Peace Like a River
I read this book in four days! I could have read read it in two, but my son, Cormac, demands much attention and play time.
I fell in love with the story from the opening chapter and was sad to have finished. Some stories are like the best slice of lemon meringue pie - I just want to keep eating! I would write more about my thoughts, but I want you to respond to the book before I give any opinions or thoughts.
Here is link to an interview with Leif Enger: Interview.
There are a few aspects of this novel, if you chose to read it, that I would like for you to consider and respond to.
1. The idea of place (a.k.a. setting) is very important to this novel. The characters are forged by the weather and activities that can only happen in the places the author has described. Think back to descriptions (yes, you can look back into the book), and find some of the places and the descriptions. How do the places help create the characters? How would the story and characters change if it took place in San Diego during the same time period? How would it be the same?
2. The father mentions an interesting idea in the novel that can apply to society. It is the principle of escalation. How do you see this principle working in the novel and how does it apply to modern day society?
3. Faith is an important theme in this novel. How does faith help or destroy the characters? How does faith build and destroy modern day societies?
4. Finally, sometimes children see their parents as prophet-like or god-like. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Crossing Blood
I never like to read about an author until I finish a book and come to my own conclusions about the story, so I was completely surprised when I discovered that I had previously read a book by Nanci Kincaid titled As Hot As It Was You Ought To Thank Me. That novel reminded me a bit of Dona Tartt's novel, The Little Friend, but different in a watered down sort of way. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book, it was just a quick read.
I think I was surprised to discover this novel was written by the same person because the style is different. Her tone is quite different as well. Maybe because it was one of her first novels, or maybe because it dared to flirt with ideas that were dangerous during the 60s and even today (going against a parent's decision or ideals, falling in love/lust for the first time, etc.). If you chose to read this book, take a look at the questions below.
1. Place and time are important to this novel. The characters are created based on the ideas of the time period, as well as the location. How do you see time and place helping to create this story?
2. How can some of the ideas in this novel lead to the destruction of our society?
3. How do food, work, and religion work in this novel? What are their roles? How do they work to separate societies?
4. In your opinion, why did the author divide the story the way she did?
Watership Down
I read this novel for the first time when I was I in 6th grade. Then I saw the cartoon. I cried during both. Even as I re-read the novel this summer, I got a bit teary eyed. My husband said he didn't want to discuss the book as it tore him up the first time he read it. And even though I own the DVD, he refuses to watch it.
I will admit that I hadn't read the introduction before. But, I thought I should since I would have to discuss the novel later. First of all Adams is still alive and he has written a ton! I liked how he created the story and was interested to learn that 7 publishers turned him down. He also mentions that many of the characters are based on characters in mythology and people he as known. Also, Watership Down is a real place (click here to view pictures of the real places).
1. Is there a hero in this story? If yes, who is it and why? If there is none, why not? (Check out these websites about a hero's journey: Summary of Steps, Stages of the hero's Journey)
2. Why was the society of Efrafa failing? In your opinion what led to their situation?
3. How did hierarchy, religion, and education all play a part in this novel?
4. Choose a chapter and re-read the chapter title and epigraph (introductory quote). Why did Adams choose that quote for that chapter?
Bonus: Many novels, poems, and articles are mentioned in this book in the epigraphs per each chapter. Choose one and read it by the end of the first semester. Present how that story relates to Watership Down and any other book/article/poem we read in class.
The Little Friend
I have to admit that I love this book. I read it for the first time over four years ago. Previous to that I had read The Secret History, also by Donna Tartt. Tartt has a cult following and is supposedly writing her third novel. She often jokes that she is not a prolific writer, and in another 20 years, we might just be able to read another novel by her. If you are interested, here is a link to an interview in which she discusses both novels.
1. Place and time are important to this novel. The characters are created based on the ideas of the time period, as well as the location. How do you see time and place helping to create this story? Could it have taken place anywhere else? If yes, where? If no, why not?
2. How do you see humanity working in this novel?
3. Is there a hero in this story? If yes, who is it and why? If there is none, why not? (Check out these websites about a hero's journey: Summary of Steps, Stages of the hero's Journey).
4. There are many plot turns/twists in this story. Which is your favorite and why? Also, how do you feel about the resolution? Why?
Bonus: This novel has been compared to To Kill a Mockingbird. In your spare time, read the novel and be prepared to present what you have discovered (by the end of the fist semester). You may also to choose to read any of the other novels mentioned in this novel.
Crossing Blood
I never like to read about an author until I finish a book and come to my own conclusions about the story, so I was completely surprised when I discovered that I had previously read a book by Nanci Kincaid titled As Hot As It Was You Ought To Thank Me. That novel reminded me a bit of Dona Tartt's novel, The Little Friend, but different in a watered down sort of way. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book, it was just a quick read.
I think I was surprised to discover this novel was written by the same person because the style is different. Her tone is quite different as well. Maybe because it was one of her first novels, or maybe because it dared to flirt with ideas that were dangerous during the 60s and even today (going against a parent's decision or ideals, falling in love/lust for the first time, etc.). If you chose to read this book, take a look at the questions below.
1. Place and time are important to this novel. The characters are created based on the ideas of the time period, as well as the location. How do you see time and place helping to create this story?
2. How can some of the ideas in this novel lead to the destruction of our society?
3. How do food, work, and religion work in this novel? What are their roles? How do they work to separate societies?
4. In your opinion, why did the author divide the story the way she did?
Watership Down
I read this novel for the first time when I was I in 6th grade. Then I saw the cartoon. I cried during both. Even as I re-read the novel this summer, I got a bit teary eyed. My husband said he didn't want to discuss the book as it tore him up the first time he read it. And even though I own the DVD, he refuses to watch it.
I will admit that I hadn't read the introduction before. But, I thought I should since I would have to discuss the novel later. First of all Adams is still alive and he has written a ton! I liked how he created the story and was interested to learn that 7 publishers turned him down. He also mentions that many of the characters are based on characters in mythology and people he as known. Also, Watership Down is a real place (click here to view pictures of the real places).
