Dear Miss Lily,
I am sorry you have lost so many important people in your life and that you had a poor, boring life after they died. I agree with you, and that a person should live a shorter, happier life than a long life that is filled with sadness. After all, what fun is it to live if you don’t have any friends or family to share the fun memories with? I really enjoyed following your relationship with Snow Flower throughout the entire novel. I liked seeing how you were both young and innocent as children, grew to love each other, shared hardships, and then returned to having a good relationship again. It was nice to see your relationship come full circle, even if you felt unsatisfied with the way you treated Snow Flower at the end of her life. How did you feel when Snow Flower told you, “Why should I trouble you with things you cannot change?” ? Did you think she was nice for not telling you her hardships and making you worry about them too, or were you angry at her for hiding her feelings and keeping the pain held inside of her? How did you feel when you realized Lotus had brought the secret fan to you house? I strongly disagree with the manner in which you attempted to release your angers. It is extremely unhealthy for anyone to keep their angers held inside of them. I realize that women in nineteenth century China needed to be strong and obedient to their husbands, but if I were in your situation, I would have talked to someone or written down my problems instead of trying to cover them up with ink because it just temporarily fixes the problem. How could you have been so cruel to Snow Flower and used the secrets she shared with you in such confidence, against her? Well I am truly sorry for the losses you endured in your life and I hope the rest of this life and your next life will be filled with happy memories.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 7, Post A
“I folded the fan and put it away. Snow Flower had asked me to write back. I didn’t” (221). In this novel, Lily and her laotong, Snow Flower, communicate with each other by writing on a fan. In America, people communicate by writing letters, and now-a-days they write emails. The traditional writing on the fan in China is a great contrast to the ways of writing in America. This type of writing also was a bond between the two women and had a huge impact on their lives, because it was a way of recording their history together. But in America, we write letters or emails to other people to communicate what’s happening at the present or future time.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 6, Post B
Dear Ms. Lily,
Your life has changed dramatically, yet again! I cannot believe all of the hardships you have gone through recently! The pain you suffered watching Snow Flower lose 5 children, and being separated from your family for over three months must have been unbearable, and I am sorry you had to endure this. The division between your life and Snow Flower’s life has become more apparent, especially after you became Lady Lu. Were you scared once you were named Lady Lu? Did you feel you had to live up to a certain reputation? Did you think other people would immediately recognize you and listen to your orders? Anyways, your relationship with Snow Flower seemed to be falling apart, yet you stayed with her and comforted her in her darkest days. You are a true friend. How did you feel when your husband left to find salt in Guilin? What do you think the affects would have been on your children and your relationship with your in laws if he had not returned? Anyways, it seemed like you had a strong sense of pride in your village, “The first case of typhoid struck in the best village in the county- my Tongkou,” (177) was this because you were the new Lady Lu? You have definitely changed throughout this novel, and I am surprised at some of your actions. For instance, “When Jade protested that there were no scallions, no slivers of pork, not even any preserved vegetables, I slapped her hard across the face” (178). How were you able to harm your daughter when you had been slapped as a child and heard of the pain that beatings caused Snow Flower? The winter in the mountains must have been terrible! I am still curious as to how you were able to survive three months on so little food and shelter. It must have been extremely difficult to be a mother and wife, away from your children for that long, wondering every day if they were alive. I am so happy your husband found you at Snow Flower’s house and I hope you have good luck in the future!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 6, Post A
“A son was a woman’s life. It was her job and her fulfillment to meet his every demand” (162). In nineteenth century China, women were only considered useful for producing children, and only the male children would become successful in life. A woman had to meet every single need and desire of her husband, as well as that of her son! This is an extreme contrast to American society, where the women are considered just as useful as men and do not need to make sure every demand of their sons, or children, is fulfilled. Most women in America want to create the best life possible for their children and strive to fulfill their children’s needs, but it is not necessary for the women to complete everything their children wants of them.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 5, Post B
Dear Ms. Lily,
