The Awakening by Kate Chopin

With millennial thinking, reading The Awakening by Kate Chopin today, is as boring as the main character’s life. The scenes are simple and slow paced. This, I think, is not a bad thing. Since this particular element contributes to the central theme that the author wanted her reader to see, and that is the monotonous and structured, traditional life of a wife in that given era.

Also, part of that theme, is the descriptive, settings-driven narration of the story. With the detailed description of each scene, readers had a clear glimpse and the olfactory feel of the time, the place and the emotions of the characters.

Furthermore, one of the things that I love about the story is the detailed and flawless character development. Edna Pontillier’s character is as clear as water. The author was able to show the transition of her character – from the way her emotion changes to the way she creates decision. Everything is presented in a detailed manner, making it possible for the reader to understand her character more.

Another thing that I like is the book’s fearless depiction of adultery. Clearly, the traditional and suffocating society tradition during that time, has contributed to the urge of the main character to do something different, something taboo. The book was fearless in discussing something that society is not ready to talk about. The realities of adultery challenge the status quo. It may be a fictional work, but it reflected the current realities, that people were trying to hide at that time. Not because people are prohibited to talk about it, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist.

Lastly, that theathritical ending gave justice to the fearless expedition of the main character. Obviously, she doesn’t know what to do. She is caught in the middle of doing what is right and doing what she wanted. The ending for me, was not just the ending of the character or the whole story, but a message for every reader. It leaves us the question, “Now you are awakened, what will you do?”

The story

Edna Pontellier struggles with the suffocating societal norms and expectations. Being a mother and wife doesn’t give her much of what she really wanted. She tries to find contentment outside her current surroundings. Her absurdities baffled her husband. Mr. Pontellier thought she was suffering from an illness.

But Edna is not suffering from any disease, she is in search of herself. And only when she fell in love with Robert, did she finally feel complete. However, loving another man is not as easy as it seems. Robert having the same feelings with Edna, left and tried to sort out his own feelings. This is the only way Robert thinks to not give in to his emotions toward a married woman.

When Robert left, Edna longed for him. She tried to look for things that will remind her of him. From his letters to the places Robert has often gone. During these times, Edna continues to realize what she really wanted. She wanted freedom and she wanted Robert.

After so many months, Robert came back. He tried to avoid Edna, but the attraction between them is so strong that both gave in to their feelings for each other. Edna was happy to be with the man she loves, but she also finally realized the risk of what she is trying to do. She was left with conflicting emotions she can not handle that lead her to a tragic end.

Rate: 4 out of 5. I liked it.

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

It was very visual, highly disturbing and extremely intriguing. It was dark, gloomy, and depressing. It was well-written.

There are several things that make this book exceptionally good. One, the author was able to set the mood of the story and get the attention of the readers by describing the whole plot or the twist at the beginning of the book.

Giving out the whole gist at the first part is very tricky. Preempting your story may leave your readers bored or uninterested to continue. But in this novel, the author only disclosed information enough to make the readers more curious.

Second, the unique choice of narrating the story in first person point of view. Books retold in first person are more personal and relatable. The readers get to feel what one of the characters feels. They get to see and think what the character itself experience. However, the disadvantage of using first person is that it is biased. It monopolized the feeling and experience of one character leaving out the other characters. But in this case, the author was able to describe aptly the situation on the point of view of a group of characters.

In the story, the readers might get confused as to who is talking. It was never revealed whose point of view it is. But the readers get the feeling that it was the boys who interchangeable talked in the story.

Readers may find the retelling of the story in the point of view of a certain group, disappointing. But I think, this was intended to make the story more mysterious. After reading, I am still left with uncertainties and doubts as to why the girls killed their selves. All I have are clues, based on the observations of the narrators, to justify my assumptions. This is what makes the book disturbing and at the same time interesting. The author was able to instill critical and detective thinking to its readers.

Third, is its unique and occult plot and theme. It is my first time reading a suicide themed story so I find it highly intriguing and interesting. Moreover, it was centered with the complicated life of adolescent girls. Being an adolescent is never easy especially when you have to survive the grief of losing someone close to you. It may be disturbing but it is also very interesting.

