1.) For minor crimes, most states have a “statute of limitations” that prohibits bringing charges when a certain period of time has elapsed since the crime. When it comes to serious crimes, is it right for the justice system to pursue criminal charges several decades after the crime is said to have occurred?
I believe it is right for the justice system to pursue criminal charges several decades after the crime is said to have occurred. As many people say, Justice have long arms, meaning that no matter how far away the victim is, no matter how long the case is under investigation, there is still a need for justice to be upheld and the culprits should be rightfully punished. Even though time has passed, it remains a fact that the culprit had committed a crime and has not been punished for his misdeeds. However, there is another scenario or problem to consider, such as the change of the law over the years or decades. Due to the passing of years and decades, law has definitely changed from before and currently, for murder, it could be lifetime imprisonment unlike in the past, it could have been sentence to death (Example). Thus, the law currently should be used to convict him.
2.) What do you think: was the state’s image “rehabilitated”?
I think that it represents a good image of the state, since people that have committed crimes decades before in the past are punished. Having been “rehabilitated”, it means that the accused wrongly have been given a new lease of life, been cleared of guilt and can continue to live like a normal person, while those that were truly accused, will receive punishment for their crimes and justice will be upheld.
3.) How much do you know about the civil rights era in general?
Currently, we are aware that the civil rights movement was on during that time, one such example was about the Montgomery Bus event, where it sparked racial riots in a bid to stand up for human rights. However, in general, the civil rights era concentrated on the human rights of people, such as justice and wants them to be people of fairness. Till now, some still believe that the Human Civil Rights Movement is still on because fairness has not been achieved yet for everyone.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Customs & Lifestyle
a.) Personal Hygiene
There are not many pieces of evidence to suggest examples of personal hygiene. However, we are able to guess the situation of personal hygiene based on our general knowledge and after reading Merchant of Venice. There is unlikely to have a high level of personal hygiene, considering that most countries were not modern at that time and like countries in Asia, it could have been dirty then due to the fact that we do not have enough knowledge about how the kingdom runs the country. Yet again, there are no pieces of evidence to suggest that it was dirty; it could have been quite clean. During that time, there were many diseases and people were learning how to cope against them, thus, they could have maintained a high level of personal hygiene.
b.) Diet
During that time, many people were peasants and since there was not much trade, many people depended on themselves for food. As peasants, most of them were farmers are depended on bread for their food; they grew rye and barley as ingredients to make bread. Besides bread, their only other sources of food come from pottage (a soup made from oats), meat (pigs), mutton (sheep and lamb) and other animals living in the woods near the village. They usually drank water taken from the river and milk; however, a more common drink would be ale, made from barley.
c.) Recreation
Once more, there is insufficient evidence to tell us what they did for recreation. One would have thought that Christmas could be a day of recreation for them. However, it isn’t, it causes grieve instead. Based on our knowledge, recreation could have been derived easily, by living in happiness, some hobbies could include hunting in the woods, or going out to sea.
d.) Accommodation
The peasants usually lived in towns, however, these towns were located at places where people could meet up easily, such as near rivers. These towns were very small compared to the towns we have now in England, such as Brimingham and London. Houses were usually built using wood, since buildings were very expensive and only the rich could afford mansions.
e.) Dress
The dress code could have been really simple in England; however, we do not have any evidence to support this claim. Based on our general knowledge, it is likely that they were dressed casually, just normal shirts and shorts made out of cloth. The rich definitely had better clothing, probably made out of silk and fibre and maybe with the use of ornaments made out of gold on it.
Resources:
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/england_medieval.htm
There are not many pieces of evidence to suggest examples of personal hygiene. However, we are able to guess the situation of personal hygiene based on our general knowledge and after reading Merchant of Venice. There is unlikely to have a high level of personal hygiene, considering that most countries were not modern at that time and like countries in Asia, it could have been dirty then due to the fact that we do not have enough knowledge about how the kingdom runs the country. Yet again, there are no pieces of evidence to suggest that it was dirty; it could have been quite clean. During that time, there were many diseases and people were learning how to cope against them, thus, they could have maintained a high level of personal hygiene.
