Another theme that the three novels have in common, is the lack of individualistic freedom.
Authenticity: Staying true to a vision for the sake of the vision, not for ulterior motives (propaganda, indoctrination, subversion, monetary gain)
The authors represent the theme in an authentic way, by showing the reader how the lack of individualistic freedom affects the characters. They do this by placing the characters in a society whose controlling government has a twisted vision of a perfect world. And in all three of these societies,the a lack of individuality is believed to make everyone more equal.
Furthermore, they also represent the theme in an authentic way, by using their protagonists as vessels, in order to portray the consequences that one suffers when individualistic freedom is not present. The way that they do this, is by showing that when one is unable to do the simple things that they desire, or to accomplish a goal, this results in unhappiness. And as a results of that unhappiness, the protagonists look for a way to invigorate their dull lifestyle. In the case of "1984", and "The Handmaid's Tale" this meant turning to love, while in "Fahrenheit 451", it meant turning to books.
Originality: Creating a story and characters from a unique perspective and not adhering to a preset formula or concept (cliched or one dimensional characters, predictable plot, overused style and stale imagery
The authors represent the theme from an interesting, and original perspective. In the case of "The Handmaid's Tale", Margret Atwood takes a more personal approach by writing in first person. This makes the reader step into the character's shoes and really see the world exactly as she sees it. Her use of a first person point of view is a great way to make the reader empathize with the protagonist and to feel her frustration in regards to the lack of individualistic freedom and the barbaric lifestyle that she must lead as a result of that.
At the beginning of "Fahrenheit 451", Ray Bradbury portrays Montag as somewhat of an ignorant character, whose life is an illusion of happiness. But as the novel progresses, Montag's character proves that people do have the ability to change. Through Montag's character, Bradbury shows that knowledge is enlightenment. He also shows that it is only by not living in the ignorant world, and by breaking away from the rest of the "lifeless" characters that he truly becomes happy.
Similarly, in "1984", Orwell, shows through Winston, that a human can only be happy when he breaks away from the monotonus life that the government wants him to lead. Orwell also provides an interesting perspective on the theme, by showing that when the most basic individualistic rights are taken away they are bound to be broken because it is in a human's nature to do certain things, such as: thinking, looking for love, and seeking privacy.
Consistency: The story, characters and message stay true to the context of the novel and to each other. This would include believability within the context of the story.
The theme is represented in a consistent manner, by showing how individualistic freedom is not something that is immediately snatched away. It is something that an individual ceases to possess when a gradual change occurs in their society. The authors do this in order to show to the reader how the loss of individualistic freedom doesn't occur all of a sudden, which is why the majority of the characters in the novel do not feel trapped, or limited. For those types of characters, their lifestyle feels "normal," since they have no recollection of the world ever being different.
Subliminal Messages: Closely related to authenticity, subliminal messages are hidden messages that contradict the apparent theme of the novel. For example the novel is about independence, yet the female protagonist is waiting for a man to make her life complete.
In each of the three novels there is one powerful figure that is a hypocrite, because of not adhering to the rules, that they are promoting in some way. This simply shows how those in power always have the capability of getting away with things that others cannot. And in the case of the three novels, the things that such people seem to be getting away with is freedom. The type of individualistic freedom that others are not subjected to.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Handmaid's Tale, Fahrenheit 451, and 1984: Rebel Archetype (Evaluation)
One common theme that exists in all three novels is the rebel archetype. Winston, from "1984" is a rebel that has unorthodox impulses, and acts upon them. He commits "Thought Crime," by writing in his journal about certain things that he remembers the government changing, such as their ally. In addition to that, he also meets his girlfriend, Julia, in a time when relationships are illegal unless they are approved by the government. Similarly to Winston, Montag, from "Fahrenheit 451," also acts upon his impulses. When his fear of the consequences of reading books begins to melt away, he begins to read novels, as a way of searching for the cause of his life's emptiness. In addition to that, he also kills Captain Beatty when he fears for his life, and he plants a book in a fellow fireman's home and calls in an alarm. Offred, from "The Handmaid's Tale" also commits several acts which entail her the rebel title. Acts such as secretly meeting with the Commander and playing Scrabble together, as well as using banned items such as hand creme. But while Winston and Montag's acts of unorthodoxy are discovered by others, in "The Handmaid's Tale" ambiguous ending, it is left up to the reader to interpret whether or not Offred's acts have been discovered as well.
Authenticity: Staying true to a vision for the sake of the vision, not for ulterior motives (propaganda, indoctrination, subversion, monetary gain)
The three authors emphasize the protagonists' rebellious nature. They do this by accentuating the fact that they are a minority that is struggling against a society that has taken away one's most basic human rights. This, makes the reader sympathize with the protagonists and wish for them to succeed in regaining these rights by rebelling. In the case of "1984," the reader is left feeling helpless from the moment when the "Thought Police" captures Winston. That is because starting from that point, his dream of leading a private life, and all his other dreams, are immediately snatched away.
Similarly, in "Fahrenheit 451," the reader feels the same intense fear that Montag feels when he is running away from the Mechanical Hound when trying to escape from the city. Once he is successful in leaving it behind, and he begins a new life, and the reader feels great relief for his achievement.
In "The Handmaid's Tale," Offred's ambiguous destination as a result of her subtle rebellion, leaves the reader feeling as if her world is spinning out of control. Atwood makes the reader feel this way by making the plot development feel rather "slow" throughout most parts of the novel, and then adding a lot of crucial plot development in the last few pages of the novel. This sudden "change of pace" is what causes the reader to feel the intensity of Offred's feelings, and to interpret whether or not she makes a mistake by telling Nick about her innermost feelings and thus, not conforming to the society.
Originality: Creating a story and characters from a unique perspective and not adhering to a preset formula or concept (cliched or one dimensional characters, predictable plot, overused style and stale imagery).
In "1984", George Orwell places the protagonist in a society that is far from our own. In a society that is certain to shock the reader, and make their imagination flourish. He places Winston in the most horrific society that one can imagine. In a society where one must control everything; from the words that they choose to express, to their thoughts. This makes the reader understand how restricted Winston is in his daily life due to the things he can and cannot do, and it makes the reader fully comprehend the reason why Winston begins to rebel.
Bradbury, places Montag in a society that is not extremely different from the one today. It is a somewhat original society. Although the society that Montag resides in is very technologically advanced, there are still more elements that it has in common with the society that exists today.
The prominent symbolism of fire is a very original and subtle concept. Throught the novel, whenever Montag's attitude changes, so does the way that he views fire. For example, prior to rebelling, Montag views fire as a wonderful medium of destruction, because to him, burning books provides him with an illusion of happiness. But once Clarisse opens up his mind about books, and makes him see how they are truly alive,he begins to rebel. After he realizes what importance books have, he begins to see the destructive quality of fire, and he views it as a detrimental element.
Magaret Atwood, is also quite creative in regards to the imagery that she uses in "The Handmaid's Tale." The most prominent example of imagery that she uses to portray Offred's sorrounding world, is the color red. The red color can be seen in Offred's (and the other Handmaids') outfits, and in the red tulips from Serena Joy's garden. Primarily, the red color is associated with violence. In the Handmaid's Tale, the red color that sorrounds the Handmaid's can be seen as a reminder of the violence that women are subjected to before the Republic of Gilead. Alternatively, red can also symbolize the passion that is building up inside of Offred, and she is unable to express until later on. This passion is most often expressed as physical longing. Offred feels this longing as a result of not having physical contact with someone that makes her feel wanted, and the color itself, is simply a reminder of why she rebels by secretly meeting Nick.
Consistency: The story, characters and message stay true to the context of the novel and to each other. This would include believability within the context of the story.
All the authors capture the reader's attention in such a way that they are entirely engulfed in the struggles that the characters face. They do this by creating drastically different societies and by portraying them in detailed descriptions. Furthermore, they also take the reader's hand and guide them throughout the story, without leaving any gaps, or inconsistencies that the reader must fill out by themselves.
Although the pace of the three novels changes drastically towards the end, the authors do this in order to create an effect. They do it in order to create suspense about the protagonists' destinations. In addition to that,the last part of the novel, is the most intriguing part because it provides answers to the protagonist's destination. It communicates to the reader whether or not the protagonist is successful through their act of rebellion. The suspense itself, is just another great addition to make the reader continue on reading in order to find out what the protagonist's destination is.
Subliminal Messages: Closely related to authenticity, subliminal messages are hidden messages that contradict the apparent theme of the novel. For example the novel is about independence, yet the female protagonist is waiting for a man to make her life complete.
The subliminal messages include the fact that the protagonists are slightly hypocritical, by rebelling against something that they are partially responsible in causing. For example, in "1984", Winston works at the "Ministry of Truth," where he is responsible for rewriting the past. Although he is fully aware of the party's indiscretions, and he despises their rewriting of the past, he, himself is just as responsible as any other party member for re-writing the past.
Similarly, in "Fahrenheit 451", Montag is a firefighter and until the beginning of the novel Ray Bradbury implies that he has been burning books for all his life, and that he truly enjoys his profession. But later on in the novel,he changes his mind and he begins to despise burning books. The truth is, that when he rebels by stealing books and hiding them in his own home, he rebels by treasuring books. This is somewhat hypocritical, because books are something that he caused the destruction of before.
Margaret Atwood, accentuates how Offred dislikes being a Handmaid because of only being viewed as important for one reason:the ability to give birth. Throughout the novel, Atwood shows the reader how any other form of female individuality has been snatched away, such as a female's name. But, prior to being turned into a Handmaid, Offred is given the choice of either being a Handmaid or going to the Women's Labor Camp, and she chooses to be a Handmaid, which is something that is her own personal choice (despite the fact that she is not faced with a plethora of options).
By portraying the protagonists as characters that have to do something that they despise, the authors are accentuating the protagonists' need to rebel. If they would not abhor the things that they must do, then they would not have a reason to fight for their freedom.
Authenticity: Staying true to a vision for the sake of the vision, not for ulterior motives (propaganda, indoctrination, subversion, monetary gain)
The three authors emphasize the protagonists' rebellious nature. They do this by accentuating the fact that they are a minority that is struggling against a society that has taken away one's most basic human rights. This, makes the reader sympathize with the protagonists and wish for them to succeed in regaining these rights by rebelling. In the case of "1984," the reader is left feeling helpless from the moment when the "Thought Police" captures Winston. That is because starting from that point, his dream of leading a private life, and all his other dreams, are immediately snatched away.
Similarly, in "Fahrenheit 451," the reader feels the same intense fear that Montag feels when he is running away from the Mechanical Hound when trying to escape from the city. Once he is successful in leaving it behind, and he begins a new life, and the reader feels great relief for his achievement.
In "The Handmaid's Tale," Offred's ambiguous destination as a result of her subtle rebellion, leaves the reader feeling as if her world is spinning out of control. Atwood makes the reader feel this way by making the plot development feel rather "slow" throughout most parts of the novel, and then adding a lot of crucial plot development in the last few pages of the novel. This sudden "change of pace" is what causes the reader to feel the intensity of Offred's feelings, and to interpret whether or not she makes a mistake by telling Nick about her innermost feelings and thus, not conforming to the society.
Originality: Creating a story and characters from a unique perspective and not adhering to a preset formula or concept (cliched or one dimensional characters, predictable plot, overused style and stale imagery).
In "1984", George Orwell places the protagonist in a society that is far from our own. In a society that is certain to shock the reader, and make their imagination flourish. He places Winston in the most horrific society that one can imagine. In a society where one must control everything; from the words that they choose to express, to their thoughts. This makes the reader understand how restricted Winston is in his daily life due to the things he can and cannot do, and it makes the reader fully comprehend the reason why Winston begins to rebel.
Bradbury, places Montag in a society that is not extremely different from the one today. It is a somewhat original society. Although the society that Montag resides in is very technologically advanced, there are still more elements that it has in common with the society that exists today.
The prominent symbolism of fire is a very original and subtle concept. Throught the novel, whenever Montag's attitude changes, so does the way that he views fire. For example, prior to rebelling, Montag views fire as a wonderful medium of destruction, because to him, burning books provides him with an illusion of happiness. But once Clarisse opens up his mind about books, and makes him see how they are truly alive,he begins to rebel. After he realizes what importance books have, he begins to see the destructive quality of fire, and he views it as a detrimental element.
Magaret Atwood, is also quite creative in regards to the imagery that she uses in "The Handmaid's Tale." The most prominent example of imagery that she uses to portray Offred's sorrounding world, is the color red. The red color can be seen in Offred's (and the other Handmaids') outfits, and in the red tulips from Serena Joy's garden. Primarily, the red color is associated with violence. In the Handmaid's Tale, the red color that sorrounds the Handmaid's can be seen as a reminder of the violence that women are subjected to before the Republic of Gilead. Alternatively, red can also symbolize the passion that is building up inside of Offred, and she is unable to express until later on. This passion is most often expressed as physical longing. Offred feels this longing as a result of not having physical contact with someone that makes her feel wanted, and the color itself, is simply a reminder of why she rebels by secretly meeting Nick.
Consistency: The story, characters and message stay true to the context of the novel and to each other. This would include believability within the context of the story.
All the authors capture the reader's attention in such a way that they are entirely engulfed in the struggles that the characters face. They do this by creating drastically different societies and by portraying them in detailed descriptions. Furthermore, they also take the reader's hand and guide them throughout the story, without leaving any gaps, or inconsistencies that the reader must fill out by themselves.
