Book review: Fahrenheit 451 (By: Ray Bradbury)

Ethan Chan ☺

Book review: Fahrenheit 451

By: Ray Bradbury

This book, Fahrenheit 541, is a very interesting book indeed. It's likely that you won't find another gem like this. The setting is Earth, in the distant (or maybe not-so-distant) future. In the beginning, Montag (the main character) is a fireman. But here's the big twist: firemen START fires, instead of putting them out! In a whacked up world like this, technology rules; books are unneeded. Thus, the firemen now put fire to those books which everyone hates. Absolutely no one questions this order, because they are happy with this life. Until... a young girl named Clarisse steps in and warps Montag's mind. The author, Ray Bradbury, sure had a deep train of thought when he was designing these intriguing characters. Clarisse was always the odd one, questioning things around her. This influences Montag to do things with his life, not just burn books all day. Montag ponders this, and it troubles him deeply. It's not what he's told to do with his life, it's what he wants to do.

There are a lot of confusing terms here and there, so I would recommend reading this book with a dictionary close at hand. The characters have unique personalities too. Clarisse, who I mentioned earlier, is the girl that just doesn't fit in. She questions society and all that comes with it. Montag, however, is the man opposite of the scale. He's the one that fits perfectly in, until the two meet, talk, and discuss a time when books were read, firemen stopped fires, and knowledge existed. In this bleak future, Montag is very surprised at this shocking past. However, in all exciting stories, there is at least one bad egg. That bad egg, intriguingly, is a fellow fireman. He is the bad guy, who just hates books. However, at first glance, he doesn't seem bad. That, my friends, will change very soon. His name is Captain Beatty. At first, he's just a poker playing fireman. However, he notices Montag and what he's doing. You'll have to read to find out what happens.

The theme of this story: books. Books, books, and more books. However, books are very scarce in Montag's world, and if one is found reading them, they will receive a heavy, undesirable punishment: their houses being burned down. This twisted world revolves around the way of the flame. There is no knowledge, no books, only fire. It is once said in the book: “It's perpetual motion; the thing man wanted to invent but never did. Or almost perpetual motion. If you let it go on, it'd burn our lifetimes out ... It's real beauty is that it destroys responsibility and consequences. A problem gets too burdensome, then into the furnace with it.” That's what firemen do. They lift the “burden” of books off of the people's backs. However, it's all a lie. People don't even know how important books are.

This book is literature at it's best. The writing style is so immersive and descriptive; it tells of every little part of the picture. You can almost see the scenery, feel the emotions hopping out of the book. “There must have been a billion leaves on the land; he waded in them, a dry river smelling of hot cloves and warm dust.” It's almost like you are Montag, watching the world get destroyed bit by bit. It's so descriptive, it's like a movie that you control. The author provides a black and white world, you provide color. In this way, each reading is different, but the same.

In conclusion, this is a great book to read. It's no big series, nor it is well known, but as I said before, it's one of a kind. The plot is highly original; a big plus for any book. After all, how many books are about burning books? This book probably ranks up on my top ten. I've read a lot of books before, but this one keeps me wanting more. It has been one of the more interesting titles in the library. It's definitely a good read for anyone, but it's more enjoyable from ages 11+. I give this book a 5/5, for keeping my eyes glued to the book till the very end. -Ethan ★★★★★

Lord of the Flies: Chapter 13

Ethan Chan

10-9-08

☺

Goodbye

A siren screamed loudly. All the boys were going on board, wind gusting through their tangled, dirty hair. Their faces, covered with dry tears, were pondering on how it was possible that they were once refined British boys. Realizing the truth, that they were transformed into savage beasts on their own will, brought more mourning from Ralph.

“It's not that bad, Ralph.”

“Yes it is Jack, and you know it! How could we become what we are? How could we become murderers?”

Jack opened his mouth to speak, but there was something stopping him. Something that told him that Ralph might be right. Percival was wailing as loudly as he could, as if he were calling out to the gods to make his bad memories disappear. Everyone wanted to forget the island burnt by fire.

“You know Ralph,-”

“it's already over-”

“so just forgive-”

“and forget.”

“How could I forget the way we killed Simon? How Roger killed Piggy?The way everyone had forgotten about the conch and the rules? Even you had joined Jack's side. You don't forget things like that, you don't forget the first time you've...killed.”

“But Ralph, it was-”

“an accident!”

Ralph stared out into the ocean, remembering everything. The first pig they killed. The first fire they started. The first calling of the conch.

“There's no way it was an accident.”

“Ralph, you're not going to get anywhere by beating yourself up.”, Jack said.

“I don't care! This whole island life was a disaster because of you and your hunting!”

“But-”

“Who was the one that was trying to kill me? All of you, and you know it!”

Jack suddenly realized what had happened. He was the beast on the island. He was the one that converted all the boys into savagery. He was the reason that Simon and Piggy were killed. He looked back to a few hours ago, when they were hunting Ralph like they were hunting a pig.

“Boys, no screaming up there! I'm trying to man a ship here!”, said the naval officer.

“Sorry. What's your name?”, Ralph asked.

“Stanley. Call me officer Stan. How about you?”

“Ralph.”

“Glad to make your acquaintance.”

“Thanks for rescuing us, officer Stan.”

“Anytime. What happened on the island? I mean, what set it on fire?”

Ralph pondered for a while. What started the fire?

“The beast.”

“Beast? What beast?”

“It's not something you can hunt or kill. It's something that can kill mankind.”

“I don't get it.”

“It's like when... when... when a rush of power makes you do something... savage.”

“Oh. I see. Could you tell me your story?

“Yes. It all started when our plane crashed.”

