Dear Mr. Jacob Jankowski,
I just finished reading the novel and I really dislike the ending. It seemed so incomplete to me and left me hanging. It’s cool that you joined another circus at ninety-three years old, but I want to find out what happens at that circus (though I’m doubtful it would be as dramatic as the Benzini Brothers Circus, could anything get more action packed then that?!). Also, why did you decide not to kill August? You were just inches away from seeking your revenge against him, yet you decided not to. It was the perfect time to get back at him for the pain he caused you and Marlena and I feel it would have added more excitement and drama to the novel! I must say, Rosie is an incredible animal. I never realized how smart she could be by killing August with the stake, even though it is morbid thing to do. But why did you not want her to kill him? Did you want to be the one to kill him, or did you want to shelter Marlena from watching death? And the way she protects you and Marlena during the stampede is absolutely amazing! What were you thinking when you told the men that Rosie was your elephant? Were you afraid of them catching you for lying or were your just thinking about her safety? If I was in that situation, I probably would have acted on impulse and claimed her as my own, because the bond you two share was so strong. I am also wondering if you enjoyed the last circus you joined, because you seemed absolutely thrilled when Charlie asked you to go along? I hope the rest of your life is filled with as much excitement as the start of your life!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 7, Post A
VOCAB
Panoply (291)- an impressive display
Trestle (295)- the framework supporting a bridge
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“...my arms moving jerkily to the side, like the tightrope walker’s” (295). This is an example of a simile, because it compares the movement of Jacob’s unsteady arms to the wavering arms of a tightrope walker’s, using the word “like”.
“The curtains on the window are tied back, and moonlight flashes through the trees, alternately illuminating and hiding his face” (296). This is imagery because it is clear to the reader exactly how the light shines and flashes on August’s face. It is also symbolism because the light “alternately illuminating and hiding his face” is like August showing his two personalities, the kind one towards Marlena, and the harsh one towards Jacob.
“She lifts the stake as though it weighs nothing and splits his head in a single clean movement-ponk-like cracking a hardboiled egg” (309). This is an example of an onomatopoeia because of the word “ponk” which describes the sound as the stake hit August’s head.
QUOTE
“Hell, if you hadn’t been knocked flat and if we didn’t still have Camel here, I’d have never gotten back on this train tonight” (293). This quote was said by Walter, who used to be one of Jacob’s opponents. It is significant because it explains the strong bond Walter and Jacob now share, because Walter is willing to sacrifice the safety of his life to know that Jacob and Camel remain safe.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to be active throughout your life. When Jacob is in his nineties, he is still full of adventure and mischief as he sneaks out of the nursing home to attend the circus.
Panoply (291)- an impressive display
Trestle (295)- the framework supporting a bridge
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“...my arms moving jerkily to the side, like the tightrope walker’s” (295). This is an example of a simile, because it compares the movement of Jacob’s unsteady arms to the wavering arms of a tightrope walker’s, using the word “like”.
“The curtains on the window are tied back, and moonlight flashes through the trees, alternately illuminating and hiding his face” (296). This is imagery because it is clear to the reader exactly how the light shines and flashes on August’s face. It is also symbolism because the light “alternately illuminating and hiding his face” is like August showing his two personalities, the kind one towards Marlena, and the harsh one towards Jacob.
“She lifts the stake as though it weighs nothing and splits his head in a single clean movement-ponk-like cracking a hardboiled egg” (309). This is an example of an onomatopoeia because of the word “ponk” which describes the sound as the stake hit August’s head.
