"There's no truth in the rumour. I'm sorry. I truly am." PAGE 258
I am not sure how much Kathy and Tommy actually wanted the deferral themselves. I think the reason they followed through to try and get the deferral was for Ruth. They both wanted to fulfill one of her last wishes for them. The trip did not turn out how they would have liked, however. Miss Lucy had to break the news to them that the deferrals never existed. I would have been rather disappointed in such a situation because of all the hope that was most likely built up leading into their trip. They seemed to take it rather well though. I think they probably had known deep down that getting the deferral was a longshot. They were probably very pleased to finally get some answers about Hailsham, the Gallery, and the Guardians. Throughout their time at Hailsham, Tommy and Kathy were repetitively questioning what was going on at Hailsham. After such an eventful chapter, the last chapter seemed much less eventful. I was waiting for something big to happen and it never did. The main event was a brief mention of Tommy suggesting he get a new carer. I think it was probably best for Tommy to get a new carer towards the end of his life so Kathy didn't have to see him suffering. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and its use of literary techniques, but I was disappointed in the ending.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Suspense
"Tommy and I waited for several more minutes." PAGE 250
The author leaves the reader in suspense on multiple occasions. First, as Tommy and Kathy wait inside Madame's house, they sit and wait. The narrator continues to unveil details about the scenario and their surroundings. The reader waits in suspense as do Tommy and Kathy for Madame to return. The suspense keeps the reader intrigued and wondering what will happen next. Without the suspense, the reader would know almost immediately what happened with Madame. It would not be as meaningful when they found out because it had not been led up to as much. On another occasion, the narrator again leaves the reader in suspense. Leading into chapter twenty-two, the author leaves the reader wondering. After all the waiting, Kathy and Tommy have still not received any kind of answer to their question. Just when it seems Madame is going to give her response, a figure emerges from the darkness. Apparently this person, who turns out to be Miss Emily, is actually who they need to talk to about deferrals. As soon as this revelation is made, the chapter ends, and the reader is subconsciously forced to keep reading.
The author leaves the reader in suspense on multiple occasions. First, as Tommy and Kathy wait inside Madame's house, they sit and wait. The narrator continues to unveil details about the scenario and their surroundings. The reader waits in suspense as do Tommy and Kathy for Madame to return. The suspense keeps the reader intrigued and wondering what will happen next. Without the suspense, the reader would know almost immediately what happened with Madame. It would not be as meaningful when they found out because it had not been led up to as much. On another occasion, the narrator again leaves the reader in suspense. Leading into chapter twenty-two, the author leaves the reader wondering. After all the waiting, Kathy and Tommy have still not received any kind of answer to their question. Just when it seems Madame is going to give her response, a figure emerges from the darkness. Apparently this person, who turns out to be Miss Emily, is actually who they need to talk to about deferrals. As soon as this revelation is made, the chapter ends, and the reader is subconsciously forced to keep reading.
Together Again
"Maybe I was wanting that feeling again, of me and Tommy being brought close together." PAGE 228
The three friends-Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy- come together again for a trip to see the boat that has been washed ashore. At first I thought that Ruth just wanted to go because she genuinely wanted to see the boat, but eventually it became evident that that was not the case. Ruth needed to tell the others something. She waited until the ride back. I think it was good that she waited to tell them her serious thoughts and that they just made small talk on the way. The situation would have been awkward when they were trying to get to the boat. I was really shocked at what Ruth had to say. It was thoughtful of her to ask for forgiveness, but I think it took great courage to place her request. She was sincerely sorry for keeping Tommy and Kathy apart and wanted them to try to be together. Before, I thought of Ruth as self centered, but now my perception has changed and I see her as a very kind person. She could have just asked for forgiveness, but she tried to help the situation and make it right. I have more respect for her character now because I know that she does care about the others. I was pleased that as Ruth was on her deathbed, Kathy promised to be Tommy's carer because that is what they both wanted.
The three friends-Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy- come together again for a trip to see the boat that has been washed ashore. At first I thought that Ruth just wanted to go because she genuinely wanted to see the boat, but eventually it became evident that that was not the case. Ruth needed to tell the others something. She waited until the ride back. I think it was good that she waited to tell them her serious thoughts and that they just made small talk on the way. The situation would have been awkward when they were trying to get to the boat. I was really shocked at what Ruth had to say. It was thoughtful of her to ask for forgiveness, but I think it took great courage to place her request. She was sincerely sorry for keeping Tommy and Kathy apart and wanted them to try to be together. Before, I thought of Ruth as self centered, but now my perception has changed and I see her as a very kind person. She could have just asked for forgiveness, but she tried to help the situation and make it right. I have more respect for her character now because I know that she does care about the others. I was pleased that as Ruth was on her deathbed, Kathy promised to be Tommy's carer because that is what they both wanted.
