Dear Mr. Jacob Jankowski,
I absolutely love the novel Water for Elephants about your life! At first I was skeptical about the book, because the life of a circus hand just didn’t sound that appealing to me. But I was definitely wrong and I found that out in the first few pages. I actually am really enjoying this novel and can hardly wait to finish each chapter. First off, I think it’s really brave of you that you were able to uproot yourself from your home and just start a completely new life. I understand that you’re in your early twenties and all, but aren’t you ever homesick for your family and friends? I know I would be if I were in that situation. What did you think about Rosie when you first met her? Were you scared to work with such a beastly animal or were you thrilled by the challenge of it? I think it’s neat how you have a really strong connection with animals and think of them as people, like when you think Rosie smiles at you and Marlena. I love animals and also agree that they share feelings and are able to emote their emotions, just like humans. I found a really inspirational quote you thought of in your novel, “At the end of a desperate day is peace” (131). I totally agree with this statement and find it quite uplifting to know that even if the time’s become difficult, anyone should still be content with what he has. It lets the reader know your viewpoint on the whole life picture and that you in particular are able to persevere through difficult situations. I am still confused as to why Pete slit the throats of the horses and watched them die. I found that scene extremely gruesome and disturbing. Even though that terrible event occurred, I am looking forward to reading more of your novel!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 3, Post A
VOCAB
Pablum (105)- a brand of soft, bland cereal for infants
Bowdlerizing (109)- To remove material that is considered offensive or objectionable
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“I remember leaving my house for the last time, bundled up like a cat on the way to the vet” (109). This is an example of a simile because it compares how tightly and securely packed Jacob was when he moved to a cat traveling to the vet’s office. This clearly states how tightly packed Jacob was, complete with everything he owned.
“They talk and they talk and they talk, about how fine/foul/fair the weather is...”(110). This is an example of an alliteration because of the repetition of the letter “f”. The repetition also symbolizes how monotonous Jacob’s visits with his family are.
“Instead, I find an Appalachian apple doll, withered and spotty, with dewlaps and bags and long floppy ears” (111). This is figurative language because the author is detailing exactly what Jacob saw in the mirror, himself as an old man. The detail in this sentence really conveys just how old and weathered Jacob saw himself.
QUOTE
“When did I stop being me?” (111). This quote is really significant because it is a turning point when Jacob realizes just how old he has become. He has complained about getting help from his family members and the nursing staff at his home, but at this point he suddenly comprehends that he actually needs the help in some situations, though he will still object to it.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to live life to the fullest capacity you are able to because in the blink of an eye you won’t be as physically able as you once were. Jacob is a perfect example of this, when he looks in the mirror and suddenly realizes he doesn’t know when the time flew by, it just happened.
Pablum (105)- a brand of soft, bland cereal for infants
Bowdlerizing (109)- To remove material that is considered offensive or objectionable
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“I remember leaving my house for the last time, bundled up like a cat on the way to the vet” (109). This is an example of a simile because it compares how tightly and securely packed Jacob was when he moved to a cat traveling to the vet’s office. This clearly states how tightly packed Jacob was, complete with everything he owned.
“They talk and they talk and they talk, about how fine/foul/fair the weather is...”(110). This is an example of an alliteration because of the repetition of the letter “f”. The repetition also symbolizes how monotonous Jacob’s visits with his family are.
“Instead, I find an Appalachian apple doll, withered and spotty, with dewlaps and bags and long floppy ears” (111). This is figurative language because the author is detailing exactly what Jacob saw in the mirror, himself as an old man. The detail in this sentence really conveys just how old and weathered Jacob saw himself.
