"I was talking to one of my donors a few days ago who was complaining about how memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly." (Page 286)
While wondering which literary term to squeeze in at the end, I decided on explication. I have been using it this entire time to interpret this book! It's so obvious. I don't know if I will finish this on time, but please forgive me. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I was so confused throughout. What the heck was going on with the clones. I really didn't know anything coming into the story, and I had to utilize my skills of explication to decipher this lifestyle that was so contrary to my own. I was happy for those three characters who plagued my thoughts throughout the book, but I am glad to be rid of them. Amen! Allelujah!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
What I did for Love...
"The figure in the wheelchair was frail and contorted, and it was the voice more than anything that helped me recognise her." (Page 255)
Tommy and Kathy finally decided to get their deferral. However, their theory was a bit off-base. This sudden emergence of Miss Emily makes me pause and wonder how she came back into their lives. But it doesn't really matter, does it? She is there, and her presence will be explained shortly. I can only assume she is going to reveal all of the secrets from Hailsham. Appropriately, the word "sham" resides in the name of their school. Was it all a sham? No. They had to live their lives a certain way because of that school, and they didn't get to experience some of the things I take for granted in my life because of that school and their cloning process. These poor people. I am not in any way jealous of their circumstances.
Tommy and Kathy finally decided to get their deferral. However, their theory was a bit off-base. This sudden emergence of Miss Emily makes me pause and wonder how she came back into their lives. But it doesn't really matter, does it? She is there, and her presence will be explained shortly. I can only assume she is going to reveal all of the secrets from Hailsham. Appropriately, the word "sham" resides in the name of their school. Was it all a sham? No. They had to live their lives a certain way because of that school, and they didn't get to experience some of the things I take for granted in my life because of that school and their cloning process. These poor people. I am not in any way jealous of their circumstances.
Life goes on...
"I first turned up at Ruth's recovery centre in Dover - the modern one with the white tiled walls - just a few weeks after that talk with Laura." (Page 214)
So Ruth become overbearing. Sarcasm alert. Who would have guessed? Laura apparently didn't remain fond of her after Kathy became a carer. I had been anxious to see how Kathy would embrace her new life as a carer, and I was not disappointed. She eased into it because of her sudden distance from Ruth and Tommy. Her conversation with Laura intrigued me because they discussed Ruth, and I was wary of how that would play out. However, their old foibles basically died away with the years, and Kathy finally got a bit of closure. I still don't like Ruth much, but I'm beginning to understand how things don't matter as much at the end of your life.
So Ruth become overbearing. Sarcasm alert. Who would have guessed? Laura apparently didn't remain fond of her after Kathy became a carer. I had been anxious to see how Kathy would embrace her new life as a carer, and I was not disappointed. She eased into it because of her sudden distance from Ruth and Tommy. Her conversation with Laura intrigued me because they discussed Ruth, and I was wary of how that would play out. However, their old foibles basically died away with the years, and Kathy finally got a bit of closure. I still don't like Ruth much, but I'm beginning to understand how things don't matter as much at the end of your life.
Thank you, Jesus!
"But the fact was, I suppose, there were powerful tides tugging us apart by then, and it only needed something like that to finish the task." (Page 197)
YES! Finally, the truth comes out! I was getting very annoyed by the dysfunctional relationship between these three. They were always pretending to be little besties, but I knew it wouldn't last. I only wonder right now: how will these three get back together? Through Kathy and her carer career, I assume. But will they repair this rift between them? Only time will tell. Unfortunately, I am running out of time, so I must continue reading. This book is actually good.
YES! Finally, the truth comes out! I was getting very annoyed by the dysfunctional relationship between these three. They were always pretending to be little besties, but I knew it wouldn't last. I only wonder right now: how will these three get back together? Through Kathy and her carer career, I assume. But will they repair this rift between them? Only time will tell. Unfortunately, I am running out of time, so I must continue reading. This book is actually good.
She's a Psycho!
"It's not just me, sweety. Kathy here finds your animals a complete hoot." (Page 194)
I am so fed up with Ruth! She is so crazy! She has gotten to the point where she just manipulates people to get what she wants. I practically want to wring her neck every time she talks to Kathy or Tommy. She's one of those people that doesn't say when they are upset but makes everyone else's life horrible to compensate for their bad mood. She is currently discussing Tommy's animals with Kathy while Tommy listens, and she is making them a huge joke even though they are his lifeline to the life he secretly wants to spend with Kathy.