Metonymy
"They don't know what to say to the whitecoats, they can't make themselves speak up on behalf of their donor." PAGE 208
In this quote, the narrator uses metonymy in referring to the doctors at the centers and hospitals. They are referred to by something closely associated to them, their whitecoats. The metonymy is effective because it is relevant to the scenario to refer to them by what they are wearing. The carer's have not had as much exposure to the outside world so it makes sense that they would not know exactly how to refer to the doctors. Without the use of metonymy, the quote would lose some effectiveness because it would not have the same magnitude. The "whitecoats" adds focus to what the problems the carers are having.
Kathy decides to become Ruth's carer after much contemplation and an encounter with Laura. I think this was a good idea after Kathy found out that Ruth's first donation did not go well and she was having problems with her carers. Even though they may not have parted on good terms, I think it is important that they meet again. Their first few meetings did not go exactly how they would have hoped, but I think it is good that they kept meeting. It eventually got better when they had something new to talk about. I think their relationship will continue to improve as they bond over the boat and their trip to see it.
In this quote, the narrator uses metonymy in referring to the doctors at the centers and hospitals. They are referred to by something closely associated to them, their whitecoats. The metonymy is effective because it is relevant to the scenario to refer to them by what they are wearing. The carer's have not had as much exposure to the outside world so it makes sense that they would not know exactly how to refer to the doctors. Without the use of metonymy, the quote would lose some effectiveness because it would not have the same magnitude. The "whitecoats" adds focus to what the problems the carers are having.
Kathy decides to become Ruth's carer after much contemplation and an encounter with Laura. I think this was a good idea after Kathy found out that Ruth's first donation did not go well and she was having problems with her carers. Even though they may not have parted on good terms, I think it is important that they meet again. Their first few meetings did not go exactly how they would have hoped, but I think it is good that they kept meeting. It eventually got better when they had something new to talk about. I think their relationship will continue to improve as they bond over the boat and their trip to see it.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friendships Falter
"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
Throughout their time together, at Hailsham and at the Cottages, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy have been close friends. Kathy and Ruth confided in each other almost every night. Tommy and Ruth were in a relationship for several years. The event at the churchyard jeopardized the years worth of friendship they had developed. I think it is sad that something as simple as drawings could tear apart such a tight bond. Apparently they had begun to separate even before they realized it. I think Ruth was the instigator that caused the final rift in their friendship. I have no idea why she thought it would be a good idea to bring up that Kathy thought the drawings were funny, especially when they were both lightheartedly joking together. Even after this when they tried to move past what had happened, they were unsuccessful. Things just weren't the same as they once had been. Then I think it was wrong of Ruth to assume that Kathy wanted to have a relationship with Tommy and then deny the fact that he would want that. Ruth repeatedly makes me think of her as selfish and not concerned for other people. If she really cared about the friendships, she would not have brought up the drawings, but it seemed as though she wanted to stir up trouble. As much as Ruth was out of place by bringing up the drawings, I think Kathy was out of place deciding to go for training. It was a little bit of a rash decision; I hope she doesn't regret it.
Throughout their time together, at Hailsham and at the Cottages, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy have been close friends. Kathy and Ruth confided in each other almost every night. Tommy and Ruth were in a relationship for several years. The event at the churchyard jeopardized the years worth of friendship they had developed. I think it is sad that something as simple as drawings could tear apart such a tight bond. Apparently they had begun to separate even before they realized it. I think Ruth was the instigator that caused the final rift in their friendship. I have no idea why she thought it would be a good idea to bring up that Kathy thought the drawings were funny, especially when they were both lightheartedly joking together. Even after this when they tried to move past what had happened, they were unsuccessful. Things just weren't the same as they once had been. Then I think it was wrong of Ruth to assume that Kathy wanted to have a relationship with Tommy and then deny the fact that he would want that. Ruth repeatedly makes me think of her as selfish and not concerned for other people. If she really cared about the friendships, she would not have brought up the drawings, but it seemed as though she wanted to stir up trouble. As much as Ruth was out of place by bringing up the drawings, I think Kathy was out of place deciding to go for training. It was a little bit of a rash decision; I hope she doesn't regret it.
