Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games should not be a banned book! So many books in American Public Schools have been banned because of their "inappropriate" information in them. Don't let The Hunger Games be declared one of these books. This book has such a great message in it, and one main one that I see it courage. Courage is what makes us who we are. The amount of courage a person has decides what risks happen in their lives. Courage could even save lives. A great example of this is when Katniss and Peeta were going to kill themselves. “If Peeta and I were both to die, or they thought we were....My fingers fumble with the pouch on my belt, freeing it. Peeta sees it and his hand clamps on my wrist. "No, I won't let you." "Trust me," I whisper. He holds my gaze for a long moment then lets go. I loosen the top of the pouch and pour a few spoonfuls of berries into his palm. Then I fill my own. "On the count of three?" Peeta leans down and kisses me once, very gently. "The count of three," he says. We stand, our backs pressed together, our empty hands locked tight. "Hold them out. I want everyone to see," he says. I spread out my fingers, and the dark berries glisten in the sun. I give Peeta's hand one last squeeze as a signal, as a good-bye, and we begin counting. "One." Maybe I'm wrong. "Two." Maybe they don't care if we both die. "Three!" It's too late to change my mind. I lift my hand to my mouth taking one last look at the world. The berries have just passed my lips when the trumpets begin to blare. The frantic voice of Claudius Templesmith shouts above them. "Stop! Stop! Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present the victors of the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark! I give you - the tributes of District 12!” This book teaches readers how to live their lives. It teaches the important life skills. It teaches the values of life.
The Hunger Games
Okay, I understand that The Hunger Games is a young adult book and that the book is violent. At this stage, young adults handle different situations not the same. I believe that most young adults can handle the violence, since many of them are mature. I feel that The Hunger Games is not worth banning because of a few kids who can not handle it. The back cover of the book clearly explains what the book about, and it's violent nature. If someone can't handle it, they should be able to choose not to read. This great book should not be ruined.
A big reason why The Hunger Games should not be banned is that it has a sweetness to it. It shows the little things in life, and Katniss Everdeen is a great example of this. It took her awhile, but she did end up noticing the innocence of Peeta Mellmark. In the book, she says, “And then he gives me a smile that just seems so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness that unexpected warmth rushes through me.” Sometimes in life we just need to slow down and notice the small things. If we don't, our society will be heading right toward the one like in Fahrenheit 451. I think this puts all the readers of The Hunger Games into a better state of mind. Since children are affected by everything in their lives, of course books are involved in this. The Hunger Games will most likely rub off on the younger generation. Another quote that proves this point is what Katniss said about kind people. The quote says, “Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there.” Also, “But because two can play at this game, I stand on tiptoe and kiss his cheek. Right on his bruise. ”
The Hunger Games also shows how to have compassion for other people. Katniss says, “And while I was talking, the idea of actually losing Peeta hit me again and I realized how much I don't want him to die. And it's not about the sponsors. And it's not about what will happen when we get home. And it's not just that I don't want to be alone. It's him. I do not want to lose the boy with the bread.” She realized right there and then how important Peeta is, and how sweet he is. She really wanted to save him.
A big reason why The Hunger Games should not be banned is that it has a sweetness to it. It shows the little things in life, and Katniss Everdeen is a great example of this. It took her awhile, but she did end up noticing the innocence of Peeta Mellmark. In the book, she says, “And then he gives me a smile that just seems so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness that unexpected warmth rushes through me.” Sometimes in life we just need to slow down and notice the small things. If we don't, our society will be heading right toward the one like in Fahrenheit 451. I think this puts all the readers of The Hunger Games into a better state of mind. Since children are affected by everything in their lives, of course books are involved in this. The Hunger Games will most likely rub off on the younger generation. Another quote that proves this point is what Katniss said about kind people. The quote says, “Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there.” Also, “But because two can play at this game, I stand on tiptoe and kiss his cheek. Right on his bruise. ”
The Hunger Games also shows how to have compassion for other people. Katniss says, “And while I was talking, the idea of actually losing Peeta hit me again and I realized how much I don't want him to die. And it's not about the sponsors. And it's not about what will happen when we get home. And it's not just that I don't want to be alone. It's him. I do not want to lose the boy with the bread.” She realized right there and then how important Peeta is, and how sweet he is. She really wanted to save him.
