Monday, July 7, 2008 - June Book Reviews

Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis

I had two thoughts while reading this book. The first was, "this is pretty darn brilliant!" The second was "this is utter nonsense!"  Throughout the book I was torn between those thoughts. Now that I have finished reading the book, I still can't decide which is the correct school of thought regarding the validity of the arguments presented in this book.

Michael Ward, a C.S. Lewis scholar, attempts to solve the mystery that has haunted Lewis scholars and fans alike for decades. The seven Chronicles of Narnia have no obvious organized coherence to each other, and scholars for years have tried to link the seven books with a symbolic theme.  The seven deadly sins, the seven sacraments, the seven books of Faerie Queene--all of them have been discussed until now. In this book, Mr. Ward shows what he believes the true answer--the seven books represent the seven medieval planets.

Sure, there is some interesting truth in what Mr. Ward has to say. For instance, Mars is characteristic of war, and Prince Caspian follows the martian characteristics pretty closely.  Other times, Mr. Ward is not quite so convincing in his arguments. Some things are too stretched for my liking. I have come to the conclusion that if a person looked hard enough, they could find similarities between any book series and planetary characteristics.

Is Mr. Ward wrong in his assumptions? We'll never know, this side of heaven, I suspect.  If you are a Lewis aficionado, you will probably find this book interesting.  Even if Mr. Ward is wrong in assuming that Lewis intentionally included these planetary elements, as I believe he is, his thoughts still give a new look into the Chronicles.  Perhaps they may help you understand the books a little more, in a fascinating new way. But is this the solution to the enigma about the Chronicles as Mr. Ward claims? I highly doubt it. 

 

 C.S. Lewis and Narnia for Dummies

No, I'm really not a dummy. I swear...and especially not regarding Narnia. So why I read this book, well...I just need to repeat, I am not a dummy!  

Now if you are a dummy regarding C.S. Lewis (not pointing any fingers, of course!) or even if you are a fan, you will probably find something in this book that is new. It's not a biography, or a commentary, or a list of books, but instead, all of that rolled up into one. 

It contains commentaries on each of his important books, as well as a biography on Lewis.  The commentaries explore in depth Narnia, including sections on Narnia and faith, complete with timeliness, charts, and other useful tools.  Other commentaries explore Lewis' lesser known (or harder to understand) books.  Finally, the book contains lists--from Lewis most famous quotes, to the books that influenced Lewis himself.

 This book isn't really anything new, but brings everything old together under one cover. It's  just a great reference book on Lewis that, if you want to read his texts, would be handy to keep near you.

 

C.S. Lewis' Letters to Children

  Delightful, lovely, informative, deep, and sweet--all these and more words can describe this book. It's a collection of letters written by C.S. Lewis from the early fifties until the day before his death.  Some are to his goddaughter as she grows from her confirmation to her wedding, and some are to fans of Lewis' books. 

What is most interesting about this book is to see the relationship between Lewis and fans unfold.  Lewis spent a better part of his mornings answering letters all his life.  As can be told by these letters, when Lewis received a letter, he not only answered, but began a new friendship. Fans wrote him not once, but periodically throughout the years, developing a pen pal sort of relationship. 

In this collection of letters, Lewis discusses Narnia, his life, literature, faith, and more--all for his youngest friends. The letters are full of charm and wit that is not lost on grown ups, however!

 

Brave New World

If I had to pick which book was the most interesting I read this month, it would be this one.  It was interesting not just in fascination, but in its purely terrifying way of describing that which we do not yet know--the future.

Welcome to the future--and the life of one Lenina Crowne.  She is a vaccination worker at the Hatcheries and Conditioning Centre in England. Here, she has the noble profession of vaccinating test tube babies (for natural reproduction is a purely disgusting function and never happens in this modern world) that are "hatched" and reared at the center. Remember, this is quite a different new world.

 Lenina vaccinates babies depending on their class.  In the future, you see, people are divided into main groups. The low class are manufactured with the same genetic material for pure economical use, and the high class are never twins, and are always different.  A third of all children are sterilized to keep down world population  As the babies grow, they are conditioned into accepting a standard pattern of behavior by hypnotists and other measures. For instance, children are taught to fear books (for they are the supreme evil) as toddlers by placing picture books in front of them, then giving them a slight"zap" using the electric floor method.  As they grow older, children are taken to hospitals, where they spend time with the dying and are given chocolate in return, so that they do not fear death and instead associate it with joy.

Lenina is like any other girl in this world. She works, she sleeps, she eats, she takes soma regularly (a drug used as a hallucinogen), and she does not tie herself down to one man (no, that is repugnant to his society.  In fact, Lenina is considered morally astray because she has been with the same man for four weeks). However, things start to change when she goes on a date with a new friend--and he takes her to the famed Savage Reservation in New Mexico. This reservation, surrounded by electric fences, is where the savages reside.  Savages, of course, are what we consider normal beings--who live and reproduce under normal conditions. But in Lenina's world, that is completely unnatural--and repulsive.  These Savages must be kept under control.  However, Lenina begins to befriend one particular Savage--a young man named John, who is part of a dreadful secret. Lenina, though, is  more interested in the fact that John is satisfied with this despicable and disgusting life--living with his (oh, dare I say the word? After all, due to the nature of the family life in this society, the very word is consider obscene, and the most learned professors blush over it) mother!

Lenina and her friend have an idea--why not bring John back to England, as an example of how dreadful these savages really are?  Of course, their plan is only bound to backfire as John is shocked at the life outside the Savage Reservation. 

In a turning point in the book, as well as the character's realization of what a human yearns and needs from life, John rebels against current English society. In a discussion with the World Controller for Western Europe, Mustapha Mond, he says:

" 'I like the inconveniences.'

'We don't,' said the Controller. 'We prefer to do things comfortably.'

'But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin.'

'In fact,' said Mustapha Mond, 'you're claiming the right to be unhappy.'

'All right then,' said the Savage defiantly, 'I'm claiming the right to be unhappy.'

'Not to mention the right to grow old and ugly and impotent; the right to have syphilis and cancer; the right to have too little to eat; the right to be lousy; the right to live in constant apprehension of what may happen tomorrow; the right to catch typhoid; the right to be tortured by unspeakable pains of every kind.' There was a long silence.

'I claim them all,' said the Savage at last."

In his preface, Mr. Huxley states that his portrayal of such a hideous, immoral world wasn't as far into the future as he originally projected.

"Today it seems quite possible that the horror may be upon us within a single century." That single century is almost over--how close are we now?

   

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Although Brave New World was the most interesting book I read this month, this one was my absolute favorite. In case you haven't noticed by now, I have a horrible obsession with Oscar Wilde. So it was only natural that I put away his short stories (for a time, as you'll see in a few paragraphs!) , poems, and plays, and pick up the only novel he ever wrote.

In a "Jekyll-and-Hyde" type story, Dorian Gray is a kind young man who was blessed with a beautiful face (and I just realized how stupid that sounds. Hang in there, it gets better!) One of his friends, an accomplished artist, asks to paint his picture. Dorian acquiesces, but upon seeing his picture, he yearns that the picture of himself would grow old, and he would stay young, instead of the opposite, which by all natural causes would happen. Be careful what you wish for, Dorian!

Dorian meets and falls in love with a beautiful actress, but circumstances force him to cruelly leave her. When he returns to his home, he finds the painting of himself to be altered.  Now, he can just begin to see a touch of evil in the once pure face. Under the influence of a not-so-pure friend, Dorian begins to travel a road of debauchery, yet remaining young and pure in looks, while his portrait grows ever more ugly, old, and cruel. He lives in fear that someone will discover his portrait--and by doing so, find out his true character. It all climaxes into a stunning ending--terrifying and hideous! 