Tommy's theory about the significance of the Gallery and Madame's role in allowing them to have three extra years of joy is a big deal to him, and I think there is some substance to it. Of course, it could be a total load of manure, but Ishiguro wouldn't spend so much time on it if it wasn't going to be important later. Once again, my theories are running rampant in my brain. What is going to happen?
I am so fed up with Ruth! She is so crazy! She has gotten to the point where she just manipulates people to get what she wants. I practically want to wring her neck every time she talks to Kathy or Tommy. She's one of those people that doesn't say when they are upset but makes everyone else's life horrible to compensate for their bad mood. She is currently discussing Tommy's animals with Kathy while Tommy listens, and she is making them a huge joke even though they are his lifeline to the life he secretly wants to spend with Kathy.
Tommy's theory about the significance of the Gallery and Madame's role in allowing them to have three extra years of joy is a big deal to him, and I think there is some substance to it. Of course, it could be a total load of manure, but Ishiguro wouldn't spend so much time on it if it wasn't going to be important later. Once again, my theories are running rampant in my brain. What is going to happen?
Hopelessly Devoted to You
"Back then, when you lost it, I used to think about it, in my head, what it would be like, if I found it and brought it to you." (Page 173)
I've decided. Tommy loves Kathy. He just won't admit it to her because he knows they could never have a future together. Immediately, this song popped into my head. Enjoy!
Of course, I realize that Tommy's case is not as extreme as Olivia Newton John's, but I still think the sentiment is there. I think Tommy has loved her for a while, but he never said anything because he thought she would not return the affection. Ruth is just a placeholder in his life to fill the void he harbors for Kathy. Ruth is a little Miss Meanie Pants anyway, but she must end up a good person, because Kathy tolerates her later in life. Come to think of it, Kathy is a bit of a push-over, so she might not care when Ruth re-enters her life after her donations. She might just enjoy the company of an old friend. I hope Tommy says something about his love to Kathy soon. But this could all be my romantic's heart playing tricks on my brain.
I've decided. Tommy loves Kathy. He just won't admit it to her because he knows they could never have a future together. Immediately, this song popped into my head. Enjoy!
Of course, I realize that Tommy's case is not as extreme as Olivia Newton John's, but I still think the sentiment is there. I think Tommy has loved her for a while, but he never said anything because he thought she would not return the affection. Ruth is just a placeholder in his life to fill the void he harbors for Kathy. Ruth is a little Miss Meanie Pants anyway, but she must end up a good person, because Kathy tolerates her later in life. Come to think of it, Kathy is a bit of a push-over, so she might not care when Ruth re-enters her life after her donations. She might just enjoy the company of an old friend. I hope Tommy says something about his love to Kathy soon. But this could all be my romantic's heart playing tricks on my brain.
Take Me To Your Leader
"They reckon this person's a possible. For me." (Page 139)
Wait, what?!?! These people are clones?! Is this some fictitious, alien movie that you watch when you are ridiculously bored? I pretty much figured that these kids came into the world in an odd fashion, but I was not expecting the clone curve ball. Not at all. I guess I can admit it's a cool idea, cloning, but I was still clinging to the idea that this book was a little bit normal in some ways. Nope. That ship has sailed. These kids are destined to a dead-end life. I'm reminded of a Meg Cabot book I read once called Runaway. A company called Stark Industries (yes, I realize this is also the name of the main character's company in Iron Man) uses the bodies of mysteriously missing young adults to be the houses of old, wealthy people's brains so that said old people can live another lifetime. It's disgusting, and it isn't exactly the same as the case in this book, but I was reminded of it all the same.
Basically, at this point I am a little skeptical of the future of this book, but I am intrigued to say the least. Read on...
Wait, what?!?! These people are clones?! Is this some fictitious, alien movie that you watch when you are ridiculously bored? I pretty much figured that these kids came into the world in an odd fashion, but I was not expecting the clone curve ball. Not at all. I guess I can admit it's a cool idea, cloning, but I was still clinging to the idea that this book was a little bit normal in some ways. Nope. That ship has sailed. These kids are destined to a dead-end life. I'm reminded of a Meg Cabot book I read once called Runaway. A company called Stark Industries (yes, I realize this is also the name of the main character's company in Iron Man) uses the bodies of mysteriously missing young adults to be the houses of old, wealthy people's brains so that said old people can live another lifetime. It's disgusting, and it isn't exactly the same as the case in this book, but I was reminded of it all the same.
