Jack London was the first of his kind. He was a famous writer when he was alive. His works of art we’re adored during his short lifetime of 40 years.
In The Call of the Wild, London uses Buck, a southern farm dog, to embody the struggle for freedom and the climax of life. Buck is a prideful animal that is removed from his luxurious home and taken to the Northland to serve as a sled dog.
Buck learns that to survive he must out think, out persevere, and he must be stronger than all the other dogs. The Call of the Wild shows Buck as a highly human-like animal. London’s details in the book are crystal clear.
I was constantly entwined in The Call of the Wild’s story. I suspect you will be as well.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
ANTiGONE
Sophocles’ tale of family disputes and decisions has endured the test of time. Antigone’s essential characters are Antigone, Ismene, and King Creon.
Creon has punished Antigone’s brother, Polynices, to rot on the streets where he fell to his brother, Eurydice. The punishment for performing funeral rites for Polynices is death, as he was declared an enemy of the state.
Antigone must choose between death and respect for family. Ismene must choose between death and helping her sister.
This book isn't the kind of book I would usually choose to read. But, it was a lot better than I expected. This short, easy read has many valuable lessons for the reader to learn, such as taking a stand for what you know is right.
Creon has punished Antigone’s brother, Polynices, to rot on the streets where he fell to his brother, Eurydice. The punishment for performing funeral rites for Polynices is death, as he was declared an enemy of the state.
Antigone must choose between death and respect for family. Ismene must choose between death and helping her sister.
This book isn't the kind of book I would usually choose to read. But, it was a lot better than I expected. This short, easy read has many valuable lessons for the reader to learn, such as taking a stand for what you know is right.
Monday, February 2, 2009
TAKiNG A STAND
Being a teenager, taking a stand is not always easy. A few weekends ago, I went to a party with one of my best friends. When we got there, everyone else had been drinking. Most of the people were so drunk they couldn't stand up straight. One phrase I heard over and over again that night was "Come on, nobody will know if ya'll drink." My friend and I just refused, and said we didn't want to.
I've always been taught not to drink, because it only leads to worse things. Eventually, my friend and I just called her grandma to come pick us up. We came home without touching a drop of alcohol. It was hard to just leave all our friends at the party, but we knew it was what we needed to do.
When you get in a tough situation that challenges what you believe in, do you simply give in, or take a stand for what you know is right?
I've always been taught not to drink, because it only leads to worse things. Eventually, my friend and I just called her grandma to come pick us up. We came home without touching a drop of alcohol. It was hard to just leave all our friends at the party, but we knew it was what we needed to do.
When you get in a tough situation that challenges what you believe in, do you simply give in, or take a stand for what you know is right?
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