out of the room.
The quote is an example of an apostrophe. Popé is dead, and because she has taken so much soma, Linda is dreaming about times with him. She addresses him like he was in the same room as Linda and John, but he wasn't. John, as everyone, including me, would, gets angry that his mom is being with someone that he hates instead of him. He tries to wake her up, but it's no use.
The ending of the chapter disgusts me. After Linda dies and John becomes sad, the nurse walks over to him and tells him that he's disrupting the children's lesson of coping with death and possibly putting them back a couple months. If someone told me that after someone I knew died, I probably would have to hit them. I thought that that was so rude of the nurse, but I do somewhat understand the circumstances. I know that in that society that children have to cope with death and see it as a good thing, but they shouldn't have a lesson while John is grieving. The nurse should have had the lesson another time and taken the children out of the room.
Chapter 13 - True Love? Maybe Not...
"There was a moment's silence; then, in a very low voice, 'I love you more than anything in the world,' he said." (pg. 192)
I was somewhat confused when I read this chapter. It started with John and Lenina each having an internal conflict whether or not to tell the other that they really like them. Lenina finally gets the courage to do it, and after she tells him, he tells her that he likes her. Lenina then goes into a crazed state to try to have relations with John, I think? John freaks out, calls her a whore, and slaps her. Lenina, fearful of her life, locks herself in the bathroom. I think both of these people are messed up in the head and need some help. Why did John freak out? Did he want to get married first like they did at his old place, or did Lenina scare him? I don't know what really happened...
I was somewhat confused when I read this chapter. It started with John and Lenina each having an internal conflict whether or not to tell the other that they really like them. Lenina finally gets the courage to do it, and after she tells him, he tells her that he likes her. Lenina then goes into a crazed state to try to have relations with John, I think? John freaks out, calls her a whore, and slaps her. Lenina, fearful of her life, locks herself in the bathroom. I think both of these people are messed up in the head and need some help. Why did John freak out? Did he want to get married first like they did at his old place, or did Lenina scare him? I don't know what really happened...
Chapter 12 - New Friends
"'Ai yaa tákwa!' It was only in Zuñi that the Savage could adequately express what he felt about the Arch-Community-Songster. 'Háni!' he added as an afterthought; and then (with what derisive ferocity!): 'Sons éso tse-ná.' And he spat on the ground, as Popé might have done." (pg. 173)
This quote shows an example of the vernacular John spoke when he grew up. The author used this device to show the type of background John had and to show the reader a glimpse of another culture. John was so angry that he could only speak how angry he was in his native language. Bernard kept wanting to show John, "the Savage," off to his colleagues, but John was done being treated like an animal in a zoo. Since John refused to be seen, Bernard's popularity plummeted to where it was before he met John, and everyone hated him.
There was another allusion in this chapter, but this time it wasn't Shakespeare. "... the Savage looked at him over the top of his book and then, as the laughter still continued, closed it indignantly, got up, and with the gesture of one who removes his pearl before swine, locked it away in its drawer." (pg. 185) Pearl before swine is just a way of saying that someone was offered something, and they didn't appreciate it. (Thank you Mrs. Sander!!) It's based on the story of Sermon on the Mount when the people did not appreciate Jesus' message. John was telling the story of Romeo and Juliet to Helmholtz, but Helmholtz was laughing as though he was making fun of it. Before this event, John and Helmholtz were becoming great friends, and Bernard was very jealous of them.
This quote shows an example of the vernacular John spoke when he grew up. The author used this device to show the type of background John had and to show the reader a glimpse of another culture. John was so angry that he could only speak how angry he was in his native language. Bernard kept wanting to show John, "the Savage," off to his colleagues, but John was done being treated like an animal in a zoo. Since John refused to be seen, Bernard's popularity plummeted to where it was before he met John, and everyone hated him.
There was another allusion in this chapter, but this time it wasn't Shakespeare. "... the Savage looked at him over the top of his book and then, as the laughter still continued, closed it indignantly, got up, and with the gesture of one who removes his pearl before swine, locked it away in its drawer." (pg. 185) Pearl before swine is just a way of saying that someone was offered something, and they didn't appreciate it. (Thank you Mrs. Sander!!) It's based on the story of Sermon on the Mount when the people did not appreciate Jesus' message. John was telling the story of Romeo and Juliet to Helmholtz, but Helmholtz was laughing as though he was making fun of it. Before this event, John and Helmholtz were becoming great friends, and Bernard was very jealous of them.
Chapter 11 - Popularity
"Hug me till you drug me, honey;
Kiss me till I'm in a coma:
Hug me, honey, snuggly, bunny;
Love's as good as soma." (pg. 166)
The third line in this quote is an example of assonance. Most writers use assonance to make the poem or writing sound like it flows together. I personally like reading assonance because it makes the writing seem a little fun to me. This quote was sung by Lenina after telling Fanny that she truly liked John.
In this chapter, the Director resigns, and Bernard, John, and Lenina become celebrities. I don't really understand why they became famous. Maybe everyone disliked the Director, and since they made him resign, they are seen as superstars? Also, Lenina finally reveals her true feeling about John and how she really likes him. They see a romantic movie together, but John refused to have relations with her. I don't know why though. I thought John really liked Lenina back, but maybe it's against moral code for him or something.
Kiss me till I'm in a coma:
Hug me, honey, snuggly, bunny;
Love's as good as soma." (pg. 166)
The third line in this quote is an example of assonance. Most writers use assonance to make the poem or writing sound like it flows together. I personally like reading assonance because it makes the writing seem a little fun to me. This quote was sung by Lenina after telling Fanny that she truly liked John.
In this chapter, the Director resigns, and Bernard, John, and Lenina become celebrities. I don't really understand why they became famous. Maybe everyone disliked the Director, and since they made him resign, they are seen as superstars? Also, Lenina finally reveals her true feeling about John and how she really likes him. They see a romantic movie together, but John refused to have relations with her. I don't know why though. I thought John really liked Lenina back, but maybe it's against moral code for him or something.
Chapter 10 - Disbelief
"Buzz, buzz! the hive was humming, busily, joyfully." (pg. 147)
I think this quote can be interpreted two different ways. First, the hive can be a metaphor for the scientific labs. Everyone in the labs is hard at work and doing their tasks happily. Using the hive as a metaphor, the author allows the reader to see how these labs work by suggesting the everyday example of a bee hive. Second, the hive can be an extended metaphor for their whole society. Their society seems to have everything figured out, and every person has their own task, just like bees. Many people know that bees have very organized hives, and they seem to be at work constantly. Every person and bee has a duty to contribute to the society or hive and make their world a better place.
I think this quote can be interpreted two different ways. First, the hive can be a metaphor for the scientific labs. Everyone in the labs is hard at work and doing their tasks happily. Using the hive as a metaphor, the author allows the reader to see how these labs work by suggesting the everyday example of a bee hive. Second, the hive can be an extended metaphor for their whole society. Their society seems to have everything figured out, and every person has their own task, just like bees. Many people know that bees have very organized hives, and they seem to be at work constantly. Every person and bee has a duty to contribute to the society or hive and make their world a better place.
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