Ray Bradbury: Fiction or Reality?

Ray Bradbury's novel Fahrenheit 451 which many people have misunderstood the true meaning of the book. Some people think the book is mainly about government censorship. In interview three, he said that was his book is nothing about government censorship. It is more like explain the fear of technology on the future. By the way in the 1st and 2ND interview, he said the characters came to him and talked to him. He wrote just what they told him in his head. He didn't write anything bad about the government.
Another question arise from this book. Is Ray Bradbury's fantasy coming true or was it a reality? I believe that image of the world is not happening yet, but may happen if we keep going the way were going. Ray Bradbury feared that the Television and technology would ruin children. Today, children don't read books anymore. They watch non-stop marathons on television. They play for hours on video games and computer games. Now when children want to read, they point a finger and the book reads to them. This technology will lead us to become lazy and uneducated like the world in Fahrenheit. I will admit that even though it may not be seen now, Ray Bradbury's idea of the future can become a reality if the people continue to depend on technology.

Burn, Baby, Burn: Fahrenheit 451

After reading Fahrenheit 451, it opened my eyes to many ideas. Are we going to end up like the society in Fahrenheit? Do I question everything? Do I want to learn or try to learn the truth? Am I truly happy? These are some of the questions I asked myself while reading. This book truly opened my eyes to the truth in knowledge and life.
The question of our society occurred when I was reading about the book burnings. They seemed to burn it because it held knowledge. People burn books today because it has knowledge that they don't understand. Take Hitler and his public book burnings. He wanted to destroy the ideas of one thing and replace it with another. Books will always give us knowledge but in our society we chose not to read them. Instead we have television, radio, IPhone, etc. to entertain or teach us. Ray Bradbury's fear of technology taking over is stated in this book. The robot dogs that can track and kill you scare the living daylights out of me. Will it be in the future, I am afraid about being found by a robotic monster that will never lose my scent and will never stop till it kills me? The way our technology is going, we will have something like that. In the future our future may become a place full of technology that will only lead to our demise.
The other questions about happiness, questioning, and searching for the truth are still unanswered in my opinion. The happiness shown in the book is only happiness out of ignorance. Mildred is a prime example. She is only happy with the life as what has been told to her. She doesn't know anything about the outside world. It really puts the truth in the phrase "Ignorance is Bliss". I have to ask myself if I am truly happy at what I know or do or am I only happy with what people tell me to do like Mildred? Also questioning like Clarisse did when she was questioning about the things the government has told her. She questions everything because of the knowledge she gains from books. From reading about Clarisse, I begin to think about myself. I seem to not question anything anymore in life? I accept everything at face value and I don't search for the truth anymore? Now after reading Fahrenheit, all I seem to do is question every little tiny detail.
Reading Fahrenheit 451 was surprisingly one of my favorite books because it made me question everything. All those questions are helping me make my life better. I also know that these books everlasting questions can help all of us make sure our society becomes ignorant and cruel like the one in this classic sci-fi novel.

The complex characters of To Kill A Mockingbird

Harper Lee's characters in To Kill A Mockingbird portray the difference between innocence and experience in the real world. Lee portrays innocence through the children Scout, Jem, and Dill. Experience is shown through characters like Atticus. Lee's characters all uniquely explain the cruel world through the eyes of a growing child.

The innocence of the book is portrayed by the characters Scout, Jim, and Dill. Scout is the main character and is as well the narrator. She portrays herself as smart for her age. She is taught to read and write from Atticus. She also acts more like a tomboy because she never had any woman in her live to teach her to act like a girl. She hates to wear skirts and dresses. She is also is very honest and can be rudely honest when she talks to people. She is insulted when her teacher said her father didn't teach her anything and she shouldn't read at home anymore. Also children treat her differently because of what they believe her father is doing something wrong. Many people also refelect on Scout their views of what they think about Atticus. When a boy calls her father a "nigger lover", she attacks him although she truly doesn't understand the meaning of it. Her character grows curious about why other treat her and her father differently. Through Atticus helps, she grows to understand better while she still has a touch of innocence left.

