Independent Reading #2

Well I've finished Maus and I was suprised to see that the characters didnt evolve much. There is a second part to this book (which ive started) and we see that Artie's father dies and he does evolve from that incident so its nice to see some growth.  But at the end of that book we see an almost hatred from his father, even calling him a 'monster'. He blames his fathers lack of love for his mother on her death, but really we see that through the holocaust that he really loves her, so we can surmise that the holocaust really effected him.  I hope to see more on Vladeks story and how it changed him.

Independent Reading

Well first of all, the book Maus is turning out to be a great read.  The book is about a son writing about his father's experience in WWII. By the way theyre mice haha. But anyways, we begin to see the troubled relationship between the main character and his father. They often bicker back and fourth. I see it mostly as the father's fault, but it's justifyable because he doesn't seem happy that his son is an artist or that his wife isn't as good as his first wife. There is a struggle within him, for regrets about the war, that we see are developing. The book is detailing the death of his first wife and child almost simultaniously so its understandable why he is feeling regretful.  I feel for him.  In the next part of my readin, I hope to see Artie develop a little more and learn more about his troubles in Mouswitcz.

Things Fall Apart

Overall, in my opinion Things Fall Apart is a great book. I can see why ms. A chose it for AP.  There are classic examples of cultural relevance, a 'fall from grace' and examples of the invasion of white people from a different point of view.  The book always kept me wanting more, and I would say its a new classic. One of my favorite parts about this book is the storyline. It shows the once great people of the Umofia and Okonkwo, and how their civilization changes so so drastically. The use of foreshadowing the life of his father with Okonkwo really helped us see why he is the way he is.  In the end, I would critique this as a great novel, because of its portrayal of how things can be great but fall apart.  Its a great read for all

Tragic Hero

My definition of a 'tragic hero' is someone who does good deeds, but at their own 'tragic' expense.  How can we relate this.  Well i see it related to Okonkwo in the sense that he was trying to save or protect his people, but he couldnt and killed himself at his own expense.  Tragic heroes often have many downfalls. Such as when Beowulf fought the dragon and died 'tragically' by being bitten. In the end, I believe my definiton of a tragoc hero almost can be related to every book weve read, and they seem to suffer something horrible at their own expense.

Fear

When I think of the fear the two Ibo nations felt, in relation to war the only relatable example I can think of would be the cold war between America and Russia.  Both countries were fearful the other would bomb them with nuclear bombs.  What drove these fears?? I would say the possiblity that eaither country would cease to be a superpower anymore and easier to be attacked by other countries.  I think the Ibo nation that Okonkwo was from would be facing the same situation, as being pecieved as weak if they didnt retaliate against the rival nation.

Relating Ikemafunas troubles to me, I think I would share this fear.  Of course, I dont think I would assimilate like he did.  I would probably be alone and not become an actual part of their family.  but thats just me haha.