Foreshadow
"What she said was:
'It's not just me, sweety. Kathy here finds your animals a complete hoot.'" PAGE 194
This quote was foreshadowed multiple times. The reader knew that eventually Ruth was going to say something about Tommy's drawings. It was a matter of what and when she was going to say it. The first hint was the Kathy "wasn't prepared at all for what happened at the churchyard several days later (page 192)." Then the narrator went into the background of the event before actually mentioning what Ruth said. "But that was when Ruth said what she did (page 194)." This told the reader that Kathy was about to say what happened. The foreshadowing of that confrontation in the churchyard kept the reader wondering what actually would happen. It alse kept the reader involved in the issue. I knew to keep it in the back of my mind as I read because I assumed there was a reason the narrator kept bringing it up. Without the foreshadowing, the discussion between the three would not have carried so much weight.
'It's not just me, sweety. Kathy here finds your animals a complete hoot.'" PAGE 194
This quote was foreshadowed multiple times. The reader knew that eventually Ruth was going to say something about Tommy's drawings. It was a matter of what and when she was going to say it. The first hint was the Kathy "wasn't prepared at all for what happened at the churchyard several days later (page 192)." Then the narrator went into the background of the event before actually mentioning what Ruth said. "But that was when Ruth said what she did (page 194)." This told the reader that Kathy was about to say what happened. The foreshadowing of that confrontation in the churchyard kept the reader wondering what actually would happen. It alse kept the reader involved in the issue. I knew to keep it in the back of my mind as I read because I assumed there was a reason the narrator kept bringing it up. Without the foreshadowing, the discussion between the three would not have carried so much weight.
Understatement
"I didn't exclaim, the way I'd been doing when I'd come across other items that had mildly excited me."' PAGE 172
This quote refers to Kathy's reaction when she finally found the tape. She didn't know how to react to it. She wanted the exciting time with Tommy to continue and she was afraid that things would change when she found it. She used a form of understatement at first because she was skeptical. She was unsure of how to react. She was facing a dilemma between the tape and Tommy. Tommy wasn't even sure she had found it because of her lack of enthusiasm. Truly, Kathy was excited to find the tape, but she expressed her pleasure with understatement. She did not want to cause a scene in the store and felt as though the tape was something she should have outgrown. I think her understatement was partially because of embarassment and partly because of skepticism. The understatement emphasized how much fun Tommy and Kathy were having together. The fact that she would sacrifice the tape to keep spending time with Tommy reiterated how much she valued their time together. The understatement was effective because the friendship was evident and emphasized. Without the understatement, it would appear that the true motivation for the outing was solely to find the tape. To Kathy and Tommy the outing was more about spending time together.
This quote refers to Kathy's reaction when she finally found the tape. She didn't know how to react to it. She wanted the exciting time with Tommy to continue and she was afraid that things would change when she found it. She used a form of understatement at first because she was skeptical. She was unsure of how to react. She was facing a dilemma between the tape and Tommy. Tommy wasn't even sure she had found it because of her lack of enthusiasm. Truly, Kathy was excited to find the tape, but she expressed her pleasure with understatement. She did not want to cause a scene in the store and felt as though the tape was something she should have outgrown. I think her understatement was partially because of embarassment and partly because of skepticism. The understatement emphasized how much fun Tommy and Kathy were having together. The fact that she would sacrifice the tape to keep spending time with Tommy reiterated how much she valued their time together. The understatement was effective because the friendship was evident and emphasized. Without the understatement, it would appear that the true motivation for the outing was solely to find the tape. To Kathy and Tommy the outing was more about spending time together.
Anaphora
"Because however sympathetic they were, I could see that deep down they were relieved. They were relieved things had turned out the way they had; that they were in a position to comfort Ruth, instead of being left behind in the wake of a dizzying boost to her hopes. They were relieved they wouldn't have to face, more starkly than ever, the notion which fascinated and nogged and scared them: this notion of theirs that there were all kinds of possibilities open to us Hailsham students that weren't open to them." PAGE 165
This excerpt contains an example of anaphora. The narrator uses the repetition to emphasize what she thought Rodney and Chrissie were feeling. She makes it clear that no matter what they were saying on the outside, she was certain of what they were feeling. She did not even give them a chance; she immediately accused them of putting on a fake show of compassion. The empasis placed on the fact that they were "relieved" made the two seem like bad people. With the anaphora, the reader gets a view of Chrissie and Rodney as selfish. This picture has already been painted before so this characteristic of Chrissie and Rodney is reiterated. If the narrator would have stated once that they were relieved, it would have not really been read into. The fact that it is repeated multiple times makes the reader really notice what they were like and the feelings Kathy experienced. The narrator makes a big show of what she thought Chrissie and Rodney were thinking, but she never said exactly how she felt deep down. The only mention of what she was thinking was what she told Ruth. She makes Chrissie and Rodney out to be the enemies only worried about themselves when she could be experiencng some of the same feelings.
