Reflections on To Kill a Mockingbird

“When a character acts selflessly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself.”  

Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, and Atticus Finch embody this quotation.  

Tom Robinson was an innocent man who died for a crime he did not commit. Tom's life comes to an end when he was accused of raping a white woman. Even though in court the evidence pointed to Tom being innocent, the jury still declared him guilty. Tom was shot multiple times when he tried to escape from prison. Tom was a strong man with a wife and three children. Tom was physically handicapped, but the colour of his skin was probably more of a "disability" in his home in Maycomb than anything. People are drawn into things that are different, something or someone who does not fit in with the ideal society. Tom proves to not only his self but to Maycomb that being different and sticking up for who you are is not something to be ashamed of. No matter what someone's physical appearance, colour, gender, preferences, or anything that makes them who they are is different from someone else's virtues, it doesn't change if they are a bad person or not. Tom had a good heart, even if he was different from the rest. 

Boo Radley's villain self is a person who is Scout, her brother Jem and their friend Dill's imagination. At first the children use Boo as a character of a story because they've never seen him. They don't think he is real and if he is, he is like big foot! The group of children harass Boo but still the "monster" is not angry. 

Jem gave a reasonable description of Boo: Boo was about six-and-a-half feet tall, judging from his tracks; he dined on raw squirrels and any cats he could catch, that's why his hands were bloodstained—if you ate an animal raw, you could never wash the blood off. There was a long jagged scar that ran across his face; what teeth he had were yellow and rotten; his eyes popped, and he drooled most of the time. 

Eventually Scout figures out Boo Radley is just a kind man who likes to stay away from the crazy people of society. Instead of being the monster that she thought he was, he is a guardian angel. When Scout and Jem were attacked, Boo was the one who stopped their attacker from killing them. Boo brought them back to their father Atticus safely. He cared for the children. He treated them like his own even when he didn't even know them. He has witnessed some terrible things in his life and he doesn't leave his home because the memories are too strong. Maycomb is his home and he watches his community break down around him. 

"Scout, I think I'm beginning to understand something. I think I'm beginning to understand why Boo Radley's stayed shut up in the house all this time... it's because he wants to stay inside." 

The man of the hour, Atticus Finch is the widowed father of Scout and Jem. He is a wise lawyer who fights for the rights of everyone. Atticus is one of the sweetest gentle man to be created. He is able to overcome the insults and violence of many cruel people who pledge a biased opinion on him when they don't know the facts. Atticus is strong and not only for his family, but for the entire black community of Maycomb. The white people of Maycomb are against his decisions because he is empathetic for blacks and committed to racial equality. 

Atticus' character is unreal and in my opinion I wish that society was more like him. The world would be different. Society would break and become something totally fresh and new. No one would have to worry about their appearance, past, religion, etc., World issues that are issues today wouldn't be issues. The world wouldn't be going insane and violence wouldn't be the answer for anyone. 

-climb into his skin and walk around in it  

Reflections on Anthem by Ayn Rand

     The ideal, "Man—every man—is an end in himself, not the means to the ends of others. He must exist for his own sake, neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself. The pursuit of his own rational self-interest and of his own  happiness is the highest moral purpose of his life," relates to the story of Equality 7-2521. By Equality 7-2521 rooting for his own individual happiness, he is able to find love. Equality 7-2521 falls in love for his own sake and by doing so; he is neither sacrificing himself to others nor sacrificing others to himself. Equality 7-2521 is able to seek beauty and hope. 

"We, Equality 7-2521, look through the window upon the sky, and there is peace in the sky, and cleanliness  and dignity," (Rand 49).

     In the individual discovery of electricity, Equality 7-2521 must have felt no need for company in hope of enlightening  the Council of Scholars. Equality 7-2521 is self-centered because he wants the fame of becoming a scholar instead of being a street sweeper like his brothers. Equality: The state of being equal in status/rights/opportunity. Equality 7-2521 wants the freedom to be curious and explore. He wants the equal rights to be available to him as the scholars.  

