“But sometimes life doesn’t give you all that many chances at being good. Not here, anyway. Even Father learned that one the hard way. He came on strong, thinking he’d save the children, and what does he do but lose his own? That’s the lesson, right there. If you take a bunch of practically grown, red-blooded daughters to Africa, don’t you think at least some of them are going to marry or what have you, and end up staying? You can’t just sashay into the jungle aiming to change it all over to the Christian style, without expecting the jungle to change you right back” (Kingsolver, 515).
I found this passage very interesting as I was reading the last two chapters of this book. It stuck out in my mind even after I passed it because I felt like it sums up the Price family’s mentality when first arriving in the Congo. This passage is told by Rachel, oddly enough, and it is quite blunt and to the point, which I love. She is basically admitting that her and her family arrived in the Congo expecting to change their surroundings (in her Father’s mind, for the better) and not have their new surroundings change them in the slightest bit. Reflecting back on her time in Kilanga with her family, Rachel now understands that this mentality is completely wrong and untrue. The last three sentences of this passage are the strongest, in my opinion. It shows that Rachel’s mentality now is much more accepting of her surroundings and the impact it has had on her. This is a drastic change from the beginning of the book where all she wanted to do was return to Georgia, never return to Africa and erase every memory she ever made there from her mind.
“If I could reach backward somehow to give Father just one gift, it would be the simple human relief of knowing you’ve done wrong, and living through it. Poor Father, who was just one of a million men who never did catch on. He stamped me with a belief in justice, then drenched me in culpability, and I wouldn’t wish such torment even on a mosquito! But that exciting, tyrannical God of his has left me for good. I don’t know how to name what crept in to take his place. Some kin to the passion of Brother Fowles, I guess, who advised me to trust in Creation, which is made fresh daily and doesn’t suffer in translation. This God does not work in especially mysterious ways” (Kingsolver, 525).
This passage is told from the perspective of Leah, who is now living in Angola with Anatole and their children. I found this passage to be both interesting and significant because it shows that Nathan Price essentially destroyed Leah’s relationship with God. By pressing the Word on her for so many years, and treating his family the way he did, it completely turned Leah off from ever choosing to worship God on her own. Leah’s view on her Father did a complete 180 from the beginning of the book until this point. As we read, Leah used to worship her Father and wanted to grow to be just like him. But after realizing her Father’s true character, Leah wanted to be nothing him. In this passage Leah states that her Father drenched her in a heavy guilt and for that, it doesn’t seem as though she could ever forgive him. This is probably part of the reason why her belief in God is no longer there. God and the Word are both relationships tainted by the memory of her Father. Leah now believes in The Creation, the religion of Africa’s common people. This religion doesn’t change from day to day and it is predictable. I think that because Leah is now living in Africa leading the life she is, this is a much more suitable religion that she can believe in. It is a stable, never-changing relationship with nature.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 9, 2007
Lexicographer: Exodus
Kikongo Words
Bandika – to kill with an arrow; attach, glue, join, load.
Braai –roast, barbeque, toast.
Citoyen –citizen.
Filaires – tiny parasites that crawl into your pores and cause flare-ups.
Jezebel –wife of Ahab, King of Israel, who was a cruel & immoral queen who worshiped Baal and tried to kill prophets of Israel; A shameless impudent scheming woman.
Mondele – "white daughter"; Elisabet's nickname for Leah.
Nuus – daily news
Nyoka –snake, serpent
Nzolani— to be the most precious.
Nzole –traditional marriage cloth, symbolizes the togetherness of marriage; double the size of a regular pagne.
Nzolo – dearly beloved.
English Words/Phrases:
Bigamist : somebody who is married illegally to two people simultaneously.
Derelict : no longer lived in; in poor condition because of neglect.
Exonerates: to declare officially that somebody is not to blame; to relieve somebody from an obligation or responsibility.
Penitents: expressing or feeling regret or sorrow for having committed sins or misdeeds.
Prophetic: predicting or foreshadowing something that does eventually happen; relating to a prophet.
Rabid: infected with rabies; very enthusiastic or fanatical.
Scapular: any one of the feathers on a bird's shoulder.
Spires: a tall narrow pointed structure on the top of a roof, tower, or steeple.
Stupor: an acute lack of mental alertness brought on, for example, by shock or lack of sleep.
“ Love changes everything. I have never suspected it would be so. Requited love, I should say, for I’ve loved my father fiercely my whole life, and it changed nothing. But now, all around me, the flame trees have roused from their long, dry sleep into walls of scarlet blossom. Anatole moves through the dappled shade at the edges of my vision, wearing the silky pelt of a panther. I crave to feel that pelt against my neck. I crave it with a predator’s impatience, ignoring time, keening to the silence of owls” (Kingsolver, 399-400).
This quote stuck out to me because it shows Leah’s realization of what the concept of love really is. She spent a good part of her life trying to love her father and receive that same affection in return. When Nathan couldn’t love Leah in the way she hoped she would, there seemed to be an empty void within her. I think this void caused Leah to drift toward Anatole from the very beginning of the book. Anatole gave Leah the attention, encouragement, and love she had been missing most of her life.
Bandika – to kill with an arrow; attach, glue, join, load.
Braai –roast, barbeque, toast.
Citoyen –citizen.
Filaires – tiny parasites that crawl into your pores and cause flare-ups.
Jezebel –wife of Ahab, King of Israel, who was a cruel & immoral queen who worshiped Baal and tried to kill prophets of Israel; A shameless impudent scheming woman.
Mondele – "white daughter"; Elisabet's nickname for Leah.
Nuus – daily news
Nyoka –snake, serpent
Nzolani— to be the most precious.
Nzole –traditional marriage cloth, symbolizes the togetherness of marriage; double the size of a regular pagne.
Nzolo – dearly beloved.
English Words/Phrases:
Bigamist : somebody who is married illegally to two people simultaneously.
Derelict : no longer lived in; in poor condition because of neglect.
Exonerates: to declare officially that somebody is not to blame; to relieve somebody from an obligation or responsibility.
Penitents: expressing or feeling regret or sorrow for having committed sins or misdeeds.
Prophetic: predicting or foreshadowing something that does eventually happen; relating to a prophet.
Rabid: infected with rabies; very enthusiastic or fanatical.
Scapular: any one of the feathers on a bird's shoulder.
Spires: a tall narrow pointed structure on the top of a roof, tower, or steeple.
Stupor: an acute lack of mental alertness brought on, for example, by shock or lack of sleep.
“ Love changes everything. I have never suspected it would be so. Requited love, I should say, for I’ve loved my father fiercely my whole life, and it changed nothing. But now, all around me, the flame trees have roused from their long, dry sleep into walls of scarlet blossom. Anatole moves through the dappled shade at the edges of my vision, wearing the silky pelt of a panther. I crave to feel that pelt against my neck. I crave it with a predator’s impatience, ignoring time, keening to the silence of owls” (Kingsolver, 399-400).
This quote stuck out to me because it shows Leah’s realization of what the concept of love really is. She spent a good part of her life trying to love her father and receive that same affection in return. When Nathan couldn’t love Leah in the way she hoped she would, there seemed to be an empty void within her. I think this void caused Leah to drift toward Anatole from the very beginning of the book. Anatole gave Leah the attention, encouragement, and love she had been missing most of her life.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Bel and the Serpent Class Discussion Reflection
The first question we addressed in both small and large group was "How did each character react to Ruth May's death?". We were very easily able to pin point the more emotional, and obvious characters such as Orleanna, who we said was shaken up by the death but seemed to also expect it in some ways. We said that Nathan seemed to have a veru un-fatherly attitude of "oh well". Leah seemed incredibly guilty and upset over the death and her way of grieving seemed to be thinking about the times when Ruth May was still alive. Rachel's response to Ruth May's death was somewhat of a slap in the face to reality. After Ruth May's death Rachel realized that living in the Congo is no longer a vacation that can just be forgotten once she returns to the United States. We discussed how Rachel can no longer act like she never lived in the Congo because a part of her family-a part of her- will always be left there. Adah's reaction to Ruth May the class found the most interesting. Adah created a palindrome to protect herself and Ruth May from the spirits of the Congo. Adah's palindrome, which is a hymn, is the only way Adah is able to truly express herself. We also briefly discussed the process of voting and how the system of voting sways depending on the events happening in the Congo, or who is favored at the moment. The history of Patrice Lumumba's assassination was another topic that was deeply discussed. We talked about the people from the United States involved in the assassination--including President Eisenhower, chemist Sidney Gottlieb, and CIA station chief Larry Devlin. The last topic we discussed was the metaphor of BEL and THE SERPENT. We speculated that like the scripture story, this chapter was named this because of the false idols (Bel) that are being worshiped. We considered Tata Kuvundundu to be the Bel of this chapter because he is falsely worshiped by the villagers of the Congo. We considered the Price children and Nelson to be the Serpent (in the bible scripture the serpent was Daniel) because they are the people who exposed Tata Kuvundundu as the person placing the Green Mamba in the Price kitchen. Overall, I think this chapter's discussion went very well and it was very informative, which was helpful because some parts of this chapter were a bit unclear.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
"The Mosquito Coast" vs. The Poisonwood Bible: Similarities and Differences
After watching the 1986 movie The Mosquito Coast starring Harrison Ford there are some immediate similarities that come to mind between Harrison Ford's character, Allie, and The Poisonwood Bible's Nathan Price. This movie, and the novel we are reading for class, parallel each other in almost every sense from the destination of the two families(Africa), to family structure, to personalities, to personal missions.