Ralph went on telling the naval officer all the details of their misfortunes. From Piggy to Jack to Simon, from pigs to the man with a parachute.

The naval officer started talking again.

“Wasn't there anything to keep order around there?”

“Yes. There was the conch.”

“What was the conch used for?”

“Calling meetings and taking turns to talk.”

“That's interesting.”

One of the crew members then walked in.

“Captain! We've reached the harbor!”

“Excellent. Ralph, we've reached your homeland.”

Ralph went back on deck. He couldn't believe his eyes! It was home, home at last. Ralph wanted to leave immediately, but the naval officer beckoned to him.

“Well Ralph, what are you going to name the island?”

“.... Isle of the savages.”

“Why that name?”

“That was what we became when we went there. No one should ever go to that island again.”

Jack was coming to Ralph, and Samneric were too.

“Ralph!”

Samneric came to Ralph first.

“Ralph, I guess this is-”

“goodbye.”

“I guess it is. It was a fun while, Samneric. I hope you guys will do fine wherever you go.

“Thanks, Ralph.”

Samneric got back on board, but Jack came up to Ralph next.

“Ralph.”

“Jack.”

“I guess... it's goodbye.”

“I guess so.”

“D'you think that we'll be alright?”

“Of course we will.”

Yet there was an empty tone in Ralph's voice.

“I mean, do you think that we'll lose control again?”, Jack said.

“Maybe. We won't know for sure.”

“Well, after all we've been through...”

“Let's hope for the best. Let's hope for a bright future.”

“Right!”

“Farewell, Jack.”

“See you around.”

The boys shook hands, with a feeling of friendship. Now that sanity had been restored, they were now friends. If only Piggy and Simon were alive to be rescued. Even if Jack had been a beast, even if he had committed murder, it was a thing of the past. Civilization had been returned, and order was restored. It might be hard, but like Samneric said, it's better to forgive and forget. No matter what the crime, every living being deserves a second chance. It's going to be hard to forget about Piggy and Simon, but they've moved on to a better place. The friends that he had for quite some while, were going to depart. Even if they were departing, they all knew one thing. They were going to meet again, for sure. They were going to meet in the great place above, where they could start anew.

After walking towards his house, he rang the doorbell.

“I'm home.”

Lord of the Flies: Journal #12

Journal #12 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 12: Cry of the hunters
Perspective: Simon

Rescue!

I'm glad that Ralph made it back all right. I was a bit worried, because Jack and his followers have keen eyes, eyes of destruction. It was a good thing that he found a good hiding place. Their constant ululation kept Ralph from being ambushed by the cordon. I got very tense when they lit the jungle on fire, though.

I wasn't surprised at that. Personally, I expected that irrational act from Jack, because he just wants to kill Ralph so badly. All those times he had diddled the boys into thinking he was the fun side... it all adds up to a team of almost unstoppable beasts. He had a ton of murderers after a huge bounty. It's a good thing that the adult came when he did, drill, epaulettes and all.

It's kind of ironic, actually. Ralph has been trying to make a fire the moment he stepped foot on the island. He's been trying so hard, and everyone kept slacking off. Especially Jack, because he felt that the fire was not important, not important at all. Now that he has Piggy's glasses, he started a fire of his own to kill Ralph, and get rid of his obscene ideas of being rescued. However, the large fire is a signal to the adults, so now Ralph's wish has come true, to be rescued, but not exactly in the way he had planned it.

I just wish I was still alive. I wish I could go home, and lead a calm peaceful life. They did get rescued, though, so I'm glad for that. I just hope that Ralph can go on as he was, and won't let the lord of the flies ever overcome him.

Ralph, fight to the end. Don't let the beast take over. Stay true and good.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #11

Journal #11 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 11: Castle Rock
Perspective: Jack

Nothing in my way

Now that Piggy's out of the way, I'm one step closer to ruling the island. Roger did a good job getting rid of that fool. Soon enough all the boys will behave truculently, and there will be nothing but fun on this island. Piggy died a most painful death, but if I were the one killing him, I assure everyone that it would have been more painful. Still, that Roger wasted our defense against the others. Wait, what others? The only one left is Ralph, and he doesn't stand much of a chance, especially without that accursed conch.

That talisman seemed to give him all the power. Now that the conch is gone, Ralph's power will come to a cessation. I will the only king on this island, and all will obey me. Ralph seems to think us delirious, but that won't stop us. When he sees how much fun we're having, he'll finally come to his senses and join our side. Oh, the absolute power is only an inch away.

Just a bit more until no one will question what I do, what we do. I don't care if no one comes to rescue us, because we're perfectly fine here. We're all having fun, killing pigs. We have plentiful meals too, because of all the meat. Plus, no adults to tell us what's what. Ralph's been defeated by the madness. Samneric are on my side now, because if they oppose I will kill them. Ralph too, if he doesn't come to his senses soon.

Yes, it's all coming together now. Everything is falling into place. So what if we don't have law, order, and civilization? Sucks to those useless things. What matters is hunting, meat, and fun. We're gonna have fun on this island. We're gonna have lots of fun.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #10

EDIT: Title added

Journal #10 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 10: The Shell and the Glasses
Perspective: Ralph

Jack and his fools...

I can't believe I actually murdered Simon yesterday. I feel like I want to throw up because of this. I need to be purged of this terrible incident..... No! I wasn't at the dance... I wasn't at the dance... I just left early. Yes, that's it. I didn't kill Simon. I would never kill Simon, because I'm not crazy like Jack... aren't I?

