Jack Blanchard
Looking back on my past three posts, I can find few to no ways to connect them all together. However, one symbol in particular stands out. The cross that Crusoe built during his first days on the island . In one of my earlier posts I stated that, " I believe that Crusoe did this in order to establish some sort of connection between God and the predicament that he was in". After finishing the story, I can't help but wonder if it was that cross that held his faith all the way until his departure from the island. This symbol holds high value because it is always present in the piece, whether they are talking about it directly or not, because all of Crusoe's actions were influenced by his faith (i.e. the cross).
The cross also represents the time he spent (pretty much in captivity) on the island. Because it was used to keep track of the time, the cross can also represent Crusoe's resiliency, something that has escaped my writing in the past three blogs. Looking back on it, I don't see how anybody (even a fictional character) can remain on an island for so long, especially when pursued by cannibals. Defoe chose not to make Crusoe go mad on purpose, because it speaks more to the power of religion in the piece.
When I first read this story, I told myself to just read, with open conscience and an open mind. I did this because I knew that if I tried to analyze the text too much the first time, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the piece or pick up on as many things as I would otherwise. This is imploring the reading methods of none other than Vladimir Nabokov. Not only did I read subjectively in order to view the story from many different lenses, but I also reread. I reread portions of the text that I really enjoyed, and I also reread portions that I felt were important to the overall impact of the piece. This allowed me to notice things that I wouldn't have noticed otherwise but most of all allowed me to really ENJOY the novel as a whole, which I can assume all of those famous literature magicians can agree is a vital part to exploring text. I also used Nabokov's ideas to evaluate Defoe as a writer. Was he a teacher? An enchanter? Yes, Defoe did an amazing job of entertaining the reader while informing them on subtle meaning such as resiliency and faith.
Finally, it comes the time when I can help other students. If my last blog haven't been clear enough to the reader that I love this book, I'll let them know again. This book is amazing. I will give readers one hint though, it does take a little rereading in order to uncover some of the clues that Defoe left for us. This book was incredibly engaging for me. Given that I got the book a little close to the deadline than I would have hoped (not my fault) I literally sat down and read this bad boy cover to cover, with a few short breaks. That speaks to the true character of the piece. If me, Jackson Grover Blanchard, am able to sit down and read a book all the way through, that should be a tell tale sign that it is interesting. However, there are some of you that have different definitions of the word interesting. If you like a book that will be easy on your mind while still taking it for a ride, this is the book for you. It is not particularly challenging, but it will take a little effort to get the book out of your hands. One of the true assets of this story is the imagery. I mentioned in one of my previous posts that Defoe does a great job of establishing the setting. He does this using immaculate imagery that places the reader in another world, a quality that is vital to any adventure novel. The imagery also helps keep the story glued together when everything is happening so fast. Crusoe also offers multiple types of organization. This gives the reader a different point of view through which they can view the situation and make their own conclusions. It may appear shallow on the outside, but a little rereading and a little thinking and the clues will begin to uncover themselves. A true literary classic that should be experienced by all.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Independent Reading Assignment Post #3
Jack Blanchard
One particular chapter of Robinson Crusoe caught my eye, my readers eye that is. That specific chapter is called The Journal. I liked this chapter not only because it was different than the other, but because it had a type of rhythm that the others didn't. The author, Daniel Defoe, organized it as if Crusoe had taken his journal and transplanted it into the book. This type of organization gives the reader great insight into what Crusoe's life really was like. It also gives the reader a sense of the time that passed as Crusoe remained marooned on his godforsaken island. At the end of the chapter I thought to myself, 'wow he was there for an extremely long time'. This feeling is a direct result of telling Crusoe's story day by day instead of jumping ahead three weeks, which gives the reader little to no feel as to what the character is really experiencing.