Jem is Scouts older brother who's character symbolizes bravery, but the rashness to judge people. He always tries to act brave like by touching the side of Boo Radley's house. He is loving to his family and is always their to help. He however is quick to judge people. He judged Mrs. Dubrose as a mean old lady. When she died, he really didn't care because she was so mean to his father, but when his father explains the truth behind Mrs. Dubose behavior, he realizes his mistake. This misjudgement can show as a lesson to all people to not judge people before you know the true story.

Dill is commonly portrayed as a childish reckless boy. His main goal is to get Boo Radley out of his house. He tortures Boo Radley along with Scout and Jim by playing Boo Radley games. This shows the same judgement that Jem showed. he automatically assumes that the rumors about Boo radley killing someone is true, but he doesn't try to see it through the eyes of Boo. This signifies that Harper Lee was trying to push the great lesson of knowing the truth before judging others. This also shows that everyone i=not just one person has the rashness to judge.It is just that the people won't admit it.

Atticus is portrayed as a single working dad working as a lawyer for both white and black in the South. This makes him very interesting character to analyze. He has had to raise two children on his own with the help of a maid because his wife died. He also works as a lawyer and takes clients no matter their skin color. His work is a big controversy in the book. Some people believe he is a hero for helping the blacks while other believe he is doing horrible things protecting blacks. He believes that everyone should be treated equally because we never know unless we ask for the truth. he always try to see the best in people. He sees the best in Ms. Caroline, Mrs. Dubose, even the Cunningham's because he knows he can never know what they have been going through unless he has "been in their skin and walked around in it." His experiences in life help teach Scout and jem to learn to become better men. Also to give him opportunities he never had. He never went to school, so he sent his kids to school knowing they would get a better education the what he would give them by himself. He just wants his children to be better people and have them be people that never judge anyone because of skin color, background, etc. he is teaching the =m morals that usually weren't shown in the 1930's, where the story takes place. In conclusion, Atticus' experience and the children's innocence help make To Kill A Mockingbird a story about the growth of innocence and and how experience helps shape the world of equality for all men.