Congratulations on the birth of your son! He sounds like a wonderful baby, and you seem so happy now that he is here. I find it interesting that though you take so much pride in him, you never say his name. What is his name? Are there any naming rituals you practice, like naming the first son after the father? How did you feel when your mother accused you of causing Beautiful Moon’s death by bringing her outside? I cannot believe that you remained so calm when you and your mother had that fight! I found a striking cultural difference between traditional Chinese and American culture, “As in most marriages, the most important person for me to build a relationship with was my mother-in-law” (140). Why is this? Here, the most important relationship is between the husband and wife. It’s good to have a relationship with one’s in-laws, but its more important to have a strong bond with one’s husband. There was also a great difference in the hopeful birth of a child. In America, parents are usually thrilled with whatever sex their child is. But in China, you and all mothers hoped so badly to have a son! I thought it was interesting how you stole shoes from the altar for your baby and then you bring back the shoes once your baby is born. I feel absolutely terrible that you and Snow Flower are no longer able to see each other. With all of the tribulations you two have had, moving into new homes and such, your friendship was one of the last remains of hope either of you had. I also found it really interesting when Snow Flower says, “‘I thought we would soar together- two phoenixes in flight forever. Now I am like a dead thing sinking to the bottom of a pond. You say we will be together just the same. I believe you. But my threshold will hardly compare to yours” (131). She realizes just how much harm she caused to you for lying about her family wealth and wants to mend your relationship if possible. I hope you two will be able to see each other soon!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Congratulations on the birth of your son! He sounds like a wonderful baby, and you seem so happy now that he is here. I find it interesting that though you take so much pride in him, you never say his name. What is his name? Are there any naming rituals you practice, like naming the first son after the father? How did you feel when your mother accused you of causing Beautiful Moon’s death by bringing her outside? I cannot believe that you remained so calm when you and your mother had that fight! I found a striking cultural difference between traditional Chinese and American culture, “As in most marriages, the most important person for me to build a relationship with was my mother-in-law” (140). Why is this? Here, the most important relationship is between the husband and wife. It’s good to have a relationship with one’s in-laws, but its more important to have a strong bond with one’s husband. There was also a great difference in the hopeful birth of a child. In America, parents are usually thrilled with whatever sex their child is. But in China, you and all mothers hoped so badly to have a son! I thought it was interesting how you stole shoes from the altar for your baby and then you bring back the shoes once your baby is born. I feel absolutely terrible that you and Snow Flower are no longer able to see each other. With all of the tribulations you two have had, moving into new homes and such, your friendship was one of the last remains of hope either of you had. I also found it really interesting when Snow Flower says, “‘I thought we would soar together- two phoenixes in flight forever. Now I am like a dead thing sinking to the bottom of a pond. You say we will be together just the same. I believe you. But my threshold will hardly compare to yours” (131). She realizes just how much harm she caused to you for lying about her family wealth and wants to mend your relationship if possible. I hope you two will be able to see each other soon!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 5, Post A
“Only she can guarantee the perpetuation of the family line, which, in turn, is the ultimate duty of every son. This is the supreme way he completes his filial duty, while sons are a woman’s crowning glory. I had done all this and I was ecstatic (151). A stark difference between traditional Chinese and American culture is the importance placed on having a son in the family. Mothers, like Lily, hope and pray to have sons so they can become higher members of society, because giving birth to a son gave the mothers a sense of belonging in their husband’s family. Once Lily gave birth to her son, her husband’s family became much nicer to her. Her mother-in-law brought her soups, and her father-in-law gave her expensive cloth so she could make a coat for her son. Even Lily’s husband began to talk to her more.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 4, Post A
“Yongang, the servant girl, led me through Tongkou’s alleyways. She carried my clothes, embroidery thread, cloth, and the third-day wedding book I had prepared for Snow Flower in a basket” (117). Yongang is Lily’s servant that she received through her marriage. First, any type of servant is really rare in American society, sure there are the occasional busts of people with “slaves” but for the most part it’s not a part of our culture. Secondly, American marriages don’t require the bride or the groom to exchange gifts or give things to each others’ families, which makes Yongang even more of a peculiarity.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 4, Post B
Dear Miss Lily,
Was it really strange to have a servant, Yongang, following you around after you were married? How did her presence make you feel? Did you feel like you were of a completely different social class or did you think of her more as an acquaintance? At first it would be nice to have someone following me around, but after awhile I would get annoyed at that person because they would be with me all of the time and I like to do things on my own once in awhile too. I find it fascinating that when you arrived at Snow Flower’s house, you didn’t even have to knock to announce your arrival, you simply walked in. This is a strange idea to me because here in my city, the doors of houses are always locked and we have to ring a doorbell, or there are houses that have security systems that attempt to ward off intruders. This unique custom symbolizes that there is a more trusting and welcoming air about China, especially the city of Tongkou. How did you feel once you realized Snow Flower had lied to you about her house? Do you think Snow Flower was ashamed of telling you about her imperfect life and chose to make up lies about it instead? If this ever happened to me, I would at first be absolutely enraged at the person for lying to me, because I would rather hear the bad truth than the good lie. However, if I were to have a close relationship with the person, like you and Snow Flower do, I would begin to feel sorry for them for having to feel like they needed to live up to certain standards to please me. I don’t care how people live, or how rich they are, I just want to know that I have a friend who accepts themselves and me.