Basically, at this point I am a little skeptical of the future of this book, but I am intrigued to say the least. Read on...
Motivation - It's what drives us all.
"Sometimes, as I said, she did things to impress the veterans at our expense." (Page 130)
I've been faithfully watching the course of events in this story to find the best possible example for motivation. With full coincidence in my decision, I present the scene in which Kathy explains about Ruth's behavior during their time at the Cottages. Ruth pretty much turned into a typical teenager trying to get into the popular crowd. She ditched her real friends, changed her personality a bit, and made jokes at her friends' expense. She cared so much about what the veterans thought about her that she reminded me of the quote from Dr. Seuss: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Personally, I try to live by this quote. Ask any of my friends, I can go psycho at times. (But in a good way, not a clinically-unbalanced way.) Ruth's only motivation to change was to become popular when she should have been worrying about staying true to herself.
This particular scene just jumped out to me because I have witnessed this so much in my own life. People in my class who change significantly upon reaching high school simply to make friends. Change is a good thing, but not when it forces you to abandon your principles.
I've been faithfully watching the course of events in this story to find the best possible example for motivation. With full coincidence in my decision, I present the scene in which Kathy explains about Ruth's behavior during their time at the Cottages. Ruth pretty much turned into a typical teenager trying to get into the popular crowd. She ditched her real friends, changed her personality a bit, and made jokes at her friends' expense. She cared so much about what the veterans thought about her that she reminded me of the quote from Dr. Seuss: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Personally, I try to live by this quote. Ask any of my friends, I can go psycho at times. (But in a good way, not a clinically-unbalanced way.) Ruth's only motivation to change was to become popular when she should have been worrying about staying true to herself.
This particular scene just jumped out to me because I have witnessed this so much in my own life. People in my class who change significantly upon reaching high school simply to make friends. Change is a good thing, but not when it forces you to abandon your principles.
OHHHHHH! We're halfway there!!!!!!
"And that was more or less the way things stayed throughout our last days at Hailsham" (Page 111)
Success! I am halfway there and halfway finished with my blogs! Is that some seriously even planning, or what?!? Let's take a moment and commemorate this momentous occasion.
I wish I could rock the hair and leather the way they do. But I digress. So where am I in the story? Well, I will tell you. Kathy has exhausted most of her Hailsham stories and she is 16. She will soon be saying farewell to good ole Hailsham in pursuit of the real world. Miss Lucy has left Hailsham for reasons unbeknownst to the students. Kathy and Tommy can only assume it has something to do with how upset she was about the sorry situation that awaits them at the end of their lives. I agree with them, but I think she also can't stand working in that institution anymore. She is probably sick of the way these children are brought up. Maybe she will start a revolution to end this part of their culture! That would be exciting.
Success! I am halfway there and halfway finished with my blogs! Is that some seriously even planning, or what?!? Let's take a moment and commemorate this momentous occasion.
I wish I could rock the hair and leather the way they do. But I digress. So where am I in the story? Well, I will tell you. Kathy has exhausted most of her Hailsham stories and she is 16. She will soon be saying farewell to good ole Hailsham in pursuit of the real world. Miss Lucy has left Hailsham for reasons unbeknownst to the students. Kathy and Tommy can only assume it has something to do with how upset she was about the sorry situation that awaits them at the end of their lives. I agree with them, but I think she also can't stand working in that institution anymore. She is probably sick of the way these children are brought up. Maybe she will start a revolution to end this part of their culture! That would be exciting.
Imagery - Spare me the details
"You could see bits of skin starting to bond, and soft red bits peeping up from underneath." (Page 85)
Yuck. Why on earth would I want to picture this? Thank God I have a strong stomach because Ishiguro busted out the imagery when describing Tommy's gash on his elbow. Imagery is supposed to enhance the images we picture while reading whether they be lovely or gruesome. Well, Ishiguro did well. I imagined that healing gash on poor Tommy's elbow. (Which is exactly what the author wanted by the way.) Without this accurately sick description, I wouldn't fully grasp the story. Nor would I remember this specific scene.
