Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the from way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.

I title my blog today with the wise words of Rafiki from The Lion King. Throughout all literature, characters are affected by past events, and these events alter their future. In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Caesar's death was brought about because people feared the return of a dictator. Rome had seen many benevolent dictators in the past and would do anything to prevent this from happening. Would Caesar have become an all powerful dictator? Maybe. Maybe not. However, he was never given the chance as he was cut down before he could really grow tall. The assassins learned from the mistakes people made in the past when dealing with exceptionally strong political men. They vowed to keep the republic democratic, and set out to ensure their mission was a success.

It's Elementary

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest relies on its Point Of View to give the story its full effect. The book is told through the eyes of Chief Bromden, a patient on the psychiatric ward. Ken Kesey's purpose for doing this is to give the reader an insight into the mind of a psych patient. The Chief tells McMurphy that most of the men on the ward are there voluntarily. McMurphy, like the reader, questions why any man would commit himself into this institution. McMurphy, like the reader, does not fully understand what the other patients' minds are like. The Chief very often makes reference to a "fog" on the ward. "It’s like… that big red hand of McMurphy’s is reaching into the fog and dropping down and dragging the men up by their hands… raising not just for watching TV, but against the Big Nurse…" The fog symbolizes the false lives Ratched has forced the men into living. They are not truly happy, it is only an illusion and the men are too scared to blow away the fog and see the truth behind Ratched and her ward. The only way the reader can fully understand this is by going into the fog themselves through the eyes of Chief Bromden. 
 

Friday Free Response That Turned Into A Rant

CHHHEEEEEYYYAAAAAA BUDDY. It's Friday and that means that I get to write about whatever my little heart desires. And what does my heart desire to write about? Much. Due to time restrictions I shall pick the most recent- authors and their egos.

Reading "A Rose for Emily" made me question many things. When I stopped asking myself what is even going on in this story, I began to question exactly who the author thought he was to create such a confusing story in the first place. Reading should be fun. Reading should also teach a lesson. However, when the story is so warped that the reader has no idea what is going on, the literature loses value, at least in my eyes. And since this is my blog, my eyes are the only eyes that count.

When did authors become so wrapped up in writing stories so full of symbolism and allusions and decaying dead people that story line was forgotten? Ask me to synopsis this and I couldn't. So what author sits and thinks "Wow, this story is so confusing it MUST be 'of high literary merit'." And on that note, I have read wayyyy better books than those "of high literary merit," why do those not count on exams? Why do teachers and test makers assume old stories must be better than the "trash" authors publish today? Makes no sense and it really is a shame. So many more students would love reading if they were given the chance to experience books that speak to them. Not speak down to them.

First Quarter Reflections

With a quarter of my senior year of high school done, it is time to reflect. The year is moving along steadily, and I’m sure it is about to increase speed. I finished my last season of high school soccer. I went to my last homecoming, my last first day, and many more lasts. For every yin there is a yang, and many firsts are on the horizon. With all college applications sent in, the waiting period begins. Where will I end up? What will I do? I am not too stressed over these questions. For now, I am living life and enjoying each and every moment. I still have a lot to accomplish and many more memories to make, and I am excited for all that is to come before I even graduate high school. So, if there is anyone out there following this blog a) why b) your bill is in the mail and c) I will continue to keep you updated. Thank You.