b.) Diet
During that time, many people were peasants and since there was not much trade, many people depended on themselves for food. As peasants, most of them were farmers are depended on bread for their food; they grew rye and barley as ingredients to make bread. Besides bread, their only other sources of food come from pottage (a soup made from oats), meat (pigs), mutton (sheep and lamb) and other animals living in the woods near the village. They usually drank water taken from the river and milk; however, a more common drink would be ale, made from barley.
c.) Recreation
Once more, there is insufficient evidence to tell us what they did for recreation. One would have thought that Christmas could be a day of recreation for them. However, it isn’t, it causes grieve instead. Based on our knowledge, recreation could have been derived easily, by living in happiness, some hobbies could include hunting in the woods, or going out to sea.
d.) Accommodation
The peasants usually lived in towns, however, these towns were located at places where people could meet up easily, such as near rivers. These towns were very small compared to the towns we have now in England, such as Brimingham and London. Houses were usually built using wood, since buildings were very expensive and only the rich could afford mansions.
e.) Dress
The dress code could have been really simple in England; however, we do not have any evidence to support this claim. Based on our general knowledge, it is likely that they were dressed casually, just normal shirts and shorts made out of cloth. The rich definitely had better clothing, probably made out of silk and fibre and maybe with the use of ornaments made out of gold on it.
Resources:
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/england_medieval.htm
Religion: Jews vs. Christians
a.) What was the dominant religion in England and Venice in the 15th and 16th century?
According to resources, the dominant religion in England and Venice was most likely to be Christianity in the 15th and 16th century. This is most likely due to a lack of information on other religions such as Jews, thus we assume that the minority held other religions. Besides, from the book, Merchant of Venice, there is background knowledge that Shylock, who is a Jew himself, is biased against most people, thus he is a loner, so it is most likely that the majority of the people held Christianity as their religion.
b.) Why was there such animosity between Jews and Christians?
We are currently unsure of the reasons which caused animosity between Jews and Christians; however, we believe that the reasons are highly connected to the leadership positions. This probably started with the Henrician Reformation; the Act of Supremacy had made Henry VII the head of the Church of England and he introduced a slew of changes such as authorising the English translation of the Bible and English replaced Latin as the language during Church services. Besides, Henry VII also dissolved monastaries (houses reserved for a prayer). Lastly, a woman named Anne Askew was martyred (pretends to be suffering such as to obtain sympathy) but she was arrested and tortured. She could have been a Jew likewise, which caused the deep hatred between the two religions. Followed by Henry VII’s death, Edward VI took over and priests were allowed to marry while pictures/statues of saints were taken down. Lastly, Mary ended the lives of Protestants (those supporting the changes of Henry VII and Edward VI), driving people away from Roman Catholicism.
c.) In what ways did Christians discriminate against Jews in 15th and 16th century Europe?
Jews were discriminated against by the Christians; however, there are not many examples of discrimination acts, one clear example, which we can also see in Merchant of Venice that Jews were charged interests when they had to loan money. However, besides this, there are not many pieces of evidence. As mentioned earlier, the lives of Jews were also taken away by Mary I, in a bid to end the presence of Protestants in England.
Resources:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101108093242AAmfQkm
http://www.localhistories.org/christian.html
According to resources, the dominant religion in England and Venice was most likely to be Christianity in the 15th and 16th century. This is most likely due to a lack of information on other religions such as Jews, thus we assume that the minority held other religions. Besides, from the book, Merchant of Venice, there is background knowledge that Shylock, who is a Jew himself, is biased against most people, thus he is a loner, so it is most likely that the majority of the people held Christianity as their religion.
b.) Why was there such animosity between Jews and Christians?
We are currently unsure of the reasons which caused animosity between Jews and Christians; however, we believe that the reasons are highly connected to the leadership positions. This probably started with the Henrician Reformation; the Act of Supremacy had made Henry VII the head of the Church of England and he introduced a slew of changes such as authorising the English translation of the Bible and English replaced Latin as the language during Church services. Besides, Henry VII also dissolved monastaries (houses reserved for a prayer). Lastly, a woman named Anne Askew was martyred (pretends to be suffering such as to obtain sympathy) but she was arrested and tortured. She could have been a Jew likewise, which caused the deep hatred between the two religions. Followed by Henry VII’s death, Edward VI took over and priests were allowed to marry while pictures/statues of saints were taken down. Lastly, Mary ended the lives of Protestants (those supporting the changes of Henry VII and Edward VI), driving people away from Roman Catholicism.
c.) In what ways did Christians discriminate against Jews in 15th and 16th century Europe?
