Although I was able to talk about it a little in my Post A, I'd like to expand on an important quote that I found: "I tell myself that I've invited him along to add to the thrill--one more person who knows only makes it more exciting. But it's really because there are some nights when you just want to know there's someone else besides you in this wide world"(244). Like I said before, this quote said by Jesse, really strikes a chord. It also brings into retrospect, an important theme in this book. It deals with a special need all humans must have, and I'm not talking about water or food or shelter. I'm talking about love, and the lack of unconditional love in My Sister's Keeper. There are many different types of love used and reserved for different things. There's love for your family, love for your belongings, love for your hobbies, love for your significant other, and love for your friends, etc. 3 out of 5 of the types of love I listed should be unconditional, but everyone knows they really aren't sometimes. Unconditional love means that you love that person(or thing or whatever it is) for them. You don't care about anything else, whether they have money, whether they're smart, whether they're tall or short or fat or skinny or beautiful or ugly. None of that matters.
In the Fitzgerald family, unconditional love is mastered by one person: Anna. A mother's love is supposed to be unconditional, but Sara's doesn't seem that way. For Kate, it is...or maybe it's out of pity? We don't truly know though I believe for Kate, Sara's love is unconditional. But that doesn't seem to apply to Anna, at least not much. For the most part, as long as Anna remains a donor for Kate, Sara won't be too angry at her, but when she slapped that law suit on her parents, Sara became furious. She didn't even stop and think about what Anna did, something that Brian actually managed to do. But neither of them show much affection towards Jesse, who, possibly more than anyone else in this book, needs that love and care in order to survive. He's gone so long without it that he himself won't open up to anyone, but Anna, who loves him too, Dan, who just happens to be a convenience, and Julia, only because he thinks she's attractive. It is because of Jesse that I say only one member of this family has mastered unconditional love. Anna loves both her parents, probably something that causes her to vacillate so much with the lawsuit. She wants to go through with it, but because of her fear of disappointing her mother, and even her love for her mother and Kate, she doesn't really want them to know. Around her family, Anna pretends there is no lawsuit, but there actually is. It's hard for Anna to do this to the people she loves the most, but like Julia said, either Anna is going to lose her sister or she's going to lose herself.
It is because of the necessity for love and attention that makes people they way they are in My Sister's Keeper. It's hard to relate this to Brian and Sara, but their kids turned out the way they did because of how much attention each one got. Sure Brian and Sara showered them with guilt gifts, but that's not enough. They never actually spent any time with Jesse after Kate's diagnosis, which is probably why he's so messed up. Jesse merely just exists in this world and nobody sees him. Anna isn't doing this because she wants attention, but because she wants control of her body. It is because of her love for her family that she seems so indecisive at times, and even possibly fear as well. And Kate, despite having APL, has turned out relatively fine. Her parents, at least Sara, spends 24/7 worrying about Kate, so the oldest daughter gets all the attention and love she could ever have.
With families that have multiple children, there is always a favorite. Even now I know this. Parents aren't supposed to have favorites, and it isn't really that evident, but if you want to know how Jesse or Anna or Kate feels, pretend you are the favorite in your family and multiply that by about 10 times and that's how Kate feels, probably. Do the same for Jesse, only with the least liked. And Anna literally is right in between. When she does what she can for Kate, she is honored like a Goddess. When she doesn't, she gets tossed aside like a piece of garbage, like Jesse. I know it's not fair, any of it: the fact that Kate has APL, that Sara and Brian have to balance keeping their family together, that Jesse gets ignored, and that Anna has no control over her own life, but sometimes you need to just take a step aside and think things over, think things through. You might think you are doing the right thing for everyone, but in reality, you are harming a lot more people than you are helping.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Q3 Outside Reading Week 4 Post A
Vocab:
derelicts(245)- A homeless or jobless person; a vagrant
segue(230)- to make a transition from one thing to another smoothly and without interruption
Figurative Language:
"My father looked right at me, but he didn't answer. And his eyes were dazed and staring through me, like I was made out of smoke. That was the first time I thought that maybe I was"(245). This quote contains a simile. It compares Jesse to smoke using the word "like". I also wanted to put this quote here because I think it is pretty striking. Jesse is only 11 years old and all of the joys of being a boy has been taken from him. All he wants is for his parents to notice him, to go on a normal outing for once in his life, but he can't. And he never will.
"The thing about a flame is that it's insidious--it sneaks, it licks, it looks over its shoulder and laughs. And fuck, it's beautiful. Like a sunset eating everything in its path"(246). This passage has two elements of figurative language, personification and simile. The personification comes from when Jesse says a flame sneaks, licks, looks over its shoulder and laughs. These are all actions a human can do and a flame normally wouldn't, making it an instance of personification. The simile is when a flame is compared to a sunset eating everything it its path using the word "like".
"My mother, she folds into herself, that's the only way to explain it. Like paper, when you put it deep into the fireplace, and instead of burning, it simply seems to vanish"(251). This is an example of imagery and another simile. It is imagery because Anna describes her mother "folding into herself" which pertains to sight. With this description, we are able to picture the motion Sara Fitzgerald does. Secondly, Anna compares this motion to paper burning up in a fire using the word "like". This makes it a simile.