 

Journey to the Center of the Earth 

I have to admit, this is one of those books that I always wanted to read as a kid, but never got to. So I decided to pick it up now, and...well, to be honest, I couldn't have enjoyed it  more thoroughly at seven than I did at seventeen!

Young Axel is the nephew of a renown professor, who has recently purchased a rare book. Inside the book the two find a secret code.  After many tries, they succeed in cracking the code, and find this message:

"Descend, bold traveler, into the crater of the jjokul of Sneffels, which the shadow of Scartaris touches before the calendas of July, and you will attain the centre of the earth; I have done this, Arne Saknussemm."

Thus Axel, his uncle, and a friend attempt to journey to the center of earth. Along the journey, they find new discoveries--from fossils, plants, underwater ocean, and even--yes, life itself!  Journey to the Center of the Earth is a fun adventure story, with lots of twists and turns (much like the path to the center of the earth itself!)--altogether, a science fiction thriller just like the ones we have come to expect from the father of science fiction himself, Jules Verne!

 

Oscar Wilde short stories:

Told you there would be more of Mr. Wilde coming up. I read three of his short stories this month, all of which were full of his usual wit and charm!

The Happy Prince

This is a very strange story--strange because it is so definitely symbolic.The protagonist in the story is actually a jeweled statue that overlooks the city. A bird rests on him, and ends up watching the injustice throughout the city with the statute. The bird then must take all the jewels from the statue and use them to help those in need--but at a price. 

Lord Arthur Savile's Crime

The most interesting of the short stories, this mystery is the story of  a young man called Arthur. He is told by a fortune teller that he will be a murderer.  Arthur is about to marry, but realizes he can't marry a woman if he is going to become a murder. This leads him to try to commit the murder before he is married, and thus be married with a clear state of mind (huh?).  Of course, nothing goes as he plans as all his murder attempts don't work out. Is the fortune teller right, or was he merely using his position to make Arthur go mad?

The Birthday of the Infanta

Wilde was known for his fairy tales, including ones for children, and this is one of his more famous. It's the story of a hunchbacked, disfigured dwarf who is to perform at the birthday party of a young Spanish princess. Of course all the children at the party laugh at him--which breaks his heart--literally!  

Villette

Although her Jane Eyre is the most widely read of Charlotte Bronte's books, this one is considered the best and most critically acclaimed.  I had a hard time believing that, until I picked it up and read it. It's just one of those books that starts out fairly interesting, then gets more fascinating, and by the end, a favorite!

Lucy Snowe was raised in England, but because of necessity, flees and settles in France. There she becomes an English teacher at a girl's school.  She meets old friends and new--witnessing romance among her friends but experiencing none for herself.  That can be depressing for a young woman of twenty-three enough, but Lucy is also being 'haunted" by a mysterious nun. On top of that, she must put up with the school's literature teacher--a Frenchman who never ceases to annoy her!

 My favorite part, actually, though, was just half of one single chapter. In it, Lucy, who is dealing with her feelings for said Frenchman, must put up not only with his nuisances, but also the fact that they share a different view of God. That, of course would harm any relationship they could have, Lucy believes. You see, the Frenchman, M. Paul, is of course Catholic, while Lucy is a heretic-- a Protestant. This difference leads to some very thought provoking discussions between M. Paul and Lucy about faith and the church itself--a discussion which is possibly more relevant now than it was when the book was first published in 1856. If you can't read the book, this one chapter is worth reading!  

The book is also filled with unforgettable characters.  Each one has such different and unique qualities--just like people we do or could know in our own lives!

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - In which Caspian learns about the Old Narnians....

Earthling, along with the help of Youtube and NarniaWeb, is proud to present

Two exclusive clips from the blockbuster movie

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

 

Yes, you heard it right, my friends.  Below are two clips from Prince Caspian that did not make it to the movie. Although we have heard about a few edits that will hopefully appear on any future DVD's to come, these are two that have been released, as they were included in the Prince Caspian video game.  A lovely fan was kind enough to share them with us, so here goes:

 

I really like these clips, and I hope they appear in the extended edition of the dvd, or at least in the deleted scenes. I understand why they aren't in the movie, as there really is no perfect place to fit them and may not make sense to non-book fans. However, I think they are very meaningful for book fans, and they do a fantastic job setting up Caspian.  Plus, more Professor time is always good! I feel these two clips really help set up the story, plus capture the spirit of the books--and the awe that Caspian felt over discovering the Old Narnians were, indeed, real!

Enjoy!

 

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Monday, June 2, 2008 - May Book Reviews

 

The Old Man and the Sea

Yes, I know it won a Pulitzer Prize. I know it practically gave Hemingway the Nobel Prize. I know it pushed his career forward. I know it is supposed to be some great gripping, emotional story.

And for me, I thought it was pretty overrated. It wasn't bad--it was fun to read. The thing was, though, that I had really high expectations when reading this book. I don't feel like they were meant.

Perhaps it is the whole fish thing. I don't go for fish books (exception "A Fish Out Of Water", but Cat in the Hat books are always exceptions), no matter how inspiring they are. I don't care how deep people say it is, I couldn't even read Moby Dick. Oh, and I don't like seafood. I don't know if there's a connection there or not, though! My point is, I don't make a habit of liking books about fish. Call me shallow (haha!!!!).  I was reading up on this book and read the line that it is about an  "epic battle between an old, experienced fisherman and a giant marlin."  Maybe that's what turned me off. Epic battles involving fish just doesn't work for me.

Okay, but getting past my dislike for fish...the story starts out with the old Cuban fisherman and his young apprentice. The fisherman is out of luck--he hasn't had a good catch in ages. He sets off by himself one day, hoping his luck will turn--which of course it does. To make a long story (actually it's not, which is a plus) short, Mr. Fisherman ends up with the biggest catch of his life.  Of course, it isn't all sunshine and rainbows after that, because Mr. Fisherman has to avoid sharks and feed himself and deal with his hand cramping up and all those horrible dangers.

You know I'm writing this rather tongue in cheek. It's really not all that bad.  It just amazes me it has such a reputation.  Would I recommend it? Maybe. Not for the story itself, but just so you can say you've read this 'masterpiece.' Some books are just like that--they may not be all that great, but you ought to read them, just 'cause someone says you should. 

 

Return of the Native

I have a fascination for Thomas Hardy, and as this is one of his most famous novels, I knew I had to read it. While perhaps not as gripping as Tess of the D'urbervilles, Return of the Native makes a pretty decent read. 

Early in the book we are introduced to the five main characters. Diggory Venn is a reddleman--which is considered one of the lowest forms of occupation to the townspeople of Egdon Heath.  He loves Thomasin Yeobright, but she, out of respect for her aunt (who deems Diggory too below her station), refuses to marry him.  Instead, she is engaged to be married to Damon Wildeve. Unfortunately, their marriage is postponed because of a mistake on the marriage license, or say Wildeve says. Thomasin wonders if that is true--since rumor had it that her fiance was in love with Eustacia Vye, a wealthy young woman who moved to live with her grandfather in the small town. Finally, we are introduced to Clym Yeobright, who is the cousin of Thomasin, recently returned from Paris. He, as a younger man, had been infatuated with Thomasin. Oh, what a tangled web they weave!

Things become heated and complicated, until Eustacia falls in love with Clym, Thomasin and Wildeve finally marry, and Venn disappears.  It appears everyone is happy--but are they?  Neither couple is truly happy together, and realize how much they are hurting themselves and others by their haste and selfishness.

 

Our Town

This is possibly the most famous play ever written in America. It chronicles life in a small town in the early 1900's.  As the reader, we are treated to the ins and outs of everyday life in the town--from the daily newspaper deliveries to the birth of a set of twins.  The play focuses more specifically on the oldest children of two prominent families.

