What do you think of when you hear the word, "fantasy?" The genre? Specific series like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings of The Chronicles of Narnia? That's what most people think of. What most people don't think of, however, is Eragon. It is just sad that so little people have read it. It deserves to be in the same category as the series aforementioned. It is really terrific, every last detail down from the characters to the setting to the symbolism to all the hidden meanings...but no one gets to know this because the book is so shrouded and no one knows about it. I was reluctant to read it until recently when I read the first few pages in Barnes & Nobles. I always thought it would be too long, or too fantastical for me, and other books took priority. Now I realized that I wasted 3 years waiting to read this book.
I am not very far into it, as some of the language is a bit confusing and I have to take time to really comprehend every page. Eragon is the name of the main protagonist (not the dragon as I previously thought) and he lives in what reminds me of medieval Europe. (It's not though, its in some other form of earth I guess.) A quick synopsis of the plot is that he hunts in a mystical forest called the Spine (which many people are afraid of so I thought it is important) and one day he found a curious bluish-white stone. He lives in a protected valley, and it seems like his whole country is controlled by an evil dictator who used to be a dragon rider. Dragon riders were very special to the people because they protected them and were highly respected. The only ones left are evil. Eragon's stone turned out to be a dragon egg, and when the government found out, they sent people to burn down his house. The egg matured into nearly a full size dragon that he calls Saphira. He was destined to be a rider. Eragon has sworn vendetta on these people and is going on a quest, with the old, experienced story-teller Brom, so he can kill them.
I think the main reason I am loving this fantastic piece of literature so much is because of the detail Christopher Paolini put into it. Considering he wrote the first manuscript for it when he was only fifteen, I am amazed at his extensive vocabulary and powerful writing skills. In some books, over-describing settings makes it boring and very blah. This guy manages to do it in a way that makes me question every detail, wonder if it has significance, and I think that is the sign of a great writer. The way he does this with Eragon himself is absolutely marvelous.
Usually I would be bored out of my mind, reading about a male protagonist in a fantasy novel, but somehow I am not. Paulini describes Eragon through little details, especially through his actions, that help the reader to slowly understand more about his character and traits.The fact that the story is told in third person instead of first person helps you to know him better, and get to know him like you were actually there. If you were inside his head, it would be less of a challenge to figure him out. For example, when Eragon first touched his dragon hatchling, he felt an icy pain that ran all the way up his arm and left a shiny scar in his palm. He tried to cover it up, so no one would notice. I believe this says a lot about his character. After only meeting the creature for five minutes, he was already thinking about how to be considerate and how he was already thinking of the dragon's safety.
Later, Eragon and Brom are attacked by Urgals, evil creatures that work for Galbatorix. They come to an abandoned town and find all the people dead. When they are attacked, Eragon fends off the blows coming from one of the urgals, and Brom is doing the same thing with the other. Brom is wounded very badly, so Eragon's first instinct is too lead the monsters away from those in danger, putting himself in more danger. I love how nice he is. (I know it's not the highest-level word in the world, but it is exactly what he is.) He fights them off and knocks them out with a strange power from inside him that he didn't know existed, and he nearly collapses from weakness. Before even examining himself, he hobbles to Brom to make sure that he is okay. That alone says so much about Eragon, it hardly needs any explaining. The bottom line is, Eragon always puts others before himself.
It is really a shame that this work isn't recognized by more of my peers. It would be a great book to try out, especially if you like fantasy. Like I said in the title, books can be shy, too. Eragon (the book not the character) isn't very out-there with advertisements like Harry Potter was, and how Twilight was. We make it shy, just like how we make series like the Hunger Games and Harry Potter outspoken and bubbly. (Metaphorically, of course.) Even non-fantasy readers can pull something from this book. I am excited to learn more about Eragon (the character) and dive deep into his world. Hopefully, you are too.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Extra Credit Poem
Life is an egg, fragile and weak.
We are the yolk, unprotected, so to speak.
Life is an egg, delicate and small.
We must stick together to do anything at all.
Life is a sunrise, a beacon of hope.
When we stick together, we are able to cope.