QUOTE
“Hell, if you hadn’t been knocked flat and if we didn’t still have Camel here, I’d have never gotten back on this train tonight” (293). This quote was said by Walter, who used to be one of Jacob’s opponents. It is significant because it explains the strong bond Walter and Jacob now share, because Walter is willing to sacrifice the safety of his life to know that Jacob and Camel remain safe.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to be active throughout your life. When Jacob is in his nineties, he is still full of adventure and mischief as he sneaks out of the nursing home to attend the circus.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 6, Post B
Dear Mr. Jacob Jankowski,
Wow, I have read another amazing section of the novel! (I had to force myself to put it down so I could save something to read for next week’s blog.) Once again, your life is filled with many trying times. Yet through your later years, Rosemary is a constant friend and supportive for you. This is an important figure to have in anyone’s life and just goes to show everyone the different ways a person can lend a hand when you need a boost up. She seems like such a sweet lady and reminds me of my grandma’s kindness and generosity, so it really hit home for me there. Also, I find it unthinkable that August could do such a cruel thing to Rosie as putting flicking his cigarette ashes into her mouth. It is disgusting and just proves how horrible and untrustworthy he is! I mean one second he is happy and laughing and the next, he’s being cruel to animals and Marlena. Did you ever find his multiple personalities really frightening? As a reader, the suspense of just what action August is going to have next really adds to the novel. I was also wondering how you felt when Marlena told you to leave the circus? Was it because she didn’t want you getting hurt or that she didn’t want to deal with August abusing her for your continual presence? I am so happy for you and Marlena to have a child together! You two get along great and I’m sure you will raise him with the warmth and love you shower on each other. Were you at all scared what August would think when he found out about you fathering Marlena’s child and not him? I can hardly imagine the emotions running through your head when you heard August was going after Marlena, because your life is in jeopardy as well as hers. I hope that everything turns out for the best in the next few chapters!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Wow, I have read another amazing section of the novel! (I had to force myself to put it down so I could save something to read for next week’s blog.) Once again, your life is filled with many trying times. Yet through your later years, Rosemary is a constant friend and supportive for you. This is an important figure to have in anyone’s life and just goes to show everyone the different ways a person can lend a hand when you need a boost up. She seems like such a sweet lady and reminds me of my grandma’s kindness and generosity, so it really hit home for me there. Also, I find it unthinkable that August could do such a cruel thing to Rosie as putting flicking his cigarette ashes into her mouth. It is disgusting and just proves how horrible and untrustworthy he is! I mean one second he is happy and laughing and the next, he’s being cruel to animals and Marlena. Did you ever find his multiple personalities really frightening? As a reader, the suspense of just what action August is going to have next really adds to the novel. I was also wondering how you felt when Marlena told you to leave the circus? Was it because she didn’t want you getting hurt or that she didn’t want to deal with August abusing her for your continual presence? I am so happy for you and Marlena to have a child together! You two get along great and I’m sure you will raise him with the warmth and love you shower on each other. Were you at all scared what August would think when he found out about you fathering Marlena’s child and not him? I can hardly imagine the emotions running through your head when you heard August was going after Marlena, because your life is in jeopardy as well as hers. I hope that everything turns out for the best in the next few chapters!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Water for Elephants, Week 6, Post A
VOCAB
Querulous (256)- full of complaints
Contrition (261)- remorse
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“His face is hard, his eyes glinting. His expression suddenly softens. He smiles warmly.(266). This is an example of irony because Uncle Al suddenly has a mood swing and becomes happy, just like August randomly lashes out against Marlena and then becomes happy again.
“...as though battered rotten tomatoes walk through his door every day” (268). This is an example of personification because the author characterizes the mean people as rotten tomatoes and gives the human characteristic of walking to the tomatoes.
“Behind us, a wall of badgers. In front of us, a dozen alligators” (281). This is symbolism for the terrible characters against Jacob, including August and Uncle Al.
QUOTE
“ ‘He hit her,’ I repeat. ‘Yes, I know, very upsetting, that. But he’s her husband, right?’ ” (266). This quote exemplifies the bias some of the characters possess against women in this novel. There is only one woman in the novel, Marlena, and she is constantly surrounded, pressured, and tempted by the men. Uncle Al knows that August hits Marlena, yet he thinks it is an acceptable action because August is Marlena’s husband and he can control her.