It's so lonely on the island now that everyone's gone. The only ones left are Piggy and Samneric. Oh, how I wish that people would come back. Jack is drawing everyone to his side, with his false illumination. He gets nearly all the boys to follow this beastie with his theological explanation. It's just not the way things used to be. There used to be organization, civilization, and hope of getting off of this island. Now that we can't start a fire, there's no hope.

I can't believe that Jack took the fire, along with Piggy's sight. Jack and his tribe, those barmy fools. All they want to do is hunt, hunt, and did I mention hunt? Jack is definitely the worst of the lot. Can't believe that I used to think of him as a friend. Now I don't know what to think of him at all. He doesn't even want to consider the possibility of rescue. All he does is rave on about the beastie, even when we killed Simon. He says the beastie was wearing some sort of disguise, and that's just plain ridiculous! I can't believe that the others would believe him!

Stealing Piggy's glasses like that.... That's just plain mean! Now the power of the fire is with them, and we have lost it, along with any chance of rescue. The way things are now, it can't get much worse.... No, I have to remember it's Jack, and it can and will get worse. I just hope we can survive at this rate, with the new beast in town.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #9

Journal #9 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 9: A View to a Death
Perspective: Piggy

I helped kill Simon...

I can't believe it. I thought it would be a regular day, just relaxing in the pool with Ralph and them other boys. Just enjoying the phosphorescence emitting from the reflected sunlight. Staying there would have been nice, just lounging around. Exactly my idea of a good day, a day where nothing surprises me and nothing bad happens.

Too bad... something did happen. Jack invited everyone to this little feast on a pig that they had slain, and everyone went. For awhile, Ralph and I stayed in the pool, since we knew that Jack was against our side, and we didn't exactly love him either. I thought to myself what the others could be up to, so him and me went to where Jack said his “party” was.

Soon as we got to his party, we had a little meat, then Jack announced that we should play his favorite game, “circle the beast”. Soon enough, everyone was part of the “fun” even I was. We played and played, then a not-so corpulent body came out of the shadows. I didn't know what it was at the time, and I don't think anyone did, but now I'm positive it was Simon. Everyone, even me, was in kind of a trance, and we didn't know what we were doing. We beat that figure in until it was dead....

I really regret this. I can't believe I took part in killing Simon! After all the warnings he gave about the beast being inside of us, after all he's done for us, we were the ones that killed him. He was the nicest person on the island, even sticking up for me when Jack didn't feed me at the last “party”. The only sane one on this island.... gone... Now I have this empty feeling in my stomach. How could we, the islanders that were supposed to work together to make a nice and happy island, kill the only one who was nice and happy? They're mad, the lot of them. The only chance I have is for Ralph and I to be heard out, but it's not likely with Jack around. He's like a priest, spreading a new religion out, one with war paint and pigs. One against the beastie and anyone who thinks it doesn't exist.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #8

Journal #8 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 8: Gift for the Darkness
Perspective: Simon

The Lord of the Flies

The beast.... It's here...

Jack killed the pig, and now it's head is a demoniac entity! I'm not sure whether or not it is real, seems like it's actually talking to me. All I wanted to do was go to my little place, where I could just look at all the beautiful things all day... now I am terrified by this pig head, the one that remained after Jack had paunched it.

I would wonder about what it said. “...I am the Beast...” I thought it might have been true at first, but now I'm absolutely sure. It's not something you can hunt down or kill. It's not a ferocious animal that man will slay. It is the animal inside of man, one that can never be rid of. One that no matter how hard one tries, it will remain, ready to strike at any point of weakness.

This beast lies in the hearts of everyone, even me. The fear, the savage instincts, it's all in here... all in my head... But I will suppress this taboo. Nature wasn't meant to scare, but to be happy. What's the point if there's no happiness? I have to fight the fear, fight the instinct to kill, and turn it around. Seems like I'm the only one that can, seeing as all the others have already fallen prey to the Lord of the Flies.

The reason that wars happen... the reason that fights happen... is because we all want dominance. We all want power, like that of a prefect that can simply give detention to anyone who opposes.. Same with Ralph and Jack, they fight for power, whether it be for good or evil. No matter how demure someone is, they cannot deny that they want power. The power to change a side to good or evil; the power to metaphorically split the world into two.

This hunger for power is what sets loose the beast within; the Lord of the Flies.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #7

Journal #7 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 7: Shadows and Tall trees
Perspective: Jack

I'm winning...

Now I have the upper hand. Ralph has tasted the power, the delightfulness of savagery, and I'll soon win everyone over. He was the only one standing in my way, and elimination is close at hand. The saltwater of his useless emotions have been evaporated, the brine of madness is left behind. In the struggle for power, two tigers cannot hide on one mountain. Ralph's idea of dun order will be replaced with the instincts of ancient man.

I saw him go insane. I saw him when we were hunting the boar, as well as when we were “playing” with Robert. Soon enough he'll be on my side, and we'll have real fun. Like rugger, only much, much more exciting. All I have to do is convince Simon and Ralph, then get rid of annoying, windy Piggy. Always interrupting and spouting out weak ideas, who does he think he is?

Saw the beastie today, too. A bit scary, seemed like it could jump out at any moment. Even Ralph and Robert were really scared. I'm almost sure that the beastie is real. Can't be too sure what it looks like, though. Maybe an ape with wings. If it's real, and it wasn't our imagination, I swear I will hunt it down, as long as my name is Jack Merridew. The hunters and I will take care of it, and bring a good meal back too.