Jews were discriminated against by the Christians; however, there are not many examples of discrimination acts, one clear example, which we can also see in Merchant of Venice that Jews were charged interests when they had to loan money. However, besides this, there are not many pieces of evidence. As mentioned earlier, the lives of Jews were also taken away by Mary I, in a bid to end the presence of Protestants in England.
Resources:
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101108093242AAmfQkm
http://www.localhistories.org/christian.html
Elizabeth I & the Politics of the Elizabethan Era
a.) Elizabeth I: who was she?
Elizabeth I was the Queen of England and Ireland from 17th November 1558 until her death on 24th March 1603.
b.) What were England’s international relations like during Elizabeth’s reign?
England’s international relations were not based on economies, but instead, during that time, it was based on wars and maybe at times trade. An overview of Elizabeth I acts or plans were defensive, trying to protect the interests of England instead of trying to attack other countries, which would result in war. One such example would be the Netherlands Expedition, where they worked hand in hand to defeat the rebels, led by Phillip II. More examples include Elizabeth I trying to defend her very own country, England from the Spanish Armada, led by Phillip II, besides; she had also rendered support to Henry IV of France. Ireland, despite being under her control, also had moments of turbulence, however, she managed to influence the signings of treaties between the two countries, which was in the same case as Russia. One example of successful trades was with the Barbary States, Ottoman Empire and Japan, where trade for military equipment or necessities were undergone between the countries.
c.) What was Shakespeare’s relationship with Elizabeth I?
Elizabeth I had appreciated many of Shakespeare’s plays, thus, she supported the theatres by pumping financial support and most of the time, Shakespeare’s plays were conducted more regularly in court compared to other plays. From this, we could infer that Shakespeare could have been working for the Queen.
d.) Compare Elizabeth I to Portia. How is Portia’s character a tribute to Elizabeth I?
Both of them could be seen as heroines, while Elizabeth I played an important role in maintaining the good international relationships such as preventing wars from continuing, Portia had managed to save Antonio from the court pressing charges against him.
Resources:
http://www.slideshare.net/patricklyh/elizabeth-1-the-politics-of-the-elizabethan-era
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England
Elizabeth I was the Queen of England and Ireland from 17th November 1558 until her death on 24th March 1603.
b.) What were England’s international relations like during Elizabeth’s reign?
England’s international relations were not based on economies, but instead, during that time, it was based on wars and maybe at times trade. An overview of Elizabeth I acts or plans were defensive, trying to protect the interests of England instead of trying to attack other countries, which would result in war. One such example would be the Netherlands Expedition, where they worked hand in hand to defeat the rebels, led by Phillip II. More examples include Elizabeth I trying to defend her very own country, England from the Spanish Armada, led by Phillip II, besides; she had also rendered support to Henry IV of France. Ireland, despite being under her control, also had moments of turbulence, however, she managed to influence the signings of treaties between the two countries, which was in the same case as Russia. One example of successful trades was with the Barbary States, Ottoman Empire and Japan, where trade for military equipment or necessities were undergone between the countries.
c.) What was Shakespeare’s relationship with Elizabeth I?
Elizabeth I had appreciated many of Shakespeare’s plays, thus, she supported the theatres by pumping financial support and most of the time, Shakespeare’s plays were conducted more regularly in court compared to other plays. From this, we could infer that Shakespeare could have been working for the Queen.
d.) Compare Elizabeth I to Portia. How is Portia’s character a tribute to Elizabeth I?
Both of them could be seen as heroines, while Elizabeth I played an important role in maintaining the good international relationships such as preventing wars from continuing, Portia had managed to save Antonio from the court pressing charges against him.
Resources:
http://www.slideshare.net/patricklyh/elizabeth-1-the-politics-of-the-elizabethan-era
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I_of_England
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Book Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle is a science fantasy book which focuses on Meg Murray and her brothers on an adventure to find their missing dad with three weird characters, naming Mrs.Whatsit, Mrs.Who and Mrs.Which.
