Quarter Two Reflection

Overall, I would say quarter two was truly successful. Of the books I have read in the past, I finally found the novel that is most dear to me: The Giver, written by Lois Lowry. I consider the book itself so stunningly made, it is difficult to find more of a precise word than love to describe my feelings towards it. I have laughed, cried, and furthermore felt happiness, sorrow, and awe throughout every page I turned. The novel, I believe, by some means increased my way of thinking over the little things in life. It taught me the significance of memories and individuality. In addition, the novel also taught me that perfection cannot be achieved; in which I still have a hard time believe in. And most of all, I just found the story fascinating! Reading The Giver was absolutely an extraordinary experience.

Currently I am reading the novel Gathering Blue, written by Lois Lowry, for my 25 Book Challenge. Since the novels I have read during the summer count towards the Book Challenge, I would say Gathering Blue would be the ninth novel I have read so far. I decided to read Gathering Blue because it is considered to be a companion to The Giver in The Giver Quartet. In the future, I am planning to read the following novels in the series; especially the main conclusion of The Giver: Son. So far, Gathering Blue has been a pleasure reading! I am really looking forward to the ending of the novel and series.

I had to face many challenges throughout quarter two. One of my many challenges is that I am quite the slow reader and writer. When we were assigned tasks in which included reading a passage and a writing prompt, I would struggle. The time when we were covering our fiction unit with the novel, The Giver, it was an enjoyable yet difficult time. It took me a while to cover each chapter because I wanted to understand every detail and idea of what I was reading. Near the end of the unit, when we had to write over the theme and character development, I struggled because I wanted my essay to have stability and quality. Since we were given a small amount of time to complete the assignment, I felt as if I did not put enough effort into my essay because I was rushing; in which as a result made me stressed, insecure, and tired.  I would love to overcome this weakness by taking my time.

Life Is Beautiful

While viewing the film Life Is Beautiful, the protagonist Guido makes an influence on the films development showing that life is beautiful. One’s love for another individual makes an impact on Guido’s life, making him sacrifice himself for the people he loves. The heartbreaking conclusion of the film takes place while the war has nearly come to an end, throwing the camp into a state of dismay, turmoil, and apprehension. Captives are loaded into eerie feeling trucks, reappearing unoccupied. Guido and his beloved child, Giosué, escape their assigned living space. Apprehensively, Guido puts his son into hiding (inside a metal box) desperate to find the other love of his life, Dora. He tells his son to hide and stay put until it’s silent. As he disguises himself in women's clothing, he was caught by a soldier. However, as of which he is marched to his death, he and his dearest son receive one last moment of happiness. When he gives Giosué a wink and humorous stroll, the life is concluded, yet, for a beautiful occasion. Guido was willing to sacrifice himself in order to warn and save his beloved family, even if it meant a suicidal conclusion; meaning family/ loved ones is a beautiful thing to possess and is quite impactive.  

The beauty of life is portrayed throughout the academy award winner, Life Is Beautiful, by showing there is always going to be someone who will love you , take you as great significance, and care for you through difficult episodes. In the one of the films first dark event, Fascists attempt to harass Guido. In addition, he, his son Giosué, and their other companion uncle Eliseo soon are taken away to a concentration camp. While Dora refuses and demands she too must be taken with them, the Nazi soldier pauses the train from departing and lets her in. Dora cares so deeply for Guido and Giosué she is willing to join them to a place that is most likely bad; in which this shows that her love for her family is endless and will care for them through difficult times, which is outstandingly beautiful.

Humor is shown in various ways in the film Life Is Beautiful. The films opening is shown to be quite humorous, when the protagonists best friend, Ferruccio, makes an effort to repair his vehicle, Guido’s future is changed when a women (Dora)  literally falls from above into his arms calling her princess. Throughout the prologue, they meat in several surprising occasions. In each series of events, Guido is shown making a handful of humorous comments and actions, determining he has a truly extraordinary persona.  At Dora’s engagement party to (a man she does not love) Amico, Guido appears with a horse which has graffiti written upon it, taking the love of his life away to where they will spend many joyful years. Eventually, they have a son named Giosué who is to have the same extraordinary personality. Guido makes a big impact on the films humor throughout the film. His personal humorous self earned him the love of his life and a glorious child, making a family filled with love, happiness, and humor.

Even in the film’s most suspenseful moments Guido still makes an effort to bring the film a humorous aspect. In the darker turn of events, when Guido and is son Giosué are taken to a concentration camp, Giosué is told by his father that this is a some sort of game with explicit rules: not cry or pout, obey all rules, and not ask for mother. The “game” works by gaining points; if an individual is the first to win 1,000 points, they’ll be bestowed 1st place and win the grand prize: a tank. If one breaks the rules you will be disqualified. The despairing series of events the film offers viewers always consist Guido’s humorous self making an appearance, especially when he refers to the concentration camp as a simple “game” to Giosué; not wanting his son to know the reality of the prison.