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
Monday, March 10, 2008
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)!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Water for Elephants, Week 3, Post B
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
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
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.
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