Animal Farm

P: How did the content through out the book lead to the end?

R: I have to say I was so disappointed with the end of the novel. The tale continued to go down hill with very little hope and I guess I was just rooting for the last few pages to have a turn for the better. Sadly this is a satire on actual events and I guess it isn't really up to Orwell to change the events of history. Anyways, At the beginning of the novel Major, as I mentioned before, relates his dream to his "Comrades". This is quickly followed by the rebellion and the organization of the new farm. As the farm continues to develop leaders are established and rules that were once set in stone seemed to slowly begin to alter themselves. For example Commandment number five went from "No animal shall drink alcohol" (p. 43) to later "No animal shall drink alcohol in excess" (p. 113). The most important rule that was eventually altered, however, was the final rule that "All animals are equal" (p. 43). At the end of the novel the rule had finally become "All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others" (p. 133). All of these slow changes led to the last few pages of the tale where the animals look into the windows of the farm house and realize that they can not tell the pigs the pigs from the human beings any longer. This is the point to which the animals sit back and wonder if the days after the revolution were any better than the days when the humans were in charge.

Animal Farm

P: Choose a passage from the book that particularly engaged you and explain

R: "It had come to [Squealer's] knowledge...that a foolish and wicked rumor had been circulated at the time of Boxer's removal. Some of the animals had noticed that the van which took Boxer away was marked "Horse Slaughterer," and had actually jumped to the conclusion that Boxer was being sent to the knacker's. It was almost unbelievable, said Squealer, that any animal could be so stupid." (p. 125)

At this point in the novel I was actually going crazy with desire for those animals to stand up for themselves! Boxer the prized horse and inspiration for all the working animals had punctured one of his lungs during labor. Squealer told the animals that a cart would be arriving to take Boxer to the hospital but instead a cart with the words "Alfred Simmonds Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler" (p 123) arrived. The animals realized this and chased the cart to get it to halt and save their friend but they were unsuccessful and Boxer was never seen again. It just drives me nuts that he had very obviously been taken away to be slaughtered and the animals had even fought back to save their friend and still when Squealer announced his cover story the animals simply decided that he must be telling the truth. It is a complete outrage for me as the reader, however it did keep me reading. I just continue to hope that the animals will finally be able to stand up for themselves and figure out a way to end the tyranny.

Animal Farm

P:How does the perspective from which the book is told effect the reader's relationship with the book's content?

R: The book is told in a third person perspective describing the accounts from each side of the novel. The author relates to readers the perspective of the pigs, the chickens, the horses, the humans, each characters thoughts and actions are represented. I appreciate this depiction because it leaves the novel free from any one sided view of what is happening. Along with the reactions of the lower animals we also are told the thoughts of the "more intelligent" animals such as the pigs. Had the novel been told from say only the pigs perspective the reader may feel as though the pigs actions are completely legitimate and never see the other side. This allows for the reader to develop an opinion of the on goings at the farm and decide for themselves how they feel about what is happening. Besides the third person nature of the perspective I also wanted to note the fact that Orwell focuses his commentary almost entirely on the animals. It seems a truly inspired idea to relate human politics to the nature of something as simple as farm animals. By choosing simplistic subjects Orwell is able to compact complicated (at the time) current events into more relatable and understandable subjects. The fluff of the politics is left off in retelling the events from this perspective and this satirical piece is able to take flight while still providing interest to the readers. One of the leader pigs is actually meant to represent Marshal Stalin and the other represents Trotsky. Political events are depicted in moments such as "The Battle of the Windmill" allowing the story to either be an entertaining read for some, or a satirical look at the history of Stalinist Russia.

Animal Farm

Author: George Orwell

Publication: New York

P: Why did you choose this book? What were your expectations? Why did you expect what you did? How is the book living up to your expectations?

