After finishing this book, I have a few opinions; specifically the good. I'll try my best not to spoil anything we haven't covered in class yet; however, I apologize before hand if I do.
The House of The Scorpions is a stellar book with many components that I love. Farmer does a fantastic job of developing the characters. Many authors blatantly state a character's attribute; however, Farmer has a way of slowly revealing different aspects in several unique ways. For example, El Patron is first introduced as a man who Matt thinks is wise and has power. Yet, as we read further into the story, we find out through a book; History of Opium, that El Patron is in a fact an evil, inhumane being who many people despise.
Farmer also provides the reader with brilliant pieces of foreshadowing. She gives the most detailed hints to the readers that looks so little, but says so much.
"Don't' fix that one," said Lisa, hastily catching him arm. "It's a Matteo Alacran. They're always left intact." Farmer (3). Meaning that there was more than one Matt produced.
"A Cat with Nine Lives." (92).
Something else I enjoyed about this book were the different types of genres Farmer was able to incorporate. The book consisted of sci-fi, action, mystery and suspense. By writing in so many types of genres, the reader is constantly intrigued to what might happen next in the story. Moreover, the more genres a book has, the larger variety of audience it receives. An example within the story of ever-changing genres is being revealed the main purpose of the creation of Matt. The reader consistently has to ask themselves why Matt was made; thus, adding a mysterious component. In addition, as Matt and Maria tried to escape from El Patron, the two characters go through many obstacles that builds up suspense and uncertainty.
Farmer also decided to write this novel in many different settings. The country Opium consisting of the little house in the poppy field, the Alacran mansion, the eejit farms; and the country Aztlan consisting of border camps, the algae farm and San Luis. With all these different settings continually altering, readers are engaged to the full potential and can always find out how Matt can survive each location.
To end off this post, I'd like to speak about the most impressive component Farmer was able to encompass; unique and brilliant concepts. This book contained extremely original ideas that no person beside Farmer would have ever thought of. Eejits, the Five Principles of Good Citizenship and the Four Attitudes Leading to Right-Mindfulness, Border Guards, the History of Opium, Dragon Hoarding and many many more. With all these extraordinary concepts, I was completely intrigued and super impressed by this book.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Blog Post #4 - Frozen in Time and Possibilities.
House of the Scorpion takes place in a country called Opium, with Mexico and America at its borders. Farmer portrays the story as a country controlled by drug lords. Opium is harvested manually in the massive opium fields by eejits, or humans with computer chips installed into the brains. Little did the people know, El Patron has been keeping the country of Opium 100 years behind. It became obvious why El Patron (or Farmer) had created the idea of eejits. It was because of the workload. It would impossible for people to work for that many hours a day in an opium field without using an machinery. So instead of introducing the people to machinery and technology, El Patron created eejits.
But why would El Patron freeze the country in time? Well, to make himself feel younger. El Patron had a horrible childhood. He told Matt countless times how his sisters died before they could even see over the windowsill (223). El Patron believed he had to live out the lives his brothers and sisters never got to live, so he cheats death. By using organ “donations” from clones he is able to continue to live. In the end, El Patron never loved Matt. He grew him just as he did with all his clones, happy. He wanted Matt to have a childhood he never had, and then he would harvest his organs for himself. Something that everyone that read the book missed was an apparent clue right under our noses. “Don’t fix that one,” said Lisa, hastily catching his arm. It’s Matteo Alacran. They’re always left intact,” (4). They’re always left intact. “They’re” as in, there are more than one. Nobody realized but that is why Chapter 10 was titled, A Cat with Nine Lives. Matt was the ninth clone, El Patron’s ninth life. To continue, El Patron froze the country so that he would feel younger. He was 148 and he did not need any reminders of how old he was. Since he controlled the country of Opium, he was able to make sure there was no real progress or developments. No one discovered anything or ever left the country except to go to school or business. At the beginning of the book, my thoughts were that the way that Farmer chose to show the future in Opium was so different from what the “stereotypical future.” Where there are hovercrafts, advanced weaponry and pollution. It turns out, it really was a stereotypical future. The world did have hovercrafts, advanced weaponry and crazy pollution. It is just that Farmer had made the setting so drastically different as you continue on into the novel.
On the subject of the future, is there really going to be clones and hovercrafts? Well, lets think about it practically. The idea of having a clone, or just clones in general, is possible. As we see with Dolly. Dolly was a sheep who is the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell. So clones are possible, but can you imagine the things we could do with clones? The movie the Island actually is just like House of the Scorpion. On the island, clones are raised and created organically. They are extremely healthy and fit individuals. They are awarded the prize of being selected and taken to the Island, but once you go to the Island you never come back. The truth about the Island is that it is actually the real world. The people being raised in these facilities do not know they are actually clones of people at the Island (or the real world). People, are able to buy clones in order to receive new kidneys, heart transplants, etc. It is just like how House of the Scorpion works because these clones that are being created are just like the originals. Imagine if in the real world today, we had the same thing. Were you could buy a clone in order to receive an organ donation. This would completely eliminate the need for organ donors! But then there is the cost. The cost of creating a new living being, and then destroying it. Not only would it be extremely costly money wise, but also emotionally. Humans have a conscience. A conscience that will be filled with guilt knowing that they brought someone into the world, only to be destroyed for their own personal gain. It is almost like abortions, but older. Next, we have hovercrafts. At the rate that we are going I do not see hovercrafts in the future. Creating hovercrafts are not on one of our top priorities list. The top priority for vehicles is how to make them more efficient because of our depleting resources rather than flying in the air.
In summary, the future is unpredictable. In the 90s, we thought the world would end in 2000. Now, in 2012 some believe the world will in end in December 21st. We cannot tell what the future holds, so we must focus on the problems in the present. Rising wait lines for organs and increasing pollution are real issues, not Hovercrafts.
- Ashish
But why would El Patron freeze the country in time? Well, to make himself feel younger. El Patron had a horrible childhood. He told Matt countless times how his sisters died before they could even see over the windowsill (223). El Patron believed he had to live out the lives his brothers and sisters never got to live, so he cheats death. By using organ “donations” from clones he is able to continue to live. In the end, El Patron never loved Matt. He grew him just as he did with all his clones, happy. He wanted Matt to have a childhood he never had, and then he would harvest his organs for himself. Something that everyone that read the book missed was an apparent clue right under our noses. “Don’t fix that one,” said Lisa, hastily catching his arm. It’s Matteo Alacran. They’re always left intact,” (4). They’re always left intact. “They’re” as in, there are more than one. Nobody realized but that is why Chapter 10 was titled, A Cat with Nine Lives. Matt was the ninth clone, El Patron’s ninth life. To continue, El Patron froze the country so that he would feel younger. He was 148 and he did not need any reminders of how old he was. Since he controlled the country of Opium, he was able to make sure there was no real progress or developments. No one discovered anything or ever left the country except to go to school or business. At the beginning of the book, my thoughts were that the way that Farmer chose to show the future in Opium was so different from what the “stereotypical future.” Where there are hovercrafts, advanced weaponry and pollution. It turns out, it really was a stereotypical future. The world did have hovercrafts, advanced weaponry and crazy pollution. It is just that Farmer had made the setting so drastically different as you continue on into the novel.