Quote:
"I tell myself that I've invited him along to add to the thrill--one more person who knows only makes it more exciting. But it's really because there are some nights when you just want to know there's someone else besides you in this wide world"(244). Every time I read one of the chapters narrated by Jesse, there is always some quote that really resonants within me. He has so much insight and understands a lot about his position in this world and is far deeper than he first appears. I feel so bad for him! He's so lonely with no one to care about him. Everyone needs some form of attention and when they don't get that kind of love and care, the results aren't usually positive. It's so sad that Jesse has to resort to hanging out with a bum for company. He has no real friends nor does his family have time to pay attention to him. It's just not fair how his parents treat him. If I could, I'd bring him into my family, but I can't. I know that Jesse is not really part of this whole ethical dilemma, at least not directly, but he is one of my favorite characters nonetheless. I just wish that there was someone to understand and love Jesse like family is supposed to. I hope he'll have a happy ending.
Theme:
Hang on to what little you have because you never know when that's going to be gone too.
derelicts(245)- A homeless or jobless person; a vagrant
segue(230)- to make a transition from one thing to another smoothly and without interruption
Figurative Language:
"My father looked right at me, but he didn't answer. And his eyes were dazed and staring through me, like I was made out of smoke. That was the first time I thought that maybe I was"(245). This quote contains a simile. It compares Jesse to smoke using the word "like". I also wanted to put this quote here because I think it is pretty striking. Jesse is only 11 years old and all of the joys of being a boy has been taken from him. All he wants is for his parents to notice him, to go on a normal outing for once in his life, but he can't. And he never will.
"The thing about a flame is that it's insidious--it sneaks, it licks, it looks over its shoulder and laughs. And fuck, it's beautiful. Like a sunset eating everything in its path"(246). This passage has two elements of figurative language, personification and simile. The personification comes from when Jesse says a flame sneaks, licks, looks over its shoulder and laughs. These are all actions a human can do and a flame normally wouldn't, making it an instance of personification. The simile is when a flame is compared to a sunset eating everything it its path using the word "like".
"My mother, she folds into herself, that's the only way to explain it. Like paper, when you put it deep into the fireplace, and instead of burning, it simply seems to vanish"(251). This is an example of imagery and another simile. It is imagery because Anna describes her mother "folding into herself" which pertains to sight. With this description, we are able to picture the motion Sara Fitzgerald does. Secondly, Anna compares this motion to paper burning up in a fire using the word "like". This makes it a simile.
Quote:
"I tell myself that I've invited him along to add to the thrill--one more person who knows only makes it more exciting. But it's really because there are some nights when you just want to know there's someone else besides you in this wide world"(244). Every time I read one of the chapters narrated by Jesse, there is always some quote that really resonants within me. He has so much insight and understands a lot about his position in this world and is far deeper than he first appears. I feel so bad for him! He's so lonely with no one to care about him. Everyone needs some form of attention and when they don't get that kind of love and care, the results aren't usually positive. It's so sad that Jesse has to resort to hanging out with a bum for company. He has no real friends nor does his family have time to pay attention to him. It's just not fair how his parents treat him. If I could, I'd bring him into my family, but I can't. I know that Jesse is not really part of this whole ethical dilemma, at least not directly, but he is one of my favorite characters nonetheless. I just wish that there was someone to understand and love Jesse like family is supposed to. I hope he'll have a happy ending.
Theme:
Hang on to what little you have because you never know when that's going to be gone too.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Q3 Outside Reading Week 3 Post B
Although I'm close to being half way through the book, my character analysis isn't quite over yet. This week, I'm going to be talking about Campbell Alexander and Julia Romano. In My Sister's Keeper, there is the main storyline/ ethical dilemma plaguing the Fitzgerald family and tearing apart something that was barely held together. The second plot is the story of Anna's lawyer (Campbell Alexander) and her guardian ad litem (Julia Romano). Their relationship is one that extends all the way back to their high school days in Wheeler School.
Campbell Alexander is a successful lawyer whom Anna seeks for help. Although she doesn't have enough money to pay him, he is willing to help her. Thinking this will be an easy case, he plunges head-first into a family barely held together at the seams and agrees to virtually destroy the Fitzgerald family.
Julia Romano is a guardian ad litem, someone assigned to help look out for Anna's best interests. It is because Judge DeSalvo decides this case needs more looking over that Julia comes into the picture. Her job is to get to know Anna and her family, and truly understand what is best for this 13-year-old girl.
When they were in high school, Campbell and Julia met their senior year. He was the captain of the sailing team at Wheeler, and a picture perfect boy for this private school. She was different, with her pink hair and combat boots, Julia never truly fit in. But Campbell was intrigued by this not-so-normal girl and they eventually met in a cemetary. Campbell's friends didn't like Julia and Julia's twin sister disapproved of Campbell, but they fell in love nonetheless. Although we haven't learned their whole past, it can be assumed that there was heartbreak and a trauma of some sort that left Julia heartbroken and Campbell wishing he could start things over.