1. Is there a hero in this story? If yes, who is it and why? If there is none, why not? (Check out these websites about a hero's journey: Summary of Steps, Stages of the hero's Journey)
2. Why was the society of Efrafa failing? In your opinion what led to their situation?
3. How did hierarchy, religion, and education all play a part in this novel?
4. Choose a chapter and re-read the chapter title and epigraph (introductory quote). Why did Adams choose that quote for that chapter?
Bonus: Many novels, poems, and articles are mentioned in this book in the epigraphs per each chapter. Choose one and read it by the end of the first semester. Present how that story relates to Watership Down and any other book/article/poem we read in class.
The Little Friend
I have to admit that I love this book. I read it for the first time over four years ago. Previous to that I had read The Secret History, also by Donna Tartt. Tartt has a cult following and is supposedly writing her third novel. She often jokes that she is not a prolific writer, and in another 20 years, we might just be able to read another novel by her. If you are interested, here is a link to an interview in which she discusses both novels.
1. Place and time are important to this novel. The characters are created based on the ideas of the time period, as well as the location. How do you see time and place helping to create this story? Could it have taken place anywhere else? If yes, where? If no, why not?
2. How do you see humanity working in this novel?
3. Is there a hero in this story? If yes, who is it and why? If there is none, why not? (Check out these websites about a hero's journey: Summary of Steps, Stages of the hero's Journey).
4. There are many plot turns/twists in this story. Which is your favorite and why? Also, how do you feel about the resolution? Why?
Bonus: This novel has been compared to To Kill a Mockingbird. In your spare time, read the novel and be prepared to present what you have discovered (by the end of the fist semester). You may also to choose to read any of the other novels mentioned in this novel.
Peace Like a River:
ReplyDelete1.Well for each area they visited, such as the North Dakota badlands as well as Roofing Minnesota, each character changed in their own way, differently from the other. For example; Swede Land, the youngest of them all yet the brightest of the family, seemed to become even more intelligent with every place they traveled through. i think that is mainly due to the multiple experiences she had throughout the story. Reuben also had multiple life changing experiences, but i think the main event that changed him the most was when he was shot and killed yet his father took his place allowing Reuben to come back to life when he was revived. This wasn't only the main event of his life, it also was the climax from my point of view, as well as the one ever lasting miracle that his father performed.
1. Is there a hero in this story? If yes, who is it and why? If there is none, why not? (Check out these websites about a hero's journey: Summary of Steps, Stages of the hero's Journey)
ReplyDeleteI think it is El-ahrairah, but it changes to Hazel towards the ends, because El-ahrairah is known to those rabbits as a tale hero and first part of the story is all about him and his journey. Hazel is chief rabbit of the warren which story takes place. And he involves in the last half part of the story where Efrafa rabbits comes and other conflicts happen.
2. Why was the society of Efrafa failing? In your opinion what led to their situation?
Because they had two idea(religion?): rabbits who believe Blindness and rabbits who don't. Flyairth, the original chief rabbit of Efrafa, was expelled from Efrafa, because she asked for Blindness to banish.
3. How did hierarchy, religion, and education all play a part in this novel?
Hierarchy: It consist between strong rabbits and weak rabbits, and among the strongs, they have chief rabbit
Religion: The Hazel's warren was divided because of appearance of Efrafa, and that division was caused from the fear of Blindness.
Education: Probably the first part of the story where rabbits were telling tales about El-ahraira was one kind of education.
4. Choose a chapter and re-read the chapter title and epigraph (introductory quote). Why did Adams choose that quote for that chapter?
The New Warren: A Cold Coming they had of it...just, the worst time of the year, to take a journey...the weather sharp, the days short, the sun farthest off.
Adams chose this quote from the text, because this represent the harsh winter which they survived using new warren.
Bonus: Many novels, poems, and articles are mentioned in this book in the epigraphs per each chapter. Choose one and read it by the end of the first semester. Present how that story relates to Watership Down and any other book/article/poem we read in class.
1. If they were in San Diego they won't be hunting. So they wouldn't have the guns around. There house is most likely to be better then is there. Other then that it will most likely all be the same.
ReplyDelete2. Idea of escalation is when Finch and Basca beat up Dolly, then the Dad beat them up. Then Finch and Basca took Swede, then Davy went and destroyed their car. Then Finch and Basca when to Davy's house, where Davy shot them.
3. People believed that Davy did the right thing killing Finch and Basca. Some believed that Davy should of been hanged. This has caused the down fall of many socities.
4. Yes I do agree that a lot of childern do believe that their parents are god like. This true because the kids are very young and the dad does do a lot things that he does that are very amazing things
Sorry the first one I did was about Peace like a River
ReplyDeleteCrossing blood
ReplyDeleteMain Characters:
Lucy- the main character (the story is written from her perspective)
Walter- Lucy’s Mothers 2nd husband
Benny- Lucy’s youngest brother
Roy- Lucy’s second youngest brother
Skippy- Lucy’s crush
Lucy’s Mother-
Melvina- Their maid
Setting: California Street, Tallahassee
Plot: Character Driven. Lucy Conyers lives with her brothers, mother, and stepfather in Tallahassee, in the last house in the white part of town. In the first black house there is Melvina Williams, their maid, her drunk husband Old Alfonso, and their kids, all boys except one. This book takes place in the 1960’s and the fight for integration between blacks and whites. Her mother believes in civil rights for all while her stepfather keeps his racist ways. Lucy learns about the invisible, unspoken lines between the two races and learns about hate love and difference.
Speaker+Audience: The book is written in 1st person and is almost written as an autobiography. The story is told in the voice of its young narrator, (a girl named Lucy), examines the differences in relationships of family members, men and women and blacks and whites. The author uses literary devices throughout to paint a picture in your mind and give you a better perspective on what is happening in her life. She uses descriptive language, metaphors, similes, and appeal to emotion among other literary devices.
