"...that there are people out there... who nevertheless shudder at the very thought of you- of how you were brought into this world and why... The first time you glimpse yourself through the eyes of a person like that, it's a cold moment. It's like walking past a mirror you've walked past everyday of your life, and suddenly it shows you something else, something troubling and strange" (36).
I found this quote to be very interesting, not just for the figurative language it contains, but for the questions it elicits. Although I thought about what the entire quote could mean, I was especially drawn to the figurative language the author used, specifically a simile. The purpose of the figurative language is to make the characters' experience more personable to the reader. Most people reading the novel probably have never experienced being contained in a school while others "on the outside" dread them or the thought of coming in contact with them. This situation is unique to the students at Hailsham who are feared by those outside of the school. By giving the reader the mental picture of the mirror, the author provides an experience that is easier for the reader to visualize and understand. The author wants the reader to share in the emotions of the characters, so he uses figurative language to describe the emotions in a way the reader can understand. Also, the figurative language evokes an image in the reader's mind of an experience that could potentially be life changing. To have an idea of who you are or what your image in the mirror is and then have that picture forever altered in an abrupt and strange manner must be a pivotal point in one's life. This illustrates the magnitude of the effect the new knowledge had on the characters. In addition to helping me understand the characters' emotions on a deeper level, the figurative language prompted me to question why the students at Hailsham are so different and why others dread them.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Dynamic Character: Never Let Me Go
"'You've turned things around for yourself. I've been watching. So that's why I was asking.' Tommy shrugged. 'I've grown up a bit, I suppose...A couple of months back, I had this talk with Miss Lucy...But she said something, and it all felt much better'" (23).
Although dynamic characters are probably best identified later in the story when they have had more time to develop, I think that Tommy' evolution so early in the novel makes him a dynamic character. Perhaps he will change even more as the story progresses, but I consider the shift from his angry behavior to a calm demeanor very significant. The purpose of this change is probably to highlight the significance of his conversation with Miss Lucy. Something incredibly significant or meaningful must have happened for Tommy to suddenly abandon his temper tantrums and calmly handle potentially aggravating situations. The explanation he offers for this somewhat bizarre and sudden change is the conversation he shared with Miss Lucy. Although Tommy tells Kathy what the guardian said, both are still puzzled at the true meaning behind her words. Since the characters cannot decipher Miss Lucy's intentions, the reader cannot fully comprehend what she means either. I think the author's purpose behind Tommy's behavioral evolution and his conversation with Miss Lucy is to establish more pieces of this mystery. The characters struggle to connect the parts of this puzzle formed by conversations- like with Miss Lucy- and various events. The reader struggles along with the characters, not knowing what the puzzle really is. The purpose of Tommy's role as a dynamic character will probably become clearer as the story progresses.
Although dynamic characters are probably best identified later in the story when they have had more time to develop, I think that Tommy' evolution so early in the novel makes him a dynamic character. Perhaps he will change even more as the story progresses, but I consider the shift from his angry behavior to a calm demeanor very significant. The purpose of this change is probably to highlight the significance of his conversation with Miss Lucy. Something incredibly significant or meaningful must have happened for Tommy to suddenly abandon his temper tantrums and calmly handle potentially aggravating situations. The explanation he offers for this somewhat bizarre and sudden change is the conversation he shared with Miss Lucy. Although Tommy tells Kathy what the guardian said, both are still puzzled at the true meaning behind her words. Since the characters cannot decipher Miss Lucy's intentions, the reader cannot fully comprehend what she means either. I think the author's purpose behind Tommy's behavioral evolution and his conversation with Miss Lucy is to establish more pieces of this mystery. The characters struggle to connect the parts of this puzzle formed by conversations- like with Miss Lucy- and various events. The reader struggles along with the characters, not knowing what the puzzle really is. The purpose of Tommy's role as a dynamic character will probably become clearer as the story progresses.
Characterization: Never Let Me Go
"She was a tall, narrow woman with short hair, probably quite young still, though at the time we wouldn't have thought of her as such...She wouldn't talk to us and kept us at a distance with her chilly look. For years we thought of her as "snooty"..." (32).
The author uses characterization- both direct and indirect- early on in the novel, so the reader knows much about many of the characters. The personalities of Kathy, Ruth, Tommy, Laura, and some of the guardians like Miss Lucy, Miss Emily, and Miss Geraldine are revealed to the reader, and some of the physical characteristics are known as well. One character described through indirect characterization is Madame, and the use of characterization establishes not only her qualities, but also gives her an aura of mystery. She is portrayed as a severe, stern woman who drifts through Hailsham, selecting art in an arcane manner for this curious Gallery. Since the students do not know much about her, the description of Madame is brief. However, the characterization is effective because not much is said about Madame, but the reader is able to infer much about her through the descriptions given. Kathy repeatedly alludes to encounters with Madame and the Gallery, so the characterization could be very important. Knowing Madame's personality and relationship to the Hailsham students could help the reader understand the plot as the story unfolds. The author also reveals that Madame has an aversion to the children at Hailsham. Kathy likens Madame's feelings for the students to a person's fear of spiders. I think this is important, especially since Madame is not from Hailsham. Madame probably has a reason for these feelings, and her characterization can help the reader decipher her behavior.