The first and most obvious similarity between Allie and Nathan Price is that both are incredibly strong willed, somewhat crazy men who have very unconventional relationships with their families. In some parts of the movie, as we have seen in certain chapters of The Poisonwood Bible, both Allie and Nathan Price don't seem to care for their family's overall well being very much. During the class discussion reflecting on this movie and book, there was a unanimous feeling that Allie is more affectionate towards his family then Nathan Price is. Although, we may be concluding this because of the simple fact that we are watching Allie interact with his wife and children rather then reading about it from a specific point of view. Another similarity between Allie and Nathan Price is the the family structure both of these men are the "heads" of. Both men have 4 kids, which include a set of twins. Also, Allie and Nathan Price are both quite disrespectful to their wives and don't really take their opinions into consideration. Leah, one of Nathan Price's twin daughters, and Charlie, Allie's oldest son are very much alike in the sense that at the beginning of the book and/or movie both these children hold their father's on very high pedestals, as if they can do no wrong. As the book/movie continues both of these characters eventually rebel against their father's and the decisions they make. Another parallel between these two different stories was that both dealt with a death of a family member. In The Poisonwood Bible Ruth May dies from a snake bite, while in The Mosquito Coast Allie dies from a gun shot wound. Both families suffer a great loss and have to carry their passed family member's body out of Africa. Another similarity between Allie and Nathan Price is that both have their own "thing" to preach. For Allie, it was his inventions and "Fat Boy" ice machine while Nathan Price preaches the Bible and the Word of the Lord. The extreme to which Nathan Price and Allie will go to preach their own things is both good and bad. Like the kikongo word Bangala, it has a double meaning. The last thing that was similar about these two stories is that both included helpful, native African characters. In The Poisonwood Bible the character is Anatole, the school teacher, while in The Mosquito Coast the character is Hatty. Both of these characters try to be extremely helpful but because of the stubbornness of the father's, their help in unappreciated.
The first and most obvious similarity between Allie and Nathan Price is that both are incredibly strong willed, somewhat crazy men who have very unconventional relationships with their families. In some parts of the movie, as we have seen in certain chapters of The Poisonwood Bible, both Allie and Nathan Price don't seem to care for their family's overall well being very much. During the class discussion reflecting on this movie and book, there was a unanimous feeling that Allie is more affectionate towards his family then Nathan Price is. Although, we may be concluding this because of the simple fact that we are watching Allie interact with his wife and children rather then reading about it from a specific point of view. Another similarity between Allie and Nathan Price is the the family structure both of these men are the "heads" of. Both men have 4 kids, which include a set of twins. Also, Allie and Nathan Price are both quite disrespectful to their wives and don't really take their opinions into consideration. Leah, one of Nathan Price's twin daughters, and Charlie, Allie's oldest son are very much alike in the sense that at the beginning of the book and/or movie both these children hold their father's on very high pedestals, as if they can do no wrong. As the book/movie continues both of these characters eventually rebel against their father's and the decisions they make. Another parallel between these two different stories was that both dealt with a death of a family member. In The Poisonwood Bible Ruth May dies from a snake bite, while in The Mosquito Coast Allie dies from a gun shot wound. Both families suffer a great loss and have to carry their passed family member's body out of Africa. Another similarity between Allie and Nathan Price is that both have their own "thing" to preach. For Allie, it was his inventions and "Fat Boy" ice machine while Nathan Price preaches the Bible and the Word of the Lord. The extreme to which Nathan Price and Allie will go to preach their own things is both good and bad. Like the kikongo word Bangala, it has a double meaning. The last thing that was similar about these two stories is that both included helpful, native African characters. In The Poisonwood Bible the character is Anatole, the school teacher, while in The Mosquito Coast the character is Hatty. Both of these characters try to be extremely helpful but because of the stubbornness of the father's, their help in unappreciated.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Historian: Bel and the Serpent
For this chapter of The Poisonwood Bible I have the responsiblity of Historian, meaning that my job is to research any background information that is relevant or mentioned in this chapter Bel and the Serpent. Most of the researched is surrounding Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba because in the begining of this chapter he is assassinated.
--June 30, 1960: Independence of the Congo
· Along with the Independence came a name change, “Republic of the Congo”.
· In 1966 Joseph Mobutu changed name to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
· In 1971 the name was changed once again to the Republic of Zaire.
--Following the independence, the provinces of Katanga and South Kasai revolted against the new leadership. This lead to the conflict between Patrice Lumumba, Prime Minister, and Joseph Kasavubu, President.
--Patrice Lumumba:
· In May of 1960 the former Congolese postal worker was elected Prime Minister of the Congo.
· In September Lumumba was dismissed from office by Joseph Kasavubu, the President of the Congo.
· December 1, 1960: Lumumba was arrested in Port Francqui by troops of Joseph Mobutu.
· January 17, 1961: Katagan forces, which had support from Belgium and the United States CIA, assassinate Lumumba. (Belgium and the US CIA gave their support because of their desires for the Congo’s resources such as coal and diamonds.)
--After Lumumba’s death The Belgian Commission found a CIA-sponsored report to poison Lumumba. This command is speculated to have come from United States President Dwight Eisenhower. CIA chemist Sidney Gottlieb devised the toothpaste-like poison. This plan failed due to the conscience of CIA station chief Larry Devlin, who would not go through with this plan.
--In 1965: Joseph Mobutu, Chief of Staff of the Congo army, overthrew Joseph Kasavubu as President of the Congo.
--June 30, 1960: Independence of the Congo
· Along with the Independence came a name change, “Republic of the Congo”.
· In 1966 Joseph Mobutu changed name to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
· In 1971 the name was changed once again to the Republic of Zaire.
--Following the independence, the provinces of Katanga and South Kasai revolted against the new leadership. This lead to the conflict between Patrice Lumumba, Prime Minister, and Joseph Kasavubu, President.
--Patrice Lumumba:
· In May of 1960 the former Congolese postal worker was elected Prime Minister of the Congo.
· In September Lumumba was dismissed from office by Joseph Kasavubu, the President of the Congo.
· December 1, 1960: Lumumba was arrested in Port Francqui by troops of Joseph Mobutu.
· January 17, 1961: Katagan forces, which had support from Belgium and the United States CIA, assassinate Lumumba. (Belgium and the US CIA gave their support because of their desires for the Congo’s resources such as coal and diamonds.)
--After Lumumba’s death The Belgian Commission found a CIA-sponsored report to poison Lumumba. This command is speculated to have come from United States President Dwight Eisenhower. CIA chemist Sidney Gottlieb devised the toothpaste-like poison. This plan failed due to the conscience of CIA station chief Larry Devlin, who would not go through with this plan.
--In 1965: Joseph Mobutu, Chief of Staff of the Congo army, overthrew Joseph Kasavubu as President of the Congo.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
In The Congo...
The Congo from 1955-1966
Prior to 1960, the Congo had been ruled by Belgium and its government. In May of 1960, the Mouvement National Congolais, led by Patrice Lumumba, won the parlimentary elections for the Congo. Patrice Lumumba was then appointed Prime Minister, and
Joseph Kasavubu of the Alliance des Bakongo party was elected President. On June 30, 1960 the Congo gained independence from Belgium under the name "Republic of Congo". Certain events led to major conflicts between President Kasavubu and Prime Minister Lumumba. These conflicts led to the dismissal of Prime Minister Lumumba on September 5, 1960. Joseph Mobutu, the chief of staff of Armee Nationale Congolaise, took advantage of this conflict between Lumumba and Kasavubu and gained military support to action action while the elected government was weak. He was financially supported by both the US and Belgium, and was therefore able to pay his soldiers and keep them loyal. On January 17, 1961 Katangen forces assassinated Patrice Lumumba. These Katangen forces were supported by the Belgian government because of their longing for copper and diamonds. The Katangan forces were also supported by the United State's CIA because of the US desire to remove leftist followers. During this chaotic time, a temporary government of College des Commissaires technicians took over the rule of the Congo.