Can't be long until I claim the island as chief. I'm sure everyone will sagely agree with me, because I'm in control now. Ralph and Piggy don't stand a chance against me when I've got everyone else on the island. In fact, when Ralph joins me, Piggy will be dead in less than a second. Being chief is so close, I can almost taste the power. When I become chief, there will be no responsibilities, only hunting. Oh, what fun it is to kill pigs and the like. Victory is mine.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #6

Journal #6 by: Ethan Chan

Chapter 6: Beast from Air

Perspective: Ralph

Will Jack be the leader?

I wonder... if there really is a beast. Jack and the others keep talking about it. Especially Jack, it seems that his talk of hunting it down is interminable. If there really is a beast, then it's doing a good job hiding. Today, we looked on the side that Jack hadn't been before. We left Piggy behind, because someone had to care for the littluns, and he couldn't do anything with just one eye.

“This place will make a great fort!” We're not going to stay here, but Jack doesn't seem to care. It's like he wants to stay on the island and become a little waxy savage. The way Jack's been leading, we'll end up nowhere in no time at all. How could this get worse? I don't want to know, because I'm sure that Jack can and will get worse.

With nearly all the boys on Jack's side of “fun”, soon enough he'll be elected leader. It's bad news for everyone, but being leader is hard, I'd like to take a break once in a while. No one pays attention anymore. They just blow me off along with their responsibilities. One minute they're working hard, the next they're flailing in the sand, forgetting all about their work.

Just today, when Jack and I got back from our little expedition, the boys were busying themselves rolling rocks over into the water, causing little leviathan waves. Even when I told them to come back and start the fire up again, they stayed and left me. How could this happen? The boys are mutinously leaving me for Jack. It's their responsibility to keep the fire going, and their responsibility to work for the group. But they just left.

I'm afraid. Afraid of Jack, afraid of losing the boys to savagery, and afraid of the beast. Might as well let Jack be leader, since he seems like the popular party now. No... I can't let them down. I can't let them fall to the low trash that Jack is. I have to stay, and make a good job of it.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #5

Journal #5 by: Ethan Chan

Chapter 5: Beast from Water

Perspective: Piggy

What beastie?

The meeting today was one of Ralph's better ones. Talking about rules and what's to be done is a really good thing, because as he said, “It's all we have”. Most of the stuff Ralph's saying is true, especially the part about the fire. I think that he did the right thing, telling everyone that they have responsibilities. I hope that now things will run smoother.

Then there's Jack.... I'm not sure about that one. I don't get how he's still here, with all of his violent doings. Ralph should have seen him through by now, and sent him away. Then again, he has a knife and isn't afraid to kill, so I think it would be wisest to not interfere. He keeps interrupting people when they speak. He's such a rude kid! A rude and dangerous kid at that. He's so ludicrous sometimes, but I dare not tell him that. He's an effigy of savageness, everyone should know by how he does things tempestuously.

As a matter of fact, everyone keeps interrupting the one who has the conch. They ought to shut up once in a while. Especially me. They keep making fun of me jeeringly. There ought to be order, and Ralph's the one to bring it. If they elected him leader, then they should listen.

And then there's the beastie. I don't know if it's real or just one of them nightmares, but I would put my money on fake. How could it possibly hide on this island, especially with that Jack wandering around hunting? (He really should be taking care of the fire.) If it really is from the water, and it is a giant squid, how would it come up here? It's fake, I tell you. I wonder what the discursive children will be spouting out next? Maybe the beastie coming from the air? You gotta be kidding me. There is no chance, not a one in a billion times a billion chance there is a monster, much less in the sea or the air. Is there?

Lord of the Flies: Journal #4

Journal #4 by: Ethan Chan

Chapter 4: Painted Faces and Long Hair

Perspective: Simon

Peace at last.... NOT

I can't believe it. Everything was at least half peaceful, but now it's all in ruins. No magical balm to fix this... At least the first part of the day was good, just relaxing in the gouts of water in the pool. Then, we saw some smoke on the horizon. I thought I might have been hallucinating. I thought it might not be true. But it was. As soon as we saw it, we were really excited. More so when we saw that it in fact was a ship. We immediately rushed toward the place where the fire was.

But it wasn't there. Not a spark left, in the fire and in our hopes. We were so close, but for some reason the fire was out. That reason was Jack and his hunting. He's impalpable to any suggestion besides hunting down that pig. Shortly after thinking about where Jack could have gone, we heard chanting. Jack and the rest of the hunters had gotten a pig, and were celebrating. I can't believe they let the fire go out! Ralph and Jack had a bit of an argument, obviously about the fire. Jack was enraged, and took action against Piggy. That was possibly the dirtiest thing I had seen Jack do.

Malevolently, Jack had punched piggy and broke his specs. I thought that Jack was being just plain mean, and so did Ralph. It was now clearly apparent to everyone that Jack's belligerence was not good. I hope that Ralph can keep everything under control, because Jack has a bad influence of savagery. If this keeps up, the children will be converted and before you know it, they'll be killing each other.

The one thing good that came out of this is that we had some meat. Jack had intentionally “forgotten” to offer Piggy some meat, so I thought I would toss him my meat. Jack became outraged at my actions, saying how hard he worked for that meat. He threw another piece and demanded I eat it. I would have refused, if it weren't for the show of violence from before, and the fact that Jack was armed with a knife and dangerous. Jack is hungry for blood, and anyone that interferes will probably die. At this rate, Ralph's idea of a nice island will become one of cannibals.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #3

Journal #3 by: Ethan Chan

Chapter 3: Huts on the Beach

Perspective: Jack

Stupid pig

I can't believe I failed again! I feel so stupid, I can't even catch a pig. I could only wound it, because my spear wasn't good enough. I have a huge compulsion to kill something right now. I would think that the stupid tendrils got in my way. I will get that pig, soon enough. As soon as I can get barbs on my spear, that little pig can say goodbye.

