Green Grass Running Water Blog
Apr. 7/11
By: Anthony Mariano
Part A:
Throughout Thomas King’s Green Grass Running Water, King makes biblical allusions in the novel. One such allusion was a reference to the Star of Bethlehem. Dr. Hovaugh and Babo were heading towards the Canadian border when they saw a light that reminded them of that famous star. There was, “a star settled on the horizon and waited…a point of light, a star in the morning sky.” (233-35). Instead of finding Christ, the star was used to help the two find the Indians. Another reference was when King blends the “Hail Mary” prayer with Native mythology, “Hail Mary/Full of grace…blessed be the fruit…Fruit says Coyote. Relax…it’s just another metaphor.” (271). This blend of Native and Christian mythology helped Coyote help get to know Thought Woman, as he seems to be only one to be able to speak to the escaped Indians.
In addition to making biblical references, King also makes many allusions to pop culture. For example, Dr. Hovaugh makes reference to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, when he is driving and figuring out where to identify the Indians. He says, “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.” (389). As the most famous soliloquy of the play, this quote not only helped him get closer to the Indians but also consoled him after his wife’s death. Another reference was Lone Ranger’s mention of Maxwell House while having coffee with Eli. He said, “It’s going to be a good day.” (409). It is humorous that Lone Ranger mentions this line, as it is said in the actual Maxwell House commercial while having coffee itself.
Lastly, after hearing Old Woman’s name, Nasty Bumpo suggested that she should take a better “killing” name. “How about Daniel Boone…How about Harry Truman…Hawkeye. That’s a good name. Hawkeye.” (395). These lines were funny, as Bumpo tried to be creative with names by using many famous names to create the new “killer” name for Old Woman.
Part B:
In Part 3, Eli continues to struggle to find who he really is. The fact that he keeps on trying to find an identity for himself is what I like about this character. He stands up for what he believes in, especially for blocking the dam because it neglected the Blackfoot’s land rights. He was known as. “The Englishman who wanted to be an Indian. What had Eli become? What had he wanted to be?” (285). He thinks that he would rather be dead because of the fact that “no one believed in him anymore.” (286). Although he found “each year laid more space between who he had become and who he had been,” (287) Eli should be praised for being the best he can be and his determination to find his identity proved to be key in his character development.
As Lionel’s birthday approached, he knew that in order to move on successfully, he felt that change was necessary. He described, “Life had become embarrassing…he did not want to look at what he had become- middle aged, overweight, unsuccessful… today things change.” (239-40). He went to quitting his job at Bursum’s and his goals were now to go back to school and spend more time with his family, although he never went back to university. It comes to show that Lionel, despite his age, has grown up and learned to find ways to make life easier for him. Although Lionel was questioned throughout the novel about his work ethic and his sense of motivation prior to his 40th birthday, I thought that this passage showed that Lionel matured as a character and seemed happy towards the direction he is heading towards.
Unlike Eli and Lionel, Coyote was briefly mentioned in Part 3. His character is different, as he is less intelligent than the other characters. His only bright spot was his encounter with Babo and Dr. Hovaugh. “Omens and miracles…here I am…you are one silly coyote…no wonder this world is a mess.” (238). Coyote’s character adds humor to the novel and his role is contrast, unlike Lionel and Eli, who are much smarter and mature than coyote. This passage with Coyote simply represented comic relief in the novel.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Three Day Road Blog
Three-Day Road Blog
By: Anthony Mariano
Niska’s story of killing a windigo is a key scene in Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road. In a flashback, Niska tells the story of killing windigo in the turtle clan, to her nephew, Xavier. She described that there was, “sadness at the heart of the windigo: an aura as bright as the North Lights pulsed from within it with great sadness.” (260). This story would make Xavier’s life on the Front to hard to bear, dealing with soldiers dying every day.
Boyden describes Niska’s killing as aggressive and heart wrenching; the elderly woman “squeez[ing] [her] thighs tighter around him,” (263) as the poor animal’s life slowly slips away. The man’s last breath is horrific for Xavier to observe, explaining, “Sometimes one must be sacrificed if all are to survive.” (265). As the animal dies, “the last stinking air in his body left him…his eyes remained opened, the whites turned a deep red from the strangulation.” (263-64). As Xavier reflects on Niska’s story, it could only bring Xavier back to life on the Front.