THEME
A theme of this novel is to help others in their times of need. Jacob shelters Camel by hiding him behind trunks in the car. Jacob also cares for and fights for Marlena’s dignity when August hits her.
Querulous (256)- full of complaints
Contrition (261)- remorse
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“His face is hard, his eyes glinting. His expression suddenly softens. He smiles warmly.(266). This is an example of irony because Uncle Al suddenly has a mood swing and becomes happy, just like August randomly lashes out against Marlena and then becomes happy again.
“...as though battered rotten tomatoes walk through his door every day” (268). This is an example of personification because the author characterizes the mean people as rotten tomatoes and gives the human characteristic of walking to the tomatoes.
“Behind us, a wall of badgers. In front of us, a dozen alligators” (281). This is symbolism for the terrible characters against Jacob, including August and Uncle Al.
QUOTE
“ ‘He hit her,’ I repeat. ‘Yes, I know, very upsetting, that. But he’s her husband, right?’ ” (266). This quote exemplifies the bias some of the characters possess against women in this novel. There is only one woman in the novel, Marlena, and she is constantly surrounded, pressured, and tempted by the men. Uncle Al knows that August hits Marlena, yet he thinks it is an acceptable action because August is Marlena’s husband and he can control her.
THEME
A theme of this novel is to help others in their times of need. Jacob shelters Camel by hiding him behind trunks in the car. Jacob also cares for and fights for Marlena’s dignity when August hits her.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 5, Post B
Dear Mr. Jacob Jankowski,
The novel about your life is so engaging, I didn’t know a novel about a circus could be so interesting! Well, once again you have been faced with difficult hardships you must learn to deal with and overcome. The challenge of having Camel ride in your car while trying to keep him hidden and comfortable is an incredible feat you dared to take on. Honestly, I would have been too afraid of being caught with such an ill man, but I’m glad you stuck to your friendship with Camel. I also enjoy seeing the relationship between you and Walter develop, it appears as a friendship now instead of resentfully having to sleep in the same room. At first I was unsure what to think of Uncle Al, but now my mind has been well set on what a horrible man he is. I cannot believe that he bribed the circus employees just to appear mournful while being in Lucinda’s procession, so he could rally people to come see the show. That, to me, is a prime example of a con man who is willing to use any bad situation, such as a death, to his advantage. Also, August’s mistreatment of Rosie irritated me because no animal should have to endure the torture August inflicted upon her. And Rosie is such a smart elephant, how could he be so cruel? Honestly, the things people do for revenge and money are disgusting. Onto a happier topic, I was wondering why you refer to your visitors as “my people” instead of their actual family relation to each other? This makes you seem distanced and secluded from family events. I’m looking forward to see how your relationship with Marlena turns out!
Sincerely,
Rachel
The novel about your life is so engaging, I didn’t know a novel about a circus could be so interesting! Well, once again you have been faced with difficult hardships you must learn to deal with and overcome. The challenge of having Camel ride in your car while trying to keep him hidden and comfortable is an incredible feat you dared to take on. Honestly, I would have been too afraid of being caught with such an ill man, but I’m glad you stuck to your friendship with Camel. I also enjoy seeing the relationship between you and Walter develop, it appears as a friendship now instead of resentfully having to sleep in the same room. At first I was unsure what to think of Uncle Al, but now my mind has been well set on what a horrible man he is. I cannot believe that he bribed the circus employees just to appear mournful while being in Lucinda’s procession, so he could rally people to come see the show. That, to me, is a prime example of a con man who is willing to use any bad situation, such as a death, to his advantage. Also, August’s mistreatment of Rosie irritated me because no animal should have to endure the torture August inflicted upon her. And Rosie is such a smart elephant, how could he be so cruel? Honestly, the things people do for revenge and money are disgusting. Onto a happier topic, I was wondering why you refer to your visitors as “my people” instead of their actual family relation to each other? This makes you seem distanced and secluded from family events. I’m looking forward to see how your relationship with Marlena turns out!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Water for Elephants, Week 5, Post A
VOCAB
Vehemently (209)- passionately, forcefully
Gregarious (221)- friendly
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“Marlena sashays to the center ring and they follow, high-kicking, prancing clouds of black and white” (201). This is an example of figurative language because the horses appearance appeals to the sense of sight and the corresponding loud noises of the horses entering appeals to the sense of sound.
