Today I saw another video on YouTube that fits very well to the whole book and especially to this chapter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO0kRE5OTZI
The friendly and calm Tran, just having a peaceful breakfast, is suddenly bombarded with false pretences. Wasn’t it the same with Matt? The policemen came and hauled him off, when he and his friends were working unsuspecting at the role play. Not only did the officers question him so intensely, that he wanted to scream (video 5:22), but also the other students were almost having a competition, in who knew the more exciting and stunning rumours.
And this is where we come to chapter 19: I got the impression that this day was virtually a copy of the afternoon he was taken into custody. I would like to compare to rumours, one of chapter 19 and one of chapter 5:
“He was cuffed? Matt was cuffed?—Not his ankles, though. So he could walk” (p.32, l.3)
“They’re suing? The Donaghys? --- They’re suing Mar. Parrish, and the school, and the school district, and the Brewers. For twenty of thirty million dollars, I heard” (p.131, l.21)
Looking at the comparison, you clearly see the same pattern used in both chapters, almost making it a bit too excessive I think... But the message is definitely clear: “Look at this attention seeking and egoistic society!” A point, you should think about... Are we really so obsessed with being special? Isn’t it possible, to be just yourself? Doesn’t that make you special and unique enough? These rumours are like an auction; only the highest bidder wins... But which price do you have to pay for this primacy? In our book it’s the reputation and the personality of a joyful and happy young boy... There are always two sides of looking at things.
Donnerstag, 23. April 2009
Mittwoch, 22. April 2009
Chapter 18
I'm still quite euphoric after reading this chapter! The insignificant Brewer twins managed to practically ruin Matt's life, almost making him kill himself. But we all knew Ugly Girl was going to be our hero.
And it all fits together so brilliantly: reading the extract from the book in the art exhibition, she became aware of the fact that particularly the unusual people can make a difference: Einstein, Darwin etc. and now Ursula. She managed to stop the seemingly unstoppable downswing of Matt’s life with a selfless, risky but effective guess. In my opinion, destiny deterred her from speaking to him. Destiny also played a role, when the teacher overheard Ursula talking to the twins admitting their mean betrayal of Matt.
Just by being a special individual, by being herself, she saved his life I think!
And it all fits together so brilliantly: reading the extract from the book in the art exhibition, she became aware of the fact that particularly the unusual people can make a difference: Einstein, Darwin etc. and now Ursula. She managed to stop the seemingly unstoppable downswing of Matt’s life with a selfless, risky but effective guess. In my opinion, destiny deterred her from speaking to him. Destiny also played a role, when the teacher overheard Ursula talking to the twins admitting their mean betrayal of Matt.
Just by being a special individual, by being herself, she saved his life I think!
Chapter 17
Now this is really starting to get awkward! Why can't the pupils and Matt's neighbours understand, that the whole "threat" was just a misunderstanding, leaving, of course, an impact on the character of Matt? As he says himself, one should support him in gaining new self-confidence instead of treating him as a stranger, you ought to avoid.
If I'd put myself in Matt's position, I would feel deserted by my parents; a father who on the one hand, seems to care more about the reputation of the Donaghys than the mental health of his own son, and on the other hand, a mother who doesn't give you the feeling of safety and security. People need to be loved and given sympathy, reassuring that whatever they do,someone will stand behind them! But his mother just walks off, abandoning a speechless and helpless boy to his fate.
Just imagine his feelings in this situation?! His friends have marooned him, the teachers seem to dislike him, now his last and trusted footing is eroding... But wait, there is still Ugly Girl!
Possible thoughts: "Didn't she seem to be the only one to understand my feelings and helped me to get out? Then why did she ignore me at school? This is crazy! I've got the impression that I'm not the one who has changed; everybody else is getting weirder and weirder! Perhaps all of this is just a damn joke? It must be... I’m sliding into this nightmare and the way out is trailing away in the dark...”