R: I chose this book mainly because I had heard a lot about it. I knew that it was required reading in a number of schools, and truthfully I had always wondered what the novel was about. I knew that it was a reflection of the politics in Russia after WWII which I knew had the potential to loose my interest very quickly, however, I was incredibly curious as to how these issues could possibly be reflected into the creation of an animal run farm. I wondered how such a seemingly strange novel could have not only stood the test of time but also be a best seller at any point in time. In addition to all of this curiosity we were also studying this time period in AP U.S. History when I initially decided to read the book. Before beginning reading I actually did expect to loose interest rather quickly and potentially even switch to another book, however as I continue to read I am discovering that the book is actually quite fast paced. The book begins with Major (the prized boar) describing his dream that the animals will one day take over the Manor Farm, a few more than ten pages later the rebellion is fulfilled and the animals are now free to rule the farm. I'm finding the plot very engaging as I continue to wonder more and more about the fate of the animals. I do not regret my choice of novel, as my expectations have, in fact, been proven wrong.

Through the Looking Glass

P: What do you think is Carroll's implicit purpose for creating this novel?

R: I think that, of course, Carroll wrote this novel as a sequel to the first and to continue Alice's journey, however, I also believe that both of these novels have and implicit purpose as well and I'd like to include a passage I've found that I feel reflects this purpose:

"I can't believe that!" said Alice.

"Can't you?" the Queen said in a pitying tone. "Try again; draw a long breath, and shut your eyes."

Alice laughed . "There's no use trying," she said; one can't believe impossible things."

"I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age I always did it for half and hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." (p. 222).

I believe that as Carroll wrote these novels for the entertainment of children, he was indeed carrying most of his purpose in expanding the imaginations of young girls and boys. I have heard through other's that have read the tale that there were political undertones in the novel, but the fact of the matter is he was truly writing a fairy tale no matter what way you look at it. Carroll has created now two dream worlds that revolve around impossible characters and impossible events but this never stopped readers from admiring the novel. I believe he created these books to show readers that no matter what age you are, it is never a bad thing to use your imagination. Alice is advised throughout the tale to keep an open mind and she learns that the logical thing is not always the right thing to do when trying to get where you are going. Carroll provides a fresh perspective on each thing that Alice encounters and I feel like Carroll wanted that same mind set to reflect back to his readers. I know that in reading these two novels I have found a deep appreciation for the years where creating imaginary worlds was a easy as closing my eyes and letting my creativity run free.

Through the Looking Glass

P: What passage(s) do you particularly like in the book? Why?

R: "Do you hear the snow against the window panes Kitty? How nice and soft it sounds! Just as if someone was kissing the window all over outside. I wonder is the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, 'Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.'" ( p. 153). This passage continues on for a few more sentences but I just wanted to include and excerpt. As I mentioned in a previous blog, Carroll has a brilliant way of portraying the mind of a seven year old girl. I felt like this passage aptly reflected that brilliance. He has a way of making Alice's thoughts so curious and sweet that you can't help but appreciate her. The thoughts he has created are so new and fresh that you just wish you still saw the world in this same fantasy filled way. Alice is also speaking to her kitten as she begins this train of thought and I thought that this was a nice continuation of a character trait from the first novel. In Alice in Wonderland we learn of Alice's pet cat Dinah whom she talks about often but we never directly meet. The kitten Alice is speaking to now is actually one of Dinah's kittens. This represents that time has passed since the first book depicting a time in Alice's life and also carries over Alice's love for cats from the first novel to the second.

Through the Looking Glass

P: How has Carroll shaped the idea that Alice has gone into a mirrored world?

R: As I have continued reading I have found some very clever and literal means as to showing Alice has walked through a mirror and other more obscure means of relating this idea to readers. To begin with Alice pulls a book off of a table to find inside a poem titled "YKCOWREBBAJ" continuing along with more nonsensical words that she can't seem to make out. Finally she realizes that, "it's a Looking-glass book of course! And if I hold it up to a glass, the words will all go the right way again" (p. 164). The poem was, in fact, titled "JABBERWOKY" which had simply been printed backwards. Alice then intends to walk down the stairs but finds herself floating upside down with her fingers lightly placed on the handrail as she travels to the bottom floor. Alice also finds that walking the opposite direction of where you intend to go is the only way to arrive at your destination in the mirrored world. These are some examples of the literal translation through the looking glass, however, there are still some component to the make believe world that seem to be added simply for the sake of creating a more interesting imaginary world. For example, talking flowers are in no way some example of a backwards real world concept but simply and interesting attribution to Alice's imaginary creation. Carroll does continue to add clever examples though in instances such as when Alice attempts to cut a cake but finds instead that she must first pass the whole cake around and then cut it into slices for the action to follow through.