Still, I'm absolutely furious. After all the vicissitudes I had today, Ralph still thinks I'm a failure. He thinks that I would be better off helping him and Simon build shelter, but they should know better. He made us hunters for a reason, and I've got to get revenge on that pig. I refuse to leave this island until I do. Even if a ship comes right up, I won't leave. I won't be the contrite one. I won't have everyone's susurrations be about me.

When I was talking about how I felt that something was hunting me in the forest, or at least it felt like it, Ralph just gave me the cold shoulder and didn't care. He's the leader, so he should care about us, but he doesn't really believe me! Still, it didn't seem to likely, so I can't blame him. It was the strangest feeling though. Ralph then told me about how the kids were having nightmares and sleep-talking. If only Piggy hadn't implanted that story in their minds. Maybe it wasn't a story... Maybe it was the thing that might have been chasing me. I don't know, but I might just find out soon enough.

Tomorrow, I will find that pig. I might just attach my knife to my spear and kill it with that. Just remember you pig, wherever you are, you are my prey, and I will get you.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #2

Journal #2 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 2: Fire on the Mountain
Perspective: Ralph

Annoyance

Just great... I don't get why they elected me chief if those errant kids won't even listen to a word I say. I started talking about how my dad is going to rescue them, and they get all excited. When I talk about making a smoke signal, next thing you know they've started to pile up huge amounts of wood without me. These kids might just be the thing I would call too officious. Even without me telling them to, they start piling on the fuel.

The next thing that happens ain't so great either. That Piggy is such an annoyance. He keeps recriminating because I just tell him to shut up. I needed quiet to think, and Piggy isn't helping. Jack only pinched his glasses because we needed to start a fire, so he doesn't need to get his rope in a knot. He's also induced everyone with the story of a beastie, so some might have died running from what might have been their imagination. Also, he just has to be so sarcastic. So our fire got out of hand. Instead of sarcasm, he could have helped us find a way to stop it. A fat lot of help he was.

I wonder how long we'll last... With the way things are going now it can't be long. We still might have some hope, if I can get the kids under control. With the island half-burnt to a crisp, Piggy being a big nuisance, my mind might just burst. Being called leader doesn't help at all if you're not the one leading. Even though Piggy might be right about some things, he doesn't have to be such an ass about it. Jack is the only one that might be helping, and even so, he's making a big deal about killing that pig.

We're all tired and out of breath. I promised them that it was a good island, that we would have fun, but I'm not sure I can keep that promise if this continues. Still, we have to continue living. As long as there's hope that someone will find us, we'll keep on fighting until we tire out.

Lord of the Flies: Journal #1

Journal #1 by: Ethan Chan
Chapter 1: The Sound of the Shell
Perspective: Piggy

Leave me behind?

Strange, being trapped on this island. Haven't expected this, not at all. How could this have happened? The worst part about being stranded on this island is that the first person I met almost completely ignored me. Well, at least until I told him one of my darkest secrets, which I wanted NO ONE to know about... Still, he's not all that bad. I would have to say that this hasn't been my best day. Still, Ralph and I found out that we weren't the only ones in this place. Finding the conch was lucky, really. This way the children won't run amok and cause trouble. Still, I can't believe he's so ignorant. Everything I say, brushed off of his shoulder.

Still, I have to say that Ralph would have been the best choice for leader, seeing as he had the conch, and a good feeling about him. It would be only natural to pick him, seeing as all the other candidates weren't much better. That Jack seems not the best to be leader. He simply loves power, can't get enough. Even if it means sacrificing our freedom, he will probably do it for himself. I still don't get why he chose Jack and Simon over me. I've been with him the longest, it should be me who goes with him. I hope they're okay.

I sure hope that our streak of luck continues. We were lucky enough to find the conch and gather everyone. Hopefully we'll find more about this island. All we know right now is that we crash-landed from an airplane, and that there are more people than just me and Ralph. I'm just thankful that we're not dead yet. If we just keep up our morale and keep working hard, we just might survive long enough to make it off this dreadful island.

-Piggy

Romek post final

1. I found the most disturbing part of the book was that the people at Bergen-Belsen, when bodies were burned and eaten. It seemed to me that it was sad and disturbing because the people who were dead hadn't lived a full life, and now they were being eaten and thrown into an oven, their ashes and remains forgotten. It feels as if I was there, by the way David described the scene, so I could really picture the horrible experience of Bergen-Belsen.

2. In Krawinkel Camp, David gets a very special job which helps him survive. At Krawinkel, his job is to feed the vicious dogs. This doesn't sound like a pleasant job, but it sure beats everything else that the Kappo assigned. Even though he had difficulty feeding the dogs at first, he learned he could use a broom to push the meals to the dogs without any harm. This job had another benefit, which was eating the dog's food. This may sound bad compared to our food, but is like the best-tasting food in the world compared to the food they serve to the other jobs.

3. At camp Bergen-Belsen, the conditions are very poor and many are dying. There were dead bodies all over the floor, and the only job was to carry them over to the oven and burn them. They received thin soup, and were almost starved. Some of the people there contracted Typhus, which was a very bad disease that would cause death. David got sick, and near the end he almost died of lack of water. Soon enough though, he was saved.

4. At the end of the book, David feels that he had survived the entire Holocaust, and is very proud because he kept the vow he made to his mother. He was also very happy because he got to see a family member again. David feels that he has accomplished a major feat, and has kept the other end of his promise and told the world about the horrors he faced.