The Congo from 2000-2007
In May of 1997, Laurent-Desire Kabila led a rebellion over the Mobutu Sese Seko government. Kabila was assassinated in 2001, and his son, Joseph Kabila, took over his Father's position and was named head of state. Joseph Kabila tried to end the First Congo War and signed a peace agreement in South Africa in 2002. Peace slowly came in late 2003 as the Transitional Government came into ruling. On July 30, 2006 the Congo held their first multi-party election since their 1960 Independence. The election was between Joseph Kabila and Jean-Pierre Bemba. The election caused a two day fight that began on August 20, 2006. 16 people were killed before the UN was able to take control of the city. The second round of elections was held on October 29, 2006, which caused even more rioting, ballot-burning, and overall chaos. Bemba's militants began to riot when Kabila was winning 58% to 42%. Bemba ordered his supporters to stop fighting and vowed to take his seat as official opposition leader.
Prior to 1960, the Congo had been ruled by Belgium and its government. In May of 1960, the Mouvement National Congolais, led by Patrice Lumumba, won the parlimentary elections for the Congo. Patrice Lumumba was then appointed Prime Minister, and
Joseph Kasavubu of the Alliance des Bakongo party was elected President. On June 30, 1960 the Congo gained independence from Belgium under the name "Republic of Congo". Certain events led to major conflicts between President Kasavubu and Prime Minister Lumumba. These conflicts led to the dismissal of Prime Minister Lumumba on September 5, 1960. Joseph Mobutu, the chief of staff of Armee Nationale Congolaise, took advantage of this conflict between Lumumba and Kasavubu and gained military support to action action while the elected government was weak. He was financially supported by both the US and Belgium, and was therefore able to pay his soldiers and keep them loyal. On January 17, 1961 Katangen forces assassinated Patrice Lumumba. These Katangen forces were supported by the Belgian government because of their longing for copper and diamonds. The Katangan forces were also supported by the United State's CIA because of the US desire to remove leftist followers. During this chaotic time, a temporary government of College des Commissaires technicians took over the rule of the Congo.
The Congo from 2000-2007
In May of 1997, Laurent-Desire Kabila led a rebellion over the Mobutu Sese Seko government. Kabila was assassinated in 2001, and his son, Joseph Kabila, took over his Father's position and was named head of state. Joseph Kabila tried to end the First Congo War and signed a peace agreement in South Africa in 2002. Peace slowly came in late 2003 as the Transitional Government came into ruling. On July 30, 2006 the Congo held their first multi-party election since their 1960 Independence. The election was between Joseph Kabila and Jean-Pierre Bemba. The election caused a two day fight that began on August 20, 2006. 16 people were killed before the UN was able to take control of the city. The second round of elections was held on October 29, 2006, which caused even more rioting, ballot-burning, and overall chaos. Bemba's militants began to riot when Kabila was winning 58% to 42%. Bemba ordered his supporters to stop fighting and vowed to take his seat as official opposition leader.
Monday, March 5, 2007
The Judges: Moderator Discussion Questions
1) Do you think Orleanna married Nathan simply because her Aunt Tess made the comment: "You're a-feeding him anyways, child, why not go on and marry him if that's what he's after" (194). ?
2) Orleanna recalls good times in her and Nathan's relationship prior to his deployment to the war. Why do you think the war changed Nathan's personality so drastically?
3) Do you think Leah considers her Father a bakala mpandi (good strong man)?
4) Why is Leah so fascinated with Anatole?
5) Is Anatole some sort of metaphoric figure?
6) Why does Ruth May like Green Mamba snakes so much?
7) Why did the Price women view Brother Fowles as their possible escape from the Congo?
8) Other than pilot and faux-fiancée, what role does Eeben Axelroot play in this chapter?
9) How does Adah view her mother after the nsongonya?
10) Which do you think was more important to Nathan during the nsongonya: saving his family or praying for deliverance?
2) Orleanna recalls good times in her and Nathan's relationship prior to his deployment to the war. Why do you think the war changed Nathan's personality so drastically?
3) Do you think Leah considers her Father a bakala mpandi (good strong man)?
4) Why is Leah so fascinated with Anatole?
5) Is Anatole some sort of metaphoric figure?
6) Why does Ruth May like Green Mamba snakes so much?
7) Why did the Price women view Brother Fowles as their possible escape from the Congo?
8) Other than pilot and faux-fiancée, what role does Eeben Axelroot play in this chapter?
9) How does Adah view her mother after the nsongonya?
10) Which do you think was more important to Nathan during the nsongonya: saving his family or praying for deliverance?
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Literature Circle 1-The Revelation reflection
One topic that came up during the class discussion of The Revelation was the role Methuselah played throughout the book. Many people agreed that Methuselah was a metaphoric figure for the Price family. When Methuselah was set free by Nathan Price, he did not know what to do, or where to go to survive. Methuselah had been in captivity for so long that he forgot how to manage for himself. This could be a metaphor for the Price family who also cannot go home (even though they have the option too)because Nathan will not let his family leave the Congo until his mission is complete. The class also discussed the character of Nathan Price, the father and Reverend in the book. We all agreed that Nathan believes he is a legend in his own mind, and therefore does things, such as moving his family to the Congo, for the glory and recognition side that comes along with it. We also discussed Nathan's relationship with his wife Orleanna. The relationship is not in any way one of a loving, normal husband and wife. Nathan treats and talks to Orleanna as if she is one of his stupid, ignorant daughters instead of his wife. We all wondered why Orleanna remains with Nathan, and we think that this may be a reoccuring theme throughout the book. Leah Price was another topic that was discussed as a class. In The Revelation it seemed as though Leah, who in Genesis craved her Father's attention, is now seeming to find her own way in the Congo. She is no longer eagerly trying to please her Father, or even hang around him very much. Leah's friendship with Pascal, a little Congolese boy, proves that Leah is starting to find her own path and identity separate from her Father. Overall, I think this literature circle went okay. My small group was a bit awkward because no one really wanted to speak, but when we discussed Revelation as a class, the topics became more interesting. Hopefully next literature circle the small groups will be more talkative and continue to bring up good points.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Psychological Critic: The Revelation
Rachel
It seems as though after Rachel hears the Underdowns explaining to her parents that the Congo is going to hold an election then declare their independence from Belgium, she feels that this new Congolese independence is her ticket back to Georgia. Towards the end of one of her sections, it is quite obvious that Rachel’s hopes for leaving the Congo are high. Rachel even goes as far as to pray to God for their leave when she states, “Oh, please God make a tree fall on him and smash his skull! Let us leave right now!” (169). The “him” Rachel is referring to is her Father, who insists to the Underdowns that the Price family will remain in the Congo until another missionary family arrives to replace them. Rachel’s one motivation at the present time in the story seems to be thinking of a way to get out of the Congo. From the very beginning of the book Rachel has been the child to resent both the Congo as her home, and her Father for moving the family there. Rachel expresses her resentment through her dramatic fits and her constant cynical comments about the Congo. She differs from her three sisters because she resents living in the Congo the most; all Rachel wants to do is be a normal sixteen-year-old girl in Georgia in training to become a housewife.
Adah
Adah is probably the most complex and clear minded sister of the four. From the very beginning of the book and the Price’s move to the Congo, Adah has pretty much taken her situations and surroundings for what they are. She tells it like it is in detail that the other characters don’t use—shapes, colors (beyond black and white), palindromes, scripture versus, etc. Adah seems to be motivated simply by her surroundings. She doesn’t really believe that she is going to live to see adulthood, and therefore she sees the beauty in the small details of life. She differs from her siblings because, obviously, she doesn’t talk. But, she also differs from them because she is completely un-bias when she tells a story. Adah can admit—even laugh at—her own flaws and deformities. Even after finding out that her family may have to move from the Congo, Adah’s attitude doesn’t really change much. She still tells the reader about her surroundings as they are. She is neither happy nor sad about the turn of events. Adah basically takes everything in her life for what its worth.