     Rand's philosophy is that humans should act selfishly in their own self interest first and foremost. So when my English teacher asks, "when a character acts selfishly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself?"- makes me think that when a human has values and virtues, those interests are shared by the amount of caring and effort that is put into their actions. Depending on the person, Equality 7-2521's choices could be seen as selfish, while others see him as unselfish. In my opinion Equality 7-2521 is unselfish. He was going to share his discovery of electricity with the world and help benefit society. Equality 7-2521 wanted to be like one of the brother's on the Council, and that's the only thing he wanted. Equality 7-2521 wanted to be free of the darkness and witness the light. 

"We give you the power of the sky!" we cried. "We give you the key to the earth! Take it, and let us be one of you, the humblest among you. Let us all work together, and harness this power, and make it ease the toil of men" (Rand 79).

     Equality 7-2521 is able to rebel against the councils and stick up for what he believes in. Rand portrays Equality 7-2521 to be loyal, courageous, independent and original throughout the story. But returning back to Rand's philosophy, it seems to me that her intentions are to make Equality 7-2521 be selfish because he is working toward becoming apart of the Council. 

     Something from Rand's philosophy that I have interpreted is that as a human you should always do what's in your best interest for yourself. Throughout the journey of life not everyone will be there to value your interests, allowing you to do what you want and need. Even though Equality 7-2521 goes against the more powerful leaders of society, his true virtue of determination doesn't back down against them. Equality 7-2521 is able to risk himself physically and emotionally to the dominant social order, to obtain his own virtues. 

"The first blow of the lash felt as if our spine had been cut in two. The second blow stopped the first, and for a second we felt nothing, then the pain struck us in our throat and fire in our lungs without air. But we did not cry out (Rand 70).

    Furthermore, the question is somewhat significant but as a reader I think it all depends on your own values to whether or not it makes sense.  

Reflections on The Pearl by John Steinbeck

     On page 129 of the notes, the editor writes that "the artist probes the central mystery of life as he sees it, the paradox of how evil comes out of good, the tear at the heart of laughter, the dream doomed to disappointment in the moment of dreaming, the despair conjoined with hope, with which humanity, if it is wise, must learn to live."


     Kino and Juana suffer throughout the story, trying to survive with the paradox noted, "the artist probes the central mystery of life as he sees it, the paradox of how evil comes out of good, the tear at the heart of laughter, the dream doomed to disappointment in the moment of dreaming, the despair conjoined with hope, with which humanity, if it is wise, must learn to live" (Steinbeck 129). "The tear at the heart of laughter," reminds me of when the scorpion is near the baby, Coyotito. Poor little Coyotito is enjoying the sight of this newly, shaped creature that is crawling toward him. The joyful, laughing of Kino and Juana's son turns into terrible screams as the scorpion falls and stings the child. Coyotito  clearly represented this paradox in chapter 1. To try and save his child from  the scorpion bite, Kino needs money. To get the money Kino dives into the deep waters where the oysters lay, trying to find the perfect pearl. To Kino's surprise, he found the world's greatest pearl. He would be rich, his baby boy would be saved, and him and Juana would finally be able to get married. Little did Kino know that the great pearl would lead to the terror of evil. The pearl lead to loss of trust throughout the village. People who made contact with Kino started treating him differently. Kino and his family started to feel uncomfortable and unsafe. Many began to try and steal the pearl while others attacked Kino or his private property. Everything that was dreamy about the pearl started to create danger between everyone. Juana wanted to get rid of the pearl. She was in great despair because she knew that it was going to tear their family apart. Juana had trust in Kino. She believed that Kino would be able to sell the pearl, giving them a great fortune. To Kino's dismay his expectations for this pearl were too high. Kino wanted more than one thousand five hundred pesos. He was a fool and did not take any of the dealers money. The pearl started to take over Kino. Reality began to slap Kino in the face. He was not going to become rich from the pearl. He would not own a rifle. He would not have a proper wedding with Juana. He would not be able to send Coyotito to school. He would not be able to give his family new clothes (Steinbeck 38). Kino felt shame and disappointment  He had failed and so did his dreams.  Kino tried everything in his power to make the pearl valuable. In the end, he knew the pearl was tearing him apart; just like how Juana thought it would. With the loss of his son, Kino and his wife returned to their village. With many watching, Kino had the courage to throw the pearl back into the waters. The pearls evil shined from the sun as it sunk to the bottom of the green waters. 
     Kino and Juana have learned to live with the paradox.  "The people say that the two seemed to be removed from human experience; that they had gone through pain and had come out on the other side; that there was almost a magical protection about them"(Sterinbeck 120). The description of when Juana and Kino returned proved that they were ready to live with the paradox. I think the magical protection represented the new knowledge that Kino and Juana got from this experience. They will continue to live on but will have to be faced with the despair from their recent past. In their future I believe they will be more careful because they know how easy things can slip from their grasps. To take the rich path in life, Kino tried his best to become successful. Though his plans did not work out, he tried and learned from the mistakes he made along the way. Kino was also caught up in his high expectations. For most high expectations will lead to disappointments. Kino's dreams were crushed but it allowed him to see that everything that he had now, was all he truly needed. When Kino and Juana returned they realized that everything they needed was right in front of them. Accepting the paradox, Kino and Juana live on. "The sun was behind them and their long shadows stalked ahead, and they seemed to carry two towers of darkness with them" (Steinbeck 119). 