Fourth, is the used and choice of words. The used of metaphors to describe, compare and contrast the situations are well described and interesting. It helps to make the story more visual and increase the olfactory element.

However, despite of all these, I find the story a bit dragging. I find the middle part painful to read. There is too much detailed description that I got bored. It was hard to keep your attention in the middle.

But the story was able to salvage itself by the end when everything was finally revealed.

All in all, it was an interesting novel. However, it was so dark and disturbing that I may not consider reading it again.

The story

The story revolves around the life, before and after the suicides, of the five Lisbon girls, as seen and retold by the boys who admired them.

Cecilia, the youngest among the Lisbon girls, had the first suicide attempt. She was seen wearing a white wedding dress holding a photo of the Virgin Mary, while drowning in her own blood in the bathtub as she tried to cut her wrist.

She was immediately sent to the hospital and was saved. Mr. Horniker, the psychologist in town tried to assess her situation and the reason why she decided to end her life. However, Cecilia, did not say anything about what happened and remained quiet.

After the incident, she remained peculiar by being quiet and by wearing the wedding dress. Her family tried to cheer her up by holding a party to celebrate her recovery. The Lisbon girls invited the boys from their neighborhood. The boys who got invited was stunned and cannot believe that the Lisbon girls, whom they admired from afar, will recognize their presence and will invite them, among all other people in the neighborhood, in the party.

The boys and the Lisbon girls were happy celebrating except for Cecilia who only showed a simple smile to express her delight. During the party, Cecilia was the first to retire. A moment later, they found her dead body hanging in a tree. It was later assumed that Cecilia jumped off her bedroom to kill herself.

After Cecilia’s suicide, the life of the Lisbon family changed. Since it was the first suicide in their place, the people had mixed reactions to what happened. People sympathized with the family, while others mocked the parents for what happened. The seclusion and pity was felt by the Lisbon girls in school, but they pay little attention to this. Despite the unnecessary attention that the girls are getting, they tried to live their life normally.

Trip, a famous handsome boy, noticed the beautiful Lux and decided to do everything to pursue her. In order to go out with Lux, Trip approached Mr. Lisbon to personally ask permission to take her daughter to a ball. Mr. Lisbon who have desired to have a son was grateful with the efforts of Trip, but he can’t fully permit her without telling Mrs. Lisbon. Later on, the parents decided to allow their daughters to go with Trip and their friends.

The girls were very happy and so were their dates. However, they fail to go home on time and was punished by being grounded for a long time.

After the death of Cecilia, following the punishment of the girls, the Lisbon house became dark and gloomy. The family no longer tended their lawn and unfamiliar smell started to surround the house.

Lux’s sexual escapades spread. She copulated with several men every night at their roof. Because of this, she acquired sexually transmitted disease. She asked the doctor to hide the result from her parents.

The gloominess and loneliness in the house continue. Mr. Lisbon was kicked out from his work as a teacher because people think that he sets a bad example of what happened to his daughter.

The boys who admired the girls tried to save them from the captivity they are in. They tried to find clues that would help them. They tried to call their house and talked to the girls. But they find their selves exchanging songs on the phone.

Finally, the boys found the time to save them. However, when the boys went to their house, they were too stunned to find them all dead.

Rating:

3 out of 5.

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

The Bridges of Madison County is indeed a good book. I love it. I am utterly fascinated with the way it was written. The words are very well-chosen. The metaphors were fittingly used. It was able to achieved the kind of romanticism needed to describe the magical and undying love transpired between the main characters. Hands down to the creativity and ingenuity of the writer in successfully putting everything into words. However, my reservation lie son the theme of the story.

It was basically about adultery. No matter how good the author was in putting everything into print, it is not enough to justify the infidelity of the heroine. Moreover, what bothers me more aside from the fact that the infidelity part in the story was obviously described, is the manner with how it was treated. It was like true and magical love can be used as an excuse for cheating with your partner.