It seems as though after Rachel hears the Underdowns explaining to her parents that the Congo is going to hold an election then declare their independence from Belgium, she feels that this new Congolese independence is her ticket back to Georgia. Towards the end of one of her sections, it is quite obvious that Rachel’s hopes for leaving the Congo are high. Rachel even goes as far as to pray to God for their leave when she states, “Oh, please God make a tree fall on him and smash his skull! Let us leave right now!” (169). The “him” Rachel is referring to is her Father, who insists to the Underdowns that the Price family will remain in the Congo until another missionary family arrives to replace them. Rachel’s one motivation at the present time in the story seems to be thinking of a way to get out of the Congo. From the very beginning of the book Rachel has been the child to resent both the Congo as her home, and her Father for moving the family there. Rachel expresses her resentment through her dramatic fits and her constant cynical comments about the Congo. She differs from her three sisters because she resents living in the Congo the most; all Rachel wants to do is be a normal sixteen-year-old girl in Georgia in training to become a housewife.
Adah
Adah is probably the most complex and clear minded sister of the four. From the very beginning of the book and the Price’s move to the Congo, Adah has pretty much taken her situations and surroundings for what they are. She tells it like it is in detail that the other characters don’t use—shapes, colors (beyond black and white), palindromes, scripture versus, etc. Adah seems to be motivated simply by her surroundings. She doesn’t really believe that she is going to live to see adulthood, and therefore she sees the beauty in the small details of life. She differs from her siblings because, obviously, she doesn’t talk. But, she also differs from them because she is completely un-bias when she tells a story. Adah can admit—even laugh at—her own flaws and deformities. Even after finding out that her family may have to move from the Congo, Adah’s attitude doesn’t really change much. She still tells the reader about her surroundings as they are. She is neither happy nor sad about the turn of events. Adah basically takes everything in her life for what its worth.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The beauty of life
Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitetly rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever. ---Isak Dinesen
Just something to think about given the recent events both faculty and students have experienced lately.
Just something to think about given the recent events both faculty and students have experienced lately.
From Rachel's eyes...
Kilanga, 1959:
"Color coordination is not a strong point. Grown men and women seem to think a red plaid and a pink floral print are complementary colors. The women wear a sarong made of one fabric, with another big square of a different fabric wrapped over the top of it. Never jeans or trousers--not on your life. Bosoms may wave in the breeze, mind you, but legs must be strictly hidden, top secret" (43).
Punahou, 2007:
For a change,I am no longer the only extreme blond in this place. Every few girls that walk by are just like me, well, in the sense of their hair. Chatting away with their tight-jean clad friends, black leather gold-studded bags slung over their shoulders, they hardly even notice me sitting here on the steps to a tall cement and rock building. Every few groups of people will give me a sideways glance through their too-large-for-their-faces sunglasses, then move on to continue talking to their friends. I don't really mind though, I get those kind of looks all the time. These experiences are no new thing to me, I've been admired like so ever since I was a mere child, and even into the Congo. With the exception of their extremely large sunglasses, I can at least say that these girls have some coordination when it comes to clothing. Many sport jeans tight enough to be another layer of skin, with large gold or silver weaved belts slung low around their hips. For a top they wear solid colored shirts, which expose the teeniest sliver of skin between their shirts and low-slung belts when they move about. And every other girl seems to be wearing obnoxiously large hoop earrings! If Our Father saw these outfits--which more or less looks like the staple attire at this school--he would nearly have a heart attack and say these girls were all leading a life of sin on a single path to prostitution. I, though, find these outfits quite amusing. These girls seem to be trying way too hard to pull together simple schooling attire; I feel sorry for them in fact. But I suppose they don't know too better, I've come across some magazines while in the library that make these girls here in the "quad" look like they are suited in full Army attire and ready for war. It ought to be an interesting semester...
"Color coordination is not a strong point. Grown men and women seem to think a red plaid and a pink floral print are complementary colors. The women wear a sarong made of one fabric, with another big square of a different fabric wrapped over the top of it. Never jeans or trousers--not on your life. Bosoms may wave in the breeze, mind you, but legs must be strictly hidden, top secret" (43).
Punahou, 2007:
For a change,I am no longer the only extreme blond in this place. Every few girls that walk by are just like me, well, in the sense of their hair. Chatting away with their tight-jean clad friends, black leather gold-studded bags slung over their shoulders, they hardly even notice me sitting here on the steps to a tall cement and rock building. Every few groups of people will give me a sideways glance through their too-large-for-their-faces sunglasses, then move on to continue talking to their friends. I don't really mind though, I get those kind of looks all the time. These experiences are no new thing to me, I've been admired like so ever since I was a mere child, and even into the Congo. With the exception of their extremely large sunglasses, I can at least say that these girls have some coordination when it comes to clothing. Many sport jeans tight enough to be another layer of skin, with large gold or silver weaved belts slung low around their hips. For a top they wear solid colored shirts, which expose the teeniest sliver of skin between their shirts and low-slung belts when they move about. And every other girl seems to be wearing obnoxiously large hoop earrings! If Our Father saw these outfits--which more or less looks like the staple attire at this school--he would nearly have a heart attack and say these girls were all leading a life of sin on a single path to prostitution. I, though, find these outfits quite amusing. These girls seem to be trying way too hard to pull together simple schooling attire; I feel sorry for them in fact. But I suppose they don't know too better, I've come across some magazines while in the library that make these girls here in the "quad" look like they are suited in full Army attire and ready for war. It ought to be an interesting semester...
Monday, February 19, 2007
"If Everyone Cared"
Ironically enough, I happend to turn on my TV right before I began to write my Blog posts and this video was on VH1's top 20 countdown. It hit home the first time I watched it, probably because I have been in so many discussions lately where the main topic has been how we (teenagers, students) can help others and really make a difference in the world. Usually we think that ONE person or small group doesnt really have the power to change to world, but this video was new inspiration to me (and hopefully all those that watch it) to help those that are in need, and change the world for the better.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Poisonwood Bible Entry #2
Find at least two significant quotes from each chapter on pages 35-68 and respond to those quotes.
Chapter 5: Leah
"The tendon of his jaw was working, so I knew he was preparing a revelation.
The education of his family's souls is never far from my father's
thoughts. He often says he views himself as the captain of a sinking
mess of female minds" (36).
I think this quote is important because it shows, in some ways, how the Father views the women of his family. He does not seem to have a very high opinion of them, and in
some ways belittles anything they may say or want to accomplish. This book takes place in 1959 and maybe that is why the Father takes such a sexist position when it comes to his family of women, but I would think that being a strong evangelical Baptist, Nathan Price would show more respect for the women in his family.
"This is what I most admire about Father: no matter how bad things might get, he eventually will find the grace to compose himself. Some people find him overly
pecially--is a bit racist not having been exposed to "the African race". I think this racist point of view may cause some conflict later on in this story. Of course, I don't know if you can necessarily take everything Rachel says literally due to her critical view of the world around her, but we are able to get somewhat of a sense of how accustomed the Price family is to African people.
"I was sore at Father all right, for having to be there in the first place. But it
was plain to see he was put out, too, something fierce. When he gets
his mind set on something you'd just as well prepare to see it through"
(49).
This quote gives the reader insight on two subjects. The first, the fact that Rachel is very upset at her Father for dragging her to the dirty, African Congo. She may hold this against her Father,secretly, in the future. Secondly, this quote gives the reader insight on how her Father acts if a plan he has made is not executed in the way he expects it to. It is obvious that the Father is quite stubborn, and would like to deliver the "Word" to the Congo people in his way, and his way only.
Chapter 7: Ruth May
"Mama Tataba told Mama about it in the kitchen house and I was listening. They won't talk about the bad things in front of my sisters, but me I can listen all the livelong day while I'm getting me a banana in the kitchen house and peeling it" (51).
This quote shows the some of the Price family dynamic. It gives the reader insight on how Ruth May will know more information or "bad things" about the Congo then her sisters will, on account that her Mother and Mama Tataba will discuss different subjects in front of her. This quote also shows that the Mother of the Price family feels that her three oldest daughters may overreact if they hear some of the subjects her and Mama Tataba discuss privately.
"But Mama has this certain voice sometimes. Not exactly sassing back, but just about nearly....She calls him sir the way she calls us Sugar and Hon, trying to be nice. But still. If it was me talking back that way,he'd say, "That is a fine line you are walking on there, young lady."And he appeared to be fixing to say just such a thing to Mama. He was debating about it" (53).
This quote shows the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Price. It seems that when Mrs. Price gets really upset about something she has a sassy tone to her voice, which in return makes Mr. Price angry. In some ways, I think Mr. Price treats his wife the same way he treats his young daughters, or he would like to treat her that way. To me, they do not seem to have mutual respect for, or really love one another. Mr.Price belittles his wife, and Mrs. Price seems restless with the situation she is in.