1. Place and time are important to this novel. The characters are created based on the ideas of the time period, as well as the location. How do you see time and place helping to create this story?
As stated above the time period is the early 1960’s in Tallahassee. During this time period segregation was happening on a daily basis, so it would be close to impossible to write a story in this time period and not have segregation take a large role in it.
2. How can some of the ideas in this novel lead to the destruction of our society?
“A house divided cannot stand.” Abraham Lincoln. Segregation exists in our society still, although not as common as before. If we continue to discriminate against each other for our differences it can only result in war between races and ethnic groups, as it is happening in Iraq with the Sunnis and Shiites. Although it is near to impossible that our society shall end because of the ideas stated in the novel, (racism, segregation, discrimination) it could potentially cause problem in the future.
3. How do food, work, and religion work in this novel? What are their roles? How do they work to separate societies?
Religion takes a large role in this novel, especially with Lucy’s mother. She acts out against her husbands will, spending their grocery money to help cloth blacks. Work separates the two societies because blacks typically get jobs as manual laborers because of their lack of schooling whereas whites get jobs in politics or as engineers where a education is required.
4. In your opinion, why did the author divide the story the way she did?
She divided the story the way she did to show the different stages in her life, and the change she was undertaking.
1. Place and time are important to this novel. The characters are created based on the ideas of the time period, as well as the location. How do you see time and place helping to create this story?
ReplyDeleteI believe that because of the actual situations of that actual time periods which was around the 60s, the words of the characters seemed as if i were to live during that time, i would be hearing almost the same words. The vocabulary changes the set up a lot. The differences of words from the blacks and the whites. Creating more tension and differences between Skippy and Lucy. The setting which is described in the book seems more old fashioned than what is expected. Also the lifestyles contributed a lot to the education of the character- going back to the actual time period. Blacks had little or no education. Making Skippy's vocab low and Lucy's more sophisticated.
2. How can some of the ideas in this novel lead to the destruction of our society?
Just the thought of allowing this to happen all over could be the worst. The blacks have fought their way to society, to be recognized as SOMEONE. White supremacy had taken over for many years, but if one just takes a moment to look at what society is today, what would have been of us without the change? our nation is now made up immigrants, people from different parts of the world mixed with cultures and religions- life as we know it would never be the same again. The fact that White people were always right and African-Americans were not significant was just accepted as an everyday thing back then. Racism(general overview of white supremacy) is what could destroy our society today.
3. How do food, work, and religion work in this novel? What are their roles? How do they work to separate societies?
The distinct line between the societies was extreme. Blacks had everything separate- including most towns, churches, and basic needs. The simplest act of an African-American would or could be turned against them- resulting in harsh punishments. Most would be under the influence of alcohol and drug deals. The lowest societal ranks, heck they had no part in society. Their faith and trust was different than the Americans; creating an even bigger separation.
4. In your opinion, why did the author divide the story the way she did?
Well, since the book was written in Lucy's point of view, the situations are completely different. The titles of the sections really do tie in with each of the chapters. "Life is better here" talks about her early life, the beginning of an unexpected event.Where she was not prohibited to anything at her reach, until she moved to California Street. The last section being called 'last chance' was more than literal according to the book. The fact that Lucy was saying good bye to a life which she has learned to love immensely was now about to changed. Lucy had the last chance to do everything she hadn't done before all those years she had lived at town. She trespassed Melvina's Home, Went to the "Blue Bird Cafe", and Danced with Skippy. Not to mention Skippy and Lucy did the unimaginable at the time- Crossed Blood(also being a 1 in a lifetime 'opportunity')
1. Place and time are important to this novel. The characters are created based on the ideas of the time period, as well as the location. How do you see time and place helping to create this story?
ReplyDeleteThe story takes place in two places (Roofing, Minnesota and the Badlands, North Dakota)that are out of the way and allow the reader, me, to focus on the plot and character development rather than on where are they and such.
2. The father mentions an interesting idea in the novel that can apply to society. It is the principle of escalation. How do you see this principle working in the novel and how does it apply to modern day society?
Escalation, to grow in intensity, occurs everyday in our society, and it will never stop as long as we are around. Technology advances, breakthroughs in this and that, we are always stimulated with the idea of whats to come in the near future. This is how escalation applies to the book. In the start, we gaze into the somewhat peaceful life of Reuben Land and his family, and thats where the book sucks you in. Then we get far enough in and suddenly there are beatings and deaths. This is escalation, as the plot begins to grow more intense, and thus egging (if thats how you spell it) you on to read more.
3. Faith is an important theme in this novel. How does faith help or destroy the characters? How does faith build and destroy modern day societies?
Faith is a problem in everything. Some people look at it as a virtue or something, but I see it as a sort of placebo. The best way I can explain it is that sometimes faith screws with your head, and could in turn have a huge psychological effect on entire societies waiting for something that is never going to come.
4. Finally, sometimes children see their parents as prophet-like or god-like. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
Yes, because of the mental link I know I feel with my parents. This and the fact that they would do anything to protect you at all costs, which I also think is a pretty special trait only a parent possesses.
4. The epigraph of chapter eighteen is, “What is now proved was once only imagin’d.” Chapter eighteen is about the rabbits travelling a long way, over three miles, and finally finding Watership Down. The quote, when applied to the story, refers to how Fiver imagines the perfect place to carve out a new warren: “High, lonely hills, where the wind and the sound carry and the ground’s as dry as straw in a barn. That’s where we ought to be. That’s where we have to go.” At the time, Hazel brushes it off, deeming it to be too distant and skeptical the other rabbits will be willing to travel so far. It’s not until they are at the top of Watership Down they realize that it’s there and they’re on top of it. What Fiver imagines is finally proven and real.
ReplyDeleteAlex Huber
ReplyDeleteWatership Down
Question 1: Who is the hero?