But then again, the story was salvaged when both characters decided to end their forbidden love, even if it crushed both of them. And this, I think, is one of the charms of the book that made it one of the most romantic stories in the world of literature.

The Bridges of Madison County, is the perfect story about true love happened at a wrong place and at the wrong time.

 

The Story

Married to a farmer, Francesca Johnson has been feeling the emptiness and loneliness of a woman. Event hough, she was fairly contented living peacefully in Madison County with her family, she knows that there is something lacking in her life. She was able to fully acknowledge this emptiness when she met Robert Kincaid.

Robert Kincaid is a photographer-writer for National Geographic. A deep person, poetic, romantic and creative. He was travelling in Madison Country to shoot old bridges in the area when he saw Francesca and fell in love with her at first sight.

Both were able to convey the attraction they have for each other just by looking in each other’s eyes. The attraction further grew when Robert Kincaid asked for directions and Francesca was too kind to help her.

Being with him, Francesca further realized the desire that is looming in her heart each passing time she spend with him. Since her family, is away, she did not hesitate to invite Richard to dinner in their house. Richard gladly took the offer and it is where everything has started.

Being with Richard is something that answered the loneliness and emptiness that Francesca is feeling. She was able to feel a different love she never felt with her husband. Even though she knows that it is wrong to be with him, she let herself loose in the feeling. Richard on the other hand, has found something that is also different and very transcendental when he is with Francesca.

They were both happy even if it was just a short time. However, they know that everything will have to end.

Richard, aware with the responsibility that Francesca has for her family, did not force her to go with him. Francesca, even if she wanted to go with Richard, decided to stay for the sake of her family.

Despite with this bitter separation that pushed them to reality, they were able to keep their love for each other for a very long time. A love that even death was not able to erase.

Rate: 4 out of 5 I really liked it. 

Lolita: The Confessions of a White Widowed Male by Vladimir Nabokov

The unconventional and disturbing confession of Humbert is totally different from all the stories we have today or to all the stories that I have read so far. With the character’s point-of-view, the author was able to create a powerful, real and unique character as well as interesting subjects.

Humbert’s character is both interesting and disturbing. The author’s explicit and creative telling of his character’s motive is enough for the readers to understand the dilemma the character is feeling. Furthermore, with the author’s ingenuity, it was understandably conceived in the story, the deep love he is feeling for Lolita. With unconventional use of words and incorporation of literary devices, such as metaphors and allegories, this world of Humbert became real.

I may express my fascination towards the book, but in reality, it doesn’t suit my interest. Having no native tongue with the language that the author used, I had a hard time understanding what is being conveyed. In some occasions, my mind wanders while I was reading. Being lost during in the story really upsets me. My mind can’t seem to comprehend the unfamiliar and totally absurd words or phrases and metaphors present in the book. The use of French is also a pressure on my part, as it adds to my increasing confusion. With my limited capacity to comprehend the style of the author in storytelling, I have failed to notice small details that make up the totality of the story.

But I think, more than Humbert’s character, Lolita herself is an interesting and “good different” character.

Creating the topic about pedophilia may utterly disturb others but it can also kindle fires of understanding towards these kinds of characters. Books are meant to give us something, it can be a lesson or experience that we are yet to experience. But what this particular story has given its readers is the kind of love that is unfamiliar and impossible. I am not condoning such act, but to put it into words with creativity is something.

Literarians will surely enjoy reading this. Critics, I think will be pleased, since it has transcended the common expectations for books.  However, for an ordinary reader who seeks pleasure in reading, and moralist, I guess, this book is too much.

 

The Story

The story is about a twenty plus year old man called Humbert, who romantically and sexually desired female child half of his age. This desire seems to be rooted when he was young and was about embark in sexual endeavors with his childhood friend, Annabel. But Annabel died and he was left curious. And that curiosity remains with him until he gets old. Now, he continues to seek the companionship of partners too young for him.

Later on, he married with the thought that his desire will disappear. But to his dismay, his random copulation with his wife only sparks more fire in him in desiring younger maidens. His wife has also grown cold towards him. Not long enough his wife asked for divorce since she has fallen in love with a man during their marriage and wishes to live with this man. Humbert was furious especially when his wife has introduced the man to him. He tried to control himself from not killing the two.