The play is three acts, and each one is subtitled according to its subject. Act One is "Daily Life" and is about the town life as well as the early years of Emily Webb and George Gibbs.  They are classmates and become good friends as children. Act Two is entitled "Love and Marriage" and continues with the more romantic side of the story of Emily and George. Finally, Act Three is called "Death," and is the final chapter in the lives of many town inhabitants, years later. 

All in all, Our Town is an interesting look into the lives of the small town folk as they question their place in the world. 

 

 Mrs. Warren's Profession

Despite the title of this Bernard Shaw play, the story does not revolve so much on Mrs. Warren's profession, but as to how her life choices affect those around her.  Because, after all, Mrs. Warren's profession is prostitution, and it has done nothing but harm her.

Bernard Shaw wrote the play as an example; a social satire. He wanted to show people that the women of the time were being forced into prostitution if they were single and poor. They had no choice, Bernard Shaw reasoned.  So does Mrs. Warren, as she tries to convince her estranged and more morally in line daughter that she chose the life over starving.  Vivie, her daughter, considers her mother's pleas, but soon realizes that her mother does what she does because she wants to, and enjoys the material benefits of her profession.  No longer does her mother need rely on prostitution for her living, but she continues to do so. Vivie recognizes this and is forced to turn from her mother.

Today, this is one of Shaw's greatest works.  When it first came out, though, it was banned in Britain--not because it dealt with prostitution explicitly, but because it dealt with the fact that Mrs. Warren did indeed prosper materially through it.  However, the audience, along with Vivie, realizes that prostitution actually did ruin Mrs Warren--if only because it destroyed her relationship with her daughter.

 

1776

Another Pulitzer Prize winner on the list for this month. When I first started the book, I was not sure what to think about it. Even a hundred pages into it I still wasn't quite sure.  Interesting, yes--but was it really any different than what you learn in third grade history? Now that I've finished it and had a chance to think the book over, I'm beginning to realize more what the book was about.  It took a familiar subject and gave it a different twist--not really learning anything new, but instead personalizing it. 

1776 is the story of the American Revolution during, yes, you got it, the year 1776 alone.  It's the most famous year in our country's history--because that is the year the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, that was also the year that war raged on and America was on the verge of defeat--until George Washington and his officers and soldiers stepped in.

Right, that doesn't sound like much new. The battles, the dates, the people--we know all that. What is different about 1776 is that it is told through the eyes of the soldiers.  Through letters and diaries and memoirs, the book is primarily made up of the words of everyone from George Washington down to fourteen year old "soldiers".  That is what makes it interesting.  The research that went into this book amazes me--all the quotes, all the words of officers and soldiers alike.  Many are taken directly from letters written between officers or to their families (and the author makes a point to say that Washington himself wrote almost a thousand letters in the year 1776 alone!), giving them a personal account of one of the bloodiest wars in American history. 

 

Anna Karenina

I had a very common misconception about this book when I added it to my list. I thought it was about, and strictly about, Anna Karenina. I had no idea that the story is actually the tale of several people and their lives, and that Anna only plays a part in the tale. And frankly, Anna was probably my least favorite part of the tale. Sorry, Tolstoy--I know you were crazy about her, but she's not all that grand.

The story actually starts off with Anna's sister-in-law, who finds out her husband has been unfaithful to her.  She is going to leave him, until Anna comes to visit and brings peace between her brother and his wife.   Anna strongly opposes both adultery and separation--she herself is in an unhappy marriage.  Despite her stance, however, she soon finds herself falling in love with a Count. Although she tries to avoid him, she eventually succumbs to temptation. When she finds she is pregnant, and almost dies, she, the Count, and their daughter leave their hometown together. 

Anna is eaten up, however, by guilt over leaving her young son.  Her husband refuses to let her have anything to do with their son since she left with the Count.  She finds her life exceedingly miserably, and even begins to question the Count's love for her, accumulating into a tragic climax.

There are a multitude of subplots going along, as well as the larger one of the character Levin. He is a close friend of Anna's brother, and is in love with Anna's brother's sister-in-law, Kitty.  His story is a more human one--full of struggles, but different from Anna's. He deals with spirituality, falseness, and eventually moves from the city to a farm. Along the way he must deal with his relationship with Kitty.

The themes of Anna Karenina ring loud and clear--infidelity leads to destruction, love must be faithful, falseness will not be tolerated, and truth and lies cannot go together. I'm very fond of Russian lit, so that alone interested me--and I found the actual story as pleasing as I had heard it would be.

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Friday, May 30, 2008 - Happy birthday, Howard Hawks!

 Howard Hawks just happens to be my favorite film director. It also just so happens to be his birthday today, so I thought I'd set up a little tribute to this brilliant fellow:

Mr. Hawks has directed some very well known movies; ironically, he's not very well known among everyday people--he has been called "the most famous director nobody has ever heard of."   It is rather sad, I think, because his movies are truly fantastic.  He had a special gift of insight into the human mind that he delivered to the screen more than any other director--of that time or this.

Biography

Howard Hawks was born May 30, 1896 in Indiana. When his mother fell ill, he and his family moved to Los Angeles. Hawks was born into a wealthy family, and had a variety of interests and hobbies as a child and young man. He attended Cornell University, but during his summer vacations in LA worked in the movie business.  He started out as a prop man, and Douglas Fairbanks was so enamored with his work that he continued to use Hawk's during breaks.

After serving in France during World War I, Hawks returned to LA and established himself as an editor, casting director, and other production jobs. Paramount eventually hired him as a screenwriter, although he wanted most of all to direct. His dream were fulfilled when Fox hired him to direct his first film in 1926. During the twenties, he went on to direct eight silent films.

However, Hawks did not propel himself into the ranks of a great director until his first break through film--Scarface--in 1932. This movie established the genre of gangster movies and continues to be a well loved classic.

Hawks went on to make many more movies through 1970.  He did not stick to one genre, although he did make lots of action adventure movies and  comedies.  His versatility led to such different films as Sergeant York, Bringing Up Baby, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Rio Bravo.  Hawks tried his hand at everything--westerns and screwballs, dramas and romances--and succeeded in every one of them.

Howard Hawks died of a stroke at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California--just three years after John Wayne presented him with an honorary Oscar. It was his first and only achievement in the Academy Awards.

 Characters

Hawks once said, "I don't think plot as a plot means much today. I'd say that everybody has seen every plot twenty times. What they haven't seen is characters and their relation to one another. I don't worry much about plot anymore."

Think about those words. How true...a great movie doesn't come from a good plot.  Plots are used and reused.  Eventually plots run out.  But characters don't--because people are all different. People have different relationships.  Hawks was able to grasp that in his movies, and for that I respect him more than any other director. He gave us more than good stories. He gave us characters that loved and hated each other--often, at the same time!

Hawks had some very interesting views on gender roles for his day.  At a time when feminism was growing, his characters threw the idea away as nonsense. Yet his women were not doormats, either.  They were a perfect blend--they weren't tough--they had their occasional girly meltdowns---but they were able to keep up with the men. Hawks drilled it over and over in his movies--men and women are equal--but also different. The Hawksian woman was named after him because he perfected her in his movies.  Like today, the strong yet still feminine woman was hard to find in movies, except in those of Mr. Hawk's.

Hawks was wonderful at portraying the relationship between men and women. He recognized that there is a battle of the sexes--and it's sometimes viscous, sometimes lovely, but always present. 

 

Actors

Hawks used some of the most top notch actors and actresses of his time--perhaps of all time. He made many films with Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper, and John Wayne.  Also, Hawks is credited with discovering Lauren Bacall--casting her in her first role opposite Bogie in To Have and To Have Not, which resulted in one of the most famous (on and off screen) couples of Hollywood.  He also was one of the first actors to recognize the talents of such famed actors as Carole Lombard, Marilyn Monroe, and Montgomery Clift.

