Lesson 3 and further

In today's lesson we discussed about Persepolis. We were asked to analyze the first page of the book and find out themes. Some themes were apparent like anger and personal identity. Geneva pointed out - Innocence. I was so glad she did that because it gave me another perspective. We then discussed and listed out the themes we saw on the page - and were to be seen throughout the book - anger, freedom, innocence.

We also wrote about our idea of personal freedom. Here it is: No bars or regulations on any activity like  expressing your feelings, opinions and space for myself.

I learnt a new word : Bildings Roman: a journey that changes a person or leads to finding ones self.
We also discussed why the book is a graphics novel. I think that Satrapi wanted to show the readers what was going on. Normally, when we are reading we form our own images which may not exactly be the way the author wants you to see. In this book, it becomes easier for the readers because Satrapi shows you what she wants you to see. It emphasizes on the themes as we can see the happenings and the misery. Often, graphic novels engage readers more than just a normal novel.
'A Picture paints a thousand words' is the phrase Ms. Chaplin talked about. It is true and I totally agree with her. A person's expressions in a picture can tell a lot of things.

The color of the book also plays an important role. The black and white, according to me, signifies the darkness - the misery throughout the Iranian revolution for Marji and her family and surroundings. Again, I revised my IGCSE literature when Shail reminded that its called Pathetic Fallacy. (a vacation can really make you forget things you shouldn't forget :P )

All in all, I think it was a great lesson. Mainly because I had already read half of Persepolis and could easily relate to what Ms. Chaplin was trying to tell us. I could think of the themes, the placements and everything.


                            xxx

p.s. On Saturday, the 25th of August, I finished reading Persepolis :) It is an awesome book. Marji's character really forces you to empathize. You can cry with her, laugh to no end and Enjoy yourself thoroughly. She kept me engrossed.
And I derived that holding a book in your hand is much better than an e-book.
I even did some research, there are two more sequels to Persepolis...really want to read them soon!

Lesson 2

In todays lesson, we were given our papers from last time back. I felt happy because from the comments I received, I gathered that I wrote well.
Ms. Chaplin said that we should finish reading at least half of Persepolis by the next lessons. I LOVE Persepolis. Even my dad liked it (he read the first few pages)

We were divided into there groups - Iran, Islam and Iranian Revolution. Our team - Micaela, Geneva, Terrie and I are doing Islam. TOO much to research :) it is difficult as I progress because there is a lot a lot a lot of detail and I don't know where to cut it short and make it simpler.

I am trying to devise, with my team, some ideas that will keep the other groups attention on us.

I really hope we can do well as we are all going to be marked on it.

Lesson 1

This was my first lesson of English Literature HL. We discussed our course - the books (only a few of them).
I found Persepolis to be quite interesting of course since it was about a girl. Whenever I get to read a story that relates to a girl in a turbulent situation, I seem to look forward to getting engrossed into it. And again, who does not like comics?
I am interested by the story of the Death and the Maiden. Probably, it is going to be about the themes of honour, subservience of women, etc. (something like the themes of Much Ado About Nothing which I did for my IGCSEs).

We were given two topics to discuss about. We wrote 300-400 on it. For e-books I strongly felt that it may kill reading because of various factors. I know that the technology is advancing. But for me, it is still very difficult to study or read without a book in the hand.
Ms. Chaplin was talking about the smell of the book and how it is pleasing. I totally agree with her. I too love that smell. 

Introduction

This is my English Literature blog where I will be writing my reflective journal.