On the subject of the future, is there really going to be clones and hovercrafts? Well, lets think about it practically. The idea of having a clone, or just clones in general, is possible. As we see with Dolly. Dolly was a sheep who is the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell. So clones are possible, but can you imagine the things we could do with clones? The movie the Island actually is just like House of the Scorpion. On the island, clones are raised and created organically. They are extremely healthy and fit individuals. They are awarded the prize of being selected and taken to the Island, but once you go to the Island you never come back. The truth about the Island is that it is actually the real world. The people being raised in these facilities do not know they are actually clones of people at the Island (or the real world). People, are able to buy clones in order to receive new kidneys, heart transplants, etc. It is just like how House of the Scorpion works because these clones that are being created are just like the originals. Imagine if in the real world today, we had the same thing. Were you could buy a clone in order to receive an organ donation. This would completely eliminate the need for organ donors! But then there is the cost. The cost of creating a new living being, and then destroying it. Not only would it be extremely costly money wise, but also emotionally. Humans have a conscience. A conscience that will be filled with guilt knowing that they brought someone into the world, only to be destroyed for their own personal gain. It is almost like abortions, but older. Next, we have hovercrafts. At the rate that we are going I do not see hovercrafts in the future. Creating hovercrafts are not on one of our top priorities list. The top priority for vehicles is how to make them more efficient because of our depleting resources rather than flying in the air.
In summary, the future is unpredictable. In the 90s, we thought the world would end in 2000. Now, in 2012 some believe the world will in end in December 21st. We cannot tell what the future holds, so we must focus on the problems in the present. Rising wait lines for organs and increasing pollution are real issues, not Hovercrafts.
- Ashish
Blog Post #4 - Future
The House of the Scorpions is a novel with constantly changing settings. By piecing together bits and parts however, we are able to tell that the novel is set in the future. Farmer does not just settle there; she takes this futuristic setting even further and elaborates on things that she predicts will exist years from now.
One of the main focuses are clones. This is a topic that garners many different opinions. Are clones humans? Do they have feelings? What else can they do for us besides give us organs? In the world that Farmer has created in her novel, approximately a century from now, clones do exist and are accepted. Keep in mind, they are tolerated only because they are able to provide new organs. Otherwise, they are scorned upon and given no respect. Farmer explores what happens when one clone, Matt, who is an intelligent young boy with curiosities and different perspective that cause him to get into many interesting situations. What would happen if in a few decades when clones exist, one clone rebels and differs from the rest?
Farmer also predicts that Nigeria is going to be very successful. “Benito, Steven’s older brother, had married the daughter of the Nigerian president because Nigeria was one of the richest countries in the world.” Farmer (204). Whether or not she has a logical reason for this, there is no way to know. Currently, Nigeria has a very inefficient economy and is only at 116 on the world rank. To say that Nigeria will be one of the richest countries is arguably, an overstatement. Of course, this is in the future and anything is possible.
Another idea is illegal immigration. This is an issue that currently exists and seems to continue the future. One character that directly experienced this is Celia. However, in The House of the Scorpion, Farmer has found a method to control illegal immigrants; the Farm Patrol. Just like in the present, illegal immigrants, or Illegals as they are called in the novel, risk their lives and spend money to try and cross the border from Mexico to America, and vice versa. It seems like illegal immigration is an issue that will not be resolved anytime soon and continue to rage on for many decades. I have further expanded on this in my third blog post.
Besides those three topics, Farmer also briefly delves into the topic of higher technology, such as more advanced weapons (107) and hovercrafts (218). All of the ideas that Farmer has explored in her novel are very realistic and could potentially exist in our future. Not only that, but there was just enough expansion on each topic to give readers a sufficient understanding. Farmer has done a great job of blending them all together into one unique novel that keeps readers interested.
Sources:
http://www.heritage.org/index/country/nigeria
One of the main focuses are clones. This is a topic that garners many different opinions. Are clones humans? Do they have feelings? What else can they do for us besides give us organs? In the world that Farmer has created in her novel, approximately a century from now, clones do exist and are accepted. Keep in mind, they are tolerated only because they are able to provide new organs. Otherwise, they are scorned upon and given no respect. Farmer explores what happens when one clone, Matt, who is an intelligent young boy with curiosities and different perspective that cause him to get into many interesting situations. What would happen if in a few decades when clones exist, one clone rebels and differs from the rest?
Farmer also predicts that Nigeria is going to be very successful. “Benito, Steven’s older brother, had married the daughter of the Nigerian president because Nigeria was one of the richest countries in the world.” Farmer (204). Whether or not she has a logical reason for this, there is no way to know. Currently, Nigeria has a very inefficient economy and is only at 116 on the world rank. To say that Nigeria will be one of the richest countries is arguably, an overstatement. Of course, this is in the future and anything is possible.
Another idea is illegal immigration. This is an issue that currently exists and seems to continue the future. One character that directly experienced this is Celia. However, in The House of the Scorpion, Farmer has found a method to control illegal immigrants; the Farm Patrol. Just like in the present, illegal immigrants, or Illegals as they are called in the novel, risk their lives and spend money to try and cross the border from Mexico to America, and vice versa. It seems like illegal immigration is an issue that will not be resolved anytime soon and continue to rage on for many decades. I have further expanded on this in my third blog post.
Besides those three topics, Farmer also briefly delves into the topic of higher technology, such as more advanced weapons (107) and hovercrafts (218). All of the ideas that Farmer has explored in her novel are very realistic and could potentially exist in our future. Not only that, but there was just enough expansion on each topic to give readers a sufficient understanding. Farmer has done a great job of blending them all together into one unique novel that keeps readers interested.
Sources:
http://www.heritage.org/index/country/nigeria
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Blog Entry #3 - Illegal Immigration and Celia's Story.
http://www.hellopolitics.com/?p=672
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/25/nation/la-na-arizona-immigration-20120225
Immigration is definitely not easy. You have to file a lot of paper work in order to finally reach the, “free world.” Would it be easier just to sneak your way in? Every year, hundreds of people illegally immigrant into countries because of the difficulty they have trying to get into the country they desire. The country with the most of this problem? The United States of America. Out of the people living in the United States it is said 3 million of the 11 million are illegal immigrants.
In the book, House of the Scorpion, Celia informs Matt on her share of illegally immigrating. She explains how while working in a factory, as a cook, she meets a “coyote.” Which in other words means someone who assists people into getting into the United States illegally. Celia decides it is time for her to leave her home and go to the land of opportunity, or America. Though in her story, the “coyote” decides to abandon her group of immigrants leaving them stranded. The group of immigrants manage to find their way down the mountain but are caught by the “farm patrol” (or people who are under the control of El Patron) (141 - 143). Of course, Matt doesn’t completely understand the true meaning of this story but Farmer had made a real life problem into a book. The show Breaking Bad consists of drug lords and addicts. Breaking Bad and Celia’s story are very similar in my eyes. In the show, the Cartel or a group of Mexican drug lords, control a massive portion of the illegal immigrants. Using their power, they are able to manipulate the system and helps these people get through, just as El Patron did with Celia. El Patron (who is also a drug lord) could have easily jailed or killed Celia but instead went on to helping her just as the Cartel does with their estranged immigrants. Both these pieces of fiction show a real life fact that is happening today in our lives.
So what are they going to do to stop this illegal immigration? Well, the sad thing is illegal immigration really isn’t on America’s top priorities list. They have their economic, and political problems right now to deal with first. Arizona is really the first state to take any sort of action, but I see this as a negative. Arizona created their own Immigration Laws which makes all the responsibility placed on asking the citizen entering the country some questions. Are you kidding me? As my first article stated, what Arizona hasn’t considered are the serious flaws within this piece of legislation. Did they think about the well-being of the officers? Did not even think about what kind of people are trying to illegally immigrate? Sure, sometimes it is people searching for a better like just as Celia was but it is also drug affiliates who are armed. What about the amount of responsibility they placing upon a police officer? Clearly they haven’t thought any of that through.