Hawks encouraged improvisation in his films. He did not like the script to be followed--instead he insisted the actors add or improvise their own lines and moments. In this way the spontaneity of his films are incredibly refreshing.  They are new, original, and so much more real, as the actors must show themselves worthy of the role.  This led to establishing the acting of several of his stars as he shaped their careers.

 

Film experts and fans alike agree that Howard Hawks helped shape cinema like no other director. While other directors such as Hitchcock or Capra are more of a household name, Hawks' name lived on in the names of his movies alone.

A few of my favorite Hawks movies:

 Bringing Up Baby

His Girl Friday

Only Angels Have Wings

To Have and to Have Not

Sergeant York

Monkey Business

Ball of Fire

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Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - A New Age Has Begun

 

I was lucky enough to make it to Prince Caspian on opening day (thanks Dad!) with my family. I'm not sure if what I say can do the movie justice, because I'm truly wowed by it. I planned on going right home and start working on a review, but I was a bit speechless by the time I actually saw the movie. Trust me, it was all in a good way!

I'm going to assume that anyone reading this has seen the movie, so I won't spend that much time going through the plot or anything. Also, this is full of spoilers, so if you haven't seen the movie yet, you might want to check back after you have. Just a warning!

My thoughts in a nutshell: I absolutely loved it. I said before it came out that it would be way better than the first movie, and I now can say it is!

But I'm sure you want to hear more than that, and even if you don't, I want to tell you more, so:

Okay, I can freely admit I always loved the book Prince Caspian more than The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I did love that movie, though. However, even before LWW came out, I was excited for Prince Caspian. When LWW was just a rumor, I thought to myself, "Wow, that will be awesome. But just wait till they make Prince Caspian!" So you have to understand, I was going into this movie with very high expectations., from my love of the book and how I read it.

I can honestly say I feel like this movie was made for me! Hehe. But there were so many things, so many ways I interpreted the book (and that I felt like I was the only one), and they were all included in the movie. I guess that will be what I talk about first, the adaptation of the book into the movie.

Adaptation 

I have to make a disclaimer: I'm not one of those people who believes a movie should follow the book exactly. I want a lot of things left intact, like the characters and the theme. I don't mind if little things are added, and I'm all for things in the books being expanded onto the screen.

I think the power of good literature is the ability to read the book, to think, and to have your own interpretation of it. I think this is the power of C.S. Lewis' literature, in particular. Most authors give you the whole story to imagine. Lewis, on the other hand, gives half the story for you to imagine, plus you have to imagine the rest. That is the difference, and that is where the responsibility of a Narnia filmmaker comes in very seriously. Each person reading Narnia gets a little different interpretation of characters, events, and themes because of C.S. Lewis's more subliminal way of writing. Director Andrew Adamson was one of the lucky ones. He got to bring alive his interpretation of the novel to the screen--and we should not complain if it does not follow our own. Adamson was very faithful to the source material, while telling the story as he read it. There is nothing wrong with that--it's exactly what Lewis wanted. Yes, you may not agree with every change. However,  I can honestly say Adamson did a splendid job of telling the story that C.S Lewis wrote.  Not everything in the movie was in the book. But that does not mean the movie was not faithful to the book. The theme of Prince Caspian is there--even more clearly in the movie because of some of Adamson's expansions. The characters are there. The spirit of the book lives, and lives even more significantly on the screen then in the pages. That's because it lived in our imaginations first, then it went onto the big screen. Kudos for Adamson for getting what Narnia and all great literature is about! I know, from C.S. Lewis' own words on this topic, that he would approve.

Phew. I'll get off my soapbox now. I don't want to offend any book fans (as I am one). I can perfectly understand why you'd want it to be close--I want it to be close to the book. But I do think that enough of this book was on the screen that book fans should be pleased with what we got. If there are parts you don't like, ignore them. Fast forward. Whatever. Don't let it ruin the movie for you, though. Realize that you still have this magnificent masterpiece, that when you go back and re-read the book and think of scenes from the movie, that it is all right.

That being said, I want to look at a couple of the issues that I've heard fans bring up regarding adaptation from the book to the screenplay. I'm more positive about this than some fans, so I ask that you just read this with an open mind, and of course, comment/pm/email me if you want to talk more about this very sticky subject--and we all know I thrive on sticky subjects!

Peter's Character

I know many people claim Peter's character has changed, but I don't see it. He was like that in the book, although maybe not to such a degree. But then, nothing is too any "great degree" in Lewis's writing. He gives us the bare minimum. It was Adamson’s job to expand things in the movie (it's a movie, I don't think anyone would argue there needs to be more detail in a movie than in a book). He did expand Peter's character, but he didn't change it. In the book, I honestly saw Peter relying on his own self, not Aslan. He did forget who "really defeated the White Witch." He saw himself as king and leader--he refused to listen to Lucy or believe Aslan was trying to help the Pevensies. He thought he knew which way would lead them--by his own logic. The only difference in the movie is that this is expanded and carried on a bit more realistically--using it to show how he would react back in England, after being a man and a king, to being a boy again. That part wasn't in the book, yes, but it was an issue I always wanted Lewis to explore. Maybe it was too deep for a children's book, but it works in the movie. Over all, I think Peter's character in the movie brings out the theme of the book--faith--all more clearly and makes it much more meaningful that the way it was in the book, treated a bit lightly.

 Structure

I think its a no brainer that some structural issues had to be changed. Prince Caspian is just NOT the kind of book that you turn into a movie exactly. It's not cinematically written. It starts off with a story, branches into another one, goes back to the original, the two stories meet, break off again, and meet at the end. That could be terribly confusing on screen, so I think it was completely necessary for Caspian to meet the Pevensies early, which in turn made a few minor things change. But other way, it would be a bit boring. It worked in the book, which is more fairy tale, but it doesn't play so well on the screen. I don't have a problem with this, because any other way it would have just been confusing and boring.

Calling up the White Witch

This did happen in the book, but for some reason people seem to forget that. Yes, they didn't get so far, but it was happening. They took it a little further--we actually don't know in the book how far they got, but they did begin to "draw the circle up and prepare the blue fire." In the movie, it was handled pretty brilliantly, and so I for one think it's fine to change the scene. It just proves to show the seductiveness of evil and the characters of Peter, Caspian, and especially Edmund (talk about irony....but that's a whole other story!) even more.

Night Raid

Twasn't in the book. Not exactly, anyway. But there were several battles before the big last battle in the Prince Caspian book. They were a lot like the Night Raid--they were defeats for the Narnians, presumably (from what we can gather from the book's limited telling about them) because they weren't having faith in Aslan. Also, Reepicheep actually suggested storming the castle in the book. So basically, the lesser battles were exchanged for the Night Raid, but the same affect was there. The only difference was where the battle took place. Lewis tells very little of these lesser battles, so Adamson would have had to create a story for them anyway, even if he had opted to have them take place at the How rather the castle. Again, brilliantly handled, one of my favorite parts, especially how it relates again to the whole faith theme and Peter.

Caspian's Age

I've said it again and again, so I won't go into all the details and evidence I have, but I will say: There is absolutely no way, according to the books, that Caspian could have been thirteenish like people picture him. The age they gave him in the movie fits him best in relationship to both the book Prince Caspian as well as Dawn Treader.

Susan/Caspian

Yeah, I know. Millions of fans were squirming in their seats at this.

I wasn't one of them.

Now before you throw something at me, it's not because I'm hugely into a romance between Caspian and Susan. I just think it works. Yes, there was nothing romantic between them in the book, but they did have a connection that none of the other Pevensies had with Caspian--that of the horn. Add that with the facts that they are both attractive teenagers, he rescued her, and the downfall of Susan's character in later books...you get the idea. I actually think it is (especially because it's more on Susan's part and more of a crush than a big romantic subplot--and who can blame her? Caspian's the coolest king Narnia's ever had!) a great lead up to the Last Battle. We all know what happens to Susan there--and it sets up that character for her more convincingly. The next time we see Susan, she will have changed. This "Lipsticks and Nylons moment" (as my little brother calls it!) shows how grown up Susan is getting, and not necessarily in a good way, and is a good set up for her in The Last Battle. In that respect, that one little moment works. Likewise the same with Geeky Boy scene.  And if you still don't like it, get over it! Just kidding, but really,it's all of ten seconds of a two and a half hour film. It doesn't ruin the whole movie.