If life is an egg, small and weak,
we are one move away from a terrifying shriek.
If our fragile egg broke, what would happen to us?
The entire world would be in a fuss.
But perhaps, if we keep hoping, things will turn out for the best.
After all, isn't that really life's test?
To expect the worst, but hope for the best?
If we do that, we might all be blessed.
But there's one thing we manage to all fail to spot.
The sad thing is we overlook it a lot.
Think about it-how could an egg really survive?
How can the fragile thing keep us alive?
The help of others, that's what we miss.
The help of others, that's what we miss.
We are always wrapped up in our ignorant bliss.
It's their support that keeps us awake.
Without them, our fragile egg shell would break.
Woah, How Did I Miss That? (art post)
This painting is called Sunrise by the Ocean, by Vladimir Kush.
At a fist glance, what do you see? An egg spilling yolk and the white stuff that comes out of it, whatever that is. If you had just walked by it in a museum, would you have given it a second glance, or would you have just walked right on by, concluding you initial assumption, the one of the egg, was correct? I would just like to point out the Kush's attention to detail, and the sheer realism of it, reminds me of Salvador Dali (another great surreal artist to check out). I was googling images of paintings for a long time, when I came across this one. And I overlooked it. About half an hour later, I stumbled across it again, and I figured, hey, why not. Well, the second time I looked at it I looked closer, and saw all the details that I'd missed the first time.
Most people's first impression of it is just a broken egg, but I think that is apart of the magic of this image. At a first glance, you see the fragile world, represented by the egg, broken in two, with yolk, possibly representing happiness, spilling out as well as the white stuff, which could represent all the people the world protects. Yes, at a first glance, it seems broken. At a second glance, you notice the support systems and scaffolding supporting it. This is part of the message! You can even go one step further, and say the people are fragile on the outside but sturdy on the inside.
It's safe to assume that the ocean continues going on towards the distance. I think that this supports my statement by representing that hope continues into yesterday and tomorrow. That little figure in the foreground of the picture is toting the little shell with another person, which could represent the hard struggles that today's generations are going through so that tomorrow's have a better life. The little person towards the right of the water source is clutching their knees. I think that this person represents the people who are resistant to change, an look where's it's gotten them? The other guy is moving forward, while that guy is standing still, afraid.
This painting connects to humanity in a number of ways. First of all, it could connect to changes in governments, or the artists ideas reflecting a specific bill or law. However, I think it has more to do with society as a general. I believe it is about moving forward as the human race, not specifically this select group of people or that select group of people. It's about the fact we are all human, and, at the beginning, we were all eggs. More symbolically, we are all eggs, just waiting to be broken. Life is tough, and it's important to hold on to hope (the sun/yolk). If we do that, others will support us, and aid us, so as for humans to advance. There are some core values that all humans share, and I think this painting really demonstrates the basic needs we all have, how we overcome challenges, and our beliefs the citizens of the world.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Be More Chill, by Ned Vizzini
I picked up this book because I had already read It's Kind of a Funny Story by this author and I liked it. In that book, the main character was funny, intelligent, clumsy, unlucky, and depressed. All these things combined made him very lovable and relatable. I'm not terribly far into this book, but I have a feeling I'm gonna like it too.
The main character in this book is named Jeremy Heere. He's pretty much your average, high school dork. He's in every drama production the school puts on, he is madly in love with a girl he will never get to have, and he doesn't have that many friends. Your typical high school-loser cliche. But somehow, Vizzini is managing to put his own spin on it.
One of the things I hate the most in literature, especially realistic fiction, are all the stereotypes and cliches. Normally, I'd put down this book right away and start something more original. I just can't seem to do that though. The main issue in books with a geeky, male protagonist is usually self-esteem or acceptance. Although I can see both of those issues pooping up, the author hasn't emphasized them enough to make them the main issues. I still feel like the real conflict hasn't been introduced yet. I am still waiting for Jeremy to make a mistake.