This excerpt contains an example of anaphora. The narrator uses the repetition to emphasize what she thought Rodney and Chrissie were feeling. She makes it clear that no matter what they were saying on the outside, she was certain of what they were feeling. She did not even give them a chance; she immediately accused them of putting on a fake show of compassion. The empasis placed on the fact that they were "relieved" made the two seem like bad people. With the anaphora, the reader gets a view of Chrissie and Rodney as selfish. This picture has already been painted before so this characteristic of Chrissie and Rodney is reiterated. If the narrator would have stated once that they were relieved, it would have not really been read into. The fact that it is repeated multiple times makes the reader really notice what they were like and the feelings Kathy experienced. The narrator makes a big show of what she thought Chrissie and Rodney were thinking, but she never said exactly how she felt deep down. The only mention of what she was thinking was what she told Ruth. She makes Chrissie and Rodney out to be the enemies only worried about themselves when she could be experiencng some of the same feelings.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Motivation
"And something told me we were coming to what was, for Chrissie and Rodney, the central purpose of this whole expedition." PAGE 153
The central purpose referenced in the quote was to find out more about deferrals. Tommy, Ruth, and Kathy had all thought the veterans, Chrissie and Rodney, were trying to help them find Ruth's possible. Their real motivation was to find out how they could stay together longer before they had to begin donations. This motivation made them look selfish. Telling their motive was effective in letting the reader see who Chrissie and Rodney really were. They tried to trick the younger students from Hailsham into going with them so they could learn more in private about the deferral system for their own interest. They did not really have any intention of looking for Ruth's possible because they kept changing the subject. They made it out that they weren't interested. The use of motivation was a way of indirect characterization of the veterans. Without the description of their real motive, the reader would believe that the veterans were truly interested in the younger students and finding the possible which they clearly weren't. I think their motivation is flawed because they should have directly told the Hailsham students that they wanted to talk to them in private on the trip rather than take them to Norfolk under false pretenses.
The central purpose referenced in the quote was to find out more about deferrals. Tommy, Ruth, and Kathy had all thought the veterans, Chrissie and Rodney, were trying to help them find Ruth's possible. Their real motivation was to find out how they could stay together longer before they had to begin donations. This motivation made them look selfish. Telling their motive was effective in letting the reader see who Chrissie and Rodney really were. They tried to trick the younger students from Hailsham into going with them so they could learn more in private about the deferral system for their own interest. They did not really have any intention of looking for Ruth's possible because they kept changing the subject. They made it out that they weren't interested. The use of motivation was a way of indirect characterization of the veterans. Without the description of their real motive, the reader would believe that the veterans were truly interested in the younger students and finding the possible which they clearly weren't. I think their motivation is flawed because they should have directly told the Hailsham students that they wanted to talk to them in private on the trip rather than take them to Norfolk under false pretenses.
Allusion, Characterization
"That's why she often looked more like the Wicked Witch than a movie star." PAGE 141
The narrator uses an allusion here to help the reader visualize what Chrissie looked like sometimes. She said that she was actually rather beautiful, but her posture suggested otherwise. The allusion is to the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. The witch in the movie hunches over and is not very attractive. Kathy did not go into more detail because she expected her audience to know what she was comparing her to. The allusion provides a visual for the reader.
This chapter also gave a more detailed characterization of Chrissie. She had been mentioned before, but this time Kathy told about the different personalities she portrayed. She told the reader about her physical appearance as well as the way she handled situations. Chrissie seemed to her to be in awe of the Hailsham students which insinuates that she did not go to Hailsham like Kathy and Ruth.
A major piece of information about the students' lives is also revealed. The students were created from "natural" people for the purpose of being a donation match. The students are clones created for the gain of other people.
The narrator uses an allusion here to help the reader visualize what Chrissie looked like sometimes. She said that she was actually rather beautiful, but her posture suggested otherwise. The allusion is to the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. The witch in the movie hunches over and is not very attractive. Kathy did not go into more detail because she expected her audience to know what she was comparing her to. The allusion provides a visual for the reader.
This chapter also gave a more detailed characterization of Chrissie. She had been mentioned before, but this time Kathy told about the different personalities she portrayed. She told the reader about her physical appearance as well as the way she handled situations. Chrissie seemed to her to be in awe of the Hailsham students which insinuates that she did not go to Hailsham like Kathy and Ruth.
A major piece of information about the students' lives is also revealed. The students were created from "natural" people for the purpose of being a donation match. The students are clones created for the gain of other people.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Was it Worth It?