But then we have to ask our self the question, what’s bad about illegal immigration? I mean, of course it is illegal and in our minds we are programmed to immediately believe anything illegal is bad just as the people of the Alacran Estate were programmed to hate clones but they work hard. They come America to start a new life (sometimes) and a lot of the time they make up the low income bracket, so they are working. They are definitely not getting by easily because of the immense social gap which is found in American. The problem in illegal immigration is that they do not pay taxes. Since they are not registered as citizens, there will be no IRS knocking on their doors. No taxes means less money going to the government which just adds up to America’s shocking debt.
Then I gave illegal immigration some thought. In our immigration unit, we studied the four immigration categories: economic immigrations, family class, refugees and other. Could these people not make up the other? What about if ONE of them were to actually immigrate legally into a country and sponsor the rest of the family to come with them? I mean, Family class legislation is all about reuniting families as it is. Of course, I am speaking from the Canadian stand point here and I know America is not welcoming with open arms and gift baskets as we are to immigrants.
It is clear that illegal immigration is an issue that needs to be tackled and focused on today in the real world. Now, there are a few ways to stop illegal immigration such as: strengthening our borders, increasing the punishment of overstaying visa, recognizing the seriousness of the issue, etc. But of course, there will always be a loop hole.
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/feb/25/nation/la-na-arizona-immigration-20120225
Immigration is definitely not easy. You have to file a lot of paper work in order to finally reach the, “free world.” Would it be easier just to sneak your way in? Every year, hundreds of people illegally immigrant into countries because of the difficulty they have trying to get into the country they desire. The country with the most of this problem? The United States of America. Out of the people living in the United States it is said 3 million of the 11 million are illegal immigrants.
In the book, House of the Scorpion, Celia informs Matt on her share of illegally immigrating. She explains how while working in a factory, as a cook, she meets a “coyote.” Which in other words means someone who assists people into getting into the United States illegally. Celia decides it is time for her to leave her home and go to the land of opportunity, or America. Though in her story, the “coyote” decides to abandon her group of immigrants leaving them stranded. The group of immigrants manage to find their way down the mountain but are caught by the “farm patrol” (or people who are under the control of El Patron) (141 - 143). Of course, Matt doesn’t completely understand the true meaning of this story but Farmer had made a real life problem into a book. The show Breaking Bad consists of drug lords and addicts. Breaking Bad and Celia’s story are very similar in my eyes. In the show, the Cartel or a group of Mexican drug lords, control a massive portion of the illegal immigrants. Using their power, they are able to manipulate the system and helps these people get through, just as El Patron did with Celia. El Patron (who is also a drug lord) could have easily jailed or killed Celia but instead went on to helping her just as the Cartel does with their estranged immigrants. Both these pieces of fiction show a real life fact that is happening today in our lives.
So what are they going to do to stop this illegal immigration? Well, the sad thing is illegal immigration really isn’t on America’s top priorities list. They have their economic, and political problems right now to deal with first. Arizona is really the first state to take any sort of action, but I see this as a negative. Arizona created their own Immigration Laws which makes all the responsibility placed on asking the citizen entering the country some questions. Are you kidding me? As my first article stated, what Arizona hasn’t considered are the serious flaws within this piece of legislation. Did they think about the well-being of the officers? Did not even think about what kind of people are trying to illegally immigrate? Sure, sometimes it is people searching for a better like just as Celia was but it is also drug affiliates who are armed. What about the amount of responsibility they placing upon a police officer? Clearly they haven’t thought any of that through.
But then we have to ask our self the question, what’s bad about illegal immigration? I mean, of course it is illegal and in our minds we are programmed to immediately believe anything illegal is bad just as the people of the Alacran Estate were programmed to hate clones but they work hard. They come America to start a new life (sometimes) and a lot of the time they make up the low income bracket, so they are working. They are definitely not getting by easily because of the immense social gap which is found in American. The problem in illegal immigration is that they do not pay taxes. Since they are not registered as citizens, there will be no IRS knocking on their doors. No taxes means less money going to the government which just adds up to America’s shocking debt.
Then I gave illegal immigration some thought. In our immigration unit, we studied the four immigration categories: economic immigrations, family class, refugees and other. Could these people not make up the other? What about if ONE of them were to actually immigrate legally into a country and sponsor the rest of the family to come with them? I mean, Family class legislation is all about reuniting families as it is. Of course, I am speaking from the Canadian stand point here and I know America is not welcoming with open arms and gift baskets as we are to immigrants.
It is clear that illegal immigration is an issue that needs to be tackled and focused on today in the real world. Now, there are a few ways to stop illegal immigration such as: strengthening our borders, increasing the punishment of overstaying visa, recognizing the seriousness of the issue, etc. But of course, there will always be a loop hole.
#3: Immigration.
http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-moves-to-curb-marriages-of-convenience/article2215245/?service=mobile
Farmer wrote The House Of Scorpions as a fictional novel, Nonetheless, Celia’s story about meeting a coyote and the farm patrol, I believe, was written as a reflection of real life issues, which means that this tale was clearly a symbol for illegal immigration. The ‘coyote’ Farmer writes about is actually not fictional, there are many people in the real world who do this for a living; same with ‘farm patrols’. ‘Farm patrols’ themselves don’t exist, however, they are a representation of border guards.
Celia risks her life to attempt to escape. She blindly trusts a man she just met to assist her in doing a crime; illegally crossing borders, and abandons her normal routine in search for a something new. One may ask, why would Celia, or anyone, go through all this trouble of just finding a new country to live in? Why not go through the legal process of applications and sponsorships. As I have learnt through the grade 9 immigration unit, I know that it’s a much harder process than many may think. Countries tend to allow people in who are either family sponsored, refugees in need to find new homes or individuals who are extremely educated. It’s not everyday that a country will allow an applicant who is a cook and isn’t living in a country where war is hurting their daily lives into their already populated nation. However. The circumstances Celia was in; working at a factory all day doing brutal labour, not having the freedom to even walk outside and being deprived from parties, family and interests, was not something any person could survive in without going insane. With that said, there are valid reasons to be performing an illegal immigration process.
In recent news reports, there have been an increasing number of fraud marriage cases. Fraud marriage is when two individuals fake a marriage so that the one can sponsor the other as a family sponsor, eliminating the long and strenuous immigration process of applications. This kind of illegal immigration has tremendous consequences, yet, people still risk their lives to perform this act. Why? Again, if you aren’t an economic immigrant nor a refugee but just want the safety of a stable country, there is practically no way of coming into a country without having to wait for decades.
The article I found on fraud marriages states that Ottawa, Canada has newly proposed regulations on spouse sponsorships in Canada in an attempt to lessen the chance for fraud marriages. It states that the government will bring in a 5-year ban on sponsoring spouses if you have already previously sponsored. In addition, it positions that newly immigrated spouses are required to live under the same roof for a long period of time; a time that has not yet been announced. What the government doesn’t realize is that half of non-fraudulent marriages fail and if we force these two people to continue to live with one another while they are in a conflict, it can result to things like domestic abuse. We cannot force and expect two in conflict individuals to live with one another, that’s is just brutal. Nevertheless, these regulations are still being considered.
Fraud marriages seem to be quite an horrific act with should result in consequences, however, I do understand why people would go through this process to immigrate. Although you may be risking your life, you could also be saving it. There are many people in this world who want to find a new home, but aren’t qualified. They aren’t in life-threatening danger nor are they aren’t fully educated. However, they still want the safety and security that every person desires, which results in actions like fraud marriage. Therefore, I can fully understand as to why someone would go through this dangerous process of illegal immigration. After all, sometimes you have to risk everything to protect yourselves.