Susan fighting

"Where did dear old Susan the Gentle go?” some may ask. My answer is simple--in the books, Susan did fight--when necessary. No, that doesn't mean she liked it. I found Susan in the movie perfectly fine (I was a little worried about it, but it isn't nearly as bad as pre-movie buzz would have made you thought), because everything she did was to defend her siblings or Caspian. Lewis said Susan did not enjoy killing or fighting (which was shown in the movie by her protesting to the Ed/Trumpkin duel and her hesitation in shooting the bear) but he does show her participating in it when completely necessary. In the movie, Susan isn't a blood thirsty warrior or anything. She's just a queen who uses her skills, albeit reluctantly, to save her country and family.

 

Those are pretty much the big issues. There a couple minor changes, but I won't go into them. What are your thoughts on all of these? I know I tended to like most, if not all of them. I don't feel like any of them are such a big deal if you really look at them in relation to the book.

I guess I'm just trying to say that every change, expansion, or addition was done to help propel the theme of the book which is the most important thing the screenwriters could do. The spirit, theme, and messages of the book are still intact, and in some cases resound even louder because of the changes. I can honestly say that books fans have no reason to complain about adaptation issues, and they should definitely not stop them from embracing this and other Narnia movies to come.

And now one to other significant but not as controversial topics (how many people hate me now?!):

Special Effects/Cinematography

Cinematically alone this was a really enjoyable film.

Can I just give a shout out to the special effects team? I know that tends to get overlooked by fans of the books, because they focus more on adaptation and acting and all that, and forget how amazing all this stuff really is. I'm a pretty big movie fan, and I've seen a lot of movies over the years. I love watching and seeing how the special effects have changed over the years--and this one is superb. Even since Lord of the Rings--and yes, even since The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe was made, the effects have improved tremendously. The CGI characters--Reepicheep and Trufflehunter and the others--the way the different creatures fight and move, the River God, the gryphons...everything was fantastic.

The cinematography was also shot really well. They used a lot of really neat devices that really put you in the shoes of the character. For instance, when Caspian first meets Reepicheep, you are actually in the shoes of Reep in the forest for a short while (which totally reminded me of that scene in Return of the Jedi, but never mind....). The duel was also shot very originally with interesting angles.

Overall, it's a must see for a film making lover--yes, the actual movie is what matters, but it really helps when the cinematography effects, and filming don't just give you the story--they put you in the story.

Acting

I, personally, love the films that take no-name actors as the main stars. They are always the best. I wasn't disappointed in Narnia. Of course, we have the four Pevensie children back--Skandar Keynes (Edmund), William Moseley (Peter), Anna Popplewell (Susan), and Georgie Henley (Lucy). They were powerful in the first film, and I think they all have grown tremendously as actors since. And newcomer Ben Barnes (Caspian) is a terrific addition.

Of course, we got some wonderful performances by Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin (he's just perfect for the part and had the best lines!) Warrick Davis as Nikabrik (fun fact: he played Reepicheep in the BBC version!) Sergio Castellitto as King Miraz, Eddie Izzard as the voice of Reepicheep, etc. The lesser roles are every bit as important, so congrats to all of these for giving such a standout performance!

Yet I have to gush about the stars.

William Moseley (Peter)

Can you say terrific? William was great in the first film, but he just stood out in this one. In Wardrobe, I noticed that Will really shined in his emotional scenes--such as the battle and when Lucy fell in the river. In Prince Caspian, most of his scenes were heavily emotional, so he really got to show off his skills. There were definitely times when just one look on his face was enough to make me want to cry (I didn't though...almost, but I didn't). I can't say how much I am impressed with the talented acting of this young man. And of course it helps that he loves to do his own stunts! He really threw himself into this movie, heart and soul, and it shows.

Skandar Keynes (Edmund)

This fellow is hilarious. He's just Edmund, and I can't imagine anyone else being Edmund. He did a wonderful job, although we didn't seem him quite as much as I would have liked to. Skandar is just one of those kids that can really make you laugh just by a simple look or tone of voice. He did wonderful in the first one playing the traitor and more conflicted character, and he was equally as superb playing the grown up, more mature Edmund who now knows his place.

Georgie Henley (Lucy)

She's as cute as ever (but way more grown up looking!). She's grown up into quite a young lady, but she still portrays the simple child like faith of Lucy so well. She has really captured the spirit, the enthusiasm, the faith, and the charm of Lucy--while still getting in those fun lines that are so characteristic of the Lucy of both the books and the first movie. "That's because our heads actually have something in them!"

Anna Popplewell (Susan)

I think Anna is the perfect choice for Susan. I loved her portrayal as the big-sisterly, practical, logical Susan in the first movie. I never liked Susan of the books that much, so that's a big compliment from me! I adore movie Susan, so yay for Anna for being so convincing and making me like the character!

And of course, what you've been waiting for, the newbie...

Ben Barnes (Prince Caspian)

I've been keeping up to date on most interviews, and everything I've heard from and about Ben has been to my liking. He seems like a very fun, nice, and witty guy. Most importantly, though, he's a huge fan of the books, and actually expressed concern over some of the changes. He really wanted to cater and please book fans, and that is so admirable for an actor in the movie. That alone won me over on him as a person...but as Caspian, I wasn't sure, even after I'd seen trailers and all. He seemed good, but I was a bit nervous...

So I can now say with perfect honesty--he was Prince Caspian.

You have to understand, I'm a huge Caspian fan. He's my favorite character ever in Narnia, so I'm automatically going to be really hard to please with a movie adaptation of him. Ben totally lived up to my expectations.

I was a little concerned at first, from the looks of the poster and all that, that Caspian was going to be too action hero-y. He wasn't. Ben brought me the Caspian of the books--the Caspian that was noble, humble, reluctant to be a hero, loved Old Narnia, a bit naive and innocent, possessed a little bit of a temper, but always courageous and unselfish. That is the Caspian of the book, and that is the Caspian Mr. Barnes portrayed so brilliantly.

He did not steal every scene. He was even in the background at times--the character of Caspian wasn't shoved down our throats. That is what is wonderful--he wasn't so much the star, but a co-star along with the four kids. That gave him all the more depth, and made every scene about him more real.

Two scenes that stood out particularly to me--the two times he confronts Miraz. Once, in Miraz's bedroom, and once after the duel. You can just feel the vengeance and emotion coming out of his body--from the tears in his eyes to the clench of the jaw. It really showed the conflict in Caspian in a way that I didn't think was possible for any actor to grasp. I think that's something that sometimes we forget--the book is called Prince Caspian, he's the hero and all that, so sometimes we forget he's actually a Telmarine--he comes from the bad guys. It can't be easy for him to turn against his people, no matter what they've done.

Oh, yes, and his accent was lovely. I want to talk like that! "I am Preence Cahspieean!"

In conclusion, three cheers for all the actors for truly bringing their characters to life!

I wonder how confusing this movie must be for people who haven't read the book. It's hard for me to imagine, since I have read all the books. I think it was pretty clear....but there were lots of nods at book fans; things you'd only get if you read the book. Beautiful touches like the paintings on the walls of Aslan's How (Mr. Tumnus! aww!), Lucy eating apples at Cair Paravel, Edmund's torch, the bulgy bear sucking his paws (yes, he did! during the duel!), actual lines from the book (challenge participants will know I love the Wer-wolf speech, and it was just as chilling in the movie as it was when I read it aloud in my ultra creepy voice!)…they all just added to the storyline and made both book lover and LWW fans alike happy.