Through the Looking Glass

Author: Lewis Carroll

Publication: New York

P: Why did you choose this book? What were your expectations? Why did you expect what you did? How is the book living up to your expectations?

R: This book is actually a sequel to Alice in Wonderland. The particular copy I have been reading is bound in the same novel as the first book so I figured, why not continue on with the series? I certainly expected the book to have the same characters as the first novel, Alice and Dinah maybe even Alice's older sister. I didn't expect for the characters from Alice's dream of wonderland to be carried over however the Mad Hatter has once again been mentioned in the second novel. They make reference to the fact that he was thrown in jail in Alice's dream and has recently been let out still drinking a glass of tea. I expected the book to maintain the same level of fantasy filled adventure which it has continued to do so far. I didn't expect Alice to once again be dreaming in this novel, however, I was hoping that Carroll has created some sort of new twist in this book. So far readers have not been let in on wether this new adventure is indeed another dream of Alice's or wether she is simply letting us in on a game of pretend she has began to play. I appreciate the same lighthearted humor filled reading this sequel has proven to be however I seem to find it slightly more nonsensical than the first. It could just be that from watching the Disney film of the first novel I knew, to an extent, what to expect as I read and maybe for this one each page has completely taken me off guard simply because I've never been provided with a story line previous to reading. Either way I have enjoied beginning this book as much as the last.

Alice in Wonderland

P: How has content throughout the book led to the end?

R: As I mentioned before it is to my understanding that the entire story is simply a dream of Alice's. I believe that Carroll has provided subtle hints of this fact throughout. For example, when Alice is called as witness in the King's court her skirt proceeds to knock over the entire stand of jurors. This, Alice explains, reminds her of the previous week when she knocked over her goldfish bowl. Alice began quickly scoping up the jurors and placing them back in the box for fear that they may die if she did not do it quickly. Just like real dreams, or I certainly know just like in my dreams, most everything I dream about is a result of something that happened to me in real life. Usually when I wake up I can deduce exactly why I visualized different moments in my dreams. Also, when Alice is continuously asked to repeat different lessons she has been learning in school she can't ever seem to say them how they should be said. I tend to do that to if I sleep with school on my mind it will appear somewhere in my dream. Alice seems to be very school oriented in this novel, although she may not be the best in her class, which is why I think that she would dream about this sort of thing. Finally whenever Alice asks a question of another character about some curious fact to which she doesn't know the answer each character in her dream either provides a nonsensical answer or avoids the question all together. I believe this is because, since Alice is dreaming, her own knowledge of each subject is holding back the knowledge of each character considering she created each and everyone of them.

Alice in Wonderland

P: How do the illustrations in the novel aid the reader?

R: I've come to see that, in reading the novel, I've really appreciated the aid of pictures, as I did in reading Pinocchio. When reading such outrageous books of fantasy, it's fun to se exactly what the author might have been picturing. In this novel every new setting is a figment of Alice's dream world and in getting a real glimpse into that through illustrations I feel more connected to the stories content. Carroll gives no description of Alice's appearance so seeing pictures of her throughout, and even a colored picture of her on the cover, I feel adds a lot to the story. Also, in the beginning of the novel, Alice complained that her older sisters reading had no pictures in it which made it very boring and difficult to read. It seems as though since Carroll chooses to tell the book in commentary of Alice's perspective it would seem only fitting to have interesting illustration s throughout. On page 102 Carroll even directly addresses an illustration saying that if you aren't familiar with a Gryphon you can look at the provided picture on the side of the page. The aid of pictures also makes it more approachable to a wider audience adding interest for younger readers and taking away nothing from the journey of older readers. I feel like I've been provided a glimpse into the eyes of someone writing and illustrating in the time that the book was written.