They met again over Anna's case. Campbell claimed he was looking out for Anna's well being, which was actually Julia's job. She has a twin sister which might've have been intentional on Picoult's part, making it easier for Julia to relate to Anna and Kate's relationship. He's alone, with the exception of his dog Judge. Even today, they are still an influence on each other's lives. They can't escape from the past, and to both, it's too painful to face it. Julia is trying to keep her cool and her job. But she does a decent job of getting to know the Fitzgerald family. Anna opens up to her; Brian does the same; Kate and Julia connect over knowing what it's like to have a sister; she hasn't met Jesse yet; it's only Sara that doesn't like her. But Sara doesn't like anyone related to the case, and she even tries to influence Anna. Julia soon discovers that in order for Anna to live in her family, the lawsuit cannot be brought up. She has to keep a low profile, because contrary to what Sara believes, Anna doesn't just want attention, she wants her own life back. Julia makes a good observation when she says, "Either this girl loses her sister, I think, or she's going to lose herself"(113). As for Campbell, it's because of what Julia says that moves him to make a housecall to Anna. It's because Julia suggests he should really get to know his client, that he actually gets out of his office and pays Anna a visit. "'The things is, this is new to me.' 'What is?' I gesture around the living room. 'Visiting a client, shooting the breeze. Not leaving a case at the office at the end of the day.' 'Well, this is new to me, too,' Anna confesses. 'What is?' She twists a strand of hair around her pinky. 'Hoping,' she says"(125). Through this simple and short conversation, Campbell is able to learn a lot about his client, something he hasn't thought of doing until Julia suggested it.
It's hard to tell what their future will be, but it's clear that their paths will most likely cross again. Like Campbell said, Providence is a small town. Times have changed and so have they. Personally, I hope everything works out for them. Even if it's been a long time, they clearly still have feelings for each other, and if feelings like that don't go away after that much time, there must be something deeper, something that's meant to be.
Campbell Alexander is a successful lawyer whom Anna seeks for help. Although she doesn't have enough money to pay him, he is willing to help her. Thinking this will be an easy case, he plunges head-first into a family barely held together at the seams and agrees to virtually destroy the Fitzgerald family.
Julia Romano is a guardian ad litem, someone assigned to help look out for Anna's best interests. It is because Judge DeSalvo decides this case needs more looking over that Julia comes into the picture. Her job is to get to know Anna and her family, and truly understand what is best for this 13-year-old girl.
When they were in high school, Campbell and Julia met their senior year. He was the captain of the sailing team at Wheeler, and a picture perfect boy for this private school. She was different, with her pink hair and combat boots, Julia never truly fit in. But Campbell was intrigued by this not-so-normal girl and they eventually met in a cemetary. Campbell's friends didn't like Julia and Julia's twin sister disapproved of Campbell, but they fell in love nonetheless. Although we haven't learned their whole past, it can be assumed that there was heartbreak and a trauma of some sort that left Julia heartbroken and Campbell wishing he could start things over.
They met again over Anna's case. Campbell claimed he was looking out for Anna's well being, which was actually Julia's job. She has a twin sister which might've have been intentional on Picoult's part, making it easier for Julia to relate to Anna and Kate's relationship. He's alone, with the exception of his dog Judge. Even today, they are still an influence on each other's lives. They can't escape from the past, and to both, it's too painful to face it. Julia is trying to keep her cool and her job. But she does a decent job of getting to know the Fitzgerald family. Anna opens up to her; Brian does the same; Kate and Julia connect over knowing what it's like to have a sister; she hasn't met Jesse yet; it's only Sara that doesn't like her. But Sara doesn't like anyone related to the case, and she even tries to influence Anna. Julia soon discovers that in order for Anna to live in her family, the lawsuit cannot be brought up. She has to keep a low profile, because contrary to what Sara believes, Anna doesn't just want attention, she wants her own life back. Julia makes a good observation when she says, "Either this girl loses her sister, I think, or she's going to lose herself"(113). As for Campbell, it's because of what Julia says that moves him to make a housecall to Anna. It's because Julia suggests he should really get to know his client, that he actually gets out of his office and pays Anna a visit. "'The things is, this is new to me.' 'What is?' I gesture around the living room. 'Visiting a client, shooting the breeze. Not leaving a case at the office at the end of the day.' 'Well, this is new to me, too,' Anna confesses. 'What is?' She twists a strand of hair around her pinky. 'Hoping,' she says"(125). Through this simple and short conversation, Campbell is able to learn a lot about his client, something he hasn't thought of doing until Julia suggested it.
It's hard to tell what their future will be, but it's clear that their paths will most likely cross again. Like Campbell said, Providence is a small town. Times have changed and so have they. Personally, I hope everything works out for them. Even if it's been a long time, they clearly still have feelings for each other, and if feelings like that don't go away after that much time, there must be something deeper, something that's meant to be.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Q3 Outside Reading Week 3 Post A
Vocab:
clairvoyance(155)- the supernatural power of seeing objects or actions removed in space or time from natural viewing
arabesque(161)- a pose in ballet in which the dancer stands on one leg with one arm extended in front and the other leg and arm extended behind
Figurative Language:
"Kate Fitzgerald is a ghost just waiting to happen. Her skin is nearly translucent, her hair so fair it bleeds into the pillowcase"(158). This quote has multiple uses of figurative language. The first portion is a comparison. It says that Kate "is" a ghost making it a metaphor not a simile. The second is a combination of imagery and personification. Imagery is used when describing how her skin is "nearly translucent." This pertains to the vision portion of the five senses. The personification comes from describing Kate's hair. Picoult gives it the human characteristic of being able to bleed, which hair cannot actually do.
"I wondered what happened when you offered yourself to someone, and they opened you, only to discover you were not the gift they expected and they had to smile and nod and say thank you all the same"(157). Here is an example of a comparison between a person and a gift that is a metaphor. It isn't a simile because this comparison uses "were" and states that the person is a gift, not like one.