5. David Faber's book, Because of Romek, should be required reading in all middle schools, high schools, and universities because all students need to learn about the horrors of the Holocaust. I feel that everyone should know about this, because we need to know how people have mistreated others in the past so it does not happen again. In the book, it explains how the Nazis treated the Jews. This torture is of the lowest form of racism, and my opinion is that it should never happen again. When David Faber speaks in public, he is telling the story of his life, from happy beginnings to happy endings, and all the tortures in between. It is this kind mistreatment that we all should know about, and no-one should make the same mistake. We should all read this for the same reason we read history books; to ensure that we learn from our ancestor's mistakes. All schools should read Because of Romek.

Project Reflection (Renaissance Project)

Name: Ethan Chan
Project Reflection: Post on your Blog
Project Title: Renaissance Project
Class: CD Dates: 6-4-08
*You may type directly in this document and copy and paste into blog, or simply address each of the following in a post. It should be approx. 2 pages worth of writing.
PURPOSE: In this section, explain what you were supposed to learn and what you were supposed to do.
Sentence Starters
The purpose of this project was to learn about…
In order to learn about _________________, we had to create/perform/ write/etc…


In this project, we learned about the Renaissance, and all the important people that changed the world within that time. In order to learn about the people of the Renaissance, we had to be the people of the Renaissance. We took notes on what people in the Renaissance did and what happened during that period of time, such as the black death and the many humanists that studied the arts, hoping to find solutions for many problems. We also took a tour through Florence to better understand it. I myself was Leonardo da Vinci, and learned about how he affected history. I learned about all his inventions and art. We were also supposed to dress up as our people and dance at the Renaissance Ball. In doing so, we learned some facts about various people, also learning the dance of the Renaissance.
WHAT I LEARNED
In this section, tell what information or skills you learned or improved.
Sentence Starters
I learned about…
I explored the concepts/topics of …
In this project, I learned how to…. (skills)
I learned about the Renaissance and the people in it. I learned about Leonardo da Vinci's many paintings and inventions, such as the tank and the water lift. I learned about his childhood, his days as a painter and architectual advisor, and how and where he lived throughout his life. I also learned a bit about other people, like Michelangelo, Donatello, and many other great artists and inventors of the Renaissance. I learned how to dance the Pavaan, and how to create a biography of a person. I learned how every important person affected the Renaissance, and how they affected it. I learned that Leonardo da Vinci was a great man, whose mind surpassed many. Everything in the Renaissance has affected what has happened today.
REFLECTION
In this section, reflect on your experience. Did you like the project? Why or why not? How did you do? What would you do differently next time?
Sentence Starters
I enjoyed this project because…
I feel like I could have done better on this project because…
Next time, I would…
I think that this project will be appreciated by a lot of people, and that it was kind of fun. I liked it because I learned all about Leonardo da Vinci and I now know all about his marvelous discoveries. I also got to learn about many others, such as Bloody Mary and King Francis I. I think that I could have done a bit better if I had memorized my notes, because I had trouble remembering. I think that I could improve if I studied a bit harder. I also feel that I should have put more in the biography, but not much more. Next time, I would try a different person, because I want to see what their lives were like back then, and compare our current lives today.
ARTIFACTS
You should have at least one artifact from each project on your DP. What document, picture, or link will you have for this project?
I will have my Biography.

Romek Post #3

1) Hearing David Faber speak was phenomenal. He spoke with great emotion and detail, trying to have us picture the torture he experienced. He was someone who truly endured the torture given by the Nazis. I think that he is a very powerful speaker and that everyone will be interested in his story.
2) When David was with the Partisans, he was taken care of, but not pampered. He was put to work, but it was made sure that he survived. the tasks assigned to him were dangerous, and he still survived. I think Romek was proud of him because David had endured all those hardships and came out alive, and proved that he was strong.
3) I think the Gestapo spared David's life and returned him to the ghetto because he didn't know anything, and because he wanted him to suffer for a long time instead of just rest in peace. The Gestapo is very mean, and the Nazis will torture the Jewish at any point they can. He thinks that it is worth it to wait for David to suffer.
-Ethan

Romek Post #2

Sorry for late post; I didn't check the agenda on Monday, so I didn't know the post was due yesterday.
1) David first finds the pigeon when he and his family get some to eat from the farmer. He noticed the white one, and he decided to keep it. He kept feeding it for awhile until one day, it went away. Animals can sense danger before humans, so it saved David's family by warning it from the Nazis.
2)The "Vacation Camp" is a place where captives are put to work for the Nazis. The "Campers" don't seem to like the camp. The reason they named it vacation camp was because the captives would work more if they thought they had a vacation ahead.
3)What was the main driving force for you to write your book? What was the most memorable moment in "Because of Romek"?
-Ethan

Romek post 1

1) I've learned that in the Holocaust, the Jewish people were forced to "suicide". They had to dig their own graves and had no choice in it. After digging graves waist high, they were killed by Nazis and fell into their graves. It's a terrible thing to imagine, and I've learned that it's the most wrong thing someone can do, killing someone just because they have a certain belief.

2)
a. The family of David Faber is a caring family that looks out for one another, but sometimes is too afraid to act. They try to stay out of trouble and keep others out of it as well.
b. I think that David remembers everything because it was so life-changing and brought tears to him. It's not something that someone would easily forget, and I think that he would remember it even after he died.

3) David rescuing his father is a very courageous act, and even trying is showing courage in itself. He cares about his family so much he's willing to risk his life to save them. I also think that he is a little afraid of the future, but will act accordingly to the situation no matter how afraid he is. For example, on page 33: "I began to shake, harder and harder. My teeth chattered, and I staggered to the sofa." This behavior suggests he is afraid but at page 34, he decides to go despite his fears to save his father.