Farmer wrote The House Of Scorpions as a fictional novel, Nonetheless, Celia’s story about meeting a coyote and the farm patrol, I believe, was written as a reflection of real life issues, which means that this tale was clearly a symbol for illegal immigration. The ‘coyote’ Farmer writes about is actually not fictional, there are many people in the real world who do this for a living; same with ‘farm patrols’. ‘Farm patrols’ themselves don’t exist, however, they are a representation of border guards.
Celia risks her life to attempt to escape. She blindly trusts a man she just met to assist her in doing a crime; illegally crossing borders, and abandons her normal routine in search for a something new. One may ask, why would Celia, or anyone, go through all this trouble of just finding a new country to live in? Why not go through the legal process of applications and sponsorships. As I have learnt through the grade 9 immigration unit, I know that it’s a much harder process than many may think. Countries tend to allow people in who are either family sponsored, refugees in need to find new homes or individuals who are extremely educated. It’s not everyday that a country will allow an applicant who is a cook and isn’t living in a country where war is hurting their daily lives into their already populated nation. However. The circumstances Celia was in; working at a factory all day doing brutal labour, not having the freedom to even walk outside and being deprived from parties, family and interests, was not something any person could survive in without going insane. With that said, there are valid reasons to be performing an illegal immigration process.
In recent news reports, there have been an increasing number of fraud marriage cases. Fraud marriage is when two individuals fake a marriage so that the one can sponsor the other as a family sponsor, eliminating the long and strenuous immigration process of applications. This kind of illegal immigration has tremendous consequences, yet, people still risk their lives to perform this act. Why? Again, if you aren’t an economic immigrant nor a refugee but just want the safety of a stable country, there is practically no way of coming into a country without having to wait for decades.
The article I found on fraud marriages states that Ottawa, Canada has newly proposed regulations on spouse sponsorships in Canada in an attempt to lessen the chance for fraud marriages. It states that the government will bring in a 5-year ban on sponsoring spouses if you have already previously sponsored. In addition, it positions that newly immigrated spouses are required to live under the same roof for a long period of time; a time that has not yet been announced. What the government doesn’t realize is that half of non-fraudulent marriages fail and if we force these two people to continue to live with one another while they are in a conflict, it can result to things like domestic abuse. We cannot force and expect two in conflict individuals to live with one another, that’s is just brutal. Nevertheless, these regulations are still being considered.
Fraud marriages seem to be quite an horrific act with should result in consequences, however, I do understand why people would go through this process to immigrate. Although you may be risking your life, you could also be saving it. There are many people in this world who want to find a new home, but aren’t qualified. They aren’t in life-threatening danger nor are they aren’t fully educated. However, they still want the safety and security that every person desires, which results in actions like fraud marriage. Therefore, I can fully understand as to why someone would go through this dangerous process of illegal immigration. After all, sometimes you have to risk everything to protect yourselves.
- Nicole Kho.
Blog Entry #3 - Celia's Story + Illegal Immigration
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/illegal-immigrants-with-long-expired-visas-remain-tough-to-track-10-years-after-911-attacks/2012/03/06/gIQAkUQ7tR_story.html
Celia’s personal story that she tells to Matt is about her attempt at escaping. She had been working as a cook in a factory when she met a ‘coyote’, a man that helped people to cross the border into what is now known as the United States. However, the coyote left Celia’s group. When the group was finally able to find their way and make it down to the bottom of the mountain, the ‘farm patrol’ were waiting to capture them (141-143). What Farmer expressed through Celia’s story was actually illegal immigration.
Illegal immigration is a problem that many countries are faced with, however, it seems that the United States’ illegal immigration problem is the biggest of all. According the article that I found, it seems that one of the ways that people immigrate illegally in America is overstaying their visa. When a person wants to enter a country, they usually need to apply for a visa from the government of the country in which they are entering. This visa allows them to stay in the country for a certain amount of time. Once the time is up, the immigrant must go back to their country. This is the theoretical and ideal method. Some people may stay even after their visa has expired.
However, why are illegal immigrants illegal? They do work, earn money, and spend the money after all. That boosts the economy and keeps it going. If it’s in America, they will have to pay for their own health care too. The issue here is that these illegal immigrants do not pay taxes. Taxes are what fund social programs and other programs that benefit the citizens. It is not fair to allow someone to stay when they are not going to pay the taxes. Would a hotel let you stay for the night without paying the nightly rate?
Like anything, there are always two sides and of course, both sides must be looked at. Why would someone risk their life to cross into another country when there was such a large chance at being found out and deported? As we studied in the Immigration unit, there is a large variety of reasons as to why someone would want to leave their countries. The most common reason is most likely wanting a better life than what the immigrant had had. This is the case for Celia. Working in a factory all day and not being allowed a social life or any other small joys was too much for her; the only solution was to seek out a coyote.
Once the illegal immigrant has successfully made it across the border, they may experience a small joy. But this quickly disappears when the immigrant realizes that he must continue the rest of his life on thin ice. He must constantly watch his back, his actions. One small mistake could alert authorities, resulting in deportation.
So is it really worth it?
Celia’s personal story that she tells to Matt is about her attempt at escaping. She had been working as a cook in a factory when she met a ‘coyote’, a man that helped people to cross the border into what is now known as the United States. However, the coyote left Celia’s group. When the group was finally able to find their way and make it down to the bottom of the mountain, the ‘farm patrol’ were waiting to capture them (141-143). What Farmer expressed through Celia’s story was actually illegal immigration.
Illegal immigration is a problem that many countries are faced with, however, it seems that the United States’ illegal immigration problem is the biggest of all. According the article that I found, it seems that one of the ways that people immigrate illegally in America is overstaying their visa. When a person wants to enter a country, they usually need to apply for a visa from the government of the country in which they are entering. This visa allows them to stay in the country for a certain amount of time. Once the time is up, the immigrant must go back to their country. This is the theoretical and ideal method. Some people may stay even after their visa has expired.
However, why are illegal immigrants illegal? They do work, earn money, and spend the money after all. That boosts the economy and keeps it going. If it’s in America, they will have to pay for their own health care too. The issue here is that these illegal immigrants do not pay taxes. Taxes are what fund social programs and other programs that benefit the citizens. It is not fair to allow someone to stay when they are not going to pay the taxes. Would a hotel let you stay for the night without paying the nightly rate?
Like anything, there are always two sides and of course, both sides must be looked at. Why would someone risk their life to cross into another country when there was such a large chance at being found out and deported? As we studied in the Immigration unit, there is a large variety of reasons as to why someone would want to leave their countries. The most common reason is most likely wanting a better life than what the immigrant had had. This is the case for Celia. Working in a factory all day and not being allowed a social life or any other small joys was too much for her; the only solution was to seek out a coyote.
Once the illegal immigrant has successfully made it across the border, they may experience a small joy. But this quickly disappears when the immigrant realizes that he must continue the rest of his life on thin ice. He must constantly watch his back, his actions. One small mistake could alert authorities, resulting in deportation.
So is it really worth it?
Monday, 12 March 2012
Round Table Discussion #3 - Character Playlist
This is our third round table discussion. In this we brainstormed ideas for the Create - A - Playlist challenge that we were assigned to this week.
Blog Entry #2 - Setting
“Eduardo moved his dishes, one after the other, under the lens of the microscope. The cells were perfect - or so it seemed. Each was furnished with all it needed to grow. So much knowledge was hidden in that tiny world!” - (Farmer 2).
This is the first segment in the book, it identifies that the novel is about clones. Since it is about clones it is evident that it takes place in the future and not in present time.