Sincerely, Rachel
Was it really strange to have a servant, Yongang, following you around after you were married? How did her presence make you feel? Did you feel like you were of a completely different social class or did you think of her more as an acquaintance? At first it would be nice to have someone following me around, but after awhile I would get annoyed at that person because they would be with me all of the time and I like to do things on my own once in awhile too. I find it fascinating that when you arrived at Snow Flower’s house, you didn’t even have to knock to announce your arrival, you simply walked in. This is a strange idea to me because here in my city, the doors of houses are always locked and we have to ring a doorbell, or there are houses that have security systems that attempt to ward off intruders. This unique custom symbolizes that there is a more trusting and welcoming air about China, especially the city of Tongkou. How did you feel once you realized Snow Flower had lied to you about her house? Do you think Snow Flower was ashamed of telling you about her imperfect life and chose to make up lies about it instead? If this ever happened to me, I would at first be absolutely enraged at the person for lying to me, because I would rather hear the bad truth than the good lie. However, if I were to have a close relationship with the person, like you and Snow Flower do, I would begin to feel sorry for them for having to feel like they needed to live up to certain standards to please me. I don’t care how people live, or how rich they are, I just want to know that I have a friend who accepts themselves and me.
Sincerely, Rachel
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 3, Post B
Dear Miss Lily,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin, Beautiful Moon. Her death was so sudden and shocking that it is difficult for anyone to grasp what happened in just a few short minutes. I hope you have some comfort in knowing that she passed quietly and quickly. Not only am I surprised at how you handled yourself at her death, but I am absolutely shocked how your aunt was able to remain composed and never shed a tear during in front of you during your mourning. Snow Flower’s willingness to help during this time of loss seemed so helpful and reassuring to you and your family. On a lighter note, I am curious as to what you define the Yao nationality as, because I have learned a lot about different cultures and religions this year in my history class. I also found your quote “There is no life without death,” (99) really interesting because it is such a perplexing statement. I like it because it conveys the idea that no one will live forever, which makes our time alive that much more special. I also would like to congratulate you on your recent wedding! I can’t believe that you were able to go ten days without eating a substantial amount of food, I barely went seven hours without eating today and I was really hungry already! Your husband and new family seem so welcoming, I hope you share many wonderful memories together.
Sincerely,
Rachel
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin, Beautiful Moon. Her death was so sudden and shocking that it is difficult for anyone to grasp what happened in just a few short minutes. I hope you have some comfort in knowing that she passed quietly and quickly. Not only am I surprised at how you handled yourself at her death, but I am absolutely shocked how your aunt was able to remain composed and never shed a tear during in front of you during your mourning. Snow Flower’s willingness to help during this time of loss seemed so helpful and reassuring to you and your family. On a lighter note, I am curious as to what you define the Yao nationality as, because I have learned a lot about different cultures and religions this year in my history class. I also found your quote “There is no life without death,” (99) really interesting because it is such a perplexing statement. I like it because it conveys the idea that no one will live forever, which makes our time alive that much more special. I also would like to congratulate you on your recent wedding! I can’t believe that you were able to go ten days without eating a substantial amount of food, I barely went seven hours without eating today and I was really hungry already! Your husband and new family seem so welcoming, I hope you share many wonderful memories together.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 3, Post A