"That's why I just picked up my book and walked off." PAGE 129
Kathy just got up and walked away after a verbal altercation with Ruth. She saw Ruth's remarks as a betrayal, but did she react too quickly. I think she did and later so did she. Without considering Ruth's motivation, she just stormed off. I don't think walking away was the best decision to make, no matter what the reasoning. Walking away would cause a major rift in their relationship, even if Kathy thought Ruth had broken their understood agreement. Technically it wasn't even a real agreement because it was never spoken in words. Anyway, Ruth may have been wrong to bring up something from the nightly discussions the two shared in secrecy, but Kathy kind of had it coming to her. Why would she have even brought up the Ruth was copying actions from television if she didn't want Ruth to get a little mad or upset. She could not have legitimately seen possible gain in it because it was aimed as a criticism. I don't know how she expected Ruth to react, she was basically calling Ruth a fake right to her face so Ruth had a right to defend herself. The best way to do it was probably not bashing Kathy right on the spot, but it was a defense mechanism for her. It accomplished something though; it got Kathy to stop talking about her being a fraud. Now the whole situation was handled immaturely, but Kathy should not have taken Ruth's comments so seriously when it was obvious she was just retaliating for Kathy's insult to her. The real issue is that there was no gain for either side so the fact that their relationship will most likely suffer from this particular encounter means that it was not worth it for either side to degrade the other because they need each other. After this, they may not be able to share each other's trust that was vital to their nightly talks. These talks kept their friendship alive so hopefully they can patch the holes they have created.
Kathy just got up and walked away after a verbal altercation with Ruth. She saw Ruth's remarks as a betrayal, but did she react too quickly. I think she did and later so did she. Without considering Ruth's motivation, she just stormed off. I don't think walking away was the best decision to make, no matter what the reasoning. Walking away would cause a major rift in their relationship, even if Kathy thought Ruth had broken their understood agreement. Technically it wasn't even a real agreement because it was never spoken in words. Anyway, Ruth may have been wrong to bring up something from the nightly discussions the two shared in secrecy, but Kathy kind of had it coming to her. Why would she have even brought up the Ruth was copying actions from television if she didn't want Ruth to get a little mad or upset. She could not have legitimately seen possible gain in it because it was aimed as a criticism. I don't know how she expected Ruth to react, she was basically calling Ruth a fake right to her face so Ruth had a right to defend herself. The best way to do it was probably not bashing Kathy right on the spot, but it was a defense mechanism for her. It accomplished something though; it got Kathy to stop talking about her being a fraud. Now the whole situation was handled immaturely, but Kathy should not have taken Ruth's comments so seriously when it was obvious she was just retaliating for Kathy's insult to her. The real issue is that there was no gain for either side so the fact that their relationship will most likely suffer from this particular encounter means that it was not worth it for either side to degrade the other because they need each other. After this, they may not be able to share each other's trust that was vital to their nightly talks. These talks kept their friendship alive so hopefully they can patch the holes they have created.
Imagery
"Sometimes I'll be driving on a long weaving road across marshland, or maybe past rows of furrowed fields, the sky big and grey and never changing mile after mile, and I find I'm thinking about my essay, the one I was supposed to be writing back then, when we were at the Cottages." PAGE 115
The narrator uses imagery to describe circumstances out of which, a memory develops. The imagery is effective because the reader can visually fathom where the narrator is and what she sees. The imagery provides evidence that the essay comes to her mind in different instances. The memory is not always brought on by the same scenery. The use of imagery here adds meaning because it alludes to her still thinking about the essay on different occasions several years later when nothing particularly relevant comes up. If the narrator would have just said that she remembers her essay and has thought about ways to improve it, the information loses vital detail that keeps the reader engaged. The use of imagery provides a situation readers can relate to when something comes to mind without any apparent external influence. For instance if someone is riding a bike on a road through the country with cornfields on either side and they begin to remember a certain experience they had while eating in the city. There is nothing specifically relevant that would have triggered the memory but it comes to mind nonetheless. Imagery was appropriate in this circumstance because it adds to the scene portrayed by the narrator.
The narrator uses imagery to describe circumstances out of which, a memory develops. The imagery is effective because the reader can visually fathom where the narrator is and what she sees. The imagery provides evidence that the essay comes to her mind in different instances. The memory is not always brought on by the same scenery. The use of imagery here adds meaning because it alludes to her still thinking about the essay on different occasions several years later when nothing particularly relevant comes up. If the narrator would have just said that she remembers her essay and has thought about ways to improve it, the information loses vital detail that keeps the reader engaged. The use of imagery provides a situation readers can relate to when something comes to mind without any apparent external influence. For instance if someone is riding a bike on a road through the country with cornfields on either side and they begin to remember a certain experience they had while eating in the city. There is nothing specifically relevant that would have triggered the memory but it comes to mind nonetheless. Imagery was appropriate in this circumstance because it adds to the scene portrayed by the narrator.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Internal Conflict
"That she'd done me a big disservice telling me not to worry about being creative. That the other guardians had been right all along, and there was no excuse for my art being so rubbish." page 107-108
This quote presents an internal conflict within Tommy that has persisted throughout the novel. The conflict is within himself over whether creativeness is important or not. The fact that this conflict is alluded to and directly discussed makes it a focal point of the book. It is something that fuels Kathy's curiosity because of what Miss Lucy tells Tommy. The conversations tend to be much deeper than just whether or not he should strive to be creative. The fact that the conversations typically involved the other guardians might have forshadowed that she does not agree with what they are telling the students. What she tells Tommy might also have led to her departure from Hailsham. Tommy's internal conflict caused Tommy external conflict as well. He had mostly resolved the issue until he had another conflict with Miss Lucy. This next conversation reignited his problems that also led to a break up and slight humiliation.