After that encounter, he let himself fall in his immoral desire. He sought the company of young whores, but before he could enjoy the child, he was caught. He tried to prove his innocence just to get out of the situation. Fortunately, because of his creative excuse of using the child as a literary subject for his project he was acquitted of the crime.

He was about to live with a friend, but due to some unfortunate circumstances he was led to live with the Haze. Here, he was welcomed by Charlotte Haze a widow and the mother of Lolita. Upon seeing the beautiful and young Lolita, Humbert knew that he has to be with this child. He looks Lolita not with a father’s eye, but with a deprived lover.

Lolita, being young, stubborn and rebellious has shown motives towards Humbert making his desire towards her unbearable. So when Lolita left for summer camp, he thought of ways on how to be with his love.

Fortunately, to his part, he found himself being desired by Lolita’s mother, Charlotte. Charlotte has expressed her love to him and told him to leave the house immediately if Humbert doesn’t feel the same way too, for staying in the Haze’s house after this confession will become difficult.

Upon knowing this, Humbert accepted her love. He knows that once he is wed with Charlotte being with Lolita will be easier and he will not be suspected of anything since he will become the legal father of the child.

He let Charlotte do everything and pretended to love the woman. Charlotte was utterly happy with the requited love she has received from Humbert but was devastated immediately when she found Humbert’s letters which explicitly tells his motive why he has wedded her. Furious, he confronted Humbert. Humbert tried to explain to appease her. But she was too hurt that she drove away until she met her end in a fateful accident.

With what happened, Humbert was left with the guardianship to Lolita. He immediately went after her. Lolita with all her youthfulness and beauty was made to live with Humbert. They travelled far away from the people they know and Humbert made Lolita his little wife. He was able to get what he wanted. He was too happy to be with his love but also too anxious with her since she might tell others about their relationship and escape. He was able to convince little Lolita to not tell anyone about the two of them. However, it was not long when Humbert became unease and frantic when he found out that someone has been following them and Lolita is devising something with this suspicious man.

After travelling and living only in hotels and motels, Lolita fell ill and was hospitalized, when she was about to leave the hospital, Humbert too, fell ill.

He was unable to retrieve Lolita. This led him to be separated from her. When he recovered, he immediately looked for her but years passed and he failed to find her.

Finally, after so many years, Humbert received a letter from Lolita telling him that she was married and pregnant and she needed financial help to sustain her current life. It was hard to believe, but when he saw Lolita with a swelling belly and the changed in her form, realities fell upon him. Losing his hope towards his Lolita, he gave her all the money more than what she expected, all from him and from the money left by her mother. But before leaving he wanted to know what happened the day they parted. He was furious to confirm his suspicion that the man following them before, was the one who kidnapped Lolita and ruined her.

With vengeance, he sought the man and put justice in his hands as he theatrically killed the man whom he believed is the cause of all his heart’s sorrows.

Rate: 2 out of 5. It was ok. 

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Warning: This book will leave you in a deep hole of sadness. May you find yourself lucky to recover from it.

I read Of Mice and Men because a good friend of mine, which is not an avid reader, has recommended it to me. She has expressed her joy over the book, and told me that it is really good. Considering that she is not a reader, I got curious with how good the book is. And so I immediately secured a copy. I was surprised to find out that the book is not as thick as I thought it would be, but it is expensive.

Since I don’t have an idea what to expect, I just let myself discover whatever it is in the book. And as I finished it in one seating, I found myself speechless and empty as I reread the last part, to be sure that I have read it right.

THE SUMMARY:

George and Lennie have been together since they can remember. They make up an odd pair, for George is a small but smart man, while Lennie is a big and strong but crazy dude. No matter how crazy Lennie can be, George never abandons him. He has guided and looked after Lennie despite his childish attitude. Being forgetful and having no idea on what is happening around him, Lennie finds comfort in George. He trusts George so much and will do everything he tells him to do.