Alice in Wonderland

P: How does the perspective from which the book is told effect the reader's relationship with the book's content?

R: The perspective from which the novel is told is a third person account of Alice's encounter's with this Wonderland she has created. Carroll brilliantly presents each of Alice's thoughts as if they are really coming directly out of a young girl's head. It's incredible that a male author could so convincingly create thoughts and spoken words for an imaginary young girl. Throughout the novel readers get to experience the back-and-fourth conversation Alice maintains with herself in situations that confuse her. She'll debate with herself the words to an old poem or even, in one odd situation, wether or not she was still herself or maybe, in fact, she had become one of her school mates, Ada or Mabel. I just find it very interesting that Carroll is able to write an entire novel not using his own perspective but from the perspective of someone seemingly worlds different than himself. Also, his commentary in response to Alice's, generally incorrect, remarks on history or literature brings a level of comedy to the reading as he furthers her insight on a particular thought. "I wonder what Latitude of Longitude I've got to? (Alice had not the slightest idea what Latitude was or Longitude either, but she thought they were nice grand words to say.)" (p.4). Character traits of Alice become present early on in the novel and, through her perspective, Carroll remains true to these traits throughout making the story out to be a humorous and enjoyable read.

Alice in Wonderland

Author:Lewis Carroll

Publication: New York

P: Why did you choose this book? What were your expectations? Why did you expect what you did? How is the book living up to your expectations?

R: I have found my self reading, yet again, A classic children's story which has previously been made into a Disney movie. I've chosen to read this story mostly because of the Tim Burton film that will be coming out in March. It's always fun to compare a novel ad a movie, especially when you've been given the chance to read the book first. I also wanted to read this story because I know if it is popular enough to be made into a movie twice over there must be something special about it. I know that this novel is a tale of pure fantasy and I've always expected it to be an entertaining read. White rabbits, screaming queens, blue caterpillars, all seem to have not very much in common so I expect this story will take the reader on quite the journey. I suppose I expect this considering I have seen the Disney version of this movie a very long time ago; however, I don't remember very much about it. As I've began reading the imagery in the tale has slowly begun to jog my memory as to scenes and characters from the animation and it has made me very excited to see Tim Burton's interpretation. The world Carroll has created makes it very fun for me to picture this bizarre journey Alice has begun. I certainly am reading this novel more quickly than other's this year as the pure lighthearted feel to the reading has made it feel as though no time is passing at all.

The Glass Castle

P: Can you relate this book to any other content you have been studying in class?

R: As I've been reading I have discovered something about Jeanette's mother. As you know I have been working with my bibliography on Eastern philosophies and have chosen a number of sources related to Taoism. I believe that Jeanette's mother holds many qualities of a true Taoist. She never goes against the way of things which is a trait to which taoist call Wu Wei. When searching for a new home the family was driving down the road in the Mojave Desert when she spied a tree that was growing almost sideways. The tree had grown with the battering wind as opposed to fighting up wards against it. Jeanette's mother loved the tree, for, even though it appeared to be on the verge of falling over the roots were planted firmly in the ground. I think this tree is a lot similar to her mother which is maybe why she felt so inclined to paint a picture of it. Jeanette's mother does not work against the flow of things but rather finds a way to work with them and make them useful. She follows the Tao, so to speak. When discussing the death of her daughter she decided simply that God had given her plenty of good children and realized that this one was not quite right and he needed to take it back. Obviously she doesn't follow the ways of Taoism in worship and such but her ability to realize that things happen for a reason give her a very Eastern outlook on the cycle of life.

The Glass Castle

P: What has the writer done to engage you , the reader, in a relationship with the books content?