Although the pace of the three novels changes drastically towards the end, the authors do this in order to create an effect. They do it in order to create suspense about the protagonists' destinations. In addition to that,the last part of the novel, is the most intriguing part because it provides answers to the protagonist's destination. It communicates to the reader whether or not the protagonist is successful through their act of rebellion. The suspense itself, is just another great addition to make the reader continue on reading in order to find out what the protagonist's destination is.
Subliminal Messages: Closely related to authenticity, subliminal messages are hidden messages that contradict the apparent theme of the novel. For example the novel is about independence, yet the female protagonist is waiting for a man to make her life complete.
The subliminal messages include the fact that the protagonists are slightly hypocritical, by rebelling against something that they are partially responsible in causing. For example, in "1984", Winston works at the "Ministry of Truth," where he is responsible for rewriting the past. Although he is fully aware of the party's indiscretions, and he despises their rewriting of the past, he, himself is just as responsible as any other party member for re-writing the past.
Similarly, in "Fahrenheit 451", Montag is a firefighter and until the beginning of the novel Ray Bradbury implies that he has been burning books for all his life, and that he truly enjoys his profession. But later on in the novel,he changes his mind and he begins to despise burning books. The truth is, that when he rebels by stealing books and hiding them in his own home, he rebels by treasuring books. This is somewhat hypocritical, because books are something that he caused the destruction of before.
Margaret Atwood, accentuates how Offred dislikes being a Handmaid because of only being viewed as important for one reason:the ability to give birth. Throughout the novel, Atwood shows the reader how any other form of female individuality has been snatched away, such as a female's name. But, prior to being turned into a Handmaid, Offred is given the choice of either being a Handmaid or going to the Women's Labor Camp, and she chooses to be a Handmaid, which is something that is her own personal choice (despite the fact that she is not faced with a plethora of options).
By portraying the protagonists as characters that have to do something that they despise, the authors are accentuating the protagonists' need to rebel. If they would not abhor the things that they must do, then they would not have a reason to fight for their freedom.
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Handmaid's Tale, Fahrenheit 451, and 1984: Connections part 3
Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale. pages 200-277
One connection that exists between the three novels is the abolishment of individualistic freedom. That is because in these societies, individual freedom is non-existent, and the citizens are usually brought up to believe that individualistic freedom is unimportant, and that it is the freedom of being protected from other things that truly matters.
For example, during one passage in "The Handmaid's Tale," Aunt Lydia tells Offred that now that the Republic of Gilead exists, the Handmaid's are being given "freedom from" other things.This means that they are being "protected" from certain dangers. She accentuates this freedom in such a way, that it makes the other freedom unimportant, and it makes it seem like there are too many risks associated with the "freedom to" choose. Individualistic freedom is non-existent in the Republic of Gilead, and it includes the inability to: keep one's name, the dress differently, choose one's job, and to speak against the Republic's beliefs.
Similarly to the way that the "freedom to" capture one's needs is being abolished in "The Handmaid's Tale", it's also being abolished in "1984." That is because, one of the Party's main slogans is "Freedom is Slavery." This means, that in order for one to be free they must submit themselves to a larger group, and thus, become "slaves." This slogan, is being used as means of making the masses believe that individualistic freedom is unimportant, and that it is only by working together, that a nation will succed, and its people will be truly "free."
In "Fahrneheit 451", there is only one large aspect that takes the individualistic freedom away- the banning of books. Without the freedom to read books, and with only being capable of watching tv, personal growth is put and end to, and soon everyone begins to think in a similar way. Everyone except those who have been exposed to books at one point or another.
One connection that exists between the three novels is the abolishment of individualistic freedom. That is because in these societies, individual freedom is non-existent, and the citizens are usually brought up to believe that individualistic freedom is unimportant, and that it is the freedom of being protected from other things that truly matters.
For example, during one passage in "The Handmaid's Tale," Aunt Lydia tells Offred that now that the Republic of Gilead exists, the Handmaid's are being given "freedom from" other things.This means that they are being "protected" from certain dangers. She accentuates this freedom in such a way, that it makes the other freedom unimportant, and it makes it seem like there are too many risks associated with the "freedom to" choose. Individualistic freedom is non-existent in the Republic of Gilead, and it includes the inability to: keep one's name, the dress differently, choose one's job, and to speak against the Republic's beliefs.
Similarly to the way that the "freedom to" capture one's needs is being abolished in "The Handmaid's Tale", it's also being abolished in "1984." That is because, one of the Party's main slogans is "Freedom is Slavery." This means, that in order for one to be free they must submit themselves to a larger group, and thus, become "slaves." This slogan, is being used as means of making the masses believe that individualistic freedom is unimportant, and that it is only by working together, that a nation will succed, and its people will be truly "free."
In "Fahrneheit 451", there is only one large aspect that takes the individualistic freedom away- the banning of books. Without the freedom to read books, and with only being capable of watching tv, personal growth is put and end to, and soon everyone begins to think in a similar way. Everyone except those who have been exposed to books at one point or another.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Handmaid's Tale, Fahrenheit 451, and 1984: Connections part 2
Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale. pages 200-277
In "1984", "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Handmaid's Tale" all 3 protagonists represent the rebel archetype. The desire to rebel simply arises from the fact that their opinions do no coincide with those of the society's. In all three cases, the reason why the protagonists rebel is because they feel attached to the world that exists before the oppressive society that they are trapped in. But the reason why they feel attached to it varies for every protagonist.
In Winston's case, he feels attached to the world before, because of several blurry memories that he has of the world that exists before the Revolution. These memories consist of his mother, his sister, and a lingering feeling that things were not as grimy and people were not as reduced as they are under the ruling of Big Brother. It is because of this reason that he rebels against the party by committing "Thought Crime" and being with his girlfriend, Julia, despite the fact that any relationships are strictly forbidden by the party.
Similarly, Offred also rebels because she feels attached to the past just like Winston does. She is haunted by the memories of the world before,and of the things that she possessed and the freedom that she had then, which she no longer has. It is because of gaining a momentary state of freedom, that she eagerly accepts when the Commander demands to secretly meet her every evening, and to commit illegal acts such as playing Scrabble, reading magazines, and using hand creme.
Montag, though, is slightly different from these two characters. Despite the fact that he has not resided in the society that exists before books are burned, he begins to question his values when a girl named Clarisse tells him about a time when things were different, a time when firemen put out fires rather than initiated them. This opens his mind, and it connects him to the past world where books existed. It also makes him question what information books contain that make them such a "threat" and cause them to be burned immediately after being discovered by the firemen. This is one of the reasons why Montag rebels by reading books. Through such an act, he discovers that books contain valuable life lessons, that are compacted together into one manual.
In "1984", "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Handmaid's Tale" all 3 protagonists represent the rebel archetype. The desire to rebel simply arises from the fact that their opinions do no coincide with those of the society's. In all three cases, the reason why the protagonists rebel is because they feel attached to the world that exists before the oppressive society that they are trapped in. But the reason why they feel attached to it varies for every protagonist.
In Winston's case, he feels attached to the world before, because of several blurry memories that he has of the world that exists before the Revolution. These memories consist of his mother, his sister, and a lingering feeling that things were not as grimy and people were not as reduced as they are under the ruling of Big Brother. It is because of this reason that he rebels against the party by committing "Thought Crime" and being with his girlfriend, Julia, despite the fact that any relationships are strictly forbidden by the party.
Similarly, Offred also rebels because she feels attached to the past just like Winston does. She is haunted by the memories of the world before,and of the things that she possessed and the freedom that she had then, which she no longer has. It is because of gaining a momentary state of freedom, that she eagerly accepts when the Commander demands to secretly meet her every evening, and to commit illegal acts such as playing Scrabble, reading magazines, and using hand creme.
Montag, though, is slightly different from these two characters. Despite the fact that he has not resided in the society that exists before books are burned, he begins to question his values when a girl named Clarisse tells him about a time when things were different, a time when firemen put out fires rather than initiated them. This opens his mind, and it connects him to the past world where books existed. It also makes him question what information books contain that make them such a "threat" and cause them to be burned immediately after being discovered by the firemen. This is one of the reasons why Montag rebels by reading books. Through such an act, he discovers that books contain valuable life lessons, that are compacted together into one manual.
The Handmaid's Tale: Unique (Application)
Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale. pages 100-200
"Women can't add," he said jokingly.When I asked him what he meant, he said,"For them, one and one and one and one don't make four." "What do they make?" I said, expecting five or three. "Just one and one and one and one," he said. (Atwood 171)
The Commander is the character that states the quote above, while talking to with Offred. The quote is significant because it shows what the characters' beliefs are, regarding relationships. It shows that the Commander believes women, unlike men, find each man unique in such a way, that they cannot substitute them for another.
This quote was chosen because this same concept of uniqueness can be applied to "The Beacons" poem by Charles Baudelaire. In the poem, every artist is described in a very divergent way, and they are each depicted as separate units. The way this is done is through the use of various imagery and metaphors. For example, one artist's style of painting, Rembrandt's, is described in a very somber way. He is depicted in such a way, through phrases such as a "sad hospital full of murmurs." This imagery is drastically different from the imagery that is used to describe the other artists, which is why it makes the reader perceive Rembrandt's style as highly unique.
Not only are the artists described in a drastically different way literally, but they are also portrayed as different units visually. That is because in the poem, every paragraph pertains to a specific artist, and the description of their style. And two artists are never described within the same paragraph, because the author, Baudelaire, wants to create a sense of detachment, visually, through the separation of one artist per paragraph.
"Women can't add," he said jokingly.When I asked him what he meant, he said,"For them, one and one and one and one don't make four." "What do they make?" I said, expecting five or three. "Just one and one and one and one," he said. (Atwood 171)
The Commander is the character that states the quote above, while talking to with Offred. The quote is significant because it shows what the characters' beliefs are, regarding relationships. It shows that the Commander believes women, unlike men, find each man unique in such a way, that they cannot substitute them for another.
This quote was chosen because this same concept of uniqueness can be applied to "The Beacons" poem by Charles Baudelaire. In the poem, every artist is described in a very divergent way, and they are each depicted as separate units. The way this is done is through the use of various imagery and metaphors. For example, one artist's style of painting, Rembrandt's, is described in a very somber way. He is depicted in such a way, through phrases such as a "sad hospital full of murmurs." This imagery is drastically different from the imagery that is used to describe the other artists, which is why it makes the reader perceive Rembrandt's style as highly unique.
Not only are the artists described in a drastically different way literally, but they are also portrayed as different units visually. That is because in the poem, every paragraph pertains to a specific artist, and the description of their style. And two artists are never described within the same paragraph, because the author, Baudelaire, wants to create a sense of detachment, visually, through the separation of one artist per paragraph.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Handmaid's tale: Ancient Greece
Margaret, Atwood. The Handmaid's Tale. pages 100-200
"They've frozen them, she said. Mine too...Any account with an F on it instead of an M. All they needed to do is push a few buttons. We're cut off." (Atwood 167)
Moira (Offred's friend) says this after the revolution in "The Handmaid's Tale" begins, when the President and the Congress are shot.
This quote was chosen because it shows the first symptoms of what the male dominating society in "The Handmaid's Tale" is doing to the females. Furthermore, the events that occur in this quote can also be related to certain events that have occurred in other cultures.
"The Handmaid's Tale" highlights how powerful men can be, and how they can have the ability to strip women of their rights, and to force them to do things that they would find unimaginable to do otherwise. Furthermore, it also shows how helpless women are when faced with a society that is entirely controlled by men.Some of the rights that the Handmaid's in the novel have taken away are: the right to read, the right to leave the household(unless shopping for groceries with another Handmaid), and the right to speak against the situation that they're trapped in.
Throughout the course of history, there have existed women from different cultures that have lacked possession of the same rights. One such group of women were the ones that resided in Ancient Greece. A commonality that lies between the two groups is illiteracy. Just like the women in "The Handmaid's Tale" are forbidden to read so that throughout the course of time they will turn illiterate, the women in Ancient Greece were not forbidden to read. Instead, they were unable to read because of not being taught how to. Furthermore, they were also unable to speak out about subjects of great importance like Philosophy, because their opinions were considered invalid. This is similar to the way that women in" The Handmaid's Tale" are not allowed to express any unorthodox beliefs. In addition to that, in Ancient Greece, women were also in charge of domestic chores such as cooking, which meant that they were rarely able to leave the home. In "The Handmaid's Tale" the Handmaid's are also unable to leave the household unless they are send out to shop for certain food items.
"They've frozen them, she said. Mine too...Any account with an F on it instead of an M. All they needed to do is push a few buttons. We're cut off." (Atwood 167)
Moira (Offred's friend) says this after the revolution in "The Handmaid's Tale" begins, when the President and the Congress are shot.
This quote was chosen because it shows the first symptoms of what the male dominating society in "The Handmaid's Tale" is doing to the females. Furthermore, the events that occur in this quote can also be related to certain events that have occurred in other cultures.
"The Handmaid's Tale" highlights how powerful men can be, and how they can have the ability to strip women of their rights, and to force them to do things that they would find unimaginable to do otherwise. Furthermore, it also shows how helpless women are when faced with a society that is entirely controlled by men.Some of the rights that the Handmaid's in the novel have taken away are: the right to read, the right to leave the household(unless shopping for groceries with another Handmaid), and the right to speak against the situation that they're trapped in.