In addition to its enduring qualities, imagery simply makes the story better, more real. There is a big difference between "the cut" and "the blood-oozing gash." Sorry to upset your stomach with my flawless spinning of the macabre words, but it had to be done.
Yuck. Why on earth would I want to picture this? Thank God I have a strong stomach because Ishiguro busted out the imagery when describing Tommy's gash on his elbow. Imagery is supposed to enhance the images we picture while reading whether they be lovely or gruesome. Well, Ishiguro did well. I imagined that healing gash on poor Tommy's elbow. (Which is exactly what the author wanted by the way.) Without this accurately sick description, I wouldn't fully grasp the story. Nor would I remember this specific scene.
In addition to its enduring qualities, imagery simply makes the story better, more real. There is a big difference between "the cut" and "the blood-oozing gash." Sorry to upset your stomach with my flawless spinning of the macabre words, but it had to be done.
Simile - I'm taking to this blogging thing like a duck to water!
"I remember wondering if there wasn't something a bit odd about her posture, the way her head was bent down just a little too far so she looked like a crouching animal waiting to pounce." (Page 79)
This too comes from the moments before the children learned that they were made simply to be donors later in life. It's sad, really. They couldn't grow up to be actors in America or anything special like that. They lived to give of their bodies. Of course, the full weight of this reality doesn't hit them until they are older, and even then they choose not to worry about it in lieu of other qualms in their daily lives at Hailsham.
I have to be quite obvious in diagnosing the purpose of the simile in the aforementioned quote. Ishiguro simply wanted to demonstrate in plainer terms ho Miss Lucy was standing. However, the idea of the "crouching animal waiting to pounce" continues as she gears up to inform the children that their wildest dreams will, in fact, not come true. Her thought process like her body posture reflects that of an animal ready to pounce. She must have been weighing in her mind how best to approach the situation with words as an animal does when assessing their prey. Similarly, like with an animal pouncing on its soon to be eaten prey, the children's lives would never be the same as they heard the end of their life portrayed.
I have to admit that it was quite refreshing to finally understand the purpose of these children and their upbringing. I was not quite right in my prediction that all people in their community donated their organs at the end of their lives. Therefore, I have changed my prediction to thinking that there are other boarding schools or institutions like Hailsham that produce children for the singular purpose of their pristine organs. I can't even imagine if this were nonfiction. Would that be considered a form of euthanasia? Or just long-winded homicide? Who knows? I am actually enjoying this book. Huh.
This too comes from the moments before the children learned that they were made simply to be donors later in life. It's sad, really. They couldn't grow up to be actors in America or anything special like that. They lived to give of their bodies. Of course, the full weight of this reality doesn't hit them until they are older, and even then they choose not to worry about it in lieu of other qualms in their daily lives at Hailsham.
I have to be quite obvious in diagnosing the purpose of the simile in the aforementioned quote. Ishiguro simply wanted to demonstrate in plainer terms ho Miss Lucy was standing. However, the idea of the "crouching animal waiting to pounce" continues as she gears up to inform the children that their wildest dreams will, in fact, not come true. Her thought process like her body posture reflects that of an animal ready to pounce. She must have been weighing in her mind how best to approach the situation with words as an animal does when assessing their prey. Similarly, like with an animal pouncing on its soon to be eaten prey, the children's lives would never be the same as they heard the end of their life portrayed.
I have to admit that it was quite refreshing to finally understand the purpose of these children and their upbringing. I was not quite right in my prediction that all people in their community donated their organs at the end of their lives. Therefore, I have changed my prediction to thinking that there are other boarding schools or institutions like Hailsham that produce children for the singular purpose of their pristine organs. I can't even imagine if this were nonfiction. Would that be considered a form of euthanasia? Or just long-winded homicide? Who knows? I am actually enjoying this book. Huh.
Suspense - It's Killing Me!
"I'm looking at them in the light of what came later - particularly what happened that day at the pavilion while we were sheltering from the downpour." (Page 79)
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!?!?!?! I can't take the suspense! Ishiguro loves holding his reader on the edge of their seat. He doesn't quite use cliff hangers, but he definitely makes it clear when another story is about the present itself. And frankly, it works! I read on just like the rest of the poor suckers who get trapped in the excitement of more artfully spun words from the author himself. This particular instance of suspense comes right before Miss Lucy tells the children about how they will grow up to be donors, but it's not the only time Ishiguro keeps his reader wanting more.