In “A Wrinkle in Time”, Meg Murray is the protagonist and her family is made up of her mum, her missing day, her two twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys and her youngest brother Charles. One night, one of the three immortal characters, Mrs. Whatsit pays a visit to Meg’s family, claiming that there is a tesseract, which indicates to Meg that there could be a chance to find her missing father. Then, Meg’s classmate, Calvin O’Keefe appears in the story and he mixes into the lives of the Murrays due to him being neglected by his family. Soon afterwards, two more immortal characters, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which appear, both whom are related to Mrs. Whatsit. The three of them are seen as “immortals” having no physical form, but having the ability to use the tesseract, as mentioned at the start of the novel.
The adventure then starts, with Clavin O’Keefe, Meg and her brother Charles following the three immortal characters. The group travels to two planets, first Uriel, and then Camazotz. At Uriel, it is basically a jumping point (rising action) for the readers to know more about the theme and relates this place to Camazotz, where the climax is seen. Uriel is described as a place where people stay in a state of light and love. After being transported to Camazotz, they are introduced to the enemies that have imprisoned Mr. Murray, called IT, who controls the whole planet. Having met a man with red eyes (name not mentioned), Charles is being hypnotised and tricks the whole group into meeting IT, where their minds were almost taken control of but Mr. Murray, with the use of tesseracts, brings them away to an unnamed planet. However, Charles is left behind.
At the unnamed planet, Aunt Beast, a beast that takes care of Meg, tells her that she possess something that can defeat IT. After going back to Camazotz through the tesseract, Meg realises that love is the power to defeat it. After defeating IT, they are transported back home, however, there is no mention of Dr. Murray.
Since this story is part of a time quintet, it will definitely feature Dr. Murray in one of the stories which include An Acceptable Time, A Wind in the Doors, A Swiftly Tilting Planet and Many Waters.
The major theme is the use of certain elements related to Christianity in the novel. One such example would be “The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness if God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how many that not wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.”
From the above mentioned theme, we move into a minor theme in the story: love. This is only a theme that is mentioned at the end of the story when Meg had love to save her brother, Charles. In Christianity, love is important and the author has linked both together in this novel.
I personally feel that this novel has highlighted one of the important aspects in life, love. Love is a virtue of representing human kindness, compassion and affection, which many of us at a young tender age should understand. Besides, its mention of Christianity in the story allows readers to think much deeper, into their own lives about what they can do for themselves and their loved ones.
A Wrinkle in Time has won many prestigious awards, which includes a Newbery Medal, Sequoyah Book Award and Lewis Carrol Shelf Award, as such; it is a highly recommended book, especially to teenagers and those growing up.
In “A Wrinkle in Time”, Meg Murray is the protagonist and her family is made up of her mum, her missing day, her two twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys and her youngest brother Charles. One night, one of the three immortal characters, Mrs. Whatsit pays a visit to Meg’s family, claiming that there is a tesseract, which indicates to Meg that there could be a chance to find her missing father. Then, Meg’s classmate, Calvin O’Keefe appears in the story and he mixes into the lives of the Murrays due to him being neglected by his family. Soon afterwards, two more immortal characters, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which appear, both whom are related to Mrs. Whatsit. The three of them are seen as “immortals” having no physical form, but having the ability to use the tesseract, as mentioned at the start of the novel.
The adventure then starts, with Clavin O’Keefe, Meg and her brother Charles following the three immortal characters. The group travels to two planets, first Uriel, and then Camazotz. At Uriel, it is basically a jumping point (rising action) for the readers to know more about the theme and relates this place to Camazotz, where the climax is seen. Uriel is described as a place where people stay in a state of light and love. After being transported to Camazotz, they are introduced to the enemies that have imprisoned Mr. Murray, called IT, who controls the whole planet. Having met a man with red eyes (name not mentioned), Charles is being hypnotised and tricks the whole group into meeting IT, where their minds were almost taken control of but Mr. Murray, with the use of tesseracts, brings them away to an unnamed planet. However, Charles is left behind.
At the unnamed planet, Aunt Beast, a beast that takes care of Meg, tells her that she possess something that can defeat IT. After going back to Camazotz through the tesseract, Meg realises that love is the power to defeat it. After defeating IT, they are transported back home, however, there is no mention of Dr. Murray.
Since this story is part of a time quintet, it will definitely feature Dr. Murray in one of the stories which include An Acceptable Time, A Wind in the Doors, A Swiftly Tilting Planet and Many Waters.
The major theme is the use of certain elements related to Christianity in the novel. One such example would be “The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness if God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how many that not wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called, but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.”