Book #6- A Separate Peace

Wow, I can't believe this was the last book for summer reading. It feels like yesterday that I started to read Huck Finn. I feel that A Separate Peace by John Knowles was a great way to finish summer reading. It portrayed the harsh affects of war on boys. The characters, setting, and character development influenced the themes of war through out the text. The language was closer to how we talk and write now a days, so that made it easier to understand. I also loved reading the story through Gene's Point of view. It made it more personal for me to hear his reactions to the events happening rather than reading in third person. I got to see the feelings of how close Phineas and Gene got as well as how he reacted to Phineas' death.
The characters for me helped portray different views of people growing up during the war. My favorite Character from this book was probably Phineas. His carefree nature and how he seemed to live in the moment reminded me alot of my dad. My dad did everything crazy or illegal when he was Phineas' age because he knew that he would go off to the Vietnam war soon after and maybe not come home ever again. My dad's situation is not only similar to Phineas' situation but all the other boys too. Phineas' attitude about the war seemed a very protester idea. The idea he brought up that it was made up by the government made me think of protesters in the Vietnam War as well. They believed the men in the war were dying for nothing that the war was "fake". I also liked Leper's character. Near the end where he went crazy really showed the affects war had on men. Not just the War taking place in the book, but it can be related to whats happening now. Many men come home from war hallucinating due to the things they seen. Leper's character really portrayed a man who has seen what no man should ever see and now suffers from Post Traumatic Stress. He I believe represents the millions of soldiers that could have this dreadful disease and not get treated for it. To me, Gene had the most growth in the book. At first, he seemed very timid and cowardly, but then I see him becoming confident, brave, but unwilling to use violence to solve his problems. That in my opinion are traits of a great man. I think my least favorite character was blinker. He seemed to resort to taunting, rumors and violence to make him seem important. These traits in my opinion are suppose to represent what war could due to boys. he was brought up to believe that violence and war are ways to solve his problems. He joined the Coast Guard because he would see more action and danger which leads to him killing another to protect him and his country. This may seem noble, but killing for selfish reasons are empty.
The setting of the story really played an important part of the story. Instead of making it in the middle of the battlefield., Knowles showed that there was another battlefield during the war at home. Instead of using adults as the main characters, Knowles used teenage boys to show the affects of war had on children. They grew up believing as Phineas said on pg. 35 "We are all enemies." They grow up not to trust anyone and war will solve what ever problems with anyone. Also, the death of Phineas shows that even the innocent are hurt during the war. Phineas revealed that he wanted to join the war, but couldn't because of his leg. I find it ironic that it was because of fixing his leg that he died. The doctor said the marrow traveled through his blood stream and stopped his heart, and if he hadn't of fixed it again, he probably would have lived. I also believed he chose the setting taking place during another war because he wanted to show the affects of the violence on others. It also can be compared to other wars we have seen. It can be compared to the War on terror going on now. the main theme of the book in my opinion can be viewed on pg. 196 where it says "My war ended before I ever put on a uniform. I was on active duty all my time at school. I killed my enemy there... All of them, all except Phineas, constructed at infinite cost to themselves... against this enemy they thought they saw across the frontier, this enemy who never attacked that way-if he ever attacked at all; if he was indeed the enemy. I interpreted this quote to mean that during war, we are still fighting each other, "The enemy", and we think we are fighting for a good cause in believing it is for protection. This however does not mean its true. No one at home ever truly was a threat to our safety. They were no the enemy. Maybe even the enemies in the war may have not been the enemies. It may represent our misunderstandings and our reckless actionscost other innocent people lives. This can also be viewed as a anti-war idea.
Out of all the books I read, A Separate Peace is my Second favorite. The Great Gatsby is still my favorite. The Scarlet Letter, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Crucible were all great books to interpret, but I didn't like them as much. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was overall my least favorite out of all of them. I do have to admit though most of the main character traits, emotions, development, and themes were overlapping through all the books. You can compare Phineas and Huck together or compare the themes of The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible. These are some examples in my opinion of overlapping themes, and characters. Well I enjoyed blogging about the books this summer and I can't wait to see what Honors 10 has in store for me.