“He’d looked out the window where fields of white poppies stretched all the way to the shadowy hills. The whiteness hurt his eyes, and so he turned from them with relief to the cool darkness inside.” - (6).
The first real setting in the book that Farmer introduces is the little shack in the poppy fields. This is where, as the story explains, Matt and Celia live. We know that Matt is a clone because at the beginning of the book it says, “Don’t fix that one, said Lisa, hastily catching his arm. It’s Matteo Alacran. They’re always left intact.” (4). Since he is a clone we can infer that Celia is definitely not his mother, but it isn’t explained on why she is taking care of him. Since they live in a little shack all alone Farmer makes it clear that people hate clones. Matt has lived in this little house for 6 years and has never stepped foot outside. Celia advises him never, ever to look out the window and if he hears voices to hide. One day, everything changes. Matt is a curious six year old and hears the voices outside. He wanted to get to know the voices, so he jumps through the glass window. It is obvious why Farmer chose to outline the beginning of the book with this; it’s intriguing, begins to show the depth of Matt, and shows how much people hate clones.
“They started up a flight of wide, marble steps that shone softly in darkening air. On either side were orange trees, and all at once lamps went on among the leaves. Lights outlined the white walls of a vast house above, with pillars and statues and doorways going who knew where. In the center of an arch was the carved outline of a scorpion.” - (21).
Now, the next setting that we are introduced to is the Big House, or the Alacran Estate. Steven, a 13 year old, carries Matt all the way here from the poppy fields. This means that the Big House must be near by Matt’s house. Also, Celia has to go to work everyday but it doesn’t not say she drives, or flys so we can assume that she walks everyday to the Alacran Estate, or the Big House. Right now all we know is that Celia works here, and that three children are taking Matt to the Estate because of his injuries. They are caring and passionate in keeping Matt safe, until they find out. The doctor and the Alacran family learns that Matt is not a human, but a disgusting clone. They immediately throw him out of the house, but then are requested to bring him to take care of his medical attention.
“The room was dark except for a faint, eyllow light filtering through the bars of the window. Matt carned his head up to see where it was coming from. He saw a bulb haning on a wire from the ceiling. It was as small as the lights Celia used to decorate the Christmas tree, but it shone valiantly and softened what would otherwise have been complete darkness. He could see nothing else except the bed and the bucket. The walls were bare, ceiling high and shadowy. The narrowness of the room made Matt feel as though he were locked in a box.” - (29).
The last setting Farmer introduces us to is the little room. After the Alacran’s learn that Matt is in fact a clone, they make him stay in a tiny room. Rosa, his “care taker” (more like torturer) insists that he sleeps alone with no bathroom, no proper bed. They treat him as he is a animal.
“He sprawled over the pillows and pretended to feed the stuffed dog, the teddy bear, the rabbit. For a while this was fun, but then a hollow feeling began to grow inside Matt. These weren’t real animals. He could talk to them all he liked. They couldn’t understand. In some way he couldn’t put into words, they weren’t even there.” - (8).
Matt was used to living alone. Being stuck in the little room showed us how Matt dealt with the situations he was given. He did not know why people hated him, so there was nothing he could do. Since he was so used to being constantly alone; Matt was extremely curious and more aware of his surroundings. He would sit hours on end just listening to what is happening around him. When Rosa fills his “pen” with chicken feed, Matt begins to develop a rash but also finds bugs. He is so fascinated by the tiny creatures and how they work. He watches them grow and develop.
Lastly, Farmer had introduced the setting to be somewhere between United States and what was Mexico. In a country titled: Opium. The opium flower is a seemingly harmless flower which has tremendous amounts of power. I believe that the “poppy fields” Farmer introduced in the beginning were actually Opium fields. Now I believe this because: “I didn’t think anyone was allowed to live in the opium field.” - (9). As Maria stated in the beginning when the first spot Matt’s shack. As the story continues we learn at El Patron’s birthday that this country is ran by drug lords. They traffic and harvest Opium using Eejit’s as there slaves. Farmer shows us the dangers of addiction and obsession. If the world continues in the pace we are in, we will not live. Since the country is ran by drug lords, El Patron is obviously at the top. He is an extremely rich man who made money off of planting and harvesting Opium. This explains why Matt, at the beginning of the story, is taken to the Alacran Estate which, is a huge mansion. Mr. Alacran is obviously a drug lord also. Now because of all this we can assume that everyone that lives in the country of Opium either work for drug lords, or they are the one people are working for.
- Ashish
This is the first segment in the book, it identifies that the novel is about clones. Since it is about clones it is evident that it takes place in the future and not in present time.
“He’d looked out the window where fields of white poppies stretched all the way to the shadowy hills. The whiteness hurt his eyes, and so he turned from them with relief to the cool darkness inside.” - (6).
The first real setting in the book that Farmer introduces is the little shack in the poppy fields. This is where, as the story explains, Matt and Celia live. We know that Matt is a clone because at the beginning of the book it says, “Don’t fix that one, said Lisa, hastily catching his arm. It’s Matteo Alacran. They’re always left intact.” (4). Since he is a clone we can infer that Celia is definitely not his mother, but it isn’t explained on why she is taking care of him. Since they live in a little shack all alone Farmer makes it clear that people hate clones. Matt has lived in this little house for 6 years and has never stepped foot outside. Celia advises him never, ever to look out the window and if he hears voices to hide. One day, everything changes. Matt is a curious six year old and hears the voices outside. He wanted to get to know the voices, so he jumps through the glass window. It is obvious why Farmer chose to outline the beginning of the book with this; it’s intriguing, begins to show the depth of Matt, and shows how much people hate clones.
“They started up a flight of wide, marble steps that shone softly in darkening air. On either side were orange trees, and all at once lamps went on among the leaves. Lights outlined the white walls of a vast house above, with pillars and statues and doorways going who knew where. In the center of an arch was the carved outline of a scorpion.” - (21).
Now, the next setting that we are introduced to is the Big House, or the Alacran Estate. Steven, a 13 year old, carries Matt all the way here from the poppy fields. This means that the Big House must be near by Matt’s house. Also, Celia has to go to work everyday but it doesn’t not say she drives, or flys so we can assume that she walks everyday to the Alacran Estate, or the Big House. Right now all we know is that Celia works here, and that three children are taking Matt to the Estate because of his injuries. They are caring and passionate in keeping Matt safe, until they find out. The doctor and the Alacran family learns that Matt is not a human, but a disgusting clone. They immediately throw him out of the house, but then are requested to bring him to take care of his medical attention.
“The room was dark except for a faint, eyllow light filtering through the bars of the window. Matt carned his head up to see where it was coming from. He saw a bulb haning on a wire from the ceiling. It was as small as the lights Celia used to decorate the Christmas tree, but it shone valiantly and softened what would otherwise have been complete darkness. He could see nothing else except the bed and the bucket. The walls were bare, ceiling high and shadowy. The narrowness of the room made Matt feel as though he were locked in a box.” - (29).
The last setting Farmer introduces us to is the little room. After the Alacran’s learn that Matt is in fact a clone, they make him stay in a tiny room. Rosa, his “care taker” (more like torturer) insists that he sleeps alone with no bathroom, no proper bed. They treat him as he is a animal.
“He sprawled over the pillows and pretended to feed the stuffed dog, the teddy bear, the rabbit. For a while this was fun, but then a hollow feeling began to grow inside Matt. These weren’t real animals. He could talk to them all he liked. They couldn’t understand. In some way he couldn’t put into words, they weren’t even there.” - (8).