From the above mentioned theme, we move into a minor theme in the story: love. This is only a theme that is mentioned at the end of the story when Meg had love to save her brother, Charles. In Christianity, love is important and the author has linked both together in this novel.
I personally feel that this novel has highlighted one of the important aspects in life, love. Love is a virtue of representing human kindness, compassion and affection, which many of us at a young tender age should understand. Besides, its mention of Christianity in the story allows readers to think much deeper, into their own lives about what they can do for themselves and their loved ones.
A Wrinkle in Time has won many prestigious awards, which includes a Newbery Medal, Sequoyah Book Award and Lewis Carrol Shelf Award, as such; it is a highly recommended book, especially to teenagers and those growing up.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Book Review: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro was first published by Faber & Faber Limited in 2005 is 282-page long novel. The novel, which is science-fiction based, has been so popular that it has been made into a movie last year. A renowned book that one shouldn’t miss, it tracks a love-triangle and cloning of humans. We all know about the cloning of the sheep, Dolly, however, is the cloning of humans practical? Will it happen in the future?
Why is this book so successful? Look at the cover and title carefully and you’ll know why. There’s a blurred image of a girl with her hands stretched out, with a relation to the title. Separation and death is one of the other themes in this book. Never ever let your loved one go, neither do you want him to leave you. However, that is only one of the interpretations. The cover page grabs your attention and conveys a message – What will lie ahead of us but except a fantastic reading experience? A theme that one will experience in his/her life, emotions will be running in your blood during this grandeur experience.
Three major themes – Friendship, Romance, Separation & Death, how has Ishiguro managed to convey these messages through a science-fiction based book? Brilliant and Wonderful are the sole words that can be used to describe his craft and plot. These three themes will revolve around our lives, affecting our lives. Joy, happiness and anxiety are experienced in all three different situations.
The plot revolves around 3 major characters – Kathy, Tommy and Ruth, whom are involved in a love-triangle. The plot is split into 3 major parts – Childhood, Adult and Donor. So, how did Ishiguro managed to fit the three themes into this plot? Let’s explore it together.
In Halimshan, England, the three children grow up together, having a close-knitted relationship and reveal their dreams. As they grow up and become adults, they experience the love-triangle with either Kathy or Ruth backing out during this relationship. There is a teacher at the school, named “Madame Marie-Claude”. During their childhood years, one of the teachers, Miss Lucy reveals to them that they are clones. This news takes a major impact on the children, shattering the dreams but they have to accept their ill fate.
They are expected to make donations towards the end of their adulthood. Both Kathy and Tommy becomes donors, however, Ruth becomes a carer. A series of heart-thumping events occur.
There is a significant scene which also highlights the cover page of the book. When Madame saw Kathy singing, with bursts of life, she reflects on that particular day and says, “…a little girl facing the new world that was emerging, an efficient but cruel world, and asking the old world not to let her go…” How does this represent the story or cover page?
That question is for you to find out, what are the heart-thumping events that occur when they are donors? Think carefully, will this ever happen in the future?
“Ishiguro's imagining of the children's misshapen little world is profoundly thoughtful, and their hesitant progression into knowledge of their plight is an extreme and heartbreaking version of the exodus of all children from the innocence in which the benevolent but fraudulent adult world conspires to place them.”
-Taken from Joseph O’Neill, the author of the Atlantic
“A clear frontrunner to be the year’s most extraordinary novel”
-Taken from The Sunday Times
Why is this book so successful? Look at the cover and title carefully and you’ll know why. There’s a blurred image of a girl with her hands stretched out, with a relation to the title. Separation and death is one of the other themes in this book. Never ever let your loved one go, neither do you want him to leave you. However, that is only one of the interpretations. The cover page grabs your attention and conveys a message – What will lie ahead of us but except a fantastic reading experience? A theme that one will experience in his/her life, emotions will be running in your blood during this grandeur experience.
Three major themes – Friendship, Romance, Separation & Death, how has Ishiguro managed to convey these messages through a science-fiction based book? Brilliant and Wonderful are the sole words that can be used to describe his craft and plot. These three themes will revolve around our lives, affecting our lives. Joy, happiness and anxiety are experienced in all three different situations.