He basically uses suspense before every account Kathy gives of her years at Hailsham. The suspense comes in varying degrees of excitement ranging from a simple lead-in to warnings of crucial information. It's quite plain to see why he uses such tactics. He wants me to keep reading. And it works. Boom. Roll credits.
WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!?!?!?! I can't take the suspense! Ishiguro loves holding his reader on the edge of their seat. He doesn't quite use cliff hangers, but he definitely makes it clear when another story is about the present itself. And frankly, it works! I read on just like the rest of the poor suckers who get trapped in the excitement of more artfully spun words from the author himself. This particular instance of suspense comes right before Miss Lucy tells the children about how they will grow up to be donors, but it's not the only time Ishiguro keeps his reader wanting more.
He basically uses suspense before every account Kathy gives of her years at Hailsham. The suspense comes in varying degrees of excitement ranging from a simple lead-in to warnings of crucial information. It's quite plain to see why he uses such tactics. He wants me to keep reading. And it works. Boom. Roll credits.
"Snow! Little bits of lace! I don't believe it!"
"I suppose she wanted us to have a grasp of what was out there surrounding us, and it's amazing...the extent to which my idea of the various counties is still set by these pictures Miss Emily put up on her easel." (Page 65)
It doesn't take a genius to realize that these kids are sheltered beyond belief. They're growing up in this controlled boarding school, and they have literally never been outside the fence. Their only knowledge of the world outside comes from their teachers (They're called Guardians - I mean, come on. How much more protected could they get?) and the little bits of culture they can obtain through their Sales and Madame's fickle presence. And she's scared of the little boogers!
As I was reading this description that Kathy gave of their geography class, I was reminded of that scene from the King and I when the King of Siam's children and wives refuse to believe that snow exists simply because they have never seen it. Granted, the children of Siam were even more culturally sheltered than the Hailsham students, but the Hailsham students responded better to new things. I don't mean to say by this comparison that the students in the book didn't believe about the rest of England, but the idea that they can only learn of something from a teacher and not actual experience is similar. The biggest difference, of course, is that these kids are going to be thrust into society at age 16. Good luck!
Foreshadowing-Time and Time Again
"It's the one Tommy and I found in Norfolk years afterwards-but that's another story I'll come to later." (Page 64)
To be frank, Ishiguro's foreshadowing runs rampant throughout the story, but I decided to pinpoint one particular instance in order to get a firm grasp on its purpose. This sentence appears before Kathy describes her Songs After Dark tape by Judy Bridgewater. What can be assumed from this sentence is that Tommy and Kathy will travel to Norfolk at some point together. That's obvious. However, if this particular sentence were isolated from the rest of the story and the reader had no previous knowledge about Kathy and Tommy's continuing relationship into their adulthood, one could infer that they remain friends because they go to Norfolk together later in life. Fortunately, when reading a book, we are not allowed only a sentence to understand the relationships between characters. We are provided with an intricate web of details and little stories to aid us in forming an accurate image of how these characters' lives flow.
Ishiguro frequently utilizes foreshadowing, but the most obvious times he uses it is to warn the reader about how a certain story of Kathy's will fit into the bigger picture. Honestly, I much prefer this type of foreshadowing to deep, you-really-have-to-be-paying-attention foreshadowing. Because of all of the warnings about how each story is important in the grand scheme of events, I find myself paying more attention to details in Kathy's little anecdotes. And I think I'm getting a better view of the story as it is.
To be frank, Ishiguro's foreshadowing runs rampant throughout the story, but I decided to pinpoint one particular instance in order to get a firm grasp on its purpose. This sentence appears before Kathy describes her Songs After Dark tape by Judy Bridgewater. What can be assumed from this sentence is that Tommy and Kathy will travel to Norfolk at some point together. That's obvious. However, if this particular sentence were isolated from the rest of the story and the reader had no previous knowledge about Kathy and Tommy's continuing relationship into their adulthood, one could infer that they remain friends because they go to Norfolk together later in life. Fortunately, when reading a book, we are not allowed only a sentence to understand the relationships between characters. We are provided with an intricate web of details and little stories to aid us in forming an accurate image of how these characters' lives flow.