QUOTE
“When did I stop being me?” (111). This quote is really significant because it is a turning point when Jacob realizes just how old he has become. He has complained about getting help from his family members and the nursing staff at his home, but at this point he suddenly comprehends that he actually needs the help in some situations, though he will still object to it.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to live life to the fullest capacity you are able to because in the blink of an eye you won’t be as physically able as you once were. Jacob is a perfect example of this, when he looks in the mirror and suddenly realizes he doesn’t know when the time flew by, it just happened.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 2, Post B
Dear Ms. Sara Gruen,
I am currently reading your novel “Water for Elephants” and I absolutely love it! The careful details you put into each character make each one extremely unique. I like how you let the reader imagine how the character looks physically, except for a few features you mention, but truly allow the character to emerge in the actions and conversations it has. My favorite character is Jacob because his life is really detailed throughout the novel. It’s also really interesting the flashbacks Jacob has because each chapter alternates between his ninety-year-old self and his twenty-year-old self. It’s also really true that I have pity for him considering he lost both of his parents at such a crucial time in his young life (I have to say, you know just how to pull the readers’ heart strings!) Was Jacob’s character inspired by someone in your life? Did you ever go through any of Jacob’s experiences? How did you decide to write about a traveling circus? Were circuses a special occasion for you as a young child, or did your family members take part in a circus somehow? So far, my favorite part of the novel was when Jacob and Kinko become roommates on the train because the tension between the two of them was so apparent, just with their actions. I really enjoyed how you described how both Jacob and Kinko reacted during that part because you didn’t just say “Jacob was mad” or “Kinko threw his comic book,” the details you put in were fantastic. I absolutely cannot wait to read more of this novel, it really keeps me intrigued!
Sincerely,
Rachel
I am currently reading your novel “Water for Elephants” and I absolutely love it! The careful details you put into each character make each one extremely unique. I like how you let the reader imagine how the character looks physically, except for a few features you mention, but truly allow the character to emerge in the actions and conversations it has. My favorite character is Jacob because his life is really detailed throughout the novel. It’s also really interesting the flashbacks Jacob has because each chapter alternates between his ninety-year-old self and his twenty-year-old self. It’s also really true that I have pity for him considering he lost both of his parents at such a crucial time in his young life (I have to say, you know just how to pull the readers’ heart strings!) Was Jacob’s character inspired by someone in your life? Did you ever go through any of Jacob’s experiences? How did you decide to write about a traveling circus? Were circuses a special occasion for you as a young child, or did your family members take part in a circus somehow? So far, my favorite part of the novel was when Jacob and Kinko become roommates on the train because the tension between the two of them was so apparent, just with their actions. I really enjoyed how you described how both Jacob and Kinko reacted during that part because you didn’t just say “Jacob was mad” or “Kinko threw his comic book,” the details you put in were fantastic. I absolutely cannot wait to read more of this novel, it really keeps me intrigued!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Water for Elephants, Week 2, Post A
VOCAB
Jodhpurs (52)- riding breeches that are tight from the knees to the ankles
Snifter (56)- a pear-shaped glass that intensifies the aroma of liqueur
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“The big top still stands, glowing like a ghostly coliseum” (49). This is a metaphor because it compares two unlike things, the glowing big top to a ghostly coliseum, using the word “like”.
“Happy as a clam, that’s me” (53). This is also an example of a metaphor because it compares Camel’s happiness to a clam, using the word “like”. It is evident that Camel is very content because this phrase is commonly used to express someone’s happiness.
“A smirk plays around the edges of his lips” (58). This is an example of personification because it gives the human characteristic of playing to the non-human smirk.
QUOTE
“He’s...mercurial. He’s capable of being the most charming man on earth. Like tonight” (95). Marlena is explaining to Jacob the multiple personalities that August shows. This is important because Jacob begins to understand the reason why August made a joke of Jacob almost getting his arm bitten off by a tiger earlier that day.
THEME
A developing theme in this book is to find a good outcome in a dark situation. Jacob was left alone in the world when his parents died in an accident when he was college, so he decides to join the circus. In the circus, he starts as a low placed cleaning man and gradually works his way up to become the veterinarian for the circus, which he went to school for.
Jodhpurs (52)- riding breeches that are tight from the knees to the ankles
Snifter (56)- a pear-shaped glass that intensifies the aroma of liqueur
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“The big top still stands, glowing like a ghostly coliseum” (49). This is a metaphor because it compares two unlike things, the glowing big top to a ghostly coliseum, using the word “like”.
“Happy as a clam, that’s me” (53). This is also an example of a metaphor because it compares Camel’s happiness to a clam, using the word “like”. It is evident that Camel is very content because this phrase is commonly used to express someone’s happiness.
“A smirk plays around the edges of his lips” (58). This is an example of personification because it gives the human characteristic of playing to the non-human smirk.
QUOTE
“He’s...mercurial. He’s capable of being the most charming man on earth. Like tonight” (95). Marlena is explaining to Jacob the multiple personalities that August shows. This is important because Jacob begins to understand the reason why August made a joke of Jacob almost getting his arm bitten off by a tiger earlier that day.
