Analyze the Context, Meaning, or Moral of Your Book (Of Mice and Men)

Book:  Of Mice and Men

Prompt:  Analyze the context, meaning, or moral, of your book.

Straight off the bat, I want to suggest this book to anyone reading this post.  I guarantee that most of you are thinking, "Eh, I guess I'll add it to my list."  Nope, it's a book that should not be regarded in a way as that.  Read it as soon as absolutely possible, so you can get the most out of it for yourself, so you can analyze its meaning and apply it to your own lifestyle.

Now, I want to recognize all of the symbolism that's packed into this emotion mixed novel.  I'm not going to tell you how these feelings and thoughts are invoked in the average reader, as to not spoil the book for you, but I do want to evaluate all of the themes of this book.  There is a quite unique mixture of friendship, sacrifice, patience, frustration, and innocence, all packed together into a very diverse, but smooth running story.  You really find out what it's like to be true friends with someone, and the things that you should do for them, if they're in need.  I have no doubt that everyone reading this has friends, and can relate to the book in both different, and similar ways than I did.  

Another reaction of my completion of this book that I want to share, is the sadness, grief, and anguish that I experienced after reading the end of the book.  Oh my gosh, it's so incredibly hard to interpret my thoughts and put them into words without giving away the ending!  Anyways, after going through the ending, I started to realize...  The event that occurred was very tragic and awful, but the reasoning in it, was very caring and loving.  No matter how deep you have to look, or how far you have to search, to fully understand this book, you have to find the good in what George did for his friend Lenny.  Ugh, I've already said too much!

  

What made you want to read this book? Summary, and Connections (Of Mice and Men)

Book:  "Of Mice and Men"

Prompt:  What made you want to read this book? And summary.

Read it or not, I'm sure everyone who reads on a steady basis, has heard of this book.  I've heard all about this novel, how great it is, and how much I should read it, for so long, and I finally got the opportunity to start it.  So honestly, that's the only thing that pushed me into reading it, like most other books.  But now that I'm in to it, I'm glad I listened to the people who suggested it.

This book is about two men who travel together from job to job, trying to earn a profit and claim their own land.  George and Lenny, although quite different from one and other, are bound to each other in a love hate relationship.  George acts as Lenny's older brother, as he is the smaller smarter one, when Lenny is the big, tough, dumb one.  It seems as if everywhere George takes Lenny, Lenny somehow gets them kicked out.  Even if he honestly doesn't mean any trouble.  George promised Lenny's aunt though, before she died, that he would take care of him.  

I haven't gotten far enough into the book to really go into depth about its setting, characters, or plot really.  So I'm going to talk about the connections I've been able to link so far.  In my opinion, connections are one of the greatest things a reader can gather from a book, or any story, especially because each and every individual can get something out of a good novel.  When reading about the two men in this book, the first thing that came to mind, was my siblings, and my relationship with them.  I looked at myself as George, and my younger brothers and sister as a bunch of Lennys.  There were a few traits that weren't in their perfect place, but I could still see the correlation within us.  I could also see the resemblance of just these two characters in many of my friends at school, and other peers as well.  

What are your thoughts on the message of the book? (The One and Only Ivan)

I've been reading at a quicker pace lately, and in one week, I finished this book and am already well into another.  I think it was too great of a novel to not blog about though, and I really wanted to discuss its meaning.

The One and Only Ivan is about a gorilla captured and forced into harsh conditions, and his struggle to achieve a better life for him and his friends.  Ivan's goal is to get his friend Ruby and the other animals to a better place, after he realized how bad they were being treated when his friend Stella died.

This story implies and focuses on animal cruelty and what some conditions are in some places that animals are held in.  This novel is actually told from the point of view of Ivan's (the gorilla), and shows what could possibly be going on in captured animals' heads.

A story like this truly makes you wonder if gorillas understand us humans, and just don't feel the need to be like us or communicate back.  Although it is a somewhat absurd thought, we do realize that we don't come close to fully understanding another species's mind.  A new feeling of sympathy towards other living, breathing, animals that we take advantage of every day, was invoked in me while reading as well.

