Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Novel that isn't on track

Coming across a sci-fi novel like Fahrenheit 451, I have allowed my imagination to wander into the perspective of Mr. Bradbury. I have observed that the way we perceive reality isn't the same as he wanted them to be. It would be a menace if we were to live in a dystopian nation wherein everything is the exact contrary of what we deem as entertaining. Maybe we would have to live with chaos everyday. Everything may not be exactly the way it is but the bottomline is this novel is too fictional to be placed in the setting of the real world.

On the concept of firemen, the novel placed a very troubling position on how they are viewed by the public. Instead of them putting out fire, they start them. They have been an object of fear among the citizens because of their duty to burn houses where books are hidden. They are always on the lookout for people who are trying to go against the law. In our world, firemen are the people whom we deem as heroes. This is so because they put out fire and save residents from losing their loved ones. These men are on standby ready to put out any fire.

Basic human behavior can be separated from the two sources. The novel made their notion of happiness very shallow. This can be observed inside the character of Millie. From how we see her, she is already content with watching a show in the parlor and participating with them. Socialization and other leisure was never for her. Other citizens in this society were also forbidden from giving time to think deep or even be idle. Everyone had to walk fast or at least do something to shun all their thoughts. Even vehicles were running swiftly to the extent of not minding anyone in their way. On the contrary, our definition of happiness is not limited to a tube in a box or a four-walled room for that matter. Humans by nature want to go beyond, to explore outside of one's boundaries. We are dependent to other humans for relationships; hence the term, " No man is an island". We go out for leisure and adventure. We love to take time so we can savor the beauty of nature.

Technology was also used as a competing subject in the story. There was an existence of a mechanical hound which is an aid for the search of hidden books. When he was on the run, Montag also used a radio to communicate with Faber that was in a form of a seashell. We take note that this novel was written in the 1950s where there was still no development in technology. Although the world we live in is in its advent of technology but we do not have such devices as they do. Animals like k9 dogs who are mostly Belgian Mallinois are used to detect bombs and other forms of terrorism. Our instruments for communication are radios, mobile phones and walkie-talkies that are carefully engineered by experts.

From a very dense view, it is obvious that Fahrenheit 451 is a novel that is too far from reality. What we say today is a whole lot different from that in the novel. It may feel like its real but its elements are not of the real world. Maybe we feel our society can turn into one like theirs, or being apathetic could kill anyone on the field. I believe that there are so many puzzling clouds that I couldn't figure it out on my own. Now, we leave the judgement to Mr. Bradbury himself and his wild imagination.

Novel that isn't on track

Coming across a sci-fi novel like Fahrenheit 451, I have allowed my imagination to wander into the perspective of Mr. Bradbury. I have observed that the way we perceive reality isn't the same as he wanted them to be. It would be a menace if we were to live in a dystopian nation wherein everything is the exact contrary of what we deem as entertaining. Maybe we would have to live with chaos everyday. Everything may not be exactly the way it is but the bottomline is this novel is too fictional to be placed in the setting of the real world.

On the concept of firemen, the novel placed a very troubling position on how they are viewed by the public. Instead of them putting out fire, they start them. They have been an object of fear among the citizens because of their duty to burn houses where books are hidden. They are always on the lookout for people who are trying to go against the law. In our world, firemen are the people whom we deem as heroes. This is so because they put out fire and save residents from losing their loved ones. These men are on standby ready to put out any fire.

Basic human behavior can be separated from the two sources. The novel made their notion of happiness very shallow. This can be observed inside the character of Millie. From how we see her, she is already content with watching a show in the parlor and participating with them. Socialization and other leisure was never for her. Other citizens in this society were also forbidden from giving time to think deep or even be idle. Everyone had to walk fast or at least do something to shun all their thoughts. Even vehicles were running swiftly to the extent of not minding anyone in their way. On the contrary, our definition of happiness is not limited to a tube in a box or a four-walled room for that matter. Humans by nature want to go beyond, to explore outside of one's boundaries. We are dependent to other humans for relationships; hence the term, " No man is an island". We go out for leisure and adventure. We love to take time so we can savor the beauty of nature.