The plot revolves around 3 major characters – Kathy, Tommy and Ruth, whom are involved in a love-triangle. The plot is split into 3 major parts – Childhood, Adult and Donor. So, how did Ishiguro managed to fit the three themes into this plot? Let’s explore it together.
In Halimshan, England, the three children grow up together, having a close-knitted relationship and reveal their dreams. As they grow up and become adults, they experience the love-triangle with either Kathy or Ruth backing out during this relationship. There is a teacher at the school, named “Madame Marie-Claude”. During their childhood years, one of the teachers, Miss Lucy reveals to them that they are clones. This news takes a major impact on the children, shattering the dreams but they have to accept their ill fate.
They are expected to make donations towards the end of their adulthood. Both Kathy and Tommy becomes donors, however, Ruth becomes a carer. A series of heart-thumping events occur.
There is a significant scene which also highlights the cover page of the book. When Madame saw Kathy singing, with bursts of life, she reflects on that particular day and says, “…a little girl facing the new world that was emerging, an efficient but cruel world, and asking the old world not to let her go…” How does this represent the story or cover page?
That question is for you to find out, what are the heart-thumping events that occur when they are donors? Think carefully, will this ever happen in the future?
“Ishiguro's imagining of the children's misshapen little world is profoundly thoughtful, and their hesitant progression into knowledge of their plight is an extreme and heartbreaking version of the exodus of all children from the innocence in which the benevolent but fraudulent adult world conspires to place them.”
-Taken from Joseph O’Neill, the author of the Atlantic
“A clear frontrunner to be the year’s most extraordinary novel”
-Taken from The Sunday Times
Book Review: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes was first published by Hancourt, Brace & World in 1959 in the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction is a 274-page long novel. The novel, which is science fiction based, is now used by many prestigious schools for the use of analysing the themes. A renowned book that one shouldn’t miss, the novel tracks the lifestyle of a mentally retarded adult named Charlie Gordon. Similar to another novel, “To Kill a Mocking Bird”, the novel has the theme of prejudice embedded in. Many people have said that their lives have taken a twist after reading these novels, will yours change?
Why is this book so successful that it is even explored and analyzed in schools? Simple - the writer’s craft and the theme. Not only written in the 1st Person Point of View, it’s also written in a simple diary format. When I read the book for the 1st time, I was momentarily stunned and that’s what will happen to you when you flip the cover page. First page and it grabs your attention, what else could it be but a fantastic book? Written in this format, allowing readers to get access to his private (since it’s a diary) feelings and opinions.
A simple theme – prejudice and indifference, but Daniel Keyes has managed to bring out these 2 themes through a person’s diary. Wonderful is the only word to describe it. The story revolves around a mentally retarded adult named Charlie Gordon. In today’s society, there are many types of prejudice and one of those would be disabilities and IQ. Other key characters in this story are his teacher, Miss Kinnian, the doctors and a mouse named Algernon.
The plot was not easy to think of, it could have been a simplistic plot in your eyes but in truth, lots of planning had to be done. Charlie Gordon, one with few friends, felt that he had to be clever in order for him to have more friends. Thus, he was introduced to the doctors, who gave him an operation to make him clever, without having any knowledge of the consequences. Reckless at that point of time, the consequences awaited him. At the end, he realised the intelligence was not meant to be permanent and reverted back to the way he was.
So, why is the book named “Flowers for Algernon”? The title is named after the plot in the exciting novel. Prejudice is one of the main concerns in today’s society and the book addresses how one is being looked down by others – the consequences and the changes. A person being mentally retarded gives no excuse for one to bully him/her. An example of prejudice in the novel would be: Charlie’s friends, Joe and Carp, make him act like a clown in front of them, Charlie, oblivious to what’s happening did the act willingly? But, what was it that changed Charlie’s perception? After becoming clever, he witnessed a scene at a restaurant where one waiter was ticked off after breaking a glass cup. He recalled his experiences he had before only to realise – he had been treated the same way before.
What exactly happened between the time he became clever and the time where he reverted back? Would you have expected him to make more friends? True enough, he did not. Instead, the consequences were even direr. There was further gap between his friends and him. People did not look at him the same way as before. People found him different, thus, leaving him further and further. People were unaware of what happened to him. Surprised and shocked, he did not have any friends at all. Thus, should we accept what we were when we are born or should we not resign to fate and make a change for ourselves?