An additional action this novel prompted me into attempting, was putting myself in the animals' shoes.  Which in fact, is an incredibly hard thing to do in several situations.  Seriously though, think about it, imagine yourself being taken by a huge unknown animal, from your family without a goodbye, forced into a dark cold truck, and shipped to a lonely, cramped, uncomfortable cage where you'll live for several years without the right amount of food or care.  Now think about the, "happy and protected" animals you see at the zoo for your own entertainment.

In conclusion, I think this book should give each and every reader a new view on animal imprisonment, as it did for me.  Maybe now, people will think twice before they visit the zoo.  I know there isn't much of a chance that circuses, zoos, or aquariums will be abolished forever, but it's good to develop your own opinion on topics and do what you can to promote your feelings.

What is believable or unbelievable about your book? (Animal Farm)

Book:  Animal Farm      Weekly Blog:  11/17/14

Prompt:  Describe what was either believable or unbelievable about your reading.

Defend your opinion.

In the book, Animal Farm, there are many things quite unbelievable.  For example, we all realize that animals can't actually form a rebellion and take over a farm, or communicate among different species as well.  It's very unrealistic, but meaningful and symbolic as well.  You also realize that if something like that did somehow happen, humans would totally overrun the situation in a blink of an eye.

Although, when reading the book, the author almost manipulates the reader into believing that the story is possible or realistic.  In a way, the author connects the messages and plot to the real world so much, that the reader doesn't really think to critically or negatively about the book's unrealistic content.  At the time, you don't pay any attention to how realistic the story is.

Honestly, I also think that the fact that the book is as unrealistic as it is, makes it better.  The reader can think more about the topic, subject, or moral of the story and they have to look a little deeper to really get the point across to themselves or engrave it in their mind.  It also make the book a little more fun to read and more interesting because it wasn't just discussing a real life conflict.  The author molded a couple conflicts into a unique and interesting tale.

Word Choice (Animal Farm)

Book:  Animal Farm

Prompt:  Analyze the impact word choice has on the meaning or tone of text.  Analyze how dialogue or specific incidents reveal information amount characters.  Make sure to include textual evidence.

The book I'm reading right now is basically about a farm of animals that decides to organize a rebellion against their unfair ruler.  Although quite unrealistic, this book has an abundance of meaning and messages transmitted through it.  Word choice plays a big part in delivering these messages.

One thing I have to mention, is the feeling that I'm in the military when I read the book. They use all kinds of references that relate to that sort of subject like, "comrades." They also make references to different made up medals/awards for the animals and names of their battles against humanity. "We have built the walls far too thick for that. They could not knock it down in a week. Courage, comrades!" Another part of the book that gives the reader that military like feeling is, "They had won, but they were weary and bleeding. Slowly they began to limp back towards the farm. The sight of their dead comrades stretched upon the grass moved some of them to tears."  The word choice and the words' connotations used in this book are generally negative, but there are times where I get a positive vibe of teamwork and loyalty.

The characters and the characterization used to develop their personalties are built up pretty explicitly throughout the book. Occasionally, the characters' personalities are brought right out and plainly told to the reader.  Sometimes, all of the animals are being portrayed as having a specific trait among themselves that they all share.  Napoleon, one of the main characters in the book, is kind of shown as conceded, self centered, and full of himself and his power. Maybe not so explicitly, he doesn't come out and brag about how great he is, but he seems to almost abuse his power or use it to make himself look really good, even if some of his "comrades" don't notice right away. For example, in the book, Napoleon requests that this poem be made in honor of his, "hard work and dedication towards the farm's success."


"Friend of fatherless!
Fountain of happiness!

Lord of the swill-bucket! Oh, how my soul is on
Fire when I gaze at thy
Calm and commanding eye.
Like the sun in the sky,
Comrade Napoleon!

Thou are the giver of
All thy creatures love,
Full belly twice a day, clean straw to roll upon;
Every beast great or small,
Sleeps at peace in his stall,
Thou watchest over all,
Comrade Napoleon!