As someone who is truly a huge fan, I of course had to ask my parents what they thought of it all. My dad, who hasn't read any of the books, but has seen the first movie, thought it was good, although I don't think he liked it as well as the first. Mom, on the other hand, has read LWW once a while ago, and seen almost all the first movie but just once, loved Prince Caspian. That is really interesting, because she's not into that kind of thing at all--I couldn't even get her into LOTR. So I was really surprised, and happy (because it speaks for the movie) that she liked it so much. Her words exactly: "That was like a spiritual experience. There were about five times I almost cried..." and she's been raving about it all weekend.

Oh, that brings me to another point. The spirituality. Wow. I thought LWW had it all; but this just blew me out of the water. LWW was more about gaining faith, this was more about losing it, placing faith in yourself, and then re-gaining it in something bigger than yourself--Aslan. The whole Peter storyline and Lucy and Aslan....it just....it really was amazing. I tried to put myself in a nonbeliever's shoes when watching that, and I just couldn't get it...the Christian themes resonated as much if not more than in LWW. They were different themes, but they were there. I'm really speechless about it. I can say that Christians really need to see this film! Narnia is really more than entertainment. I'm truly pleased with this aspect, because I did not expect it to be so direct as the first film.

Did I have any disappointments? A few, but they are petty enough that I can deal with them. They aren’t disappointments so much for me, because I've read the book so I'll always have that, but I feel bad for the people who haven't read the books and only see the movies and will not be able to experience that.

My big three:

I admit, there were a couple lines from the book that I really really wanted to see in the movie. Some of them were included ("The tail is the honor and glory of a mouse" and the Wer-wolf speech) and others were not ("I was wishing I came from more honorable lineage" and "men going wild"). I know not every line can be included in the movie, but there were a few I really just wanted to hear. But, like Aslan said, I will "be content." Thankfully, there weren't too many super cheesy lines except maybe Susan's "It would have never worked between us" (hello, Jack Sparrow!) and "After all, I am thirteen hundred years older than you." Sheesh.

The two other things are a bit more major--first, I didn't feel like we saw enough of Edmund. I know this movie tends to focus more on Peter and Susan's relationship with Caspian, and Dawn Treader will be more about Lucy and Edmund's with him, so we will get more about him there. I just can't help wishing there was more Edmund. What was there was fantastic, though! I always got a big grin on my face with each of his scenes--I never liked him that much before, but he's fast becoming my favorite. I will say, I love how his character has evolved since LWW. This time around, Peter's the more obnoxious one (though I love it!) and Edmund really is more of a hero. Edmund becomes more of Peter's rock and support, and really steps up to the plate to become more kingly than Peter was in most of this movie, and yes, even more than Caspian. I just can't wait to see more of Edmund in Dawn Treader!

Finally, I didn't feel like Trumpkin was quite agnostic enough. He was cynical, but he acted like he believed in Aslan and the Pevensies, even if he felt like they (or at least Aslan) had abandoned them (interesting angle I never really thought of--how did the Narnians react to the Kings and Queens of old "abandoning" them?). I guess in the book he really had no faith, then gained it, but in the movie it was more like he had lost it or felt like it lost him. Both ways are interesting, but I would have rather seen him more totally in disbelief over Aslan until their meeting. He didn't have a lot of faith in the movie, though, so that makes up for it.

I admit, I'm very biased with this story. I've thrown a lot of time into Narnia--reading, watching, leading studies, etc. Perhaps that makes me a really bad judge over a movie that I have loved even before it was made! Yet, maybe not, because it also shows that I went with such high expectations, and was still tremendously pleased!

I think that's all I have to say....for now....but I do encourage you to keep the discussion going with me--pm or comment me and we can talk more about the movie (believe it or not, I could say a lot more!) and tell me your thoughts or questions. After all, sharing the movie is the best part!

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Monday, May 12, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Seven, Chapter Fifteen

Week Seven

 

Can you believe we’ve made it to the end already? Amazing! Thanks to all of you who stuck with us all the way through. The discussions were great, and I’m so glad everyone could participate! I’ve read Prince Caspian many times, but it certainly helps having someone to talk about it with. I picked up a lot of new stuff this time around!

Chapter Fifteen

Aslan Makes a Door in the Air

A lot is accomplished by the end of Prince Caspian. Miraz is dead, Caspian has been accepted as the true king, the Telmarines are defeated and dealt with accordingly, and the Old Narnians have been restored to faith. Yet the book still ends on a bittersweet note. Susan and Peter will not return to Narnia. Aslan says it is because they are too old--what exactly do you think this means.? What else do you think Aslan may have told them, since we were not privy to that conversation?

Aslan asks Caspian if he feels he will make a sufficient king. Do you think Caspian’s answer was a good one? Keep in mind the hesitation Caspian has shown before--with Miraz (“I don’t know” if I want to be king)?

Explain Aslan’s words that being a son of Adam is “honor enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth.”

Many of the Telmarines go through the doorway, but some stayed. We do not know if Queen Prunaprismia and her son are among the ones who stay or go. What do you think they did? If they did stay, how do you think Caspian would have treated them?

Now that we are done, what theme(s) do you see recurring in this book? We all read things a different way. What in particular stood out to you? For me, I think that it really boils down to the fact that we have these great men and women--Caspian and the Pevensies. Caspian is heir to the throne of Narnia; Peter is the High King, etc. They are all VERY powerful people. Yet, they alone cannot defeat evil (Miraz). It is not until they rely on Aslan that they are able to defeat Miraz. Thus, they must learn that, no matter how powerful and important they are, they are nothing compared to Aslan. He’s the “High King of all High Kings.”

Pretend you are one of the filmmakers adapting the book Prince Caspian into a movie. Would you change, add, subtract, or expand anything? It is sometimes hard to take a book (especially one that starts like PC does, with Trumpkin telling the story) into a movie. How would you like to see it adapted?

 

Assignment: Go see Prince Caspian! Okay, if you really want to wait till the DVD comes out, fine. *sigh* But I’d encourage you to go see it--support a good movie! And if you do, try and get your hands on a copy of LWW and watch it before you see PC. I plan on doing this, so that everything is all fresh and new! If you get to see Prince Caspian, come back here and let us know your thoughts compared to the book and our discussions, or do a post of your own and give me the link!

Prince Caspian Trailer:

 

 Again, thanks to everyone who read or discussed (or both!) with us....and see you in 2010 to start up with Voyage of the Dawn Treader! ;)

 

 

EDIT: Okay, guys, it's official. I'm seeing PC tomorrow afternoon, so be on the lookout for a big, long review from yours truly full of lots of spoilers (everyone run screaming in the other direction if you haven't seen it), my thoughts, differences between the book and movie, and lots more!

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Sunday, May 4, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Six, Chapters Twelve--Fourteen

Week Six

Chapter Twelve

Sorcery and Sudden Vengeance

This happens to be one of my favorite chapters of the book. The title alone is enough to draw me in!

Remember before when Nikabrik wanted to bring in the evil creatures to help, right before the battle? He was refused then. But now, he has somehow managed to bring in the Hag and Wer-wolf into Caspian’s headquarters. Caspian and the others do not see these creatures as who they are until Nikabrik proposed his plan of sorcery. Do you think Nikabrik crafted his plan this way? Why is it that the creatures at first appeared harmless?

The Wer-wolf’s speech is one of the most dramatic and chilling speeches from the Chronicles. Just read it out loud!

"I'm hunger. I'm thirst. Where I bite, I hold till I die, and even after death they must cut out my mouthful from my enemy's body and bury it with me. I can fast a hundred years and not die. I can lie a hundred nights on the ice and not freeze. I can drink a river of blood and not burst. Show me your enemies." 