I am very interested in Jeremy as a character, and I will be tracking his development throughout this story. Right now, he is kind of sad and it is obvious he thinks he needs change in his life. I think he really wants to change, and I think that he will try to make it happen, unlike Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. The two seem kind of similar; both are unlucky, bad at social interactions, and have a cynical outlook on life. The whole book, Holden complained and complained, and he wasn't doing anything about it. It took a very bad experience to wake him up and jumpstart his change. Jeremy on the other hand is different. He has this huge crush on a girl, and he tried speaking to her. He was going to give her chocolate, but it melted. He failed for a different reason than Holden: rotten luck. One thing all really good characters have in common is that they fail in some way. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird did not win the case. However, he knew in his heart he was right, and it added to him as a character. Holden failed at everything, but eventually he learned from his mistakes and changed for the better. Jeremy failed this time, but it's safe to assume he will do a better job next time.
I think by the end of the book Jeremy will be what he hopes to be, which is popular. I think he will get the girl, and he will also become a better person, just from my other experiences with this author.
Hopefully, I'm right.
The main character in this book is named Jeremy Heere. He's pretty much your average, high school dork. He's in every drama production the school puts on, he is madly in love with a girl he will never get to have, and he doesn't have that many friends. Your typical high school-loser cliche. But somehow, Vizzini is managing to put his own spin on it.
One of the things I hate the most in literature, especially realistic fiction, are all the stereotypes and cliches. Normally, I'd put down this book right away and start something more original. I just can't seem to do that though. The main issue in books with a geeky, male protagonist is usually self-esteem or acceptance. Although I can see both of those issues pooping up, the author hasn't emphasized them enough to make them the main issues. I still feel like the real conflict hasn't been introduced yet. I am still waiting for Jeremy to make a mistake.
I am very interested in Jeremy as a character, and I will be tracking his development throughout this story. Right now, he is kind of sad and it is obvious he thinks he needs change in his life. I think he really wants to change, and I think that he will try to make it happen, unlike Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. The two seem kind of similar; both are unlucky, bad at social interactions, and have a cynical outlook on life. The whole book, Holden complained and complained, and he wasn't doing anything about it. It took a very bad experience to wake him up and jumpstart his change. Jeremy on the other hand is different. He has this huge crush on a girl, and he tried speaking to her. He was going to give her chocolate, but it melted. He failed for a different reason than Holden: rotten luck. One thing all really good characters have in common is that they fail in some way. Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird did not win the case. However, he knew in his heart he was right, and it added to him as a character. Holden failed at everything, but eventually he learned from his mistakes and changed for the better. Jeremy failed this time, but it's safe to assume he will do a better job next time.
I think by the end of the book Jeremy will be what he hopes to be, which is popular. I think he will get the girl, and he will also become a better person, just from my other experiences with this author.
Hopefully, I'm right.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger
If you haven't already read this book, you need to read it. It is considered to be a classic, and for good reason. First of all, the characters are stellar, especially Holden. (Read my other posts to find out more about him.) Even the small characters are great, such as Stradlater, (his roommate at his boarding school in the beginning of the book) and Sally Hayes (his ex-girlfriend). Salinger's craft is marvelous, and he is definitely in my top ten authors. The way the characters interact is so real, it makes me want to pick up this book and read it all over again.
I've tracked some ideas and issues throughout this book, and after completing it, I can say that Holden's biggest antagonist was himself. Society also played a big role, but I believe that ultimately, he was the one holding himself back and stopping himself from living life to the fullest. In Holden's defense, he did have a mental disorder. I know I can't be that mad at him, but many times in the book he says, "I swear to God I'm a madman." (134). It's almost as if Holden was annoyed with himself for acting so crazy. The part that really gets to me, is that Holden became 100% aware of his problem, yet he didn't do anything to fix it, and he still complained!
However, it is this contradiction that makes Holden such an interesting and thought-provoking character. He often refers to everyone around him as, "phonies." This is his word for people who pretend to be something that they're not, and just do things so people will think they are sophisticated. Holden basically thinks everyone in the world is a phony except his little sister, Phoebe. They share a lot of the same traits, which is the reason Holden actually loves her. It was almost as if Holden had all this love inside that he needed to let out, but with time, the love turned to hatred, and the hatred made him a cynical and sad person.