Ishiguro frequently utilizes foreshadowing, but the most obvious times he uses it is to warn the reader about how a certain story of Kathy's will fit into the bigger picture. Honestly, I much prefer this type of foreshadowing to deep, you-really-have-to-be-paying-attention foreshadowing. Because of all of the warnings about how each story is important in the grand scheme of events, I find myself paying more attention to details in Kathy's little anecdotes. And I think I'm getting a better view of the story as it is.
Chapter 6...I hope I can find some clarity soon
"I won't be a carer any more come the end of the year, and though I've got a lot out of it, I have to admit I'll welcome the chance to rest-to stop and think and remember." (Page 37)
I have read past this point in the book, but I must agree with Kathy at this point. I need to stop and think and remember. Basically, I understand the story, but I can't grasp the depth of the situations. What is a carer? What do the donors donate? Why are these Hailsham kids always at their school? Why is there no mention of their parents? I recall reading a little bit after the girls' experiment with Madame about how the outside people reacted to the Hailsham students. From what I can infer, they were created differently or raised contrary to normal society. I can only help guessing that they are not like other children. They obviously get pushed into normal society at some point because Kathy works in a place where she can choose between her "own" people (Hailsham kids) or regular citizens. The difference still remains quite ambiguous though.
As I mentioned, I still don't understand these carers and donors. I have assumed at this point that near the end of their lives, the people in this book donate their vital organs or something of that sort. Obviously, they must remain coherent because Kathy talks to Ruth and Tommy during their recoveries. Maybe they donate blood or something else they can live without in moderation. Who knows? I'll find out.
I can only guess that these ambiguities exist to keep me interested. Who could discard this book without understanding Kathy's job or the way this culture works? I can only hope that when the answers are revealed to me I am capable of grasping them. Let's hope that 17 years of knowledge is enough.
I have read past this point in the book, but I must agree with Kathy at this point. I need to stop and think and remember. Basically, I understand the story, but I can't grasp the depth of the situations. What is a carer? What do the donors donate? Why are these Hailsham kids always at their school? Why is there no mention of their parents? I recall reading a little bit after the girls' experiment with Madame about how the outside people reacted to the Hailsham students. From what I can infer, they were created differently or raised contrary to normal society. I can only help guessing that they are not like other children. They obviously get pushed into normal society at some point because Kathy works in a place where she can choose between her "own" people (Hailsham kids) or regular citizens. The difference still remains quite ambiguous though.
As I mentioned, I still don't understand these carers and donors. I have assumed at this point that near the end of their lives, the people in this book donate their vital organs or something of that sort. Obviously, they must remain coherent because Kathy talks to Ruth and Tommy during their recoveries. Maybe they donate blood or something else they can live without in moderation. Who knows? I'll find out.
I can only guess that these ambiguities exist to keep me interested. Who could discard this book without understanding Kathy's job or the way this culture works? I can only hope that when the answers are revealed to me I am capable of grasping them. Let's hope that 17 years of knowledge is enough.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
And 7 Pages Later...An Indirect Characterization!
"She had a squat, almost bulldoggy figure, and her odd black hair, when it grew, grew upwards so it never covered her ears or chunky neck....In fact, she didn't tend to speak much to us when we were younger. It was only in the Seniors, really, we'd started to appreciate her brisk style." (Page 26)
These previous words are a description of Miss Lucy that, at first glance, seem to mirror the description of dear, old Miss Geraldine. However, as Miss Geraldine's description depicted her mannerisms and qualities, the description of Miss Lucy portrays her physical appearance and how she relates to her students. In fact, Miss Lucy is said to be the opposite of Miss Geraldine. Not only do students not approach Miss Lucy for comforting conversations, they barely talk to her until they are Seniors. Also, they only approach her then because she challenges them to be better than her, especially in athletics. Like Miss Geraldine, she is not an important character. Nor will she probably play a pivotal role in the course of the story, but she is described differently. Why is that? My best guess is for variation. The story would not flow well if with every 7 pages came another clone of the initial description. It also adds dimensions between the characters. Miss Geraldine only warrants a straight description while Miss Lucy takes a bit more time because her ability to relate to others is diagnosed. It may also be a device to explain which character is deeper. Miss Lucy represents a talk with Tommy about his creativity, but she was also presented as angry in one instance so far. Whereas Miss Geraldine was all goodness and kindness. I'm interested to see if Miss Lucy actually turns out to have a significant role based on the information she tried to disclose to Tommy about the donors. Time will tell...