Throughout the course of history, there have existed women from different cultures that have lacked possession of the same rights. One such group of women were the ones that resided in Ancient Greece. A commonality that lies between the two groups is illiteracy. Just like the women in "The Handmaid's Tale" are forbidden to read so that throughout the course of time they will turn illiterate, the women in Ancient Greece were not forbidden to read. Instead, they were unable to read because of not being taught how to. Furthermore, they were also unable to speak out about subjects of great importance like Philosophy, because their opinions were considered invalid. This is similar to the way that women in" The Handmaid's Tale" are not allowed to express any unorthodox beliefs. In addition to that, in Ancient Greece, women were also in charge of domestic chores such as cooking, which meant that they were rarely able to leave the home. In "The Handmaid's Tale" the Handmaid's are also unable to leave the household unless they are send out to shop for certain food items.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Handmaid's tale, Fahrenheit 451, and 1984: Connections part 1
Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale. pages 100-200
One commonality that exists between the three novels, is a law that gets broken by each protagonist.
In "1984," the law that Winston breaks is referred to as "Thought Crime." The way that "Thought Crime," is committed, is when a citizen of Oceania expresses any opinion that does not coincide with the one that the government has. Such an opinion is usually a political one, such as saying that the country is changing the past, or lying to its citizens. The reason why "Thought Crime" exists, is so that people will be afraid to question the government, and will accept everything that they say.One way that the protagonist, Winston, commits "Thought Crime" is by writing in his journal. In his journal, he writes about how he remembers Oceania being allied with Eastasia before allying with Eurasia. Although, the change in ally was never announced to the public. The mere fact that Winston remembers it, and states in his journal that it occurred, is enough to entail his death, because of committing "Thought Crime." Winston commits "Thought Crime" because the journal in which he writes, is his therapeutic way of preventing his sanity from eroding away.
Montag, from "Fahrenheit 451," committs the illegal act of reading a book. This is considered illegal because reading is banned. It's banned because a book is considered an object that possess a threat to the society's idealistic concept of making everyone equal. That's because if one reads more than other people, then they will become more intelligent, and they will know far more than the everyone else. But in this society, intellectual people are looked upon as people that make everyone else feel inferior, therefore, the only way to stop such feelings of inferiority from occuring is by taking their only source of information away--books. The reason why Montag committs the illegal act of reading is because of his search for his inner saddness, and emptiness. He only becomes aware of these emotions when an intellectual girl, Clarisse, asks him if he's happy.
In "The Handmaid's Tale", one act that Offred commits which is not permitted, is reading. This act takes place in the Commander's office, as he offers her several magazines to read (one magazine per every session). The reason why, women are not given access to reading, is so that female literacy will cease to exist. That's because in the theorocratic government of Gilead, knowledge is a temptation, and temptation could lead to sinning. Therefore, by taking away the source of knowledge, (books and magazines) the chance that women will sin is also greately reduced. In addition to that, causing female illiteracy to spread throughout the female population like a disease, will also ensure that the females will remain under control. After all, knowledge is power; and when no knowledge exists, neither does power.
The acts of breaking the law that are most connected, are the ones in "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Fahrenheit 451." Both of these acts involve reading as the breaking of the law, because by not reading, people are kept under complete control. In "1984," the law that is broken by Winston, "Thought Crime," is far more strict and harder not to break. That is because not committing "Thought Crime" requires one to fight against their own instincts, and to keep them in their subconscious in order to make sure that they are not expressed. What the party gains from this is complete power. In fact, by imposing the rules onto the characters, the government from all three novels gain power. This power enables them to shape the society however they wish.
One commonality that exists between the three novels, is a law that gets broken by each protagonist.
In "1984," the law that Winston breaks is referred to as "Thought Crime." The way that "Thought Crime," is committed, is when a citizen of Oceania expresses any opinion that does not coincide with the one that the government has. Such an opinion is usually a political one, such as saying that the country is changing the past, or lying to its citizens. The reason why "Thought Crime" exists, is so that people will be afraid to question the government, and will accept everything that they say.One way that the protagonist, Winston, commits "Thought Crime" is by writing in his journal. In his journal, he writes about how he remembers Oceania being allied with Eastasia before allying with Eurasia. Although, the change in ally was never announced to the public. The mere fact that Winston remembers it, and states in his journal that it occurred, is enough to entail his death, because of committing "Thought Crime." Winston commits "Thought Crime" because the journal in which he writes, is his therapeutic way of preventing his sanity from eroding away.
Montag, from "Fahrenheit 451," committs the illegal act of reading a book. This is considered illegal because reading is banned. It's banned because a book is considered an object that possess a threat to the society's idealistic concept of making everyone equal. That's because if one reads more than other people, then they will become more intelligent, and they will know far more than the everyone else. But in this society, intellectual people are looked upon as people that make everyone else feel inferior, therefore, the only way to stop such feelings of inferiority from occuring is by taking their only source of information away--books. The reason why Montag committs the illegal act of reading is because of his search for his inner saddness, and emptiness. He only becomes aware of these emotions when an intellectual girl, Clarisse, asks him if he's happy.
In "The Handmaid's Tale", one act that Offred commits which is not permitted, is reading. This act takes place in the Commander's office, as he offers her several magazines to read (one magazine per every session). The reason why, women are not given access to reading, is so that female literacy will cease to exist. That's because in the theorocratic government of Gilead, knowledge is a temptation, and temptation could lead to sinning. Therefore, by taking away the source of knowledge, (books and magazines) the chance that women will sin is also greately reduced. In addition to that, causing female illiteracy to spread throughout the female population like a disease, will also ensure that the females will remain under control. After all, knowledge is power; and when no knowledge exists, neither does power.
The acts of breaking the law that are most connected, are the ones in "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Fahrenheit 451." Both of these acts involve reading as the breaking of the law, because by not reading, people are kept under complete control. In "1984," the law that is broken by Winston, "Thought Crime," is far more strict and harder not to break. That is because not committing "Thought Crime" requires one to fight against their own instincts, and to keep them in their subconscious in order to make sure that they are not expressed. What the party gains from this is complete power. In fact, by imposing the rules onto the characters, the government from all three novels gain power. This power enables them to shape the society however they wish.
The Handmaid's tale: Ignorance is bliss (Application)
Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale. pages 100-200
"What could she have been thinking about? Not much, I guess; not back then, not at the time. She was thinking about how not to think. The times were abnormal. She took pride in her appearance. She did not believe he was a monster. He was not a monster, to her. Probably he had some endearing trait: he whistled, off key, in the shower, he had a yen for truffles, he called his dog Liebchen and made it sit up for little pieces of raw steak...All this she would have believed, because otherwise how would she go on living?" (Atwood 138)
In this quote, the protagonist, Ofglen reflects on a documentary that she saw when she was young.
This quote was chosen because its relevance in regards to the "ignorance is bliss" proverb. The concept in the quote shows how the "ignorance is bliss" proverb applies to a situation, such as the one in the novel.
The cliché "Ignorance is Bliss" saying, expresses the fact that in order for one to live in a state of bliss, one must learn to ignore, or block out certain truths that would otherwise awaken them from their reverie. The truths that they must block out is what are known as ugly truths; truths that can shatter their idealistic image of a person or a situation.
In the case of the woman portrayed in this quote, she must ignore the fact that her boyfriend works for one of the camps where the Jews are held prior to being killed. By ignoring this major detail from her boyfriend's life, she focuses on other positive characteristics which he possesses. Characteristics that she finds adorable, such as the way he whistles in the shower, or plays around with his dog, or simply the fact that he's nice to her. This is merely a technique that she uses in order to detract her attention, and therefore, be capable of continuing to live. The reason why she focuses on the positive aspects, is because the only way that one will feel like life is worth living, is if they feel like there's something worth living for. And in her case, she is making herself believe that their relationship is something that is worth being alive for.
"What could she have been thinking about? Not much, I guess; not back then, not at the time. She was thinking about how not to think. The times were abnormal. She took pride in her appearance. She did not believe he was a monster. He was not a monster, to her. Probably he had some endearing trait: he whistled, off key, in the shower, he had a yen for truffles, he called his dog Liebchen and made it sit up for little pieces of raw steak...All this she would have believed, because otherwise how would she go on living?" (Atwood 138)
In this quote, the protagonist, Ofglen reflects on a documentary that she saw when she was young.
This quote was chosen because its relevance in regards to the "ignorance is bliss" proverb. The concept in the quote shows how the "ignorance is bliss" proverb applies to a situation, such as the one in the novel.
The cliché "Ignorance is Bliss" saying, expresses the fact that in order for one to live in a state of bliss, one must learn to ignore, or block out certain truths that would otherwise awaken them from their reverie. The truths that they must block out is what are known as ugly truths; truths that can shatter their idealistic image of a person or a situation.
In the case of the woman portrayed in this quote, she must ignore the fact that her boyfriend works for one of the camps where the Jews are held prior to being killed. By ignoring this major detail from her boyfriend's life, she focuses on other positive characteristics which he possesses. Characteristics that she finds adorable, such as the way he whistles in the shower, or plays around with his dog, or simply the fact that he's nice to her. This is merely a technique that she uses in order to detract her attention, and therefore, be capable of continuing to live. The reason why she focuses on the positive aspects, is because the only way that one will feel like life is worth living, is if they feel like there's something worth living for. And in her case, she is making herself believe that their relationship is something that is worth being alive for.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Handmaid's tale: Opening up (Analysis)
Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale. pages 3-100.
"The tulips along the border are redder than ever, opening, no longer wine cups but chalices; thrusting themselves they are old they turn themselves inside out, then explode slowly, the petals thrown out like shards." (Atwood 43)
Offred observes the petals of the blooming tulips as she is walking past the garden and heading inside the home.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because of it's hidden complexity. It's a quote that appears insignificant upon first sight, but when read the second time one finds a link between the situation that Ofglen is trapped in and the opening of the tulip's petals.
The red tulip reflects the emotions that Offred is experiencing. Its red colour symbolizes the strong longing to bond with someone that Offred is feeling. It is an impulse that emerges as a result of the lack of human connection that she has. This is because in the republic of Gilead, having a friendship with someone is viewed as taking a risk, since friendships are looked upon as being suspicious. Furthermore, the red tullips being "redder than ever" also symbolizes the sexual impulse that she is feeling, an impulse that is stronger than ever. This sexual impulse originates from her wanting to have a human connection with someone. A physical or emotional connection.
Furthermore, the fact that the tulips are opening up more than before, reflects the fact that she is reaching out for a way to full fill these impulses more than she has before. This shows how just like it's in a tulip's nature to open up and flourish due to the fact that it's a flower; it's also in Offred's nature to reach for ways to fulfill her need for physical and emotional love because she's human . Furthermore, Offred accentuates the fact that the same way that a tulip's petals are thrown out like shards when the flower withers away,or in other words; the same way that it's in a flower's nature to have its petals fall off once it opens up and withers away, its also inevitable that Offred will cease to exist if she continues to reach out for these things.
The main message that Atwood highlights through this excerpt from the novel is that humans are just as fragile as flowers when it comes to love. That's because they reach out for love, long for love, and they open themselves up and they make themselves vulnerable, just like flowers. But in the end,the same way that its inevitable that a flower will wither away, its also inevitable that a relationship will end (most often).
"The tulips along the border are redder than ever, opening, no longer wine cups but chalices; thrusting themselves they are old they turn themselves inside out, then explode slowly, the petals thrown out like shards." (Atwood 43)
Offred observes the petals of the blooming tulips as she is walking past the garden and heading inside the home.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because of it's hidden complexity. It's a quote that appears insignificant upon first sight, but when read the second time one finds a link between the situation that Ofglen is trapped in and the opening of the tulip's petals.
The red tulip reflects the emotions that Offred is experiencing. Its red colour symbolizes the strong longing to bond with someone that Offred is feeling. It is an impulse that emerges as a result of the lack of human connection that she has. This is because in the republic of Gilead, having a friendship with someone is viewed as taking a risk, since friendships are looked upon as being suspicious. Furthermore, the red tullips being "redder than ever" also symbolizes the sexual impulse that she is feeling, an impulse that is stronger than ever. This sexual impulse originates from her wanting to have a human connection with someone. A physical or emotional connection.
Furthermore, the fact that the tulips are opening up more than before, reflects the fact that she is reaching out for a way to full fill these impulses more than she has before. This shows how just like it's in a tulip's nature to open up and flourish due to the fact that it's a flower; it's also in Offred's nature to reach for ways to fulfill her need for physical and emotional love because she's human . Furthermore, Offred accentuates the fact that the same way that a tulip's petals are thrown out like shards when the flower withers away,or in other words; the same way that it's in a flower's nature to have its petals fall off once it opens up and withers away, its also inevitable that Offred will cease to exist if she continues to reach out for these things.
The main message that Atwood highlights through this excerpt from the novel is that humans are just as fragile as flowers when it comes to love. That's because they reach out for love, long for love, and they open themselves up and they make themselves vulnerable, just like flowers. But in the end,the same way that its inevitable that a flower will wither away, its also inevitable that a relationship will end (most often).
The Handmaid's tale: Aspects of Freedom (Analysis)
Margaret Atwood,The Handmaid's Tale. pages 7-100
"There is more than one kind of freedom.Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it." (Atwood 24)
This quote was chosen because it conveys the contrast between the type of freedom that exists before the republic of Gilead, and after.
Aunt Lydia says this while reminiscing on what the world is like before the republic of Gilead comes to life. The previous society is one that is filled with freedom because there are no set rules, and no set limits. Therefore, the women in that society have the "freedom to" do whatever they wish. They have the ability to earn their own money, wear whatever they wish,and do whatever they wish. But such a freedom has its disadvantages as well. These disadvantages include the fact that women are not protected, and they have to avoid doing certain things in order to be as safe as possible. Things such as not opening their door to a stranger, and not going anywhere alone at night.