When a character acts selflessly against the prevailing vice(s) of the dominant social order, true virtue exhibits itself. 

     Kino was unaware of his selfishness towards others because he was going to have it all. Him and his family were going to powerful and well dressed. Coyotito his son, was going to be educated. Kino was not aware of the jealousy that was occurring throughout the village. As the darkness of evil starts to ruin Kino's life, his protective instincts kick in to protect his family. Kino even went up against his wife Juana to protect the great pearl, in fear that she would take it away from him. When Kino escaped into the forest because he had nothing left his true virtues really shined. Kino's determination and loyalty to not only his family but the pearl shines; proving to society that he will live the way he wants to live. In the end, Coyotito's death and the weakness of the pearl show Kino how destruction is a barrier to overcoming dreams and wishes. 

     Kino and Juana's values of family, safety, and hope are all tested in the novel. The power of the large pearl makes Kino fight for what he truly wants- the great comfort of riches for his family. Kino does everything in his power to sell this pearl for a large cost. Kino wants to be able to support his family and give them the best life possible. But when people start trying to steal the pearl, he eventually learns that his families safety must come first. Unfortunately, the pearl brought him misfortune and great pain. The pain was unbearbale and to prevent unnecessary evil, Kino and Juana return home and throw the pearl far away into the awaiting waters. 

Other Books :)

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks. A Walk to Remember is a romance novel. I reccomend it for girls, but if your a succer for a great romance book; guys read it too!

City of Ashes by Cassandra Glare. City of Ashes is the second book in the Mortal Instruments series. It's a great adventure and fantasy story. The story quickly continues from the first book, City of Bones. City of Ashes widens your mind and expierence of their world. 

City of Glass by Cassandra Glare. City of Glass is a great adventure book. It's full of mythical creatures, romance, conflict and is a great book to finish off the Mortal Instruments series. I recommend the series Mortal Instruments for either boys or girls. It's a great read for either, and I think you should try it out!

A Choice by Nicholas Sparks. A Choice is another one of Nicholas Sparks loving stories. It's an unmistakable journey for Travis. A Choice is one of those books to cuddle up with on a rainy day.

BP# 10- The Rest of the 5 Stages

I currently finished the book Sister Wife by Shelley Hrdlitchka. This story is about Unity. In Sister Wife the oldest daughter of the family, Celeste. Celeste loves Jon. A boy her age, though that is stricly forbidden in her religion. Celeste is forced to be married off when she turns 15 to an older man. Jon and Celeste get caught together and Jon leaves Unity. He invites Celeste to come with him. But she refuses. Celesete was worried that her father would be angry. She could feel her father's disapointment and pressuring for her to stay and be married at his wishes. Also, her mother was pregnant and her sisters needed her. The 'Special World' Celeste would go into would be our ordinary world. Celeste isn't even aloud to show her ankles that are hidden under her long dress and apron. She isn't fond of the idea of showing off skin in shorts, tshirts, jeans etc.
Throughout the book Celeste goes on an adventure of deciding what she is going to do with her life. Celeste occasionally goes to the river and builds inukshuks. That's where she meets Craig. Craig gives her a sense of hope that nothing is impossible. When Celeste has her first child she decides she must do everything she can to give her daughter the life she lives. But Celeste knows if she leaves, the Unity they could take her daughter.