This story echoes Xavier’s life on the Front, reminding him of all the terrible events that he experienced on the battlefield, leading to his death. He describes that, “The world is burning,” (51), when talking about the front. Unlike his friend, Elijah, Xavier is tired of all the killing and battles, while Elijah has learned to accept and have fun with his opposing soldiers. Xavier stated, “Elijah has learned to take pleasure in killing…I am sick of all of this…this freedom to kill, is a choice I no longer want.” (283). By reflecting on Niska’s life lesson story and dealing with the harsh realities of the war, Xavier continued to fight with adversity, not thinking about the past killings and trying to make life easier with morphine.
By: Anthony Mariano
Niska’s story of killing a windigo is a key scene in Joseph Boyden’s Three Day Road. In a flashback, Niska tells the story of killing windigo in the turtle clan, to her nephew, Xavier. She described that there was, “sadness at the heart of the windigo: an aura as bright as the North Lights pulsed from within it with great sadness.” (260). This story would make Xavier’s life on the Front to hard to bear, dealing with soldiers dying every day.
Boyden describes Niska’s killing as aggressive and heart wrenching; the elderly woman “squeez[ing] [her] thighs tighter around him,” (263) as the poor animal’s life slowly slips away. The man’s last breath is horrific for Xavier to observe, explaining, “Sometimes one must be sacrificed if all are to survive.” (265). As the animal dies, “the last stinking air in his body left him…his eyes remained opened, the whites turned a deep red from the strangulation.” (263-64). As Xavier reflects on Niska’s story, it could only bring Xavier back to life on the Front.
This story echoes Xavier’s life on the Front, reminding him of all the terrible events that he experienced on the battlefield, leading to his death. He describes that, “The world is burning,” (51), when talking about the front. Unlike his friend, Elijah, Xavier is tired of all the killing and battles, while Elijah has learned to accept and have fun with his opposing soldiers. Xavier stated, “Elijah has learned to take pleasure in killing…I am sick of all of this…this freedom to kill, is a choice I no longer want.” (283). By reflecting on Niska’s life lesson story and dealing with the harsh realities of the war, Xavier continued to fight with adversity, not thinking about the past killings and trying to make life easier with morphine.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A Moveable Feast Blog
A Moveable Feast Blog
Dec. 8/10
By: Anthony Mariano
In Ernest Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast,” Scott Fitzgerald was the author of “The Great Gatsby” and a very good friend of Hemingway. In the section in the novel with Fitzgerald’s name, he and Hemingway are drinking champagne and are discussing their writing. While they reminisce on the past, Hemingway begins to see a change in Fitzgerald: “His face became a true death’s head, or death mask, in front of my eyes.” (152). After surviving his friend’s health scare, the two begin to spend more time together. However, Fitzgerald realizes that his wife, Zelda, misses him dearly and needs attention, along with his daughter, Scotty: “It was only the question of who was to look after Zelda and young Scotty.” (164). It comes to show that Fitzgerald is not only devoted to Hemingway, but his family as well.
Throughout the novel, Hemingway mentions many places in Paris that he stopped at in Paris. Although I have visited Paris, the one place that I would like to visit is “Shakespeare and Company,” a bookstore owned by Sylvia Beach. This place specializes in English language books. One reason why I like the bookstore is because the place is neatly organized and decorated: “On a cold windswept street, this was a warm, cheerful place with a big stove in winter, tables and shelves of books…the photographs all looked like snapshots…” (35). Also, Sylvia is a nice person to know and talk to: “But she was delightful and charming and welcoming and behind her, as high as the wall and stretching out into the back room…” (35-36). “Shakespeare and Company” was not only a place to receive knowledge, but a warm and caring environment to visit.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Boy in The Moon
The Boy In The Moon Blog
Oct. 7/10
By: Anthony Mariano
“The Boy in The Moon” is novel written by Ian Brown, based on real event sin his life. When Ian’s son, Walker, was born, Walker was diagnosed with CFC syndrome, a rare genetic mutation currently identified in only 300 people worldwide. By the time he was 12-years-old, Walker still wears diapers, globally delayed, cannot speak and has to wear cuffs on his arms, to prevent hitting himself, on a constant basis. Along with his parents Ian and Johannah, Walker has an older sister named Hayley, and a nanny name Olga. As the novel progresses, Walker’s behaivour and actions almost sent him to a centre, with people diagnosed with CFC. Later, Ian travels to the L’Arche communities in Montreal and Paris, to speak with founder Jean Vanier and to see other disabled people. Today, Walker is 14-years-old and is doing better every day.