I would say that the hero of this story is ultimately Hazel. Even though Bigwig fights the final battle with Woundwort, and rescues the does from Efrafa, Hazel is the one who leads the rabbits out of their old home, and finally saves them in the end by releasing the dog on the Efrafrans. He also experiences supernatural aid (in the form of Fiver's visions), crossing the first threshold(when he leaves his home), A road of trails(when he is shot), the Ultimate Boon(when he defeats Woundwort) and Freedom to live(when he passes away in the end) among other steps that a hero usually takes.
Alex Huber
ReplyDeleteWatership Down(continued)
Question 2: Why was Efrafra Failing?
Efrafra was failing because of overpopulation, and Woundwort's overly strict regulations on the citizens. This prevented the rabbits from making use of the natural resources, and expanding appropriately. Efrafra bears a large resemblance to communist China.
Question 3: Hierarchy, Education and Religion
Hierarchy and Religion play large parts in Watership Down. Firstly, Hierarchy is always present. There is clearly a social order that includes the Chief Rabbit, the Owsla, and the citizens. This usually is not a problem, but it becomes one when Woundwort abuses his rights, resulting in a draconian dictatorship.
Religion is also mentioned throughout the book with references to Frith and the tales of El-ahrairah(which are similar to bible stories). Although it really serves no purpose for the plot, it is still fun to read.
Peace like a river
ReplyDelete1. If the story was based in the summer then it would have been, one, easier for the police to catch Davy. Two, it would be harder for Davy to escape. Three, it would be easier for the family to chase after Davy if he did in fact escape. And fourth, they would have never gotten stuck at Roxanna’s home. If they didn’t live near the ‘Badlands’ then Davy wouldn’t have escaped to Waltzer’s. Also, Rueben’s asthma wouldn’t have picked up.
Them living in Roofing, shaped Davy into the hunter he was which allowed him to feel comfortable with a gun. Without their small town then not everyone would’ve known their business.
If they were to live in San Diego during the same time he probably wouldn’t have escaped and they wouldn’t have found Roxanna. Also, the whole winter thing would be different.
2. Escalation is the term to describe becoming more and more intense after each event also known as the snowball affect. The novel has a lot of escalation, the intensity of the problem with Davey¸ his girlfriend and the bullies grows and grows until Davey is in jail. It also continues to grow when Davey escapes and runs away and everyone is looking for him. The escalation grows so intense that Rueben can’t take it and tells on of the main people looking for him that he had been in contact with Davey. It applies to society with minor problems turn into the economy downfall of the world or when we over use our basic necessities until they are all gone.
3. In Peace like a river, faith both helps and destroys Rueben. His faith makes him strong enough to seek out Davey, but it also destroys him by him putting TOO much faith into God and by believing Davey would be able to escape any type of prison in the end.
4. I do not believe that children view their parents as God-like figures. If they believe in one God then that is it, they might think more of them as angels and such because they brought the into the word but them that means most people are “angel” like to their children.
--Zachary Raymond
Marion Adams - Watership Down
ReplyDelete1. Hazel is the hero of Watership down. The rabbits think of him as a hero although he relies on them for almost everything. For example Hazel left the original warren because Fiver warned him but he was the one who rallied all the other rabbits. Hazel also relies on Bigwigs strength and fiver and blackberry’s smarts.
2. Efrara's society failed because the laws were over enforced. The rabbits had no freedom which made them want to rebel. The warren was also overpopulated so an escape was inevitable.
3. In the first warren there was a chief rabbit who had control. The chief had owsla who looked over the warren. In Strawberries warren the rabbits lived in fear without a ruler because they new that they were living in captivity. Efrafa had a strong chief rabbit and was a military society. Efrafa had the Owslafa which were council police to enforce the rules. Hazels warren and almost every rabbit believed in Frith which was like their god. He was also the sun. El Aharirah was another figure which they told stories about and "worshiped." Young rabbits were told these stories and they were passed on from generation to generation.
4. Chapter 37 The Thunder Builds Up "You K'in hide de fier, but w'at you gwine do wid de smoke?
Adams used this quote because it says that you can lie but you cannot hide the evidence. In the chapter Bigwig is talking to Woundwort about running the fox into the officers.
1. I think that the primary hero of this story would be Fiver because he is the one that predicted the fate of the warren. However, Hazel was the one that really retrieved other rabbits to come along in the journey. Throughout the story, other rabbits acted as heros due to upgrading the new warren that they were creating, or simply aiding all of the rabbits in survival.
ReplyDelete2. The Efrafan society was failing because it was too contained and controlled. By this I mean that the does had restrained activities that they were allowed to take part in, and the male rabbits lived to be an officer that protected Efrafa. But what those male rabbits didn't know was that the officers were probably protecting the prosperity of their warren more then outside invaders. By this distraction, outsiders came and successfully took does back to their warren.
3. Hierarchy played a part in this novel because the rabbits all believed that a chief rabbit was the final decision-maker, and had sort of an almighty power. In addition, in Efrafa, the higher class of rabbits were the ones that were officers because they controlled what all of the other rabbits could and could not do. Religion took a part in this novel because they all believed in Frith, which was basically their God. They told stories about his doings in the past, and lived by the morals of those stories. Education took a part in this novel because rabbits such as Bigwig, who were trained in combat and the outside world aided the rabbits on their journey, and was a key part in their success.
4. In chapter 30, A New Journey, the quote was, "An undertaking of great advantage, but nobody to know what it is." This relates to this chapter because when the rabbits had come up with the plan to break into Efrafa and eventually steal some does they knew what they wanted out of the situation, and they had a pretty solid plan. But what they didn't know was that the Efrafan society was failing, which came to their benefit.