“We may be worthless. We may be raised for another family. But often we are loved and cherished, despite our natal families’ best efforts not to have feelings for us” (96). In Chinese society, the women are thought of as useless, because they are burdens to their birth family and later, their husband’s family. This contrasts greatly to American society, where male and females are thought of equally. It is difficult to imagine how girls must have felt in China, because the only value they have to society is bearing male children. In addition, it would be disheartening to find out that you were to be shifted from one family to another and that their feelings for you would only come out on rare occasions.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 2, Post B
Dear Miss Lily,
I just recently started reading a novel about your life growing up in China and I love it! At first, I didn’t think your relationship with Snow Flower was that strong, it seemed like you idolized her much more than she liked you. You always seemed to follow in her footsteps and waited for her to make the first judgment, “Thankfully Snow Flower took charge again” (52). Were you intimidated by Snow Flower? Were you ever jealous of her education? It seemed to me that Snow Flower always took control of you and guided you to believe and want the same things you did, which really bothered me because she seemed like such a control freak! Did you ever feel you were being completely overpowered by her? Were you bothered that you always had to be the first one to give an act of hospitality, after all you always had to initiate sending gifts and letters, and even welcoming her into your own house? This quote that you said really intrigued me, “...It didn’t disturb me, because I knew I didn’t deserve Snow Flower’s affections” (66). This is really hard for me to imagine someone saying this, because here in America it doesn’t really matter the class difference between you and your friend. But more importantly, I feel that in any kind of relationship, both people have to give the same amount of effort into it! It’s not fair if you feel you aren’t worthy of Snow Flower’s love, if it’s a true relationship you would both give each other the same amount of love. As the chapters went on, I came to enjoy both you and Snow Flower a lot, even though I found your relationship hard to understand at first.
Sincerely,
Rachel
I just recently started reading a novel about your life growing up in China and I love it! At first, I didn’t think your relationship with Snow Flower was that strong, it seemed like you idolized her much more than she liked you. You always seemed to follow in her footsteps and waited for her to make the first judgment, “Thankfully Snow Flower took charge again” (52). Were you intimidated by Snow Flower? Were you ever jealous of her education? It seemed to me that Snow Flower always took control of you and guided you to believe and want the same things you did, which really bothered me because she seemed like such a control freak! Did you ever feel you were being completely overpowered by her? Were you bothered that you always had to be the first one to give an act of hospitality, after all you always had to initiate sending gifts and letters, and even welcoming her into your own house? This quote that you said really intrigued me, “...It didn’t disturb me, because I knew I didn’t deserve Snow Flower’s affections” (66). This is really hard for me to imagine someone saying this, because here in America it doesn’t really matter the class difference between you and your friend. But more importantly, I feel that in any kind of relationship, both people have to give the same amount of effort into it! It’s not fair if you feel you aren’t worthy of Snow Flower’s love, if it’s a true relationship you would both give each other the same amount of love. As the chapters went on, I came to enjoy both you and Snow Flower a lot, even though I found your relationship hard to understand at first.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 2, Post A
“My talking always gets me in trouble because I often don’t think before I speak, while you will be an ideal wife, always choosing your words with great care” (49). This line was spoken by Snow Flower, Lily’s “laotong”, to Lily. A “laotong” means “same-old” and the two girls basically had an arranged friendship that is extremely strong. Snow Flower is aware of her excessive talking and how that will probably lead her into problems in the future, especially with men. It is obvious through Snow Flower’s speech that in Chinese society, a man values a wife who is quiet and subordinate to him. This is really interesting because in American society, it isn’t absolutely necessary for a woman to marry a man and if there is a marriage, the roles of men and women in a family are fairly equal.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
World Issue- Pollution in China
For my world issue, I chose to research pollution in China.