One particular sequence made me chuckle, "December 24. Much rain all night and all day: no stirring out. December 25. Rain all day. December 26. No rain, and the earth much cooler than before, and pleasanter" (Defoe 77). Ok, so maybe it didn't make me chuckle, but it definitely drew my interest. Why, if Crusoe has such deep religious beliefs, does he not even mention Christmas? The biggest Christian holiday of the year! Is it because he has been on the island for so long that he doesn't even realize that it's Christmas, or is it just not worth mentioning? In addition, he goes through three days in less than 50 words, but spends over 500 words describing one day. I guess the island life really does vary. On page 88 as Defoe describes Crusoe's battle with illness, I can feel myself getting a fever, "June 20. No rest all night; violent pains in my head, and feverish...June 22. A little better, but under dreadful apprehensions of sickness. June 23. Very bad again, cold and shivering, and then a violent headache. June 24. Much better" (Defoe 88). The way Defoe puts the reader in Crusoe's shoes creates a connection between reader and character that is vital to the success of the piece. I have the utmost respect for Robinson Crusoe after all that he has been through. In books of this type, I think that some sort of journal section is necessary in order to engulf the reader in what the characters are experiencing.
I am in love with this book. It is everything I dreamed it would be and more. If Ms. Romano were to go back and look at my proposal, I like this book for the exact same reasons that I expressed in that proposal. It is exciting, well-written, well-organized, beautiful, descriptive (but not too descriptive), engaging, and fun. Yes, fun. This is the most important trait. Because if a book isn't fun, it is very hard to have any effect on the reader.
One particular chapter of Robinson Crusoe caught my eye, my readers eye that is. That specific chapter is called The Journal. I liked this chapter not only because it was different than the other, but because it had a type of rhythm that the others didn't. The author, Daniel Defoe, organized it as if Crusoe had taken his journal and transplanted it into the book. This type of organization gives the reader great insight into what Crusoe's life really was like. It also gives the reader a sense of the time that passed as Crusoe remained marooned on his godforsaken island. At the end of the chapter I thought to myself, 'wow he was there for an extremely long time'. This feeling is a direct result of telling Crusoe's story day by day instead of jumping ahead three weeks, which gives the reader little to no feel as to what the character is really experiencing.
One particular sequence made me chuckle, "December 24. Much rain all night and all day: no stirring out. December 25. Rain all day. December 26. No rain, and the earth much cooler than before, and pleasanter" (Defoe 77). Ok, so maybe it didn't make me chuckle, but it definitely drew my interest. Why, if Crusoe has such deep religious beliefs, does he not even mention Christmas? The biggest Christian holiday of the year! Is it because he has been on the island for so long that he doesn't even realize that it's Christmas, or is it just not worth mentioning? In addition, he goes through three days in less than 50 words, but spends over 500 words describing one day. I guess the island life really does vary. On page 88 as Defoe describes Crusoe's battle with illness, I can feel myself getting a fever, "June 20. No rest all night; violent pains in my head, and feverish...June 22. A little better, but under dreadful apprehensions of sickness. June 23. Very bad again, cold and shivering, and then a violent headache. June 24. Much better" (Defoe 88). The way Defoe puts the reader in Crusoe's shoes creates a connection between reader and character that is vital to the success of the piece. I have the utmost respect for Robinson Crusoe after all that he has been through. In books of this type, I think that some sort of journal section is necessary in order to engulf the reader in what the characters are experiencing.
I am in love with this book. It is everything I dreamed it would be and more. If Ms. Romano were to go back and look at my proposal, I like this book for the exact same reasons that I expressed in that proposal. It is exciting, well-written, well-organized, beautiful, descriptive (but not too descriptive), engaging, and fun. Yes, fun. This is the most important trait. Because if a book isn't fun, it is very hard to have any effect on the reader.