These previous words are a description of Miss Lucy that, at first glance, seem to mirror the description of dear, old Miss Geraldine. However, as Miss Geraldine's description depicted her mannerisms and qualities, the description of Miss Lucy portrays her physical appearance and how she relates to her students. In fact, Miss Lucy is said to be the opposite of Miss Geraldine. Not only do students not approach Miss Lucy for comforting conversations, they barely talk to her until they are Seniors. Also, they only approach her then because she challenges them to be better than her, especially in athletics. Like Miss Geraldine, she is not an important character. Nor will she probably play a pivotal role in the course of the story, but she is described differently. Why is that? My best guess is for variation. The story would not flow well if with every 7 pages came another clone of the initial description. It also adds dimensions between the characters. Miss Geraldine only warrants a straight description while Miss Lucy takes a bit more time because her ability to relate to others is diagnosed. It may also be a device to explain which character is deeper. Miss Lucy represents a talk with Tommy about his creativity, but she was also presented as angry in one instance so far. Whereas Miss Geraldine was all goodness and kindness. I'm interested to see if Miss Lucy actually turns out to have a significant role based on the information she tried to disclose to Tommy about the donors. Time will tell...
Miss Geraldine the Directly Characterized
"She was gentle, soft-spoken, and always comforted you when you needed it, even when you'd done something bad, or been told off by another guardian. If she ever had to tell you off herself, then for days afterwards she'd give you lots of extra attention,like she owed you something." (Page 19)
Miss Geraldine had only just been introduced to the reader when this description was provided. Of course, that is fitting. The best time to directly characterize someone is when they are fresh in the reader's mind. However, one must ask oneself why Ishiguro chose to tell the reader about Miss Geraldine in such a forthcoming manner. Why didn't he let us figure it out for ourselves? Well, the true of the matter is that Miss Geraldine isn't that important. I'm sorry that I have to be the one to break it to you, but it's true. She is a, shall we say, flat character? There is a possibility that she will enter the novel at other points in the story, but her main purpose is to make the transitions throughout the book smoother. She helps the flow of the story. Not only will she most likely never change, but she will probably not be allowed this much consecutive space on a page again. Therefore, Ishiguro had to describe her directly to the reader so that we may continue our reading unimpeded. She aided the explanation of the story, but she is not worth taking the time to develop. So, thank you, Miss Geraldine, for being a wallflower in the main scheme of events. Much appreciation.
Miss Geraldine had only just been introduced to the reader when this description was provided. Of course, that is fitting. The best time to directly characterize someone is when they are fresh in the reader's mind. However, one must ask oneself why Ishiguro chose to tell the reader about Miss Geraldine in such a forthcoming manner. Why didn't he let us figure it out for ourselves? Well, the true of the matter is that Miss Geraldine isn't that important. I'm sorry that I have to be the one to break it to you, but it's true. She is a, shall we say, flat character? There is a possibility that she will enter the novel at other points in the story, but her main purpose is to make the transitions throughout the book smoother. She helps the flow of the story. Not only will she most likely never change, but she will probably not be allowed this much consecutive space on a page again. Therefore, Ishiguro had to describe her directly to the reader so that we may continue our reading unimpeded. She aided the explanation of the story, but she is not worth taking the time to develop. So, thank you, Miss Geraldine, for being a wallflower in the main scheme of events. Much appreciation.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
#2: Flashback (2 down, 18 to go)
"On the particular afternoon I'm now thinking of, we were standing up on stools and benches, crowding around the high windows." (Page 7)
I can tell at this point in the book that Ishiguro will be utilizing the flashback quite often. Here, he is only one chapter and 7 pages into the book, and I am already experiencing a rather long-winded flashback. This flashback in particular lasts for about 9 more pages. I'm guessing that this book will have a Notebook-esque feel to it. Meaning that it will be primarily scenes from Kathy's childhood interspersed with bits from her adulthood. I can only assume that this is to convey to the reader a sense of story-telling instead of an unemotional account of events. As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Since Kathy is the character telling the story, I will not only get an accurate account of the events, but I will also experience the feelings and reasons behind each decision Kathy made and the scenes that occur. The bits of book dedicated to her adulthood will, no doubt, explain each previous flashback further and hopefully add to each bit of Kathy's memory something that could only result from years of living with those memories. Fingers crossed that Kathy is a good orator.