"The man beside me had sky-eyes, a black ponytail, and a Cary Grant grin"(151). This is an example of imagery. In order to help the reader picture this man, Picoult uses descriptions like "sky-eyes" and "Cary Grant grin". It pertains to sight which is one of the five senses.
Quote:
"I laugh. 'Oh...there were definitely times I could imagine life without her.' Kate doesn't crack a smile. 'See,' she says, 'my sister's the one who's always had to imagine life without me.'"(162). There are a lot of powerful quotes in this book and this one just happened to strike a chord with me. Although I don't have any siblings, I do understand the relationship that most go through. Sometimes they are best friends, other times, bitter enemies. But while some people may be able to joke about being an only child, for Kate and Anna, it's different. Without Anna, Kate wouldn't be alive. Without Kate, Anna could've led a completely normal life. The fact that Kate knows this shows that she isn't as much of a damsel as her mother puts her out to be. Kate understands reality and how much harder Anna's life is because of her. This makes her a great sister and Anna's decision that much harder.
Theme:
This week's theme is also a quote taken from the book. I thought it was a different way of putting a commonly quoted theme. "A jewel's just a rock put under enormous heat and pressure. Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look"(152).
clairvoyance(155)- the supernatural power of seeing objects or actions removed in space or time from natural viewing
arabesque(161)- a pose in ballet in which the dancer stands on one leg with one arm extended in front and the other leg and arm extended behind
Figurative Language:
"Kate Fitzgerald is a ghost just waiting to happen. Her skin is nearly translucent, her hair so fair it bleeds into the pillowcase"(158). This quote has multiple uses of figurative language. The first portion is a comparison. It says that Kate "is" a ghost making it a metaphor not a simile. The second is a combination of imagery and personification. Imagery is used when describing how her skin is "nearly translucent." This pertains to the vision portion of the five senses. The personification comes from describing Kate's hair. Picoult gives it the human characteristic of being able to bleed, which hair cannot actually do.
"I wondered what happened when you offered yourself to someone, and they opened you, only to discover you were not the gift they expected and they had to smile and nod and say thank you all the same"(157). Here is an example of a comparison between a person and a gift that is a metaphor. It isn't a simile because this comparison uses "were" and states that the person is a gift, not like one.
"The man beside me had sky-eyes, a black ponytail, and a Cary Grant grin"(151). This is an example of imagery. In order to help the reader picture this man, Picoult uses descriptions like "sky-eyes" and "Cary Grant grin". It pertains to sight which is one of the five senses.
Quote:
"I laugh. 'Oh...there were definitely times I could imagine life without her.' Kate doesn't crack a smile. 'See,' she says, 'my sister's the one who's always had to imagine life without me.'"(162). There are a lot of powerful quotes in this book and this one just happened to strike a chord with me. Although I don't have any siblings, I do understand the relationship that most go through. Sometimes they are best friends, other times, bitter enemies. But while some people may be able to joke about being an only child, for Kate and Anna, it's different. Without Anna, Kate wouldn't be alive. Without Kate, Anna could've led a completely normal life. The fact that Kate knows this shows that she isn't as much of a damsel as her mother puts her out to be. Kate understands reality and how much harder Anna's life is because of her. This makes her a great sister and Anna's decision that much harder.
Theme:
This week's theme is also a quote taken from the book. I thought it was a different way of putting a commonly quoted theme. "A jewel's just a rock put under enormous heat and pressure. Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look"(152).
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Q3 Outside Reading Week 2 Post B
This week, I wanted to do a brief character analysis on the Fitzgerald family: Sara, Brian, Jesse, Kate, and Anna.
Sara: Sara is the mother of the Fitzgerald family. She used to be a lawyer before she decided to quit her job and become a full time mom. She was happy with her two kids, Jesse and Kate, but once Kate was diagnosed with leukemia, she became her main focus. Ever since then, Kate is Sara's priority. This, in my opinion, makes Sara completely oblivious to her other children. Although I do understand the choices she makes to keep her daughter alive, I don't really think neglecting her other children is a responsible thing to do. For Sara, everything is from Kate's perspective. The world revolves around her eldest daughter, which is disastrous for Jesse and Anna. I don't think she is a bad mother, I just don't think her approach/ logic is entirely fair nor reasonable.
Brian: Brian is the father of the Fitzgerald family. He is a firefighter who is constantly on call. He is dealing with an arsonist (who unknown to his knowledge is actually his son) and Kate's illness. He tries his best to be fair and seems like the protector of Anna in the family. Both of the Fitzgerald parents neglect Jesse because Kate is the main focus. Brian does have a special attachment with Anna that Sara just doesn't seem to share, but even with that, I don't think what they do to Anna and even Jesse is fair. But I think Brian is trying to be the happy medium which annoys me a little less than Sara.
Jesse: Jesse is a special case. He is the oldest Fitzgerald child. He is completely neglected by his parents because he cannot help Kate (like Anna), and he isn't sick like Kate. Despite what his parents think, Jesse is very in touch with reality. He knows that his parents don't find much worth in him, and I feel bad for him. He is a very interesting character that, with the proper upbringing, could have real potential. But because of his sister's illness, he is hindered from success and accomplishment. I like Jesse and I don't think he is treated fairly at all. The only person Jesse truly has is Anna and I hope they continue to share that connection.