Independent Reading Assignment Post #2
Jack Blanchard
As I read this story, I couldn't help but notice the similarity between Robinson Crusoe and the film Castaway. They aren't similar merely because both characters get stranded on an island as a result of some sort of wreck, I notice that both protagonists act alike in various situations. One main example of this can be seen in the relationship between Tom Hanks' character and his friend Wilson. Now, for those of you who are not familiar with the film, Wilson is a volleyball that Hanks scavenges from the washed up cargo on the shore. Wilson is given human characteristics when Hanks places a bloody handprint on Wilson that resembles a face. Wilson and Hanks become very close and go through many hardships together. The most emotional being when Wilson floats away in the middle of the ocean as Tom Hanks screams his famous line, "WILSOOOONNNN, WILSOOOONNN". Crusoe comes to meet Friday in a eerily similar fashion. Friday 'washes' up on shore, and is in turn rescued by Crusoe. Friday and Crusoe also become very good friends and learn to live side-by-side with each other. Friday decides that he doesn't want to return to his own people but would rather stay with Crusoe and brave the storm together. Man, I wish I had a friend like that.
Another thing I noticed was a reappearing reference to religion. The first main occurrence was upon Crusoe's arrival onto the island. In order to keep track of his time spent on the island, Crusoe "cut it (the wood) with my knife upon a large post, in capital letters, and making it into a great cross" (Defoe 65). I believe that Crusoe did this in order to establish some sort of connection between God and the predicament that he was in. Later in the novel, Crusoe finds a footprint on the beach near his dwelling. After the initial shock of the idea that he may not be alone on the island, Crusoe convinces himself that the print is one made by the Devil. This speaks to Crusoe's growing want to be alone. Instead of being excited at the fact that there may be other human life on the island, he immediately assumes it is the work of the Devil.
Throughout the piece, Crusoe stays true to his religion. His religion and relationship to "Providence" very much keeps him from going mad where it is very easy to do so. His experience on the island could be compared to, I don't know, maybe a 40 day stint in the desert? They only have a few things in common; lack of food/resources, a run in with the devil (footprint), and a valiant return back to humanity. I'm surprised that it took me that long to figure it out.
As I read this story, I couldn't help but notice the similarity between Robinson Crusoe and the film Castaway. They aren't similar merely because both characters get stranded on an island as a result of some sort of wreck, I notice that both protagonists act alike in various situations. One main example of this can be seen in the relationship between Tom Hanks' character and his friend Wilson. Now, for those of you who are not familiar with the film, Wilson is a volleyball that Hanks scavenges from the washed up cargo on the shore. Wilson is given human characteristics when Hanks places a bloody handprint on Wilson that resembles a face. Wilson and Hanks become very close and go through many hardships together. The most emotional being when Wilson floats away in the middle of the ocean as Tom Hanks screams his famous line, "WILSOOOONNNN, WILSOOOONNN". Crusoe comes to meet Friday in a eerily similar fashion. Friday 'washes' up on shore, and is in turn rescued by Crusoe. Friday and Crusoe also become very good friends and learn to live side-by-side with each other. Friday decides that he doesn't want to return to his own people but would rather stay with Crusoe and brave the storm together. Man, I wish I had a friend like that.
Another thing I noticed was a reappearing reference to religion. The first main occurrence was upon Crusoe's arrival onto the island. In order to keep track of his time spent on the island, Crusoe "cut it (the wood) with my knife upon a large post, in capital letters, and making it into a great cross" (Defoe 65). I believe that Crusoe did this in order to establish some sort of connection between God and the predicament that he was in. Later in the novel, Crusoe finds a footprint on the beach near his dwelling. After the initial shock of the idea that he may not be alone on the island, Crusoe convinces himself that the print is one made by the Devil. This speaks to Crusoe's growing want to be alone. Instead of being excited at the fact that there may be other human life on the island, he immediately assumes it is the work of the Devil.
Throughout the piece, Crusoe stays true to his religion. His religion and relationship to "Providence" very much keeps him from going mad where it is very easy to do so. His experience on the island could be compared to, I don't know, maybe a 40 day stint in the desert? They only have a few things in common; lack of food/resources, a run in with the devil (footprint), and a valiant return back to humanity. I'm surprised that it took me that long to figure it out.