Jessica Robertson
Watership Down- Nathan Kelleher
ReplyDelete1. Hazel is the heroic figure in this book, I know this because he thinks of all problems and solutions to support his fellow rabbits and tries best to keep order and peace within the warren. Also, when he was thought to be dead everybody was in a state of melancholy knowing their leader and savior had died, similar to that of the death of Captain America in his comic book, a heroic figure fallen. Hazel is the true leader in this book.
2. The Society of Efrafa was failing due to the increase of does in the warren and decrease of bucks. This was due to the number of bucks in the Owsla dieing outside the warren or bucks attempting to escape Efrafa but being punished with death. While the does are too afraid to escape or not able to join Owsla. It came to this situation due to the overprotection and great strictness of the depressing warren.
3. Hierarchy, Religion, and education played a crucial part in this book. Hierarchy made it so that the group of rabbits knew who could lead and who could protect the others in strength and smarts. While the religion of the rabbits made it so that they develop their great sense of trickery compared to their folk hero El-ahrairah, who would do anything to save his people and make their lives better. While education crucially affected the rabbits while they traveled on, learning about digging, and also using a boat over a river which crucially helped. Along with learning the surroundings of Efrafa and how to escape.
4.For Chapter 12-The Stranger in the Field the introductory quote stated: "Nevertheless, even in a crowded warren, visitors in the form of young rabbits seeking desirable dry quarters maybe be tolerated . . . and if powerful enough they may obtain and hold a place." This quote was a perfect explanation to the chapter in which the rabbits found a stranger from a different warren who offered them shelter but was truly not after friendship but their death, while in the quote it states 'they may obtain and hold a place' meaning to hold a place supporting the other warren and not themselves.
Alex Huber
ReplyDeleteWatership down
Question 4: Chapter Quote
The quote for the first chapter is:
"Chorus: Why do you cry out thus, unless at some vision of horror?
Cassandra: The house reaks of death and dripping blood.
Chorus: How so? Tis but the oder of the Altar sacrific.
Cassandra: The stench is like the breath from a tomb."
The reason that the author picked this quote is pretty clear. In the chapter, Fiver experiences visions of blood and death that will come upon the down, but the others dismiss him. This seems similar to Cassandra in the text as she is unnerved by something apparently normal.
Setting was a very important factor in the events of this book. For example, Reuben lived in Roofing, where his breathing problem was manageable. However, when he traveled to North Dakota, the more time he spent there, the worse his lungs became, forcing him and his family to return to their home in Roofing. Had the story taken place in San Diego, Reuben’s lungs could have had a completely different effect on the events. In addition, the family would never have become snowed in at a town they meant to be passing through.
ReplyDeleteEscalation resulted in a “war” between the family and Israel Finch and Tommy Basca. The two boys would do something to the family, and Davy, in turn, would return the favor. The acts got worse and worse as time went on, from painting a door with tar to a plan to beat up a sleeping family, to two dead boys. In modern society we feel as though nothing is over until there has been an end. No one will simply end something, a war maybe, the escalation takes its course, causing greater damage as time passes, until finally there is an end to it all.
Reuben has faith in his father and in the miracles created around him. The entire family has a faith in God, that their prayers will be answered. When Reuben’s father prays one day that the Lord bring Davy to them or bring them a way to find Davy, his prayer is answered by an inheritance of an Airstream trailer in which the family eventually does find Davy. However in some situations, Reuben relied to heavily on his faith, and prayers were not answered, forcing him to take matters into his own hands.
I believe that, sometimes, parents can seem all knowing when children are younger. Children think their parents have all the answers and will always be there to protect them. Because, as a child, this is mostly true. Our parents provide us with protection from all dangers, and as children have much to learn, parents seem as though their knowledge is universal and answer most questions presented by their sons and daughters.
1. Yes, I believe the hero in this story was Fiver, the youngest rabit. Although he could be rash at times, he was the one that originally saved the group that left the warren from the human's destruction. If it weren't for Fiver, the main character's lives would have been at stake.
ReplyDelete2. The Efrafa was a monarchy society. The other rabits in the warren did not know any other way to live, and since they didn't have any experience considering they don't have any major responsibilities. I think rabbits that are hungry for power led to this situation.
3. In Efrafa especially, there seemed to be a type of social ladder. Taking education, for example, those that were more educated about the way of life that they lived and how to survive off the land seemed to be at the top of the ladder. At the bottom of the ladder in Efrara, it seemed that the rabbits had no education on how to survive on their own. Religion did not play a major part in this novel, but it seemed that all the rabbits had the same lifestyle, and way of going about things, which you could consider religion.
4. A Honeycomb and a Mouse was the title of the chapter. The epigraph was "His face was that of one who has undergone a long journey." I believe that Richard Adams chose this quote because it was the same chapter that Hazel saved a random mouse's life. The point of the run in with the mouse was that no matter who it is in danger, every life has significance. Even though Hazel didn't know the mouse, or know his story, he still went out of his way to save him.
Maddison McFarland
ReplyDeleteSeptember 3, 2010
The Little Friend
1.In this time period (which was only a few decades ago) parents allowed their children to roam further from home and for longer spans of time, then they do today. Having been along the east coast, I have seen that most of the southern states have similar climates and swampy landscape, this story could have taken place anywhere along the southern east coast. The only limitation the plot might place on the possible locations is the kidnapping laws (where this story took place, kidnapping was punishable by death).
2. In the Little Friend, an interesting look into the lives of challenged families was provided. The lower class of society was seen through the Ratliffs, and the struggle of those who have suffered a great loss is also present. The humanity in this story can be seen through the relations between the different groups of people, anexample of this is the rage that Harriet possessed towards Danny Ratliff).
3.The "Hero" in this story would have to be Harriet. It ulitmatly not the death of the brother that bothered her, it was the life she had to live as a result of his murder that caused her the greatest amount of grief. She had a mother who wa little more than a shadow and an alcoholic, a sister who has slept herself to nothingness, and a grandmother who is loving but can't help but to see her beloved grandson in her. After her initial decision to solve her brothers murder, her heroic journey begins. What makes her decision "heroic" is the fact that she is doing it for her family, not just for selfish reasons (although she was aware of the fact that she would benefit in some way). The reason for my hesitation on calling her a "hero" was the fact that she injured people on her journey, and seeked for no other solution than revenge.