Chapter 8: Adah
"'Sending a girl to college is like pouring water in your shoes,' he still loves to say, as often as possible. "It's hard to say which is worse, seeing it run out and waste the water, or seeing it hold in and wreck the shoes." And so I shall never have the opportunity to have my leather wrecked by college, but I do owe a great debt to MissLeep for saving me from the elementary discard heap" (56).
The "he" Adah refers to in this quote is her father, Mr. Price. This quote is significant because it confirms any suspicion the reader may have that Mr. Price is sexist and has not respect for the women in his family. Even though Adah and Leah are both very smart children, he will never give them the opportunity to pursue any type of career by attending college because he believe it is a waste to educate women. It
is clear in this passage that Adah wants to go to college, and maybe, in some ways resents her Father for speaking such words as this.
"This is our permanent order: Leah, Ruth May, Rachel, Adah. Neither chronological nor alphabetical but it rarely varies, unless Ruth May gets distracted and falls out of line" (62).
This quote is significant because it shows the dominance order between the four sisters. The order begins with Leah, the most outspoken, "Daddy's girl" daughter. Next, Ruth May, the baby follows probably because she does not want to get left behind. Rachel,the oldest, follows because she doesn't want her sisters to "find something good without her" (62). Adah is the last in this order of the sisters. She is the disabled twin and as she explains, drags her right side of her body behind her left. I think this "permanent order" is really a reflection of the dominance order in teh house among the girls.
Chapter 9: Leah
"We had already understood what was now dawning on my father: Methuselah could betray our secrets. I didn't say so, of course. I haven't contradicted on any subject, ever" (66).
In this quote, Leah is explaining how Methuselah, the African Parrot that lives with the Price family, can betray Price family secrets by repeating whatever she hears the family saying. This fact just begins to dawn on Mr.Price when he hears Methuselah say the word "Damn", which she must have learned from somebody in the household because she did not know that word when the Price family first arrived in Africa, Mr. Price is sure.This quote is said in the midst of Mr. Price's interrogation of his daughters as to who said the curse word, but all the girls stayed completely quiet. This quote also shows that Leah has so much faith, and in some ways fear, of her father that she would never contradict his decision or something he said.
"We all knew very well who'd been the one to yell that word Damn! She'd said it over
and over when she wept over the wreck of useless cake mixes. But none of us could let him in on that awful secret. Not even me--and I know I'm the one to turn my back on her the most" (68).
This quote is significant because it lets the reader into the "secret" of who spoke
the word Damn--Mrs.Price. This quote also explains how in some ways the four daughters try to protect their Mother from their Father's anger, and how even though they are a strong Baptist family many secrets are hidden between the daughters and Mother, and Mr. Price. I believe this quote is also important because Leah admits to the reader that she is the daughter who turns her back on her mother the most because she loves to spend time with her Father. I think this conflict between Leah
and her mother will cause some conflict in the future.
Chapter 5: Leah
"The tendon of his jaw was working, so I knew he was preparing a revelation.
The education of his family's souls is never far from my father's
thoughts. He often says he views himself as the captain of a sinking
mess of female minds" (36).
I think this quote is important because it shows, in some ways, how the Father views the women of his family. He does not seem to have a very high opinion of them, and in
some ways belittles anything they may say or want to accomplish. This book takes place in 1959 and maybe that is why the Father takes such a sexist position when it comes to his family of women, but I would think that being a strong evangelical Baptist, Nathan Price would show more respect for the women in his family.
"This is what I most admire about Father: no matter how bad things might get, he eventually will find the grace to compose himself. Some people find him overly
pecially--is a bit racist not having been exposed to "the African race". I think this racist point of view may cause some conflict later on in this story. Of course, I don't know if you can necessarily take everything Rachel says literally due to her critical view of the world around her, but we are able to get somewhat of a sense of how accustomed the Price family is to African people.
"I was sore at Father all right, for having to be there in the first place. But it
was plain to see he was put out, too, something fierce. When he gets
his mind set on something you'd just as well prepare to see it through"
(49).
This quote gives the reader insight on two subjects. The first, the fact that Rachel is very upset at her Father for dragging her to the dirty, African Congo. She may hold this against her Father,secretly, in the future. Secondly, this quote gives the reader insight on how her Father acts if a plan he has made is not executed in the way he expects it to. It is obvious that the Father is quite stubborn, and would like to deliver the "Word" to the Congo people in his way, and his way only.
Chapter 7: Ruth May
"Mama Tataba told Mama about it in the kitchen house and I was listening. They won't talk about the bad things in front of my sisters, but me I can listen all the livelong day while I'm getting me a banana in the kitchen house and peeling it" (51).
This quote shows the some of the Price family dynamic. It gives the reader insight on how Ruth May will know more information or "bad things" about the Congo then her sisters will, on account that her Mother and Mama Tataba will discuss different subjects in front of her. This quote also shows that the Mother of the Price family feels that her three oldest daughters may overreact if they hear some of the subjects her and Mama Tataba discuss privately.
"But Mama has this certain voice sometimes. Not exactly sassing back, but just about nearly....She calls him sir the way she calls us Sugar and Hon, trying to be nice. But still. If it was me talking back that way,he'd say, "That is a fine line you are walking on there, young lady."And he appeared to be fixing to say just such a thing to Mama. He was debating about it" (53).
This quote shows the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Price. It seems that when Mrs. Price gets really upset about something she has a sassy tone to her voice, which in return makes Mr. Price angry. In some ways, I think Mr. Price treats his wife the same way he treats his young daughters, or he would like to treat her that way. To me, they do not seem to have mutual respect for, or really love one another. Mr.Price belittles his wife, and Mrs. Price seems restless with the situation she is in.
Chapter 8: Adah
"'Sending a girl to college is like pouring water in your shoes,' he still loves to say, as often as possible. "It's hard to say which is worse, seeing it run out and waste the water, or seeing it hold in and wreck the shoes." And so I shall never have the opportunity to have my leather wrecked by college, but I do owe a great debt to MissLeep for saving me from the elementary discard heap" (56).
The "he" Adah refers to in this quote is her father, Mr. Price. This quote is significant because it confirms any suspicion the reader may have that Mr. Price is sexist and has not respect for the women in his family. Even though Adah and Leah are both very smart children, he will never give them the opportunity to pursue any type of career by attending college because he believe it is a waste to educate women. It
is clear in this passage that Adah wants to go to college, and maybe, in some ways resents her Father for speaking such words as this.
"This is our permanent order: Leah, Ruth May, Rachel, Adah. Neither chronological nor alphabetical but it rarely varies, unless Ruth May gets distracted and falls out of line" (62).
This quote is significant because it shows the dominance order between the four sisters. The order begins with Leah, the most outspoken, "Daddy's girl" daughter. Next, Ruth May, the baby follows probably because she does not want to get left behind. Rachel,the oldest, follows because she doesn't want her sisters to "find something good without her" (62). Adah is the last in this order of the sisters. She is the disabled twin and as she explains, drags her right side of her body behind her left. I think this "permanent order" is really a reflection of the dominance order in teh house among the girls.
Chapter 9: Leah
"We had already understood what was now dawning on my father: Methuselah could betray our secrets. I didn't say so, of course. I haven't contradicted on any subject, ever" (66).
In this quote, Leah is explaining how Methuselah, the African Parrot that lives with the Price family, can betray Price family secrets by repeating whatever she hears the family saying. This fact just begins to dawn on Mr.Price when he hears Methuselah say the word "Damn", which she must have learned from somebody in the household because she did not know that word when the Price family first arrived in Africa, Mr. Price is sure.This quote is said in the midst of Mr. Price's interrogation of his daughters as to who said the curse word, but all the girls stayed completely quiet. This quote also shows that Leah has so much faith, and in some ways fear, of her father that she would never contradict his decision or something he said.
"We all knew very well who'd been the one to yell that word Damn! She'd said it over
and over when she wept over the wreck of useless cake mixes. But none of us could let him in on that awful secret. Not even me--and I know I'm the one to turn my back on her the most" (68).
This quote is significant because it lets the reader into the "secret" of who spoke
the word Damn--Mrs.Price. This quote also explains how in some ways the four daughters try to protect their Mother from their Father's anger, and how even though they are a strong Baptist family many secrets are hidden between the daughters and Mother, and Mr. Price. I believe this quote is also important because Leah admits to the reader that she is the daughter who turns her back on her mother the most because she loves to spend time with her Father. I think this conflict between Leah
and her mother will cause some conflict in the future.
The Poisonwood Bible Entry #1
What role do you think each child will play in the story The Poisonwood Bible?