Holden really did change a lot though. At the beginning of the book, he hated the world so much that he would rather have not made connections with the people and places in it, just so he wouldn't be sad when he left. He knew ultimately that eventually people will have to leave everything, whether it be by death, or another form. Holden thought about suicide once in the book as well. At the end of the book, Holden tells the reader, "Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody." (214). This implies that Holden learned how to make connections to people; he learned how to love, and be happy. He is glad he made the connections, because it wouldn't hurt to tell if he hadn't. When his sister tells him she wants to run away with him out west, he sees a part of himself in her, and has an epiphany. He realizes that running away from life will benefit no one, and that there are people in the world who really care about him.
Overall, I think all of this and more is what makes Holden such a relatable character. He tells it like it is, and he's not afraid to speak his mind. He learns from his experiences, and by doing so gains wisdom. Everyone can learn something from him, whether it's about depression, relationships, coping with failure, or even expressing yourself. I hope, one day soon, that Salinger will speak to you like he did to me.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger
I am so frustrated with Holden right now, I don't even know where to begin. If you didn't read my last blog post, or haven't read The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is the protagonist. He was kicked out of boarding school, and has decided to run away to New York City, where his family lives. Right now, he's there, but he's been staying in motels until Wednesday, when his I'm actually kind of worried about him...everything (and I mean everything) is making him depressed.
It seems like almost every five minutes he is saying to himself, "It makes me feel so...depressed." Almost everyone triggers an unhappy memory that makes him feel lonely or depressed. His mental health is not at where it's supposed to be. Sure, people are allowed to have moments when they feel sad, but with Holden, it's as if his entire life is one, giant, blob of depression. Personally, I love peace and quiet because I work more efficiently by myself. For me, solitude is wonderful. Holden, however, see's it as something different. "Everybody was asleep or out or home for the weekend, and it was very, very quiet and depressing in the corridor...All of a sudden, I decided what I'd really do, I'd get the hell out of Pencey-right that same night and all. I just didn't want to hang around any more. It made me too sad and lonesome." (51) I understand wanting to get the place that constantly reminds you of failure out of your head, but I don't think that Holden was really thinking about that aspect of his school. I think he was thinking more about the part where it just depressed him because it was so quiet. Holden is such a complicated character, sometimes I don't know what to think about him.
Also, as soon as Holden came into New York City, at least once every 2 pages something about it was depressing it. The thought that the ducks don't have anywhere to go in the winter depresses him. Thinking about his family depresses him. Seeing his brother's old girlfriend depresses him. Talking to people depresses him. The list could go on and on. The biggest sadness-factor for Holden would probably be his overall failure at life. Nothing he does seems to meet requirements.
Again, I go back to my theory I mentioned last week-Holden has predestined himself for failure, and with that mindset, he fails. There is an everlasting cycle that will viciously repeat itself until Holden starts gaining some confidence. First, he has the mindset that he will fail. Then, he fails. Then, he gets depressed about him failing, and thinks he will continue to fail...I've noticed some fleeting symbols of hope though. Holden sees moments of good things in life, and it makes me think he will recover from his depression. Then, something ruins it, and he goes back to being depressed.
Overall, I'm surprised that Holden's family hasn't taken notice of his illness. Depression is just as serious as diabetes and heart disease. If Holden really does have depression like I think he does, then I really hope he gets help by the end of the book. However, if he doesn't, and he just has an extremely pessimistic outlook on life, then I don't feel any pity towards him whatsoever. Holden needs to move on with his life, or, mark my words, his own negativity is what will bring him down. I feel it in my heart that Holden has great potential, but Holden doesn't believe he does.
At the beginning of the book, Holden wanted to make connections with other people and things in life, but he stopped himself because he knew it would probably end up depressing him. (Once more, I go back to my theory about his failure.) He would rather feel sad about leaving and not getting to connect with people, versus leaving and feeling sad about the connections he made. Self-pity against real sadness. As Shakespeare once said, "Tis better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all." This in all ways applies to Holden.
