The opinion/thoughts I had on the class discussion about the novel "When I was Alive" is in the comments section below.
There may be a lot of mistakes within my comment, as I had a slight bit of trouble remembering what went on in the class. Don't hesitate to let me know if you notice any mistakes. Thank you.
There were also technical mistakes, since the computer I used didn't seem to submit this even though my other stuff was able to be sent. However, they should be fixed so it's all good here.
In regards to the novel “When I was Alive” by John Talbird, I first started out being confused and couldn’t be able to focus on the story until some form of drama has occurred. Though that may be my fault, rather than the author. I was able to start back at the beginning to full grasp the story when I couldn’t before. The main character has frequently managed to make me even more interested in her actions as the story goes by.
ReplyDeleteDespite remembering her grandfather’s words on maintaining a respectable character that wouldn’t inflict harm (or something along the lines), I find it fascinating that Kate wouldn’t brush it off nor feel burdened whenever she executes an action that she knows would disappoint her grandfather.
She’s quite self-conscious and self-reflective (if they’re the same thing). She understands that her actions would normally be disapproved if her grandfather was alive, and wasn’t afraid to admit that she genuinely enjoys it.
In regards to the actions that she committed, Kate would tend to fight back against boys that are both physically stronger and taller than her. However, it isn’t without a reason. She fights only when under the influence of provocation, though to be specific, if she’s being bullied. She wouldn’t attack any bully at the first sight. These traits enables one to assume that she’s strong-minded individual that is capable and willing to retaliate if she’s been wronged, but in control of herself when she’s forced to attend the same school as the bully that interact with her from day-to-day basis.
She seems to be quite observant as evident in her description of the bully that often harass her, trying to grab the attention of a good-looking fellow football player. She mentioned some sort of envy that the mentioned bully may have had with the other individual, with his previous attempts serving as her proof.
What fascinated me even more was the author’s portrayal of what a strong-willed girl is, when the author himself has lived as a boy in his entire life. When I read the story, I was fully convinced that the author was a woman who tried to turn her prior experiences into the story we see now. However, it was solely due to the author being raised by a strong-willed mother that worked hard to raise him (If I recalled correctly, as it was mentioned in the class). Perhaps, it was this observance and willingness to recognize and appreciate the hard work and struggles of a woman that helped form the outstanding main character that we witness now. The will of a young woman who may possess the soul of a small mouse, but equipped with a ferociousness that aspire to conquer over stronger and larger enemies such as the king of lions. In the end, the story abruptly ended on a good note. Only for us to realize that what we’re were reading before was a mere fraction out of the entire story.
Oh, and by drama, I failed to mention that I was referring to the conflict between Kate and her bully. The part where Kate tried to inflict injury on the bully (whose name I could not recall) but is only laughed at as a response.
ReplyDeleteHi Syed:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the in-depth comments!
best,
jt
Oh, thank you, Professor Talbird.
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