But in the days of the republic of Gilead, women no longer have to endure these things because they are granted the "freedom from" them. They are granted such a freedom through the strict regime of the republic of Gilead, where every Handmaid is responsible for giving birth to a child. While responsible for such as "accomplishment" the Handmaid's have their "freedom to" do what they wish taken away from them. In addition to that, they are also responsible for certain duties such as going to the shop to bring certain goods, taking part in "The Ceremony," and following the rules of the household that they reside in.
These two freedoms are represented as freedoms that cannot co-exist. That is because when one is granted one freedom, the other is immediately snatched away. Through this example Atwood is showing how the society that one resides in today would be shaped if one would be granted freedom from all the crimes that occur in this world, crimes such as being raped. She is showing that such crimes can only cease if the government would adapt a strict regime like the one in Gilead, where people would submit to a larger group that would protect them from any threats.
"There is more than one kind of freedom.Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it." (Atwood 24)
This quote was chosen because it conveys the contrast between the type of freedom that exists before the republic of Gilead, and after.
Aunt Lydia says this while reminiscing on what the world is like before the republic of Gilead comes to life. The previous society is one that is filled with freedom because there are no set rules, and no set limits. Therefore, the women in that society have the "freedom to" do whatever they wish. They have the ability to earn their own money, wear whatever they wish,and do whatever they wish. But such a freedom has its disadvantages as well. These disadvantages include the fact that women are not protected, and they have to avoid doing certain things in order to be as safe as possible. Things such as not opening their door to a stranger, and not going anywhere alone at night.
But in the days of the republic of Gilead, women no longer have to endure these things because they are granted the "freedom from" them. They are granted such a freedom through the strict regime of the republic of Gilead, where every Handmaid is responsible for giving birth to a child. While responsible for such as "accomplishment" the Handmaid's have their "freedom to" do what they wish taken away from them. In addition to that, they are also responsible for certain duties such as going to the shop to bring certain goods, taking part in "The Ceremony," and following the rules of the household that they reside in.
These two freedoms are represented as freedoms that cannot co-exist. That is because when one is granted one freedom, the other is immediately snatched away. Through this example Atwood is showing how the society that one resides in today would be shaped if one would be granted freedom from all the crimes that occur in this world, crimes such as being raped. She is showing that such crimes can only cease if the government would adapt a strict regime like the one in Gilead, where people would submit to a larger group that would protect them from any threats.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Fahrenheit 451 and 1984: Connections part 3
The loss of individuality is a prominent theme in both "1984" and "Fahrenheit 451". The reasons why the characters in "1984" lose their individuality is because the greater majority of the characters lose the ability to think for themselves, and they all become patriotic citizens of Oceania. An example of this is when the belief that 2+2=5 is imposed upon Winston, and because of the fear of having to face death if he were not to accept that belief, Winston ends up accepting it, and letting go of his own beliefs. The loss of his individuality also occurs when he lets go of his childhood memories, and accepts the fact that he's simply troubled by "false memories" every time that one of his childhood memories re-surface. These memories, just like one's beliefs make up who one is. They are the formula that create one. But without these things, one is simply an emotionless working machine, which is exactly what Winston is at the beginning of the novel.
In addition to that, the couples in 1984 are encouraged to be together only as means of producing children for the party, and any two people that wish to marry each other but leave the party under the impression that they are attracted to each other are not granted the permission to marry. Therefore, because of this reason the party is preventing it's citizens from bonding with other people, because they wish everyone to only be loyal to the party. And because everyone is loyal to the exact same thing, this results in a loss of individuality.
In "Fahrenheit 451" a loss of individuality occurs because every individual is exposed to the exact same elements. For example, in school, intellectual subjects such as English and Philosophy have been eliminated from the curriculum and all that is left are sports. As a result of that, all children behave the same way: they are dangerous delinquents that are a threat to the adults and they attempt kill people for fun. In addition to that, women have also become exact copies of themselves because they all watch the same television shows that have no intellectual content to them. As a result of that, they all become superficial, and even when they discuss about another subject such as politics, their superficiality and lack of individuality come to the surface. One instance when this occurs, is when they all talk about how they voted for the same president because he is, as Mrs. Bowles says: "...one of the nicest-looking men that ever became president." (Bradbury 96)
In addition to that, the couples in 1984 are encouraged to be together only as means of producing children for the party, and any two people that wish to marry each other but leave the party under the impression that they are attracted to each other are not granted the permission to marry. Therefore, because of this reason the party is preventing it's citizens from bonding with other people, because they wish everyone to only be loyal to the party. And because everyone is loyal to the exact same thing, this results in a loss of individuality.
In "Fahrenheit 451" a loss of individuality occurs because every individual is exposed to the exact same elements. For example, in school, intellectual subjects such as English and Philosophy have been eliminated from the curriculum and all that is left are sports. As a result of that, all children behave the same way: they are dangerous delinquents that are a threat to the adults and they attempt kill people for fun. In addition to that, women have also become exact copies of themselves because they all watch the same television shows that have no intellectual content to them. As a result of that, they all become superficial, and even when they discuss about another subject such as politics, their superficiality and lack of individuality come to the surface. One instance when this occurs, is when they all talk about how they voted for the same president because he is, as Mrs. Bowles says: "...one of the nicest-looking men that ever became president." (Bradbury 96)
Fahrenheit 451: Expressionless
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. pages 90-165
"Montag said nothing but stood looking at the women's faces as he had once looked at the faces of saints in a strange church he had entered when he was a child. The faces of those enameled creatures meant nothing to him, though he talked to them and stood in that church for a long time, trying to be of that religion, trying to know what that religion was, trying to get enough of the raw incense and special dust of the place into his lungs and hus his blood to feel touched and concerned by the meaning of the colorful men and women with the porcelain eyes and the bood-ruby lips." (Bradbury 95)
Ray Bradbury writes this quote when Montag is located in the same room as his wife and her friends. Prior to the quote being said, the females are chating about superficial things such as
the show that they're watching on television.
This quote shows that Montag is looking at the women's visages, and studying them just like he has done in the past with the facial expressions of certain saints. This creates wonderful imagery because it explicitly shows the reader how Montag is trying to understand what the women are thinking by studying their facial expression, since he cannot find any other way of trying to understand them. That's because he feels like they are beings that are drastically diffrent from him; beings that he cannot find any means of communicating with because of him not being able to comprehend them and vice-versa.
Furthermore, just like what the women are saying is of no meaning to him, their facial expressions are not helping him gain an insight into their thoughts either. That's because their facial expressions are being compared to those of saints, which means that they have the enigmatic, and cold facial expression that most paintings of saints tend to have.
The author's intention is to creatively portray the sense of detachement that Montag is feeling from the women that are sorrounding him. The effective way that the Bradbury accentuates this is by comparing the women's faces to the faces of saints. This makes the reader not only profoundly feel the sense of detachment that Montag feels, but also why Montag feels this way. That's because just like a person has no means of communicating with saints, and one can only speak to them while wishing they will be heard, Montag has the exact same situation in his hands. He can only try to speak to the women that are around him, and he can only hope that they will hear and understand him, but because they are so different from him, he feels like there is no way that he will ever be able to verify that his message has really gotten across.
"Montag said nothing but stood looking at the women's faces as he had once looked at the faces of saints in a strange church he had entered when he was a child. The faces of those enameled creatures meant nothing to him, though he talked to them and stood in that church for a long time, trying to be of that religion, trying to know what that religion was, trying to get enough of the raw incense and special dust of the place into his lungs and hus his blood to feel touched and concerned by the meaning of the colorful men and women with the porcelain eyes and the bood-ruby lips." (Bradbury 95)
Ray Bradbury writes this quote when Montag is located in the same room as his wife and her friends. Prior to the quote being said, the females are chating about superficial things such as
the show that they're watching on television.
This quote shows that Montag is looking at the women's visages, and studying them just like he has done in the past with the facial expressions of certain saints. This creates wonderful imagery because it explicitly shows the reader how Montag is trying to understand what the women are thinking by studying their facial expression, since he cannot find any other way of trying to understand them. That's because he feels like they are beings that are drastically diffrent from him; beings that he cannot find any means of communicating with because of him not being able to comprehend them and vice-versa.
Furthermore, just like what the women are saying is of no meaning to him, their facial expressions are not helping him gain an insight into their thoughts either. That's because their facial expressions are being compared to those of saints, which means that they have the enigmatic, and cold facial expression that most paintings of saints tend to have.
The author's intention is to creatively portray the sense of detachement that Montag is feeling from the women that are sorrounding him. The effective way that the Bradbury accentuates this is by comparing the women's faces to the faces of saints. This makes the reader not only profoundly feel the sense of detachment that Montag feels, but also why Montag feels this way. That's because just like a person has no means of communicating with saints, and one can only speak to them while wishing they will be heard, Montag has the exact same situation in his hands. He can only try to speak to the women that are around him, and he can only hope that they will hear and understand him, but because they are so different from him, he feels like there is no way that he will ever be able to verify that his message has really gotten across.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Fahrenheit 451 and 1984: Connections part 2
One major similarity that exists in both novels is that the government attempts to control the way that people think. In "1984" the totalitarian government simply wants to have complete control over peoples' minds by constantly rewriting the past. That's because with that type of control, they have the power to manipulate the residents exactly as they wish. And their ability to manipulate them doesn't simply stop at controlling their actions, after all; if one is acting a certain way, that does not guarantee that they thoroughly believe that what they are doing is right. Which is why the government in "1984" goes as far as controlling the way that people think, by causing them to be loyal citizens of Oceania who only possess love for their country, and hate for their nation's enemies. In addition to that, people that have unorthodox opinions, in other words any opinions or thoughts that do not coincide with those of the government, are caught by the "Thought Police" and tortured. The "Thought Police" is used to further reinforce the idea that one is going to suffer if they have unorthodox thoughts.
On the other hand, in "Fahrenheit 451" the way that the government controls people is by burning books. They do that because of the numerous disagreements that occur because of the topics that the books are written about. And it is because of that reason that the government decides to burn books, and continue on doing so every time that a person is reported to have books. The other more in depth reason as to why books are burned is because they are thought to be "evil" due to their ability to make some more intelligent than others and result in the less bright pupils to feel inferior to the brighter ones. After all, the more one reads, the more knowledge they gain. Therefore, by eliminating the existence of books, one also eliminates the main source that one can gain knowledge from. And this type of censorship results in controlling the way that people think, by causing all of them to think the same way (since no individual has more insight when it comes to a subject, because they are never exposed to books). So instead of having books which can enable people to think for themselves, the government replaced all the "intellectual" subjects with sports. Simply because playing sports cannot make anyone more intellectually superior than someone else.
In addition to that, Clarisse, a girl that stops going to school and is viewed as peculiar because of her individualistic ways of thinking, disapears later on in the novel. The similarity of her disappearance can be linked to the disappearances that occur in "1984" when the "Thought Police" snatches thought criminals away from their homes.
On the other hand, in "Fahrenheit 451" the way that the government controls people is by burning books. They do that because of the numerous disagreements that occur because of the topics that the books are written about. And it is because of that reason that the government decides to burn books, and continue on doing so every time that a person is reported to have books. The other more in depth reason as to why books are burned is because they are thought to be "evil" due to their ability to make some more intelligent than others and result in the less bright pupils to feel inferior to the brighter ones. After all, the more one reads, the more knowledge they gain. Therefore, by eliminating the existence of books, one also eliminates the main source that one can gain knowledge from. And this type of censorship results in controlling the way that people think, by causing all of them to think the same way (since no individual has more insight when it comes to a subject, because they are never exposed to books). So instead of having books which can enable people to think for themselves, the government replaced all the "intellectual" subjects with sports. Simply because playing sports cannot make anyone more intellectually superior than someone else.
In addition to that, Clarisse, a girl that stops going to school and is viewed as peculiar because of her individualistic ways of thinking, disapears later on in the novel. The similarity of her disappearance can be linked to the disappearances that occur in "1984" when the "Thought Police" snatches thought criminals away from their homes.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Transformation of Fairy Tales
When fairy tales first originated they were not sugar coated as they are today. They often reflected several of life's hardships that people had to face. The only minor difference is that the hardships in the story were often exaggerated in order to teach the children a lesson. For example, the old witch in "Hansel and Gretel" can be considered a gross exaggeration of the "stranger" that harms children. After all, the moral of that story is don't talk to strangers so portraying a cannibalistic witch as a stranger does an excellent job at helping kids keep away from strangers. But as time progressed Walt Disney came along and they filtered the original versions of Fairy Tales into unrealistic, love stories that always have a happy ending. This probably occurred because of the contemporary belief that children should not be exposed to the harsher elements of fairy tales, because they are too young and innocent. And in time the whole society adopted this idea as their own.
The Walt Disney version of fairy tales that always consist of happy endings and never of one's dreams being shattered, can have a very negative effect on children. That is due to the fact that by sheltering children from the harsher elements that the original versions of fairy tales used to possess, one will also shelter them from the harsher elements of reality. And by not being exposed to these elements gradually, when they will have to face the harsh reality that does not always consist of happy endings, they will most likely feel like their life has taken a drastic turn for the worse. While the truth is that ups and downs are quite common during one's lifetime, but the conflicts are often solvable. Another reason why the Disney version of fairy tales can have a negative impact on the development of children is because of the "and they lived happily ever after" types of endings. These endings make children grow up with the idea that love brings great joy, which is absolutely true; however, it eliminates the fact a relationships also consists of a great amount of effort that must be put into it in order for things to work out.