Technology was also used as a competing subject in the story. There was an existence of a Mechanical hound which was an aid for the search of hidden books. When he was on the run, Montag also used a radio to communicate with Faber that was in a form of a seashell. We take note that this novel was written in the 1950s where there was still no development in technology. Although the world we live in is in its advent of technology but we do not have such devices as they do. Animals like k9 dogs who are mostly Belgian Mallinois are used to detect bombs and other forms of terrorism. Our instruments for communication are radios, mobile phones and walkie-talkies that are carefully engineered by experts.

From a very dense view, it is obvious that Fahrenheit 451 is a novel that is too far from reality. What we say today is a whole lot different from that in the novel. It may feel like its real but its elements are not of the real world. Maybe we feel our society can turn into one like theirs, or being apathetic could kill anyone on the field. I believe that I'm so many puzzling clouds that I couldn't figure out on my own. Now, we leave the judgement to Mr. Bradbury himself and his wild imagination.

Novel Far-off

Coming across a sci-fi novel like Fahrenheit 451, I have allowed my imagination to wander into the perspective of Mr. Bradbury. I have observed that the way we perceive reality isn't the same as he wanted them to be. It would be a menace if we were to live in a dystopian nation wherein everything is the exact contrary of what we deem as entertaining. Maybe we would have to live with chaos everyday. Everything may not be exactly the way it is but the bottomline is this novel is too fictional to be placed in the setting of the real world.

On the concept of firemen, the novel placed a very troubling position on how they are viewed by the public. Instead of them putting out fire, they start them. They have been an object of fear among the citizens because of their duty to burn houses where books are hidden. They are always on the lookout for people who are trying to go against the law. In our world, firemen are the people whom we deem as heroes. This is so because they put out fire and save residents from losing their loved ones. These men are on standby ready to put out any fire.

Basic human behavior can be separated from the two sources. The novel made their notion of happiness very shallow. This can be observed inside the character of Millie. From how we see her, she is already content with watching a show in the parlor and participating with them. Socialization and other leisure was never for her. Other citizens in this society were also forbidden from giving time to think deep or even be idle. Everyone had to walk fast or at least do something to shun all their thoughts. Even vehicles were running swiftly to the extent of not minding anyone in their way. On the contrary, our definition of happiness is not limited to a tube in a box or a four-walled room for that matter. Humans by nature want to go beyond, to explore outside of one's boundaries. We are dependent to other humans for relationships; hence the term, " No man is an island". We go out for leisure and adventure. We love to take time so we can savor the beauty of nature.

Technology was also used as a competing subject in the story. There was an existence of a Mechanical hound which was an aid for the search of hidden books. When he was on the run, Montag also used a radio to communicate with Faber that was in a form of a seashell. We take note that this novel was written in the 1950s where there was still no development in technology. Although the world we live in is in its advent of technology but we do not have such devices as they do. Animals like k9 dogs who are mostly Belgian Mallinois are used to detect bombs and other forms of terrorism. Our instruments for communication are radios, mobile phones and walkie-talkies that are carefully engineered by experts.

From a very dense view, it is obvious that Fahrenheit 451 is a novel that is too far from reality. What we say today is a whole lot different from that in the novel. It may feel like its real but its elements are not of the real world. Maybe we feel our society can turn into one like theirs, or being apathetic could kill anyone on the field. I believe that I'm so many puzzling clouds that I couldn't figure out on my own. Now, we leave the judgement to Mr. Bradbury himself and his wild imagination.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Of Spells and Witchcraft