Kate: Kate is the middle child and the one with APL leukemia. She is portrayed as the helpless damsel in distress. We don't hear from her...at least I don't think until the very end. The narration may be a reason why I don't relate to Kate well, but despite her illness, I don't seem to connect with Sara's level of concern for Kate. I can relate more to Jesse and Anna than to Kate for a reason that I don't know. It makes me feel like a horrible person, but I just don't think any of this is fair. It's a hard life to live, and from her standpoint, I can understand possibly what she's going through, but sometimes I want her to just stop. I know it sounds mean, but I can't help whose side I'm on, not really anyway.
Anna: Anna is my favorite character so far, but Jesse does come close. She is the youngest of the Fitzgerald children and born to be a perfect match for Kate. Since the beginning of the book, I've been on her side and I anticipate some flip-flopping, but for now, I'm with Anna. I don't think her parents should be able to force her to give her life away for Kate. She's living, breathing, and has the right to herself. Otherwise they're basically telling Anna "You're alive now, but you've been created for Kate so the main purpose is for you to give your life to Kate." It's just NOT FAIR! I want her parents to stop, to just leave her alone, but I don't want Kate to die. I don't understand why such a horrible thing has to happen to such nice people. I feel like Anna is so alone in the world, with no one on her side except for Jesse, Campbell Alexander (her lawyer), and me (as of right now). I don't want Anna to have to go through with this for the rest of her life. She deserves independence and her own right to live, no one should be able to take that away from her!
I understand that this is a difficult situation for everyone and I have no idea what I would do if I was put here, but as of right now, I think Anna has a point to make and she should make it. No one has the right to take your life away from you, not even your parents or other family members. I know Kate's dying, but that doesn't mean that Anna should have to suffer on her own for Kate. Although all the family members are suffering, making Anna donate and give against her will isn't fair, and that's why Sara bothers me. Her only concern is Kate and she doesn't seem to notice her other children. They need their mother, they need her, just as much, yet she doesn't seem to understand. It's just not fair for Jesse and Anna, and although this is a horribly mean thing to say, but I think they've sacrificed enough for Kate. There has to be another way.
Sara: Sara is the mother of the Fitzgerald family. She used to be a lawyer before she decided to quit her job and become a full time mom. She was happy with her two kids, Jesse and Kate, but once Kate was diagnosed with leukemia, she became her main focus. Ever since then, Kate is Sara's priority. This, in my opinion, makes Sara completely oblivious to her other children. Although I do understand the choices she makes to keep her daughter alive, I don't really think neglecting her other children is a responsible thing to do. For Sara, everything is from Kate's perspective. The world revolves around her eldest daughter, which is disastrous for Jesse and Anna. I don't think she is a bad mother, I just don't think her approach/ logic is entirely fair nor reasonable.
Brian: Brian is the father of the Fitzgerald family. He is a firefighter who is constantly on call. He is dealing with an arsonist (who unknown to his knowledge is actually his son) and Kate's illness. He tries his best to be fair and seems like the protector of Anna in the family. Both of the Fitzgerald parents neglect Jesse because Kate is the main focus. Brian does have a special attachment with Anna that Sara just doesn't seem to share, but even with that, I don't think what they do to Anna and even Jesse is fair. But I think Brian is trying to be the happy medium which annoys me a little less than Sara.
Jesse: Jesse is a special case. He is the oldest Fitzgerald child. He is completely neglected by his parents because he cannot help Kate (like Anna), and he isn't sick like Kate. Despite what his parents think, Jesse is very in touch with reality. He knows that his parents don't find much worth in him, and I feel bad for him. He is a very interesting character that, with the proper upbringing, could have real potential. But because of his sister's illness, he is hindered from success and accomplishment. I like Jesse and I don't think he is treated fairly at all. The only person Jesse truly has is Anna and I hope they continue to share that connection.
Kate: Kate is the middle child and the one with APL leukemia. She is portrayed as the helpless damsel in distress. We don't hear from her...at least I don't think until the very end. The narration may be a reason why I don't relate to Kate well, but despite her illness, I don't seem to connect with Sara's level of concern for Kate. I can relate more to Jesse and Anna than to Kate for a reason that I don't know. It makes me feel like a horrible person, but I just don't think any of this is fair. It's a hard life to live, and from her standpoint, I can understand possibly what she's going through, but sometimes I want her to just stop. I know it sounds mean, but I can't help whose side I'm on, not really anyway.
Anna: Anna is my favorite character so far, but Jesse does come close. She is the youngest of the Fitzgerald children and born to be a perfect match for Kate. Since the beginning of the book, I've been on her side and I anticipate some flip-flopping, but for now, I'm with Anna. I don't think her parents should be able to force her to give her life away for Kate. She's living, breathing, and has the right to herself. Otherwise they're basically telling Anna "You're alive now, but you've been created for Kate so the main purpose is for you to give your life to Kate." It's just NOT FAIR! I want her parents to stop, to just leave her alone, but I don't want Kate to die. I don't understand why such a horrible thing has to happen to such nice people. I feel like Anna is so alone in the world, with no one on her side except for Jesse, Campbell Alexander (her lawyer), and me (as of right now). I don't want Anna to have to go through with this for the rest of her life. She deserves independence and her own right to live, no one should be able to take that away from her!