The author uses characterization- both direct and indirect- early on in the novel, so the reader knows much about many of the characters. The personalities of Kathy, Ruth, Tommy, Laura, and some of the guardians like Miss Lucy, Miss Emily, and Miss Geraldine are revealed to the reader, and some of the physical characteristics are known as well. One character described through indirect characterization is Madame, and the use of characterization establishes not only her qualities, but also gives her an aura of mystery. She is portrayed as a severe, stern woman who drifts through Hailsham, selecting art in an arcane manner for this curious Gallery. Since the students do not know much about her, the description of Madame is brief. However, the characterization is effective because not much is said about Madame, but the reader is able to infer much about her through the descriptions given. Kathy repeatedly alludes to encounters with Madame and the Gallery, so the characterization could be very important. Knowing Madame's personality and relationship to the Hailsham students could help the reader understand the plot as the story unfolds. The author also reveals that Madame has an aversion to the children at Hailsham. Kathy likens Madame's feelings for the students to a person's fear of spiders. I think this is important, especially since Madame is not from Hailsham. Madame probably has a reason for these feelings, and her characterization can help the reader decipher her behavior.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Questions about Hailsham: Never Let Me Go
"He wanted to hear about Hailsham...About our guardians, about how we each had our own collection chests under our beds, the football, the rounders, the little path that took you all round the outside of the main house, round all its nooks and crannies, the duck pond, the food, the view from the Art Room over the fields on a foggy morning" (5).
Once again I had questions arise in the midst of my reading. Since I have just begun the novel, I believe that these questions will be answered later, but now I have a focus and things to look for throughout my reading. This time I wondered about Hailsham, Kathy's school. She hinted at the fact that Hailsham is considered to be a privileged estate, so I assumed that it is some sort of boarding school. Kathy also mentioned guardians which I thought was a term for teachers. The term guardians implies much more than just teachers; however, since the word is synonymous with protectors. I wondered if this is just how the students refer to their teachers, or if the guardians have a much larger role. One thing I misinterpreted was the terms "Junior" and "Senior." I associated these terms with high school juniors and seniors, but apparently the juniors and seniors in the novel are middle school age. This could be due to the fact that the story takes place in London, and they may use different terms to describe their school levels. Since much of the novel seems to take place at Hailsham, I am sure that my questions will soon be answered.
Once again I had questions arise in the midst of my reading. Since I have just begun the novel, I believe that these questions will be answered later, but now I have a focus and things to look for throughout my reading. This time I wondered about Hailsham, Kathy's school. She hinted at the fact that Hailsham is considered to be a privileged estate, so I assumed that it is some sort of boarding school. Kathy also mentioned guardians which I thought was a term for teachers. The term guardians implies much more than just teachers; however, since the word is synonymous with protectors. I wondered if this is just how the students refer to their teachers, or if the guardians have a much larger role. One thing I misinterpreted was the terms "Junior" and "Senior." I associated these terms with high school juniors and seniors, but apparently the juniors and seniors in the novel are middle school age. This could be due to the fact that the story takes place in London, and they may use different terms to describe their school levels. Since much of the novel seems to take place at Hailsham, I am sure that my questions will soon be answered.
Questions about Kathy's Career: Never Let Me Go
"...I've been a carer now for over eleven years...My donors have always tended to do much better than expected. Their recovery times have been impressive, and hardly any of them have been classified as "agitated," even before fourth donation" (3).
When I began to read the background of Kathy and her career in the very beginning of the novel, I had some questions about some of the terms she used. She spoke about her career as a carer for donors, and I struggled to understand exactly what that meant. As I continued to read, I surmised that a carer was similar to a nurse, offering care and companionship to the donors. As for the donors, I wondered if that meant organ donors. I believe that it is some sort of medical procedure because Kathy mentioned recovery time. This seemed unusual to me because the donors are alive, and organ donations are done when a patient is deceased. Another term I questioned was "completing." Kathy spoke about one of her patients that was "close to completing" (5). I assumed this meant he was close to dying, but the term completing seems like a strange synonym for dying. Perhaps this is used as an euphemism so as not to agitate the donors, especially since Kathy mentioned that some donors get agitated around their fourth donation. Based on my theory that the patients are organ donors, I was surprised that they are able to endure four donations. I just do not see how that is possible to survive having organs removed on four separate occasions, and I wonder what organs are taken. I feel like the author was being intentionally vague with these terms, and everything will probably be clarified later in the novel.
