Apart From The Rest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MUMH7vO_PVQ

The Beast Within Us

Found poem from William Golding's novel Lord of the Flies
Page 19-36, 83-103, 118-147

The Beast
A dark thing
Some sort of animal
A hunter

Where could a beast live?
The beast doesn't leave tracks
Maybe the beast won't come near us

Ralph saw it first
He still says he saw the beastie
The creature stepped from mirage
And went away again

We were going to look for the beast
The beast was harmless and horrible
Maybe it's only us

There rose the picture of a human
Fancy thinking the Beast was something you could hunt and kill
The beast disguised itself
You're a beast

You knew
Didn't you?
I'm part of you
Only me
Aren't you afraid of me?

Found Poetry In Lord of the Flies

This is an island
Beyond that, the sea was dark blue
Blue of all shades
Polished waters
Dazzling

The open space
The perspective of the beach to a point at infinity
The whelming sea and sweet air
At midday, the sun gazed down
If not happily, at least with absorbed attention

Life was so full
To believe in the reality of the island
Work, play, and good right through the day
They accepted the pleasures

Then darkness
Dark with violent pleasure
there was no light left of the stars
Be frightened if you like
Maybe there is a beast
Maybe it's only us

CREDITS

The poem was a group effort with each individual member contributing lines and verses.

Ocean noises - Sara Zhang
Storyboard    - Henry Kim and Darren Kim
Animation and Software - Peter Shen and Mason Lee

The Wars Are Over (9th Entry)

This will be my final blog post on our Canadian novel studies, “The Wars,” by Timothy Findley. Although the novel is relatively short, I am just generally a slow reader. Saying this, I feel as if I am departing an old friend, leaving behind all the experiences I had reading the book. It’s a little too sentimental, but it just happens to be a lazy Saturday, so this is as exciting as it gets for the day. Plus, the slow music of vintage jazz and blues playing in the background makes the mood and atmosphere slightly gloomier. To be honest, I don’t have much to comment on this. I guess farewell, until next time? It’s funny, just as I was about to press the post button, Ella Fitzgerald begins singing, “I’m Getting Sentimental over You.” Haha, I need a hobby. 

Done The Book (8th Entry)

Finally, I have finished my English novel. Overall, Timothy Findley’s novel, “The Wars,” was a decent read. Personally, I found the beginning to be slow, but after getting over that “hump” reading the book became more enjoyable over time. It was as if you read the book with gaining momentum. Anyways, there are many comments I would like to mention. First of all, the book had definitely caught my attention as I had never read a book with so many changes in perspectives. For instance, the transition between Robert, Mrs. Ross and the archivist was the very interesting. I would also like to mention how Timothy Findley created a fictional world based on real events. What I am meaning to say is how he created such vivid and extraordinary details, almost as if pulled out from a social study textbook. To be frank, I would not have found myself interested in this book if it had not been for school. However, school was an initiative that allowed me to really elaborate my thoughts on the book which later led to my enjoyment of it. Similarly, I felt the same way of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend reading this book as it really broadens the opportunity for the reader to infer and relate through its powerful symbolism and vivid description. 

Never Judge A Book By Its Cover (7th Entry)

“Never judge a book by its cover.”

First impressions are so important, whether it’s for making first acquaintances, starting relationships or getting a job. Most of the time, it is hard to forget first impressions, seeming as though they had been branded into our memory. In this novel, Timothy Findley gave many examples of how easily one can be judged without knowing their deeper sentiments. For instance, Robert had assumed that Taffler, being a well-respected and honorable man, was far from being homosexual. Although this was not straightforwardly said, it was indicated through his angered and outrageous reaction in finding out so. Furthermore, another character, Devlin, was described as appearing to be a snobby and judgmental person, while in contrast, he was very much caring and artistic. Personally, I find that I can learn from this as I am quick to make first impressions. Of course, I am not proud of such actions, but it has been something of natural instinct. Honestly, I cannot be the only one out there as well. First impressions have always been a part of civilization, dating ages and ages ago. For example, the hierarchy system, the feudal system or even the Renaissance Chain of Beings has been an early base for the critique of another. I guess I have found another inquiry question. What triggers us to make first impressions and judgments of another, and how does it really benefit us on doing so?

Depression At War (6th Entry)

Upon reading the novel, I had stumbled upon an answer in which I had asked what the other “wars” could refer to. As guessed, the wars did not just define physical challenges of the Great War, but the emotional obstacles faced. However, to my surprise, Timothy Findley placed this struggle upon other characters and not just the protagonist, Robert Ross. Many of the instances are exclusive to Mrs. Ross, as you witness her emotional struggle to maintain order and stability in her life. Through the course of the plot, you find the transformation of Robert’s mother, as her morality and character breaks down. For instance, although you are not given much detail on her, the reader assumes she was well and capable of herself, later changing to a closed and insecure woman. The first case of such alteration occurred after Robert’s announcement of joining the army. Shortly after, Mrs. Ross faced a nervous breakdown, as she quietly left the church, disgusted at how the other church-goers sang their children off to death as if celebratory. Despite, the straight forwardness of these events, my answer was confirmed as Timothy Findley laid out the words in front of us to read, “And this is what they called the wars.” For this particular line, Mrs. Ross could not bear to wave off Robert as he had departed on his ship. Similar to the idea of my prior posts, depression has been a war in which Timothy Findley has made his characters fight.