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
Monday, April 14, 2008
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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