Paeng

[lantryllandreinatch-balay]

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

"The Lottery" is a short story written by Shirley Jackson in 1948 on The New Yorker. It follows the story of Mrs. Hutchinson, who unluckily "won" the lottery.

The story goes as a normal story, with Mrs. Hutchinson being late for the lottery, and the people getting excited on the draw. Nothing wrong about it. But the turn of events started when Mrs. Hutchinson's family was picked, and we can see that Mrs. Hutchinson was not happy. "How can she not be? It's a lottery!", that's what we think. But the lottery is actually not good. Every year, they pick a person who will be thrown stones into until they die. This is a tradition for a "good harvest". Unfortunately, Mrs. Hutchinson was the unlucky one, and the story ended with people, even the children, stoning her, until she died.

Now, I can relate to Mrs. Hutchinson among all the characters in the story, especially in the mindset of "If it's not me, I don't care." Sometimes in life, we feel bad for others when they are in a difficult situation, but deep inside, we’re relieved that we aren’t the ones suffering. Mrs. Hutchinson didn’t really care about the lottery at first; she just went along with it because it was a tradition. Similarly, we go through life every day, following routines, not knowing what lies ahead. But when the worst suddenly happens to us, just like it did to her, we feel overwhelmed and start to stress out, realizing how quickly our perspective can change.

In conclusion, Mrs. Hutchinson's character reflects a common human tendency to remain indifferent to injustices or hardships until it personally affect them. The story highlights the importance of empathy, putting yourself in the shoes of other people.

[lantryllandreinatch-balay]

Musée de Beaux Arts

Musée de Beaux Arts is a 23-line poem written by W.H. Auden in 1938. This poem showcases the style of ekphrasis, a representation of a visual presentation. It talks about how life goes on for people without worrying about the suffering of others. It also talks about the fall of Icarus, while attempting to fly towards the sun, his wings melted. But the plowman, and his kid, haven't noticed them.

If I can relate myself into one of the characters, I will pick the plowman. Like him, I don't notice what happens to other people. I have my own problems, and things to do. I tend to focus only to myself. But in reality, it is sad to see that people experience hardships throughout life while we enjoy our own moment.

But we can't really blame ourselves. We too have our own battles that others don't really care about. What's important is we face our challenges and find a way to win it.

[lantryllandreinatch-balay]

like a stoplight, you will have your time to go.

[lantryllandreinatch-balay]

The Lord of the Flies

The Lord of the Flies is a 1954 novel of British author William Golding. The plot concerns a group of British boys who are stranded on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempts to govern themselves. The novel's themes include morality, leadership, and the tension between civility and chaos.

The character I observed that I can relate to is Simon. Simon is a shy, sensitive boy in the group. Simon, in some ways the only naturally “good” character on the island, behaves kindly toward the younger boys and is willing to work for the good of their community. His gentle nature and moral clarity set him apart from the other boys on the island, and in many ways, I find myself connecting with his character and the values he represents.

Simon is perhaps the most compassionate character in the novel. He is the one who helps the younger boys when they are afraid, offering them fruit and comfort. This quiet sense of care for others is something I relate to. While I may not always be the loudest voice in a room, I often find myself drawn to acts of kindness, especially when others are in need. For example, I remembered once when my classmate was crying because her PowerPoint Presentation was not finished on the day of the reporting. I stepped up and helped her and I finished it on time. She was happy and thankful. I’m just happy to help.

Even though Simon is soft-spoken and often keeps to himself, he is the only boy with the courage to confront the true source of the group’s fear. His bravery in facing the "Lord of the Flies" symbolizes his desire to seek truth, no matter the cost. I relate to this aspect of Simon's character because I, too, value standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or when others may not understand. It can be challenging to go against others or voice out an opinion that isn't popular, but like Simon, I believe that sometimes doing the right thing requires quiet courage.

Simon’s character may be subtle, but his inner strength, compassion, and moral make him one of the most important characters in Lord of the Flies. Simon’s tragic ending serves as a reminder that the struggle between good and evil is always present, both in society and within ourselves, and it is up to us to choose which side we embrace.

[lantryllandreinatch-balay]

The Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales is a fictional work, containing a collection of stories and tales told by different people. It all began during a pilgrimage; a travel to a holy place, where they decide to have a storytelling contest to not get bored, and whoever tells the best story, wins a delicious meal. The tale has many characters, ranging from the Noble Class, and the Lower Social Class.

My favorite character in the story that I think I can relate to, is the Cleric. In the tale, the Cleric stands out as a humble and intellectual figure devoted to his studies. His character is introduced in The General Prologue, where Chaucer describes him as a serious young man who would rather spend his money on books than on fine clothes or food. His passion for learning and teaching resonates with me in many ways. The Cleric is portrayed as someone who values knowledge above material wealth, a sentiment that I relate to deeply. As a student myself, I find his dedication to education inspiring. Though he is poor, he is rich in learning and intellectual pursuits, and I often feel that same drive to immerse myself in my studies despite challenges. Just like the Cleric, who would "gladly learn and gladly teach," I have a passion for sharing knowledge and making a difference through education. His simplicity and quiet commitment to intellectual growth are qualities that I aspire to.

In conclusion, the Cleric represents a balance between the love for knowledge and the challenge of living in a materialistic world, a balance that I too am learning to navigate as a student. His dedication to learning and quiet perseverance remind me that intellectual and personal growth are journeys worth pursuing, even when the rewards aren't immediately visible.