Ian Brown makes a trip to the L’Arche communities, where he meets Vanier. Eventually, he stays with a disabled family in France for 3 days to learn more about what L’Arche offers. When he first meets these people, Ian was nervous and had anxieties about them at first. “My anxieties resurfaced as Jean-Louis Munn led me through the streets of Verdun…I had no idea where we were going, what to expect, what was expected of me.” (p. 190) During his visit, Ian met someone he can relate to, Gégé, who resembles so much of Walker. “The person who captured my interest most was a small, stooped, watchful man named Gégé…The similarity smacked me like a blow: He never spoke, but observed the action around him intently and shyly, with his head tilted.” (p. 199) Ian also meets with Gilles Le Cardinal, who gives him advice about life and tells him to let Walker live his life to the fullest. “You have to give Walker his liberty,” Le Cardinal said. “And when he learns the sign, if you will let me know, I will be very pleased.” (p. 232) By the time his visit was over, Ian felt better knowing that the disabled are not harmful, but are just like regular people.
After reading the novel, Brown’s words definitely put life in perspective for me. It made me realize that life is precious and fragile, and you have no idea what to expect. By hearing Walker’s story, I discovered it is hard to live and take care of a disabled child that requires extra care, attention and help. I think that people should be aware of people with CFC and how difficult it is to them and their families. It made me realize how fortunate I am in perfect health condition and living a normal life. At the same time, I feel sorry for Ian, having to go through the pain and strife Walker is going through. By learning how a disabled child functions and what he is diagnosed with, it is a miracle that Walker defeated a lot of odds to survive and live life to the fullest.
If I had a chance to meet Ian Brown, I would ask the following questions:
1) Has living with a disabled child has changed for the better or for the worse?
2) Is there a message you can send to people who have CFC or those whose friends/children/loved ones have CFC?
3) Now that Walker is older, what challenges does he have to face now?
Ian Brown’s “The Boy in The Moon,” is a very touching novel about a little giving inspiration to people to beat the odds between life and death. This novel would definitely be recommended for people who need a new direction in life, realize how hard life with a disabled child is, and to live life to the fullest.
Oct. 7/10
By: Anthony Mariano
“The Boy in The Moon” is novel written by Ian Brown, based on real event sin his life. When Ian’s son, Walker, was born, Walker was diagnosed with CFC syndrome, a rare genetic mutation currently identified in only 300 people worldwide. By the time he was 12-years-old, Walker still wears diapers, globally delayed, cannot speak and has to wear cuffs on his arms, to prevent hitting himself, on a constant basis. Along with his parents Ian and Johannah, Walker has an older sister named Hayley, and a nanny name Olga. As the novel progresses, Walker’s behaivour and actions almost sent him to a centre, with people diagnosed with CFC. Later, Ian travels to the L’Arche communities in Montreal and Paris, to speak with founder Jean Vanier and to see other disabled people. Today, Walker is 14-years-old and is doing better every day.
Ian Brown makes a trip to the L’Arche communities, where he meets Vanier. Eventually, he stays with a disabled family in France for 3 days to learn more about what L’Arche offers. When he first meets these people, Ian was nervous and had anxieties about them at first. “My anxieties resurfaced as Jean-Louis Munn led me through the streets of Verdun…I had no idea where we were going, what to expect, what was expected of me.” (p. 190) During his visit, Ian met someone he can relate to, Gégé, who resembles so much of Walker. “The person who captured my interest most was a small, stooped, watchful man named Gégé…The similarity smacked me like a blow: He never spoke, but observed the action around him intently and shyly, with his head tilted.” (p. 199) Ian also meets with Gilles Le Cardinal, who gives him advice about life and tells him to let Walker live his life to the fullest. “You have to give Walker his liberty,” Le Cardinal said. “And when he learns the sign, if you will let me know, I will be very pleased.” (p. 232) By the time his visit was over, Ian felt better knowing that the disabled are not harmful, but are just like regular people.
After reading the novel, Brown’s words definitely put life in perspective for me. It made me realize that life is precious and fragile, and you have no idea what to expect. By hearing Walker’s story, I discovered it is hard to live and take care of a disabled child that requires extra care, attention and help. I think that people should be aware of people with CFC and how difficult it is to them and their families. It made me realize how fortunate I am in perfect health condition and living a normal life. At the same time, I feel sorry for Ian, having to go through the pain and strife Walker is going through. By learning how a disabled child functions and what he is diagnosed with, it is a miracle that Walker defeated a lot of odds to survive and live life to the fullest.
If I had a chance to meet Ian Brown, I would ask the following questions:
1) Has living with a disabled child has changed for the better or for the worse?
2) Is there a message you can send to people who have CFC or those whose friends/children/loved ones have CFC?
3) Now that Walker is older, what challenges does he have to face now?