As we later learn, the Wer-wolf *is* one of the enemies. Do you believe that the Wer-wolf and the Hag thought they were doing the right thing in bringing the witch back, or did they have ulterior motives in their sorcery? If they had ulterior motives, what do you think they were? Does evil ever present itself innocently?

Nikabrik states, “Either Aslan is dead, or he is not on our side.” Nikabrik must truly believe this, or why else would he try to bring back Aslan’s greatest enemy? I think Nikabrik, at least, believed he was doing right. He honestly thought that the White Witch may help the Narnians more so than Aslan would.

 

Chapter Thirteen

The High King in Command

“A kind of greatness” hung about Edmund. Isn’t that a picture? I can almost see him now--full of pride for his Narnia and his brother, the High King. I think he must have been afraid, as well though.

If you remember from LWW, Aslan helped in the battle at the end. He was almost always there to pick up the children and the Narnian army when they needed it. However, in PC, Aslan sends Peter and Edmund to meet up with Caspian on their own, almost forcing them to battle against the Telmarines without his aid. Why do you think Aslan did this, and what does it say about the boys?

I always laugh at Peter’s letter to Miraz. “To Miraz….sometime Lord Protector of Narnia and now styling himself as King of Narnia.” You might be tempted to skip over all the introductory part of the letter, but if you really read it, it’s quite funny. It’s a pretty smart alecky thing to say to Miraz--bet that made him angry. Miraz has so long been “styling himself as king” that he really thinks he is king, as do many of the Telmarines. But leave it to Peter to rub it in--you aren’t king, Miraz, Caspian is!

 

Chapter Fourteen

How All Were Very Busy

You have to love Peter’s attitude when going into the duel with Miraz. He was very cool and collected and realistic about the whole thing! In the last chapter, when Edmund asked him if he thought he could win, how did Peter answer? “That’s what I’m fighting him to find out!” Peter wasn’t calm about the duel because he knew he was going to win. He didn’t know. In fact, he particularly asked Edmund to give his “love to everyone at home.” The possibility that he was going to die was VERY real to Peter. It wasn’t lack of faith, in my opinion, but purely realistic. So what was it that kept Peter so calm about the duel?

We see Miraz as a fearful person. He was afraid of Caspian taking over the throne. He was afraid of Aslan. He was afraid of all the Old Narnian ways. Like most dictators, he was truly a coward, but hid in his tyranny as a safety net. How is Miraz’s death a fitting end for him considering how he lived his life?

  

Assignment: Read chapter Fifteen (just one. Aren’t I nice? But it helps that there is only one left! :P )

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Thursday, May 1, 2008 - April Book Reviews

Dracula

Well, I can only say two things about this book.  One, I hate to admit it, but vampires are actually kind of cool.  Two, I will always wear garlic around my neck from here on out.

Okay, maybe they aren't really cool...but they are definitely interesting. Wouldn't want to meet one, glad they don't exist in real life, but I'm sure glad they exist in fiction. 

Jonathan Harker is an English solicitor traveling to the house of a count, who he is supposed to do business with.  When arriving at the Count's Transylvanian castle, he is overwhelmed by a sense of eeriness that surrounds it.  Things appear even stranger when he realizes that he is being held captive in the castle--which is a demon hideout complete with spells and strange women.  Miraculously he is able to escape, though forever changed.

The Count is not done with him, however, and soon comes to England and terrorizes the women there, including Jonathan's own wife. Jonathan, along with his wife, friends, and with the help of a doctor, realizes that the Count is no ordinary being--he is a vampire.  Although he seems to be dead during the day, he is really undead, and at night ravages the countryside, drinking the blood of his unfortunate victims.  They do not die from this, but become vampires too.  Jonathan and his friends must stop the vampire (who can be repelled with a crucifix or garlic, or killed with a knife to the heart) before it is too late for his wife--and the rest of the world. 

Delightfully scary, this book makes Frankenstein look like The Cat in the Hat.  Not for the faint of heart, though.  Although most of the gruesome scenes aren't described in detail, enough is left for your imagination to keep you up at night.  Most of the frightening scenes, though, come from the climatic ignorance experienced by the characters through much of the book.  To them, nothing is going on that is particularly abnormal.  But we, the readers, know that it is something terrible--and that's what is so terrifying.

It's easy to see why this, as one of the first vampire stories (published in 1897), is a classic.  Yes, it's a horror tale. But it also contains interesting elements on spirituality, death, life after death, and God and Satan.

 

Crime and Punishment

I did a review a few months back about Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. I liked that one, a lot, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book truly surpasses it in so many ways--the story, the characters, and the literary style (which may have more to do with the translation than anything, but nonetheless...). It's very different from Brothers, but even more enjoyable.  I've learned a lot from reading his works....most importantly learning how to spell Dostoevsky's name!

Raskolnikov is a young, poor student, who, because of his circumstances, is forced to leave the university. After writing a paper and doing research on the subject of murder, he becomes fascinated with man's ability to kill another. His fascination ultimately causes him to commit murder.  The story deals with his internal struggles--it gives a look into the mind and heart of a murderer, and the guilt and paranoia he experiences. Raskolnikov must also deal with his mother, sister, and her questionable suitors without giving himself away.  It is extremely hard when he is pushed into the life of a young woman named Sonia, who has been forced into prostitution in order to provide for her young siblings.  Raskolnikov cannot claim happiness in his own life as long as he is eaten by guilt and fear that one day, someone will find out that he really is a murderer.

Raskolnikov is an extremely interesting character. He goes from proud to irrational to humble to fearful to cruel to kind throughout the book.  Likewise the lesser characters have are worth analyzing.  The themes of the book are also thought provoking--Dostoevsky deals with Raskolnikov's story from spiritual, moral, and social perspectives.

Castle of Otranto

When I first read this, I thought it was a bit scary...then I read Dracula and can call this pretty tame. Hehe! This book has become known to literary scholars as the first Gothic novel, creating a wide genre that now contains well known favorites such as Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Indeed, Castle contains everything that a Gothic novel should posses--supernatural ghosts, death, hereditary curses, dark mysterious castles, romantic heroes, women in distress, and royalty.

When the young son of Manfred of the Castle of Otranto is crushed to death by a falling helmet on his wedding day, his family is devastated.  His father decides to divorce his own wife and marry the boy's betrothed, Isabella, in hopes of having a new heir.  Isabella is opposed to this idea, and fears that Manfred will force her into the union.  About this time, things start to get awfully strange around the Castle.  With giants, ghosts, talking portraits, and mysterious blood taking over the castle (and don't forget a handsome young prince or two!), will Isabella be able to escape the clutches of the wicked Manfred in time?

Oscar Wilde Plays

I've read a bit here and there of Wilde's works over the years in lit classes, but I've never actually sat down and read a lot of his plays.  I bought a collection of his plays a few months ago....and now I cannot believe I've lived this long without him! He's truly the most brilliant and witty author I've read in ages.  I could re-read all of these plays many times over.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Ernest isn't really Ernest.  In fact, he's Jack.  But his girl, Gwendolen,  doesn't know that.  Ernest lives a double life--when he's in the city, with Gwendolen, he's Ernest. But when he goes back to the country, where he is from, he is Jack.  To make things easier, he pretends he has a brother Jack in the country to his city friends, and vice versus to his country friends.

If that isn't complicated enough, his good friend Algernon gets wind of his deception. Algernon, though, thinks its all a pretty good game--so he shows up one day in the country under the name of Ernest, pretending to be that wild brother.  Jack has guardianship over a young girl named Cecily, and Algernon falls in love with her.

Of course both Cecily and Gwendolen are pretty miffed when they find out what the men were doing....and it causes quite a few laughs along the way.   Subtitled "a trivial comedy for serious people," it's really a comedy of manners and a light love story that pokes fun at the seriousness of modern day society.