Harry Potter and The Hunger Games
Surbhi, will you look at this. Our blog has come to an end! I really learned to love these books, I think they will remain some of my favorites for a long time. They have great values inside of them. In the Hunger Games, fame and fortune is sought after like it is the only important thing in the world. It is not that, a quote in The Hunger Games says, “Winning means fame and fortune.Losing means certain death.The Hunger Games have begun…” This quote almost seems to make fun of it all, that you shouldn't trust it. The Hunger Games also shows how to be your own person. How to be an individual. Someone who values their personal morals. Peeta says a a great quote in The Hunger Games, "Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games." Peeta isn't going to let himself be owned by the government. And he's not going to let anyone tell him who he is going to be. He told Katniss in The Hunger Games that he wasn't going to kill anyone. He wasn't going to let the capitol corupt him, and he didn't let them. He accidently killed Foxface with the berries, but the capitol didn't force him to do that.
In Harry Potter, everyone loves Dumbeldore, and I believe the readers are influenced by him too. So I think when he says a great statement, people will listen. In chapter twelve of Harry Potter Dumbeldore says, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." This is a great quote, and I believe that people will live by this. Also, it talks about the names of things. A lot of powerfull figures in history, the modern world, and pop culture are all based on names. But Harry Potter says that should not be the case, JK Rowling wrote, "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself." I feel that this is important. These books do not deserve to be banned! Just read the rest of the blog posts, these books have great morals and themes. These books could change the world.
In Harry Potter, everyone loves Dumbeldore, and I believe the readers are influenced by him too. So I think when he says a great statement, people will listen. In chapter twelve of Harry Potter Dumbeldore says, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." This is a great quote, and I believe that people will live by this. Also, it talks about the names of things. A lot of powerfull figures in history, the modern world, and pop culture are all based on names. But Harry Potter says that should not be the case, JK Rowling wrote, "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself." I feel that this is important. These books do not deserve to be banned! Just read the rest of the blog posts, these books have great morals and themes. These books could change the world.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Harry Potter and The Hunger Games
Well, well Surbhi. It looks like we have a situation on our hands. Two fantastic books, The Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games series, are being challenged to be banned! I say this can't be. Do you think these two books deserve to be banned? I have a big reason to why they shouldn't be banned. They make kids read! Parents and teachers are always complaining that students don't read enough. And their problem is that they are banning all the good books. Youth love the excitment, the adventure, the deepness of these two books. And there are good, easy to understand themes in each of the books. It is great practice for kids, and if they end up loving these equally excited books it might end up making them want to read more. There parents and teachers, problem solved. Let Harry Potter and The Hunger Games being read!
Another thing that these two books teach readers is how to present yourself. That is a huge part of everyday life, and it decides if you will be taken seriously. It might not be as extreme as The Hunger Games where it could depend on your life, but it still an important life skill. And Harry Potter and The Hunger Games both teach it. In Harry Potter, Hermione Granger promotes herself in a smart manner and that gets her places. All the teachers trust her and have faith in her. In the Hunger Games, how Katniss presents herself will decide how the sponsers will sponser her. A quote fromt The Hunger Games says ,“If you appeal to the crowd, either by being humorous or brutal or eccentric, you gain favor.” How you present yourself can decides what jobs you get, scholarships, even the grades you get in class. It is very important and something everyone needs to learn. And Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games Series both does this very well.
Another thing that these two books teach readers is how to present yourself. That is a huge part of everyday life, and it decides if you will be taken seriously. It might not be as extreme as The Hunger Games where it could depend on your life, but it still an important life skill. And Harry Potter and The Hunger Games both teach it. In Harry Potter, Hermione Granger promotes herself in a smart manner and that gets her places. All the teachers trust her and have faith in her. In the Hunger Games, how Katniss presents herself will decide how the sponsers will sponser her. A quote fromt The Hunger Games says ,“If you appeal to the crowd, either by being humorous or brutal or eccentric, you gain favor.” How you present yourself can decides what jobs you get, scholarships, even the grades you get in class. It is very important and something everyone needs to learn. And Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games Series both does this very well.