R: I think that the way in which Walls describes scenery, situations, and her feelings towards these things is particularly engaging. To give an example Walls' relationship with fire after her initial burn incident is depicted beautifully so far throughout the text. In one chapter, in reference to her flaming ice cream cake, she states "The flames had a slow, watery movement, rolling up into the air like ribbons" (p. 32). I just think she is brilliant with imagery. She pulls each chapter together like a poem. In the remainder of this same chapter she wonders if all fire is related, sort of like people are related and continues to wonder if the same fire that had burned her tutu was the fire that later burned down the hotel her family was in. She recreates her childhood self and the memories she has of that time in a way that makes you feel like this is just some imaginary character whom she is simply creating circumstances for. It's just astonishing that she can take these times in her life and make them feel so real. Another passage which was filled with imagery came when she was describing the present she had received that year for Christmas from her father. Considering they were low on money this year her father decided to give them each a star. "You could see hundreds, maybe thousands or even millions, twinkling in the clear desert sky. The longer you looked and the more your eyes adjusted to the dark, the more stars you'd see, layer after layer of them gradually becoming visible" (p. 40).

The Glass Castle

P: Can you relate to any of the characters or do you know someone who reminds you of one of the characters?

R: As I've began reading I have found a pretty big similarity between Rex Walls and my own dad. Not on an extreme level to where "the angry-eyed stranger" comes out but just similarities in their attitudes. Rex seemed to have lived a strange life just as Jeanette is living now and probably disagreed with the normal systems of education. My dad never finished college and just like Rex still manages to be a genius in things like fixing what has been broken. Rex invents things and my dad creates things. Rex speaks of a day, when he finally finishes work on his "Prospector", (a machine which will filter through rocks and locate gold) where they will become rich and he will build a "Glass Castle" in the desert where they all can live. My dad wants to build a house with glass walls too. He wants to build it in Florida where he is living right now and build it from the floor up. This will all happen the second he begins buying and renovating apartments where he will strike it rich. It's just shocking to me that their goals are so similar. I also believe that Jeanette and I see our fathers in the same way (or at least in at this point in her life I don't know if her feelings change as she grows older). I idolize my father in the same way that she does at such a young age. Just like Jeanette it wouldn't matter to me wether or not the "Glass Castle" ever does get built or if the crazy stories of his life are really as interesting as he makes them out to be, because I will always believe in him and if nothing else I will always did have a pretty epic bedtime story.

The Glass Castle

Author: Jeannette Walls

Publication: New York

P: Why did you choose this book? What were your expectations? Why did you expect what you did? How is the book living up to your expectations?

R: I chose to begin reading this book because I remember freshman year in Ms. Bergman's class we read a chapter from this novel. I remember the shocking element that the excerpt had in finding out that a three-year-old had been given permission to cook hot dogs in boiling water by herself. Not to mention the fact that her tutu caught on fire shortly after this leaving her in the hospital for six weeks. I've always been curious about the novel, and when I saw Micah Castle reading it the other day I asked if I could borrow it. My expectations for the novel were simply hopes for an explanation of this oddball life style Jeanette Walls seems to have lived. Which, in beginning the book, I have began to receive just that. The book has continued to shock me and I wonder how much of it is truly from her memory and which parts may be slight exaggerations. For example her detailed description of her Tinkerbell doll's melting face as "her once perfect little nose had completely disappeared, and her saucy red lips had been replaced with an ugly, lopsided smear" (16). Either way it doesn't seem to matter because her writing has proven quite convincing. It's hard to imagine someone making the things she says up. So far, I really enjoy her style of writing in the way she presents seemingly shocking moments as almost unimportant to her. It's as if she wants the reader to take it or leave it because that's exactly how her parents raised her.

Pinocchio

P: What do you think is the defining moment for the main character in your book?

R: I think that the defining point for Pinocchio came when he saved Geppetto from the Dog-fish. Over and over again Pinocchio was faced with minor tests of character that he couldn't seem to over come. At this point in the story; however, the puppet finally was able to put someone else's happiness before his own. As he swam his father back to the shore, he managed to not only carry him upon his back, but also give him words of encouragement even when he felt all hope was lost. He next was faced again by the Cat and the Fox whom had previously deceived him on multiple occasion. To this temptation he said "Begone, impostors! You took me in once, but you will never catch me again." Before Pinocchio saved his father he would have been fooled by these two villains, but he had finally seemed to have learned his lesson. As Pinocchio continues to worry about the health of his father he begins to make choice to which he would have never made previously to his many misfortunes. Pinnocchio admits that the talking cricket is right in his advice and apologizes for throwing the hammer at him. He begins to work and nurse his father back to health and begins to prove what he has learned in every single lesson he had faced previously in the book. It is at this point that the blue fairy decides Pinnochio is finally ready to become a real boy.