They both dreamt of having a small house and a land of their own where they can live peacefully and where Lennie can pet small animals, especially rabbits. Lennie is fond of petting animals, however because of his immeasurable strength he always ends up accidentally killing them.

After escaping from their previous work because of a misunderstanding where Lennie is involved, they end up working on another ranch/farm.

In order for them to last in their new work, George has asked Lennie to avoid getting into conflict. And the only way that he can do this is if he will shut up and do only things that their employer has asked him to do. Everything is going out so well. Even though they were living in a bunkhouse and doing tedious and hard jobs, they were able to find new friends and company. And Lennie was even able to pet new pups from the farm.

However, everything went awry when Lennie has accidentally killed the odious gold-digger wife of the son’s owner. Because of fear, Lennie escaped.

Having no doubts that Lennie did kill the wife, George immediately went after Lennie and found him in the place where he asked him to go when he did something wrong.

Knowing that the owner’s son will definitely kill Lennie, George did the hardest decision which he thinks will save Lennie.

THE CHARACTERS:

George Milton – the friend and companion of Lennie. He shows kindness and patience which are portrayed in how he looks after Lennie despite being a pain in the ass. He is the only one who can calm him down. He is also smart which is shown in how he handles every situation or conflict. He is the total opposite of Lennie, having a short physique and not physically strong.

Lennie Small – despite being tall and strong, he has the mind of a child. He likes to pet animals but end up killing them because of his immense strength. He is kind and shows a sense of loyalty especially to George. He can be brave but he can also be a coward. Because of having a childlike mind, many think that he is crazy and he often ends up getting into trouble.

THE PLOT:

Even though you can finish the story in one seating, it will still give you a hard time of understanding the scenes especially the conversations of the characters. But you will be saved by the author’s clear narration. However it will leave your tongue twisted with all the characters’ accent.

The twists are very surprising. But if you pay close attention to the story, you will have an idea on what is waiting for you in the end.

I was actually in a pool of speechless emotion when I finished the story. I was shocked when the Lennie accidentally killed the wife of the owner’s son. But I was more shocked by George’s decision. Until now, I don’t know if what he did is right or not. I can’t still process the emotion that that scene has brought me. But I am certain that it has left a good sense of sadness in my heart. I may fail to shed a tear on that part, but it haunts me every time I remember it.

FAVORITE SCENES:

I love every scene where Lennie always asked George about what will they do once they have the house and the land. What life is waiting for them. I love this part because it gives Lennie a sense of hope and happiness. Even though George knows that the road to this dream is not at all easy, still he continues to give Lennie hope that someday they will have this kind of peaceful life. Describing their dreams is actually not only for Lennie, but also for George who finds comfort in the possibility of realizing their dreams.

But the remarkable part that will be forever engraved in my heart and mind is the last part – where George has to take a very hard decision just to save his best friend. I also like the fact that no tear has fallen from George’s eyes. I don’t know if he had not realized yet what he just did or he has so much emotion in his heart that no tear could possibly express.

I also like how Lennie ignores the fact that Crook, one of their co-employees is black. The book has showed a good scene on the real deal about the issue of racism.

Overall, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, is a good book. And I wouldn’t mind rereading it again. It reminds me of a good and a strong bond between people. That no matter how imperfect someone is, you can still love him and be with him and accept him for who he is. I may fail to notice the representations or the deep meaning that the book is presenting still I am contented with how it has touched my heart and made me see another aspect on the importance of love and friendship.

The character of Lennie is a good representation of every child in us – always hopeful, happy but also afraid of reality and the unknown. On the other hand, George’s character shows the cruel truth behind the reality of this world.

RATING: 8 out of 10 

How George Orwell changed the way I think (A look in G.Orwell’s 1984)

George Orwell’s 1984 is not your ordinary book, not an ordinary story. The protagonist is a fallen character who will leave you disappointed. You will never love nor hate the book. It will leave you empty with unanswered questions. It will haunt you. The world that the author has created is so real that the thought makes you shudder.