Matt was used to living alone. Being stuck in the little room showed us how Matt dealt with the situations he was given. He did not know why people hated him, so there was nothing he could do. Since he was so used to being constantly alone; Matt was extremely curious and more aware of his surroundings. He would sit hours on end just listening to what is happening around him. When Rosa fills his “pen” with chicken feed, Matt begins to develop a rash but also finds bugs. He is so fascinated by the tiny creatures and how they work. He watches them grow and develop.
Lastly, Farmer had introduced the setting to be somewhere between United States and what was Mexico. In a country titled: Opium. The opium flower is a seemingly harmless flower which has tremendous amounts of power. I believe that the “poppy fields” Farmer introduced in the beginning were actually Opium fields. Now I believe this because: “I didn’t think anyone was allowed to live in the opium field.” - (9). As Maria stated in the beginning when the first spot Matt’s shack. As the story continues we learn at El Patron’s birthday that this country is ran by drug lords. They traffic and harvest Opium using Eejit’s as there slaves. Farmer shows us the dangers of addiction and obsession. If the world continues in the pace we are in, we will not live. Since the country is ran by drug lords, El Patron is obviously at the top. He is an extremely rich man who made money off of planting and harvesting Opium. This explains why Matt, at the beginning of the story, is taken to the Alacran Estate which, is a huge mansion. Mr. Alacran is obviously a drug lord also. Now because of all this we can assume that everyone that lives in the country of Opium either work for drug lords, or they are the one people are working for.
- Ashish
Friday, 9 March 2012
#2: Setting
"The cells were frozen over a hundred years ago. They can't be as healthy as samples taken yesterday." (Farmer 3).
Reading that quote, I knew that this story would take place many years into the future. Now, why would Farmer write a story about the future? As we explore further on into the book, we can make inferences that Farmer was trying to allow readers to understand that consequences come out of everything. She writes about the possible result of our future if we don't change a few things in our world today.
The first location that Farmer introduces is the Little House in the Poppy Fields. (5) This is explained to be a small house in the middle of a poppy field where Celia and Matt live. For Matt, he has lived in this house for his whole 6 years and has never stepped foot into the outdoors. So, when Celia leaves for work, Matt always tries to stop her and asks her to bring him. Of course, he is never successful; until one day, his curiosity must be taken out and he breaks out through a glass window.
I believe that Farmer decided to introduce the novel with this setting to show that Matt was not normal. Being confined to this little house must have meant something. Matt was different.
Alacran Estate was the second setting that was introduced.
"They started up a flight of wide, marble steps that shone softly in the darkening air. On either side were orange trees, and all at once lamps went on among the leaves. Lights outlined the while walls of a wast house above, with pillars and statues and doorways going who knew where. In the centre of an arch was the carved outline of a scorpion." (20, 21).
With this description, I knew that Steven, Emilia, Maria and Matt were heading to a large building of some sort. When I was informed that the house had a giant outline of a scorpion, I became extremely skeptical and confused. As I read on, I then knew that this building was where Steven lived. It was a mansion with maids and servants. Then I came upon the question, why was Matt taken here? Steven, being only 13, carried the boy; which meant that the little house must have not been too far away from this mansion.
Farmer then unveils that the mansion and the little house in the poppy fields are in a country called Opium. I found it extremely clever that Farmer would write a book about a drug lord making so much money, that a country was formed in between the United States and what used to be known as Mexico. Drugs are very popular around the world right now, especially around the Mexico area. By using this kind of setting, we can tell what Farmer believes will happen to our future if we continue this obsession of drugs.
With this information of the country Opium, it seems apparent now as to why there would be a mansion that Matt was taken to. Obviously, El Patron; who made this country, is an extremely rich man from all the money he makes from planting and growing Opium. Therefore, we can tell that the people who live in this country are either filthy rich or are working for the wealthy.
Reading that quote, I knew that this story would take place many years into the future. Now, why would Farmer write a story about the future? As we explore further on into the book, we can make inferences that Farmer was trying to allow readers to understand that consequences come out of everything. She writes about the possible result of our future if we don't change a few things in our world today.
The first location that Farmer introduces is the Little House in the Poppy Fields. (5) This is explained to be a small house in the middle of a poppy field where Celia and Matt live. For Matt, he has lived in this house for his whole 6 years and has never stepped foot into the outdoors. So, when Celia leaves for work, Matt always tries to stop her and asks her to bring him. Of course, he is never successful; until one day, his curiosity must be taken out and he breaks out through a glass window.
I believe that Farmer decided to introduce the novel with this setting to show that Matt was not normal. Being confined to this little house must have meant something. Matt was different.
Alacran Estate was the second setting that was introduced.
"They started up a flight of wide, marble steps that shone softly in the darkening air. On either side were orange trees, and all at once lamps went on among the leaves. Lights outlined the while walls of a wast house above, with pillars and statues and doorways going who knew where. In the centre of an arch was the carved outline of a scorpion." (20, 21).
With this description, I knew that Steven, Emilia, Maria and Matt were heading to a large building of some sort. When I was informed that the house had a giant outline of a scorpion, I became extremely skeptical and confused. As I read on, I then knew that this building was where Steven lived. It was a mansion with maids and servants. Then I came upon the question, why was Matt taken here? Steven, being only 13, carried the boy; which meant that the little house must have not been too far away from this mansion.
Farmer then unveils that the mansion and the little house in the poppy fields are in a country called Opium. I found it extremely clever that Farmer would write a book about a drug lord making so much money, that a country was formed in between the United States and what used to be known as Mexico. Drugs are very popular around the world right now, especially around the Mexico area. By using this kind of setting, we can tell what Farmer believes will happen to our future if we continue this obsession of drugs.
With this information of the country Opium, it seems apparent now as to why there would be a mansion that Matt was taken to. Obviously, El Patron; who made this country, is an extremely rich man from all the money he makes from planting and growing Opium. Therefore, we can tell that the people who live in this country are either filthy rich or are working for the wealthy.
Blog Entry #2 - Setting - The Little Shack
One of the most important places where the events that occur during Matt’s young age is the little shack. As a child, this is where Matt spends all of his time. He is completely isolated, except for a cook, Celia, who lives with him. From brief descriptions found in the book, it is determined that the shack consists of a kitchen, a small crowded living room (5), two rooms, and a window. The one window is nailed shut, but it displays a view of fields of white poppies that are stretched all the way to the shadowy hills (6). In Celia’s room, there is a large saggy bed covered with crocheted pillows and stuffed animals (8). This is where Matt seems to find the most comfort. He likes to spend much of his time in here. If not, he will be in his own room that is decorated with posters of movie stars, animals, and babies.
Although Matt is living in a lonely little shack that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, the small gestures that Celia has made, and that Nancy Farmer has written, are all for the purpose of providing a feeling of coziness for Matt. However, these do not fool such a clever boy as him. The nailed window and, as mentioned before, living in the middle of nowhere are more than enough to tip Matt off. He knows very well that he is cut off from civilization and confined like a prisoner. Because of it, Matt is dealing with the effects; loneliness, solitude, and longing for company.
However, the feelings of loneliness, solitude, and longing are emotions. Emotions are something that only humans are capable of having. Later on in the novel, we find out that Matt is a clone and is treated like a scorned animal. What do these feelings make Matt, a human or a clone? Not just that, but this also brings up the question that so many of us wonder, "Are clones living beings capable of thought and feeling? Are they humans?"
The entire experience of living in a place such as this greatly impacts Matt in many aspects. Because of it, he is more curious, more aware, and wants to know everything. Matt is like a toddler taking his first steps. This also explains his attitude towards most of the events that happen later on in the book, such as his contentedness with being alone and having the rotten fruit, bones, and bird feather to play with in his chicken litter fortress. Matt was already used to being alone, and after some struggle with not having Celia around anymore, he became used to his conditions in the empty room (29). This is not the only scenario where we see his attitude deriving from his experience in the shack; other situations are scattered evenly throughout the novel waiting to be read.