I am seeing people my age bummed about a test grade, or some other silly thing that they probably won't even remember in ten years, and I realize they really don't know what depression feels like. Holden has had such a bad life, but he is the kind of person I know can overcome the obstacles and emerge victorious. Confidence is key.
I went in to reading this book thinking that it would be an easy read, it's just a child's classic. I now realize that it is much more than that-Salinger subtly puts in ideas about real-world issues like depression. I am dying to see what will happen to Holden next, and whether or not he will prevail.
It seems like almost every five minutes he is saying to himself, "It makes me feel so...depressed." Almost everyone triggers an unhappy memory that makes him feel lonely or depressed. His mental health is not at where it's supposed to be. Sure, people are allowed to have moments when they feel sad, but with Holden, it's as if his entire life is one, giant, blob of depression. Personally, I love peace and quiet because I work more efficiently by myself. For me, solitude is wonderful. Holden, however, see's it as something different. "Everybody was asleep or out or home for the weekend, and it was very, very quiet and depressing in the corridor...All of a sudden, I decided what I'd really do, I'd get the hell out of Pencey-right that same night and all. I just didn't want to hang around any more. It made me too sad and lonesome." (51) I understand wanting to get the place that constantly reminds you of failure out of your head, but I don't think that Holden was really thinking about that aspect of his school. I think he was thinking more about the part where it just depressed him because it was so quiet. Holden is such a complicated character, sometimes I don't know what to think about him.
Also, as soon as Holden came into New York City, at least once every 2 pages something about it was depressing it. The thought that the ducks don't have anywhere to go in the winter depresses him. Thinking about his family depresses him. Seeing his brother's old girlfriend depresses him. Talking to people depresses him. The list could go on and on. The biggest sadness-factor for Holden would probably be his overall failure at life. Nothing he does seems to meet requirements.
Again, I go back to my theory I mentioned last week-Holden has predestined himself for failure, and with that mindset, he fails. There is an everlasting cycle that will viciously repeat itself until Holden starts gaining some confidence. First, he has the mindset that he will fail. Then, he fails. Then, he gets depressed about him failing, and thinks he will continue to fail...I've noticed some fleeting symbols of hope though. Holden sees moments of good things in life, and it makes me think he will recover from his depression. Then, something ruins it, and he goes back to being depressed.
Overall, I'm surprised that Holden's family hasn't taken notice of his illness. Depression is just as serious as diabetes and heart disease. If Holden really does have depression like I think he does, then I really hope he gets help by the end of the book. However, if he doesn't, and he just has an extremely pessimistic outlook on life, then I don't feel any pity towards him whatsoever. Holden needs to move on with his life, or, mark my words, his own negativity is what will bring him down. I feel it in my heart that Holden has great potential, but Holden doesn't believe he does.
At the beginning of the book, Holden wanted to make connections with other people and things in life, but he stopped himself because he knew it would probably end up depressing him. (Once more, I go back to my theory about his failure.) He would rather feel sad about leaving and not getting to connect with people, versus leaving and feeling sad about the connections he made. Self-pity against real sadness. As Shakespeare once said, "Tis better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all." This in all ways applies to Holden.
I am seeing people my age bummed about a test grade, or some other silly thing that they probably won't even remember in ten years, and I realize they really don't know what depression feels like. Holden has had such a bad life, but he is the kind of person I know can overcome the obstacles and emerge victorious. Confidence is key.
I went in to reading this book thinking that it would be an easy read, it's just a child's classic. I now realize that it is much more than that-Salinger subtly puts in ideas about real-world issues like depression. I am dying to see what will happen to Holden next, and whether or not he will prevail.
Response to "World on Fire," by Sara McLachlan
The first time I read the lyrics to this song, (click here to read the lyrics) I thought it was about a girl, and how she felt alone in the world. I thought it was about her, and how she is confused and scared of a world that is "darkening" quickly. All that changed as soon as I saw the video. Based on the video, I don't think the song was at all intended to come off sounding about her-I think it was meant for everyone, in a global sense.
