Kidnapped and sold into a brutal workforce in the frozen Arctic, Buck is in for an adventure. Jack London's The Call of the Wild captivates readers with its realistic insight into the mind of a sled dog on a plight to find himself.
Buck, a domesticated pet from a southern home, is kidnapped and sold to go to work pulling sleds in the Klondike gold rush. He meets brutal men who rule with clubs, kind drivers who marvel at his talent and one man whom he learns to love. Along the way, Buck learns how to defend himself in the cruel, competitive world of sled dogs, steal necessary food, and stay on the winning side of fights. In order to become the leader of the pack, Buck even fights one dog, Spitz, to the death.
London, a seasoned gold rusher himself, paints vivid scenes of the Canadian wilderness, barren ice trails, and rugged trading posts.
Throughout the story, Buck finds a certain thrill from living in the wild. The instincts passed down from ancient generations tug at Buck's heart. After his best friend, John Thornton dies in a Yeehat attack, Buck finds that "man and the claims of man no longer [bind] him" (The Call of the Wild, 134). He can finally answer the "call of the wild" and join his feral brethren.
Buck is a strong willed character who stands up for his beliefs and gets what he wants. Even though he is canine, he can be a role model for people everywhere. I learned from Buck never to allow my past to control my path in life. I must take charge and answer whatever call my heart may feel.
I would recommend Jack London's The Call of the Wild to anyone and everyone. Readers will laugh and cry (if they have any heart at all that is) at Buck's journey to find himself. This classic is still a must-read.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Antigone Review
A family curse. A fratricidal duel. A woman disregarding a royal decree. These themes are center stage in Sophocles' enduring play Antigone. His Antigone, the epitome of feminine strength and will, is inspiring.
Antigone and her sister Ismene have lost both of their brothers, Polynices and Eteocles in an ill-fated battle. King Creon declared Eteocles a hero for defending his city and honored his death, but ordered that Polynices, who had left the city then attacked it as a foreigner, be left in the streets to rot.
Sophocles focuses on the issue of choosing between loyalty to royal authority and family. Antigone risks her life to honor her brother's death without a second thought. I am unsure if I would be able to take such a strong stand as she did.
This story, full of ultimatums and ironic deaths, is paralleled in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In both plays, suicide ruins romantic relationships in a quite untimely manner.
Because of the time period in which it was written, Antigone may not be the average reader's cup of tea; however, I do recommend this tale of fate, rebellion, and brotherly love.
Antigone and her sister Ismene have lost both of their brothers, Polynices and Eteocles in an ill-fated battle. King Creon declared Eteocles a hero for defending his city and honored his death, but ordered that Polynices, who had left the city then attacked it as a foreigner, be left in the streets to rot.
Sophocles focuses on the issue of choosing between loyalty to royal authority and family. Antigone risks her life to honor her brother's death without a second thought. I am unsure if I would be able to take such a strong stand as she did.
This story, full of ultimatums and ironic deaths, is paralleled in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In both plays, suicide ruins romantic relationships in a quite untimely manner.
Because of the time period in which it was written, Antigone may not be the average reader's cup of tea; however, I do recommend this tale of fate, rebellion, and brotherly love.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Persuasion-A Delicate Art
I have heard that people who have a knack for swaying the opinions of their peers generally become successful in business, politics, and even life.
The word persuasion often brings a negative connotation to my mind-images of wily, devious entrepreneurs making underhanded deals to get ahead. Although today many use persuasion for evil, this skill is not mendacious when used in a sincere manner.
Some of the most renowned leaders of our time have mastered the art of persuasion. A few trustworthy politicians actually inspire crowds to join their cause. Pastors, men usually regarded as holy, use this skill in every sermon when trying to win converts.
Being able to manipulate people is a useful skill, but one that should be carefully controlled. In persuading others to join a group, do a favor, or see a different point of view, one must never force his or her opinions upon them, but rather, present and support a point in a way that allows the audience to make the best-educated decision for them.
The word persuasion often brings a negative connotation to my mind-images of wily, devious entrepreneurs making underhanded deals to get ahead. Although today many use persuasion for evil, this skill is not mendacious when used in a sincere manner.
Some of the most renowned leaders of our time have mastered the art of persuasion. A few trustworthy politicians actually inspire crowds to join their cause. Pastors, men usually regarded as holy, use this skill in every sermon when trying to win converts.
Being able to manipulate people is a useful skill, but one that should be carefully controlled. In persuading others to join a group, do a favor, or see a different point of view, one must never force his or her opinions upon them, but rather, present and support a point in a way that allows the audience to make the best-educated decision for them.
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