4.My favorite plot turn in this story was the ingenious plan made by Helly and Hariet to steal a King Cobra and use it to destory Danny Ratliff. The creativity of thier resolution was what made it the most facinating for me. Just the mere fact that young children were plotting to take the life of another human being, no matter what his past actions may be shows an intreaguing look into not only the deep pain but the piling hatred that brews inside those who have had their lives altered in a terrible way. The fact that the Ratliffs grandmother was injured in the scheme was an unfortunate resolution the the plot twist, however added an interesting story later in the book when the Ratliffs were experiencing similar pain to that of Harriets family.
Peace Like a River
ReplyDelete1.Throughout the book it describes large open fields as settings and it states that they travel through the North Dakota badlands proving that the Land’s hometown is somewhere in the Midwest near (or in) North Dakota. The year in the book as I recall was 1962; give or take a few years depending on where you’re at in the story. Reuben and Swede land were both raised in the Midwest they both were accustomed to farm work, hunting, and faith. Faith in which if it were not in the book would change the whole story, but the point is in that time period the two areas of the Midwest and San Diego were very different. Not to mention San Diego was probably still a barren desert at the time making it hard to live in and farm, so you wouldn’t see too many developed towns with schools that have football games and janitors in 1962. So without a locker room for Finch and Basca to attack Davy’s girlfriend the two boys might not have gotten mad at Reuben’s Dad and would change the whole story. Although that part of the story might change the miracles would probably still happen no matter the setting and would still affect Reuben’s life probably resulting in some similar events that happen in the book
2.I am still not fully sure what the principle of escalation actually means but I did some research and it turns out the definition of escalation is intensify or intensifying. So in the novel the dad is trying his hardest not to intensify things in there situations, he even moves away from home, but no matter what they do it just gets worse. In the modern world I think escalation applies to the cold war. Both countries U.S. and Soviet Union both not wanting to launch there nukes still build more just so that they scare the other into not launching their nukes. Both of them trying not to intensify things cause escalation by building more and more nukes.
3.Reuben relies a lot on faith, and he has reason to being the witness of all the miracles his dad has done. He believed that god would lead them to Davy, and guess what happened? Now if Reuben did not believe in god or Miracles then he probably would have given up on Davy and that’s it end of story. Now faith in the modern world is a huge subject it is the reason America is at war with some countries in the Middle East. Because the people in the Middle East believe that everyone that doesn’t practice their religion is an infidel and must be killed causing major conflicts in that whole area and disrupting the flow of globalization.
4.I believe some children do look up to their parents as god-like, but as they grow up they realize that they are just normal people.
Peace Like A River
ReplyDelete1. Whether in real life or in a book the place or environment in which a person is raised has a major impact in shaping their character and personality, overall affecting their life. Without the many obstacles that the environment in which Rube and his family were raised and had to go through in their search for Davy they started to lost strength in their hope and faith but in the end they stuck through it all and came out even stronger than before. Here in San Diego the natural environment is completely different because of weather and terrain. There is no snow, there are completely different landscapes, the trip would be completely different and much more difficult for Davy but much easier for his family. However, the social impact the crime had would stay the same publicity wise because he had already became a state-wide known criminal and the same would happen here in San Diego.
2. I took the escalation theory as a war rising each time an enemy strikes back. But with all wars someone had to strike first. The war in Peace like a River began with Finch and Basca hurting the girl in the locker room and the first counter was Jeremiah when he made them back off. After this there was a short war that rose between the Land family and the two bullies. However, this war between the boys was quickly ended by Davy killing them. But this was not the end of the escalation. The escalation was shown when Davy escaped, when they got a tip from August, and when they got stuck with Roxanna. The war was not over for the family. In modern society escalation is shown anywhere and everywhere. It could be between two people, two cities, two countries; most conflicts don’t end with a simple “you win.”
3. Faith kept the family moving forward no matter what came their way. Faith led them on the right path even if they hadn’t noticed right away. Jeremiah Land was a large man of faith and he was rewarded with miracles throughout his life, many of which happened on the search for Davy. Faith definitely helped the characters down to the very last straw. In modern day faith can keep people strong and joined but it also causes segregation within an entire society and causes conflict which destroys the society itself. Faith may help one person but destroy an entire society. It is not as drastic today as it has been in the past but complete equality is still not there which will ultimately lead to destruction.
4. In certain circumstances it’s understandable to why children would see that and I think it is perfectly okay for them to feel this way but because of all the different religions I don’t believe it will ever be accepted. I think it would bring more trouble than good in a modern-day situation to publicize something like that because of all the negativity it would attract.
Watership Down:
ReplyDelete1. There were several heros, for example fiver was a hero because of his insight and ability to forsee danger. Hazel is also a hero because of his leadership skills and his ability to instantly take the role of cheif rabbit within the group. Even Bigwig can be considered a hero because of his knowledge of animals and plants outside of the burrow.
2. Efrafa was failing because their burrow was overpopulated and they were holding their own people against their will causing the residents of Efrafa to become holtile towards the rabbits trying to keep them there causing a war within their own burrow.
3. Hierarchy plays a role because of the owsla which is a higher rank in the civilization and they tend to pick on the lower ranks in the burrow. Religion takes place in the story because of how all of the rabbits believe in Elarairah and the shaddow rabbit. I think Education did not take a large part in this story although it did in some cases, for example the rabbits living in the pen they rescued had almost no defensive instincts after being caged for so long, and Strawberry and the rabbits he lived with were oblivious to danger because of the fact that they had had it easy for most of their lives and although they were big they could not fight.
4. The introduction quote in chapter 29 refers to Hazel's plan to get does from Efrafa and how he who has no stomach to fight/die for the future of their burrow is not a rabbit who would want to fight alongside.