Book #5- The Crucible

"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller was an interesting play to read. I didn't have any trouble with the language because it was similar to The Scarlet Letter. The setting and characters show the hardships going through the Witch Trials in Salem. The symbols as well portray themes of revenge, true compassion, and fear. "The Crucible" is clearly and advanced and trivial read.
The setting and characters in "The Crucible" are extremely important in showing the true mass hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials. I believe Miller chose the setting to revolve around the Salem Witch trials to help create a theme. The hysteria within the characters is almost exactly what happened during that time. People in Salem were so scared that they blamed anyone as a witch without significant proof. It also shows the injustice of the courts when the accused would be hanged if they did not confess as well as give other names. The Characters as well are very important. I liked to analyze the antagonists of the play. Abigail I believe was suppose to show what revenge can lead a women to do. She did all this so she could get a man. She even turned against her helper, Mary Warren. Parris' character was an ignorant man who believed that every one's opinions other than his own was wrong. He still believed that all were guilty of witchcraft instead of hearing reason. Danforth's character was revengeful and wouldn't rest till all the accused either confessed or were hanged. He also doesn't listen to proof about the reasons the accused was accused, and he automatically believed they were guilty. Then, it was nice to analyze characters like Elizabeth Proctor, John Proctor, Mary Warren, and Giles Corey. Elizabeth was an example of a woman who was hurt badly and not trusting, but she still loves him. She still wants her husband to be alright, even though he betrayed her. John was example of a man that his sins have haunted him til his dying day. This seems similar to Dimmesdale in The Scarlet Letter. They both felt absorbed by their sins until they both admitted them in public. Mary Warren was example of fear in man's nature. Mary would let an innocent women be condemned for a crime she did not commit because she feared for her life. Then, Mary feared her safety, so she turned on John. This can also be seen in human nature: we do what is in our best interest to survive. Giles Corey represents a good honest man that died bravely. He stood up for his wife which in that time many men did not do. That took guts to do, and I admire him for that. Also when he doesn't give a plea, he realizes that he would be condemned anyway, so he went the route that would best benefit his family. That is a sign of a good man in my opinion. Also he accept he was going to die, so his last words were "More weight" which means he knew that he would die an honest man that would be honored later.
I believe that symbolism like in all the books we have read so far play important role portraying theme. The setting of full blown hysteria naming innocent people of witch craft was a symbol to portray a theme of fear. When men fear something, they do unspeakable things to keep themselves safe. They would even betray their best friends if it meant they would be safe from that fear. Man does the same thing in modern times. Gangs kill everyday because they fear about not living to see another day. In that mind set, If you get in my way of my safety, you're dead. That's why people in gangs shoot other people. They protect not only themselves but their family. The hysteria in the books shows that fear can spin out of control and you will still be affected in the end. When John admits to witch craft, but doesn't give any other names is a theme of honesty and kindness. he didn't want to throw anyone under the bus because he knew that he could not decide their fates just his, so he tells only his sins not theirs. The quote that John tells Elizabeth about not showing tears and a stony heart symbolize a theme of human reactions. Through out time, even today, people do crazy stuff to other people to get a reaction out of them. If they do, they feel contentment. If they don't the victory is empty. When she doesn't show tears about her husband's death, she shows the men that no matter what, they won't get a reaction out of her. Even though I know she is probably dying inside due to her love was going to die, but she need to keep a "stony heart" for the public.
Even though this was a good read, I didn't like it as much as the other books. It was a bit to confusing in the beginning. It took me a while to understand that it was meant to show the fear and revenge in the antagonists. Also, It was very hard to read when the girls went into fits in court. That moment was weird as well as sickening. Although those parts were confusing to me, "The Crucible" overall was an intriguing play that really portrayed the mass hysteria and unfairness surrounding the Salem Witch Trials.

Book #4- The Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter by Nathanial Hawthorne was a great book filled with great symbolism, dynamic characters, and engaging storyline. The only problem I encountered while reading was it was written in old English. But like Huck Finn, the accents and writing gave it a more realistic feel of being in a 17Th century Puritan community. I loved Hawthorne's use of symbolism especially the significance and symbolism of the scarlet letter. I also had fun seeing the character develop as the story progressed.
My favorite symbolism's used in The Scarlet Letter all represent the theme of what our choices can lead too. The first symbol I want to address is The prison and the rose bush in the first chapter. The prison represented what could happen to us if we take the road of a criminal. Our lives would be dark and gloomy like the prison. I interpretted tat the rose bush had two meanings. Either that love and kindness can save us from the brink and make us become a better person or it can lead to being pricked by the thorns leaving sorrow due to our bad choices. The other main symbol used in this book that should be addressed is the scarlet letter. At first, it stands for adulteress and is meant to bring sorrow and ridicule for her choice. In later chapters, I still affects Hester, but she sees the joy of the choice that brought her Pearl. Soon, She rises above the scarlet letter and has a new life with a purpose. Once she rips off the Scarlet letter in chapter 18, she finally forgives herself for that sin and wants to begin a new life. At the end of the book, the letter becomes not a burden to her and once she dies, the letter still is "Glowing ...of light gloomier than the shadow: 'On a Field, Sable, The letter A..." This I believes shows that her sin still lives on and is gloomy, so the main theme of the book, I believe, is We are all sinners and our sins will be gloomy unless we chose to forgive them and move on.
I absolutely loved analyzing the characters of this book. First we have Hester Prynne. She is a women who has sinned, but overcame the meaning of the letter and forgave her sin making a life for herself. That I view her as model of true perseverance. She lived with the ridicule and torments the townspeople targeted towards her, but through that she still became a better person. Then we have Chillingworth. He is fueled by revenge, but once he has one he has nothing to live for and dies. Chillingwirth's character can sort of be connected to the feud in Huck Finn. It shows revenge is pointless and can lead to devastating results. After him we have Dimmesdale. He slowly rotted away due to him concealing his sin, and once he revealed his secret, he died. His character shows what can happen if you hold your sin inside yourself and not tell anyone can have devastating results to your mind and your life. We also are presented to Pearl. She is so innocent, and not understanding why people do certain things. This shows the true innocence of a child, and maybe shows how other people are confused by other peoples actions. Finally, we have the townspeople of the Puritan community. They were harsh and cruel to Hester when she first got the Scarlet letter, but once Dimmesdale died, they realized "We are all sinners alike." In my opinion, I viewed their actions were inappropriate towards Hester. They should have let her deal with her sin on her own, not publicly humiliate her and sentence her to a life of ridicule. They should have looked inside themselves to see that they have sinned as well, and ask themselves would they want to be treated like that. This can be related to now a days. Teenagers can publicly humiliate the outcasts of their school, and they may not wonder if they would like to be treated like that, much like the townspeople. Overall these characters gave me an in site on how I should and shouldn't act and how I should and should not live.
The Scarlet Letter was a great book for me to interpret and analyze. It really helped that I have already read this book once, so I got a better in site into theme and symbolism then I did before. The characters development was easier to see as well as some of the events. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne really brought me into a story filled with drama, symbols, and characters to help convey themes of human sin.