-Ethan

Mural Project Reflection

Name: Ethan

Project Reflection: Post on your Blog

Project Title: Aztec Mural Project

Class: CD Dates: 5-5-08

*You may type directly in this document and copy and paste into blog, or simply address each of the following in a post. It should be approx. 2 pages worth of writing.

PURPOSE: In this section, explain what you were supposed to learn and what you were supposed to do.

Sentence Starters

• The purpose of this project was to learn about…

• In order to learn about _________________, we had to create/perform/ write/etc…

The purpose of this project was to learn about Aztecs and how they created art. In order to learn about this, we made a mural relating to Aztec culture, such as sacrifice or social ranks. We also observed the Aztec culture and how they found Tenochtitlan. We also went on a field trip to observe murals and look at how they represent certain thoughts, ideas, and pictures. Lastly, we wrote an artist statement to explain what the mural represented.

WHAT I LEARNED

In this section, tell what information or skills you learned or improved.

Sentence Starters

• I learned about…

• I explored the concepts/topics of …

• In this project, I learned how to…. (skills)

Throughout this project, I have learned many skills and information. I explored the concept of how the Aztecs lived, and how they survived and made land to live on. I have learned how to paint a mural, and how to represent ideas through imagery. During the painting process, I have also learned which colors go together and which ones don't. Lastly, I learned why people create murals, which is because they need to express ideas, or perhaps just for the sake of art.

REFLECTION

In this section, reflect on your experience. Did you like the project? Why or why not? How did you do? What would you do differently next time?

Sentence Starters

• I enjoyed this project because…

• I feel like I could have done better on this project because…

• Next time, I would…

I enjoyed this project because we got to create a piece of art and be proud of it. I wasn't that good at painting (painting outside the lines), so I was limited to looking up images to trace and paint on the mural. It was tough tracing the sun, because it had so many details and the shadow would block the light. It was also tough choosing the right colors to put on our mural. Should it be lighter, or maybe a shade of blue darker? Next time, I would have chosen a different idea to represent on our mural.

ARTIFACTS

You should have at least one artifact from each project on your DP. What document, picture,link will you have for this project?

My artifact will be the artist statement.

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #3

1. Ton-Ton seemed like the type of person that wasn't too bright, and stuttered all the time. He also seems to follow any orders given, and just wants to stay out of trouble. But underneath, he is a nice friend that would go out of his way to help someone. He is actually bright, and he just is nervous.
2. The author stretches out the information as best as she can, which is excellent. She writes every little detail, including any obstacles that Matt and company must journey through. Even after Matt found Maria, the author kept on writing about what happens next, and reviewing crucial events in the story.
3. What do you think the importance of El Patron keeping everything he ever owned in his "tomb"? Do you think it was wise to do so?

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #2

4-8-08
Chapters 14-26

1. I think Tam Lin is sort of like Hagrid, from the Harry Potter series. I feel that like Hagrid, he tries and keep Matt out of trouble, and is usually very friendly to Matt. Sometimes he can be strict, but he helps Matt all the way. They both write a bit sloppily, which is another thing identical about them. Tam Lin seems to be very high strung, but underneath, he is ready to pounce any time.

2. The author's theme was probaly to believe people and give second chances. Work together with others, and good is ultimately better. Love is better than any treasure, and is not worth leaving, even if hardships must be endured. Be careful where you step, and always cut once and measure twice.

3. Why do you think El Patron educated, fed, and entertained Matt if he was going to use him for transplants anyways?

-Ethan

House of the Scorpion post #1

4-4-08

Chapters 1-13

1. During the story, Matt steals Maria's dog to try to get to talk to her, in order to apologise. I don't think this is a smart move at all, especially with all the evidence he left. Stealing the dog is a bad idea enough, because it would make Maria never want to forgive him anyways. There is almost no doubt that he as already pushed Maria to the point of no return.

2. It upsets me that clones are treated so cruelly. I feel that everything, wether clone or not, should have a fair chance at life. Instead, most of the clones are injected, and shattered to pieces. I feel so bad for the ones that get restrained and get turned into drool-bots.

3. Why do you think everyone treats clones so unkindly?

-Ethan

Website reflection

Name: Ethan

Project Reflection: Post on your Blog

Project Title: ThinkQuest website project
Class: BD Dates: 3-12-08

PURPOSE: In this section, explain what you were supposed to learn and what you were supposed to do.

During this project, we were assigned to a group and created a website relating to moral courage with the group. The website was then uploaded to ThinkQuest, and will be judged based on a ruberic. Throughout the project, we did research, wrote content, made or found images, and constructed a site from bottom up.

WHAT I LEARNED
In this section, tell what information or skills you learned or improved.

In this project, I have learned a variety of skills, such as web design, image construction, flash movies, windows movie maker, and writing content. I most improved on web design because I was the tech supervisor, and built the entire site, along with a few features like flash movies and anchors throughout it. I learned a lot about WMM (windows movie maker), and I'm sure it will help later. I felt that improving on my writing skills is pushing me forward to the point where I will be able to write like a master author.

REFLECTION
In this section, reflect on your experience. Did you like the project? Why or why not? How did you do? What would you do differently next time?

In this project, I felt that I would have done better in another group. I think that if I had joined a group with close friends and a better topic, then I could have improved by a lot. I liked the project a lot because it had to do with web design and technology. Also, we could pick our own topic. The most tedious part, in my opinion, was getting out copyright permissions, because we never knew what we needed, they might say no, and they might take forever to respond.

ARTIFACTS
You should have at least one artifact from each project on your DP. What document, picture, or link will you have for this project?