Although Matt is living in a lonely little shack that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, the small gestures that Celia has made, and that Nancy Farmer has written, are all for the purpose of providing a feeling of coziness for Matt. However, these do not fool such a clever boy as him. The nailed window and, as mentioned before, living in the middle of nowhere are more than enough to tip Matt off. He knows very well that he is cut off from civilization and confined like a prisoner. Because of it, Matt is dealing with the effects; loneliness, solitude, and longing for company.
However, the feelings of loneliness, solitude, and longing are emotions. Emotions are something that only humans are capable of having. Later on in the novel, we find out that Matt is a clone and is treated like a scorned animal. What do these feelings make Matt, a human or a clone? Not just that, but this also brings up the question that so many of us wonder, "Are clones living beings capable of thought and feeling? Are they humans?"
The entire experience of living in a place such as this greatly impacts Matt in many aspects. Because of it, he is more curious, more aware, and wants to know everything. Matt is like a toddler taking his first steps. This also explains his attitude towards most of the events that happen later on in the book, such as his contentedness with being alone and having the rotten fruit, bones, and bird feather to play with in his chicken litter fortress. Matt was already used to being alone, and after some struggle with not having Celia around anymore, he became used to his conditions in the empty room (29). This is not the only scenario where we see his attitude deriving from his experience in the shack; other situations are scattered evenly throughout the novel waiting to be read.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Blog Entry #1 - Relationship Between Celia and Matt
“Mama,” he said without thinking, “tell me again about the kids in the Big House.”“Don’t call me ‘Mama’,” snapped Celia.
Farmer, (11).
In Matt’s early life from age 0-6, one of the most important people in his life is undoubtedly, Celia. Chapter 2 clearly establishes that Celia is Matt’s caregiver and has been in his life since his earliest memories. Only the two of them inhabit the little shack. When Celia must leave for work, Matt stays at home immersed in solitude. However, upon her return, she brings for him little toys and playthings, like crayons, then cooks him dinner. Afterwards, Celia performs the nightly routine of carrying Matt to bed, tucking him in, and lighting the holy candle that was situated in front of the Virgin of Guadalupe. “No matter how tired Celia was - and sometimes she almost fell over with exhaustion - she never neglected this ritual.”
Following this and other events, Matt is trapped in an empty room in the servants’ quarter. Once again, he faces isolation and lonesomeness. However this time there are much harsher conditions. Throughout the entire experience, Matt’s mind always wanders back to Celia and makes connections of memories with her. He even fears that she has forgotten him. “And gradually it came to him that Celia had forgotten him, that she was never going to rescue him from this prison. The idea was so painful, Matt thrust it from his mind. He refused to think about her, or when he did, he quickly thought of something else to drive her image from his mind. After a while he forgot what she looked like, except for in dreams.”
When Celia and Maria do discover Matt’s whereabouts for the first time, Matt doesn’t even let himself believe that they are real and not an illusion; almost like he's trying to save himself from the disappointment. Celia becomes outraged at Matt’s condition and his living condition. She even plans to seek a small form of revenge for him.
It is clear from the very beginning of the novel that Matt is the protagonist. Because the book is separated into chapters based on the stages of his life, inferring that Matt will also be a round, dynamic character is very realistic. When connecting Matt and Celia as well as the events that have happened involving both of them, it is blatant that Matt and Celia love each other with all their hearts. Not only that, but the two have a relationship that is almost like one of a mother and son’s. Matt is completely attached to her, keeping her in his mind throughout his entire experience in the prison.
However, an aspect that is confusing is Celia’s absolute refusal to acknowledge herself as Matt’s mother. She is everything to him but a mother, it seems. Why is Celia holding back? Does it have anything to do with him being a clone? Hopefully the reason to this is revealed later on in the story.
Farmer, (11).
In Matt’s early life from age 0-6, one of the most important people in his life is undoubtedly, Celia. Chapter 2 clearly establishes that Celia is Matt’s caregiver and has been in his life since his earliest memories. Only the two of them inhabit the little shack. When Celia must leave for work, Matt stays at home immersed in solitude. However, upon her return, she brings for him little toys and playthings, like crayons, then cooks him dinner. Afterwards, Celia performs the nightly routine of carrying Matt to bed, tucking him in, and lighting the holy candle that was situated in front of the Virgin of Guadalupe. “No matter how tired Celia was - and sometimes she almost fell over with exhaustion - she never neglected this ritual.”
Following this and other events, Matt is trapped in an empty room in the servants’ quarter. Once again, he faces isolation and lonesomeness. However this time there are much harsher conditions. Throughout the entire experience, Matt’s mind always wanders back to Celia and makes connections of memories with her. He even fears that she has forgotten him. “And gradually it came to him that Celia had forgotten him, that she was never going to rescue him from this prison. The idea was so painful, Matt thrust it from his mind. He refused to think about her, or when he did, he quickly thought of something else to drive her image from his mind. After a while he forgot what she looked like, except for in dreams.”
When Celia and Maria do discover Matt’s whereabouts for the first time, Matt doesn’t even let himself believe that they are real and not an illusion; almost like he's trying to save himself from the disappointment. Celia becomes outraged at Matt’s condition and his living condition. She even plans to seek a small form of revenge for him.
It is clear from the very beginning of the novel that Matt is the protagonist. Because the book is separated into chapters based on the stages of his life, inferring that Matt will also be a round, dynamic character is very realistic. When connecting Matt and Celia as well as the events that have happened involving both of them, it is blatant that Matt and Celia love each other with all their hearts. Not only that, but the two have a relationship that is almost like one of a mother and son’s. Matt is completely attached to her, keeping her in his mind throughout his entire experience in the prison.
However, an aspect that is confusing is Celia’s absolute refusal to acknowledge herself as Matt’s mother. She is everything to him but a mother, it seems. Why is Celia holding back? Does it have anything to do with him being a clone? Hopefully the reason to this is revealed later on in the story.
#1: Relationship Between Matt and Rosa/Dr. Willum
“Hold it down,” the doctor ordered Rosa. “Please, master. It’s a filthy clone, “ the woman objected. “Get moving if you know what’s good for you,” the fierce man growled. (Farmer 27).
From age 0 to 6, Matt has experienced every possible treatment. From Celia; the devoted caregiver, to the brutal disrespect from the young boy Tom. However, the most confusingly atrocious behaviours were given from servant Rosa and Doctor Willum.
As Steven trudged the blood smothered Matt into the arms of Rosa, her first reaction was to find the boy immediate medical assistant. Without knowing this boy, she had the decency to nurture him and treat him just like any other injured child. Nonetheless, when Rosa was taken back by the shocking news told to her by Dr. Willum, her attitude towards the boy automatically altered. Matt being a clone imposed many unusual behaviours placed upon him from numerous different people. Specifically, Rosa.
Rosa vents all her anger at Matt from her personal life. She believes that Matt is none other than an animal who deserves to live like an animal; thus, the reason for her decision to take away Matt’s basic necessities. However, as much as Rosa hates, disrespects and threatens Matt, she still has a sense of obligation to take care of him; almost a fear. Of what however? That is the question.
Matt’s reaction to all this brutal treatment is the state of confusion as he does not know why Rosa treats him with such cruelty. Still, he knows that there is something different about him. He’s a clone, something that people obviously don’t want to associate themselves with. However, why? Again, that is a question yet to be answered.