As I see it, Matt is in danger of killing himself, if something extraordinary doesn’t happen quickly. All expectations are with Ursula now, to at least save his life...
If I'd put myself in Matt's position, I would feel deserted by my parents; a father who on the one hand, seems to care more about the reputation of the Donaghys than the mental health of his own son, and on the other hand, a mother who doesn't give you the feeling of safety and security. People need to be loved and given sympathy, reassuring that whatever they do,someone will stand behind them! But his mother just walks off, abandoning a speechless and helpless boy to his fate.
Just imagine his feelings in this situation?! His friends have marooned him, the teachers seem to dislike him, now his last and trusted footing is eroding... But wait, there is still Ugly Girl!
Possible thoughts: "Didn't she seem to be the only one to understand my feelings and helped me to get out? Then why did she ignore me at school? This is crazy! I've got the impression that I'm not the one who has changed; everybody else is getting weirder and weirder! Perhaps all of this is just a damn joke? It must be... I’m sliding into this nightmare and the way out is trailing away in the dark...”
As I see it, Matt is in danger of killing himself, if something extraordinary doesn’t happen quickly. All expectations are with Ursula now, to at least save his life...
Dienstag, 21. April 2009
Chapter 16
Isn't it lovely to see, how such inconspicuous feelings can even confuse our tough Ugly Girl? I sensed this already some chapters before, as she didn’t have the heart to speak to him in school. Usually, she isn’t frightened of anything and faces every sort of danger, but little Matt saying “hello” to her was just too intimidating.
But that isn’t the only change I noticed: Her whole way of recounting stories or explaining her feelings has become more lively and emotional. As she was in the art exhibition for example, the whole impression of her was positive, since she wasn’t annoyed by something, as she used to be all the time, she just enjoyed her inspiration coming back. To me, it was apparent, that something even more delightful had to follow, and I was right!
After feeling confirmed in herself by the extract she had read, her attention was drawn to the skaters. “My mouth went dry. My heart began to beat strangely.”(p.120, l.18). Isn’t it clear what has happened to her? I’m sure, she wouldn’t have even noticed “the real” Matt Donaghy on an ice rink, before the incident. I would even say that she was jealous of the girl, having fun with her “love”.
Her thoughts may have been: “Why can’t I be with him enjoying myself, holding hands and skating forever? I would just like to spend some time with the man, who accepts me as I am and doesn’t seem to care about the opinion of others anymore! He looks so cute in his skates and his red gloves...”
I almost had to laugh when she realised, that it wasn’t Matt skating with a girlfriend... Matt was much “nicer looking” (p.120, l.29). No doubt, that she has now understood her feelings, although she is still hesitating and trying to avoid them “This was not good” (p.121, l.2).
How will this go on? I can't tell...
But it's definitely a very interesting part of the story!
But that isn’t the only change I noticed: Her whole way of recounting stories or explaining her feelings has become more lively and emotional. As she was in the art exhibition for example, the whole impression of her was positive, since she wasn’t annoyed by something, as she used to be all the time, she just enjoyed her inspiration coming back. To me, it was apparent, that something even more delightful had to follow, and I was right!
After feeling confirmed in herself by the extract she had read, her attention was drawn to the skaters. “My mouth went dry. My heart began to beat strangely.”(p.120, l.18). Isn’t it clear what has happened to her? I’m sure, she wouldn’t have even noticed “the real” Matt Donaghy on an ice rink, before the incident. I would even say that she was jealous of the girl, having fun with her “love”.
Her thoughts may have been: “Why can’t I be with him enjoying myself, holding hands and skating forever? I would just like to spend some time with the man, who accepts me as I am and doesn’t seem to care about the opinion of others anymore! He looks so cute in his skates and his red gloves...”
I almost had to laugh when she realised, that it wasn’t Matt skating with a girlfriend... Matt was much “nicer looking” (p.120, l.29). No doubt, that she has now understood her feelings, although she is still hesitating and trying to avoid them “This was not good” (p.121, l.2).