Independent Reading Assignment Post #1
Jack Blanchard
I am only 35 pages into this book, and it has already begun to blow my mind. I knew that this this book was going to be full of adventure, but Robinson Crusoe has already exceeded my expectations. So far, Crusoe has traveled from his hometown of York to London, had his ship captured by Moorish pirates, been imprisoned in the North African city of Sallee, escaped from the pirates, been picked up by a Portuguese captain, and taken to Brazil. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Yeah, this book is the bees knees. I know hearing all of this one would assume that the book is unorganized and hard to follow, but author Daniel Defoe does a magnificent job of keeping all the pieces separate. The pace of the plot moves fast enough so as not to bore the reader, but slow enough to allow them to process what is going on and not be overwhelmed. For the type of reader that I am, this is necessary in order to maintain my attention. This allows me to get the most out of the reading.
Defoe also does a fantastic job of establishing setting throughout the piece. Although it may not be very descriptive, Defoe is very efficient and creates a formitable setting with minimal words. For example, "We crowded also as much canvas as our yards would spread, or our masts carry, to have got clear; but finding the pirate gained on us, and would certainly come up with us in a few hours" (Defoe 19). I, for one, am not a huge fan of an author describing the thickness of a strand of hair on one of the character's heads. Defoe sets the stage for one of the most important scenes in the story with only a sentence. If he were still around I think Defoe would be a great asset to overachieving high school students who need to cut their college essays from 10,000 to 500 words. In this case the saying 'quality over quantity' is highly applicable.
We also learn a lot about the nature of Crusoe early on in the piece. Crusoe butts heads with his parens when they attempt to crush his want to be free, "I frequently expostulated with my father and mother about their being so positively determined against what they knew my inclinations prompted me to do" (Defoe 9). He separates from his 'comrade' after his first accident at sea, showing his want to be an individual. Perhaps this is foreshadowing an experience in which he will have to survive by himself for a prolonged amount of time. Maybe on a desert island or something, but I haven't read the entire book yet.
I am only 35 pages into this book, and it has already begun to blow my mind. I knew that this this book was going to be full of adventure, but Robinson Crusoe has already exceeded my expectations. So far, Crusoe has traveled from his hometown of York to London, had his ship captured by Moorish pirates, been imprisoned in the North African city of Sallee, escaped from the pirates, been picked up by a Portuguese captain, and taken to Brazil. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Yeah, this book is the bees knees. I know hearing all of this one would assume that the book is unorganized and hard to follow, but author Daniel Defoe does a magnificent job of keeping all the pieces separate. The pace of the plot moves fast enough so as not to bore the reader, but slow enough to allow them to process what is going on and not be overwhelmed. For the type of reader that I am, this is necessary in order to maintain my attention. This allows me to get the most out of the reading.
Defoe also does a fantastic job of establishing setting throughout the piece. Although it may not be very descriptive, Defoe is very efficient and creates a formitable setting with minimal words. For example, "We crowded also as much canvas as our yards would spread, or our masts carry, to have got clear; but finding the pirate gained on us, and would certainly come up with us in a few hours" (Defoe 19). I, for one, am not a huge fan of an author describing the thickness of a strand of hair on one of the character's heads. Defoe sets the stage for one of the most important scenes in the story with only a sentence. If he were still around I think Defoe would be a great asset to overachieving high school students who need to cut their college essays from 10,000 to 500 words. In this case the saying 'quality over quantity' is highly applicable.
We also learn a lot about the nature of Crusoe early on in the piece. Crusoe butts heads with his parens when they attempt to crush his want to be free, "I frequently expostulated with my father and mother about their being so positively determined against what they knew my inclinations prompted me to do" (Defoe 9). He separates from his 'comrade' after his first accident at sea, showing his want to be an individual. Perhaps this is foreshadowing an experience in which he will have to survive by himself for a prolonged amount of time. Maybe on a desert island or something, but I haven't read the entire book yet.
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