An Ideal Husband

This was probably my favorite of the plays, and by far the most wittiest.

Revolving around the irony of the title, this is the story of blackmail and political corruption in 19th century England. Sir Robert Chitlen is, too many, an "ideal husband". He is wealthy, famous, and influential. He is kind and loving to his wife, who seems rather bored by him.  He's too ideal, she thinks. Too perfect. Never fear, sweetheart. Sir Chitlen also has a horrible secret on how he came to gain all this power.  He thought no one knew it--but it comes back to bite him and he is blackmailed to keep it a secret.

Meanwhile, his little sister is becoming infatuated with the young Lord Goring.  He is not at all a candidate for an "ideal husband"--he is an insistent bachelor and a bit wild and arrogant. (and also extremely funny; I'm in love with this character!).  Of course, with a twist of fate, Goring must save the day and show that he really is the ideal man after all.  Appearances can be deceiving!

A Woman of No Importance

Gerald is a young man interested in the affections of the modest, almost puritanical Hester.  He has a rival, though--Lord Illingworth, his soon-to-be employer. Furious at the Lord, he tries to kill him but in a twist of fate (and a little help from his mother) he finds out that the man is actually his father.  When his mother was younger, she became pregnant by Lord Illingworth and he refused to marry her, making her a fallen woman in society's eyes.  Now that the truth comes out, Gerald tries to push his parents together--but this time around his mother refuses to marry the Lord (frankly, because he's a first-rate JERK).  How will this affect Gerald, with his new label as the product of an immoral relationship, and his place in society and with Hester? (and all you Hawthorne fans, yes, her name is a total reference to the Scarlet Letter!)

Salome

This play is a twist on the biblical account of John the Baptist's beheading.  Although some names are changed and the perspective is from that of Salome, the daughter of Herodias, it is easy to recognize the account.  Although a good look into the minds of the enemies of John the Baptist, the story was actually banned in England because of the almost irreverent perspective of the story.

We see the story very similar as it is in the Bible, except for some major additions--in this, Wilde explores the passions of Salome, Herodious, and Herod, as well as Wilde's own interpretation for the reasoning behind Salome's request (which is pure myth on Wilde's part, and not at all true as far as we know from history and the Bible).

Although it is purely a made-up take on a true story, this play really took a lot of creativity and genius on Wilde's part. It is not as trivial nor as witty as his other stories; in fact, as many of the Victorians agreed, it just often comes across as shocking.

  Lady Windemere's Fan

Lady Windemere was desperately in love with her husband...until another woman showed up.  This woman has blatantly taken over the Lady's husband's time, money, and love, it appears.  Lady Windemere is furious with her husband, and with the woman.  Not only is she heart broken over her husband's betrayal, but she is incredibly ashamed, as the whole town is talking about her husband and his supposed mistress. What the Lady doesn't know is that the woman that her husband has a secret with is not his mistress, but instead her own mother.  Things get complicated when the heartbroken Lady Windemere turns to a friend who has been secretly in love with her....just in time for all the secrets to spill out.

 

 

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Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Prince Caspian Challenge--Week Five, chapters nine--eleven

Week Five

First, make sure you’ve read all three chapters before you read any further here…. ;)

Chapter Nine

What Lucy Saw

This chapter, along with the following ones you read this week, are central to theme of not just Prince Caspian, but often to our Christian walk. I’m excited to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

Lucy is the first to see Aslan, but the others don’t believe her (except maybe Edmund). Why do you think Lucy is the first to believe, and why does Edmund consider what she has to say over the others?

Lucy makes a comment to Susan when she hears about some of the wild creatures. "Wouldn't it be dreadful if some day, in our own world, at home, men started going wild inside, like the animals here, and still looked like men, so that you'd never know which were which?" What is your take on this related to the modern real world? What view do you get the impression C.S Lewis had?

Chapter Ten

The Return of the Lion

Lucy says that Aslan appears bigger to her. Aslan answers that he appears bigger--but not just every year, but every year she grows. Although this could refer to a physical sense of growth (as we will see later on in the book), this also has a spiritual side. What does this signify? Taking this into our lives, does God (or the world) appear bigger to us as we mature spiritually?

As they continue to go the wrong way, the children find themselves becoming more and more miserable. You think they maybe are starting to question their choice of ways? I suspect Peter, especially was mad at himself for choosing this way. What do you think prevented the children from turning around and choosing the path that Aslan had shown Lucy?

 

"To know what would have happened, child? No. No one is ever told that." Aslan tells this to Lucy. This is a familiar saying of Aslan’s; it is the frequent theme in Horse and His Boy. Why is Aslan so adamant not to show what would have happened?

Chapter Eleven

The Lion Roars

Susan apologizes to Aslan and Lucy. She said she knew “deep down inside” that it was Aslan who was calling them all the time. Yet she refused to listen. Why did Susan choose to follow her own instincts rather than Aslan, when she knew it was him?

Peter doubts Lucy saw Aslan, because he “never used to be” invisible to them. Remember what I told you about Peter’s logic back at the beginning of the study? Do you see any other examples since then that shows Peter trusting in his own reasoning rather than faith in Aslan?

Did you notice the order of realization of Aslan? It is the same as it was at the beginning when the children realized they were being drawn into Narnia by magic. Here, the children saw Aslan in the same order--Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan.

I just love when Trumpkin meets Aslan. Trumpkin is such a skeptic up until this point (not unlike the Bree of Horse and His Boy, if you are familiar with that story! Remember when Bree meets Aslan for the fist time?). Trumpkin kind of reminds me of some people we all know in the world these days. They are often “intellectual skeptics” of our faith, and it takes God coming down to their emotions (Aslan coming to Trumpkin physically) for them to gain true faith. I can’t imagine how Trumpkin felt, though--guilt, shame, fear, and even excitement--because I think, all along, Trumpkin wanted to believe in Aslan, but felt that that kind of belief was unreasonable and illogical.

For those of you who are familiar with Greek and Roman legends, you will recognize Bacchus and Silenus. Although they have changed a bit from the mythology (they were far wilder--Bacchus was the god of wine and intoxication; Silenus his teacher, companion, and was said to have the gift of prophecy when drunk), they still have a bit of a crazy wild side. I realize they are celebrating, and are mirthful, but I may have to agree with Susan--I’d only want to be around them with Aslan!

Assignment: read chapters twelve through fourteen. Yes, that’s three again!

 

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Monday, April 21, 2008 - Watch the cucumber dance.....

I've been so preoccupied with the Prince Caspian Challenge (look below this post for an update on that, all you who are participating) that I haven't really posted a decent post on my own life lately.

Grant it, not that much has happened lately.  I hate this time of year in a way--so much to do in such a little time. At least in school--not quite to the point where I'm finishing up, just more like I'm just in the middle of all these big school projects in the next few weeks--and then...boom! end of May comes and ti's all over and I can breathe and relax again.

Hmm, updates....okay, last week was the regional Special Olympics swimming competition at the Naval Academy.  It's a great event...I've been coaching swim meets this season.  It's been a lot of fun and a great experience!  The competition went great--we had over 150 midshipmen volunteers from the Academy, plus, the dive team always performs for us. Of course my two siblings have been swimming for several years, and they did very well.  Both did three races plus a relay together.  I'm very proud of my swimmers--Stephen has made a lot of improvement this year and Lila is just adorable (I'm biased, yes) as one of the youngest and smallest swimmers there!  Lila got two golds and a silver, and Stephen two golds, a silver, and a bronze.

awwww:

 

 

 

 

In other news, I came across these youtube videos recently. Aren't they a hoot? You have to be a Veggie Tales fan to get both of them, and really you have to be a Bonanza fan for the one (yes, I LOVE that show. My favorite....I'm going to be Adam Cartwright when I grow up!...)...but either way, I had a good laugh over them!

 

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