How will this go on? I can't tell...
But it's definitely a very interesting part of the story!
Sonntag, 19. April 2009
Chapter 15
Why is Matt so dependent on the opinion of his friends? First he followed the advice of Russ to be cautious about sending E-mails through the eternal cyberspace, now he deleted his, in my opinion, very important message and cry for help, because his friends “would have approved" "p.109, l.21).
I think he is currently searching for his true identity. Does he still belong to his clique of boys, being the admired, big mouthed and taboo braking verbal-hero? Or has he really changed to a more earnest, mature and at the same time isolated young man? If it is the latter, I’m quite concerned, whether he really ought to go and see a shrink, since he seems to be stumbling inexorably into claws of hate and depression.
As I see it, his only wish is to be like Ursula, the girl, who has learned to deal with those moods and doesn’t care about the opinion of others... She just gives a damn! Also, Matt knows that she is the only person, who really helped him! But he still doesn’t send his message...?!
If you look at the situation from Ursula’s point of view, would she have understood his feelings or even had sympathy with him?
Matt’s life seems to become a copy of hers: He dislikes his parents, he isolates himself at school and starts to feel disgust with the whole world. Perhaps she would be delighted to have found an individual that finally feels the way she does. But here is the problem: Would such an extreme Individual as Ugly Girl accept a close friend, making her not only vulnerable again, but also less special? Both of these ways would have been possible, but Matt preferred to conform with his “friends”, instead of “going down” to Ugly Girl.
I think this is pure desperation and I’m looking forward to seeing, how the story goes on... Will he choose melancholy and potential amok, or the life as a happy individual? One thing is sure: His life will never be the same, as it used to be.
I think he is currently searching for his true identity. Does he still belong to his clique of boys, being the admired, big mouthed and taboo braking verbal-hero? Or has he really changed to a more earnest, mature and at the same time isolated young man? If it is the latter, I’m quite concerned, whether he really ought to go and see a shrink, since he seems to be stumbling inexorably into claws of hate and depression.
As I see it, his only wish is to be like Ursula, the girl, who has learned to deal with those moods and doesn’t care about the opinion of others... She just gives a damn! Also, Matt knows that she is the only person, who really helped him! But he still doesn’t send his message...?!
If you look at the situation from Ursula’s point of view, would she have understood his feelings or even had sympathy with him?
Matt’s life seems to become a copy of hers: He dislikes his parents, he isolates himself at school and starts to feel disgust with the whole world. Perhaps she would be delighted to have found an individual that finally feels the way she does. But here is the problem: Would such an extreme Individual as Ugly Girl accept a close friend, making her not only vulnerable again, but also less special? Both of these ways would have been possible, but Matt preferred to conform with his “friends”, instead of “going down” to Ugly Girl.
I think this is pure desperation and I’m looking forward to seeing, how the story goes on... Will he choose melancholy and potential amok, or the life as a happy individual? One thing is sure: His life will never be the same, as it used to be.
Chapter 14
What happened to Matt Donaghy? Can it be that he is starting to become a second Ugly Girl, an Ugly Boy? He used to love his parents and now he is starting to hate them, also, he deliberately avoids his “friends” or other pupils and doesn’t want to join group activities... You could say the same about Ugly Girl!
Another similarity is, that both Ursula and Matt want to have hearts as cold and unemotional as stone, protecting them from being vulnerable to disappointments. Matt even blames his erstwhile friends for making him do this: If they had treated him more warm-heartedly, he would not be like that.