I understand that this is a difficult situation for everyone and I have no idea what I would do if I was put here, but as of right now, I think Anna has a point to make and she should make it. No one has the right to take your life away from you, not even your parents or other family members. I know Kate's dying, but that doesn't mean that Anna should have to suffer on her own for Kate. Although all the family members are suffering, making Anna donate and give against her will isn't fair, and that's why Sara bothers me. Her only concern is Kate and she doesn't seem to notice her other children. They need their mother, they need her, just as much, yet she doesn't seem to understand. It's just not fair for Jesse and Anna, and although this is a horribly mean thing to say, but I think they've sacrificed enough for Kate. There has to be another way.
Q3 Outside Reading Week 2 Post A
Vocab:
pylon(94)- a relatively tall structure at the side of a gate, bridge, or avenue, marking an entrance or approach
platelets(97)- A minute, nonnucleated, disklike cytoplasmic body found in the blood plasma of mammals that is derived from a megakaryocyte and functions to promote blood clotting
Figurative Language:
"There is a new bailiff at the entrance, a man with a neck as thick as a redwood and most likely the brainpower to match"(81). This is a simile comparing the man's neck and brainpower to that of a redwood tree. I know this is a simile because it uses the word "as" for the comparison.
"There would be rolling hills that look like green velvet"(85). This is also a simile. It compares rolling hills with green velvet using the word "like", therefore making it a simle.
"...and that big brown hole in the ground like a split seam, waiting to swallow the body that used to be me" (85). This quote has two pieces of figurative language. The first is a simile, comparing the big brown hole to a split seam using the word "like". The second, is personification of the hole. Picoult gives the hole a human action (swallowing) therefore personifying an inanimate object.
Quote:
"But inside, I'm burning just as hot as I was when that fire caught at the warehouse. What made me believe I might be worth something, even now? What made me think I could save my sister, when I can't even save myself?" (98). This is the first time we've heard from Jesse. This quote shows a lot about him. Jesse, although he seems like the troubled kid, has a lot more to him than what his parents think or even notice. He has thought his entire existence through, and when times are bad, he wants to help, but he thinks he can't because his parents have never suggested he was ever worth anything.
Theme: Personally, I think that this quote best represents the theme for this week: "Anna is the only proof I have that I was bron into this family...On the surface, we're polar opposites. Under the skin, though, we're the same: people think they know what they're getting, and they're always wrong"(93).
pylon(94)- a relatively tall structure at the side of a gate, bridge, or avenue, marking an entrance or approach
platelets(97)- A minute, nonnucleated, disklike cytoplasmic body found in the blood plasma of mammals that is derived from a megakaryocyte and functions to promote blood clotting
Figurative Language:
"There is a new bailiff at the entrance, a man with a neck as thick as a redwood and most likely the brainpower to match"(81). This is a simile comparing the man's neck and brainpower to that of a redwood tree. I know this is a simile because it uses the word "as" for the comparison.
"There would be rolling hills that look like green velvet"(85). This is also a simile. It compares rolling hills with green velvet using the word "like", therefore making it a simle.
"...and that big brown hole in the ground like a split seam, waiting to swallow the body that used to be me" (85). This quote has two pieces of figurative language. The first is a simile, comparing the big brown hole to a split seam using the word "like". The second, is personification of the hole. Picoult gives the hole a human action (swallowing) therefore personifying an inanimate object.
Quote:
"But inside, I'm burning just as hot as I was when that fire caught at the warehouse. What made me believe I might be worth something, even now? What made me think I could save my sister, when I can't even save myself?" (98). This is the first time we've heard from Jesse. This quote shows a lot about him. Jesse, although he seems like the troubled kid, has a lot more to him than what his parents think or even notice. He has thought his entire existence through, and when times are bad, he wants to help, but he thinks he can't because his parents have never suggested he was ever worth anything.
Theme: Personally, I think that this quote best represents the theme for this week: "Anna is the only proof I have that I was bron into this family...On the surface, we're polar opposites. Under the skin, though, we're the same: people think they know what they're getting, and they're always wrong"(93).
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Q3 Outside Reading Week 1 Post B
Having just started My Sister's Keeper, I'm surprised to find myself already completely traumatized. The moral dilemma laid out by Jodi Picoult is one of the most difficult situations I've ever been presented with.
Aside from the horrifying position Anna and the Fitzgerald family have been thrown into, there are also a lot of literary elements to this book. The one that I wanted to comment on was the organization and writing style. Picoult starts the book using Anna as the narrator. If this were how the rest of the book was told, there would definitely be a bit of bias involved. Anna's side would most likely be the side that the readers take, regardless of the tremendous pain it might cause her sister and the rest of the family. Instead, Picoult tells the story through multiple narrators including Campbell Alexander, Anna's attorney, Sara Fitzgerald, Anna's mom, Brian Fitzergerald, Anna's dad, and even Jesse Fitzgerald, Anna's brother. Each narrator has their own special font and title at the beginning of their chapter. I think it was extremely clever for Picoult to write the story this way. We are now able to see all the points of view, which may make the decision even harder to bear, but gives true insight to the story.
The chapters are also arranged with days of the week. The story begins on a Monday, present day with Anna's story. As the narrators switch, they then recount their stories on the same day. Sometimes flashbacks occur, but then the year is states. All the stories that occur within each section are from the same day with differing narrators and even sometimes, differing years. It is an intelligent and creative way to organize the book. This gives a really nice sence of what happens chronologically, which for people like me who enjoy timelines, can be quite helpful.