Rachel Price: Rachel Price is the oldest of the four Price sisters. She is nearly sixteen years old and is considered by her sisters to be quite vain. From her first section in the book we can tell that Rachel is much more concerned with keeping her clothes clean then she is about bringing the “Word” to the people of the Congo. Her materialistic side is clearly shown when Rachel explains to the reader, “Day one in the Congo, and here my brand-new tulip-tailored linen suit in Poison Green with square mother-of-pearl buttons was fixing to give up the goat” (23). Although Rachel is without a doubt the most materialistic of the four sisters, she brings a very interesting point of view to the story with her critically observant comments about her surroundings. “The spoons they gave us were big old metal soup ladles, which I knew would never fit into my mouth….I looked around for someone to trade spoons with, but lo and behold, nobody but our family even had any kind of a spoon at all! What the others aimed to do with their food, I wouldn’t hazard to guess. Most of them were still waiting to be served, like birds in the wilderness” (25). This is a great example of Rachel’s critically observant commentary of her surroundings; I think this particular view of the Congo will help the reader in the long run get a sense of the Price’s new home from a critical point of view. Rachel will be the conceited, selfish child who will never forgive her Father for taking her away from her comfortable life in Georgia and dragging her to the Congo of Africa.
Leah Price: Leah Price is the healthy one of the set of twins in the Price family. She is very observant of her surroundings, especially when it comes to gardening and nature. She is a bit sarcastic and critical of her sisters, especially her older sister Rachel, as shown in this next quote, “Rachel is fifteen—or, as she would put it, going on sixteen—and she cares for naught but appearances. Her full Christian name is Rachel Rebeccah, so she feels free to take after Rebekah, the virgin at the well, who is said in Genesis to be “a damsel very fair” and was offered marriage presents of golden earbobs right of the bat, when Abraham’s servant spied her fetching up the water….Sitting next to me on the plane, she kept batting her white-rabbit eyelashes and adjusting her bright pink hairband, trying to get me to notice she had secretly painted her fingernails bubble-gum pink to match” (15). Leah is probably one of the most positive of the four sisters when it comes to her outlook on their new life in the Congo. This is probably because she is the “Daddy’s girl” out of the four and believes everything that her Father says and does is correct. I think Leah will play the role of her Father’s advocate throughout the book, supporting him on every decision he makes and firmly believing in the mission they were sent to Africa to do.
Adah Price: Adah Price is the disabled one of the twins. Although she is disabled, and does not speak, her view of the Congo is the most clear and perceptive. Adah really tells it like it is, without any negative bias opinion. Adah seems to completely accept not only her disabilities but also how others view her. Nothing seems to phase her too much. Adah is the sister who has the clearest view on life, and takes each of her family members for who they are, good and bad. “ ‘It’s a place right out of a storybook,’ my twin sister, Leah, loves to declare in response…Next comes this observation from my sister Ruth May: “Nobody here’s got very many teeth.” And finally, from Rachel: “Jeez oh man, wake me up when it’s over.” And so the Price family passes its judgments. All but Adah. Adah unpasses her judgments. I am the only one who does not speak. Our Father speaks for all of us, as far as I can see. And he is at the moment not saying much” (32). Although she does not speak, Adah seems to have the most to say with the most interesting point of view. Adah will be the sister with the clearest view of the world, and the most meaning behind what she says throughout the book.
Ruth May Price: Ruth May is the baby of the Price family. She believes everything she hears, as shown in this example, “My name is Ruth May and I hate the Devil. For the longest time I used to think my name was Sugar. Mama always says that. Sugar, come here a minute. Sugar, now don’t do that” (21). This quote shows just how gullible and naïve Ruth May is about things she hears in her surroundings. For this reason, Ruth May is in some ways a reflection of her parents. She believes everything they say to her, and everything she hears from them. Ruth May has a very naïve tone and I believe she will be the voice of innocence throughout this book.
Rachel Price: Rachel Price is the oldest of the four Price sisters. She is nearly sixteen years old and is considered by her sisters to be quite vain. From her first section in the book we can tell that Rachel is much more concerned with keeping her clothes clean then she is about bringing the “Word” to the people of the Congo. Her materialistic side is clearly shown when Rachel explains to the reader, “Day one in the Congo, and here my brand-new tulip-tailored linen suit in Poison Green with square mother-of-pearl buttons was fixing to give up the goat” (23). Although Rachel is without a doubt the most materialistic of the four sisters, she brings a very interesting point of view to the story with her critically observant comments about her surroundings. “The spoons they gave us were big old metal soup ladles, which I knew would never fit into my mouth….I looked around for someone to trade spoons with, but lo and behold, nobody but our family even had any kind of a spoon at all! What the others aimed to do with their food, I wouldn’t hazard to guess. Most of them were still waiting to be served, like birds in the wilderness” (25). This is a great example of Rachel’s critically observant commentary of her surroundings; I think this particular view of the Congo will help the reader in the long run get a sense of the Price’s new home from a critical point of view. Rachel will be the conceited, selfish child who will never forgive her Father for taking her away from her comfortable life in Georgia and dragging her to the Congo of Africa.
Leah Price: Leah Price is the healthy one of the set of twins in the Price family. She is very observant of her surroundings, especially when it comes to gardening and nature. She is a bit sarcastic and critical of her sisters, especially her older sister Rachel, as shown in this next quote, “Rachel is fifteen—or, as she would put it, going on sixteen—and she cares for naught but appearances. Her full Christian name is Rachel Rebeccah, so she feels free to take after Rebekah, the virgin at the well, who is said in Genesis to be “a damsel very fair” and was offered marriage presents of golden earbobs right of the bat, when Abraham’s servant spied her fetching up the water….Sitting next to me on the plane, she kept batting her white-rabbit eyelashes and adjusting her bright pink hairband, trying to get me to notice she had secretly painted her fingernails bubble-gum pink to match” (15). Leah is probably one of the most positive of the four sisters when it comes to her outlook on their new life in the Congo. This is probably because she is the “Daddy’s girl” out of the four and believes everything that her Father says and does is correct. I think Leah will play the role of her Father’s advocate throughout the book, supporting him on every decision he makes and firmly believing in the mission they were sent to Africa to do.
Adah Price: Adah Price is the disabled one of the twins. Although she is disabled, and does not speak, her view of the Congo is the most clear and perceptive. Adah really tells it like it is, without any negative bias opinion. Adah seems to completely accept not only her disabilities but also how others view her. Nothing seems to phase her too much. Adah is the sister who has the clearest view on life, and takes each of her family members for who they are, good and bad. “ ‘It’s a place right out of a storybook,’ my twin sister, Leah, loves to declare in response…Next comes this observation from my sister Ruth May: “Nobody here’s got very many teeth.” And finally, from Rachel: “Jeez oh man, wake me up when it’s over.” And so the Price family passes its judgments. All but Adah. Adah unpasses her judgments. I am the only one who does not speak. Our Father speaks for all of us, as far as I can see. And he is at the moment not saying much” (32). Although she does not speak, Adah seems to have the most to say with the most interesting point of view. Adah will be the sister with the clearest view of the world, and the most meaning behind what she says throughout the book.
Ruth May Price: Ruth May is the baby of the Price family. She believes everything she hears, as shown in this example, “My name is Ruth May and I hate the Devil. For the longest time I used to think my name was Sugar. Mama always says that. Sugar, come here a minute. Sugar, now don’t do that” (21). This quote shows just how gullible and naïve Ruth May is about things she hears in her surroundings. For this reason, Ruth May is in some ways a reflection of her parents. She believes everything they say to her, and everything she hears from them. Ruth May has a very naïve tone and I believe she will be the voice of innocence throughout this book.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Reflection to Genesis scripture 1:28
And God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28
This scripture from the book of Genesis is saying that God has the ultimate rule, or "dominion" over all. This scripture shows God giving some of his divine power and rule to mankind when the scripture reads, "And God said unto them,"--"them" being the human race. An expectation comes with this new found power that humans have now been given, and it is to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that live beside us, along with reproducing/"multiply" to continue this cycle of teasured power.
This scripture implies that people should behave respectfully not only to one another, but also our environment and the earth---which we all definitely take for granted. We all have been given the power to by God to maintain and improve the world we are living in, it is our individual choices whether we choose to fulfill this expectation God has set for us.
This may frame the setting for chapter one because in some ways the scripture is giving you an outline of the expectation God has set for us. Chapter one seems like it would be in some way either completely following this expectation and fulfilling all the requests God mentioned in the scripture. Or, the chapter could go the complete opposite way in the sense that the characters could go against every implication that was made.
I think that the book one chapters will be describing the setting and introducing the characters to the reader. In some ways, this quote helped the reader to visualize what the "ideal" world would look like if everyone were to do their part. Maybe the author added this short scripture in to make the reader begin to ponder what the world described in the scripture would be like, and then introduce us to the world the characters of the book live in.