When I began to read the background of Kathy and her career in the very beginning of the novel, I had some questions about some of the terms she used. She spoke about her career as a carer for donors, and I struggled to understand exactly what that meant. As I continued to read, I surmised that a carer was similar to a nurse, offering care and companionship to the donors. As for the donors, I wondered if that meant organ donors. I believe that it is some sort of medical procedure because Kathy mentioned recovery time. This seemed unusual to me because the donors are alive, and organ donations are done when a patient is deceased. Another term I questioned was "completing." Kathy spoke about one of her patients that was "close to completing" (5). I assumed this meant he was close to dying, but the term completing seems like a strange synonym for dying. Perhaps this is used as an euphemism so as not to agitate the donors, especially since Kathy mentioned that some donors get agitated around their fourth donation. Based on my theory that the patients are organ donors, I was surprised that they are able to endure four donations. I just do not see how that is possible to survive having organs removed on four separate occasions, and I wonder what organs are taken. I feel like the author was being intentionally vague with these terms, and everything will probably be clarified later in the novel.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Overall Reaction towards Brave New World
"'We've gone on controlling every since. It hasn't been very good for truth, of course. But it's been very good for happiness. One can't have something for nothing. Happiness has got to be paid for. You're paying for it, Mr. Watson- paying because you happen to by much too interested in beauty. I was much too interested in truth; I paid too'" (228).
I disliked this statement when I read it, but then I realized the truth behind the words "happiness has got to be paid for." People must earn their happiness, but I disagree with Mond's belief that control harbors happiness. When people are controlled to that extent, they do not have expectations or goals; they are content with their way of life because that is all they know. True happiness is achieved through struggles and accomplishments, by working towards a purpose. The statement presents the biggest difference between the Old and New World, and it is also my biggest problem with the modern society. Also, Mond's words directly relates to the overall theme of the novel; the only way to achieve a utopia and happiness is to eliminate truth and purpose. My overall reaction towards the idea of a utopia is one with disagreement and disgust. I did not at all like the lack of individuality in most of the characters, the suffocating control of rulers like Mond, the apathetic processes like hatching, or the way of life in the New World. In fact, the New World did not appeal to me at all which was the author's intent. Aldous Huxley wanted to show the world the dangers of a utopia, like how much had to be sacrificed. He achieved his goal by presenting statements like these, forcing the reader to evaluate both worlds. I was able to see Huxley's warnings about utopias, and I fully appreciate the ways of the Old World, as "uncivilized" as they may be.
I disliked this statement when I read it, but then I realized the truth behind the words "happiness has got to be paid for." People must earn their happiness, but I disagree with Mond's belief that control harbors happiness. When people are controlled to that extent, they do not have expectations or goals; they are content with their way of life because that is all they know. True happiness is achieved through struggles and accomplishments, by working towards a purpose. The statement presents the biggest difference between the Old and New World, and it is also my biggest problem with the modern society. Also, Mond's words directly relates to the overall theme of the novel; the only way to achieve a utopia and happiness is to eliminate truth and purpose. My overall reaction towards the idea of a utopia is one with disagreement and disgust. I did not at all like the lack of individuality in most of the characters, the suffocating control of rulers like Mond, the apathetic processes like hatching, or the way of life in the New World. In fact, the New World did not appeal to me at all which was the author's intent. Aldous Huxley wanted to show the world the dangers of a utopia, like how much had to be sacrificed. He achieved his goal by presenting statements like these, forcing the reader to evaluate both worlds. I was able to see Huxley's warnings about utopias, and I fully appreciate the ways of the Old World, as "uncivilized" as they may be.
Resolution of Brave New World
"Slowly, very slowly, like two unhurried compass needles, the feet turned towards the right; north, north-east, east, south-east, south, south-west; then paused, and, after a few seconds, turned as unhurriedly back towards the left" (259).
The resolution of Brave New World came at the very end of the novel, when John hanged himself. He had previously said that he would not be an experiment, that he would go somewhere to be alone. Once his solitude had been compromised and he violently lashed out against a crowd, John must have felt that he deserved the ultimate punishment. His death could be viewed as his final punishment or his final escape. Either way, John's struggle against the evil of society and his own wickedness finally ended. This resolution was particularly sad but also very effective. The reader felt the strongest connection to John and hoped that he would overcome his internal battles to defeat society in his external struggle. This did not happen, and I felt saddened that the New World had driven John to such drastic measures. The resolution is the final and perhaps strongest point saying that the New World is not civilized, perfect, or even ideal. The resolution supported the theme and provoked emotions in the reader that would help he or she realize the true meaning of the theme. The reader saw the full extent of the power and evil of the society, enough to destroy a young man's life.
The resolution of Brave New World came at the very end of the novel, when John hanged himself. He had previously said that he would not be an experiment, that he would go somewhere to be alone. Once his solitude had been compromised and he violently lashed out against a crowd, John must have felt that he deserved the ultimate punishment. His death could be viewed as his final punishment or his final escape. Either way, John's struggle against the evil of society and his own wickedness finally ended. This resolution was particularly sad but also very effective. The reader felt the strongest connection to John and hoped that he would overcome his internal battles to defeat society in his external struggle. This did not happen, and I felt saddened that the New World had driven John to such drastic measures. The resolution is the final and perhaps strongest point saying that the New World is not civilized, perfect, or even ideal. The resolution supported the theme and provoked emotions in the reader that would help he or she realize the true meaning of the theme. The reader saw the full extent of the power and evil of the society, enough to destroy a young man's life.
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