1. Throughout the story Hazel is a key character to the success of the whole group, but isnt used as a "hero figure" due his imperfections, resulting team effort throughout the story from other members of the group. Only by having the other rabbits are they able to move throughout the plot
ReplyDelete3. hierarchy: the use of each warrens hierarchy, supports the sories plot that showing in hazel's warren , they need a leadwr to guide the group, but hazel uses other rabbits to complete a shared goal, while in the generals case his high power over other rabbits caused many other to want to re
ReplyDelete4. In each chapter, there is a quote that is found in the beggining. it is a quote selected by the author to help show the overall emotion pof the chapter and relate it to other pieces/ people. i chose the qoute in chap.49 because it shows how althpugh the group may have defeated wormhoudt, it was not easy and they only barely escaped.
ReplyDelete2. Because the society of Elfrara was run in a dictatorship with not as much a worry for the well being of its inhabitants rather than selfish greed of General Woundwort. Many members of the warren either ran away or joined Watership Down warren as the book came to its end
ReplyDeletePeace Like a River #3
ReplyDeleteIn this novel, the theme of faith help the characters much more than it destroyed them. In the case of the main character, his father was blessed by god to have the ability to work miracles. By this blessing upon the boy's father, he has faith in god as well as in his father for blessing him with such abilities. The father is also faithful to God for the same reason, being given the ability to perform miracles.
Now when it comes to societies as far as faith, it has a more balanced helpful and destructive outcome. For smaller more secure societies that are primarily based around one religion, faith has a tendency to help rather than destroy the area because it focus on one way of looking towards why things happen as apposed to crossing views. Although larger more 'multi-cultural' areas tend to tare apart from the inside due to mixed views and opinions.
Peace like a river #4
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to looking at your parents as god like figures, i have to disagree because i believe that in order for me to completely think my parents are god-like, i would have to worship them. I am a Christian, to there are only two God or God-like figure, God and Jesus. So it would be wrong of me to be able to compare a sinful human to one that is of Holy right.
Peace Like a River Questions:
ReplyDeleteBy: Maddie Garcia
1. I am in agreement that the setting is very import to this novel, i feel it affects and alters both the characters and the plot. For example, the four to five feet of snow that one night brought caused the Land's to stay with Roxanna Crawley longer which ultimately led to her and Jeremiah's marriage, and Ruben's discovery of his brother, Davy. If the Land family had been in San Diego, with warmer weather and a different setting, they most likely wouldn't have stayed as long, none the less ever found Davy, or Jeremiah would have gotten married to Roxanna.
2. When Ruben's dad mentions the topic of escalation to him he is at first confused, just as i felt at first. But eventually Ruben understood, just as i do now, i feel it relates to the novel because Jeremiah is always praying, and multiple instances in the book show that god did favor them, especially when he saved Dolly from Israel and Tommy. Escalation can apply to modern day society in the fact that god and faith can prevail, even at unlikely times.
3. Faith plays a big role and is a theme in this novel. Ruben's dad, Jeremiah Land relies on faith, and God, to lead him to his sin Davy, and his safely. Faith defiantly helped Jeremiah because it gave him hope and a reason to believe he would see his son again which eventually happened, and can be concluded that faith helped him. However, i think faith can both build and destroy modern day societies, i feel that if the people believe in the society, that anything can be built or done.
4. I agree that children sometimes view their parents as prophet-like or god-like, children might do this because they look up and admire their parents and see them as if they are a god. This relates to the novel because, in some manners Ruben and Swede saw their dad Jeremiah as a god because he led them through hard times why still being strong, and also to the town where they eventually found Davy.
Peace Like a River
ReplyDeleteCameron Yackly
1. In the story, many things would have changed had the setting been different. It does not snow in San Diego. There would have been no way for them to get snowed in at Roxanna's. Because they did, their dad fell in love with her and she became their mom. Had they not stayed at Roxanna's, Reuben never would have seen Davy. Had he never seen Davy and his dad never fallen in love with Roxanna, their dad would still be alive and Reuben never would have met Sara and married her. Also, San Diego, being a much bigger city, even back then, there would be many more people after Davy.
2. It worked in the book in the way that after Basca and Finch kidnapped Swede and Davy responded by vandalizing the car. It later escalated by the breaking into the Lands’ home. Again, Davy responded, but this time by shooting Finch and Basca. One way that escalation applies to modern day societies is in war. One group may do something to send a message to another, and the other may responds in a more severe way. Such as after September 11, 2001, in 2002, the United States responded by initiating Operation Iraqi Freedom; sending about 30,000 U.S troops to Iraq.
3. Faith helped the characters in many ways. First off, the dad would have fallen instead of walking on air at August and Birdie's house, had he not faith in God. Also, Reuben never would have lived had the dad not had faith and shook the life right into him when he was born. This story would never have taken place had the father no had faith.
4. I disagree. As much as kids rely upon their parents, it always seems as though they still think their parents know absolutely nothing. They can't be right, the kid always has to be. That's how it works in their mind. Until they reach real maturity, kids think that the world revolves around them; a pity, selfishness through much of their upbringing. I'm not talking always. A good majority of kids DO understand the concept that their parents have more experience in life than them. But the idea that they believe them to be God-like seems pretty far-fetched.
Watership Down
ReplyDelete1. Is there a hero in this story? If yes, who is it and why? If there is none, why not? (Check out these websites about a hero's journey: Summary of Steps, Stages of the hero's Journey)
I don't think there's just one hero in the story, the hero with the largest impact would be Hazel, but the others that stand out in my mind are Blackberry and Bigwig. Blackberry and Bigwig are like the brains and the brawn throughout the book, aiding the group with their struggles, in whatever way they see fit, to the best of their abilities. Hazel is like the wildcard; he has brain skills and brawn skills.