Had I a sucking-pig,
Ere he had grown as big
Even as a pint bottle or a a rolling-pin
He should have learned to be
Faithful and true to thee,
Yes, his first squeak should be
Comrade Napoleon!”


I must say, this very classic and popular book is written with an unexpected or even misleading simplicity.  But don't let that keep you from reading the book, in fact, it should persuade you further.  The great thing is that the book's somewhat easy to comprehend context, makes it easier for the reader to really get the messages out of the book.  If you look closely, you will find connections from all over the world and in human history.  Previous and current problems involving the government and their power are shown, along with discrimination against different types of people, and all kinds of war and real life violence connections throughout the book, just in different forms.

Reflections on Edgar Allan Poe

Our class has spent the past couple of week learning all about the author Edgar Allan Poe.  Before conducting this research on Poe, I had known very little about him juxtaposed to what I know now.  Last year, I had studied a small fragment of his famous poem, The Raven.  That was basically my main source of information.  But now, I know much, much more.

Most people know Poe for his writing, that wasn't really even famous at the time.  He published all kinds of fantastic work, some of which I've experienced, like The Raven, or The Tell-Tale Heart.  He put tons of thought and feeling into his work that no other author has matched in my opinion.  It takes the reader a good amount of time to interpret what his writing actually means to them.  Although, I think the base of all that, or what it all boils down to, is Poe's childhood and life during, and before he started writing.

As some might know, Edgar Allan Poe didn't lead a very lively and perfect childhood.  Think about these questions for a minute.  Have you ever had the feeling that you are the most unlucky person in the world, or are having a really bad day?  What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you?  Once you have thought about those questions, listen to what Poe had to go through his whole life.  Poe's mother died when he was very young, only 2 years old!  He then moved in with foster parents John and Frances Allan.  John, his father was very mean and often neglected Poe.  He might not have always been brutally beating him, but when he wasn't he didn't give much sympathy towards him.  His foster mother, who was fair to him, died when Poe was 20 leaving him with no one to care for.  Later in life, he marries his cousin!  That may sound pretty weird now, but it was perfectly normal back then.  Finally, to top of Poe's wonderful life, travelers found him brutally beat down, dehydrated, wounded, and delirious on a trail a few days before he died.  Now how do you think about the questions asked before?

One good think that comes out of Poe's life, is its impact on others.  It completely astounds me how Edgar Allan Poe transferred all the sadness, grief, and depression that followed him wherever he went, through his pen, and into his writing.  His life and background really affected how he created his work.  It's fun to imagine if his writing would be just as good if he led a great life.

Letter to Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird)

Book:  To Kill a Mockingbird

Prompt:  Pretend you are the friend of one of the characters.  Write him or her a letter.  

First off, this letter is going to be from a boy named Dill to the main characters Scout.  It might be a little confusing to readers who haven't read the book, so I'm going to give some background information on the part of the book that I'm going to be covering.  (Don't worry, the book won't be spoiled)  The young girl, Scout, her brother Jem, and good friend Dill previously have planned to make their legendary neighbor come out of his house, but haven't succeeded.  They decided to drop the idea for a little while, but I'm deciding to bring it back.  By the way, Scout and Dill are supposedly "engaged" even though they are both very very young.

Dear Scout,

How are you doing?  I'm sorry I haven't seen you at all this summer, I hope you've been doing ok without me.  How's Jem?  Are you guys still getting along fine?  Well anyways, I've been thinking, remember the old Radley house next door to you?  I know we've kind of given up on making Boo Radley come out, but honestly, I think it'd be a lot of fun to keep that going when I come back next summer.  Ask Jem what he thinks about it.

I'm having a great time back at home, even though I'm not with you.  My new daddy says I'm growing up real fine.  I'll tell you all about him when I come back to Maycomb next summer.  Forget about me though, I heard there was a fire on your block!  I really hope you and the family are ok, make sure you tell me all about it when you write back!  

Tell everyone I said hi and sent my best wishes.  Write back, I plan to have a lot of fun next year.  

Love, Dill

PS.  I promise we will get married when I come back.