THEME
A developing theme in this book is to find a good outcome in a dark situation. Jacob was left alone in the world when his parents died in an accident when he was college, so he decides to join the circus. In the circus, he starts as a low placed cleaning man and gradually works his way up to become the veterinarian for the circus, which he went to school for.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 1, Post B
Dear Mr. Jacob Jankowski,
I have just read the first fifty pages of Water for Elephants and I am truly enjoying reading about your life story. I am so sorry about all of the losses and grief you have had to endure in your life. First of all, living through the Great Depression must have been an experience that truly tested people’s hearts. Did it ever register in your mind what was happening because you were quite young at the time? How was your family and school life changed during the depression? It would be really interesting to know how your family was affected by it, but I’m sure that would take an entirely new novel to describe. Secondly, the death of your parents must have turned your world upside down. I send my greatest sympathies to you because that should be an experience no teenager has to live through. Will you ever be able to forgive Mr. McPherson for the death of your parents? If I was in your situation, it would be extremely hard for me to forgive a person for the unintentional death of my parents because my family is very close and I also hold grudges for a long time. I continue to be amazed at how you were able to move on with your life with such composure, though I’m sure they are never far out of your mind. Well, I will move on to some happier thoughts now! The Benzini Brothers Circus sounds like an exciting show to be involved in. I think it would be an amazing experience to be a part of the circus and have contact with so many unique people, whether it’s the trainers, performers, crew, or even the animals. I wish you the best of luck in the circus business, or whatever dream you wish to pursue!
Sincerely,
Rachel
I have just read the first fifty pages of Water for Elephants and I am truly enjoying reading about your life story. I am so sorry about all of the losses and grief you have had to endure in your life. First of all, living through the Great Depression must have been an experience that truly tested people’s hearts. Did it ever register in your mind what was happening because you were quite young at the time? How was your family and school life changed during the depression? It would be really interesting to know how your family was affected by it, but I’m sure that would take an entirely new novel to describe. Secondly, the death of your parents must have turned your world upside down. I send my greatest sympathies to you because that should be an experience no teenager has to live through. Will you ever be able to forgive Mr. McPherson for the death of your parents? If I was in your situation, it would be extremely hard for me to forgive a person for the unintentional death of my parents because my family is very close and I also hold grudges for a long time. I continue to be amazed at how you were able to move on with your life with such composure, though I’m sure they are never far out of your mind. Well, I will move on to some happier thoughts now! The Benzini Brothers Circus sounds like an exciting show to be involved in. I think it would be an amazing experience to be a part of the circus and have contact with so many unique people, whether it’s the trainers, performers, crew, or even the animals. I wish you the best of luck in the circus business, or whatever dream you wish to pursue!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Water for Elephants, Week 1, Post A
VOCAB
Rubes (3)- slang for an unsophisticated country person
Languidly (15)- lacking spirit
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“That moment, the music screeched to a halt. There was an ungodly collision of brass, reed, and percussion-trombones and piccolos skidded into cacophony, a tuba farted, and the hallow clang of a cymbal wavered out of the big top, over our heads and into oblivion” (2). This is an example of imagery because the detailed description of the horrible sounds appeals to the sense of hearing. The great detail in this sentence allows the author to convey to the reader the exact sounds she wants them to imagine.
“Her sequins flashed like liquid diamonds” (4). This is an example of a simile, because it compares two things, the sequins to liquid diamonds. The simile accurately describes just how the sequins flashed because they were so gleaming and shiny like diamonds.
“Snatches of sky peek through leaves” (22). Because the sky is given the human characteristic of peeking, or being able to see, through the leaves this is an example of personification.
QUOTE
“Age is a terrible thief. Just when you’re getting the hang of life, it knocks your legs out form under you and stoops your back...being the survivor stinks” (12). Jacob wants to go back to his younger days when he was physically able to do things and his wife was still living. Ever since his wife died, Jacob has thought deeply about his life and sometimes wishes he would have died too, so that he wouldn’t have to watch himself and everyone around him grow old and frail.
THEME
An emerging theme in this novel is perseverance. Jacob faces many challenges throughout his life, including living during the Great Depression, losing his parents while he is in college, and losing his wife of 61 years. Yet through all of these difficult times, Jacob is able to find the motivation to keep living and he perseveres.