This quote presents an internal conflict within Tommy that has persisted throughout the novel. The conflict is within himself over whether creativeness is important or not. The fact that this conflict is alluded to and directly discussed makes it a focal point of the book. It is something that fuels Kathy's curiosity because of what Miss Lucy tells Tommy. The conversations tend to be much deeper than just whether or not he should strive to be creative. The fact that the conversations typically involved the other guardians might have forshadowed that she does not agree with what they are telling the students. What she tells Tommy might also have led to her departure from Hailsham. Tommy's internal conflict caused Tommy external conflict as well. He had mostly resolved the issue until he had another conflict with Miss Lucy. This next conversation reignited his problems that also led to a break up and slight humiliation.
Anecdote
"It was a morning of brilliant sunshine and we'd all just come down to the courtyard after a lesson in the main house, when I remembered something I'd left in the classroom..." PAGE 90
The narrator continues this to tell a short story about one of her experiences at Hailsham that relates to what she was saying about Miss Lucy. The narrator tells the brief anecdote to reveal what happened and then allows the reader to make the connection to what is going on. The story does not move on from there, however. As the first anecdote ends, the next one begins. The narrator intertwines her stories to portray the whole picture of the happenings at Hailsham. This story was followed by one about a calendar and Tommy's wierd reaction to it. They tie together because after that one, the author mentions how her relationship with Tommy is much different. She would have, in the past, shared with him what happened in Room 22 and he would have liked to see the calendar, but things were different. The weaving of the short anecdotes reveal situations, connections, and background information without the narrator blatantly saying exactly what happened and why it was significant. The reader remains engaged in the story because the short anecdotes are easy to follow and put the pieces together.
The narrator continues this to tell a short story about one of her experiences at Hailsham that relates to what she was saying about Miss Lucy. The narrator tells the brief anecdote to reveal what happened and then allows the reader to make the connection to what is going on. The story does not move on from there, however. As the first anecdote ends, the next one begins. The narrator intertwines her stories to portray the whole picture of the happenings at Hailsham. This story was followed by one about a calendar and Tommy's wierd reaction to it. They tie together because after that one, the author mentions how her relationship with Tommy is much different. She would have, in the past, shared with him what happened in Room 22 and he would have liked to see the calendar, but things were different. The weaving of the short anecdotes reveal situations, connections, and background information without the narrator blatantly saying exactly what happened and why it was significant. The reader remains engaged in the story because the short anecdotes are easy to follow and put the pieces together.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Rhetorical Questions, Litotes
"Where before I'd have backed away from awkward stuff, I began instead, more and more, to ask questions, if not out loud, at least within myself." page 77
Without having all the information necessary to answer lingering questions, Kathy began to think about situations more carefully. She began to ask herself questions after the guardians said things such as "What accidents? Where?" (page 78). She wanted to put the things together to figure out more about the students' future. The rhetorical questions that Kathy asks gives the reader insight into what she is thinking. The questions also direct the reader in the thought process of trying to figure out some of the unclear parts of the Hailsham lifestyle.
After Miss Lucy informed the students about their futures, she says, "It's not so bad now," (page 81) to ease the children's minds rather than say that things are okay now. This is an effective way to add emotion because it hints that their lives will get worse and are not as good now as it could be.
Without having all the information necessary to answer lingering questions, Kathy began to think about situations more carefully. She began to ask herself questions after the guardians said things such as "What accidents? Where?" (page 78). She wanted to put the things together to figure out more about the students' future. The rhetorical questions that Kathy asks gives the reader insight into what she is thinking. The questions also direct the reader in the thought process of trying to figure out some of the unclear parts of the Hailsham lifestyle.
After Miss Lucy informed the students about their futures, she says, "It's not so bad now," (page 81) to ease the children's minds rather than say that things are okay now. This is an effective way to add emotion because it hints that their lives will get worse and are not as good now as it could be.