“The roustabouts, once roused, run around like headless chickens” (205). This is a simile because it uses the word “like” to compare the roustabouts frantically running around preparing for the circus to headless chickens.
“She holds it by its edges, giving it a little shake so that it sparkles, throwing a thousand points of light” (233). This is personification because the author is giving the human characteristic of throwing to an inhuman object, the shining costume.
QUOTE
“It’s Walter who insists he take the cot, and in turn I insist that Walter take the bedroll. And so I am back to sleeping on the horse blanket in the corner” (197). It is evident that Jacob and Walter’s relationship is developing into a friendship in the way they insist the other one should have the better bed.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to fight and stand up for what one wants in life, otherwise one might not get it. Jacob is extremely upset at the way August treats Marlena and engages him in a fight (though this is probably not the best way to sort out one’s problems).
Vehemently (209)- passionately, forcefully
Gregarious (221)- friendly
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“Marlena sashays to the center ring and they follow, high-kicking, prancing clouds of black and white” (201). This is an example of figurative language because the horses appearance appeals to the sense of sight and the corresponding loud noises of the horses entering appeals to the sense of sound.
“The roustabouts, once roused, run around like headless chickens” (205). This is a simile because it uses the word “like” to compare the roustabouts frantically running around preparing for the circus to headless chickens.
“She holds it by its edges, giving it a little shake so that it sparkles, throwing a thousand points of light” (233). This is personification because the author is giving the human characteristic of throwing to an inhuman object, the shining costume.
QUOTE
“It’s Walter who insists he take the cot, and in turn I insist that Walter take the bedroll. And so I am back to sleeping on the horse blanket in the corner” (197). It is evident that Jacob and Walter’s relationship is developing into a friendship in the way they insist the other one should have the better bed.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to fight and stand up for what one wants in life, otherwise one might not get it. Jacob is extremely upset at the way August treats Marlena and engages him in a fight (though this is probably not the best way to sort out one’s problems).
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 4, Post B
Dear Mr. Jacob Jankowski,
I am continually amazed at the experiences you faced while being a worker in the circus. You are always in an interesting situation which keeps me intrigued in your story! The part where you and Marlena were caught in the middle of a raid were particularly interesting to me. I would have been scared stiff if I was in this situation and would not have been thinking clearly. However, you seemed to be quite cool headed as you and Marlena raced out which amazed me. Were you trying to hide your true emotions so you wouldn’t let Marlena know how frightened you were of being caught? I’m also confused as to why Walter suddenly opened up to you so quickly after being hostile for so long, I assume it had to do with you curing Queenie. In addition, I thought it was very brave and noble to you to want to sit at Walter’s table, when all of the other workers were segregated in their respective areas. Truly, you were just a step ahead of your time because you wanted to mix with people of another social stature, which I commend you for. It is not acceptable to be so foreboding to people of another class, after all, we are all people who live and breathe together. Anyways, August seems like a daunting character who always wants to put other people down, yet I am again amazed at the way you are able to keep your composure around him and not lash out. I also feel a strong connection to you for your respect for and love of animals. I have loved animals since I was younger and support your quote that, “This animals isn’t stupid” (163), when you speak of Rosie. I agree that animals should not be treated poorly just because they can’t speak our language. I can’t wait to continue reading about your life, it’s a true page turner!