The Hunger Games
Surbhi, I have exciting news. I have another reason why The Hunger Games should be banned! It puts people's self confidence down. The capitol's society is based on beauty, and without it you are considered an outcast. To be beautiful, you pretty much have to dye yourself green and put your hair in spikes with tatoos around your eyes. That's not good for the young people reading the books. It tells them that they can't be pretty without their makeup. Also, the book also having a deciving nature. A quote in the book says, "Peeta opens his mouth for the first bite without hesitation. He swallows, then frowns slightly. "They're very sweet.""Yes they're sugar berries. My mother makes jam from them. Haven't you've ever had them before?" I say, poking the next spoonful in his mouth."No," he says, almost puzzled. "But they taste familiar. Sugar berries?""Well, you can't get them in the market much, they only grow wild," I say. Another mouthful goes down. Just one more to go."They're sweet as syrup," he says, taking the last spoonful. "Syrup." His eyes widen as he realizes the truth. I clamp my hand over his mouth and nose hard, forcing him to swallow instead of spit. He tries to make himself vomit the stuff up, but it's too late, he's already losing consciousness. Even as he fades away, I can see in his eyes what I've done is unforgiveable.I sit back on my heels and look at him with a mixture of sadness and satisfaction. A stray berry stains his chin and I wipe it away. "Who can't lie, Peeta?" I say, even though he can't hear me." This quote makes it ok to lie, which it almost never is. Since Katniss is so influencal, this could be a pretty big problem.
But I have reasons why they shouldn't be banned. The books are genuine. They show that the small things matter, and how to have fun in almost every situation. One of these situations is Peeta when he is with Katniss in the Hunger Games. He says “Remember, we're madly in love, so it's all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.” It shows having a good attidude, especially since Katniss got a laugh out of it. And when Rue died, that really touched my heart. That scene was a great example of love and friendship. a quote from there says, “Deep in the meadow, under the willowa bed of grass, a soft green pillow lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyesand when again they open, the sun will rise.Hear it's safe, here it's warm hear the daisies guard you from every harm hear your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true hear is the place where i love you.Deep in the meadow, hidden far away a clock of leaves, a moonbeam rayforget your woes and let your troubles lay and when again it's morning, they'll wash away.Hear it's safe, hears its' warm hear the daises guard you from every harm Hear your dreams are sweet and tomorrow bring them true hear is the place where I love you.”
But I have reasons why they shouldn't be banned. The books are genuine. They show that the small things matter, and how to have fun in almost every situation. One of these situations is Peeta when he is with Katniss in the Hunger Games. He says “Remember, we're madly in love, so it's all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it.” It shows having a good attidude, especially since Katniss got a laugh out of it. And when Rue died, that really touched my heart. That scene was a great example of love and friendship. a quote from there says, “Deep in the meadow, under the willowa bed of grass, a soft green pillow lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyesand when again they open, the sun will rise.Hear it's safe, here it's warm hear the daisies guard you from every harm hear your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true hear is the place where i love you.Deep in the meadow, hidden far away a clock of leaves, a moonbeam rayforget your woes and let your troubles lay and when again it's morning, they'll wash away.Hear it's safe, hears its' warm hear the daises guard you from every harm Hear your dreams are sweet and tomorrow bring them true hear is the place where I love you.”
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
My Last Post of the Semester...
This post is for a comparison between Harry Potter and The Hunger Games...
As it has been said several times, The Hunger Games was banned for the most part because of how disturbing the violence within it could be at times, and Harry Potter was banned because of its promotion of the Wicca religion. Personally, it seems to me that the reason for banning Suzanne Collins' book is much more applicable than the one for J. K. Rowling's book. Although there certainly is wizardry present within Harry Potter, it is not said anywhere in the book that the Wicca religion is one that others should convert to, but violence is a thing that is seen throughout the entire book Ms. Collins has created. For example, this is how one of the tributes dies in The Hunger Games, "He falls to his knees and halves the brief remainder of his life by yanking out the arrow and drowning in his own blood." (pg. 233). Taking that into consideration, it is as if the banning of The Hunger Games has more of a justification for being banned, even though it is a story that is as equally praiseworthy as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
There are probably many that disagree with me, especially those who are religious and think that talking about events that can occur by using wizardry as an example to portray them is a negative thing. I truly feel, though, that if only one of these books needed to be banned, I would choose The Hunger Games since the difference between the reasons for banning both books indicates that there is more to back-up the banning of Ms. Collins' story. The whole purpose of this project was to determine why the books we read were banned in the first place, and now that I have already found them for both books, I think it would be really effective to put out my opinion on which book is more worthy of being so in the future as well if either one is.