This is the deepest and darkest book that I have ever read so far. This is no children’s book. The concepts and ideas introduced in the book about power, freedom, slavery, ignorance, intelligence, war, peace, love and metaphysics are so deep for some normal mind to comprehend.

Now I understand why it took me a month to finish this book. I may have finished it within a week if I let myself read at least 30 to 40 pages a day. But no, there were a lot of days even a week when I have to stop reading and read other books just to save myself from the darkness of it and for the information that it is offering. Because the story itself is so strong that thinking about it in reality is very disturbing.

THE STORY

1984 is a world where everything is being monitored. Everything, from the actions and even thoughts of the people are being monitored by a powerful group called the Party led by a non-existent but believed to be all-powerful and omnipotent being, Big Brother.

Winston Smith, the main character in the book, is against with the principle of the Party and that is the alteration of the past in order to gain control over the present and the future.

“Those who control the present, control the past and those who control the past control the future.”

Being a member of the outer Party, Winston works with one of the three ministries of the Party, the Ministry of Truth. In here, he alters some information that the Party asked him to change. He knows the truth but speaking and thinking of the truth is a grave crime and so he has to observe doublethink, a way in which someone who knows the truth but alters it and forgets that he knows it.

He despises the Party, but he was careful not to show it. He met O’Brien whom he thought has the same sentiments as his. He believed that O’Brien is a member of the Brotherhood, the group standing against the Party.  He also met Julia, and later on fell inlove with the girl. The girl whom he thought he will not betray.

Since they are aware that everyone and everything is being monitored, they tried to find ways in which they can see and be with each other. Both of them share the same despicable feeling for the Party. And they decided to find O’Brien and joined the Brotherhood. When they finally joined the brotherhood, the Thought Police caught them. They were separated and were locked-up in the Ministry of Love.

Winston was tortured in every possible way that would make him confess everything he knows about the Brotherhood. They have changed the way he thinks and was put in the most terrible place ever existed in the world. Room 101.

He thought that the Party won’t succeed in changing the way he thinks and won’t betray Julia. However, the Party succeeded and he found himself betraying the only person he thought he has loved.

When he was released, he went back to his work and one day he saw Julia. They sat under the chestnut tree and here they have confessed that they have betrayed each other.

Knowing that he has committed a crime against the Party and against Big Brother, he let the party execute him.

The Plot:

I find the plot sometimes confusing. I am sometimes lost the transition of reality to the protagonist’s imagination.  However, the world in the story was clearly illustrated according to how the characters perceived it and by the conversations of the characters.

There is a lot of thoughts and information that was introduced that will make you think. But it is not always easy to comprehend. I find myself rereading the same sentence because it is so deep and thoughtful. The story seems so real that it can influence the way you think.

As a reader, I felt the fear, pain, and confusion that the character is feeling. I have to stop just to get a grip on reality. The twists are very shocking and unpredictable.

The Characters:

The characters are not the ordinary characters that are strong, determined, fearsome, or coward. They are not the ideal character. Their feelings and emotions are so strong that as if you are feeling it yourself. The characters will leave you hopeless and disappointed.

I don’t have a specific favorite among the characters. I even hate the protagonist being the greatest fall down in the story. But I think, considering the darkness and haunting scenes in the story, no amount or no situation, or twist will redeem it. It was meant to be a tragedy.

Favorite scene:

The scene when Winston was brought in Room 101. Reading this part made me cringe from my seat. I was curious about the room and the possible torture that it will bring to Winston. The anticipation of seeing the worst possible thing that you don’t want to see and for that something to do the most horrible thing to you is something that will make you insane. And I have felt that while reading it. I even consider shutting down the book forever just to escape from this part.

The second will be when Winston finally gave himself to the Party and has finally realized that he loves Big Brother.

What I like:

The plot, ending, and the unlimited quotes.

What I do not like:

Use of incomprehensible words and too much information.

The lesson:

With the book, I was able to have a clear understanding about the world being unequal. I was able to realize the need for the existence of the social class.

I also learned the possible power that the human mind can incur.

Rating: 1-10

8

Will read it again?

Yes.