Despite the fact that there is an ever increasing return to the dark elements in fairy tales, these violent modern versions of fairy tales have managed to keep in touch with the magical elements that are associated with fairy tales. Some of the factors that contribute to the maintenance of magical elements in fairy tales are the recurring archetypal villains such as the witches, and the existing battle between good and evil as the main theme in fairy tales.
The Walt Disney version of fairy tales that always consist of happy endings and never of one's dreams being shattered, can have a very negative effect on children. That is due to the fact that by sheltering children from the harsher elements that the original versions of fairy tales used to possess, one will also shelter them from the harsher elements of reality. And by not being exposed to these elements gradually, when they will have to face the harsh reality that does not always consist of happy endings, they will most likely feel like their life has taken a drastic turn for the worse. While the truth is that ups and downs are quite common during one's lifetime, but the conflicts are often solvable. Another reason why the Disney version of fairy tales can have a negative impact on the development of children is because of the "and they lived happily ever after" types of endings. These endings make children grow up with the idea that love brings great joy, which is absolutely true; however, it eliminates the fact a relationships also consists of a great amount of effort that must be put into it in order for things to work out.
Despite the fact that there is an ever increasing return to the dark elements in fairy tales, these violent modern versions of fairy tales have managed to keep in touch with the magical elements that are associated with fairy tales. Some of the factors that contribute to the maintenance of magical elements in fairy tales are the recurring archetypal villains such as the witches, and the existing battle between good and evil as the main theme in fairy tales.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Farenheit 451: Emotional Numbness
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. pages 66-90
"And he remembered thinking then that if she died, he was certain he wouldn't cry. For it would be the dying face of an unknown, a street face, a newspaper image, and it was suddenly so very wrong that he had begun to cry, not at death but at the thought of not crying at death, a silly empty man near a silly empty woman.." (Bradbury 74)
Bradbury states this quote while Montag is reflecting back to the time when his wife, Mildred took a plethora of sleeping pills which lead her to being a step away from dying.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because of its crucial significance in regards to the society where Montag resides. It's a society where people have lost touch with reality, and they are suffocated by the great amounts of technology and virtual reality that exist in their daily lives. Some examples of virtual reality include "the Family." "The Family" is a group of "people" that are constantly present in their lives, and Mildred pays more attention to them than to her own husband.
Another object that plays a major role in separating Montag and Mildred not only physically, but also emotionally, is the three walls which are located between them in their bedroom, and encircle "The Family." Because of these walls, Montag and Mildred have a permanent feeling of emptiness in their lives; the type of emptiness that can only be filled by experiencing a real human connection. That is because when such a connection is experienced, not only are two people united by their interests, but their differences also begin to fade away as they grow closer together. Their issues begin to seem less catastrophic, and the ability to find joy in the simple things in life flourishes. It is because of the absence of such a relationship that Montag fails to feel sad at the thought of his wife passing away; because to him she is nothing more than just another human being whom he has no emotional connection to.
The author's intention when writing this quote is to show how virtual reality has a tremendous impact in the characters daily lives. When one thinks about it, the word itself virtual reality is an oxymoron, because something can either be virtual or real, but the two elements cannot coexist. Therefore, because they cannot coexist in theory, they cannot coexist in a person's mind either, since they contradict each other. This is why many times, when it comes to video games or anything that resembles reality up to every minor detail, people get so involved in them and react to every event in that game as if I'd be happening them in real life. And such a person often has a tendency to forget when something is not real, which directly affects everything in their life that is real, such as their friends and family.
"And he remembered thinking then that if she died, he was certain he wouldn't cry. For it would be the dying face of an unknown, a street face, a newspaper image, and it was suddenly so very wrong that he had begun to cry, not at death but at the thought of not crying at death, a silly empty man near a silly empty woman.." (Bradbury 74)
Bradbury states this quote while Montag is reflecting back to the time when his wife, Mildred took a plethora of sleeping pills which lead her to being a step away from dying.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because of its crucial significance in regards to the society where Montag resides. It's a society where people have lost touch with reality, and they are suffocated by the great amounts of technology and virtual reality that exist in their daily lives. Some examples of virtual reality include "the Family." "The Family" is a group of "people" that are constantly present in their lives, and Mildred pays more attention to them than to her own husband.
Another object that plays a major role in separating Montag and Mildred not only physically, but also emotionally, is the three walls which are located between them in their bedroom, and encircle "The Family." Because of these walls, Montag and Mildred have a permanent feeling of emptiness in their lives; the type of emptiness that can only be filled by experiencing a real human connection. That is because when such a connection is experienced, not only are two people united by their interests, but their differences also begin to fade away as they grow closer together. Their issues begin to seem less catastrophic, and the ability to find joy in the simple things in life flourishes. It is because of the absence of such a relationship that Montag fails to feel sad at the thought of his wife passing away; because to him she is nothing more than just another human being whom he has no emotional connection to.
The author's intention when writing this quote is to show how virtual reality has a tremendous impact in the characters daily lives. When one thinks about it, the word itself virtual reality is an oxymoron, because something can either be virtual or real, but the two elements cannot coexist. Therefore, because they cannot coexist in theory, they cannot coexist in a person's mind either, since they contradict each other. This is why many times, when it comes to video games or anything that resembles reality up to every minor detail, people get so involved in them and react to every event in that game as if I'd be happening them in real life. And such a person often has a tendency to forget when something is not real, which directly affects everything in their life that is real, such as their friends and family.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Fahrenheit 451: Taking risks
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451. pages 3- 66
"Mildred backed away as if she were suddenly confronted by a pack of mice that had come up out of the floor. " ( Bradbury 66)
Ray Bradbury writes this line when Montag reveals to his wife that he has been hiding books behind the grille from the air conditioner.
This quote was chosen because of the powerful imagery that's used. The imagery enables the reader to understand exactly how threatening Montag's wife, Mildred, views the books which Montag has hidden. The obvious reason why Mildred fears them is because it is against the law to own any books, and any individual which owns books will often get caught and burned with the books.
This quote also helps the reader comprehend what type of society Montag resides in; it's a society where people fear being educated. Thus, the books in this quote also symbolize knowledge or education. And the reason why Mildred fears them, and backs away from them as if they are rats, is due to the fact that everything she does throughout her daily life does not consist of learning in any way. Therefore, her backing away represents her "fear of the unknown" and the unknown in this case is being educated.
Ray Bradbury wants to make the readers aware of the fact that as a society, we are often lenient when it comes to learning, and instead prefer doing something that doesn't require us to think. For example, people often prefer watching television, or pursuing other similar activities. Another focal point that Bradbury is trying to make is that we also love having things simplified for us. But this process of simplification also "waters down our minds" because we are no longer challenged to achieve something by ourselves. And by not facing small challenges often, when we do happen to face one it often happens to be a crucial one, and because our lack of expertise in dealing with something new which requires us to think for ourselves, we are often incapable of solving that problem. Bradbury also wants to make his readers aware of the fact that if we continue in such a way, we will fall into a pattern and refuse to face the real world because of weaving ourselves into our comfort zone.
"Mildred backed away as if she were suddenly confronted by a pack of mice that had come up out of the floor. " ( Bradbury 66)
Ray Bradbury writes this line when Montag reveals to his wife that he has been hiding books behind the grille from the air conditioner.
This quote was chosen because of the powerful imagery that's used. The imagery enables the reader to understand exactly how threatening Montag's wife, Mildred, views the books which Montag has hidden. The obvious reason why Mildred fears them is because it is against the law to own any books, and any individual which owns books will often get caught and burned with the books.
This quote also helps the reader comprehend what type of society Montag resides in; it's a society where people fear being educated. Thus, the books in this quote also symbolize knowledge or education. And the reason why Mildred fears them, and backs away from them as if they are rats, is due to the fact that everything she does throughout her daily life does not consist of learning in any way. Therefore, her backing away represents her "fear of the unknown" and the unknown in this case is being educated.
Ray Bradbury wants to make the readers aware of the fact that as a society, we are often lenient when it comes to learning, and instead prefer doing something that doesn't require us to think. For example, people often prefer watching television, or pursuing other similar activities. Another focal point that Bradbury is trying to make is that we also love having things simplified for us. But this process of simplification also "waters down our minds" because we are no longer challenged to achieve something by ourselves. And by not facing small challenges often, when we do happen to face one it often happens to be a crucial one, and because our lack of expertise in dealing with something new which requires us to think for ourselves, we are often incapable of solving that problem. Bradbury also wants to make his readers aware of the fact that if we continue in such a way, we will fall into a pattern and refuse to face the real world because of weaving ourselves into our comfort zone.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
1984 & Farenheit 451: Connections
1984 and Fahrenheit 451
Some of the elements which 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 have in common are elements of irony. For example, in 1984 the Ministry of Peace deals with war, while the Ministry of Truth is all about rewriting the past. While in Farenehit 451 the protagonist is a fireman. Although Montag is not the type of fireman that one is familiar with nowadays: he initiates fires in order to burn books, rather than extinguish them. Another element of irony which exists in Bradbury's novel is that what is considered anti-social in their society matches our definition of a social individual. For example, Clarrisse is thought of as an anti-social individual at her school, but she is on the contrary, very talkative and social.
Another element which both books have in common is that both Winston from 1984 and Montag are rebels in some way. Winston fits the definition of a rebel more than Montag does, because of having idologies and thoughts which are considered unorthodox by the party. Another thing which also makes him a rebel is his behaviour. Winston risks his life by meeting Julia on several instances, and also joins The Brotherhood. Taking those risks is the equivalent of digging himself a grave, because sooner or later he will perish, once caught by the Thought Police. In regards to Fahrenheit 451, the rebelliousness of Montag is a more subtle one (at least for the time being). Montag proves capable of being a rebel when the reader finds out about the novels which he has been hiding behind the grille from the air-conditioning system. The number of novels turns out to be surprisingly high which explicitly shows for the first time ever that Montag has the ability of being a rebel.
Some of the elements which 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 have in common are elements of irony. For example, in 1984 the Ministry of Peace deals with war, while the Ministry of Truth is all about rewriting the past. While in Farenehit 451 the protagonist is a fireman. Although Montag is not the type of fireman that one is familiar with nowadays: he initiates fires in order to burn books, rather than extinguish them. Another element of irony which exists in Bradbury's novel is that what is considered anti-social in their society matches our definition of a social individual. For example, Clarrisse is thought of as an anti-social individual at her school, but she is on the contrary, very talkative and social.
Another element which both books have in common is that both Winston from 1984 and Montag are rebels in some way. Winston fits the definition of a rebel more than Montag does, because of having idologies and thoughts which are considered unorthodox by the party. Another thing which also makes him a rebel is his behaviour. Winston risks his life by meeting Julia on several instances, and also joins The Brotherhood. Taking those risks is the equivalent of digging himself a grave, because sooner or later he will perish, once caught by the Thought Police. In regards to Fahrenheit 451, the rebelliousness of Montag is a more subtle one (at least for the time being). Montag proves capable of being a rebel when the reader finds out about the novels which he has been hiding behind the grille from the air-conditioning system. The number of novels turns out to be surprisingly high which explicitly shows for the first time ever that Montag has the ability of being a rebel.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
1984: Going with the flow
" How easy it all was! Only to surrender, and everything else followed. It was like swimming against a current that swept you backwards however hard you struggled, and then suddenly deciding to turn round and go with the current instead of opposing it. He hardly knew why he had ever rebelled." (Orwell 291)
This quote was chosen because of the powerful imagery that's being used. The way that Orwell is comparing Winston's struggle to swimming against a current that is flowing the opposite way is a very intriguing way of comparing the two different situations. The comparison also enables the reader to sympathize with Winston's choice of submitting to the Party's beliefs. Because just like swimming against a current wears one out and eventually leaves them with no other option than to go with the flow; Winston is also left with no other option than to accept the Party's beliefs and adopt them.
This quote also signifies a very important change in the way that Winston is thinking. It signifies the first, and final step that he takes towards becoming one with the crowd, because his previous fight for individuality has come very close to its end. It is a crucial part in Winston's change of beliefs because until this moment his most valuable possessions were his vivid memories of the past and the hope that someday the proles will rebel, and the ability to have individualistic thoughts and a private life will be reestablished. But now by abandoning those beliefs and adopting the ones that belong to the party, Winston is not only starting to believe that the party has been right all along, but also that his memories of the past are "false," and that Big Brother will never be defeated and the society of Oceania will always remain the same way as it is at this present moment.
Through this quote Orwell's intention is to show that one individual cannot achieve something by themselves, because the rest of the people will outnumber them and "hold them back", which will result in that one person losing trust and confidence in their ability to change whatever they wished to; just like Winston did.
This quote was chosen because of the powerful imagery that's being used. The way that Orwell is comparing Winston's struggle to swimming against a current that is flowing the opposite way is a very intriguing way of comparing the two different situations. The comparison also enables the reader to sympathize with Winston's choice of submitting to the Party's beliefs. Because just like swimming against a current wears one out and eventually leaves them with no other option than to go with the flow; Winston is also left with no other option than to accept the Party's beliefs and adopt them.
This quote also signifies a very important change in the way that Winston is thinking. It signifies the first, and final step that he takes towards becoming one with the crowd, because his previous fight for individuality has come very close to its end. It is a crucial part in Winston's change of beliefs because until this moment his most valuable possessions were his vivid memories of the past and the hope that someday the proles will rebel, and the ability to have individualistic thoughts and a private life will be reestablished. But now by abandoning those beliefs and adopting the ones that belong to the party, Winston is not only starting to believe that the party has been right all along, but also that his memories of the past are "false," and that Big Brother will never be defeated and the society of Oceania will always remain the same way as it is at this present moment.