McLachlan should be venerated for her goodwill and compassion towards others. She spent the $150,000 given to her to produce this video all on other charities that would help the world. Often times, fancy music videos can cost up to 1 million dollars-her's only cost $15. The rest was given to those in need.
When reading the lyrics, I know for sure she didn't mean for anyone to take them literally. If you did, well...maybe you should look again. Most of the song is a metaphor about all the corruption and greed that is taking over and, "darkening" the world. Although our world has changed positively in many ways since long ago, it has also changed in just as many, or more, negative ways.
The way I personally interpreted this song was through what I believed to be it's core messages: first, our world is becoming victim to the corruption and greed of it's inhabitants. Second, we really should change that. And third, no one person can do it alone-it will take many people to make a significant change in our world. The first part is shown right off the bat as soon as the song begins- "Hearts are worn in these dark ages...Night has fallen amongst the living and the dying..." Dark ages and night are most likely metaphors for all the terrible things that are slowly taking over the world.
Although she never comes right out and sings, "WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL THE BAD THINGS WE SEE-IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO JUST BE AWARE OF THEM," she does say, "I'll tap into the water, (I try to pull my ship), I try to bring more, more than I can handle, (bring it to the table), bring what I am able." I think that she is trying to subtly suggest that she is trying to make a difference, and perhaps you should too.
The last core message is that she can't do it alone. She can't change the world alone. It doesn't only pertain to her, but to everyone-no one can try to change the world alone. The sentence, "I try to bring more, more than I can handle, (bring it to the table), bring what I am able." This has two meanings-the meaning mentioned above, as well as that she can only do so much. One person can start a movement, but it takes millions to make it true.
Overall, I think McLachlan's message needs to get across to more people. Never in the video does she ask for money-she is hoping that someone will be inspired, and go directly to a charity. Even if you don't like this song, I believe this song has something to say to everyone. Just because the tune may not be the catchiest, or she may not be the best singer, she does have valid points. Everyone can make a difference in our world. Even the small things count.
Here is the video in case you want to see for yourself:
If that doesn't work, here's a link:
Click here for the video
McLachlan should be venerated for her goodwill and compassion towards others. She spent the $150,000 given to her to produce this video all on other charities that would help the world. Often times, fancy music videos can cost up to 1 million dollars-her's only cost $15. The rest was given to those in need.
When reading the lyrics, I know for sure she didn't mean for anyone to take them literally. If you did, well...maybe you should look again. Most of the song is a metaphor about all the corruption and greed that is taking over and, "darkening" the world. Although our world has changed positively in many ways since long ago, it has also changed in just as many, or more, negative ways.
The way I personally interpreted this song was through what I believed to be it's core messages: first, our world is becoming victim to the corruption and greed of it's inhabitants. Second, we really should change that. And third, no one person can do it alone-it will take many people to make a significant change in our world. The first part is shown right off the bat as soon as the song begins- "Hearts are worn in these dark ages...Night has fallen amongst the living and the dying..." Dark ages and night are most likely metaphors for all the terrible things that are slowly taking over the world.
Although she never comes right out and sings, "WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT ALL THE BAD THINGS WE SEE-IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO JUST BE AWARE OF THEM," she does say, "I'll tap into the water, (I try to pull my ship), I try to bring more, more than I can handle, (bring it to the table), bring what I am able." I think that she is trying to subtly suggest that she is trying to make a difference, and perhaps you should too.
The last core message is that she can't do it alone. She can't change the world alone. It doesn't only pertain to her, but to everyone-no one can try to change the world alone. The sentence, "I try to bring more, more than I can handle, (bring it to the table), bring what I am able." This has two meanings-the meaning mentioned above, as well as that she can only do so much. One person can start a movement, but it takes millions to make it true.
Overall, I think McLachlan's message needs to get across to more people. Never in the video does she ask for money-she is hoping that someone will be inspired, and go directly to a charity. Even if you don't like this song, I believe this song has something to say to everyone. Just because the tune may not be the catchiest, or she may not be the best singer, she does have valid points. Everyone can make a difference in our world. Even the small things count.
Here is the video in case you want to see for yourself:
Click here for the video
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