As it has been said several times, The Hunger Games was banned for the most part because of how disturbing the violence within it could be at times, and Harry Potter was banned because of its promotion of the Wicca religion. Personally, it seems to me that the reason for banning Suzanne Collins' book is much more applicable than the one for J. K. Rowling's book. Although there certainly is wizardry present within Harry Potter, it is not said anywhere in the book that the Wicca religion is one that others should convert to, but violence is a thing that is seen throughout the entire book Ms. Collins has created. For example, this is how one of the tributes dies in The Hunger Games, "He falls to his knees and halves the brief remainder of his life by yanking out the arrow and drowning in his own blood." (pg. 233). Taking that into consideration, it is as if the banning of The Hunger Games has more of a justification for being banned, even though it is a story that is as equally praiseworthy as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
There are probably many that disagree with me, especially those who are religious and think that talking about events that can occur by using wizardry as an example to portray them is a negative thing. I truly feel, though, that if only one of these books needed to be banned, I would choose The Hunger Games since the difference between the reasons for banning both books indicates that there is more to back-up the banning of Ms. Collins' story. The whole purpose of this project was to determine why the books we read were banned in the first place, and now that I have already found them for both books, I think it would be really effective to put out my opinion on which book is more worthy of being so in the future as well if either one is.
Monday, January 2, 2012
A Strong Comparison...
This is a post for the comparison of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games...
These two books were great reads, but there are also many reasons that are needed to take into consideration when thinking about why they were actually banned in the first place. Not only have they both been said to show heaps of violence within them, but they both show societies that are negatively influencing to children. Harry Potter is said to express the art of wizardry, with it showing the cultural aspects of a new type of fictional society that parents may find disturbing, while The Hunger Games shows an aggressive place that is much like a dictatorship. The societal aspect of both books is a big similarity in the two since it influences the plot of the books as well as is a major point that determines much of what adults think of them. Suzanne Collins did a great job in her The Hunger Games in creating a place that not only makes a reader shudder, but that also has the potential to make adults feel uneasy because of the horrors hidden within it. In a similar way, J. K. Rowling constructed a world out of her imagination that uses wizardry as its base, empowering children, but angering many religious adults.
One thing that is very different in both books that equally influences the reasons for banning them is that the main characters go through similar situations but are different genders. Harry Potter makes some decisions that Katniss Everdeen might have not made had she faced the same problem considering the differences between the thinking and concerns of a male versus a female. Katniss is at many times faced with the dilemma of having to take certain actions to save her life while Harry also is in dangerous situations but doesn't have to take those kinds of actions because he is able to control his emotion of suspicion while Katniss isn't. There is also the fact that Katniss has to wonder about Peeta and his true intentions while Harry doesn't let love and trust get in the way of solving his mysteries. "Maybe he has finally accepted the fact that the sooner we openly acknowledge that we are enemies, the better." (Hunger Games, 114)Many adults may find that putting a girl through the type of pain and suffering that Katniss goes through in Ms. Collins' book and having all of her thoughts heard by the reader while this is happening is disturbing, while putting Harry in the problems he goes through and giving him the ability to trust whomever he meets seems to indicate weakness.
These two books were great reads, but there are also many reasons that are needed to take into consideration when thinking about why they were actually banned in the first place. Not only have they both been said to show heaps of violence within them, but they both show societies that are negatively influencing to children. Harry Potter is said to express the art of wizardry, with it showing the cultural aspects of a new type of fictional society that parents may find disturbing, while The Hunger Games shows an aggressive place that is much like a dictatorship. The societal aspect of both books is a big similarity in the two since it influences the plot of the books as well as is a major point that determines much of what adults think of them. Suzanne Collins did a great job in her The Hunger Games in creating a place that not only makes a reader shudder, but that also has the potential to make adults feel uneasy because of the horrors hidden within it. In a similar way, J. K. Rowling constructed a world out of her imagination that uses wizardry as its base, empowering children, but angering many religious adults.
One thing that is very different in both books that equally influences the reasons for banning them is that the main characters go through similar situations but are different genders. Harry Potter makes some decisions that Katniss Everdeen might have not made had she faced the same problem considering the differences between the thinking and concerns of a male versus a female. Katniss is at many times faced with the dilemma of having to take certain actions to save her life while Harry also is in dangerous situations but doesn't have to take those kinds of actions because he is able to control his emotion of suspicion while Katniss isn't. There is also the fact that Katniss has to wonder about Peeta and his true intentions while Harry doesn't let love and trust get in the way of solving his mysteries. "Maybe he has finally accepted the fact that the sooner we openly acknowledge that we are enemies, the better." (Hunger Games, 114)Many adults may find that putting a girl through the type of pain and suffering that Katniss goes through in Ms. Collins' book and having all of her thoughts heard by the reader while this is happening is disturbing, while putting Harry in the problems he goes through and giving him the ability to trust whomever he meets seems to indicate weakness.
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