Through this quote Orwell's intention is to show that one individual cannot achieve something by themselves, because the rest of the people will outnumber them and "hold them back", which will result in that one person losing trust and confidence in their ability to change whatever they wished to; just like Winston did.
1984: Accepting the Party's beliefs
George Orwell, 1984
"He could not fight against the Party any longer.Besides, the Party was in the right. It must be so: how could the immortal, collective brain be mistaken? By what external standard could you check its judgments? Sanity was statistical." (Orwell 290)
This quote was chosen because it shows the values and morals of Oceania. It shows how Winston is slowly losing the battle against the Party because of being a single individual with unique beliefs but no power, while the Party has power and now have the ability of forcing their beliefs onto him.
Winston says this quote after O'Brien tortures him at "The Ministry of Love" This quote was chosen because it is crucial to Winston's change of character. Orwell states this line because it shows how spending time inside "The Ministry of Love" is degrading Winston's mind, and causing him to slowly start believing exactly what he is being told. It also shows that despite the fact that he despises the Party, he is trying to train himself into believing what they stand for, and therefore practicing "crimestop."
At this point in the novel, Winston is doing so only because of knowing that by continuing to believe in his own ideologies, he will only endure even more torture. Therefore, it is in fact the fear of being helpless and unable to endure more pain that causes his beliefs to take a drastic turn, towards the norm. The part of the quote that represents that Winston is attempting to believe what he is being told is the "sanity is statistical" part. What it signifies is that what is considered a normal thing to believe by a (sane) individual is what the general public beliefs.
Such a belief has been present since the beginning of time, and it applies to the society that Orwell lived in just as much as it applies to ours. Some of the beliefs that individuals nowadays are often ridiculed for are if they follow a religion that is unheard of, or known very little about. For example, Scientology is often something that people ridicule, but there is just as much proof that Jesus exists as there is of the supreme being that exists in Scientology. But what keeps one religion from being ridiculed and not the other, is the fact that the concepts of Christianity have been embedded into peoples' minds for centuries, which has resulted in them accepting that religion. While with Scientology, it's a fairly new concept.
"He could not fight against the Party any longer.Besides, the Party was in the right. It must be so: how could the immortal, collective brain be mistaken? By what external standard could you check its judgments? Sanity was statistical." (Orwell 290)
This quote was chosen because it shows the values and morals of Oceania. It shows how Winston is slowly losing the battle against the Party because of being a single individual with unique beliefs but no power, while the Party has power and now have the ability of forcing their beliefs onto him.
Winston says this quote after O'Brien tortures him at "The Ministry of Love" This quote was chosen because it is crucial to Winston's change of character. Orwell states this line because it shows how spending time inside "The Ministry of Love" is degrading Winston's mind, and causing him to slowly start believing exactly what he is being told. It also shows that despite the fact that he despises the Party, he is trying to train himself into believing what they stand for, and therefore practicing "crimestop."
At this point in the novel, Winston is doing so only because of knowing that by continuing to believe in his own ideologies, he will only endure even more torture. Therefore, it is in fact the fear of being helpless and unable to endure more pain that causes his beliefs to take a drastic turn, towards the norm. The part of the quote that represents that Winston is attempting to believe what he is being told is the "sanity is statistical" part. What it signifies is that what is considered a normal thing to believe by a (sane) individual is what the general public beliefs.
Such a belief has been present since the beginning of time, and it applies to the society that Orwell lived in just as much as it applies to ours. Some of the beliefs that individuals nowadays are often ridiculed for are if they follow a religion that is unheard of, or known very little about. For example, Scientology is often something that people ridicule, but there is just as much proof that Jesus exists as there is of the supreme being that exists in Scientology. But what keeps one religion from being ridiculed and not the other, is the fact that the concepts of Christianity have been embedded into peoples' minds for centuries, which has resulted in them accepting that religion. While with Scientology, it's a fairly new concept.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
1984: Influencial factors
There are certain events which influenced Orwell when writing 1984. One particular event which is said to have been the origin for Room 101 is the torture which he endured when attending his preparatory school. Although such treatment was common during that era, there is no denying that it did influence Orwell. Another element that contributed to the creation of Room 101 is Orwell working for the BBC in Room 101. There, political news about the state of the war were being broadcast and Orwell felt that the BBC were not retelling the events acurately, and were in fact distorting them. This can be related to what Winston must do in Room 101: to deny the truth and accept the lies as truth.
After writing one of his novels, Wigan Pier, Orwell went to Spain in order to write articles about the Spanish Civil War. In Spain, the conflict was occuring due to the Communist/Socialist movement,and the anarchists; which were the enemies of the party that were being shot or imprisoned. This obviously influenced Orwell to envision the Thought Police, in 1984. Similar to the way that the enemies of the party during the Spanish Civil War were being shot or imprisoned, the people that get caught by the Thought Police and are thought of being Big Brother's enemies, are being imprisoned and tortured as well. Another influence that he encountered while living in Spain during the Civil War is that class distinctions were persisting even under a communist regime, despite the fact that what communism was supposed to provide equality among all its residents. This is also something that appears in 1984, when the rationizing of chocolate is intended for making everyone feel equal, while it is in fact, the reader finds out later on in the novel that members of the Inner Party have access to far more products which other residents don't (such as wine).
During the second novel I will focus on finding connections between Farenheit 451 and 1984. Since both novels have been influenced by events which occurred during World War 2, and they were both published relatively around the same time.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
1984: Emotions
George Orwell, 1984.
"What mattered were individual relationships, and a completely helpless gesture, an embrace, a tear, a word spoken to a dying man, could have value in itself.The proles had stayed human. They had not become hardened inside. They had held on to the primitive emotions which he himself had to re-learn by conscious effort. And in thinking this he remembered, without apparent relevance, how a few weeks ago he had seen a severed hand lying on the pavement and had kicked it into the gutter as though it have been a cabbage-stalk." (pg 172, Orwell)
This quote is significant simply because it is an accurate representation of Winston's character development. It shows how numb Winston feels before being in a relationship with Julia, and how different he is now, after meeting her.
Prior to meeting Julia, Orwell portrays Winston as a character that is merely getting through the day for a reason that was unknown to him; an individual that is living just for the sake of doing so. One particular part of the quote which reflects that is him kicking the severed hand "as though it had been a cabbage-stalk." Which highlights how highly dehumanized Winston is feeling. But Julia's presence made him feel alive once again. Because her slipping the paper in his hand which said I love you is the cause for him starting to have feelings once again, and it is also the reason why he realizes that the most important things that matter to him are things such as "an embrace", and an "individual relationship."
The other part of the quote which talks about the proles (which are the lower class, poor individuals) shows that because of the absence of telescreens and the constant fear of being watched they are capable of maintaining their human emotions, since they have no reason to censor the feelings which they feel the need to express. But, because Winston must have a telescreen inside of his home, he often has to control his emotions in order to not appear suspicious to the "Thought Police," because not doing so would result in him getting vaporized. But, due to the constant controlling of his emotions, it caused him to try and detatch himself from reality as much as possible in order not to risk showing any feelings. Which is what resulted in him being emotionally numb until meeting Julia.
"What mattered were individual relationships, and a completely helpless gesture, an embrace, a tear, a word spoken to a dying man, could have value in itself.The proles had stayed human. They had not become hardened inside. They had held on to the primitive emotions which he himself had to re-learn by conscious effort. And in thinking this he remembered, without apparent relevance, how a few weeks ago he had seen a severed hand lying on the pavement and had kicked it into the gutter as though it have been a cabbage-stalk." (pg 172, Orwell)
This quote is significant simply because it is an accurate representation of Winston's character development. It shows how numb Winston feels before being in a relationship with Julia, and how different he is now, after meeting her.
Prior to meeting Julia, Orwell portrays Winston as a character that is merely getting through the day for a reason that was unknown to him; an individual that is living just for the sake of doing so. One particular part of the quote which reflects that is him kicking the severed hand "as though it had been a cabbage-stalk." Which highlights how highly dehumanized Winston is feeling. But Julia's presence made him feel alive once again. Because her slipping the paper in his hand which said I love you is the cause for him starting to have feelings once again, and it is also the reason why he realizes that the most important things that matter to him are things such as "an embrace", and an "individual relationship."
The other part of the quote which talks about the proles (which are the lower class, poor individuals) shows that because of the absence of telescreens and the constant fear of being watched they are capable of maintaining their human emotions, since they have no reason to censor the feelings which they feel the need to express. But, because Winston must have a telescreen inside of his home, he often has to control his emotions in order to not appear suspicious to the "Thought Police," because not doing so would result in him getting vaporized. But, due to the constant controlling of his emotions, it caused him to try and detatch himself from reality as much as possible in order not to risk showing any feelings. Which is what resulted in him being emotionally numb until meeting Julia.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
1984: Party Slogan
George Orwell, 1984
The Party's main slogan from 1984 is an oxymoron, and runs as follows:
"War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength" (pg 107, Orwell)
Winston encounters this slogan throughout the novel, because of it's extreme importance. The "War is Peace" part, represents the fact that most of the residents from the nation where Winston resides, Oceania, believe the fact that by going to war they can attain peace within the nation. That's because of them believing that through their country's reigning victories, they will have a better lifestyle due to better food, clothes and an overall superior way of living. One common thing that this quote has with events that occurred in real life, is that in the past many nations believed the exact same notion: that by going to war they can achieve peace, and that going to war was the sole way of solving a major conflict.
"Freedom is Slavery" simply shows how the characters in 1984 have no freedom because in order to be free they have to submit to the rules and in fact, be slaves to the government and their regulations. This can also be directly related to the world we reside in, because even though we believe that we are free in many ways, we are actually constantly doing things which we have no control to change, thus making us slaves. Such things include going to work, school, completing the work that we are given etc.
Lastly, "Ignorance is Strength" refers to the fact that ignoring the events which occur throughout the novel is thought of as a strength in the society of Oceania. The characters refer to this as 'double think.' One particular part that 'double think' includes is forgetting whatever is necessary to forget, and drawing it back into memory if it is later needed. For example, throughout the war new alliances are often being formed, but the past is constantly rewritten in order to convince the residents that Oceania has always been allied with none other than the nation that they are allied with at that given moment. "Ignorance is Strength" is also a concept that can be related to the world that we reside in, because whenever something annoys a person, it is often considered best to simply ignore it. Since that is often thought of as a strength, and the best way that one can solve a problem.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because it is an insight into the main theme of the novel: how the truth can be altered, which can lead to one questioning their beliefs about the events which occurred.
The Party's main slogan from 1984 is an oxymoron, and runs as follows:
"War is Peace
Freedom is Slavery
Ignorance is Strength" (pg 107, Orwell)
Winston encounters this slogan throughout the novel, because of it's extreme importance. The "War is Peace" part, represents the fact that most of the residents from the nation where Winston resides, Oceania, believe the fact that by going to war they can attain peace within the nation. That's because of them believing that through their country's reigning victories, they will have a better lifestyle due to better food, clothes and an overall superior way of living. One common thing that this quote has with events that occurred in real life, is that in the past many nations believed the exact same notion: that by going to war they can achieve peace, and that going to war was the sole way of solving a major conflict.
"Freedom is Slavery" simply shows how the characters in 1984 have no freedom because in order to be free they have to submit to the rules and in fact, be slaves to the government and their regulations. This can also be directly related to the world we reside in, because even though we believe that we are free in many ways, we are actually constantly doing things which we have no control to change, thus making us slaves. Such things include going to work, school, completing the work that we are given etc.
Lastly, "Ignorance is Strength" refers to the fact that ignoring the events which occur throughout the novel is thought of as a strength in the society of Oceania. The characters refer to this as 'double think.' One particular part that 'double think' includes is forgetting whatever is necessary to forget, and drawing it back into memory if it is later needed. For example, throughout the war new alliances are often being formed, but the past is constantly rewritten in order to convince the residents that Oceania has always been allied with none other than the nation that they are allied with at that given moment. "Ignorance is Strength" is also a concept that can be related to the world that we reside in, because whenever something annoys a person, it is often considered best to simply ignore it. Since that is often thought of as a strength, and the best way that one can solve a problem.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because it is an insight into the main theme of the novel: how the truth can be altered, which can lead to one questioning their beliefs about the events which occurred.
Monday, October 6, 2008
1984: Winston's Nostalgia
George Orwell, 1984
"The thought flitted through Winston's mind that it would probably be quiet easy to rent the room for a few dollars a week, if he dared to take the risk. It was a wild, impossible notion to be abandoned as soon as he thought of; but the room had awakened in him a sort of nostalgia, a sort of ancestral memory" (Orwell, pg 100)
Winston says this quote while being inside a prole's home, and gazing around the room which contains many objects from the society which existed before, when there was no totalitarianism. It is significant, because throughout the novel small hints are given here and there, which point to the fact that Winston Smith is still extremely attached to the past. Such clues include him buying a glass paperweight, and writing in a journal as a way of keeping in touch with "a time when thought is free, and men are different from one another." (Orwell, pg 30) But this act, the one of him pondering about renting the room which possesses many antiquities and no telescreen,no longer implies, but rather explicitly shows how much Winston is longing to have the same amount of privacy and security as he vaguely remembers having before Big Brother appeared.