In this project, I will include my website, which is here. The link may change when the site actually shows on the internet, but the current link is just a preview.

Independent reading post #3

NAME: Ethan Chan DATE: Sunday, March 9, 2008

TITLE: The Innocent Man TIME: 2 Hrs. 25 Seconds

AUTHOR: John Grisham PAGES: 119-192

TOTAL PAGES THIS WEEK: 83

RESPONSE:

So far, the book is still pressing on suspects. Ron Williamson and his friend, Dennis Fritz, are being accused of the rape. When the review says "Legal thriller", they really mean it! I have never studied law, and barely know anything about it. It is quite a confusing book, and I think that only people who know about law and order should read it. The vocabulary used is quite intense, and some of the words I have no idea of their meaning.

I am quite confused because there are so many characters. Also, there are many repeated names. I think the author should use only a couple characters in the story to avoid confusion. In the book, the trial against Ron and Dennis is quite unfair, with very unstable evidence and dream confessions, most from unreliable snitches. I'm only halfway through the book, but it's just getting interesting.

Independent reading post #2

NAME: Ethan Chan DATE: Saturday, March 2, 2008

TITLE: The Innocent Man TIME: 2 Hrs. 21 Seconds

AUTHOR: John Grisham PAGES 39-119

TOTAL PAGES THIS WEEK: 80

RESPONSE:

I think that this book is a bit confusing because it jumps back and forth between events. For example, one moment is about the crime scene, the next is about the suspect's history (from when he was born to the day of the crime), then the next is about another crime scene. It just jumps a bit too much. I think that the author should have explained the background of the characters first and then slowly unfolded the plot. I also think that young adults should read it, and not me because I still don't understand the many things that the author is talking about, and has quite a few curse words. Most of them are spoken by the police, surprisingly.

It surprises me that there is more than one crime involved in this book. It surprises me so because the summary only mentions one crime, and I think that the other crime should be a good bit of reading, as much as the first one. What are the crimes? You'll have to read to find out. Most of the characters I don't like because they do drugs and drink beer. Most of them have a jail record, and the main suspect has two rapes and one theft behind him, which is the likely reason that he is suspected of raping Debbie Carter.

Independent reading post #1

NAME: Ethan Chan DATE: Saturday, Feburary 23, 2008
TITLE: The Innocent Man TIME: 1 Hr. 23 Seconds
AUTHOR: John Grisham PAGES 1-39
TOTAL PAGES THIS WEEK: 39
RESPONSE:
In my book, called "The Innocent Man", a crime takes place in Ada Oklohoma. A woman named Debbie has been brutally raped and murdered. The crime is just unfolding, and a man named Ron Williamson is suspected to be somehow involved. He was just a would-be baseball star, said to be the next Mickey Mantle. A bit spoiled by his family, he is gifted with natural charm and gets almost whatever he wants. He was about to become famous as a professional baseball player. That is, until his dreams were broken by booze, drugs, and girls.
This book is a bit confusing, but all books are in the beginning. Sometimes the author gives hints or even states what happens in the future. I think Ron should take better care of himself. He lets himself go with all of the beer and sometimes celebrates winning too much. Instead I would have a brief celebration then get ready for the next game. I'm a bit bothered at the idea of a woman getting raped and murdured shortly afterwards. It is a bad way to end life. It also surprised me because it's the first time I've read something this serious. I think next, Ron's life will be explained more and that more of the crime will be solved.

Brave new world post #4

1. The end was quite surprising because it ended without much explanation. Also, him being hanged was a surprise, and I didn't figure it out at first. I thought that he should give himself a chance instead of killing himself.

2. If I could ask the author, I would ask why he wrote the book in this manner, and in this setting. I would do this because I am interested in why he did it like so.

3. Flagrantly-Shockingly noticable-I thought that this word was detailed and interesting.
Loathsome-Causing feelings of disgust-I heard this word from somewhere and didn't know it's meaning.
Ingratiating-Pleasing-I thought that this word was descriptive and simple at the same time.

Brave new world post #3

1. I didn't understand it very well, but my theory is that he used to go out with her and is ashamed of what she as become. He did not want to see that, so he quit. I still am not too sure, so this is my only answer for now.



2. This is another thing I was not sure of. I think he is becoming popular because a savage is unusual and people want to study him and get to know an actual savage.



3. I thought that he would kill her because she did something without his permission. It was violation of personal space and sort of a rape. He had every right to kill her, even though it wasn't right.



4. Primrose-Pale yellow
Crematorium-A furnace or establishment for the incineration of corpses
Grotesquely-In an odd, unnatural, fantastically ugly, absurd, or bizarre manner

Brave new world post #2

Unavailable

Brave new world post #1

1. I think that his other feeling is telling someone that he likes that he likes her. I always feel that way, so I should know.

2.
A. The new future reminds me of racism, because the racists think of themselves as Alphas, and the others as Epsilons.
B. This future has it's perks, but having your destiny chosen is a dissapointment. The future is much worse than now.

3.
A. Freemason-someone part of the world's oldest and largest fraternity.
Erotic-an asthetic focus on sexual desire
Bokanovskify-mass cloning, sets of 96 identical twins
B. Soma-Drugs
Savages-Indians

Brave new world leader post #1

1. Do you think that making humans unnaturally is good or bad? Why? If there are pros/cons, what are they?

2. Do you think splitting humans into groups Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma, and Elipson are good or not? Do you think that they should all have different traits which are not fixed like us, or have their destiny set like the book currently says?

3. Why do you think the author writes hopping from person to person speaking in chapter three? What is your opinion on it? (pros/cons, good or bad)