Pinocchio

P: If the purpose of your novel is implicit, tell what you think the purpose is and why.

R: As I mentioned previously I feel that the author's purpose in the original novel is not necessarily spelled out. Or it is at least slightly clouded. It just confuses me because as I mentioned he goes through these many miniature plot lines which would lead you to assume he would finally learn his lesson but he never would. After realizing Geppetto was really very good to him he should have gone to school like a good boy but instead sells his spelling book to go see a puppet show where he is almost killed. He then realizes that not listening to his father only gets him in trouble and decides that this time he really will go to school. On his way, he once again becomes tempted by thieves and their offer of money. Over and over again Pinocchio learns the same overarching lesson and continues to screw it all up. This is why I feel as though the lesson is slightly clouded because Pinocchio keeps confusing the reader by not doing the right thing. I believe that the author's purpose in the end; however, is to teach his audience, namely young children, to be good little kids that listen to their parents. Within this large lesson I think that his many other faults provide to show even smaller lessons. For example, in multiple situations the puppet learns to eat what he is given. He also learns to take his medicine, and to never steal something that is not your own. In the grand scheme of things I believe that children are to take from this book an understanding that they should always listen to their parents.

Pinocchio

P: How does the original version of the novel compare to that of modern day interpretations?

R: In response to my goals in reading the novel, I can't say I remember the entirety of the Disney classic to which I am so familiar, however I can say that there are some massive differences between the two. To begin with Jiminy Cricket is crushed by Pinocchio within a few pages of his introduction. To give you the exact words, "he remained dried up and flattened against the wall." (p. 30) It's incredible to think that these fairy tales were designed for children! Just before this Pinocchio runs away from Geppetto and gets him thrown in jail! When Jiminy Cricket (or simply "The Talking-Cricket" as he is called in the novel) tries to scold Pinocchio for what he has done this is when Pinochhio rears up and flattens him. After this Pinocchio's legs are burned off over a pile of coal. I'm listing all of these examples literally because these what seem like seriously damaging plot twist happen all within a few pages of each other. There is about three times as much content in this novel than in that of the movie and it is about ten times more morbid. Over and over again Pinocchio finds himself in situations that almost end his life. He gets into a situation to which feels like could last the plot of an entire story but instead it lasts only 20 pages. In addition to the comparison in content I know that the purpose of the movies and fairy tales of today is much more overt to the audience and is made much easier to grasp for young children.

Pinocchio

Author: C. Collodi

Publication: not listed

P: Why did you choose this book? What are your expectations?

R: On the last day of first semester when you gave us our homework to read, read, read, I decided that my 13 hour road trip to New York would be a good place to do just that. In searching for a book recommendation, I went to my little sister whom is an avid reader. She is very into fantasy books and I asked that she not give me any teen novels about vampires. I laughed when she pulled off the shelf two novels that I had never seen her reading in my life. Pinocchio and The DaVinci Code. I assume she thought the recommendations to be fool proof considering they had both been made into films. I first began reading The DaVinci Code but as I mentioned in my review of summer reading it felt much to much like the movie and left me very little room to create scenery or to imagine how I pictured the characters which, for me, is half the fun in reading a new book. This is when I turned my attention to Pinocchio. I knew that over the course of the year you had assigned us to read a classic and I figured this could be a good option. I had also seen the movie Pinocchio, of course, and I began to wonder how much the modern story line of this fairy tale had been distorted. As I began to read I continued to laugh out loud with in even the first few pages because the writing seemed so utterly ridiculous! The fight that develops between Geppetto and Antonio had me laughing enough to make my family wonder what exactly I was reading. At this point I flipped back to the front of the story and began reading out loud for 8 hours of my car ride.