This quote also makes the reader realize that they have the ability to do certain things which they don't even think of as "freedom of choice." Because there are specific occupations, such as being capable of sitting inside one's home and writing in a journal, that one never stops to think about how "fortunate" they are to be capable of doing them in today's society. While in this novel, the protagonist has to risk being caught by the "Thought Police" when doing such activities. Winston also perceives such private activities like one of the things that would bring him the greatest amount of inner bliss. But in today's world, most of the joy that one can get from doing these things has been drained due to their monotony; because after all, it's often not the things that we do daily that excite us, but rather, the ones that we do rarely. This quote also shows how certain objects have such a powerful effect over one's memory, because they possess the ability of reawakening certain memories or feelings, which one might have been unaware of their existence. One such object is the room from the quote, which acquaints Winston with his memories of what resting in a room like that felt like.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because it explicitly reflects the protagonist's values and morals; it shows that he is thinking about bending certain rules in order to go back, and live in a residence like the ones which existed before the age of totalitarianism.
"The thought flitted through Winston's mind that it would probably be quiet easy to rent the room for a few dollars a week, if he dared to take the risk. It was a wild, impossible notion to be abandoned as soon as he thought of; but the room had awakened in him a sort of nostalgia, a sort of ancestral memory" (Orwell, pg 100)
Winston says this quote while being inside a prole's home, and gazing around the room which contains many objects from the society which existed before, when there was no totalitarianism. It is significant, because throughout the novel small hints are given here and there, which point to the fact that Winston Smith is still extremely attached to the past. Such clues include him buying a glass paperweight, and writing in a journal as a way of keeping in touch with "a time when thought is free, and men are different from one another." (Orwell, pg 30) But this act, the one of him pondering about renting the room which possesses many antiquities and no telescreen,no longer implies, but rather explicitly shows how much Winston is longing to have the same amount of privacy and security as he vaguely remembers having before Big Brother appeared.
This quote also makes the reader realize that they have the ability to do certain things which they don't even think of as "freedom of choice." Because there are specific occupations, such as being capable of sitting inside one's home and writing in a journal, that one never stops to think about how "fortunate" they are to be capable of doing them in today's society. While in this novel, the protagonist has to risk being caught by the "Thought Police" when doing such activities. Winston also perceives such private activities like one of the things that would bring him the greatest amount of inner bliss. But in today's world, most of the joy that one can get from doing these things has been drained due to their monotony; because after all, it's often not the things that we do daily that excite us, but rather, the ones that we do rarely. This quote also shows how certain objects have such a powerful effect over one's memory, because they possess the ability of reawakening certain memories or feelings, which one might have been unaware of their existence. One such object is the room from the quote, which acquaints Winston with his memories of what resting in a room like that felt like.
The reason why this quote was chosen is because it explicitly reflects the protagonist's values and morals; it shows that he is thinking about bending certain rules in order to go back, and live in a residence like the ones which existed before the age of totalitarianism.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Looking beneath the surface
The following quote from 1984 is rather intriguing: "Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present, controls the past." (pg 37, Orwell) After first reading it, it left me under the impression that it was the type of quote that leads one in circles, and does not have a definite answer. But now, after examining it and looking beyond those words, so that the meaning of it would be less ambiguous, its significance is far more clear.
Winston Smith was referring to the world that he is living in when he said that. That's because Big Brother controls the past through the workers at the 'Ministry of Truth.' He does so by asking them to "correct" certain minor or major events from newspapers, or books. Events that supposedly never occurred, or articles that mention people which never existed. By doing so, the residents will be far more gullible, since they will always be under the control of the government because of believing that the leaders have always kept the promises. And the leaders will be able to lead the country or "control the future" however they wish. That's because every promise that is broken, is "corrected" soon afterwards, or in other words "re-phrased", in the old article that holds proof of the promise being made, and not carried out as it was declared.
In addition to that, the "who controls the present, controls the past" part, makes a reference to the fact that the Oceania's current leaders which "control the present" have the ability to rewrite the past, which of course, leads into their ability of shaping the future however they wish.
Winston Smith was referring to the world that he is living in when he said that. That's because Big Brother controls the past through the workers at the 'Ministry of Truth.' He does so by asking them to "correct" certain minor or major events from newspapers, or books. Events that supposedly never occurred, or articles that mention people which never existed. By doing so, the residents will be far more gullible, since they will always be under the control of the government because of believing that the leaders have always kept the promises. And the leaders will be able to lead the country or "control the future" however they wish. That's because every promise that is broken, is "corrected" soon afterwards, or in other words "re-phrased", in the old article that holds proof of the promise being made, and not carried out as it was declared.
In addition to that, the "who controls the present, controls the past" part, makes a reference to the fact that the Oceania's current leaders which "control the present" have the ability to rewrite the past, which of course, leads into their ability of shaping the future however they wish.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Order!
This is the order that I'll be reading my novels in:
1. 1984
2. Farenheit 451
3. The Chrysalids
4. The Children of Men
I've decided to read 1984 first, simply becaue it's a world renowned Dystopian novel and I wanted to start off with a novel that is considered a 'classic' because I thought that by doing so, it will be a perfect way of commencing with the Dystopian genre. I'm also starting with 1984 because it's the novel that I'm most familiar with. Not because of having read it before, but because of having heard a lot about it, and having read numerous reviews on it.
Farenheit 451 is the perfect novel to read after 1984 because the two novels have one large element in common- irony. For example, 1984 the 'Ministry of Peace' deals with war, while in Farenheit 451 the firemen which reside in that futuristic society don't extinguish fires, instead they initiate them.
I thought that picking The Chrysalids will add a refreshing perspective to my novel selection because one of the main themes of this novel seems to be apperance, particularly a society's obsession with perfect apperance. I thought that this theme can be related to the current world that we live in today, which is what makes the scenario in the book so realistic.
The Children of Men is another book that I thought creates a rather credible scenario. Even though infertility is not currently a major world wide issue, it is still an issue due to the fact that infertility is indeed on the rise, and more childless couples than ever are left to turn to their only alternative- artificial reproductive technologies. This type of technology often gives them no results either. Because of that,I think that a scenario such as the one in The Children of Men seems likely to possibly occur in the distant future.
1. 1984
2. Farenheit 451
3. The Chrysalids
4. The Children of Men
I've decided to read 1984 first, simply becaue it's a world renowned Dystopian novel and I wanted to start off with a novel that is considered a 'classic' because I thought that by doing so, it will be a perfect way of commencing with the Dystopian genre. I'm also starting with 1984 because it's the novel that I'm most familiar with. Not because of having read it before, but because of having heard a lot about it, and having read numerous reviews on it.
Farenheit 451 is the perfect novel to read after 1984 because the two novels have one large element in common- irony. For example, 1984 the 'Ministry of Peace' deals with war, while in Farenheit 451 the firemen which reside in that futuristic society don't extinguish fires, instead they initiate them.
I thought that picking The Chrysalids will add a refreshing perspective to my novel selection because one of the main themes of this novel seems to be apperance, particularly a society's obsession with perfect apperance. I thought that this theme can be related to the current world that we live in today, which is what makes the scenario in the book so realistic.
The Children of Men is another book that I thought creates a rather credible scenario. Even though infertility is not currently a major world wide issue, it is still an issue due to the fact that infertility is indeed on the rise, and more childless couples than ever are left to turn to their only alternative- artificial reproductive technologies. This type of technology often gives them no results either. Because of that,I think that a scenario such as the one in The Children of Men seems likely to possibly occur in the distant future.
Forever Aging
The Children of Men drops the reader right in the middle of the action. It starts off powerfully, in the year 2021, when a major infertility crisis is the reason for no more children being born. On the first page, it is also stated that the youngest human being that was born on earth was killed around midnight on the first of January, althouh the reason why is not stated.Shortly after, the reader also learns that the story is being told by the protagonist who is writing all the events in his diary because of two factors: his birthday, and the fact that it's a new year.
While Theodore is telling the reader about the current state of the world crisis, he also states that many nations are momentairly storing their books, artifacts, and instruments in order to preserve the memory of the people that once lived on this planet. So that in case the extraterrestrials would land on earth once all humans will cease to exist, they will know what type of civilization once resided there. While pondering, Theodore also comes across the thought of whether the aliens would be awed and intrigued by our creations, or whether they'd simply think nothing like us, and not be touched at all by our creations. The protagonist also states how the case of infertility became a global crisis, and that soon after it was recognized that there was no pregnant woman throughout the world, the hunt for the youngest human being begun. The youngest human being that was discovered was Ricardo, and he continued being the youngest one until he was shot the previous day.
This novel seems very intriguing. Out of the four dystopian novels that I've chosen, I think that this one creates the most realistic scenario. Because of the increasing number of genetic diseases, and overall diseases in this world, I wouldn't be surprised if in the future, infertility would also become a world wide issue. Afterall, I think we're coming across more diseases than cures, nowadays, and I don't think that will change at all in the future.
While Theodore is telling the reader about the current state of the world crisis, he also states that many nations are momentairly storing their books, artifacts, and instruments in order to preserve the memory of the people that once lived on this planet. So that in case the extraterrestrials would land on earth once all humans will cease to exist, they will know what type of civilization once resided there. While pondering, Theodore also comes across the thought of whether the aliens would be awed and intrigued by our creations, or whether they'd simply think nothing like us, and not be touched at all by our creations. The protagonist also states how the case of infertility became a global crisis, and that soon after it was recognized that there was no pregnant woman throughout the world, the hunt for the youngest human being begun. The youngest human being that was discovered was Ricardo, and he continued being the youngest one until he was shot the previous day.
This novel seems very intriguing. Out of the four dystopian novels that I've chosen, I think that this one creates the most realistic scenario. Because of the increasing number of genetic diseases, and overall diseases in this world, I wouldn't be surprised if in the future, infertility would also become a world wide issue. Afterall, I think we're coming across more diseases than cures, nowadays, and I don't think that will change at all in the future.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The World of Pefection
I've just finished reading the first two chapters from The Chrysalids, and I have to say- I was rather impressed. Even though this novel is far more simplistic when compared to 1984 and Farenheit 451 in terms of vocabulary and the subject matter, I find it very well written. I like the fact that in this novel, the people seem to be overly obsessed with the apperance of everything. Which I think is something that can be applied to the current world which we reside in as well. Due to the amount of time and effort that most people invest in their apperance, and the dissatisfaction that they get if they're having a 'bad hair day' or if they've put on an extra pound, or if anything else prevents them from obtaining their perfect image of themselves.
In the first chapter the protagonist, David, re-tells the story of the day when he met a little girl named Sophie, which changed his life. David met her when he went to the bank which was a place he often visited in order to slide down the runnel. But that day, (when he coincidentaly met Sophie) he invited her to try sliding as well; which she did, but during the third time when she slid, her foot got stuck between two stones. This is why when David tried helping her, the only way which he could've succeded in doing so would've been by taking her shoe off. Which was something that Sophie objected to at first, but when she realised that there was no alternative she made David promise that he wouldn't tell anyone of what what he was about to see- her six toes.
Later on, when David walks on his way home he is confronted with his beliefs, and what the bible stated on any creature that did not fit the definition of a man. It stated that ''any creature that shall seem to be human, but is not formed thus is not human. It is neither man nor woman. It is a blasphemy against the true Image of God, and hateful in the sight of God.'' Which he thought completly contradicted the way that Sophie was, because there was nothing remotely frightful about her: she was a sensible, and brave little girl. But because of that definition, David's judgement was clouded, and he had a hard time knowing whether that definition held any possible truth to it.
I believe that the definition of a human raises some interesting questions; whether or not everything that's written is true. Which of course, the answer to is that not everything that we read is true, which raises an even bigger question: how can we differentiate the truth from the lies? Especially if the lies are worded in such a way that they appear as true. And how can we know what to believe?
In the first chapter the protagonist, David, re-tells the story of the day when he met a little girl named Sophie, which changed his life. David met her when he went to the bank which was a place he often visited in order to slide down the runnel. But that day, (when he coincidentaly met Sophie) he invited her to try sliding as well; which she did, but during the third time when she slid, her foot got stuck between two stones. This is why when David tried helping her, the only way which he could've succeded in doing so would've been by taking her shoe off. Which was something that Sophie objected to at first, but when she realised that there was no alternative she made David promise that he wouldn't tell anyone of what what he was about to see- her six toes.
Later on, when David walks on his way home he is confronted with his beliefs, and what the bible stated on any creature that did not fit the definition of a man. It stated that ''any creature that shall seem to be human, but is not formed thus is not human. It is neither man nor woman. It is a blasphemy against the true Image of God, and hateful in the sight of God.'' Which he thought completly contradicted the way that Sophie was, because there was nothing remotely frightful about her: she was a sensible, and brave little girl. But because of that definition, David's judgement was clouded, and he had a hard time knowing whether that definition held any possible truth to it.
I believe that the definition of a human raises some interesting questions; whether or not everything that's written is true. Which of course, the answer to is that not everything that we read is true, which raises an even bigger question: how can we differentiate the truth from the lies? Especially if the lies are worded in such a way that they appear as true. And how can we know what to believe?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The blazing flames devouring novels
Farenheit 451 is an intriguing novel, which I believe I will read right after 1984, since both novels have an element of irony in them.
The way that Farenheit 451 is ironic is because the protagonist, Montag, is a fireman. But not a normal type of fireman that we're accustomed with nowadays; he's a fireman that starts fires, rather than extinguishes them. The reason behind that is because he, and other firemen like him, start fires in order to burn any literature that's present in their society, due to the fact that reading is illegal.