Synecdoche
"I hadn't mentioned to a soul anything about the Sales Register business, but I suppose Ruth wasn't to know that." page 63
It can be implied from this example of synecdoche that Kathy did not tell anyone about the sales register stuff. She would not have been able, even if she wanted, to tell a literal soul anything. The use of synecdoche emphasizes that Kathy did not tell anyone. It is more effective than just saying she did not tell anyone because not telling a soul is more dramatic. When someone says they did not tell a soul, there is an insinuated promise that they are telling the truth involved. If they just said they didn't tell anyone, they might just be saying that to appease someone. Without the synecdoche, the reader would not know the seriousness that Kathy wanted to demonstrate that she was being honest and kind to Ruth. Kathy portrays herself as a good person, so there is a sense of pathos when the reader finds out she can't have children after knowing how she reacted to the song, "Never Let Me Go."
The Outside
"The sales were important to us because that was how we got hold of things from outside." Page 41
What is going on in the world that is not part of Hailsham is unanimously referred to as the "outside." The vague description gives a sense of mystery and wonder which adds some irony because really the mystery to the rest of the world, and the reader really, is what is going on inside Hailsham. The students have no idea what happens outside the walls of their school. This limited access to the world would cause great curiosity and stuff from the mysterious world would be a hot commodity, one would think. But that is not what happens, the world outside the walls is accepted as something they will never know about. They don't question or try to see what it is like; rather, they just graciously make their purchases at the sale to get what they need. One would also expect boredom or quite the opposite, people going crazy inside the walls without going out into the world, but that does not seem to be the case. They make their own fun on the campus and imagine alot. For example, one girl has horses (but not really). Also the students involve themselves in a secret guards mission to protect one of the guardians supposedly in danger. It seems that the students are content with their position away from the outside, but they might not remain that way as they become more intrigued in the mysterious outside.
What is going on in the world that is not part of Hailsham is unanimously referred to as the "outside." The vague description gives a sense of mystery and wonder which adds some irony because really the mystery to the rest of the world, and the reader really, is what is going on inside Hailsham. The students have no idea what happens outside the walls of their school. This limited access to the world would cause great curiosity and stuff from the mysterious world would be a hot commodity, one would think. But that is not what happens, the world outside the walls is accepted as something they will never know about. They don't question or try to see what it is like; rather, they just graciously make their purchases at the sale to get what they need. One would also expect boredom or quite the opposite, people going crazy inside the walls without going out into the world, but that does not seem to be the case. They make their own fun on the campus and imagine alot. For example, one girl has horses (but not really). Also the students involve themselves in a secret guards mission to protect one of the guardians supposedly in danger. It seems that the students are content with their position away from the outside, but they might not remain that way as they become more intrigued in the mysterious outside.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Faith in the System
"Thinking back now, I can see we were just at that age when we knew a few things about ourselves- about who we were, how we were different from our guardians, from the people outside- but we hadn't yet understood what any of it meant." page 36
The students at Hailsham have grown up trusting the system, even when things seemed not to make sense. The "gallery" has never been seen by any of the students, yet they all believe it exists. What, where, and why it actually is remains a mystery to the students, but it seems to me like religion. We have not seen God or Heaven but we trust and believe in their existence. They think that Madame cares for them until they try to test a theory and prove that she is actually afraid of them, "shudders at the very thought of you- of how you were brought into this world and why (36)," in fact. The narrator then likens the fear of them to a fear of spiders (35). The six who tested the theory had not anticipated how they would feel as the spiders; it was all fun and games until it was reality. They have trusted their school and the way they are raised, until they don't... Without understanding all the circumstances and situations, they went with it when they were young, but now Kathy and Tommy are trying to put the pieces together and figure out what they don't know. What first sparked their intrigue was a conversation with Miss Lucy when she stated that they "weren't taught enough about donations and the rest of it (30)." The two were confused at what it was supposed to mean and try to put together clues; they know there is a connection, a link between it all, but they don't know what. Their thoughts provoke thinking about what is really going on and who they are. They begin to question the system they have trusted and gone along with without knowing everything, but is it too late to figure it all out?