Although I'm not very far into My Sister's Keeper, I know that it will be a book I will enjoy very much. With a creative writing style, a tearing moral dilemma, and very realistic characters, Picoult has done a wonderful job and within the first 36 pages, I'm already hooked. I can't wait to continue the story of the Fitzgerald family.
Aside from the horrifying position Anna and the Fitzgerald family have been thrown into, there are also a lot of literary elements to this book. The one that I wanted to comment on was the organization and writing style. Picoult starts the book using Anna as the narrator. If this were how the rest of the book was told, there would definitely be a bit of bias involved. Anna's side would most likely be the side that the readers take, regardless of the tremendous pain it might cause her sister and the rest of the family. Instead, Picoult tells the story through multiple narrators including Campbell Alexander, Anna's attorney, Sara Fitzgerald, Anna's mom, Brian Fitzergerald, Anna's dad, and even Jesse Fitzgerald, Anna's brother. Each narrator has their own special font and title at the beginning of their chapter. I think it was extremely clever for Picoult to write the story this way. We are now able to see all the points of view, which may make the decision even harder to bear, but gives true insight to the story.
The chapters are also arranged with days of the week. The story begins on a Monday, present day with Anna's story. As the narrators switch, they then recount their stories on the same day. Sometimes flashbacks occur, but then the year is states. All the stories that occur within each section are from the same day with differing narrators and even sometimes, differing years. It is an intelligent and creative way to organize the book. This gives a really nice sence of what happens chronologically, which for people like me who enjoy timelines, can be quite helpful.
Although I'm not very far into My Sister's Keeper, I know that it will be a book I will enjoy very much. With a creative writing style, a tearing moral dilemma, and very realistic characters, Picoult has done a wonderful job and within the first 36 pages, I'm already hooked. I can't wait to continue the story of the Fitzgerald family.
Q3 Outside Reading Week 1 Post A
Vocab:
wampum(23)- cylindrical beads made from shells that were used by Native Americans as a medium for exchange, ornaments, and ceremonial purposes.
granulocytes(10)- Any of a group of white blood cells having granules in the cytoplasm
Figurative Language:
"Before I understood that the smile of a child is a tattoo: indelible art"(27). This is a metaphor that compares a child's smile to a tattoo or nonremovable piece of art. It's a metaphor because it is a comparison saying something "is" something else, not "like" something else.
"Trailing her spine, like a line of small blue jewels, are a string of bruises"(28). This quote is of a simile. It is comparing the bruises on Kate's back with small blue jewels. The quote states that they are "like" not that they actually "are" which makes this a simile and not a metaphor.
"My tongue is pinned by the weight of the question that, a moment later, Brian forces out of his own throat: 'Is she...is she going to die?'"(33). This is, in my opinion, imagery, for a lack of a better word. It deals with the feeling of the question. It is an extremely serious question that doesn't literally pin Sara's tongue because of its weight. Basically, this quote is just intensifying the fear and terror that Sara and Brian fear for their child's well-being. And because it deals with one of the 5 senses (touch/feeling), I'd say that it is imagery.
Quote:
"In my first memory, I am three years old and I am trying to kill my sister...In the end, though, I did not kill my sister. She did it all on her own. Or at least this is what I tell myself" (5). This quote is actually rather long. It is the prologue that begins the book. Already, the tone is set as melancholy. Initially, I didn't read this part because I had accidentally by-passed it when starting the book. I had already met Anna when I finally read it and I was already aware of her situation. But if I think about it, not knowing any of the characters, this quote instills a horrible feeling within me. After meeting Anna, I now know why she would say something like this. This quote begins a fight of moral values that leaves me completely torn between who to side with. Not only is it a mood setter, but it also sets up the entire story line. Just one page. Just three paragraphs. And everything is already blurry.
Theme: Everyone has rights to their own body and should have control of their own life.
wampum(23)- cylindrical beads made from shells that were used by Native Americans as a medium for exchange, ornaments, and ceremonial purposes.
granulocytes(10)- Any of a group of white blood cells having granules in the cytoplasm
Figurative Language:
"Before I understood that the smile of a child is a tattoo: indelible art"(27). This is a metaphor that compares a child's smile to a tattoo or nonremovable piece of art. It's a metaphor because it is a comparison saying something "is" something else, not "like" something else.
"Trailing her spine, like a line of small blue jewels, are a string of bruises"(28). This quote is of a simile. It is comparing the bruises on Kate's back with small blue jewels. The quote states that they are "like" not that they actually "are" which makes this a simile and not a metaphor.
"My tongue is pinned by the weight of the question that, a moment later, Brian forces out of his own throat: 'Is she...is she going to die?'"(33). This is, in my opinion, imagery, for a lack of a better word. It deals with the feeling of the question. It is an extremely serious question that doesn't literally pin Sara's tongue because of its weight. Basically, this quote is just intensifying the fear and terror that Sara and Brian fear for their child's well-being. And because it deals with one of the 5 senses (touch/feeling), I'd say that it is imagery.