When I was young, I used to believe in the power of magic - But then magic never existed and lions cannot fly. It was in the middle of my first grade when the first sequel of the Harry Potter movie series was released. I was seven years old back when this happened. J.K. Rowling's book-turned-to-movie about a young boy named Harry and his school of witchcraft and wizardry took the mob by storm. I was one of the many kids who got so engrossed with it. On one school day, all the children from my class were waving their pencils furiously in the air as if some divine intervention would spurt out of the wooden thing. I didn't get why they were doing such even if they kept pointing pencils at me. I didn't feel a sense of belongingness right there, I really wanted to cry. Finally, a good classmate of mine said, "Harry Potter! Haven't you heard? You should watch the film!" Like an instant spark, I got what they meant. That night, I earnestly begged my mom and dad to take me to the theater so I could watch the movie. After an hour of wailing and throwing tantrums, they finally gave in. I was literally jumping up and down as we were walking down the corridor looking for vacant seats. Many people hushed at me due to the fact that I was distracting their view. After what seemed an eternity, we finally got our seats - in front. My eyes were glued to the screen for an hour and a half which felt like only minutes to me. When the movie ended, I got a pencil from my school bag and waved it hysterically while yelling "Wingradiem Leviosa!" I exclaimed this levitating spell and pointed the make-believe wand to my dad. He just smiled and walked me by the hand towards the exit. I tried the spell again on a little child who was about two years younger than me. "WINGARDIEM LEVIOSA!", I tried harder. He just looked at me for a few seconds and cried. His move gave me a very scary stare that I would remember for the rest of my life. I ran away stumbling into a very sophisticated boutique. Since the store was closed, I foolishly tried magic to open the door. I tapped the knob and whispered, "Alohomora!". The same thing happened - nothing. I finally gave up with a slump on my shoulder. My mom patted me on the head and said, "Magic isn't real and there are no such things as flying lions and wands my dear." I looked at her with an expression of sheer disappointment. With that I waved the pencil for the last time and threw it away on the pavement. I went to sleep hurt knowing that magic is called magic because it isn't real in the first place.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Philippine History and Me

Growing up with a complete background on Philippine history has motivated me to become a good citizen of this country. The tremendous impact of my insights since I was a young child can be manifested in my day to day interaction with the surroundings. Examples of such include following road signs, respecting the elderly and studying hard for excellence. Aside from that, my complete understanding of who we were before drew my heart to love this archipelago even more. I have never been proud and gallant towards what most countries term as the "Sick Man of Asia". I believe we can prove them wrong. To top the list, I have been enticed to become active in our local community. Understanding the legal terms and conditions of being a citizen has caused me to be concerned of the people around me. I have proven that we are to help one another just like how we Filipinos worked hand in hand in the olden times. The teachings from our history has told me that we Filipinos don't settle for anything less by nature. A small act can go as far as a big movement like the domino effect. A little effort wouldn't hurt as long as it is for the country. Most people despise their nationality. But as a Filipino, I am very proud that I can lift my head up high.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Truth on Friends

Growing up as a teenager, I've had many sets of friends. Some of them I consider as "real" due to the fact that we both exchange secrets. My own personal experience of being the head turner of the school was caused by a blast of secrets coming from a so-called "real friend" of mine. Since then, I have learned that not all friends are worth to be given of trust.

A friend is supposed to be someone whom you can lean on in times of trouble. He or she is a personal outlet for sharing, listening, and on the worst-case scenario - venting. The primary concern of a friend is your welfare and of the other people inside the circle as well. Friends can be defined by the intensity of how well you know each other and the time you have spent together. There are mere acquaintances, regular friends, true friends and real friends who possess a trust-worthy character.

The issue of trust is always debatable when it comes to serious friendships. I had this friend who promised not to turn her back on me if we would land on the same spot in the class ranking. The latter happened and yes, she kept her promise. That situation convinced me that she was worthy of trust. The friendship that we had nurtured for four years has proven its value.

However, there are instances that humans cannot control their natural behavior of being curious, inquisitive and talkative. In the case of friendships, secrets are spilled out of the bag just like a surprise attack. This is where the betrayal sets in, especially when the issue is juicy and worth of gossip. From my own account of experience, my friend shared to a clique that I came from a broken family. That wasn't very nice of her to expound the story with points that weren't true at all. Such shame covered my face while I tried to fight for the truth. The word circulated in a blink of an eye which made everyone in campus knowledgeable of my secret made things worse. The funny thing about it was that there were different versions of the story. But still, it hurt me dramatically. A small and petty situation like that rooted from the lack of responsibility which led to distrust.

Having friends is not an easy job. Although they bring you joy, misunderstandings are always unavoidable. They steer the path to a rocky tread leaving friendships in doubt. Like there is no perfect person, there is also no perfect friend. From all the lessons and experiences that I have encountered, I prefer having few friends who are trust worthy than going out with a bunch who are smiling traitors. I leave with two very personal advices to young individuals who are in their teenage years: First, choose friends wisely for not all of them can always be trusted. Two, be cautious but enjoy. Don't be deceived, think sagely.