2. Why was the society of Efrafa failing? In your opinion what led to their situation?
General Woundwort was at the root of the problem in Efrafa. But the root of Woundwort's problems (I'm assuming) was watching his mother be murdered, and because he was already the biggest rabbit in his litter, I feel that's what got the ball rolling. Woundwort created a kind of communist setting for the rabbits to "live" in, oppressing them and making them all very unaware of the outside world, utterly defenseless if left in the open. When individuals don't have the freedom they desire, the tend to rebel, which is what happened with Blackavar, and events also have a tendency of repeating themselves.
3. How did hierarchy, religion, and education all play a part in this novel?
The government system the rabbits had established in Efrafa was like a tyrannical hierarchy, but in all of the rest of the warrens (excluding Cowslip's) there were all pretty viscous hierarchies. The rabbits seemed to worship and speak miraculously about El-ahrairah throughout the book as though he were some type of god, which is where the religion comes in, and as far as education goes, I thought of the stories the rabbits told each other that had lessons packed in that help teach them little tricks for survival.
4. Choose a chapter and re-read the chapter title and epigraph (introductory quote). Why did Adams choose that quote for that chapter?
Chapter 13
In the afternoon they came unto a land
in which it always seemed afternoon.
All round the coast the languid air did swoon,
breathing like one that hath a weary dream.
The chapter is about when the rabbits all get to Cowslip's warren and find it almost a paradise. The conditions were so good it was nearly unbelievable, as if "dreamed up". I went back and reread the quotes when I was halfway through each chapter to see whether they were decent matches, and I remember this being one of the better ones.
Peace like a River #2
ReplyDeleteThe fathers idea of escalation through out the story effects the story itself in many ways, it also can be compared to modern society. As far as the story goes, there were many forms of escalation throughout the story. One of them was in the very begin, as the school bullies continued to harass the family, their acts became much harsher with each step until the oldest brother finally acted out and ended the the bullies lives. Another example of escalation in the story was the miracles that were performed by the father represent steps to the over all value of faith at the end of the story.
As far as society goes, one of the major form of escalation today is the foreign issue with Iraq. With each victory and defeat over there, they each get more and more intense as they get closer to the outcome. For something more personal, this relates to school. With each homework assignment, essay, project, and test they get harder and more intense for everyone as they get closer and closer to the final testing period.
Peace like a River #1:
ReplyDeleteThe weather in this book is pretty extreme: crazy tornadoes and freak blizzards coming from the middle of no where. But the one place in the book that definitely had an impact on me was the “burning river” that they come across for the first time on a picnic with Roxanna. Roxanna is a very strong woman character and is like nothing the Lands have ever come across before and the strange paradox of this molten burning river snaking its way through snow drifts definitely helps illuminate that. But it’s also the home of this book’s very own Valdez, Jape Waltzer, and having this fiery death pit conveniently placed below his home makes him all the more horrific. The story and characters would definitely change if it took place in San Diego. The unique climate and setting of the Midwest make the characters who they are. Any change would mean changing their ways unique to that location and changing anything— to me at least—would be devastating. But on the other hand, each character has a strong personality that would still stay intact even with a setting change. For example, Roxanna would most likely still be my favorite character, Waltzer would still give me the chills, and Jeremiah Land would still inspire me no matter where they were.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePeace like a River #2:
ReplyDeleteThe principle of escalation begins when Israel Finch and Tommy Basca get caught by the father trying to beat up Dolly, and since then they have been trying to “one-up” the Lands. They did so by putting tar on their front door, which then led to Davy seeking them out, followed by them sneaking into the Land’s house, Davy shooting them, and so on. The principle of escalation kind of explains the principle of cause and effect, one thing leads to another. But the effect in this case ends up being worse than the cause, just getting bigger and bigger and hence, escalating. A very good example of this in modern day society is the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the entire situation still confuses me and many Americans, what I understand demonstrates the principle of escalation. The first offense was 9/11, which then escalated to the U.S. Army invading Iraq, then hunting down Saddam Hussein, then the Taliban and bin Laden, and then the U.S. moving into Afghanistan, which the intentions of that still isn’t completely clear to me. But to what I understand of this entire mess seems to parallel the principle of escalation.
Peace like a River #3:
ReplyDeleteFaith indeed plays a big part in this story; it could almost be a character. Faith definitely helps them: faith leads them to take the airstream to search for Davy, faith leads them to stay with Roxanna, faith leads Rueben to believe that the man on the horse is Davy, and faith leads Davy to flee with Sara from Waltzer. In the first three examples, faith led to a positive outcome: they grow together and learn much, Roxanna joins the family, and Rube is reunited with Davy, respectively. But the latter is bittersweet, Sara is free, as is Davy, but Jape comes after them and kills Jeremiah Land and injures Rueben. But in the end, I don’t believe faith could ever destroy a character. By having faith, you believe that everything happens for a reason and faith tends to be a very optimistic thing. But how faith affects society is more difficult. If you have too much faith in your society that everything will just fix itself in time, your not going to be getting anywhere far anytime soon. A society needs a right amount of faith, optimism, but cautious optimism. You need to believe that everything will turn out fine, and then search for ways to make that happen. Faith won’t magically make things better, that’s not the point. Faith is what leads you to take action.
Peace like a River #4:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with this statement. Your parents are the first people that you really get to know as a person, and everything they do is new and exciting and amazing. Of course they would look god-like to you, because as a child you don’t know any better. In Peace like a River, it is definitely more emphasized; most parents can’t walk on thin air. But I get what Rueben feels towards his dad, when I was a kid my dad would take me on “adventures” every morning and pile us in the car and take us somewhere as a surprise. It was always really fun for us and I always thought he was the coolest dad for doing that, until I realized a few years ago that he was being more of a good husband than a good dad. The purposes of our “adventures” were to get us kids out of the house so my mom could sleep without two screaming toddlers around. But just knowing the real intentions doesn’t make him any less god-like to me, it may even make him more qualified.