“When you feel such total disgust with the world,” (p.103, l.12)
“One thing you don’t want to do, Big Mouth. Bring Alex down to your level of existence” (p.103, l. 14)
When I read these sentences, I was actually quite shocked! Is he now really going to massacre people? In such an unstable state, a normally rather unimportant issue can let you snap and do things you will regret for a life time. Matt doesn’t seem to cope with the fact, that his reputation is no longer the same. The “misunderstanding” still burdens on him, making him face the cautious behaviour of the students and his “friend” Mr. Steiner disapproving of his article... I think you can already see the negative implications: Not only did he resign from his beloved vice presidency; he also left the “Rocky River Run”.
Someone needs to help this boy, or his personality will be ruined by his depressions and “inky black moods”. Hopefully Ugly Girl, who has learned to handle those feelings, can rescue him!
Another similarity is, that both Ursula and Matt want to have hearts as cold and unemotional as stone, protecting them from being vulnerable to disappointments. Matt even blames his erstwhile friends for making him do this: If they had treated him more warm-heartedly, he would not be like that.
“When you feel such total disgust with the world,” (p.103, l.12)
“One thing you don’t want to do, Big Mouth. Bring Alex down to your level of existence” (p.103, l. 14)
When I read these sentences, I was actually quite shocked! Is he now really going to massacre people? In such an unstable state, a normally rather unimportant issue can let you snap and do things you will regret for a life time. Matt doesn’t seem to cope with the fact, that his reputation is no longer the same. The “misunderstanding” still burdens on him, making him face the cautious behaviour of the students and his “friend” Mr. Steiner disapproving of his article... I think you can already see the negative implications: Not only did he resign from his beloved vice presidency; he also left the “Rocky River Run”.
Someone needs to help this boy, or his personality will be ruined by his depressions and “inky black moods”. Hopefully Ugly Girl, who has learned to handle those feelings, can rescue him!
Chapter 13
So the accusations did have a lasting effect on the life of "Matt the Mouth". In the chapter before, I got the impression that the pupils and the media had calmed down accepting the bomb- threat as a misunderstanding... Ugly Girl seemed to have saved his reputation and Matt could go back to school as a normal, joyful person.
As I see it, the coincidence has made the whole school more cautious; Matt is not only accepted, he is pretty much ignored. His thought “No one’s said anything to me, much. That’s just it” (p.96, l.1) shows his unfamiliar feelings of isolation. Not only his friends had betrayed him, while he was in custody, but also his reputation has changed to a person, you should watch out for.
Although he was so “ridiculously, pathetically proud” (p.95, l.13) of his presidency of the junior class, he then decides to resign, being very selfless and mature in my opinion. Maybe he thinks, a more responsible and reliable student should have the honour, to own his office?
Since the “Nothing-Days” have begun to appear in his life, smelling of dirty socks, his school marks are getting worse and worse and I think, he seems to have got in to a melancholic state. After he had been let back to school, he was happy, as if he had won the lottery (p.82, l. 8). But then, in reality, nobody shared his joy; instead, he felt rejection and isolation.
I really hope that Ursula brings herself to talk to him and cheer him up again, so he can be the funny careless boy he used to be.
As I see it, the coincidence has made the whole school more cautious; Matt is not only accepted, he is pretty much ignored. His thought “No one’s said anything to me, much. That’s just it” (p.96, l.1) shows his unfamiliar feelings of isolation. Not only his friends had betrayed him, while he was in custody, but also his reputation has changed to a person, you should watch out for.
Although he was so “ridiculously, pathetically proud” (p.95, l.13) of his presidency of the junior class, he then decides to resign, being very selfless and mature in my opinion. Maybe he thinks, a more responsible and reliable student should have the honour, to own his office?
Since the “Nothing-Days” have begun to appear in his life, smelling of dirty socks, his school marks are getting worse and worse and I think, he seems to have got in to a melancholic state. After he had been let back to school, he was happy, as if he had won the lottery (p.82, l. 8). But then, in reality, nobody shared his joy; instead, he felt rejection and isolation.
I really hope that Ursula brings herself to talk to him and cheer him up again, so he can be the funny careless boy he used to be.
Abonnieren
Posts (Atom)