Ian Brown’s “The Boy in The Moon,” is a very touching novel about a little giving inspiration to people to beat the odds between life and death. This novel would definitely be recommended for people who need a new direction in life, realize how hard life with a disabled child is, and to live life to the fullest.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Fever Pitch
By: Anthony Mariano
"Fever Pitch" is a critically acclaimed novel by English writer Nick Hornby. In 1968, Nick started to attend games with his father, cheering on the Arsenal Football Club. The purpose of attending these games was for Nick to bond with his father. During these games, however, Nick started to become obsessed not only with the team, he became more obsessed with the sport itself. Nick's obsession with the sport not only affected his life with family and friends, it also affected his job as a writer. As the novel goes on, Nick struggles as a writer as he cannot live without football. In the end, his obsession calms down and attends less games and focuses more on his writing.
Throughout the novel, there are two main themes from the novel: the love of the game and the sudden change of class. Ever since he was eleven years old, Nick loved the game of football as soon as he started to attend games. Ever since his first game, his love of the game has become a lifelong addiction in the duration of the novel. When Nick started to go to games, the games were mainly attended by the working class. Up until the end, the games were now filled with people from the upper class. Nick's obsession with the game has become the motif of the novel, as it began to take toll on the people that cared and loved, as well as his job. The dialogue is convincing throughout the plot, as every chapter talks about every game Nick attends. Also, it gives an insight on Nick's growing obsession on the game, which makes novel convincing to read.
There were some passages that were powerful in the novel. The opening line of the novel basically set the entire tone and mood of the novel. "I fell in love with football as I was, to later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving no though to the pair or disruption it would bring with it." (p. 7) Not only sets the tone and mood, but also tells what to expect to Nick later in the novel. Hornby also gives in depth look on what is going through his mind as a football fan. "One thing I know for sure about being a fan is this: it is not a vicarious pleasure, despite all appearances to the contrary, and those who say that they would rather do than watch are missing the point." (p. 178) The readers think that Hornby has lost his mind when watching football. However, from Hornby's point of view, he is trying to explain what is on his mind as the games get more intense than ever. The final quote that seemed appealing was how Hornby's addiction to football just gets worse. "As I get older, the tyranny that football exerts over my life, and therefore over the lives of people around me, and less attractive." (p. 205) This quote seemed the most convincing because it explains how the game just completely takes over Hornby's life. This novel would be recommended not only for sports fans, but also for people who enjoy a good laugh, as well.
"Fever Pitch" is a critically acclaimed novel by English writer Nick Hornby. In 1968, Nick started to attend games with his father, cheering on the Arsenal Football Club. The purpose of attending these games was for Nick to bond with his father. During these games, however, Nick started to become obsessed not only with the team, he became more obsessed with the sport itself. Nick's obsession with the sport not only affected his life with family and friends, it also affected his job as a writer. As the novel goes on, Nick struggles as a writer as he cannot live without football. In the end, his obsession calms down and attends less games and focuses more on his writing.
Throughout the novel, there are two main themes from the novel: the love of the game and the sudden change of class. Ever since he was eleven years old, Nick loved the game of football as soon as he started to attend games. Ever since his first game, his love of the game has become a lifelong addiction in the duration of the novel. When Nick started to go to games, the games were mainly attended by the working class. Up until the end, the games were now filled with people from the upper class. Nick's obsession with the game has become the motif of the novel, as it began to take toll on the people that cared and loved, as well as his job. The dialogue is convincing throughout the plot, as every chapter talks about every game Nick attends. Also, it gives an insight on Nick's growing obsession on the game, which makes novel convincing to read.
There were some passages that were powerful in the novel. The opening line of the novel basically set the entire tone and mood of the novel. "I fell in love with football as I was, to later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving no though to the pair or disruption it would bring with it." (p. 7) Not only sets the tone and mood, but also tells what to expect to Nick later in the novel. Hornby also gives in depth look on what is going through his mind as a football fan. "One thing I know for sure about being a fan is this: it is not a vicarious pleasure, despite all appearances to the contrary, and those who say that they would rather do than watch are missing the point." (p. 178) The readers think that Hornby has lost his mind when watching football. However, from Hornby's point of view, he is trying to explain what is on his mind as the games get more intense than ever. The final quote that seemed appealing was how Hornby's addiction to football just gets worse. "As I get older, the tyranny that football exerts over my life, and therefore over the lives of people around me, and less attractive." (p. 205) This quote seemed the most convincing because it explains how the game just completely takes over Hornby's life. This novel would be recommended not only for sports fans, but also for people who enjoy a good laugh, as well.
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