Here are some links to articles:
"Beijing's Olympic Quest: Turn Smoggy Sky Blue" from The New York Times, on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-1924&artno=0000271241&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=Beijing%27s%20Olympic%20Quest%3A%20Turn%20Smoggy%20Sky%20Blue&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"In China's Toxic Air, Winds of Change" from The Chicago Tribune, on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-1924&artno=0000259443&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=In%20China%27s%20Toxic%20Air%2C%20Winds%20of%20Change&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"China's Pollution Cuts Local Rain" from BBC News Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6441503.stm
Here are some links to articles:
"Beijing's Olympic Quest: Turn Smoggy Sky Blue" from The New York Times, on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-1924&artno=0000271241&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=Beijing%27s%20Olympic%20Quest%3A%20Turn%20Smoggy%20Sky%20Blue&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"In China's Toxic Air, Winds of Change" from The Chicago Tribune, on SIRS
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SMN0307H-0-1924&artno=0000259443&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&title=In%20China%27s%20Toxic%20Air%2C%20Winds%20of%20Change&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=Y
"China's Pollution Cuts Local Rain" from BBC News Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6441503.stm
Monday, April 14, 2008
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 1, Post B
Dear Ms. Lisa See,
I just started reading your novel, “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” and it is absolutely enthralling! I literally cannot put it down, and it was really hard to force myself to stop so I could blog about it. Your writing style really captivates me, I love the details you put into each character yet there are not so many as to clutter the characters identities. I am curious as to why you don’t use the first names of the family members? Is it part of the Chinese culture to call your siblings by birth order? I am also wondering if you chose the names of the characters, like Lily and Snow Flower, because you enjoy flowers or if that too is also part of the Chinese culture? One of the smaller details I noticed was the way you dated Lily’s birth date, “the fifth day of the six month of the third year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign” (9). It reminded me of a novel I’m reading in school, “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez, because she too dated events in the year of the dictator Trujillo’s rule in the Dominican Republic. Anyways, you can really pull the reader’s heart strings and I think that is an excellent trait for an author to have. I felt absolutely horrible for Lily when her feet were bound, even though she was rather old at just seven years of age. When you described the situation through Lily’s eyes it made it even worse, “The freshly created space where once there had been a joint was now a gelatinous infinity of torture” (30). That quote made me realize just how horrifying that experience must have been for Lily, and millions of other young girls. Why did you decide to write a novel about a young Chinese girl? Did you apply characteristics of yourself into Lily? I cannot wait to read more of the novel and find out what happens to her and her family, hopefully their future is filled with happy events!
Sincerely, Rachel
I just started reading your novel, “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” and it is absolutely enthralling! I literally cannot put it down, and it was really hard to force myself to stop so I could blog about it. Your writing style really captivates me, I love the details you put into each character yet there are not so many as to clutter the characters identities. I am curious as to why you don’t use the first names of the family members? Is it part of the Chinese culture to call your siblings by birth order? I am also wondering if you chose the names of the characters, like Lily and Snow Flower, because you enjoy flowers or if that too is also part of the Chinese culture? One of the smaller details I noticed was the way you dated Lily’s birth date, “the fifth day of the six month of the third year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign” (9). It reminded me of a novel I’m reading in school, “In the Time of the Butterflies” by Julia Alvarez, because she too dated events in the year of the dictator Trujillo’s rule in the Dominican Republic. Anyways, you can really pull the reader’s heart strings and I think that is an excellent trait for an author to have. I felt absolutely horrible for Lily when her feet were bound, even though she was rather old at just seven years of age. When you described the situation through Lily’s eyes it made it even worse, “The freshly created space where once there had been a joint was now a gelatinous infinity of torture” (30). That quote made me realize just how horrifying that experience must have been for Lily, and millions of other young girls. Why did you decide to write a novel about a young Chinese girl? Did you apply characteristics of yourself into Lily? I cannot wait to read more of the novel and find out what happens to her and her family, hopefully their future is filled with happy events!
Sincerely, Rachel
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Week 1, Post A
“The word pain does not begin to describe the feeling. My toes were locked under my feet so that my body weight fell entirely on the top of those appendages. I tried to balance backwards on my heels. When Mama saw this, she hit me” (28). This quote is Lily’s thoughts just after her mother has bound her feet for the first time. Middle and upper class women in China routinely have their feet bound as young girls and the smaller their feet are bound the more attractive and expensive they are for men. The lower class women do not have their feet bound because they need to be mobile and work in fields, while the middle and upper class women use foot binding as a sign of wealth and high social status. I cannot even begin to imagine the pain Lily endured as her feet were compressed, smaller and smaller! When she described the day that each of her toes broke as she walked, I was absolutely horrified and felt terrible for her too. I am really glad that foot binding isn’t necessary in our culture, because I love being able to walk around and play sports.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Outside Reading Choice: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
I chose to read the novel Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See for outside reading this quarter. My friend absolutely loved the book and recommended it to me, because she read it for third outside reading, so when I saw it on the list I decided it was the right choice. This was the main reason I chose the novel, but it also intrigued me because we have learned so much about Chinese history and culture in AP World History this year. In addition, the Asian culture is really interesting to me because last summer I went on a trip to Japan for two weeks. I am really excited to read this novel because of the recommendation I have received for it and the connections I may have with it.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 7, Post B
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
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
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.
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