Book #3- The Great Gatsby

I never had heard of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, so I really didn't know if I would like it or not. After I finished the book, I didn't like it, I loved it. The Great Gatsby is filled with interesting round characters and intertwining plot lines. It seemed to me the way everyone ended up being connected to one anther some way reminded me of a soap opera. I also loved how Fitzgerald made me believe one thing was going to happen, but the surprise me with a twist. I truly believed Daisy and Gastby would run off and live happily ever after, but when Gatsby died, I was surprised as well as upset. I finally loved how Gatsby and all the other characters helped portray the theme of following your dreams and trying to achieve them.

The characters of The Great Gatsby were so well developed, I couldn't help loving or hating the Characters. My favorite character in this book was Gatsby. At first he seemed mysterious and quiet, but showed off his wealth with lavish parties. Then, I saw a whole new side of Gatsby when I learned he earned his money and his undying love for Daisy. I also loved his courage to take the fall for Daisy. When he was killed by Wilson, my heart broke because I wanted to see him reach his poteintial of living the life he wants. The characters I loved to hate were Tom and Daisy. Tom was a character I hated from the beginning because he was a selfish hateful pig because he still wanted to be married, but still had flings with his mistress on the side. He seemed to remind me of the Duke and the Dauphin in HUck Finn because they lied to people to get money like Tom is lying to his wife about having an affair while trying to keep her as well. At first I liked Daisy because she seemed so madly in love with Gatsby, but she showed her true cowardice by staying with Tom and then leaving without a forward address. These main characters as well as Jordan and Nick were meant to symbolize people who search for dreams, but they were either not achieved or hollow goals.

The main theme of The Great Gatsby, in my opinion, is following dreams and struggles man has to go through to make the future he wants. Gatsby wanted to have a life with Daisy, so he became wealthy, but he never did get Daisy and he couldn't accept it. Nick ponders the thought of dreams and its struggles at the end of the book when he looks at the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. On pg. 189 where it says "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us, but that's no matter-tomorrow we will run faster, strech out our arms farther... And one fine morning-- So we deat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." When I read this quote, I interpreted it as people like Gatsby go after their dreams and even though it is beyond their reach, they try everything to achieve it. Then the person is always brought back into their past where the dreams will maybe be or always be out of reach.

After reading this book, it is now oneof my favorites. The inticing plot line with surprises at every corner really brought me into the story. The round characters also made the story seem more real to me and made the story interesting. The theme in my opinion was easy to relate to because I have dreams and I will always try to achieve them even if the end like Gatsbys did. This classic novel has clearly won my heart over!