I can tell at this point in the book that Ishiguro will be utilizing the flashback quite often. Here, he is only one chapter and 7 pages into the book, and I am already experiencing a rather long-winded flashback. This flashback in particular lasts for about 9 more pages. I'm guessing that this book will have a Notebook-esque feel to it. Meaning that it will be primarily scenes from Kathy's childhood interspersed with bits from her adulthood. I can only assume that this is to convey to the reader a sense of story-telling instead of an unemotional account of events. As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Since Kathy is the character telling the story, I will not only get an accurate account of the events, but I will also experience the feelings and reasons behind each decision Kathy made and the scenes that occur. The bits of book dedicated to her adulthood will, no doubt, explain each previous flashback further and hopefully add to each bit of Kathy's memory something that could only result from years of living with those memories. Fingers crossed that Kathy is a good orator.
Let's Begin With Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. First Person Point of View: I realize this is painfully obvious.
"My name is Kathy H. I'm thirty-one years old, and I've been a carer now for over eleven years." (Page 1)
My first thought upon reading these first two sentences was, of course, I know a Kathy. She spells it with a "C," but it counts all the same. After that initial epiphany I realized this book was going to be all in first person point of view. Am I happy about this? Sad? Oh wait. It doesn't matter. I must read this book anyway. Fortunately, I do particularly enjoy first person novels because they provide a clear view of the main character's thought process and opinions. However, it does slightly restrict the reader to only having that intimacy with one character. This is not a problem, though, because Kazuo Ishiguro is a Man Booker Prize finalist according to the front cover of this book. He is also obviously a talented writer because he is the author of a book on an AP summer reading list. Therefore, I have complete faith in his abilities as an author, and I know he will appropriately handle whatever restrictions that might accompany using first person point of view.
Now, back to the point. What can I, as the reader, infer from this first person point of view? Obviously, it tells me that Kathy is the main character. Not to say that first person directly identifies the main character one hundred percent of the time, but it usually is a reliable indicator of who will be important. (And I read the back cover, so I know beyond a doubt Kathy will be important.) This usage of first person also tells me that Kathy will be telling me the story. Despite how unimportant this may seem, it does, in fact, matter. I can relate to her better now, which in turn means I will enjoy the book more.
At this point in the book, I am about two chapters in, and I like the book. Contrary to the accounts I have gotten from my friends and the fact that it is a summer AP book, I think I will enjoy this process. (If only because I get to be a bit satirical in these blogs.) Fortunately, my favorite part of AP Lang was the blogging we did, so I have hope for these next few days of AP-ing and the rest of my summer.
My first thought upon reading these first two sentences was, of course, I know a Kathy. She spells it with a "C," but it counts all the same. After that initial epiphany I realized this book was going to be all in first person point of view. Am I happy about this? Sad? Oh wait. It doesn't matter. I must read this book anyway. Fortunately, I do particularly enjoy first person novels because they provide a clear view of the main character's thought process and opinions. However, it does slightly restrict the reader to only having that intimacy with one character. This is not a problem, though, because Kazuo Ishiguro is a Man Booker Prize finalist according to the front cover of this book. He is also obviously a talented writer because he is the author of a book on an AP summer reading list. Therefore, I have complete faith in his abilities as an author, and I know he will appropriately handle whatever restrictions that might accompany using first person point of view.
Now, back to the point. What can I, as the reader, infer from this first person point of view? Obviously, it tells me that Kathy is the main character. Not to say that first person directly identifies the main character one hundred percent of the time, but it usually is a reliable indicator of who will be important. (And I read the back cover, so I know beyond a doubt Kathy will be important.) This usage of first person also tells me that Kathy will be telling me the story. Despite how unimportant this may seem, it does, in fact, matter. I can relate to her better now, which in turn means I will enjoy the book more.
At this point in the book, I am about two chapters in, and I like the book. Contrary to the accounts I have gotten from my friends and the fact that it is a summer AP book, I think I will enjoy this process. (If only because I get to be a bit satirical in these blogs.) Fortunately, my favorite part of AP Lang was the blogging we did, so I have hope for these next few days of AP-ing and the rest of my summer.
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