As Rosa has the responsibility of taking care of the ‘filthy animal’, it seems that she is also isolated and neglected by the other servants within the house. Therefore allowing the readers to make an inference that it’s not only Rosa and Dr. Willum who are disgusted by him, but also the rest of the population that all show an extreme hatred towards clones.
In addition, Rosa not being acknowledged provokes her to treat Matt with even more insolence. In a way, Rosa seems to be a static character who is introduced to represent the behaviour that the majority of the people would use to treat Matt with. Thus, we can assume that Rosa is just an irrelevant character who is a symbol of the future actions towards the boy, Matt.
From age 0 to 6, Matt has experienced every possible treatment. From Celia; the devoted caregiver, to the brutal disrespect from the young boy Tom. However, the most confusingly atrocious behaviours were given from servant Rosa and Doctor Willum.
As Steven trudged the blood smothered Matt into the arms of Rosa, her first reaction was to find the boy immediate medical assistant. Without knowing this boy, she had the decency to nurture him and treat him just like any other injured child. Nonetheless, when Rosa was taken back by the shocking news told to her by Dr. Willum, her attitude towards the boy automatically altered. Matt being a clone imposed many unusual behaviours placed upon him from numerous different people. Specifically, Rosa.
Rosa vents all her anger at Matt from her personal life. She believes that Matt is none other than an animal who deserves to live like an animal; thus, the reason for her decision to take away Matt’s basic necessities. However, as much as Rosa hates, disrespects and threatens Matt, she still has a sense of obligation to take care of him; almost a fear. Of what however? That is the question.
Matt’s reaction to all this brutal treatment is the state of confusion as he does not know why Rosa treats him with such cruelty. Still, he knows that there is something different about him. He’s a clone, something that people obviously don’t want to associate themselves with. However, why? Again, that is a question yet to be answered.
As Rosa has the responsibility of taking care of the ‘filthy animal’, it seems that she is also isolated and neglected by the other servants within the house. Therefore allowing the readers to make an inference that it’s not only Rosa and Dr. Willum who are disgusted by him, but also the rest of the population that all show an extreme hatred towards clones.
In addition, Rosa not being acknowledged provokes her to treat Matt with even more insolence. In a way, Rosa seems to be a static character who is introduced to represent the behaviour that the majority of the people would use to treat Matt with. Thus, we can assume that Rosa is just an irrelevant character who is a symbol of the future actions towards the boy, Matt.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Blog Entry #1 - Relationship Between Steven, Emilia, and Maria
Maria wasn’t at all shy about coming up to the window. “Hey boy!” she yelled, rapping the glass with her fist. “What’s your name? Do you want to play?”
Farmer, (15).
Chapters 2 and 3 were extremely important to the development of the character Matt. He was alone in the little house in the poppy fields until one day he heard voices. Celia had advised him to never, ever go to the window but because of his curiosity he insisted that it was necessary. To Matt’s surprise the voices at the window were children. Their names were Maria, Emilia and Steven. Steven was the oldest out of the three, Maria was youngest and Emilia was in the middle. Maria was the same age of Matt so she approached him and posed the question, “Do you want to play?” Matt was silent, he had never came in contact with other children because he was so used to be being constantly isolated. Then Maria repeated the question while the others debated upon whether he was a mute or not. They had no idea what he really was.
Afterwards, his curiosity and need to be around others was so great that Matt broke the glass window and jumped right through, cutting his feet on the glass shards. This was the first clear sign of Matt's personality - he was unpredictable. The children panicked and quickly carried him to the Big House. At this point in the story we don’t know anything about the Big House besides that the rich families live inside here and that Celia, Matt’s caretaker, cooks here. When the servants who worked inside the Big House saw Matt they immediately greeted him with sympathy and did their best to help him out.
However, once they figure out that Matt is a clone, they are absolutely disgusted. The children’s playful mindset turns to hate in a matter of seconds. It is a clear representation that everyone has been brain washed and taught to despise clones. If they are so despised, then why are they created? This is something that will be very interesting to find out later in the book.
Not only that, Matt is the clone of highly spoken El Patron. Only one of the children, Maria, still cared for Matt after they found out about his true identity. The others are now repulsed just by the thought of him and have all been warned to stay away. Maria, being the same age as Matt, can easily relate to him. When he was sent to the empty room in the servants' quarters and left in solitude, Maria was the only actual visitor Matt had. She came with food and her thoughts. Maria loved to talk, and Matt loved to listen. He was able to sit in silence for hours while Maria would be discussing some sort of matter. Maria made it clear that Matt was not a talker, but a listener. That night, Maria ended up staying over at Matt’s room. In the morning, she was gone and he was greeted by an angry woman named Rosa. Rosa was unable to stand Matt’s existence, just because he is a clone.
So far, Steven and Emilia are very flat characters; they have only been described briefly and make some appearances in the story. Readers do not know much about them except that they are children of rich people. After the accident, they aren't mentioned often either. Maria on the other hand is definitely a round character; we know much more about her than the other two children. She constantly appears in the book and Matt even has a small attachment to her; thus, allowing for the prediction that Maria will continue having a continuous presence and is a dynamic character.
- Ashish
Farmer, (15).
Chapters 2 and 3 were extremely important to the development of the character Matt. He was alone in the little house in the poppy fields until one day he heard voices. Celia had advised him to never, ever go to the window but because of his curiosity he insisted that it was necessary. To Matt’s surprise the voices at the window were children. Their names were Maria, Emilia and Steven. Steven was the oldest out of the three, Maria was youngest and Emilia was in the middle. Maria was the same age of Matt so she approached him and posed the question, “Do you want to play?” Matt was silent, he had never came in contact with other children because he was so used to be being constantly isolated. Then Maria repeated the question while the others debated upon whether he was a mute or not. They had no idea what he really was.
Afterwards, his curiosity and need to be around others was so great that Matt broke the glass window and jumped right through, cutting his feet on the glass shards. This was the first clear sign of Matt's personality - he was unpredictable. The children panicked and quickly carried him to the Big House. At this point in the story we don’t know anything about the Big House besides that the rich families live inside here and that Celia, Matt’s caretaker, cooks here. When the servants who worked inside the Big House saw Matt they immediately greeted him with sympathy and did their best to help him out.
However, once they figure out that Matt is a clone, they are absolutely disgusted. The children’s playful mindset turns to hate in a matter of seconds. It is a clear representation that everyone has been brain washed and taught to despise clones. If they are so despised, then why are they created? This is something that will be very interesting to find out later in the book.
Not only that, Matt is the clone of highly spoken El Patron. Only one of the children, Maria, still cared for Matt after they found out about his true identity. The others are now repulsed just by the thought of him and have all been warned to stay away. Maria, being the same age as Matt, can easily relate to him. When he was sent to the empty room in the servants' quarters and left in solitude, Maria was the only actual visitor Matt had. She came with food and her thoughts. Maria loved to talk, and Matt loved to listen. He was able to sit in silence for hours while Maria would be discussing some sort of matter. Maria made it clear that Matt was not a talker, but a listener. That night, Maria ended up staying over at Matt’s room. In the morning, she was gone and he was greeted by an angry woman named Rosa. Rosa was unable to stand Matt’s existence, just because he is a clone.
So far, Steven and Emilia are very flat characters; they have only been described briefly and make some appearances in the story. Readers do not know much about them except that they are children of rich people. After the accident, they aren't mentioned often either. Maria on the other hand is definitely a round character; we know much more about her than the other two children. She constantly appears in the book and Matt even has a small attachment to her; thus, allowing for the prediction that Maria will continue having a continuous presence and is a dynamic character.
- Ashish
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