As time passed, Charlie realised his spelling and grammar was getting poorer and poorer. Algernon, with the same operation as well, had already died. Charlie immediately researched and found out that the operation was not meant to last forever. Shocked, surprised, he cried and reflected and regretted in agony. The regression started, slowly by slowly, until he reverted back to his normal self. Towards the end, he attends school once more, having recovered from his agony. In the last sentence of the story, he writes “P.S. Put some flowers on Algernon”. Charlie still remembers him as a friend, the interaction with him (animals and humans), thus, resulting in the title “Flowers for Algernon”.
“Flowers for Algernon” has acclaimed many awards, having won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960 and joint winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1966.
Why have people’s lives changed after reading this novel? Revolving around the themes of prejudice and the change in one’s life, it brings out the moral values of what one should have in their own personal lives. To respect one another, to respect people from all walks of life, to respect EVERYONE.
“Anyone who has common sense will remember that the bewilderments of the eye are of two kinds, and arise from two causes, either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye.”
-Taken from Plato’s the Republic
Why is this book so successful that it is even explored and analyzed in schools? Simple - the writer’s craft and the theme. Not only written in the 1st Person Point of View, it’s also written in a simple diary format. When I read the book for the 1st time, I was momentarily stunned and that’s what will happen to you when you flip the cover page. First page and it grabs your attention, what else could it be but a fantastic book? Written in this format, allowing readers to get access to his private (since it’s a diary) feelings and opinions.
A simple theme – prejudice and indifference, but Daniel Keyes has managed to bring out these 2 themes through a person’s diary. Wonderful is the only word to describe it. The story revolves around a mentally retarded adult named Charlie Gordon. In today’s society, there are many types of prejudice and one of those would be disabilities and IQ. Other key characters in this story are his teacher, Miss Kinnian, the doctors and a mouse named Algernon.
The plot was not easy to think of, it could have been a simplistic plot in your eyes but in truth, lots of planning had to be done. Charlie Gordon, one with few friends, felt that he had to be clever in order for him to have more friends. Thus, he was introduced to the doctors, who gave him an operation to make him clever, without having any knowledge of the consequences. Reckless at that point of time, the consequences awaited him. At the end, he realised the intelligence was not meant to be permanent and reverted back to the way he was.
So, why is the book named “Flowers for Algernon”? The title is named after the plot in the exciting novel. Prejudice is one of the main concerns in today’s society and the book addresses how one is being looked down by others – the consequences and the changes. A person being mentally retarded gives no excuse for one to bully him/her. An example of prejudice in the novel would be: Charlie’s friends, Joe and Carp, make him act like a clown in front of them, Charlie, oblivious to what’s happening did the act willingly? But, what was it that changed Charlie’s perception? After becoming clever, he witnessed a scene at a restaurant where one waiter was ticked off after breaking a glass cup. He recalled his experiences he had before only to realise – he had been treated the same way before.
What exactly happened between the time he became clever and the time where he reverted back? Would you have expected him to make more friends? True enough, he did not. Instead, the consequences were even direr. There was further gap between his friends and him. People did not look at him the same way as before. People found him different, thus, leaving him further and further. People were unaware of what happened to him. Surprised and shocked, he did not have any friends at all. Thus, should we accept what we were when we are born or should we not resign to fate and make a change for ourselves?
As time passed, Charlie realised his spelling and grammar was getting poorer and poorer. Algernon, with the same operation as well, had already died. Charlie immediately researched and found out that the operation was not meant to last forever. Shocked, surprised, he cried and reflected and regretted in agony. The regression started, slowly by slowly, until he reverted back to his normal self. Towards the end, he attends school once more, having recovered from his agony. In the last sentence of the story, he writes “P.S. Put some flowers on Algernon”. Charlie still remembers him as a friend, the interaction with him (animals and humans), thus, resulting in the title “Flowers for Algernon”.
“Flowers for Algernon” has acclaimed many awards, having won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960 and joint winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1966.
Why have people’s lives changed after reading this novel? Revolving around the themes of prejudice and the change in one’s life, it brings out the moral values of what one should have in their own personal lives. To respect one another, to respect people from all walks of life, to respect EVERYONE.
“Anyone who has common sense will remember that the bewilderments of the eye are of two kinds, and arise from two causes, either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye.”
-Taken from Plato’s the Republic
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