Quote:
"In my first memory, I am three years old and I am trying to kill my sister...In the end, though, I did not kill my sister. She did it all on her own. Or at least this is what I tell myself" (5). This quote is actually rather long. It is the prologue that begins the book. Already, the tone is set as melancholy. Initially, I didn't read this part because I had accidentally by-passed it when starting the book. I had already met Anna when I finally read it and I was already aware of her situation. But if I think about it, not knowing any of the characters, this quote instills a horrible feeling within me. After meeting Anna, I now know why she would say something like this. This quote begins a fight of moral values that leaves me completely torn between who to side with. Not only is it a mood setter, but it also sets up the entire story line. Just one page. Just three paragraphs. And everything is already blurry.
Theme: Everyone has rights to their own body and should have control of their own life.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
This quarter I will be reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. This book won the Alex Awards and Jodi Picoult won the 2003 New England Book Award for her entire body of work. For those of you who don't know what this book is about, here is a synopsis from Barnes and Noble.
Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult is widely acclaimed for her keen insights into the hearts and minds of real people. Now she tells the emotionally riveting story of a family torn apart by conflicting needs and a passionate love that triumphs over human weakness.
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.
My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.
*Courtesy of barnesandnoble.com
Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult is widely acclaimed for her keen insights into the hearts and minds of real people. Now she tells the emotionally riveting story of a family torn apart by conflicting needs and a passionate love that triumphs over human weakness.
Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.
My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.
*Courtesy of barnesandnoble.com
Friday, February 1, 2008
Telemachus: The Great Escape
Telemachus, the son of great Odysseus, is definitely one of my favorite characters in The Odyssey. There's just something about his innocence and childlike qualities that make him so easy to relate to. He has reached a point in his life where he needs to learn to stop being a boy and become a man. This point is where most of us are in our lives, and the struggles we face today are similar emotionally to those of Telemachus. Also, unlike the Gods, he has many flaws. Telemachus isn't the bravest of warriors or the most skilled. He can't even keep suitors out of his own house, but that doesn't mean he isn't a great person. It isn't the flaws that define who you are, but the actions you take to manuveur around the flaws and achieve success that does.
I'm quite surprised yet proud of him when he decided to sail off for news of his father. He faces a really tough crowd in Ithaca, and I'm glad that their opinions didn't sway him. I think it was very brave of him to adventure off on his own, even if he does have Athena watching over him. It was his transition from childhood to manhood. Poor Telemachus is burdened with suitors who have plagued his house since he was little and a mother who he has to take care of. It's going to be a dangerous journey that he has embarked on, and for Telemachus, I hope he returns safe and sound.
The song I picked to represent Telemachus is "The Great Escape" by Boys like Girls. It's one of my favorite songs and I think it's a pretty accurate representation of Telemachus' decision to take the journey. There are a lot of lyrics in the song that relate to the troubles Telemachus is going through. Firstly, the chorus: Throw it away/Forget yesterday/We'll make the great escape/We won't hear a word they say/They don't know us anyway/Watch it burn/Let it die/Cause we are finally free tonight, represents Telemachus' escape from Ithaca and his oppressers. He is able to shake off all those criticisms and years of tending to what they want and finally go off in search of his father, something he probably has wanted to do for a long time. Secondly, the verse Tonight will change our lives/It's so good to be by your side/We'll cry/We won't give up the fight, signifies Athena's hand in Telemachus' plan. She was the one who urged him to take the journey and when he felt that he wanted to give up, it was she who stopped him from doing so. Lastly, All of the wasted time/The hours that were left behind/The answers that we'll never find/They don't mean a thing tonight, symbolize the long years of Odysseus' absence. It's been a long time and when Telemachus decides to leave Ithaca in search of his father, he is shedding his doubts in search of answers that he never got. Finally, Telemachus is able to go out on his own and take control of his own life.
I'm quite surprised yet proud of him when he decided to sail off for news of his father. He faces a really tough crowd in Ithaca, and I'm glad that their opinions didn't sway him. I think it was very brave of him to adventure off on his own, even if he does have Athena watching over him. It was his transition from childhood to manhood. Poor Telemachus is burdened with suitors who have plagued his house since he was little and a mother who he has to take care of. It's going to be a dangerous journey that he has embarked on, and for Telemachus, I hope he returns safe and sound.
The song I picked to represent Telemachus is "The Great Escape" by Boys like Girls. It's one of my favorite songs and I think it's a pretty accurate representation of Telemachus' decision to take the journey. There are a lot of lyrics in the song that relate to the troubles Telemachus is going through. Firstly, the chorus: Throw it away/Forget yesterday/We'll make the great escape/We won't hear a word they say/They don't know us anyway/Watch it burn/Let it die/Cause we are finally free tonight, represents Telemachus' escape from Ithaca and his oppressers. He is able to shake off all those criticisms and years of tending to what they want and finally go off in search of his father, something he probably has wanted to do for a long time. Secondly, the verse Tonight will change our lives/It's so good to be by your side/We'll cry/We won't give up the fight, signifies Athena's hand in Telemachus' plan. She was the one who urged him to take the journey and when he felt that he wanted to give up, it was she who stopped him from doing so. Lastly, All of the wasted time/The hours that were left behind/The answers that we'll never find/They don't mean a thing tonight, symbolize the long years of Odysseus' absence. It's been a long time and when Telemachus decides to leave Ithaca in search of his father, he is shedding his doubts in search of answers that he never got. Finally, Telemachus is able to go out on his own and take control of his own life.
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