Sincerely,
Rachel
I am continually amazed at the experiences you faced while being a worker in the circus. You are always in an interesting situation which keeps me intrigued in your story! The part where you and Marlena were caught in the middle of a raid were particularly interesting to me. I would have been scared stiff if I was in this situation and would not have been thinking clearly. However, you seemed to be quite cool headed as you and Marlena raced out which amazed me. Were you trying to hide your true emotions so you wouldn’t let Marlena know how frightened you were of being caught? I’m also confused as to why Walter suddenly opened up to you so quickly after being hostile for so long, I assume it had to do with you curing Queenie. In addition, I thought it was very brave and noble to you to want to sit at Walter’s table, when all of the other workers were segregated in their respective areas. Truly, you were just a step ahead of your time because you wanted to mix with people of another social stature, which I commend you for. It is not acceptable to be so foreboding to people of another class, after all, we are all people who live and breathe together. Anyways, August seems like a daunting character who always wants to put other people down, yet I am again amazed at the way you are able to keep your composure around him and not lash out. I also feel a strong connection to you for your respect for and love of animals. I have loved animals since I was younger and support your quote that, “This animals isn’t stupid” (163), when you speak of Rosie. I agree that animals should not be treated poorly just because they can’t speak our language. I can’t wait to continue reading about your life, it’s a true page turner!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Water for Elephants, Week 4, Post A
VOCAB
Alexander (151)- a cocktail made with crème de cacao, gin or brandy and cream
Dervish (153)- energetic dancing or chanting by a member of Muslim society
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“My head is crammed with visions, all jumbled up like a ball of string” (143). This is a simile because it compares the confusing visions in Jacob’s head to a messy ball of string, using the word “like”.
“Her eyes are huge and dark, and she has the velvet-soft lips of a horse” (147). This is imagery because it appeals to the sense of sight, in describing the giraffe’s eyes, and the sense of touch, in describing the soft lips of the giraffe.
“And so I leave, although every bone in my body screams against it” (195). This is an example of personification because the author gives Jacob’s bone the human quality of being able to scream.
QUOTE
“The pattern is undeniable. There is no question that I am the only thing standing between these animals and the business practices of August and Uncle Al, and what my father would do-what my father would want me to do-is look after them, and I am filled with that absolute and unwavering conviction” (146). Jacob’s connection with animals allows him to also feel a bond with his deceased father. He feels he must intervene in August and Uncle Al’s ways to please the animals, and perhaps more importantly, his father.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to never forget one’s past. Jacob could easily have removed himself from the entire world once his parents died, but he chose not to. Instead, Jacob felt a close bond to his father through working with the circus animals and he is able to reflect and remember his parents, especially his father, during this time.
Alexander (151)- a cocktail made with crème de cacao, gin or brandy and cream
Dervish (153)- energetic dancing or chanting by a member of Muslim society
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
“My head is crammed with visions, all jumbled up like a ball of string” (143). This is a simile because it compares the confusing visions in Jacob’s head to a messy ball of string, using the word “like”.
“Her eyes are huge and dark, and she has the velvet-soft lips of a horse” (147). This is imagery because it appeals to the sense of sight, in describing the giraffe’s eyes, and the sense of touch, in describing the soft lips of the giraffe.
“And so I leave, although every bone in my body screams against it” (195). This is an example of personification because the author gives Jacob’s bone the human quality of being able to scream.
QUOTE
“The pattern is undeniable. There is no question that I am the only thing standing between these animals and the business practices of August and Uncle Al, and what my father would do-what my father would want me to do-is look after them, and I am filled with that absolute and unwavering conviction” (146). Jacob’s connection with animals allows him to also feel a bond with his deceased father. He feels he must intervene in August and Uncle Al’s ways to please the animals, and perhaps more importantly, his father.
THEME
A theme in this novel is to never forget one’s past. Jacob could easily have removed himself from the entire world once his parents died, but he chose not to. Instead, Jacob felt a close bond to his father through working with the circus animals and he is able to reflect and remember his parents, especially his father, during this time.
Correction to Post 3A
My third example of figurative language from 3A is an example of imagery (not figurative language as I originally had it)!
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