Rubes (3)- slang for an unsophisticated country person
Languidly (15)- lacking spirit
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“That moment, the music screeched to a halt. There was an ungodly collision of brass, reed, and percussion-trombones and piccolos skidded into cacophony, a tuba farted, and the hallow clang of a cymbal wavered out of the big top, over our heads and into oblivion” (2). This is an example of imagery because the detailed description of the horrible sounds appeals to the sense of hearing. The great detail in this sentence allows the author to convey to the reader the exact sounds she wants them to imagine.
“Her sequins flashed like liquid diamonds” (4). This is an example of a simile, because it compares two things, the sequins to liquid diamonds. The simile accurately describes just how the sequins flashed because they were so gleaming and shiny like diamonds.
“Snatches of sky peek through leaves” (22). Because the sky is given the human characteristic of peeking, or being able to see, through the leaves this is an example of personification.
QUOTE
“Age is a terrible thief. Just when you’re getting the hang of life, it knocks your legs out form under you and stoops your back...being the survivor stinks” (12). Jacob wants to go back to his younger days when he was physically able to do things and his wife was still living. Ever since his wife died, Jacob has thought deeply about his life and sometimes wishes he would have died too, so that he wouldn’t have to watch himself and everyone around him grow old and frail.
THEME
An emerging theme in this novel is perseverance. Jacob faces many challenges throughout his life, including living during the Great Depression, losing his parents while he is in college, and losing his wife of 61 years. Yet through all of these difficult times, Jacob is able to find the motivation to keep living and he perseveres.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Athena, "You've Got a Friend"
Athena is a goddess who is always willing to help others get out of a tough situation. I think she exemplifies a strong willed woman because of her ability to be there for other people when they need her most. I like that Athena is a strong goddess who tests her own strength by helping others and that she disguises herself when she does so.
In two situations, she has demonstrated her ability to assist others in difficult situations. During book two, she disguises herself as a friend of Odysseus and gives Telemachus hope and courage that he can succeed on his journey to find his father, “Athena came to his prayer from close at hand, for all the world with Mentor’s build and voice and she urged him on with willing words” (300-302). Later, in book five, she saves Odysseus from the storm that Poseidon has created against him, “Zeus’s daughter Athena countered him at once. The rest of the winds she stopped right in their tracks, commanding them all to hush now, go to sleep” (421-423).
James Taylor’s song “You’ve Got a Friend” is a moving piece that represents the support a person needs during tough times. The lyrics fully embrace Athena’s willingness to encourage others to do their best when times turn difficult. In particular, these lyrics illustrate the encouragement Athena always gives to others and her ability to be there whenever they need her, because she is a goddess: “When you’re down and troubled /And you need a helping hand / And nothing, whoa nothing is going right. / Close your eyes and think of me / And soon I will be there / To brighten up even your darkest nights. / You just call out my name, / And you know wherever I am / Ill come running, oh yeah baby / To see you again.” Athena is more than willing to lend a hand, whether it’s giving Telemachus hope, or saving Odysseus from the shipwreck, she’s always there and ready to help.
In two situations, she has demonstrated her ability to assist others in difficult situations. During book two, she disguises herself as a friend of Odysseus and gives Telemachus hope and courage that he can succeed on his journey to find his father, “Athena came to his prayer from close at hand, for all the world with Mentor’s build and voice and she urged him on with willing words” (300-302). Later, in book five, she saves Odysseus from the storm that Poseidon has created against him, “Zeus’s daughter Athena countered him at once. The rest of the winds she stopped right in their tracks, commanding them all to hush now, go to sleep” (421-423).
James Taylor’s song “You’ve Got a Friend” is a moving piece that represents the support a person needs during tough times. The lyrics fully embrace Athena’s willingness to encourage others to do their best when times turn difficult. In particular, these lyrics illustrate the encouragement Athena always gives to others and her ability to be there whenever they need her, because she is a goddess: “When you’re down and troubled /And you need a helping hand / And nothing, whoa nothing is going right. / Close your eyes and think of me / And soon I will be there / To brighten up even your darkest nights. / You just call out my name, / And you know wherever I am / Ill come running, oh yeah baby / To see you again.” Athena is more than willing to lend a hand, whether it’s giving Telemachus hope, or saving Odysseus from the shipwreck, she’s always there and ready to help.
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