During the first chapter, Montag, meets a 'strange' seventeen-year-old girl by the name of Clarisse. She asks him questions which he percieves as peculiar, questions such as, 'Is it true that long ago firemen put fires out instead of started them?' (pg. 8, Bradbury). Which is a question that Montag immediatly diseregards such an answer to, because of believing that the houses in the past, just like the ones in their world were fireproof. Before the two of them parted after their discussion, Clarisse asked Montag a crucial question- if he's happy. Which left Montag perplexed. After Clarisse first adressed the question to him he simply thought to himself that he was surely happy, but it was only after he arrived home, that he acknowledged the fact that his state of happiness was merely a mask that he wore. He did so in order to cover up the fact that led an empty life throughout his day at work, and when ariving home to his wife.
The way that Farenheit 451 is ironic is because the protagonist, Montag, is a fireman. But not a normal type of fireman that we're accustomed with nowadays; he's a fireman that starts fires, rather than extinguishes them. The reason behind that is because he, and other firemen like him, start fires in order to burn any literature that's present in their society, due to the fact that reading is illegal.
During the first chapter, Montag, meets a 'strange' seventeen-year-old girl by the name of Clarisse. She asks him questions which he percieves as peculiar, questions such as, 'Is it true that long ago firemen put fires out instead of started them?' (pg. 8, Bradbury). Which is a question that Montag immediatly diseregards such an answer to, because of believing that the houses in the past, just like the ones in their world were fireproof. Before the two of them parted after their discussion, Clarisse asked Montag a crucial question- if he's happy. Which left Montag perplexed. After Clarisse first adressed the question to him he simply thought to himself that he was surely happy, but it was only after he arrived home, that he acknowledged the fact that his state of happiness was merely a mask that he wore. He did so in order to cover up the fact that led an empty life throughout his day at work, and when ariving home to his wife.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Creative thoughts are unacceptable..
Upon reading the first few pages of the book, it took me a while to get adjusted to it and to picture the setting and envision everything that was being described; probably due to the lengthy amount of description which the novel contains. But a few pages after that I slowly eased into Orwell's futuristic society, and I became quiet captivated by it.
What I like the most is the fact that even though this book is set in the future, it contains a lot of elements from our current world. Which is something that I prefer over a novel that's set in an extremely distant future, so distant that everything has changed. Such as the means of transportation, the homes, etc.
The first chapter starts off with the protagonist, Winston, as he goes to 'The Ministry of Truth' which is where his workplace is. A place which, 'concerned itself with news, entertainment, education, and fine arts' (Orwell, pg 6). Although it is not specified what Winston's exact job is, (at least not in the first chapter) the reader learns that there are many other existing Ministries in Oceania, such as the 'Ministry of Peace' and the 'Ministry of Love'. But what is ironic, is that what these places concern themselves with the opposite of what one would expect. For example, the 'Ministry of Peace' concerns itself with war, while the 'Ministry of love' is all about law and order, and it is also illustrated as the most terrifying ministries of all.
What I also like about the story is that throughout the first chapter it is depicted how Winston Smith, and the rest of the characters are always aware of their actions because they fear that they might be watched through the 'telescreen', or that they might be caught by the 'Thought Police', while saying something unorthodox. Which is interesting, because that can be easily related to the current world that we live in today. For example, even though we don't have rules that go to such extreme measures, the only reason why most people behave and don't act spontaneously by doing the first thing that crosses their mind, is because they fear the consequences; just like the characters do in 1984.
What I like the most is the fact that even though this book is set in the future, it contains a lot of elements from our current world. Which is something that I prefer over a novel that's set in an extremely distant future, so distant that everything has changed. Such as the means of transportation, the homes, etc.
The first chapter starts off with the protagonist, Winston, as he goes to 'The Ministry of Truth' which is where his workplace is. A place which, 'concerned itself with news, entertainment, education, and fine arts' (Orwell, pg 6). Although it is not specified what Winston's exact job is, (at least not in the first chapter) the reader learns that there are many other existing Ministries in Oceania, such as the 'Ministry of Peace' and the 'Ministry of Love'. But what is ironic, is that what these places concern themselves with the opposite of what one would expect. For example, the 'Ministry of Peace' concerns itself with war, while the 'Ministry of love' is all about law and order, and it is also illustrated as the most terrifying ministries of all.
What I also like about the story is that throughout the first chapter it is depicted how Winston Smith, and the rest of the characters are always aware of their actions because they fear that they might be watched through the 'telescreen', or that they might be caught by the 'Thought Police', while saying something unorthodox. Which is interesting, because that can be easily related to the current world that we live in today. For example, even though we don't have rules that go to such extreme measures, the only reason why most people behave and don't act spontaneously by doing the first thing that crosses their mind, is because they fear the consequences; just like the characters do in 1984.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Gazing into the past
Now that I'm nearly finished with the Annotated Bibliography (all I have left is to type it up), I just have to focus on finding the four books which would be the most suitable for my reading selection. I have three of them so far, which I have selected by researching, and by linking them to the genre that they belong in. They are 1984 by George Orwell, Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry, and Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury,all of which are Dystopian novels.
As for the fourth book, I'm a little bit puzzled; although I would love to read the written version of Fight the Future, which is based on the X-files film with the same title, I'm not sure if I could make it blend in with the rest of the novels. If I would pick Science-Fiction as the main genre, then I could. But then again, after researching I couldn't find out what type of Science-Fiction Fight the Future would fit under. But I believe that it would be categorized in a diffrent Science-Fiction sub-genre then the other three books,therefore, there would be a greater diffrence between the three novels which I have already picked, and Fight the Future.
Another option that I could possibly have, is to pick another Dystopian novel; so I might have to look into that.
Addendum:
1984 is one of the most famous Dystopian novels throughout the world. It is a story that warns it's readers of the harmful potentials that totalitarianism can have. One of the influences that George Orwell picked up on prior to writing this novel, was the Spanish Civil War and World War Two. Many of the elements from 1984, were also based upon the Soviet Union. For example, the "Two Minutes Hate" was based on the demonstrations that the Soviet Union used to have of their enemies. While the physical description of Big Brother closely resembles Stalin's, and the party's arch enemy, Goldstein, resembles Leon Trotsky, mainly because they are both Jewish.
Ray Bradbury's Farenheit 451, is a novel that is mainly about "book burning". This element was a symbol for anti-intellectualism, and was largely influenced by the book burning that took place during the Nazi period (in World War 2) due to the anti-sematic feelings that were shared among part of the German population.
Writing Brave New World was a turning point for Huxley; it was during this time that he synthesized his early writing style of satire, with his fascination for Science-Fiction.This allowed him to move onto writing novels with deeper meanings. A theme that's prominent in several of his novels is the interest of individuals and the society. Such a theme was present in Brave New World, which is a story that is mainly about a fictional futuristic world where individuality and free will does not exist, because they have been sacrificed in order to create social stability within the society. In this novel, the totalitarian goverment controls the society with the use of Science and Technology. Huxley skillfully argues that certain progresses in science, such as the development of technology are very likely to reduce individuality.
P.D James is a British novelist that released two very succesful books; Innocent Blood, and The Children of men. Throughout the book, The Children of Men she presents the shocking idea of what it would be like if the population would turn inexplicably infertile, which would result in chaos in it's purest form. Which is due to the fact that there would be no reason left for anyone to live, if all the humans would perish in a matter of years.
As for the fourth book, I'm a little bit puzzled; although I would love to read the written version of Fight the Future, which is based on the X-files film with the same title, I'm not sure if I could make it blend in with the rest of the novels. If I would pick Science-Fiction as the main genre, then I could. But then again, after researching I couldn't find out what type of Science-Fiction Fight the Future would fit under. But I believe that it would be categorized in a diffrent Science-Fiction sub-genre then the other three books,therefore, there would be a greater diffrence between the three novels which I have already picked, and Fight the Future.
Another option that I could possibly have, is to pick another Dystopian novel; so I might have to look into that.
Addendum:
1984 is one of the most famous Dystopian novels throughout the world. It is a story that warns it's readers of the harmful potentials that totalitarianism can have. One of the influences that George Orwell picked up on prior to writing this novel, was the Spanish Civil War and World War Two. Many of the elements from 1984, were also based upon the Soviet Union. For example, the "Two Minutes Hate" was based on the demonstrations that the Soviet Union used to have of their enemies. While the physical description of Big Brother closely resembles Stalin's, and the party's arch enemy, Goldstein, resembles Leon Trotsky, mainly because they are both Jewish.
Ray Bradbury's Farenheit 451, is a novel that is mainly about "book burning". This element was a symbol for anti-intellectualism, and was largely influenced by the book burning that took place during the Nazi period (in World War 2) due to the anti-sematic feelings that were shared among part of the German population.
Writing Brave New World was a turning point for Huxley; it was during this time that he synthesized his early writing style of satire, with his fascination for Science-Fiction.This allowed him to move onto writing novels with deeper meanings. A theme that's prominent in several of his novels is the interest of individuals and the society. Such a theme was present in Brave New World, which is a story that is mainly about a fictional futuristic world where individuality and free will does not exist, because they have been sacrificed in order to create social stability within the society. In this novel, the totalitarian goverment controls the society with the use of Science and Technology. Huxley skillfully argues that certain progresses in science, such as the development of technology are very likely to reduce individuality.
P.D James is a British novelist that released two very succesful books; Innocent Blood, and The Children of men. Throughout the book, The Children of Men she presents the shocking idea of what it would be like if the population would turn inexplicably infertile, which would result in chaos in it's purest form. Which is due to the fact that there would be no reason left for anyone to live, if all the humans would perish in a matter of years.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Exploring the unexplored
During the time spend at the library I've noticed that dystopian novels, as well as mystery novels tend to capture my attention. That's possibly because a book that's based on mystery, or has a slight amount of it, keeps me captivated until the very end because of wanting to find out the answer(s) behind the events that occured in the book.
What I've found the most surprising is that finding books that I'd be interested in reading takes far more time than I anticipated. Prior to starting this assignment, I thought that I could just walk down the isles at the library and find books that interest me everywhere. But i would've never guessed that the great majority of the time at the library would be spent just by picking the books, because I thought that I would not need to spend more than 10 minutes daily during the process.
While at the library, I have also been discovering some crime fiction novels which have always been a type of novel that i'd like to read. Mainly because of never having experimented with a novel like that before.
So far, I've discovered some new authors whose novels seem intriguing. One such author is Ray Bradbury, who wrote the novel, Farenheit 451. Another author that I've been examing closer up, is Stephen King. Not that I wasn't familiar with him before, I knew who he is, but I only read one of his novels until now, Carrie. And lately I've been more interested in looking into the other novels which he wrote, and seeing which one of those might be enjoyable to read.
I haven't done a lot of backround research to find out about which novels I'd like to read. But another way that I've been selecting which novels to read, is by asking friends and family members to recommend me novels which they enjoyed reading, or which they simply heard were good novels.
What I've found the most surprising is that finding books that I'd be interested in reading takes far more time than I anticipated. Prior to starting this assignment, I thought that I could just walk down the isles at the library and find books that interest me everywhere. But i would've never guessed that the great majority of the time at the library would be spent just by picking the books, because I thought that I would not need to spend more than 10 minutes daily during the process.
While at the library, I have also been discovering some crime fiction novels which have always been a type of novel that i'd like to read. Mainly because of never having experimented with a novel like that before.
So far, I've discovered some new authors whose novels seem intriguing. One such author is Ray Bradbury, who wrote the novel, Farenheit 451. Another author that I've been examing closer up, is Stephen King. Not that I wasn't familiar with him before, I knew who he is, but I only read one of his novels until now, Carrie. And lately I've been more interested in looking into the other novels which he wrote, and seeing which one of those might be enjoyable to read.
I haven't done a lot of backround research to find out about which novels I'd like to read. But another way that I've been selecting which novels to read, is by asking friends and family members to recommend me novels which they enjoyed reading, or which they simply heard were good novels.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
My comfort zone: literature that I've truly enjoyed
The type of literature that I enjoy the most has always been mystery. But not any type of mystery, the type that involves the supernatural. The first few books of that genre which I have read were probably from the Goosebumps series, which were written by R.L Stine. After reading those books I became hungry for reading more books in the same genre, but by a different author, which is when i came across an author named John Bellairs. I was fascinated while reading the stories written by him, and as soon as I finished one book I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one.And from that point on, I began reading mostly mystery books, because the other genres didn't interest me as much.
'The Giver' is one of my all time favorite books, which is why I've always been interested in reading other Science Fiction books such as '1984'. But I would only be interested in reading Science Fiction books in which the action takes place in a Dystopian or Utopian world. That's because I find those two types far more intriguing than the other sub genres of that genre which I find far less credible.
One type of literature that I have never read is Romance, and I don't plan on reading any anytime soon because they seem to lack the mystery and suspence that I'm used to having in a book. I have also not read any Crime Fiction books, but I would like to read some in the future if I will find any that will grab my attention.
'The Giver' is one of my all time favorite books, which is why I've always been interested in reading other Science Fiction books such as '1984'. But I would only be interested in reading Science Fiction books in which the action takes place in a Dystopian or Utopian world. That's because I find those two types far more intriguing than the other sub genres of that genre which I find far less credible.
One type of literature that I have never read is Romance, and I don't plan on reading any anytime soon because they seem to lack the mystery and suspence that I'm used to having in a book. I have also not read any Crime Fiction books, but I would like to read some in the future if I will find any that will grab my attention.
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