This scripture from the book of Genesis is saying that God has the ultimate rule, or "dominion" over all. This scripture shows God giving some of his divine power and rule to mankind when the scripture reads, "And God said unto them,"--"them" being the human race. An expectation comes with this new found power that humans have now been given, and it is to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that live beside us, along with reproducing/"multiply" to continue this cycle of teasured power.
This scripture implies that people should behave respectfully not only to one another, but also our environment and the earth---which we all definitely take for granted. We all have been given the power to by God to maintain and improve the world we are living in, it is our individual choices whether we choose to fulfill this expectation God has set for us.
This may frame the setting for chapter one because in some ways the scripture is giving you an outline of the expectation God has set for us. Chapter one seems like it would be in some way either completely following this expectation and fulfilling all the requests God mentioned in the scripture. Or, the chapter could go the complete opposite way in the sense that the characters could go against every implication that was made.
I think that the book one chapters will be describing the setting and introducing the characters to the reader. In some ways, this quote helped the reader to visualize what the "ideal" world would look like if everyone were to do their part. Maybe the author added this short scripture in to make the reader begin to ponder what the world described in the scripture would be like, and then introduce us to the world the characters of the book live in.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Quintessential Item: The Ipod
My Ipod is not only a birthday present from my parents, nor a material item bought just to "fit in" with the new technology craze, my Ipod is my escape from the world. My Ipod is the one thing that stays consistent in my life—boyfriends will come and go, new fashion trends will change from season to season but my Ipod is one thing I know I can turn to that will always be the same. It is the one object that is mine, and every song on it is an expression of a different side of my personality. One day I may constantly listen to a upbeat Hip-Hop song, and the next I may listen to a slow love ballad. My Ipod changes with me and my many moods. It is the one piece of technology that I can use to release my frustration towards someone without a scream being yelled, it can take me away from an argument with my sisters, it can express all the feelings I don’t have the courage to say for myself. My Ipod can do it all. Ever since the Ipod came out a few years ago, it has been an essential item in my purse. I cannot imagine my life without the soundtrack from my Ipod that accompanies it.
Cycle Paper 1: Expectations of the Given...
Much is expected of those to whom much is given. What have you been given and what, if any, expectations do you think people should have of you? What expectations do you have for yourself?
I am a firm believer in the saying above. I have grown up having always been taught that if you are blessed with good fortune, it is only right to give back to those in need. I feel that because I am a fortunate person, and was raised in a family who volunteers quite often, it is only necessary for me to do the same in any way possible. Whether that means donating money to a needy organization, spending time to help others, or even offering some kind of education for kids who don’t receive a good one, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to help.
During my life I have been given more than anyone could ask for at my given age. My parents have blessed me with not only material items that I have "wanted" over the years, but have also paid for me to receive an excellent education. Ever since I was in preschool my parents have sent me to some of the best schools Hawaii has to offer. I have been given education thus far and am secure in knowing that I will be able to go to college without too much worry. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t go to college, or even graduate high school for that matter, and I guess that is something I take for granted considering there are many teenagers who are never able to go to school nevertheless graduate from high school. Having been blessed with a great education, which will lead to many opportunities in the future, I feel it is my duty to give back to those who cannot afford some of the "things" I have been given. And by "giving back" I dont necessarily mean donating money by sending a check to overseas aid organization advertised on television, after all, Peter Singer raised a very good point in his piece The Singer Solution to World Poverty when he states, "Is it the practical uncertainties about whether aid will really reach the people who need it? Nobody who knows the world of overseas aid can doubt that such uncertainties exist." For this good point, I am a firm believer in donating time rather than money. When you donate you time, you know it is well spent, rather than hoping your check will reach the people who need it most. In some ways, yes, my need to give to others less fortunate is partly because of the expectation that is set on me to give back to the community, but I think that without that expectation of the fortunate many people would end up being consumed by their own lives and overlooking the needs of others.In fact, I think without this expectation some give into there would be hardly any overseas organizations to donate to. Singer proves this fact in his article when he states, "Yet the question of how much we ought to give is a matter to be decided in the real world--and that, sadly, is a world in which we know most people do not, and in the immediate future will not, give substantial amounts to overseas aid agencies. We know, too, that at least in the next year, the United States Government is not going to meet even the very modest United Nations-reccomended target of 0.7 percent of gross national product; at the moment it lags far below that, at 0.09 percent, not even half of Japan's 0.22 percent or a tenth of Denmark's 0.97 percent."
I feel there is an expectation placed on me is to do well in school, "well" meaning all A's and nothing less. This expectation is set not only by parents but also by peers. I understand that because our parents are paying for such an expensive education that we ought to make the most out of it by getting the best grades possible. But it is much harder than it sounds, which is what I feel parents don’t understand at times. I believe that if you are able to find a balance between the two—making your parents happy and not killing yourself over grades, you really are able to satisfy the expectation placed on you.
Much is expected of those to whom much is given. This is a statement that I feel should always be respected and followed. Without these "expectations" that we have in life, who know what kind of world we would be living in?
I am a firm believer in the saying above. I have grown up having always been taught that if you are blessed with good fortune, it is only right to give back to those in need. I feel that because I am a fortunate person, and was raised in a family who volunteers quite often, it is only necessary for me to do the same in any way possible. Whether that means donating money to a needy organization, spending time to help others, or even offering some kind of education for kids who don’t receive a good one, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to help.
During my life I have been given more than anyone could ask for at my given age. My parents have blessed me with not only material items that I have "wanted" over the years, but have also paid for me to receive an excellent education. Ever since I was in preschool my parents have sent me to some of the best schools Hawaii has to offer. I have been given education thus far and am secure in knowing that I will be able to go to college without too much worry. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t go to college, or even graduate high school for that matter, and I guess that is something I take for granted considering there are many teenagers who are never able to go to school nevertheless graduate from high school. Having been blessed with a great education, which will lead to many opportunities in the future, I feel it is my duty to give back to those who cannot afford some of the "things" I have been given. And by "giving back" I dont necessarily mean donating money by sending a check to overseas aid organization advertised on television, after all, Peter Singer raised a very good point in his piece The Singer Solution to World Poverty when he states, "Is it the practical uncertainties about whether aid will really reach the people who need it? Nobody who knows the world of overseas aid can doubt that such uncertainties exist." For this good point, I am a firm believer in donating time rather than money. When you donate you time, you know it is well spent, rather than hoping your check will reach the people who need it most. In some ways, yes, my need to give to others less fortunate is partly because of the expectation that is set on me to give back to the community, but I think that without that expectation of the fortunate many people would end up being consumed by their own lives and overlooking the needs of others.In fact, I think without this expectation some give into there would be hardly any overseas organizations to donate to. Singer proves this fact in his article when he states, "Yet the question of how much we ought to give is a matter to be decided in the real world--and that, sadly, is a world in which we know most people do not, and in the immediate future will not, give substantial amounts to overseas aid agencies. We know, too, that at least in the next year, the United States Government is not going to meet even the very modest United Nations-reccomended target of 0.7 percent of gross national product; at the moment it lags far below that, at 0.09 percent, not even half of Japan's 0.22 percent or a tenth of Denmark's 0.97 percent."
I feel there is an expectation placed on me is to do well in school, "well" meaning all A's and nothing less. This expectation is set not only by parents but also by peers. I understand that because our parents are paying for such an expensive education that we ought to make the most out of it by getting the best grades possible. But it is much harder than it sounds, which is what I feel parents don’t understand at times. I believe that if you are able to find a balance between the two—making your parents happy and not killing yourself over grades, you really are able to satisfy the expectation placed on you.
Much is expected of those to whom much is given. This is a statement that I feel should always be respected and followed. Without these "expectations" that we have in life, who know what kind of world we would be living in?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
How much is too much?
The Singer Solution to World Poverty, by utilitarian philosopher Peter Singer, was a short article that was read as an assignment a few weeks ago. This article was very creatively written with two extreme examples of Singer's idea on how we should help world poverty. Singer's words force the readers to think about their own lives, and morally challenges them to help others less fortunate. He even gives web addresses and charity contact numbers following his two examples of moral decisions. The Gift, a story about Zell Kravinsky as told by Ian Parker takes the word 'humanitarian' to an extreme. Zell Kravinsky was a unorthodox successful business man who donated over 45 million dollars in real estate fortune to numerous charities along with undergoing a kidney transplant to donate to a woman whose name he only knew. After reading these stories of unbelievable humanitarians, we were instructed to conduct interviews with a partner from our class with self made questions regarding The Singer Solution to World Poverty and The Gift.