This is my oppurtunity to start a new life. My only oppourtunity: I do not have to be a mother or wife. I could have a career. I have a choice.
But then I think of my father, and I close my eyes. I see the rage in his face, hear it in his voice. My resolve thinks just thinking about him. -Celeste. Sister Wife. Page 208-209. Shelley Hrdlitschka. 2011.

BP#9- Ordinary World

I just finished the book Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers. Regina's "Ordinary World" is at Hallowell High. Her world revolves around the Fearsome Fivesome. The Fearsome Fivesome is a group of Regina's friends. The leader is her best friend Anna. Anna leads them to bully everyone in their school. They always get away with it. Regina has this perfect life of being one of the prettiest girls in school, being in the popular group, having a good looking, muscular boyfriend and her life being a party. Regina isn't really fond of the idea of ruining people's lives. She likes some of the people they are forced to torture.

The pressure Regina gets in her Ordinary World is she has to follow Anna. She has to do what she says, wear what she wants and live up to her expectations. Regina also has to be a crazy partier to keep up with her boyfriend Josh. Regina doesn't like the idea of hurting people, she never did. But she stayed strong, did it anyway and followed Anna. A character who creates conflict is Kara. Kara has always wanted to join the Fearsomve Fivesome group. She was always rude to Regina, and Kara was always trying to replace her spot. Kara used to be alot bigger; Regina made fun of her alot. Eventually Regina gave Kara these pills to slim her down. Kara causes problems in Anna's and Regina's friendship. Kara is the one who starts the lies and rumours for Regina, and turns everyone possible against her.

" I just want you to understand what I've done to you this year is barely what you deserve. I'm going to make you so sorry-
"But you started out too big," I interrupt. "You went too far, too soon. I can't believe you spent all the time with me and Anna and you never learned anything. I might have felt bad, but you pushed  it and now I'll never be sorry.
She stares at me. "Guess i'll have to try harder."
She leaves. I don't know why, but I start thinking about Liz. And then I think about Donnie. I bring my knees up, curling into myself as much as I can on the narrow bench. I press my forehead against my jeans, and then I start to cry. I don't want to cry. Soon there's a nice weet spot on my knee cause I can't stop.
Courtney Summers, Some Girls Are. St.Martin's Griffin. Book, 2010. Page 94. December, 2011.

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Blog Post #8- Questions

http://heatherfrostx.blogspot.com/2011/04/favorite-things-thursday.html

I'm reading the book The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks. If I were to ask myself a question about this book it'd be are Taylor Mcaden and Denise Holton both heroes?

In the book The Rescue, Denise Holton is a single mother living with her son Kyle Holton. Kyle is four years old and is not able to talk well. His brain doesn't recognize words. He talks like he is a two year old or even younger. Denise has a part time job as a waitress at night. For the rest of the day her time is dedicated to her son. Denise has gave up on doctor's inputs on diagnoses and teachers trying to help Kyle. Nothing worked for Kyle so Denise took up helping her son on her own. Denise had Kyle at an early age, and Denise's parents are both dead. Denise doesn't have any family around. Her life is dedicated to her son. No matter what she loves him, and will do anything for him. Sometimes she does get angry and think why did this have to happen to my boy? But, nothing stops her. Other characters in the book describe her as a great mother and truly she is. I think she'd be a hero for other Mother's who have to deal with their children having disablities, diseases etc. It's not easy for Denise but no matter what she doesn't give up and I don't think she ever will. Heroic traits of Denise could be self-sacrfice, she learns about her son and makes them both grow, a loner, innocent, brave and she has the strong mind of a warrior.

Taylor Mcaden is a volunteer fire fighter. In a part that I just read, Taylor rescused a man from his car that was hanging off a bridge. The back of the car was on fire, and crushed by a tanker. Quickly Taylor had to act fast and get the man out of his tipping car. The ladder would only hold one of them; Taylor let the victim of the car crash go. Taylor jumped off the bridge. 
Taylor found Denise Holton in her totaled car though he also found Kyle Holton on that stormy night miles away from the accident. Taylor constatnly sees Denise around town. He has a thing for her but not only for Denise but for Kyle. Taylor can communicate and has made an impact on Kyle that Denise has never seen before. Kyle is beginning to communicate things on his own with Taylor. To Kyle and Denise, Taylor is a hero. Heroic traits that Taylor has are self-sacrifice, courage, a fool, bravery, willing, adventurous and makes sacrifice to achieve his goal.