The students at Hailsham have grown up trusting the system, even when things seemed not to make sense. The "gallery" has never been seen by any of the students, yet they all believe it exists. What, where, and why it actually is remains a mystery to the students, but it seems to me like religion. We have not seen God or Heaven but we trust and believe in their existence. They think that Madame cares for them until they try to test a theory and prove that she is actually afraid of them, "shudders at the very thought of you- of how you were brought into this world and why (36)," in fact. The narrator then likens the fear of them to a fear of spiders (35). The six who tested the theory had not anticipated how they would feel as the spiders; it was all fun and games until it was reality. They have trusted their school and the way they are raised, until they don't... Without understanding all the circumstances and situations, they went with it when they were young, but now Kathy and Tommy are trying to put the pieces together and figure out what they don't know. What first sparked their intrigue was a conversation with Miss Lucy when she stated that they "weren't taught enough about donations and the rest of it (30)." The two were confused at what it was supposed to mean and try to put together clues; they know there is a connection, a link between it all, but they don't know what. Their thoughts provoke thinking about what is really going on and who they are. They begin to question the system they have trusted and gone along with without knowing everything, but is it too late to figure it all out?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Anthropomorphism
"When you lift an arm, or when someone sits up in bed, you can feel this pale, shadowy movement all around you in the tiles." page 18
The use of anthropomorphism in this instance is effective in describing the feel and mood of the recovery room occupied by Kathy's friend, Ruth. The two shared stories, thoughts, and memories in this room while Ruth was under Kathy's care. The tiles all around were pristinely white and clean which made movement resonate. The qualities attributed to the movement are not literal, but instead figurative. Pale movement insinuates that the movement appears slight. The shadowy movement could mean that the movement is not clear but rather mysterious.
I believe that Tommy had a small epiphany after his conversation with Miss Lucy that he did not have to be creative if he did not want to be. This changed his attitude which in turn made others treat him better because he did not let the small things create the tantrums the instigators wanted to happen. This turnaround also caused curiosity within Kathy who had been closely watching Tommy and the way he was bullied (not physically picked on because of his intimidating physique). She could not figure out why everything just stopped and Tommy was not the victim any more, even when he told her.
The use of anthropomorphism in this instance is effective in describing the feel and mood of the recovery room occupied by Kathy's friend, Ruth. The two shared stories, thoughts, and memories in this room while Ruth was under Kathy's care. The tiles all around were pristinely white and clean which made movement resonate. The qualities attributed to the movement are not literal, but instead figurative. Pale movement insinuates that the movement appears slight. The shadowy movement could mean that the movement is not clear but rather mysterious.
I believe that Tommy had a small epiphany after his conversation with Miss Lucy that he did not have to be creative if he did not want to be. This changed his attitude which in turn made others treat him better because he did not let the small things create the tantrums the instigators wanted to happen. This turnaround also caused curiosity within Kathy who had been closely watching Tommy and the way he was bullied (not physically picked on because of his intimidating physique). She could not figure out why everything just stopped and Tommy was not the victim any more, even when he told her.
First Person Point of View
"My name is Kathy H. I'm thirty-one years old, and I've been a carer now for over eleven years." PAGE 3
The novel begins by the narrator directly stating her identity, followed by a brief description of herself. The author continues to use first person pronouns as the story progresses. Through the first person point of view, the author is able to describe the goings on by describing the narrator's experiences and interpretations. We are able to see and learn about the other characters through her contact with them and descriptions of them. The effectiveness of the first person is that the character seemingly has first hand experience with the situations she is describing rather than reporting on events as an outsider. It increases engagement by the reader to the happenings in her current life, and the past events she refers to through flashbacks of her time at the boarding school in England known as Hailsham. The initial flashback is triggered by the narrator, Kathy, passing by something that brought back a memory from her boarding school experience.
As I read the first part of the book, questions began to arise-What exactly is the responsibility of a carer, the narrator's occupation? What are the donors donating?
So far I am thinking that a carer might be like a nurse of sorts that looks over people who need help at a certain point in their lives. I am assuming organs or blood or something along those lines being donated which is why a nurse would be needed during recovery. The only thing is that the donors would need most of their organs for themselves. I guess I will have to continue reading to confirm my hunches.
The novel begins by the narrator directly stating her identity, followed by a brief description of herself. The author continues to use first person pronouns as the story progresses. Through the first person point of view, the author is able to describe the goings on by describing the narrator's experiences and interpretations. We are able to see and learn about the other characters through her contact with them and descriptions of them. The effectiveness of the first person is that the character seemingly has first hand experience with the situations she is describing rather than reporting on events as an outsider. It increases engagement by the reader to the happenings in her current life, and the past events she refers to through flashbacks of her time at the boarding school in England known as Hailsham. The initial flashback is triggered by the narrator, Kathy, passing by something that brought back a memory from her boarding school experience.
As I read the first part of the book, questions began to arise-What exactly is the responsibility of a carer, the narrator's occupation? What are the donors donating?
So far I am thinking that a carer might be like a nurse of sorts that looks over people who need help at a certain point in their lives. I am assuming organs or blood or something along those lines being donated which is why a nurse would be needed during recovery. The only thing is that the donors would need most of their organs for themselves. I guess I will have to continue reading to confirm my hunches.
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