Q: Peter Singer seems to define a humanitarian as a person who will forgo personal luxuries to donate one-third of their income to charities. Zell Kravinsky seems to define a humanitarian as someone not only donates money but also unnecessary body organs (it is stated in the article that Kravinsky considers anyone who is not donating a kidney is a murderer). Which of these definitions do you agree with? Do you consider yourself a humanitarian?
Kimo: "I don't agree with either one of these definitions. They are both too extreme...I consider myself a humanitarian but in a different way then Kravinsky or Singer does. I donate time rather than money. I never give money, I'll give my time...it makes more of a difference and makes me feel good at the same time. I'll go visit sick little kids in the hospital or any other kind of charity work I can participate in where I am donating my time. I will donate my time whenever I can...it makes me feel good."
Q: In The Gift we saw that Zell Kravinsky had donated nearly 45 million dollars to charity and then donated a kidney to a low income Black woman. Kravinsky was consistently giving to others. Do you think there is a limit as to how much a person should give of themselves (money, time, ect.) ?
Kimo: "From my perspective, Kravinsky donating 45 million dollars and a kidney was a bit overboard. As I have said, giving away time is more important then giving money and it makes you feel really good inside. I believe in taking care of yourself and your family first, then giving away to others...how are you supposed to take care of others when you can't even take care of yourself? I personally don't believe you should give more to others than you would give to yourself."
Q: Zell Kravinsky has stated "I would not let many children die so my kids could live,". If you were in a situation where you had to save either your family or a town full of people, which would you save?
Kimo: "I would save my family. My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I would always save my family...they make me the man I am, I wouldn't be here without them...they support me in every single aspect. I would do anything to save my family in that situation."
Q: In The Gift Zell Kravinsky goes through an organ transplant when he is donating his kidney. In this operation there is a one in four thousand chance of dying. Do you feel that having an organ transplant is putting your family's life in danger?
Kimo: "No, I dont think you are necessarily putting your family's life in danger because there is a very slim chance of death. But I can definitely understand why a family may be concerned if someone in their family is having the operation done. Its a scary situation for anyone but most times it will turn out well and its saving the life of another person in desperate need."
Q: In The Singer Solution to World Poverty Peter Singer gives two examples of choices people can make in regards to donating to charities. He also gives contact numbers and web addresses following each example. What do you think Singer's purpose of writing this article was?
Kimo: "I think that Peter Singer wrote this article to make people more aware of what is going on around the world. In some ways I feel like Peter Singer was telling the reader not to waste their money on things they don't need...like bigger televisions or new cell phones. I believe in keeping it simple, not spending money on unnecessary items. I wouldn't spend a few hundred dollars on a new television when I have a perfectly good one at home. I think that was the message Peter Singer was trying to get across to his readers...if we all just used the money we would spend on new televisions or cell phones and instead donate that money towards a needy charity, the world would be much better off. I believe that to be somewhat true. Keep the "things" in your life simple, quick and easy."
Q: Peter Singer seems to define a humanitarian as a person who will forgo personal luxuries to donate one-third of their income to charities. Zell Kravinsky seems to define a humanitarian as someone not only donates money but also unnecessary body organs (it is stated in the article that Kravinsky considers anyone who is not donating a kidney is a murderer). Which of these definitions do you agree with? Do you consider yourself a humanitarian?
Kimo: "I don't agree with either one of these definitions. They are both too extreme...I consider myself a humanitarian but in a different way then Kravinsky or Singer does. I donate time rather than money. I never give money, I'll give my time...it makes more of a difference and makes me feel good at the same time. I'll go visit sick little kids in the hospital or any other kind of charity work I can participate in where I am donating my time. I will donate my time whenever I can...it makes me feel good."
Q: In The Gift we saw that Zell Kravinsky had donated nearly 45 million dollars to charity and then donated a kidney to a low income Black woman. Kravinsky was consistently giving to others. Do you think there is a limit as to how much a person should give of themselves (money, time, ect.) ?
Kimo: "From my perspective, Kravinsky donating 45 million dollars and a kidney was a bit overboard. As I have said, giving away time is more important then giving money and it makes you feel really good inside. I believe in taking care of yourself and your family first, then giving away to others...how are you supposed to take care of others when you can't even take care of yourself? I personally don't believe you should give more to others than you would give to yourself."
Q: Zell Kravinsky has stated "I would not let many children die so my kids could live,". If you were in a situation where you had to save either your family or a town full of people, which would you save?
Kimo: "I would save my family. My family is the most important thing in the world to me. I would always save my family...they make me the man I am, I wouldn't be here without them...they support me in every single aspect. I would do anything to save my family in that situation."
Q: In The Gift Zell Kravinsky goes through an organ transplant when he is donating his kidney. In this operation there is a one in four thousand chance of dying. Do you feel that having an organ transplant is putting your family's life in danger?
Kimo: "No, I dont think you are necessarily putting your family's life in danger because there is a very slim chance of death. But I can definitely understand why a family may be concerned if someone in their family is having the operation done. Its a scary situation for anyone but most times it will turn out well and its saving the life of another person in desperate need."
Q: In The Singer Solution to World Poverty Peter Singer gives two examples of choices people can make in regards to donating to charities. He also gives contact numbers and web addresses following each example. What do you think Singer's purpose of writing this article was?
Kimo: "I think that Peter Singer wrote this article to make people more aware of what is going on around the world. In some ways I feel like Peter Singer was telling the reader not to waste their money on things they don't need...like bigger televisions or new cell phones. I believe in keeping it simple, not spending money on unnecessary items. I wouldn't spend a few hundred dollars on a new television when I have a perfectly good one at home. I think that was the message Peter Singer was trying to get across to his readers...if we all just used the money we would spend on new televisions or cell phones and instead donate that money towards a needy charity, the world would be much better off. I believe that to be somewhat true. Keep the "things" in your life simple, quick and easy."
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Introduction
Honestly, when I found out our first homework assignment when working with these blogs was going to be to write some kind of an introduction about ourselves, I must admit, I was a little bummed. I am not too fond of class introductions because many times the peers in your class will automatically label you once they hear your intro. So instead of writing a common introduction, I am going to expand on an "I know" assignment we worked on during class. The purpose of this assignment was to get us to look deeper into ourselves at things in life we know for certain and those we don't know about at all...
I know that I want to be a successful person in every single aspect.—To me success isn’t defined by money, or the type of car you drive, or how big your house is. To me being a successful person is essentially being a good person. In my case, I want to have a good job—where yes, I am successful financially—but I also want to be a good friend, a good wife, and a good mother when the time is right. Twenty years from now I would like to be able to look at my life and be proud of where I am, and proud of where I am going. I think being a really good, successful person is one of the best things you can strive to attain in life, and hopefully I will be able to reach that goal.
I know what its like to be looked at as only an object.—Please don’t take this “I know…” in particular as me being a cocky person, who thinks she is prettier than everything and everyone because believe me, that is not at all who I am. What I mean by this is that I know what it is like to have people judge you based on nothing more than what they can gather in the two seconds they walk by you. From experiences I know what it feels like to be judged based on your outward appearances alone. I understand what its like to have guys look at you in that certain way that literally makes you feel like just an object. I understand what its like to have snotty girls give you that eyebrow raised once over when you walk past-I have felt all of that. And quite honestly, I am real tired of it. I wonder when the time will come when we can all look at each other without any preconceived notions?
So that's my introduction. Interpret it however you wish.
I know that I want to be a successful person in every single aspect.—To me success isn’t defined by money, or the type of car you drive, or how big your house is. To me being a successful person is essentially being a good person. In my case, I want to have a good job—where yes, I am successful financially—but I also want to be a good friend, a good wife, and a good mother when the time is right. Twenty years from now I would like to be able to look at my life and be proud of where I am, and proud of where I am going. I think being a really good, successful person is one of the best things you can strive to attain in life, and hopefully I will be able to reach that goal.
I know what its like to be looked at as only an object.—Please don’t take this “I know…” in particular as me being a cocky person, who thinks she is prettier than everything and everyone because believe me, that is not at all who I am. What I mean by this is that I know what it is like to have people judge you based on nothing more than what they can gather in the two seconds they walk by you. From experiences I know what it feels like to be judged based on your outward appearances alone. I understand what its like to have guys look at you in that certain way that literally makes you feel like just an object. I understand what its like to have snotty girls give you that eyebrow raised once over when you walk past-I have felt all of that. And quite honestly, I am real tired of it. I wonder when the time will come when we can all look at each other without any preconceived notions?
So that's my introduction. Interpret it however you wish.
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